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Japan may help SL buy P-3C maritime surveillance aircraft (Also invited to Malabar Naval Exercise)

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Japan may help SL buy P-3C maritime surveillance aircraft
2017-04-21 15:46:45
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Japan may help Sri Lanka buy P-3C maritime surveillance aircraft, apart from persuading India and the US to make Sri Lanka a base for strategic maritime surveillance over the Indian Ocean Region, the News in Asia reported yesterday.

These are indicated by Japanese security expert, Dr. Satoru Nagao, who is now Research Fellow at the Colombo-based Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), in his latest paper entitled: “Japan can be the best partner for Sri Lanka and India.”

Nagao says: “There is already a Japanese-Sri Lankan project for Maritime Safety Capability Improvement worth approximately 1.8 billion yen or US$ 16.5 million, which includes the provision of two patrol vessels to the Sri Lankan Coast Guard (SLCG).”

“There is also a possibility of Sri Lanka buying patrol planes, the P-3Cs, radars, and sensors to track objects and events in the Indian Ocean,” he adds.

Speaking of the possibility of US, Japan, India and Sri Lanka setting up a maritime communication centre to watch activities in the Indian Ocean, Nagao he says that if this is set up “ it would be easy for the four countries to remain abreast of events in the Indian Ocean.”

Furthermore, if Sri Lanka operates Japan’s P-3C patrol planes, Japan, Sri Lanka, India, and US would be using similar equipment for patrol planes. Therefore, the equipment will present other opportunities for Japan – Sri Lanka – India–US co-operation in using and upgrading equipment, and for sharing information collected by the patrol planes, Nagao argues.

Malabar Exercise

Earlier this month, Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, had suggested to the visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe, that Sri Lanka should join the US-India-Japan Malabar Naval Exercise.

According to Indian sources, Sri Lanka is likely to be an “observer” in the July 2017 Malabar exercise, and may become a full participant in the next exercise.

Japan is sending its largest warship, the helicopter carrier Izumo for the 2017 exercise – the first overseas foray for the largest Japanese warship. Significantly, the Izumo will be docking in Colombo en route to India for the Malabar exercise.

However, Sri Lanka has not officially reacted to the invitation to join the Malabar exercise.

Be that as it may, Nagao has suggested the start of a “Japan-Sri Lanka-India strategic trilateral dialogue to share information, better identify Sri Lanka’s needs, and choose courses of co-operation or support.”

Japan’s Stakes in Sri Lanka

In his latest report to the Pathfinder Foundation, former Sri Lankan navy chief, Adm. Jayanath Colombage, says that analyzing the country of origin of foreign warships visiting the Port of Colombo from 2008 to 2017, it is observed that 65 Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (MSDF) ships had arrived in Sri Lankan ports, mainly the Port of Colombo.

“This is rather a high number and second only to Indian warships visiting Sri Lanka,” he notes.

Explaining Japan’s interest in Indian Ocean security, Adm. Colombage says that with total dependence on foreign sources for its oil needs and with the sea routes under increasing threat from the Chinese, Japan has become the “most energy insecure nations” in the world.

“The increased MSDF activities in the Indian Ocean can be attributed to their heavy dependency on crude oil,” Colombage explains.

Japan is not only converting its Self Defense Forces into regular armed forces, but is also suing up political, economic and military alliances with key countries in the in East-West trade route. Japan is currently the most energetic champion of an India-Japan-US-Sri Lanka strategic maritime alliance.

India is Cornerstone

Relations with India are the cornerstone of Japan’s Indian Ocean maritime security policy.

Japan has concluded several security agreements and treaties with India including the ‘Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation between Japan and India’ in 2008. Japan now participates in several multi-lateral and bi-lateral naval and coast-guard exercises involving India, such as ‘Malabar’ and ‘JIMEX’.

According to Adm.Colombage, Japan initially moved to cultivate Sri Lanka because it considers the Port of Colombo as a convenient transit and rest and recuperation harbor for its counter piracy operations,.

“This is the reason for the visit by a large number of MSDF ships to this port. Japan has now stationed a Defense Attaché in Colombo, who is coordinating visits of MSDF vessels and other military cooperation with Sri Lanka,” he says.

In 2017, for the first time, Japan’s MSDF participated in the ‘Pacific Partnership” a multilateral exercise off Hambantota with the participation of military and non-military personnel from the USA, Australia and Sri Lanka.

“This is the 12th year of this exercise and the first time it was conducted in Sri Lanka. The aim of this exercise was to enhance regional cooperation in the fields of medical readiness and preparedness for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) situations,” Colombage says.

However, others added that the real purpose of the exercise was to test the inter-operability of the participant naval forces.

Japan’s role in Colombo Dockyard Ltd.

Japan has been involved in Sri Lankan shipping for long. The 40 year old Colombo Dockyard Ltd. (CDL), one of the most profitable enterprises in Sri Lanka, is a joint venture between the government of Sri Lanka and Onomichi Dockyard of Kobe, Japan.

In the beginning of 2017, the Sri Lankan Coast Guard (SLCG) placed an order for construction of two 85-meter Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) with the CDL to enhance its capabilities in deep sea surveillance. This project will be undertaken by a loan provided by the Japanese government.

“These two OPVs will have the capability to launch and recover helicopters and small utility boats at sea. They will be the biggest ships of the SLCG and will enhance its capability to a higher level,” Colombage says.

“The building of these two OPVs by CDL is also a boost for the local ship building industry in Sri Lanka. The two ships will be based on a European design and SLCG and Sri Lankan Navy marine and electrical engineers and ship building architects will be able to gain valuable practical experience by engaging in this project,” he adds.

Interestingly, Sri Lankan Navy and the Sri Lankan Coast Guard will be able to utilize their experience in countering maritime terrorism in the construction of these two ships, Adm. Colombage notes.

This will be very useful for the naval forces of India, Japan and US which have no direct experience of fighting non-state actors other than pirates. Sri Lanka on the other hand has fought and won against a very efficient, innovative and deadly Tamil Tiger naval force called the “Sea Tigers”.

- See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/J...nce-aircraft-127555.html#sthash.cprMEH4m.dpuf
 
All said and unsaid things are possible provided SL is provided with unconditional fund to get rid of its neck deep debt..SL is badly stuck in China's debt trap as well, they thought China is doing them a favor and it will be used as a tool to blackmail India...but now they have realized the reality, I dont think tiny country like SL should try to do any maneuverability to take advance of rivalry between two major powers!


see what forbes says...

Trying to develop its infrastructure to increase its economic potential has plunged Sri Lanka deep into a pit of debt, pushing the country to the brink of bankruptcy and prompting an IMF bailout.

The official estimate of what Sri Lanka currently owes its financiers is $64.9 billion — $8 billion of which is owned by China. The country’s debt-to-GDP currently stands around 75% and 95.4% of all government revenue is currently going towards debt repayment.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/wadesh...ven-know-how-much-money-it-owes/#185a5c944608
 
All said and unsaid things are possible provided SL is provided with unconditional fund to get rid of its neck deep debt..SL is badly stuck in China's debt trap as well, they thought China is doing them a favor and it will be used as a tool to blackmail India...but now they have realized the reality, I dont think tiny country like SL should try to do any maneuverability to take advance of rivalry between two major powers!


see what forbes says...

Trying to develop its infrastructure to increase its economic potential has plunged Sri Lanka deep into a pit of debt, pushing the country to the brink of bankruptcy and prompting an IMF bailout.

The official estimate of what Sri Lanka currently owes its financiers is $64.9 billion — $8 billion of which is owned by China. The country’s debt-to-GDP currently stands around 75% and 95.4% of all government revenue is currently going towards debt repayment.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/wadesh...ven-know-how-much-money-it-owes/#185a5c944608

Thats off topic and China only has 8 out of 65
 
Thats off topic and China only has 8 out of 65
read first three lines of your own post.....common sense - who is the common enemy of Japan, US and India in and around Indian Ocean?

Japan may help Sri Lanka buy P-3C maritime surveillance aircraft, apart from persuading India and the US to make Sri Lanka a base for strategic maritime surveillance over the Indian Ocean Region, the News in Asia reported yesterday.
 
read first three lines of your own post.....common sense - who is the common enemy of Japan, US and India in and around Indian Ocean?

Japan may help Sri Lanka buy P-3C maritime surveillance aircraft, apart from persuading India and the US to make Sri Lanka a base for strategic maritime surveillance over the Indian Ocean Region, the News in Asia reported yesterday.

The end of the article clearly says who. Indians and their infatuation with China is amazing. Even bring up debt issue which clearly shows that Chinese debt is only a small part of it
 
Don't mind,but how the heck SL will manage to buy and maintain these costly platform when their first priorities lie to build their near nonexistent AF and Navy and they're facing huge difficulty to get fund for the same?

I think SL should upgrade their Navy(which is more like a coast guard) and buy new fighter jets.
 
The end of the article clearly says who. Indians and their infatuation with China is amazing. Even bring up debt issue which clearly shows that Chinese debt is only a small part of it
the difference is, you didn't read the starting lines and jump onto the end of it to conclude as per your convenience ...in any document, every line matters and you must read deep into it....as far as this topic is concerned, first 3 lines talk abt the basics for offering P3C to SL by Japan! you are not loved by Japan or CN or IN..every country has its own interest!
 
the difference is, you didn't read the starting lines and jump onto the end of it to conclude as per your convenience ...in any document, every line matters and you must read deep into it....as far as this topic is concerned, first 3 lines talk abt the basics for offering P3C to SL by Japan! you are not loved by Japan or CN or IN..every country has its own interest!
You are just showing your obsession with Chinese and ranting nonsese. Japan wants to ensure their energy security and protection of trade routes (even the article you ignore says it). The territorial dispute between China and Japan doesn't go as far as this area.
Japan want India and US to persuade Sri lanka and upgrade its capabilities so Sri lanka can act as a base to protect maritime trade routes
 
You are just showing your obsession with Chinese and ranting nonsese. Japan wants to ensure their energy security and protection of trade routes (even the article you ignore says it). The territorial dispute between China and Japan doesn't go as far as this area.
Japan want India and US to persuade Sri lanka and upgrade its capabilities so Sri lanka can act as a base to protect maritime trade routes
Dude..why dont you first know what the importance of SL is when it comes to trade in Indian Ocean? how the heck on this planet SL can ensure the security of trade in Indian ocean if the threat is not from India and US? Do you know who rule the Indian Ocean? I think I am talking to a picture of a wall! grow up
 
Dude..why dont you first know what the importance of SL is when it comes to trade in Indian Ocean? how the heck on this planet SL can ensure the security of trade in Indian ocean if the threat is not from India and US? Do you know who rule the Indian Ocean? I think I am talking to a picture of a wall! grow up
Says the guy who keeps on bringing irrelevant and contradictory nonsense and refuses to accept what even the article says:coffee:
 
read first three lines of your own post.....common sense - who is the common enemy of Japan, US and India in and around Indian Ocean?

Japan may help Sri Lanka buy P-3C maritime surveillance aircraft, apart from persuading India and the US to make Sri Lanka a base for strategic maritime surveillance over the Indian Ocean Region, the News in Asia reported yesterday.

Helping Sri Lanka purchase P-3 Orion is appreciated. But I'm skeptical about making Sri Lanka a base for US or Indian interests. It should be opposed.

Don't mind,but how the heck SL will manage to buy and maintain these costly platform when their first priorities lie to build their near nonexistent AF and Navy and they're facing huge difficulty to get fund for the same?

I think SL should upgrade their Navy(which is more like a coast guard) and buy new fighter jets.

Sri Lanka should upgrade the navy. That is a valid statement. But Sri Lanka require a dedicated maritime surveillance aircraft ASAP since navy's own Kingair platforms were destroyed back in 2007 by LTTE.

Airforce is not a priority for Sri Lanka because Sri Lanka would not face such a critical threats from any country to warrant a purchase of fighter aircrafts. But, a dedicated air arm for Navy is a must complete with anti shipping and anti aircraft capability.
 
Sri Lanka should upgrade the navy. That is a valid statement. But Sri Lanka require a dedicated maritime surveillance aircraft ASAP since navy's own Kingair platforms were destroyed back in 2007 by LTTE.

Airforce is not a priority for Sri Lanka because Sri Lanka would not face such a critical threats from any country to warrant a purchase of fighter aircrafts. But, a dedicated air arm for Navy is a must complete with anti shipping and anti aircraft capability.

Of course.But when your frontline naval vessels are 2nd hand OPVs,buying costly MSAs make little sense.What I think is Japan is offering its used P-3Cs to Sri Lanka.Force multipliers nonetheless,but somewhat unnecessary due to the lack of proper navy.
 
SL Navy should consider upgrading their MSA fleet with drones instead. Cheaper, smaller and more effective in coastal patrols.
 
The end of the article clearly says who. Indians and their infatuation with China is amazing. Even bring up debt issue which clearly shows that Chinese debt is only a small part of it
Ya Chinese debt is just small part of your total debts...So what Chinese are charging 6+% interest on those debt as compare to .25% to 3% by World bank and ADB....

Helping Sri Lanka purchase P-3 Orion is appreciated. But I'm skeptical about making Sri Lanka a base for US or Indian interests. It should be opposed.



Sri Lanka should upgrade the navy. That is a valid statement. But Sri Lanka require a dedicated maritime surveillance aircraft ASAP since navy's own Kingair platforms were destroyed back in 2007 by LTTE.

Airforce is not a priority for Sri Lanka because Sri Lanka would not face such a critical threats from any country to warrant a purchase of fighter aircrafts. But, a dedicated air arm for Navy is a must complete with anti shipping and anti aircraft capability.
To be frank in present world countries in south East Asia and South Asia will have to take sides either US , Japan, India, Even Australia Or China...You just need to decide what will be the best for your Nation....
 
SL Navy should consider upgrading their MSA fleet with drones instead. Cheaper, smaller and more effective in coastal patrols.

Even MALE drones don't come cheap and they can't match what maritime surveillance aircraft like the orion could give. It could be cheaper to get a couple of second hand modernized Orions as most countries are replacing them with Poseidon

Of course.But when your frontline naval vessels are 2nd hand OPVs,buying costly MSAs make little sense.What I think is Japan is offering its used P-3Cs to Sri Lanka.Force multipliers nonetheless,but somewhat unnecessary due to the lack of proper navy.
SL abandoned a conventional navy for one with more FACs and Attack boats to counter sea tigers. Things are changing now. After the new OPVs from Goa are finished SLN will most likely go ahead with negotiations for Russian frigates. The Colombo Dockyard will start construction of several OPVs for the coast guard that are more advnaced than the current OPVs of the Navy
 

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