Thailand | Exercise | Testing No.002

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Title: Testing No.002
Document Number: RTAF-TESNG-002/2004
Classification: Confidential
Security Level: NSST Protocol + Maximum Secure Encrypted Method
Date: February 28, 2004

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XI. IntroductionX

Background and Objective

HTMS Khamfan Multi-Role Guided Missile Frigate (MRGMF), or commonly known as Naresuan-class Frigate, has been selected to participate in the Testing No.002/2004 of the Republic Thai Armed Forces. After the successful testing of previous iteration, the Republic Navy continues to experiment in the capability of its surface fleet to ensure that it has comprehensive knowledge during the defending of its nation's maritime interests. The goal of this testing is to confirm the theorical understanding that the Naresuan-class can guide six missiles of any type at the same time.

XII. Command and ControlX

2.1 Guidance

This operation is conducted under the guidance of the commander of the Naval Expeditionary Group One, and approval from Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang.

XIII. Operational ForcesX

Republic Navy First Fleet

• Naval Expeditionary Group Two (NEG2)
  • [1] Naresuan-class Frigate
    • 150 Crews

XIV. ExecutionX

4.1 Initial Deployment

All personnel will be reported to the respective base with all necessary equipment per the Defense Ministry documents.

4.2 Communication

Effective communication among all the units must be maintained. Any unidentified or suspicious activity must be reported to the command center immediately.

4.3 Rules of Engagement

Engagement will be per the established Rule of Engagement (ROE) with the application of international laws. The use of force must be proportionate, and only used in self-defense or to deter identified threats after all non-lethal methods have been exhausted unless specified otherwise by the ROE.

4.4 Support

Logistic support, including fuel, supplies, and maintenance, will be provided by the respective naval bases.

XV. CoordinationX

5.1 Inter-agency

Liaise with maritime agencies such as the Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force to ensure maximum coverage and sharing of intelligence.

5.2 International

In case any foreign vessels or units are involved, contact must be established with the respective embassies or consulates and the situation must be reported to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

XVI. ConclusionX

The Defense Ministry has mobilized all necessary resources for the deployment of Testing No.002/2004. The Defense Ministry expects that its contribution will represent its dedication to ever adapting to the best practice to protect national maritime interests.

[Signature]
Sutin Klungsang
Defence Minister

[Signature]
Thaksin Shinawatra
Prime Minister, Republic of Thailand

Document Clearance:
The Office of the Prime Minister
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The National Intelligence Agency
The Republic Thai Air Force Command Center
The Republic Thai Navy Command Center
The Republic Thai Armed Forces Special Warfare & Operation Command

Distribution List:
The Office of the Prime Minister
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The National Intelligence Agency
The Republic Thai Air Force Command Center
The Republic Thai Navy Command Center
The Republic Thai Police
The Republic Armed Forces Headquarters
The Republic Thai Air Defense Command
The Naval Special Warfare Command
The Air Force Security Force Command

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ATTACH:Naresuan-class Frigate Specification

Displacement
- 2,985 tons full load
Length
- 120.5 m
Beam
- 13.7 m
Draught
- 6 m
Propulsion
2 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines and
2 × MTU 20V1163 TB83 diesel engines, driving two shafts with controllable pitch propellers in CODOG configuration.
Speed
- 32 knots (59 km/h) max
Range
- 4000 nmi(7408 km) at 18 kn
- 5600 nmi (10371.2km) at 12 kn
Complement
- 150 crew
Sensors and processing systems
- Saab Sea Giraffe AMD 3D surveillance radar (180 km)
- Thales LW08 long range search radar (270 km)
- Raytheon AN/SPS-64 Navigation radar (50-64 nm (92.6-118 km))
- Selex IFF SIT422CI&M425
- Saab 9LV Mk.4 with Saab TIDLS combat management system
- 2 × Saab CEROS 200 Fire Control Radar
- TactiCall Integrated Naval Communication System
- Thales STIR Fire Control Radar (I-band 120 km; K-band 36 km)
- Saab Link-E/G Tactical Information Datalink System (TIDLS)
- 1 x Saab EOS 500 electro-optical fire control director
- Kelvin Hughes SharpEye™ radar
- Kelvin Hughes Naval MantaDigital™ software
- AviaSatcom Link-RTN Tactical Information Datalink System (TIDLS)
- Link-11 (TADIL-A) Tactical Information Datalink System (TIDLS)
- Automatic Identification System (AIS)
- Meteorological System
- Atlas DSQS-24d sonar (Active: 6-9 KHz | Passive 1-11 KHz) (Effective range 15 km Max: 40 km)
Electronic warfare & decoys
- ESM ITT ES-3601 (AN/SLQ-4) (Effective range: 80 km; Maximum range: 100 km)
- ECM Type 984-1 noise jammer Type 981-3 deception jammer (Effective range: 80 km; Maximum range: 100 km)
- 6 × Decoys Terma SKWS (C-Guard) for 24 x Terma DL-12T and 24 x Terma Mk.137
- C-Guard inventory included 12 Mk214 Seduction Chaff rounds, designed to confuse enemy radar systems; 12 Mk216 Distraction Chaff rounds,
used to divert incoming missiles away from the ship; 6 Mk245 "GIANT" IR Rounds, which were especially effective against heat-seeking missiles;
and 18 Mk251 "Siren" Active Decoy Rounds, capable of deflecting enemy anti-ship missiles by replicating the ship's radar signature.
Armament
Artillery:
1 × 5 in/54 (127 mm) Mk-45 Mod 2 naval gun with 500 rounds of 127 x 835mm .R
Gun:
2 × 30mm MSI-DSL DS30MR automated small caliber gun with 2,000 rounds of 30×173mm
SSM Missile:
8 × RGM-84(L) Harpoon Block II (278 km range) in 2 × quadruple SSM launcher
SAM Missile:
8 cell Mk.41 vertical launch system for 32 x RIM-162 ESSM
Torpedoes
2 × triple 324 mm Mk-32 Mod.5 tubes for 6 x Mark 54 Lightweight Torpedo[/SPOLIER]

 

[Bossza007]

All deployed personnels would have already boarded the HTMS Khamfan due to, surprisingly, they were all active-duty servicepeople, and the ideas of mobilization typically predated the official issue of directive. They were all in optimal condition, physically and mentally, having received one of, if not the best, military service welfare in the world. In the same sense, HTMS Khamfan was also in the best of condition, resembling the time when she was first serving. Thousands of Thai Navy sailors and district forces could be seen exercising as part of their daily regiment during the peacetime. It was truly refreshing to be going out at the sea with the knowledge that there is no immediate threat.

HTMS Khamfan sailed out from her home base in Songkhla, fully armed, precisely at noon, maintaining an economic cruise of 12 knots. All her onboard systems were fully functional and active in their different, yet meaningful tasks efficiently. She occasionally found herself tracking passing Thai AEW&C aircrafts and patrol ships, neglecting the fact that all their locations and status were already plentiful from the Situational Awareness Display (SAD). She would sail for five hours and a half before anchoring at 7°38'51.24"N 101°29'44.94"E, approximately 120 kilometers from her home base and within the territorial water of Thailand.

She first launched two RGM-84(L) Harpoon Block II using a single Saab CEROS 200 Fire Control Radar to test the operational status of her comprehensive fire control system. It was particularly straightforward for a frigate of her class to be able to control two anti-ship missiles at once. She diverged two Harpoons into her left and right, flying ten meters above sea level. In the same manner, while her first CEROS 200 was guiding two anti-ship missiles, she would utilize her another CERO 200 to launch two RIM-162 ESSM missiles. She would control and diverge the two ESSMs into left and right, trailing two Harpoons. She let both missiles traveled together for about ten kilometers before shotting down the Harpoons with the ESSMs. It was particularly successful as she now confirmed that she could guide four missiles effortlessly, which was still well beyond her maximum capacity.

As the clock struck six in the evening, signaling the end of her first round of testing her innate abilities, the ship's crew members savored their leisure moments amidst the backdrop of the sunset over the vast Gulf of Thailand. The ocean's expanse was mesmerizing, its surface adorned with the gentle dance of sunlight. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” remarked the lieutenant commander, his gaze shifting from the sunset to the petty officer third class. “You're the only new recruit transferred to this ship. I appreciate those eyes, untainted by the scars of war,” he spoke, his tone a blend of solemnity and gratitude.

The petty officer raised an eyebrow at the commander's observation, a smile playing on his lips as he replied, “I see the world in the peaceful light the Navy motto promises. It's a stroke of luck to have been chosen for service, especially considering the number of retiring officers this year,” he chuckled softly. “Real Navy life isn't quite like the movies. There's no grand display of superiority here,” he added, turning his attention back to the setting sun, the tranquility of the moment enveloping them both.

The lieutenant commander chuckled softly as he gazed out at the ocean. “A young soul like you probably already knows why it's so captivating. Were you still wet behind the ears when the revolution hit?” he teased, his tone tinged with nostalgia. “We've got another round of testing at midnight. Make sure you get some rest before then,” he advised, acknowledging the upcoming duties. “Or you could mingle a bit. Plenty of folks around here,” he gestured to the lively scene unfolding on the ship. “It's important to stay sharp, even in peacetime,” he added with a nod before wandering off, leaving the petty officer to his thoughts.

As time passed, the numbers on the digital screen revealed the number one-two-zero-zero, midnight had arrived. All crews have already received adequate and optimal rest, leisure activities, and nourishment during the inter-testing period. The Moon was shining its fluttering light on the ocean surface as all the crews assumed their station. Even thought it was the mission goal to launch and control six missiles at once, the Republic Navy still need to shot down their own missile from the same ship due to well-allocated and just enough budget. This circumstance means that since the Air and Coastal Defense Command (ACDC) wasn’t paid to participate in this testing, they would have to abort six flying anti-ship missiles to launch another six anti-air mission to strike all missiles down. The previous testing during the evening wasn’t difficult as it was within the capacity of the frigate, but now the crews would need to be within their increased readiness to ensure seamless and efficient coordination.

“CPO1, is everything in place? It appears everyone is already at their stations according to the screens,” the Lieutenant Commander inquired of a NCO officer in the control room, preparations for missile launch underway. “I'm not keen on sailing back to base to request more Harpoons. The more funds we conserve, the more we can allocate to those we serve.” Arms crossed, he scrutinized the screens, taking in every detail.

The CPO1 muted her microphone before responding to her superior. “All systems and personnel are operating optimally, Lieutenant Commander. Surroundings are visually confirmed, and the fire control systems stand ready to launch all missiles,” she reported, pausing to await his command. After a moment of silence, she turned to him. “What are your orders, sir?” she inquired, seeking his reaction.

“Apologies, a specter from the past decided to pay a visit. Initiate striking protocol,” the lieutenant commander responded before letting out a sigh. As the CPO1 announced the resumption of the testing, he settled back into his chair. “Perhaps they should have provided us with pre-recorded voices for these protocol announcements. Having to announce it manually really takes me back to the days when technology wasn’t this advanced,” he remarked to his second-in-command, the lieutenant.

“Still grappling with the orders of the former Chief of the Navy, lieutenant commander?” The lieutenant shot his comrade a teasing grin as he chuckled. “Come on, it wasn’t your fault. Who could have known that damn floating island had so many abducted people? We're still holding the memorial ceremony, and I hope you can find some peace,” he added, giving his superior a comforting pat on the back.

The lieutenant commander chuckled sardonically before rising from his seat as the Harpoons prepared to launch. “Take over for me, I need some fresh air,” he quipped, giving his subordinate's shoulder a reassuring squeeze before exiting the control room. Inside the ship, the atmosphere was cool and serene, with all doors securely shut. Descending the stairs, he heard the distinct sound of the Harpoons firing from their launchers, the vibrations resonating through the vessel as he reached the lower deck.

Outside, the moonlight danced upon the rippling waves, casting an ethereal glow on the scene below. Amidst the spectacle of flying missiles, the lieutenant commander spotted the same petty officer admiring the view. He decided to join the young recruit once more, engaging in conversation. “Is this where you're stationed, PO3?” he inquired knowingly, already aware of the answer.

“Ah, lieutenant commander, I thought you would be commanding from the control room. Yes, I have been assigned to conduct historical sailor tradition. It pretty comfortable station, if not counting the work during the day. Why do we still need at least one sailor patrolling around the deck with the presence of advanced technology, lieutenant commander?” The petty officer asked with youthful idealism commonly for his age.

The lieutenant commander gestured to the right, indicating the impending launch of six ESSMs. "These anti-air missiles have ground-strike capabilities," he remarked amidst the cacophony of sounds and heat. "The Navy has yet to engage in full-scale symmetric warfare, so we understand the importance of adaptability to counter potential weaknesses from asymmetric threats." He pointed towards an ESSM tracking a Harpoon. "That Harpoon wouldn't anticipate its active radar homing needing to contend with another missile launched from within our ship's air control radius." He paused, allowing the spectacle to unfold.

Observing his superior's intent, the petty officer began to grasp the lesson being imparted. The lieutenant commander then counted down to the moment the Harpoon was intercepted. "And just like that, the threat is neutralized from within our air defense perimeter," he explained, turning to the petty officer. "There's a rationale behind helicopters carrying torpedoes and harpoons flying at sea-skimming levels—it's to infiltrate our air control radius and strike before we detect them. Does that concept resonate with you?" he queried; his tone laced with a hint of wit.

The petty officer locked eyes with his commander, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. "So, if I understand correctly, you're telling me that low-altitude flying and sea-skimming missiles pose modern threats, and I should use this radio to report sightings?" he replied with a touch of humility. "It's generous of you to offer a private lesson during such a costly test," he added, revealing a glimpse of himself not often seen by others aboard. "Since everything went smoothly, any idea how much we'll be able to return to the people?" His question echoed the concerns of many young Thais.

The lieutenant commander chuckled at his recruit's response. "Perhaps half the funding. This ship is sufficiently equipped for successful testing; we don't need to set aside funds for unforeseen events." Turning to the young officer, he continued, "It's inspiring to see the younger generation so passionate about fostering a just and responsible society. Prime Minister Thaksin's reforms have truly reshaped the country and its people's perception, just as he promised in 1999." A smile played across the lieutenant commander's face, as if he had finally found peace with the past.​

 

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Testing No.002/2004 would now ended with a conclusive and successful exercise. All personnel would return to base with the configurations the same as applied beforehand.