Modern Day Coastal Defense Operations and Its Implications for the Philippines

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Posted By: Mark Condeno 31-May-2022

INTRODUCTION. Vampire! Vampire! Vampire! yelled the Fire Controlman aboard BRP Vicente Catalan (DDG-01) as the blips came into his scope. Countermeasures! as the Ship’s Weapons Officer shouted, decoys launched. Enemy Missiles destroyed. –A fictional futuristic scenario in which Philippine Navy warships may encounter in a modern high intensity conflict from a mobile land-based anti-ship missile systems.

On 04-April-2022, the Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile Battalion was activated under the Coastal Defense Regiment of the Philippine Marine Corps in preparation for the arrival of the Brahmos Anti-Ship Missiles by the following year. Two year’s ago in October 2019, the Philippine Army activated the Artillery Regiment’s 1ST Land-Based Missile System Battery also in anticipation of the Brahmos Anti-Ship Missile System. Last 12-April-2022 (Philippine Time) until the time of this  writing, social media and various news outlets reported the damaged, on fire and sinking of the Flagship of the Russian Navy Black Sea Fleet, the Guided Missile Cruiser RFS Moskva (121). Initial reports from the Russians was that ammunition got cooked on board the vessel resulting into the damage, though reports from Ukraine and other Western Sources was it was hit by a duo or triple of Ukraine’s Land Based R360 Neptune Anti-Ship Missile assisted by Bayraktar TB2 Drones (the latter to disrupt the ships AD Radars) prior to the Neptune’s hitting the vessel. On 16-April-2022, official news reports indicate that RFS Moskva while being towed to a designated Russian Port in stormy seas rolled over and sank. Thus, if proven, it would be the first land-based anti-ship missile strike since 2016 when Houti rebels unsuccessfully launched Chinese made Silkworm Missiles towards the Amphibious Transport Dock USS Ponce (LPD-15) and its two Escort Guided Missile Destroyers, USS Nitze and USS Mason.

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS: A review of Coastal Defense Actions of the 20th and 21st Century. These weapons systems would play a pivotal role for the defense and security of the world’s second largest archipelago, which has more than 7,600 islands and boasts a total coastline of 36,289 kilometers. This brief article seeks to share the essence of engaging an invading or interdiction force within a sovereign’s littorals in the past 70 years. There were seven Coastal Defense actions in three different timeframes, one during the opening days of WWII in Norway, two during the Cold War era, and four in today’s modern high intensity conflict with a solitary foci –that of denying the enemy in gaining a foothold of its territory.

Prior to the RFS Moskva sinking, one of the largest warships destroyed by a Coastal Defense and Torpedo Battery was the German Navy’s Heavy Cruiser Blucher on 09-April-1940 during the Battle of Drobak Sound, with the vessel succumbing to multiple hits of Coastal Defense guns and torpedoes. Despite the age of the Norwegian weapons, they heavily inflicted damage on the German invasion force.

The Second during the so-called United Nations Police action off the Korean Peninsula 69 years ago shows the bravery of the North Korean Coastal Battery engaging one of the world’s mightiest warships during that period. We might never know the North Korean’s reason on the United Nations Task Group off Korean waters but the basics come into light that those ships seen in position were a menace on their infiltration operations in South Korea from the sea. The famous “Temper, Temper“ story originated from this action.

The second, three decades later from the first is a 10-week conflict, between Argentina and the UK over a territorial dispute in what was the Falkland Islands. The conflict as in every discord brought out necessity as the mother of invention as various modifications and improvements on existing weapons system were fielded by both forces and one outcome was the persistence and perseverance of the Engineers and Officers of both the Argentinean Navy and Army in configuring an air launch and ship-based anti-ship missile system into a land-based platform.

Nine years after the debacle in the South Atlantic, the world would again be treated to high technology warfare as the United States and the whole United Nations Coalition drove out the forces of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait. Operation Desert Storm is no different from earlier conflicts as control of the sea is a vital factor in denying the enemy of support and resources from the outside and providing the coalitions forces of naval gunfire support.

A decade and a half later, in a 34-day conflict, Israeli Defense Forces engaged with para-military Hezbollah in Northern Israel, Lebanon, and the Golan Heights over demographic tensions on its border and occupied territory. One traditional and essential factor this dispute characterized was again control of the sea as the naval blockade of Israel played a pivotal role in the Second Lebanon War, but in a twist of fate, Hezbollah inflicted damage on an Israeli warship off the Lebanese Coast.

Ten years later, still in Southwest Asia, as the Yemeni Civil War took a turn, neighbouring Arab countries led an intervention and action against the Houti rebels in Yemen, who successfully damaged a modern high speed Catamaran vessel and targeted warships near its occupied territory.

Battle of Drobak Sound: Blucher on Fire. At 0420H in 09-April-1940, Norwegian searchlights tracked and illuminated the German Cruiser Blucher of the Admiral Hipper Class as she was entering the Oslofjord. Blucher was the lead ship of the German invasion fleet to Norway which began on 05-April-1940. The element of surprise was soon lost as several minor skirmishes alerted the German presence to the Norwegians. The task force objective was to capture Oslo and King Haakon VII. Blucher was engaged by the Oscarborg Fortress in the town of Drobak with batteries springing the place, despite the fog of war during the early hours of his passage as the Norwegians were identifying her identity and once established that she was a German warship, the fortress opened fire from the Fortress Aron and Moses guns (ironically German-built Krupp Naval Guns of 28cm). The value of the fort as a frontline defensive facility was disregarded by the German Command. The initial hits on the Blucher as well as succeeding hits started a huge fire that cooked off ammunition and destroyed major parts and elements of the ship. In a span of 15 minutes, the Torpedo Battery fired 3 Whitehead Torpedoes that finally sealed the fate of the German Cruiser Blucher.

Lessons Learned: Despite the age of the Norwegian weapons, they were able to inflict damage on the German capital ship, Cruiser Lutzow, and smaller vessels of which most distanced themselves after the sinking of Blucher. Failure of Intelligence on the German side is also a factor in underestimating the Fort’s weaponry and defenders.

“Temper, Temper”- The Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB-64) against North Korean Coastal Battery (16-March-1952, Korean War) recommissioned on 03-March-1951, for Naval Gunfire Support duties in Korean Waters. The Battleship USS Wisconsin was in the thick of action from November 1951 to April 1952 until relieved by her sistership USS Iowa (BB-62). On 16-March-1952, while off Songjin, Chaho area, the battleship became the target of a North Korean Coastal Artillery, the first time enemy shells hit the vessel in its entire commissioned service. Four salvos were fired from the North Korean Coastal Battery located at Dojo-Ri one of which hit the Battleship’s deck and 40mm gun mount injuring three of the gun crew. This was answered by a twice full salvo of the battleship’s 9 16-inch guns obliterating the North Korean Coastal Battery of 4 152mm guns. Afterwhich, the escorting destroyer USS Duncan (DDR-874) sent a message to the battleship USS Wisconsin, “Temper, Temper.”

Land Based Argentinian Exocet Missile Strike on HMS Glamorgan (12-June-1982, Falklands War). Already at sea when Argentina invaded the Falklands Islands, the Guided Missile Destroyer HMS Glamorgan (D-15) Gibraltar was ordered to join the Royal Navy Task Force towards the South Atlantic. She was the Task Force Flagship until 15-April-1982, when ADM Sandy Woodward transferred his flag to HMS Hermes, in action from that day on –from supporting British Special Forces, and shelling Argentinian positions, to thwarting off various Argentinean air attacks. On 11-June-1982, Glamorgan was ordered to provide support the Royal Marines during the Battle For Two Sisters. The following day 12-June-1982, Glamorgan was hit by a modified AM-38 Exocet Missile fired from a trailer-based platform under the command of CDR Julio Perez of the Argentinean Navy.

C-802 Missile Strike on Israeli Corvette INS Hanit (503) off the Coast of Beirut (14 July 2006 ). From 12 July to 14-August-2006, a 34 day military conflict between Hezbollah Para-Military Forces in Lebanon and the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) begun, known as the Second Lebanon War. On 2030H on 14-July-2006, the SAAR V Corvette was conducting patrols 10 nautical miles of the Coast of Beirut when she was hit by a C-802 fired from Hezbollah positions. INS Hanit was hit on the aft structure and water line, damaging the propulsion on the hull and flight deck. Luckily the missile was not directly aimed and hit first at the safety railing near the loading crane. But 4 of the vessel’s crew were killed. INS Hanit made it to the Port of Ashdod on her own power for repairs.

Lessons Learned: The vessel’s missile defense system and close-in weapons were turned off during the patrol as the cruise missile threat was unknown within the Hezbollah order of battle, and might interfere with concurrent IAF operations launched. Despite reports shared by Israeli Naval Intelligence that Hezbollah possessed anti-ship cruise missiles, no warnings were issued, thus if it had been acted upon, naval vessels would surely deploy out of missile range.

Desert Storm at Sea: Iraqi Silkworm Missile attack on Battleship USS Missouri (BB-63), 25-February-1991, The Gulf War. On 25-February-1991, at the height of Operation Desert Storm, the Battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) while conducting Naval Gunfire Support (NGFS) during the bluffed allied amphibious landing off the Kuwaiti Coast, came under attack from an Iraqi Chinese-made Silkworm Anti-Ship Missile Battery. The 2 HY-2’s Silkworms fired by the Iraqis, one of which was intercepted by HMS Gloucester while the other missile missed the Battleship USS Missouri. HY-2A Silkworm Anti-Ship Cruise Missile Specifications: The Chinese built Silkworm Cruise Missile that fired at the USS Missouri is the second in the series of HY models or Hai Ying which means SEA EAGLE. It has an inertial and infrared terminal homing guidance. Dimensions: Length: 7.48 m; Diameter: 0.76 m; Wingspan: 2.4 m; Launch weight: 2,998 kg; Warhead: 513 kg shaped charge high-explosive; Propulsion: 1 liquid rocket engine & 1 solid rocket booster; Speed: Mach 0.8; Range: 200 km; Flight altitude: < 20m.

C-802/Noor Missile Strike on UAE Swift Class High Speed Transport. On 01-October-2016, UAE High Speed Transport Callsign A6E2257 flying the UAE Civilian Ensign was hit by an Iranian Noor Missile, a reverse-engineered Chinese-made C-802 or YJ-83 or Eagle Strike 83 by Houthi Rebels of the Yemeni Coast along Bab-El Mandeb Strait. The ship was operating from the Port of Mokha on a regular route to the Port of Aden supporting the Saudi-led intervention on the Yemeni conflict.

Lessons Learned: Despite being tasked on a Humanitarian Mission, the installation of a Close-In Weapons Systems (CIWS) for a transport vessel as protection is highlighted for this particular incident.

C-802/NOOR Anti-Ship Cruise Missile History. Iran was the first export customer of the Chinese made anti-ship cruise missile until sanctions stopped the deliveries whereby Iran had to be content with 60 in its inventory and thus began to reverse-engineer the missiles. Specifications: Length: 6.39m; Diameter: 36 cm; Wingspan: 1.1m; Weight: 715kg; Warhead: 165 kg high-explosive; Propulsion: 1 liquid rocket engine; 1 solid rocket booster; Speed: Mach 0.80–0.90; Range: 120 km.

C-802/Noor Missile Attack on the USS Mason (DDG-87) and USS Ponce (AFSB-15), Bab El Mandeb Strait (09, 12 and 15-October-2016). Eight days after Houthi Rebels fired Noor Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles at the UAE Swift Class High Speed Transport off the Bab El Mandeb Strait on 09-October-2016, the U.S. Navy Destroyer’s Arleigh Burke Class Guided Missile Destroyer, USS Mason was subjected to the same Cruise Missile attack on those same waters from rebel-controlled territory. The USS Mason along with the USS Nitze (DDG-94) and the Amphibious Transport Dock USS Ponce (AFSB-15) were dispatched to ensure the traffic of merchant and naval shipping goes unimpeded on the strait, after the attack on UAE A6E2257. They were part of the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. All missile attacks on the ships were neutralized utilizing SM-2 Standard Missiles and decoys. By 12 and 15-October-2016, Mason and Ponce were targeted at the northern portion of the strait. All inbound missiles on the second strike on Mason were intercepted by missiles from the USS Nitze (DDG-94) which on 13-October-2016 destroyed 3 of the rebel radar sites supporting the missile batteries.

Lessons Learned: Battlegroup Coordination and awareness of battlespace can effectively neutralize inbound threats.

LESSONS LEARNED FOR THE PHILIPPINES

COASTAL DEFENSE: If indeed the vessel was sank by the Ukrainian Neptune Missiles, Intelligence reports indicated only 3 Missile Batteries were possessed by the Ukrainians, with two reportedly destroyed by airstrikes and one remaining and preferably the one that hit Moskva, shows the effective camouflaging of the battery near the Odessa Port. (1) Being an archipelago, we are now on the right direction in procuring the Brahmos Anti-Ship Missiles for the Philippine Marine Corps and Army; (2) A follow-through purchase of additional missiles and activation of other Coastal Missile Batteries in the Country’s vital chokepoints and passages is a must, one of which is the designations of maritime zones in which the batteries could be emplaced or prepositioned.

ANALYSIS and THREAT ASSESSMENT. Positioning the Missile Batteries on the Northern and Southern Philippines especially the intrusion incident that recently happened would somehow provide a missile net for the country. Coastal Missile Batteries should also be positioned in both Central, Northern and Southern Palawan with emphasis on facing the WPS and the area between El Nido and the Calamian Island Group. The Landing Points of U.S. Submarines supporting the Guerrillas during WWII is also a paramount area in which missile batteries could be situated, as well as the areas where Submarine intrusions were reported during the Cold War, e.g., Lamon Bay, Quezon; Dirigue Bay, Itbayat Island; Panay, Cebu, Bohol, Tawi Tawi and Mapun Island in the Celebes Sea.

PANACEA OF COASTAL DEFENSE. As we will be incorporating these Missile batteries in our overall strategy, one aspect that could be linked is the essence of Airborne Early Warning (AEW) applicable in the identified maritime zones, aircraft or drones tasked for this mission would be able to provide ample warning time and targeting data for the missile batteries. The essence of AEW is highlighted in several wars but most notably during the Battle For Wake Island in December 1941 provided by the dozen USMC Grumman F4F3 Wildcat Fighters in relaying information to the Island’s Batteries, while modern day examples were the opening days of the 1982 Falklands Conflict when the Argentinean aircraft were able to penetrate the Royal Navy Task Force, then damaged and sunk a number of ships. The 1950s Shackleton AEW could have provided early defense and countermeasures to the Royal Navy Task Force.

CONCLUSION. Being a maritime nation, the sinking of RFS Moskva and other Modern Warfare historical examples cited earlier on anti-access/area denial provides the importance of a paramount Coastal Defense Unit and a Coastal Defense System for the world’s second largest archipelago.

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