Warships showcased with latest naval technology

May 15, 2007, 11:01 GMT

Singapore - Exhibitors from 22 countries opened a maritime exhibition in Singapore on Tuesday by showcasing warships with the latest naval technology to Asia-Pacific countries hiking their maritime spending.

Maritime defence spending by the region is expected to reach 108 billion US dollars over the next 10 years, more than the amounts projected for the United States and Europe, said Roger Marriott, managing director of the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference.

Among the countries with vessels on display during the four-day event are India, China, the United States, Britain, Bangladesh, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Singapore.

Ensuring 'freedom on the seas to naviation' is a common interest, said Singapore's Minister of Manpower Ng Eng Heng. He called for enhanced security cooperation among nations.

Maritime trade has become a potential target for terrorism and other illegal activities, said Ng, who is also second minister of defence.

'The Straits of Malacca carry over 30 per cent of the world's trade,' he said in opening the exhibition and conference in Singapore. 'South-east Asia is also a critical battleground in the fight against terrorism.'

While China, India and Japan are leading the buying spree, analysts said that a regional arms race was unlikely.

'All the expansions taking place in the navies in this region are the perception of governments, what they need to preserve their sovereignty and to protect their assets and economic zones,' said Marriott.

'Most of the vessels that are being built are not so much for use for intimidation purposes but more as protection of high-value assets as well as oil and natural gas fields,' said Pietr Lindahl, a senior research analyst with a US-based naval intelligence reporting organization.

Among the vessels assembled at the Changi Naval Base for the exhibition is a Chinese frigate open to scrutiny for the first time.

Marriott said Asian countries could spend 29 billion US dollars over the next decade on submarine purchases alone.

'Nine countries in Asia are acquiring 83 submarines,' he said. 'It is anticipated that China will have the largest new-build programme for submarines.'

India, Pakistan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and Singapore are all moving to add more submarines, Marriott added.

Navies were also expected to purchase more amphibious vessels, Lindahl said.

'There is a huge trend now for Asian navies to invest in such vessels for rescue work and humanitarian missions,' he said.