Eksesais THALAY LAUT SIRI 20/2015 Selesai Dengan Penuh Bergaya

13 Agustus 2015

Pesawat Sukhoi SU-30MK melaksanakan  tembakan Chaff (all photos : TLDM)

Tanjung Gelang  –  Secara rasminya Eksesais Thalay Laut Siri 20/2015 telah menutup tirai dengan penuh bergaya. Upacara penutup Eksesais Thalay Laut 20/2015 telah disempurnakan di atas kapal HTMS NARATHIWAT Tentera Laut Diraja Thailand kira-kira jam 11 pagi yang berlangsung di sekitar perairan Pulau Tioman.

Latihan Penembakan Meriam oleh KD TERENGGANU

Upacara penutup ini disempurnakan oleh Deputy Chief of Task Force 58, Capt Aupatham Smootranon dari TLDT dan disaksikan oleh Chief Task Force 58, Kept Jamaludin bin Hj Sairi TLDM. Pelbagai latihan telah dilaksanakan bagi memperbaiki kecekapan dalam menjalankan eksesais secara bersama.

Pasukan menggeledah KD TERENGGANU menuju ke HTMS PHUKET

Latihan DLT oleh KD TERENGGANU bersama Fennec

Memetik ucapan Capt Auptham, eksesais sebegini dapat menggalakkan interaksi diantara angkatan laut kedua-dua buah negara dan beliau juga mengucapkan selamat tiba ke destinasi kepada semua kapal yang terlibat. 

Latihan Manuevra Taktis bersama-sama kapal Thailand

Sesi Photex

Selain itu, eksesais Thalay Laut Siri 20/2015 juga menjadi lebih bermakna kepada 7 orang anggota PSS TLDM yang berpeluang menyertai eksesais pada kali ini. Ini secara langsung memberi pendedahan dan melihat sendiri bagaimana eksesais bilateral sebegini dilaksanakan.

(TLDM)

LMV : Sea Prowler

12 Agustus 2015

 Singapore's Littoral Mission Vessel (image : Sing Mindef)

Singapore's seaward defence will get a boost when the new Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs) are fully operational by 2020.  

Smarter, faster and sharper - that is the tagline for the new LMVs which will replace the 20-year-old Patrol Vessels (PVs). Designed from the onset to be operated by a leaner crew, the LMV uses technology to its advantage by automating processes with remote systems.

One example - the 80m-long warship's vital signs are monitored remotely by crew with onboard cameras and sensors. The health of its combat and other shipboard systems can be transmitted wirelessly to shore, to facilitate pre-emptive maintenance work.

In the speed department, the LMV manages very respectable speeds in excess of 27 knots (about 50kmh). It can also carry a medium-lift helicopter and Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) to respond quickly to security incidents. Though larger than the PV, the LMV is highly manoeuvrable and able to endure rougher seas.

On the business end, the LMV carries both lethal and non-lethal options to deal with would-be aggressors. They range from advanced missiles, large and small calibre guns to water cannon systems, and acoustic devices that are capable of projecting verbal warnings over the sea surface.

This new addition to the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s fleet is also versatile. It can be easily converted to suit different missions.

For example, it can be fitted with medical modules to support Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions, as well as unmanned systems for surveillance or mine-countermeasure operations.

"The first of the new class of LMVs is faster, better equipped, with more capabilities and endurance - these ships will replace the Fearless-class Patrol Vessels… We are proud that today, in Singapore's Golden Jubilee year, we have these new ships to address growing challenges in this region."

- Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen in a Facebook post on 3 Jul, when the first LMV was launched at ST Marine's shipyard located in Benoi.

Did you know?

A unique design feature of the LMVs is the co-location of the ship's vital controls in an Integrated Command Centre. This area in the ship houses the LMV's Bridge, Combat Information Centre, and Machinery Control Room - which are usually housed in separate parts of a warship.

The LMV also has windows all-round, providing the crew with a 360-degree view of the ship's immediate surroundings - very useful in Singapore's crowded waters, where the LMVs will see most of their service.

(CyberPioneer)

Ukrainian Industry Offers Surface-Launched R-27

12 Agustus 2015

Surface-launched variant of the R-27 showing the addition of the Artem booster. This modification, made by Artem, will give the surface-launched R-27 variant an effective range of 55 km (photo : Jane's)

In an effort to develop a new product line independent of their traditional Russian partners, two Ukrainian enterprises - Artem and Radionix - have entered into a co-operative programme to develop a new, air defence version of the Vympel R-27 (NATO reporting name: AA-10 'Alamo') air-to-air missile (AAM).

The R-27 is of Russian design, developed in numerous variants during the Soviet era by the GosMKB Vympel design bureau in Moscow, although the production line for these missiles and most of other Soviet design AAMs was generally located in Kiev at the Artem plant.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Artem continued to produce a full line of missiles and operate as a supplier to both the Russian armed forces and export customers of Russian fighter aircraft. However, with the incursion into Ukraine and subsequent embargoes on all defence trade with Russia, Artem has been cut off from GosMKB Vympel in Moscow, and the company is now leveraging its significant missile design capacity to develop a new product line based on the R-27.

Ukrainian industry sources told IHS Jane's that the basic concept for the R-27 ground-launched version involves two basic adjustments to the missile's design. The first will add a booster motor to the missile to give it the additional range and altitude required to engage airborne targets. This modification, made by Artem, will give the surface-launched R-27 variant an effective range of 55 km.

Secondly, the missile will be fitted with three new guidance systems: an infrared (IR) seeker, an active radar-homing seeker head and a passive, anti-radiation design. Currently in development with Radionix, the Ukrainian electronics, radar and electronic warfare house, the new guidance package will make the missile less vulnerable to countermeasures, where a jammer optimised against one type of seeker will be ineffective against one of the other two types.

Artem previously embarked on a more complex re-design of the R-27 for use as a surface-to-air missile. This was unveiled at the 2014 AviaSvit Ukrainian Air Show. This missile, designated AR(ZR)-260T, strips all of the guidance vanes from the missile and adds a new set of control vanes along with a new booster motor. The AR(ZR)-260T was to have used a non-Ukrainian IR seeker, although Artem did not announce plans to fit a radar-homing or anti-radiation seeker to this version.

(Jane's)

Skadron 32 Terima Realokasi Herky A-1323

11 Agustus 2015

Pesawat Hercules TNI AU A1323(photo : lakako)

Kemampuan profesiensi setiap air crew, baik para penerbang maupun para teknisi harus tetap terjaga dengan baik, agar tugas dan tanggung jawab yang diemban dapat dilaksanakan sesuai tuntutan tugas yang dipercayakan kepadanya. Oleh karena itu, tuntutan jam terbang bagi setiap air crew harus dipenuhi dengan maksud, agar kemampuan yang dimiliki tidak menurun, akan tetapi harus terus ditingkatkan. Demikian disampaikan Komandan Lanud Abd Saleh, Kolonel Pnb H. RM. Djoko Senoputro, SE., saat apel khusus penerimaan pesawat Hercules A-1323 bertempat di Hanggar Skadron Udara 32 Wing 2 Lanud Abd Saleh.

Lebih lanjut Kolonel Djoko menyampaikan bahwa, sejalan dengan upaya pembinaan kemampuan personel TNI AU, disamping harus disesuaikan dengan perkembangan alat utama sistem senjata masa kini maupun masa yang akan datang, upaya me-maintain profesiensi para air crew juga harus mendapat perhatian serius. Oleh karenanya, Lanud Abd Saleh akan tetap mengupayakan dengan segala kemampuan yang dimiliki, agar kemampuan profesiensi para air crew serta kesiapan operasional satuan tetap terjaga, sehingga tugas-tugas yang dipercayakan dapat terlaksana secara maksimal.

Sejalan dengan kebijakan Kasau yang meng-off-kan sementara pesawat Hercules Tipe B, maka ditindaklanjuti dengan melaksanakan realokasi dua pesawat dari Skadron Udara 31 Halim Perdanakusuma, yaitu pesawat Hercules tipe H dengan register A-1323 dan A-1331. Namun karena A-1331 saat ini masih dalam pemeliharaan, sehingga siang hari ini (Selasa, 11/8) baru A-1323 yang bisa didatangkan ke Lanud Abd Saleh. Langkah ini diambil dengan maksud, agar para air crew Skadron Udara 32 segera dapat melaksanakan training, guna tetap menjaga profesiensinya, sehingga bila komando atas telah menyatakan bahwa pesawat Hercules tipe B telah diijinkan untuk dioperasikan, maka para air crew Skadron Udara 32 telah siap untuk melaksanakan tugas operasi penerbangan sebagaimana biasanya.

Pada kesempatan apel khusus tersebut Danlanud Abd Saleh berpesan agar masalah keamanan dan keselamatan terbang menjadi prioritas utama dalam setiap pelaksanaan training maupun operasi penerbangan. Hal ini sudah menjadi harga mati yang harus selalu diperhatikan, agar kecelakaan dan kehilangan jiwa manusia maupun kerugian materiil dapat dihindarkan. Untuk itu, seluruh Crew Skadron Udara 32 harus selalu mengikuti prosedur dan ketentuan yang berlaku, serta harus tahu batas kemampuan diri sendiri, serta mempunyai sikap safety yang tinggi, karena tidak ada tempat untuk berbuat kesalahan di udara sekecil apapun.

(TNI AU)

Armed AW-109Es to Act as 'Air Amphibious Support' Assets

11 Agustus 2015

PN AW-109E "Power" (photo : PN)

MANILA (PNA) -- Aside from providing eyes to its parent frigates, the armed AgustaWestland AW-109E "Power" helicopters will also be useful as "air amphibious support" assets, according to Philippine Navy public affairs office chief Cmdr. Lued Lincuna.

The latter is an offensive military operation that uses naval ships to project ground and air power onto a hostile or potentially hostile shore at a designated landing beach.

The commissioning of the two armed AW-109Es on Monday will coincide with the retirement ceremony of PN flag officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus C. Millan who will be leaving the service after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

The aircraft are armed with 20mm auto-cannon pods and rocket launchers.

The last two AW-109E airframes arrived in the Philippines last December.

This is part of the five-helicopter deal, worth PhP 1.33 billion, signed by the Philippines with AgustaWestland early in 2013.

Three of the AW-109s were delivered and commissioned on Dec. 22, 2013.

The armed versions of the AW-109s will be equipped with machine guns, 20mm cannons and possibly, with air-to-ground rockets.

The AW-109 "Power" helicopter is a three-ton class, eight-seat helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.

The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.

The aircraft’s safety features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.

The AW-109 has established itself as the world’s best selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions.

Its superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective maritime helicopter in its class.

For shipboard operations, the aircraft has a reinforced-wheeled landing gear and deck mooring points as well as extensive corrosion protection measures.

The ability to operate from small ships in high sea state enables the AW-109 to perform its mission when many other helicopters would be confined to the ship’s hangar.

Over 550 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 light utility helicopters have been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military applications by customers in almost 50 countries. 

(PNA)

Lanud Supadio, Pontianak akan Dijaga Oerlikon Skyshield

10 Agustus 2015

Komandan Denhanud 473 Paskhas, Mayor Pas Anang Baskoro, S.Pd. beserta anggota melaksanakan Site Integration Test (SIT) Alutsista PSU Oerlikon Skyshield MK-2 di Skatek 21 Lanud Halim Perdana Kusuma, Jakarta (photo : TNI AU)

Denhanud 473 Paskhas Melaksanakan Site Integration Test Skyshield MK-2

Komandan Detasemen Hanud 473 Paskhas, Mayor Pas Anang Baskoro, S.Pd. beserta 1 Perwira dan 5 anggota dengan tim dari Mabes AU dan Kemhan RI yang dipimpin oleh Kolonel Tek Agus Rudi Supriadi baru-baru ini melaksanakan Site Integration Test (SIT) di Skatek 21 Lanud Halim Perdana Kusuma.

Kegiatan dilaksanakan dalam rangka penerimaan Alutsista PSU Oerlikon Skyshield MK-2 yang bertujuan untuk melaksanakan pemeriksaan ulang seluruh fungsi Oerlikon Skyshield Firing Unit System setelah proses pengiriman melalui kapal laut dari Jerman menuju Indonesia dan tindak lanjut dari Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) yang dilaksanakan di Perusahaan Rheinmetall Switzerland bulan Mei lalu.

Keterlibatan anggota Denhanud 473 Paskhas disamping membantu tim dari Mabes AU dan Kemhan RI, bertujuan untuk me-refresh kemampuan prajurit Denhanud 473 Paskhas untuk mengawaki Alutsista yang sebelumnya telah melaksanakan pelatihan-pelatihan baik di dalam maupun luar negeri.

Dalam kesempatan itu, Dandenhanud 473 Paskhas menekankan kepada anggotanya agar melaksanakan SIT dengan serius, teliti dan cermat terhadap keseluruhan item-item yang diterima, mengingat Alutsista tersebut akan segera dioperasikan di Lanud Supadio.

Seusai pelaksanaan SIT selanjutnya Alutsista PSU Oerlikon Skyshield MK-2 akan segera dikirimkan ke Markas Detasemen Hanud 473 di Lanud Supadio, Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat.

(TNI AU)

Armed AW-109Es Commissioned; 2 Australian Donated LCHs Blessed

10 Agustus 2015

 PN AW-109E Power (photo : PN)

MANILA (PNA) -- The Philippine Navy (PN) formally commissioned into service its two armed AgustaWestland AW-109E "Power" helicopters in simple ceremonies at Naval Station Jose Andrada, on Roxas Boulevard, Manila Monday.

The helicopters are armed with .50 caliber machinegun pods and 2.75 inch rocket launchers.

Cmdr. Lued Lincuna, PN public affairs office chief, said that armed AW-109Es are also equipped with maritime air surveillance capability, amphibious air support operations and weather search radar and forward looking infrared systems that enhances the Navy's maritime air surveillance and close air support for ground troops.

The 8 a.m. commissioning ceremonies were spearheaded by outgoing PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus C. Millan.

The last two AW-109E airframes arrived in the Philippines last December.

This is part of the five-helicopter deal, worth Php1.33-billion, signed by the Philippines with AgustaWestland early 2013.

Three of the AW-109s were delivered and commissioned in Dec. 22, 2013.

PN kanding Craft Heavy (photo : PN)

Millan said the acquisition of the armed AW-109Es are part of the PN's efforts in developing a robust island defense force and becoming an effective instrument of national development.

Meanwhile, the two Australian-donated landing craft heavies (LCHs) were also blessed Monday.

The two LCHs vessels were christened as BRP Ivatan (AT-298) and BRP Batak (AT-299) to preserve the distinctiveness of the two ethnic groups of Palawan and Batanes.

These ships were donated by the Australian government last January. They arrived in Sangley Point, Cavite last Aug. 7.

Milan said the addition of these vessels translates into the boosting of the capability of the PN to transport personnel, equipment and aid during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. They will also be useful in transporting troops from one operational area to another. 

(PNA)

Vietnam Received Two New Su-30MK2 Multirole Fighter

08 Agustus 2015

2 new Su-30MK2 fighter, bringing the total number of advanced combat aircraft of this type to be inducted in the Vietnamese Air Force to 30 units. (photo : Kienthuc)

Two new Russian-made Su-30MK2 fighter for Vietnamese Air Force, has been disassembled for shipping to Vietnam on 6/8. Sukhoi factory Komsomolsk-on-Amur has officially provide 2 multirole fighters Su-30MK2 to Vietnamese Air Force.

Interfax-AVN citing sources in the Russian aviation industry said Thursday 7/8, two new Su-30MK2 multirole fighter, built for the Vietnamese Air Force with bearing numbers 8814 and 8815, has been disassembled and put up a super-heavy transport aircraft An-124-100 before traveling to Vietnam in the last Wednesday 6/8.

Sources said, two Su-30MK2 here are 5th and 6th Russia handed over to Vietnam within the framework of a contract to supply 12 aircraft of this type which signed in August 2013. First 4 Su-30MK2 (bearing number 8581, 8582, 8583 and 8584) have been delivered to Vietnamese Air Force in October and December 2014.

As planned earlier, Russia will continue deliver 6 remainder Su-30MK2 to Vietnam before the end of 2015, bringing the total number of advanced fighters of this type in the Vietnamese Air Force up to 36 units.

Earlier, in 1/8, Vietnam Navy also held comissioning of 2 Kilo 636 submarines, named HQ Hai Phong 184 and HQ Khanh Hoa 185, bringing the total number of Kilo submarines in the Vietnamese Navy to 4 units.

The new Kilo submarines, along with Su-30MK2 fighters will significantly enhance combat power for Navy and Air Force of Vietnam in combat readiness duty to defend its sovereignty, island of the country.

(BaoDatViet)

Oerlikon Skyshield Dilibatkan Latihan Pernika & Cyber Defence

08 Agustus 2015

Situasi visualisasi tracking pesawat musuh oleh sensor radar unit Oerlikon Skyshield yang ada di Ground Controll System (GCS), dimana keberadaan pesawat Sukhoi Su-27/30 milik “Sonora”, telah terkunci (garis putih putus-putus) dan dalam posisi siap ditembak meriam Skyshield Orliecon. (photo : Dispenau)

Oerlikon Skyshield TNI AU Lumpuhkan Pesawat Tempur “Sonora”

Kecanggihan senjata Oerlicon Skyshield TNI AU sebagai alutsista pertahanan udara (Hanud) titik tidak terbantahkan.   Dalam sebuah latihan Pernika & Cyber Defence, senjata andalan Detasemen Hanud Korpaskhas buatan Swiss ini mampu melumpuhkan pesawat tempur jenis Sukhoi Su-27/30 milik negara “Sonora”.

Pesawat Sukhoi Su-27/30 “Sonora” yang sedang melakukan penerbangan provokasi di atas Alur Laut kepulauan Indonesia (ALKI) II, selat Makasar Sulawesi Selatan, awalnya tertangkap oleh Radar Kosekhanudnas II Makassar.  Dengan kecanggihannya, ternyata pesawatSukhoi Su-27/30 Sonora mampu menerobos masuk wilayah Indonesia hingga mendekati obyek vital (Obvit) Lanud Sultan Hasanudin, Makassar.

Karena membahayakan keamanan obvit tersebut,  Detasemen Hanud 472 Paskhas Lanud Sultan Hasanudin, Makassar, yang berperan sebagai Hanud titik segera menyiagakan alutsista andalannya Oerlikon Skyshield untuk menghadapi ancaman pesawat Sukhoi Su-27/30 milik“Sonora”.   Aksi saling serang dalam sebuah adegan perang elektronika pun tidak bisa dihindari.

Prajurit Paskhasau menyiapkan senjata penangkis udara Oerlikon Skyshield. (photo : TNI AU)

Dengan berbagai cara, Sukhoi Su-27/30 “Sonora” melakukan aksi manuver membahayakan.  Aksi tersebut tertangkap sensor unit yang berfungsi sebagai radar  (electronic optic radar) yang terpasang pada firing unit Oerlikon Skyshield.   Sejak terbang pada jarak 20 Km dan ketinggian 1500 m, Oerlikon Skyshield mampu mendeteksi keberadaan pesawat Sukhoi Su-27/30,  bahkan akhirnya mampu menguncinya (lock on).  Meskipun pesawat Sukhoi “Sonora” berusaha mengelabuhi sistem Radar Oerlikon Skyshield dengan melepas Chafft,  tetapi keberadaan pesawat Sukhoi Su-27/30 Sonora tetap terkunci. 

Hingga pada akhirnya setelah pesawat Sukhoi Su-27/30 “Sonora” memasuki jarak tembak efektif (4000 m dan ketinggian 1000 m), meriam Oerlikon Skyshoield tanpa ampun memuntahkan peluru-pelurunya ke arah pesawat Sonora.   Semburan ribuan mortir caliber 35 mm akhirnya merontokkan pesawat Sukhoi Su-27/30 milik Sonora.

Adegan menegangkan ini dapat disaksikan dalam tampilan layar yang ada di ruang Komando Latihan (Kolat) Mabesau, Cilangkap, Jakatrta maupun Lanud Sultan Hasanudin Makassar, melalui fasilitas video conference (Vicon).   Dengan “tertembaknya” pesawat Sukhoi Su-27/30 “Sonora” oleh Oerlikon Skyshield Denhanud 472 Paskhas, maka aksi penerbangan provokasi “Sonora” di wilayah selat Makassar dapat dinetralisir oleh TNI AU.

(TNI AU)

Local Jobs for Air Force in-Service Support Contract

08 Agustus 2015

RAAF Hawk 127 with AIM-9 (photo : Wolodymir Nelowkin)

The Australian Government welcomes the creation of 116 local jobs following the signing of a multi-million dollar defence contract with BAE Systems Australia.

The scope of BAE Systems Australia’s current in-service support contract for the Hawk Lead-In Fighter has been increased to include operational maintenance.

Valued at approximately $126 million, this represents great news for Australia’s air defence capability and Australian defence industry.

Hawk 127 with external tank (photo : McCreath)

Importantly, this will also support the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in redirecting personnel from this work in support of other critical strategic priorities such as the Joint Strike Fighter.

The Hawk Lead-In Fighter prepares qualified Air Force pilots for operational conversion to F/A-18A Classic Hornets and F/A-18F Super Hornets and into the future Growlers and the Joint Strike Fighter.

The changes to the contract will create 68 jobs at Williamtown, New South Wales and 48 at RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia.

(Aus DoD)

Second Indonesian Navy Oceanographic Vessel Named KRI Spica 934

07 Agustus 2015

KRI Spica 934 (photo : Lembaga Keris)

OCEA launches second Indonesian Navy oceanographic vessel

French shipbuilder OCEA has launched the second oceanographic offshore support vessel (OSV) on order for the Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut, or TNI-AL), the service announced on 5 August.

The vessel was launched at Les Sables d'Olonne on 3 August in a ceremony attended by senior members of the Indonesian Ministry of Defence and the TNI-AL. IHS Jane's understands that the vessel will be named KRI Spica with pennant number 934.

Indonesia signed a USD100 million contract with OCEA in October 2013 for two 60 m OSVs. First-of-class KRI Rigel (933) arrived in Indonesia in May and is currently based with the TNI-AL's Military Sealift Command (KOLINLAMIL) in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta.

According to specifications provided by the TNI-AL, the platform is powered by two MTU 8V 4000 M53 engines driving two fixed-pitch propellers. The vessel can attain a top speed of 14 kt, has a standard range of 4,400 n miles at 12 kt, and can operate up to Sea State Six. Each OSV can accommodate a crew of 30 and 16 mission personnel at sea for 20 days.

The platform has been lightly armed with a Rheinmetall 20 mm cannon as its main gun and two stern-facing 12.7 mm machine guns for point defence.

The service has not released details on the survey equipment that will be fitted on board the second OSV but Rigel is equipped with Kongsberg's EA 600 single-beam echo sounder and the company's EM 2040 and EM 302 multibeam systems. The vessel also carries Kongsberg Maritime's Hugin 1000 autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), which can perform high-speed survey missions at depths of up to 1,000 m.

"The second OSV will now undergo harbour-acceptance tests and sea-acceptance tests before delivery," said the TNI-AL in its statement. It added that Indonesian service members will arrive in France from mid-August for training and familiarisation on board the platform. The vessel is scheduled for commissioning in October.

(Jane's)

India, Brazil or Vietnam may Buy Mistral Helicopter Carriers Built for Russia

07 Agustus 2015

BPC Vladivostok second Mistral Class of Russia (image : DCNS)

MOSCOW/TASS/. India, Brazil and Vietnam are the potential buyers of Mistral-class amphibious assault ships, which France has refused to deliver to Russia, Head of the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies Ruslan Pukhov told TASS on Thursday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Francois Hollande on Wednesday achieved agreement on terminating the contract for the delivery of two helicopter carriers of the Mistral class, concluded in the summer of 2011.

As the Kremlin said, the two leaders agreed that Russia would get a compensation for the money paid under the contract, and France would return Russian equipment and materials. After that France will be free to use the ships at its sole discretion.

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has said some countries have already displayed their interest in Mistrals.

"Ships are normally built to order. That is why, this will be a unique case and we’ll all see how this soap opera will end," the expert said.

"It is logical to presume that the French will offer these ships to the countries, which planned to have this type of vessels under their naval program, or sell these ships at a reduced price to the countries traditionally buying used French hardware," Pukhov said.

India may be among the potential buyers, Pukhov said.

"The first country is India, which has expressed its desire to buy one ship and build three more ships of this type at its shipyards, and, as far as I know, the French would want us to assist them in this," the expert said.

The Mistral helicopter carriers may also be of interest to Vietnam where "economic growth is observed," Pukhov said.

"Brazil is the third country. They [Brazilians] hypothetically could consider the purchase of such a ship on condition the French give a good price," the expert said.

The Mistral amphibious assault ships may also be given to the French Navy, which already has three helicopter carriers of this class, Pukhov said.

"The French Navy does not have sufficient money for this. The Navy commander has already made a statement that the Navy no longer needs Mistrals. But if the French fail to sell them, it is quite possible that they will be able to force their Navy to buy these ships," the expert said.

(Tass)

Tiga KRI Akan Perkuat Tiap Lantamal

07 Agustus 2015

Pangkalan Utama TNI AL (Lantamal) akan diperkuat dengam tiga kapal perang panjang 40 hingga 60 meter, kemudian setingkat Pangkalan TNI AL (Lanal) juga akan diperkuat minimal tiga kapal patroli ukuran kecil (photo : milnuts)

Tiga KRI Perkuat Pangkalan Utama TNI AL XII/Pontianak

Pontianak, Antara Jateng - Sejalan dengan peningkatan status dan kapasitasnya maka Pangkalan Utama TNI AL XII/Pontianak akan diperkuat tiga kapal perang. Pangkalan utama TNI AL itu memang berada di perairan sangat strategis dan sarat kepentingan politis internasional, Laut China Selatan serta Laut Natuna. 

China sangat agresif dan sepihak menggelar kekuatan maritimnya di perairan Laut China Selatan. Tanpa peduli aturan internasional, China mengklaim hampir seluruh Laut China Selatan sebagai miliknya, berhadapan dengan klaim terpisah-pisah dari Filipina, Brunei Darussalam, Viet Nahm, dan Malaysia. 

Kepala Staf TNI AL, Laksamana TNI Ade Supandi, sesaat setelah meresmikan peningkatan status dan kapasitas pangkalan utama TNI AL itu, di Pontianak, Jumat, mengatakan, "Akan diperkuat minimal tiga kapal perang panjang 40 hingga 60 meter, kemudian setingkat pangkalan TNI AL juga akan diperkuat minimal tiga kapal patroli ukuran kecil."

Sampai saat ini, jumlah personel di sana masih pada jumlah sekelas pangkalan TNI AL yang dipimpin seorang kolonel. Kelak jumlah itu ditambah sehingga sesuai Tabel Organisasi dan Personel di tingkat pangkalan utama TNI AL yang dipimpin seorang perwira tinggi TNI AL bintang satu. 

"Kekuatan personilnya akan sebanyak 1.050 personel dan juga diikuti penambahan persenjataan armada, baik kapal perang, pesawat udara, maupun Korps Marinir TNI AL," kata dia.

Wilayah operasi Pangkalan Utama TNI AL XII/Pontianak adalah sebagian Laut Jawa, Selat Karimata, Laut Natuna, dan Laut China Selatan. 

Di perairan yang menjadi wilayah tanggung jawabnya juga terdapat Alur Laut Kepulauan Indonesia I yang berbatasan dengan Malaysia dan Laut China Selatan. 

Pangkalan Utama TNI AL XII/Pontianak akan membawahkan Pangkalan TNI AL Pangkalan Bun (Kalimatan Tengah), Pangkalan TNI AL Ketapang (Kalimantan Barat), dan Pangkalan TNI AL Sambas (Kalimantan Barat). 

Ada tiga pangkalan TNI AL yang ditingkatkan statusnya menjadi pangkalan utama TNI AL, yaitu Pontianak Pangkalan Utama TNI AL XIII/Tarakan, dan Pangkalan Utama TNI AL XIV/Sorong.

(Antara)

Japan May Give Planes to Philippines for Aerial Patrols

07 Agustus 2015

Japan wants to give planes to the Philippines to use to patrol the South China Sea, sources say. (photo : thomasphoto)

Tokyo is looking to offer Manila three Beechcraft TC-90 King Air planes that could be fitted with basic surface and air surveillance radar, four sources with knowledge of the matter said.

The sources said talks within the Japanese government were preliminary and would need to overcome legal hurdles.

Japan has yet to formally propose the planes as an alternative to the more sophisticated Lockheed Martin P3-C aircraft that Manila wants to track Chinese submarine activity, they added.

Senior Philippine military and defence officials in Manila said they had not heard about the possible donation of the twin-turboprop TC-90 aircraft, which Japan uses to train military pilots.

"The Philippines doesn't have enough aircraft to conduct regular patrols over the South China Sea," one of the sources in Japan said, declining to be identified because he was not authorised to talk to the media.

China's defence ministry expressed concern about the plan.

"We hope that military cooperation between the relevant countries can benefit regional peace and stability, rather than the opposite," it said in a statement.

Donating aircraft, even small planes, would represent a military upgrade for the Philippines, which has only a handful of fixed-wing planes it can deploy on maritime patrols.

Tokyo has no claims in the South China Sea, but is worried about Beijing's construction of seven artificial islands in the waterway's Spratly archipelago, which will extend Chinese military reach into sea lanes through which much of Japan's ship-borne trade passes.

Concerns over the islands have dominated regional meetings in Kuala Lumpur this week between South-East Asia and countries including Japan, China and the United States.

Equipping Manila with maritime-capable patrol planes would dovetail with Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe's more muscular security agenda but likely anger China, which has repeatedly accused Japan of interfering in the South China Sea dispute.

A spokesman for Japan's ministry of defence said working level talks had been set up to explore possible cooperation in defence equipment with the Philippines but that there was no "concrete plan" to give Manila the TC-90s.

Philippine defence minister Voltaire Gazmin said he was unaware of any Japanese plan to supply the aircraft.

Top Philippine generals said they were also unaware of any proposal but welcomed the growing security cooperation with Japan.

(ABC)

Eurofighter Kembali Tawarkan Kelebihan Typhoon

06 Agustus 2015

Pesawat tempur Eurofighter Typhoon (photo : globalaviationreport)

Eropa Tawarkan Jet Tempur Typhoon Pengganti F-5 ke RI

Jakarta -Produsen jet tempur asal Eropa, Eurofighter, menawarkan produknya ke Indonesia. Eurofighter ingin menjual jet Typhoon untuk menggantikan pesawat tempur F-5 milik Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) Angkatan Udara yang telah uzur. Satu skudaron terdiri dari sekitar 16 jet tempur.

Eurofighter juga telah bertemu dengan Menteri Pertahanan Indonesia Ryamizard Ryacudu untuk membahas lebih lanjut rencana kerjasama pengadaan jet tempur Typhoon.

"Empat dubes dari tersebut mengirimkan surat ke Menteri Pertahanan, sebuah formula yang telah ditandatangani oleh Menhan dari negara-negara tersebut. Pemerintah mendukung sepenuhnya," tutur ‎Head of Industrial Offset Eurofighter, Martin Elbourne kala berbincang di Hotel Grand Hyatt, Kamis (6/8/2015).

Saat bertemu Menhan RI, Eurofighter juga menyerahkan Letter of Support (LoS). LoS ini ditandatangani oleh 4 duta besar anggota konsorsium Eurofighter yakni Spanyol, Jerman, Inggris, hingga Italia.

Elbourne mengatakan, surat tersebut intinya berisi program alih teknologi yang dilakukan Eurofighter untuk industri penerbangan di Indonesia. Syaratnya TNI AU harus bersedia menggunakan pesawat tempur produk Eropa tersebut sebagai pengganti pesawat tempur F-5. 

‎"Kita menawarkan training, dan transfer teknologi yang sudah diajukan industri. Kita menawarkan itu semua. Kita harapkan itu bisa memberikan kenyamanan bagi pemerintah Indonesia. Bukan hanya untuk Indonesia, tapi juga untuk 4 negara itu," katanya.

Elbourne mengatakan, hingga kini belum ada keputusan final dari Pemerintah Indonesia terkait produsen yang bakal memasok jet tempur pengganti F-5. Selain Eurofighter, produsen jet tempur lainnya juga berlomba-lomba untuk menyediakan pesawat tempur ke TNI. 

Pesaing Eurofighter di antaranya adalah Sukhoi asal Rusia dengan SU 35, Lockheed Martin asal Amerika Serikat dengan F16, Dassault Rafale buatan Perancis, hingga Saab AB asal Swedia dengan Gripen. 

‎"Yang pemerintah lakukan adalah akan mengganti pesawat F5, ada beberapa kandidat, salah satunya Eurofighter. Kita memberikan informasi, kita mendemonstrasikan komitmen di Indonesia. Kita akan melatih pilot, yang kedua adalah transfer teknologi, ada yang kita tawarkan adalah untuk mentransfer juga perakitan akhir di Bandung, di PT DI (Dirgantara Indonesia)," tuturnya. (Detik)

Jet Tempur Typhoon Akan Dirakit di Bandung

Jakarta -Eurofighter menawari pesawat jet tempur Typhoon kepada militer Indonesia. Dalam tawaran itu, Produsen asal Eropa akan memberikan program alih teknologi alias transfer of technology dengan syarat Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) bersedia memakai pesawat tempur produksi mereka.

Dalam program alih teknologi, jet tempur buatan 4 negara Eropa itu akan dirakit pada fasilitas PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) di Bandung, Jawa Barat.

"Ini adalah tawaran menarik dan bisa membuat industri pesawat di Indonesia naik ke level yang lebih tinggi," tutur ‎Head of Industrial Offset Eurofighter, Martin Elbourne kala berbincang di Hotel Grand Hyatt, Kamis (6/8/2015).

Selain tawaran transfer teknologi, Eurofighter menyebut keunggulan produk jet tempur buatannya. Typhoon memiliki daya jelajah yang lebih tinggi daripada jet tempur sejenis di kelasnya.

"Dari sisi operasionalnya, Eurofighter bisa menjangkau jarak yang lebih tinggi, lebih cepat, dan membawa‎ lebih banyak senjata dari jet tempur lainnya. Dia bisa beegerak lebih tinggi, cepat, bermanuver lebih cepat karena punya dua mesin. Itu kuncinya," sebutnya.

Tanpa menyebut nilainya, Elbourne juga mengatakan, pesawat yang dibuatnya ini juga lebih hemat bahan bakar dibanding kompetitornya seperti pesawat F-16, SU-35, hingga Rafalea.

"Kita lebih hemat bahan bakar, dan lebih efisien," ungkapnya.

Terkait dengan harga, Elbourne masih merahasiakannya. Tapi dia memastikan, harga dari Eurofighter Typhoon akan kompetitif dibanding pesawat kompetitornya. Dia juga menawarkan garansi selama 30 tahun tanpa biaya perawatan.

"Kalau anda budget, yang pertama menawarkan 10 pesawat, yang lainnya tawarkan 6 pesawat. Pasti pilih yang 10 pesawat. Tapi kalau yang 10 pesawat itu dalam 5 atau 10 tahun harus ada yang diganti komponennya bagaimana? Kita menawarkan whole cycle cost (biaya siklus seluruhnya), dalam 30 tahun," katanya. (Detik)

Dirakit di Bandung, RI Jadi Basis Produksi Jet Typhoon di Asia

Jakarta -‎Eurofighter ingin menjadikan Indonesia sebagai basis produksi jet Typhoon di luar Eropa. Produsen jet asal Eropa ini akan menggandeng PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) untuk merakit Typhon di Bandung, Jawa Barat.

Selain itu, Eurofighter memberi Indonesia program alih teknologi atau Transfer of Technology. PT DI dipilih karena telah berpengalaman mengembangkan dan memproduksi pesawat komersial dan militer.

Setelah berhasil dirakit di Bandung, Indonesia akan menjadi basis pemasaran Typhoon untuk pasar Asia. 

"Kami melihat ini bisnis. Asia adalah pasar yang besar dan kita ingin menjual yang lebih banyak. Yang tak kalah penting kita ingin memajukan industri pesawat di Indonesia ke tingkat yang lebih tinggi," kata ‎Head of Industrial Offset Eurofighter, Martin Elbourne kala berbincang di Hotel Grand Hyatt, Kamis (6/8/2015).

Elbourne menyebut Asia adalah pasar yang cukup potensial. Di sisi lain, Eurofighter juga sendiri membidik penggadaan 1 skuadron pesawat tempur pengganti F-5 TNI AU yang telah uzur.

Saat ini, baru ada 4 negara di Eropa yang yang masuk ke dalam konsorsium Eurofighter yakni Jerman, Italia, Inggris dan Spanyol. Indonesia pun siap digandeng sebagai anggota konsorsium.

"Kita ingin menjadikan Indonesia masuk ke dalam grup kita," tuturnya.

Namun, Eurofighter mengajukan syarat. Militer Indonesia harus membeli produk miliknya. Bila tidak ada kesepakatan, Eurofighter akan mencari negara lain untuk basis produksi.


"Kalau Indonesia akhirnya pilih F16, atau pesawat lainnya. Kami tidak jadi membuat di sini, untuk apa," tutupnya. (Detik)

TNI AU Selenggarakan Latiham Perang Elektronika dan Cyber Defence

06 Agustus 2015

Unsur Pernika darat TNI AU dengan menggunakan alat Tactical Mono tipe PR-100, sedang melakukan pendeteksian keberadaan frekwensi radio gelap milik negara agresor Sonora pada Latihan Pernika & Cyber Defence TNI AU 2015 di Mabesau. (photo : TNI AU).

TNI AU Lumpuhkan  Negara “Agresor Sonora”

Unsur-unsur kekuatan Pernika (Perang Elektronika) dan Cyber TNI AU yang terlibat dalam pertempuran melawan kekuatan negara Sonora (lawan) di mandala perang, untuk sementara berhasil meraih kemenangan.  Aksi provokasi negara agresor Sonora melalui kegiatan Pernika, baik di udara maupun di darat  dan cyber attack, berhasil dinetralisir oleh TNI AU.

Pesawat jenis Hawk 100/200 milik Sonora yang kedapatan menerobos wilayah udara Riau, berhasil tertangkap Radar 232 Dumai. Mengetahui aksinya tertangkap radar, pesawat Sonora melakukan electronic attack dengan melepas chafft untuk mengelabui tangkapan Radar.    Namun demikian,  aksi  tersebut mampu dinetralisir oleh unsur Pernika TNI AU dengan melakukan electronic protection, sehingga aksi pesawat tersebut dapat terus dipantau Radar. Selanjutnya dilakukan penindakan pemaksaan mendarat (force down) oleh satu flight pesawat tempur TNI AU Lanud Roesmin Nuryadin, Pekanbaru.

Sementara, unsur Pernika darat TNI AU juga telah melumpuhkan keberadaan frekwensi radio gelap yang selama ini mengganggu masyarakat dengan melakukan aksi siaran  propaganda dan menghasut masyarakat Riau dan Sulawesi Selatan.  Dengan peralatan canggih, berupa Monob (Monitoring Observation) dan DF (Detection Finder), unsur Pernika TNI AU berhasil menangkap frekwensi gelap milik Sonora, selanjutnya menetralisir siaran mereka.

Demikian juga unsur Cyber TNI AU, berhasil melakukan defence terhadap jaringan komputer kawan dari serangan tim cyber Sonora.  Bahkan dalam sebuah serangan balasan (counter attack) yang dilakukan unsur cyber TNI AU, mampu melumpuhkan  jaringan komputer negaraSonora.

Ringkasan cerita tersebut menjadi bagian dari skenario latihan Pernika & Cyber Defence 2015 yang digelar TNI AU.  Memasuki hari kedua, Rabu(5/7) dinamika latihan makin dinamis, dimana aktifitas Pernika dan Cyber, termasuk perang Opini melalui media Online tampak begitu menegangkan yang dapat disaksikan melaui vicon (video conference) di tiap-tiap ruang Kolat (Komando Latihan), baik yang ada di Mabesau, Lanud Hasanudin Makassar maupun Lanud Roesmin Nuryadin, Pekanbaru.

(TNI AU)

Philippine Navy is Expecting to Acquire One More Hamilton Class Ship

06 Agustus 2015

From twelve Hamilton class cutter, six already retired and transferred to the Philippines, Bangladesh and Nigeria. The remaining twelve, the oldest is USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719) which commissioned in 1968  and the youngest is USCGC Midgett (WHEC-726) which commissioned in 1972 (photo : pdff)

BRP-Gregorio del Pilar docks in Zamboanga

THE BRP-Gregorio del Pilar, one of the two patrol frigates of the Philippine Navy, arrived Tuesday in Zamboanga City as part of its port visits to different parts of the country.

Navy Captain Vincent Sibala, commanding officer of BRP-Gregorio del Pilar or Patrol Frigate (PF)-15, said the port visit is part of the ship’s routine patrol.

Sibala said BRP-Gregorio del Pilar will stay in the city for a week. The next port of call is Davao City.

He added that BRP-Gregorio del Pilar is expected to be upgraded especially its censors equipment.

The ship is one of the two PN’s frigates with the West Philippine Sea as its mainstay. It is manned by 100 personnel, including three female officers and a nurse.

Sibala said the Philippine Navy is expecting to acquire one more similar type of vessel to further boost its capability.

The BRP-Gregorio del Pilar is a high-endurance Hamilton-class cutter named the USCGC Hamilton and has served with the US Coast Guard

(SunStar)

Tiga Pangkalan Utama TNI AL Segera Diresmikan

06 Agustus 2015

Tiga Lanal yang akan diresmikan menjadi Lantamal adalah di Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat, di Tarakan, Kalimantan Utara, dan di Sorong, Papua Barat (photo : Metro Siantar)
.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Tiga pangkalan utama TNI AL, yaitu di Pontianak, Tarakan, dan Sorong di Papua Barat, segera diresmikan dan dipimpin seorang laksamana pertama TNI. Selama ini ketiganya masih di tingkat pangkalan TNI AL yang dipimpin seorang kolonel.  

Kepala Staf TNI AL, Laksamana TNI Ade Supandi, mengatakan, "Ini hanya ditingkatkan kelasnya dari Lanal kelas B akan ditingkatkan menjadi pangkalan TNI AL kelas A atau pangkalan utama TNI AL," kata Supandi, pada Seminar Nasional Hari Hidrografi Dunia 2015, di Ancol, Jakarta Utara, Rabu.

Secara geografis, geopolitik, dan geoekonomi kawasan, ketiganya sangat strategis. Pontianak berhadapan langsung dengan Laut China Selatan yang sejak empat tahun terakhir semakin menghangat sejalan klaim sepihak dan agresivitas militer China atas wilayah itu. 

Tarakan di Kalimantan Utara berhadapan langsung dengan perairan Blok Ambalat yang sempat diaku-aku Malaysia sebagai miliknya. Pendayagunaan dan pengawasan Gosong Karang Unarang serta patroli rutin TNI AL serta pemasangan rambu navigasi laut resmi dari Indonesia mampu meredam syahwat Malaysia tentang ini. 

Sorong juga mirip, namun dari sisi penguasaan perairan Laut Halmahera, Laut Maluku, Laut Banda, dan Samudera Pasifik, yang kaya ikan-ikan bernilai ekonomi tinggi serta kekayaan lain laut nasional. Ini juga menjadi salah satu jalur pelayaran internasional penting yang harus diawasi secara maksimal

"Semua ini strategi kami selaku TNI AL yang sudah lama dirumuskan," ujarnya. Dengan menjadi pangkalan utama TNI AL maka fungsinya meningkat, juga menjadi pusat-pusat pembinaan potensi maritim setempat secara lebih signifikan. 

Juga tipe dan kelas kapal-kapal perang yang bisa bersandar serta direparasi jika perlu juga meningkat. Secara fisik, umpamanya, panjang dermaga lebih panjang dengan fasilitas lebih lengkap. 

Pangkalan Utama TNI AL Pontianak akan diresmikan pada 7 Agustus 2015, Pangkalan Utama TNI AL Tarakan pada 12 Agustus. "Sedangkan untuk Pangkalan Utama TNI AL Sorong masih kami bahas tanggalnya. Namun, diperkirakan akan diresmikan pada  Oktober nanti," katanya.

Begitupun penomoran ketiga pangkalan utama TNI AL itu juga belum ditentukan. Misalnya Pangkalan Utama TNI AL VII/Kupang di NTT. 

(Antara)

New Era as F90 Assault Rifle Enters Australian Defence Force Service

05 Agustus 2015

Thales Australia F90 assault riffle (photo : Army Recognition)

The Australian Department of Defence has signed a AUD 100 million contract with Thales to produce rifles, grenade launchers, spare parts and various ancillaries at Thales’s facility in Lithgow, regional NSW.

The F90 is a light, versatile weapon that meets the highest standards of performance and reliability, and has been well-received by soldiers in various trials.

In Australian Defence Force (ADF) service, the rifle will be known as the Enhanced F88 (EF88), marking a significant enhancement of the original Austeyr F88.

Two versions will be delivered – a standard rifle with a 20” barrel, plus a carbine with a 16” barrel. Deliveries to the ADF will begin in the next few weeks and phased over six years.

Thales is currently exploring export opportunities for the F90 in various markets around the world, while also developing further enhancements for the rifle, which is fitted for but not with electronic architecture including centralised power as a key future-proofing measure.

(Thales)

Peluncuran Kapal Bantu Hidro Oseanografi ke-2 di Perancis

05 Agustus 2015

Upacara peluncuran  Kapal Bantu Hidro Oseanografi (BHO)ke-2 di Les Sables D’Olonne, Perancis (photo : TNI AL)

Bertempat di dermaga galangan kapal OCEA Les Sables d’Olonne, Perancis, telah dilaksanakan acara peluncuran kapal Bantu Hidro Oseanografi-2 (BHO-2) pada tanggal 3 Agustus 2015, yang dipimpin oleh Dirwilhan Ditjen Strahan Kementerian Pertahanan RI Laksamana Pertama TNI RM. Harahap, M.M. Acara peluncuran kapal tersebut ditandai dengan pemotongan tali menggunakan kapak sebagai tanda simbolis peluncuran kapal BHO-2.

Hadir dalam acara tersebut antara lain Dirrenbanghan Ditjen Renhan Kementerian Pertahanan R.I Marsma TNI Tata Endrataka, Irops Itjenal Laksma TNI Arusukmono, S,E, Paban VI Slogal Kolonel Laut (T) Ir. Fitri Hadi Suhaimi, M.A.P, dan Personil Satgas Yekda Kapal BHO. Sementara dari pihak galangan kapal OCEA S.A Perancis dihadiri oleh Director Quality and Projects Mr. Luc Boulestreau, Project Manager Mr. Franck Mayet, serta sub-contractor OCEA.

Berdasarkan kontrak pengadaan kapal BHO yang dilaksanakan oleh Kementerian Pertahanan Republik Indonesia dengan pihak galangan OCEA Perancis, maka dilaksanakan pembangunan kapal sebanyak 2 (dua) buah yang dimulai sejak bulan Oktober 2013 dan diperkirakan akan selesai pada akhir bulan September 2015. Peluncuran kapal BHO-2 ini merupakan kelanjutan dari pembuatan kapal jenis Multi Purpose Research Vessel (MPRV) sebelumnya yaitu KRI Rigel – 933 yang telah tiba di Indonesia, guna memperkuat armada survei dan pemetaan laut di jajaran Dishidros.

Setelah pelaksanaan launching BHO-2 ini, kegiatan yang akan dilaksanakan berikutnya adalah Harbour Acceptance Test (HAT) dan Sea Acceptance Test (SAT) untuk meyakinkan bahwa kapal dalam kondisi siap sebelum diserahkan kepada Kemhan/TNI AL. Selain itu kegiatan lainnya meliputi pelatihan awak kapal di Perancis pada pertengahan Agustus 2015, Military Seaworthiness, Uji L-1/L-2 dan Commodore Inspection. Apabila semua berjalan dengan baik sesuai rencana, maka kapal BHO-2 ini akan diresmikan sebagai Kapal Perang Republik Indonesia (KRI) pada minggu pertama Oktober 2015, dan direncanakan akan berlayar menuju Indonesia pada pertengahan Oktober 2015.

(TNI AL)

DND Junks P6.5-billion Missile Project for Territorial Defense with Israel

05 Agustus 2015

The SBMS acquisition project will be replaced by higher priority projects (photo : Kongsberg)

MANILA - The Department of National Defense (DND) has junked the Army’s P6.5-billion Shore-Based Missile System (SBMS), a government-to-government negotiated deal with Israel, and realigned this territorial external defense capability to purchase ballistic vests, helmets, and rifles, among others.

“The SBMS acquisition project will be replaced by higher priority projects that aim to provide support and protection for soldiers in the field due to the rising security situation in the WPS (West Philippine Sea) and the continuing terrorist acts by the enemies of the government of the Philippines,” according to a two-page letter from Patrick Velez, Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Installation, and Logistics (ASAIL), to Mr. Avi Felder, president of the Israel Military Industries (IMI).

In a letter dated 22 July 2015, a copy of which was obtained by InterAksyon.com, Velez clarified that the SBMS project is not shelved, its implementation only deferred from the 1st Horizon Project (2013-2017) to the 2nd Horizon Project (2018-2023).

But Malacanang has not yet confirmed if President Benigno Aquino has approved the DND decision.

Velez said the decision to use the P6.5 billion for personal protection of soldiers was a result of the 69th Senior Leaders Round-Table Discussion (SLRTD) on the Defense Acquisition System (DAS) on 10 June 2015.

Implications to foreign relations

Expectedly, the Israel Military Industries was shocked over the action of the DND and has been considering the filing of a diplomatic protest.

Aquino and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin earlier promised that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) would achieve minimum credible external defense capability before their term ends in 2016.

On 18 December 2014, the DND’s Special Bids and Awards Committee 1 (SBAC1) declared the IMI as the Singled Calculated Responsive Bidder (SCRB) for the project.

The IMI had just been waiting for the issuance of the Notice of Award (NOA) when in May then Army chief and now Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hernando Irriberi sought the realignment of the project.

This after the local representative of IMI filed criminal and administrative charges against him before the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged undue delay of the implementation of at least three ammunition projects worth P97.8 million.

Sources from the Ombudsman said the cases are due for resolution in connection with the supplier’s prayer for a six-month preventive suspension against Irriberi.

According to former National Security Adviser (NSA) and now Paranaque City Representative Roilo Golez, the SBMS project would have been a good move to jump-start Aquino’s promise of minimum credible external defense capability against the aggression of China in the WPS where it was reclaiming coral reefs into artificial islands as part of its expansionist policy in the region.

He slammed Irriberi for recommending in haste the realignment of the SBMS and urged the Commission on Appointments (CA) not to confirm him.

Implementation of the SBMS project, if not realigned, would have started this October and completed during the first half of 2016.

(InterAksyon)