MRH90 Proving Indispensable for RAN

01 Agustus 2015

A Royal Australian Navy MRH90 helicopter conducts pre-flight checks before departing HMAS Choules during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2015. (photo : RAN)

Personnel from HMAS Albatross' 808 Squadron have ably supported Navy's role in the recent Exercise TALISMAN SABRE, embarked in HMAS Choules.

Commanding Officer Choules Commander Chris Aulmann said that the reliable and flexible MRH90 helicopters operated by the Squadron provided essential logistical support, in both a ship-to-ship, and ship-to-shore environment.

“Initially assigned a range of people, mail and cargo tasks by the Air Operations Cell on USS Bonhomme Richard, the role of the MRH90 grew to supporting front line operations, including the re-supply of rations and water to soldiers ashore.

"This was a great vote of confidence in the aircraft and team of 18 who make up Flight 1 onboard Choules,” said CMDR Aulmann.

During the Exercise, the MRH90 also completed a record number of cross deck landings on US ships including to US Ships Bonhomme Richard, Green Bay, Ashland and Preble.

Flight Commander, Lieutenant Commander Steve Brown, said that it was vital that the Australian Defence Force could transport personnel to various ships throughout.

“As an extremely complex exercise with many moving parts, it was essential to the success of the Combined Expeditionary Force assault, that US and Australian planners were able co-ordinate and de-conflict both aviation and amphibious craft movements.

"The best way to do this was often by face-to-face meetings, which is why we were called upon to fly to so many different US Navy ships,” he said.

A highly capable and versatile successor for the Black Hawk, the MRH90 has an endurance of greater than three hours, and a cruising speed in excess of 140 knots, the MRH90 is capable of carrying 10 fully equipped soldiers or 19 passengers in air-conditioned comfort, thereby reducing flying fatigue.

“The greatest advantage of the MRH90 is its advanced safety features.

"For example it’s fitted with flotation devices which automatically inflate if forced to land on water, thereby giving a greater chance for the occupants to escape the aircraft safely,” Lieutenant Commander Brown said.

Participating gave many of the flight crew and maintainers the opportunity to put practice into reality.

“As a result of our successful operations over the past few weeks, I am looking forward to the MRH90 making an even bigger contribution to the next TALISMAN SABRE in 2017", Lieutenant Commander Brown said.

(RAN)

Navy Releases Document on Why it Needs Submarines

01 Agustus 2015

Royal Thai Navy fleet group (phoro : mdc)

THE NAVY has released a nine-page document detailing what it says are the reasons why the country needs to spend Bt36 billion on buying three submarines from China.

The move came after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha suspended the procurement of the Yuan Class S26T submarines and told the Navy to explain to the public the necessity of protecting the country's marine interests and why it wanted to buy the subs.

In the document, drafted on the order of Navy chief Admiral Kraisorn Chansuwanit, the Navy stated that Thailand's maritime interests amounted to Bt24 trillion per year with an increasing value. They include marine natural resources, marine transport, downstream industries and tourism. 

The submarines would be only 0.006 per cent of the total marine interests because they could be used for at least 30 years, the Navy stated.

Almost 95 per cent of the country's imports and exports are transported by sea, it said, adding that about 15,000 cargo vessels passed through the Gulf of Thailand per year. If the gulf, which is 400 kilometres wide, were blocked, as happened during World War II, the country would be badly affected.

The Navy said although there was no war looming, maritime conflicts between countries existed and no one could guarantee that the conflicts would not descend into wars. Having the submarines would be a defensive strategy against wars and a balance of power mechanism. 

In terms of its marine capability, the country is lagging 10 years behind neighbouring countries like Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia.

In response to claims the Yuan Class S26T would not be useful because it can only dive in shallow water and are easy targets for enemies, the Navy argued that the Gulf of Thailand is about 50 metres deep and some operations need to be done near the shore. Planes cannot see submarines which dive down 20 metres, it said.

The Navy said it wanted to buy the submarine because it was efficient and the most value for money. Five other countries would provide only two submarines for Bt36 billion. 

The Chinese submarine also had air-independent propulsion that enabled it to stay under water for 21 days compared with subs from other countries that had to emerge to charge batteries every four or five days.

The Chinese subs are also equipped with weapons, including torpedoes and sea mines, the Navy said, adding that their safety is on par with European submarines with a double-hull body.

China also offered eight years of parts service and a two-year guarantee on all equipment in the sub, while other countries offered only a one-year guarantee. China would also transfer knowledge on the sub maintenance, its systems and weapons. 

The Navy said the Bt36-billion fund would be paid through instalments over seven to 10 years, or around Bt3 billion to 5 billion per year depending on how much each instalment was set at. The money would not be taken from the central fund or special funds but the Navy's annual budget allocation from the government.

The document was released in response to the government's order for the Navy to explain the plan.

Former Democrat Party MP Watchara Petthong disapproved of the purchase, saying it would be unnecessary spending given the condition of the country's coffers and economy.

"I wonder if the move to push for the sub purchase has something to do with the commission fee,'' he said.

(Nation Multimedia)

NIOA Wns 40mm Grenade Launcher Contracts

01 Agustus 2015

Under the Land 40 Phase 2 project, NIOA will deliver the MK47 40mm Automatic Light Weight Grenade Launcher. (photo : GDATP/NIOA)

NIOA has been awarded contracts by the Commonwealth of Australia for the supply and support of the next generation of Light Weight Automatic Grenade Launchers (LWAGL) for the Australian Army. 

Under the Land 40 Phase 2 project, NIOA will deliver the MK47 40mm Automatic Light Weight Grenade Launcher, fitted with Lightweight Video Sight (LVS2) sighting system. The advanced LVS2 provides a new level of capability for light weapon sighting systems with integrated colour video and thermal imaging. 

Delivery of the LWAGL systems and spares will commence in mid-2016, with systems being systematically introduced into service across the ADF.

NIOA’s managing director, Mr Robert Nioa, said “we are very excited that NIOA has been awarded these contracts to supply and support the MK47 40mm ALGL with LVS2. With the award of these contracts, NIOA will become Australia’s only Australian-owned contractor capable of supporting the bulk of the Commonwealth’s infantry, direct fire and medium calibre weapon systems. 

"NIOA’s engineering and support capability developed under these contracts will become a major component of the Priority Industry Capability (PIC) for support of infantry weapons in Australia, and provides the Commonwealth with a viable option for the support of these weapon fleets," Nioa said.

(Australian Defence)

Philippine Coast Guard Capability Progresses

31 Juli 2015

MRRV for PCG was designed by Marubeni (image : Marubeni)

The Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project took a major step forward after the government awarded a contract to a Japanese shipbuilder for ten 44m patrol boats.

With 7,107 islands and 10.2% of the world’s coastline the Philippines faces daunting challenges such as human trafficking, illegal fishing, pollution, criminal activity, piracy, terrorism and smuggling. Oil companies estimate US$500 million annually is lost to smuggling.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) ordered the vessels from Japan Marine United (JMU) on 4 June. Jun Abaya, the DOTC secretary, declared, ‘These ten new vessels will help the coast guard in its functions of maritime law enforcement, search-and-rescue operations, and upholding maritime security within Philippines seas.’

Considering that the PCG surface fleet currently comprises only 22 vessels, these new Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRV) will contribute greatly to a more rapid response to maritime security incidents.

The PCG told Shephard: ‘With the increasing volume of maritime traffic and trade the risk of maritime incidents has likewise risen proportionately. With increasing commerce and movement of people, the probability of crime on the high seas also threatens the country’s security and the safety of various stakeholders.’

The PCG said the new MRRVs will be used as primary rescue vessels, marine environment protection, enforcing maritime laws (e.g. illegal fishing and sea patrols), disaster relief operations and transportation. They will be stationed in Manila, La Union and Puerto Princesa amongst other PCG bases.

The ten boats and associated spare parts will be delivered over a 24-month period beginning in late August 2016. Being implemented as an Official Development Assistance project, the procurement is being funded under a $161.7 million loan by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, with the Philippine government investing the balance of $31.5 million.

The PCG boats are manned by 25 crewmen, and an artist’s depiction indicates the design is based on the Bizan class used by the Japan Coast Guard (JCG). Powered by two MTU 12V 4000 M93L engines, the MRRV’s cruising speed is 15 knots and it has a range of 1,500 nautical miles. JMU has extensive experience building vessels for the JCG, while Marubeni Corporation will assist their introduction into the PCG.

The PCG possesses 7,590 uniformed personnel and 287 civilians. The organisation acknowledged to Shephard it has a ‘formidable task of protecting the country’s maritime jurisdiction and economic interests…In internal challenges we have limited numbers of surface and air assets and limited numbers of personnel.’

The PCG plans to recruit 1,000 personnel in 2015 to man vessels and field stations, as well as acquire two new helicopters.

(Shephard)

Prototipe Pesawat Habibie R80 Mulai Dibuat 2016

31 Juli 2015

Rancangan pesawat R-80 (image : Kaskus Militer)

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com — Prototipe atau purwarupa pesawat terbang rancangan Presiden ketiga RI BJ Habibie bertajuk Regio Prop 80 (R80) ditargetkan mulai dibuat pertengahan 2016, kata Komisaris PT Regio Aviasi Industri (RAI) Ilham Habibie.

"Semoga pertengahan tahun depan sudah tuntas semua (desainnya) sehingga pertengahan tahun depan kami sudah mulai membuat prototipe (purwarupa). Masih lama dari segi desain," ujar Ilham di Jakarta, Rabu (29/7/2015).

Ia menuturkan, saat ini pihaknya masih dalam tahap pembuatan desain awal R80, yakni dalam proses pemilihan komponen utama seperti mesin dan sistem pengendalian pesawat.

Pesawat R80 sebelumnya ditargetkan mulai terbang pada 2019, tetapi karena masalah teknis, Ilham memperkirakan pesawat tersebut baru siap diterbangkan pada 2021.

Untuk saat ini, tutur dia, terdapat tiga perusahaan penerbangan yang memesan pesawat itu mencapai total 145 unit, yakni dari Kalstar Indonesia, Nam Air, dan Trigana Air.

Sementara itu, untuk mesin pesawat, ia mengatakan, PT RAI akan menggunakan mesin dari tiga perusahaan, yakni Rolls Royce asal Inggris, Pratt and Whitney asal Amerika Serikat, serta General Electric asal Amerika Serikat.

Pesawat R80, menurut dia, memiliki beberapa keunggulan dibandingkan pesawat lain, di antaranya lebih besar dan hemat dalam penggunaan bahan bakar.

"Saya lihat biaya pengoperasian pesawat 30-50 persennya terkait bahan bakar, jadi mesin sangat menentukan. Kemajuan lain pesawat ini bisa juga di aerodinamika, kenyamanan kabin, material lebih maju, tapi yang paling penting lebih hemat 10-15 persen dibanding pesawat ATR," ujar dia.

Dengan keunggulan tersebut, Ilham mengatakan belum menentukan harga pasti untuk R80 karena belum menentukan mesin dan komponen-komponen yang akan dipakai. Namun, ia memperkirakan akan dibanderol sebesar 22 hingga 25 juta dollar AS per unit.

R80 merupakan suksesor dari pesawat N250 buatan IPTN yang kini disebut PT Dirgantara Indonesia. Sementara PT RAI yang mengembangkan R80 adalah perusahaan pembuat pesawat terbang komersial milik BJ Habibie.

(Kompas)

Harris Corporation Awarded Contract to Provide Key Avionics Components for US's and RAAF's F/A-18 E/F and Growler

31 Juli 2015

RAAF EA-18G Growler (image : RAAF)

Harris Corporation Awarded $29 Million Avionics Production Contract

MELBOURNE, Fla.,  — The U.S. Navy has awarded Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) a two-year, $29 million full-rate production contract to provide key avionics components that will enhance flight crews' targeting capabilities on the U.S. Navy's and Australia's F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft and EA-18G Growler electronic attack platform.

The avionics are a critical part of the Distributed Targeting System which will significantly improve the aircraft's networking capabilities, enhance targeting precision and shorten the time from target sensing to shooting.

"The F/A-18 brings critical Navy fighter and electronic warfare capabilities for the U.S. and key allies such as Australia," said Ed Zoiss, president, Electronic Systems, Harris Corporation. "Upgrading the mission- and image-processing prowess of the platform will help ensure that it continues to be the primary fighter aircraft for the U.S. Navy."

The combat-proven Super Hornet provides unequaled air dominance and precision strike capability. The EA-18G Growler, derived from the Super Hornet, is the U.S.' newest and most advanced airborne electronic attack platform. The Super Hornet and Growler programs support 60,000 jobs in the U.S. across 800 suppliers in 44 states, accounting for $3 billion in annual economic impact.

(Harris)

Incat Australia Minati Investasi Teknologi Perkapalan

31 Juli 2015

HMAS Jervis Bay, kapal AL Australia yang dibangun oleh Incat (photo : skyscrapercity)

Jakarta ( ANTARA News) - Produsen kapal Incat, Australia Pty Ltd berminat investasi bidang teknologi perkapalan yang diklaim sangat cocok dibangun di Indonesia, sesuai dengan dukungan pemerintah yang mendorong kemajuan industri maritim.

"Kami sangat senang dengan kemajuan (pembicaraan) yang signifikan. Kami serius akan berinvestasi pada bidang ini," kata Chairman Incat, Australia Pty Ltd Robert Clifford usai menemui Menteri Perindustrian Saleh Husin di Jakarta, Kamis.

Presdir PT Indocat Jayamahe Kris Sulisto mengatakan Menperin Saleh Husin meminta perusahaan untuk bekerja sama dengan perusahaan lokal dalam menerapkan teknologi perkapalan, yang nilai investasinya mencapai 10-50 juta dollar AS tersebut.

"Teknologi katamaran ini sangat cocok di wilayah Indonesia yang berupa kepulauan. Dengan adanya program poros maritim, makan akan dibutuhkan banyak sekali kapal," kata Kris.

Menurut dia, teknologi perkapalan milik perusahaan asal Australia tersebut mampu mengangkut banyak sekali barang, termasuk orang maupun kendaraan pengangkut, dengan kecepatan sekitar 50 knot per jam.

"Basisnya alumunium dan katamaran ini kapal yang di tengah permukaannya ada rongga, sehingga sangat stabil dan ini cepat sekali, sehingga bisa cepat sampai dari pulau satu ke pulau yang lain," ujar Kris.

Kris menambahkan, pihaknya akan bertemu dengan Asosiasi Industri Kapal Nasional Indonesia (IPERINDO) untuk mencari perusahaan galangan kapal lokal yang mau bekerja sama dalam menerapkan teknologi katamaran tersebut.

Saat ini, lanjutnya, perusahaan sedang menjajaki galangan kapal yang ada di Lampung, Jawa Barat, Jakarta, Jawa Timur dan Makasar.

(Antara)

Beyond 2017 : The Australian Defence Force and Amphibious Warfare

31 Juli 2015

Australian amphibious warfare potential, before and after the LHD procurement (image : ASPI)

Many people familiar with the ADF will claim that Australia has always had an amphibious warfare capability. While that might be true for hardware, the quality and capacity of the capability was never adequate for the perceived strategic and operational needs. Thankfully, Australia hasn’t had to employ the capability under hostile or opposed conditions since 1945. The ADF has conducted several expeditionary operations involving sea transport and in some cases amphibious sea transport, but those operations involved either a permissive landing site or even the use of an existing port facility. None involved the execution of a ship to objective manoeuvre in which a force had to defeat, deter (through tactical action) or avoid an opposing force and secure a landing site to serve as a sea point of disembarkation until a wharf or harbour facility could be secured through follow-on operations. The Army didn’t see amphibious warfare as a priority and therefore didn’t organise, educate or train its forces for amphibious warfare. To be clear, before the purchase of the LHDs, the ADF had some amphibious capacity, centred on HMAS Choules (LSD), HMAS Tobruk (LSH), and the two LPAs, HMAS Manoora and HMAS Kanimbla. The age of the Tobruk, and many  problems with the LPAs, provided part of the justification for the decision to buy the two LHDs.

The LHD procurement, combined with the maintenance of HMAS Choules, has greatly increased the ADF’s amphibious warfare capacity and potential (Figure 4). The tonnage, manpower, lane metres and helicopter landing spots available with the LHDs fundamentally change what the ADF might be able to do. As one person explained in our interviews, ‘if the Australian government just wanted amphibious sea transport capability, then they certainly bought the wrong ships.’ With the procurement of the LHDs, Australia has overcome a capacity challenge in developing amphibious warfare capability for large-scale ship to objective manoeuvre operations. We’ll now have to overcome the challenge of integrating land forces and synchronising all of the other fundamental inputs to capability if we want to achieve the specified and implied tasks of the 2013 DWP. If the 2015 DWP increases those expectations and includes tasks that are higher on the threat and complexity spectrum, the challenge will be even more difficult and costly. 

Due to the guidance gap, ADF leaders, especially the service chiefs, have agreed to postpone some key decisions about the sustainment of amphibious warfare capability and take an iterative approach. In the interim, they’ve filled the guidance gap by interpreting the 2013 DWP in such a way as to set the highest feasible threshold (employ an ARG in an amphibious assault) for amphibious warfare capability to be achieved by 2017. The ADF will wait for clearer guidance from the upcoming DWP and Force Structure Review, which the government expects to publish in September 2015. In the meantime, the ADF has wisely planned to take full advantage of lessons learned in the validation process until 2017. However, it’s important to note that many decisions about the sustainment of amphibious warfare capability after 2017 must be made before the end of 2015 if they’re to be effectively
implemented by 2017.

see full article ASPI

5 Unit Howitzer Swagerak Caesar Datang di Jakarta

31 Juli 2015

Howitser swagerak 155 mm Nexter Caesar (photo : ARC)

Selamat datang (lagi) Caesar..!!

Setelah melalui berbagai aral melintang, akhirnya meriam swagerak Caesar 155mm kembali tiba di tanah air. Setibanya di Pelabuhan Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, proses bongkar muat juga sempat terkendala unjuk rasa pekerja kontainer. Namun akhirnya, pada kamis dini hari, satu persatu meriam asal Prancis ini bisa dibongkar muat

Total ada sebanyak 15 unit Caesar yang akan datang dalam waktu dekat ini. Pada kamis dinihari tadi, sebanyak 5 unit dulu yang telah tiba. Dengan ditambah 4 unit yang telah tiba tahun lalu, maka total ada 19 unit Caesar yang akan datang tahun ini. Pada tahun depan, sebanyak 18 unit sisa pesanan direncanakan akan tiba.

Dalam waktu dekat juga akan dilakukan uji fungsi Meriam caesar yang telah tiba. Termasuk Uji fungsi kendaaraan tempur Komodo yang berfungsi sebagai BCV (Baterai Command Vehicle). Ssssttt... kini tengah diperjuangkan pula pengadaan LG-1MK3, untuk memenuhi kebutuhan 2 batalyon. 

(ARC)

Seventh C-17A Globemaster III Arrived in Australia

30 Juli 2015

Arrival of the seventh Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III at RAAF Base Amberley. (photo : Aus DoD)

Fastest C-17A delivery in Australian history

The seventh C-17A Globemaster III aircraft arrived in Australia at RAAF Base Amberley today, marking the fastest C-17A delivery in our fleet.

Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews said the rapid acquisition of the aircraft is a testament to the close relationship that exists between Australia and the United States. 

“The active involvement of a number of United States and Australian agencies has been pivotal in meeting the successful delivery of this aircraft and I applaud everyone involved in the acquisition program,” Minister Andrews said.

“This acquisition signifies considerable work opportunities for the local industry, with $300 million being spent to upgrade facilities.

“With its proven ability to transport heavy equipment, vehicles and helicopters in a short time frame, the C-17A’s capabilities are vital to Australia’s national security and safety.”

Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Leo Davies, AO, CSC said the acquisition of two additional C-17A aircraft will increase the Australian Defence Force’s capacity to provide vital community and humanitarian assistance.

“The C-17A fleet has been integral to recent operations including the rapid deployment of Australian forces in support of the Iraq Government , assistance in the Queensland floods, and the recovery of MH17 victims from Eastern Ukraine,” Air Marshal Davies said.

“This latest acquisition will bolster our existing fleet of strategic lift aircraft – providing vital heavy airlift support to a range of operations, and increase our capacity to provide swift disaster relief and humanitarian assistance at home and abroad.

“Under Plan Jericho, the Air Force is dedicated to developing a networked, future joint force that can respond across the spectrum – from combat to humanitarian support. An additional two C-17A aircraft will help us achieve that,” Air Marshal Davies said.

The Government announced the acquisition of two additional C-17A aircraft in April 2015 representing a $1 billion investment in Australia’s security and Defence Force.  The eighth C-17A is planned to arrive in Australia in late 2015.

(Aus DoD)

APC Amfibi Kreasi Anak Negeri

30 Juli 2015

Penampilan APC Amfibi pada upacara HUT Korps Marinir ke-67. (photos : Wirajayadi Bahari)

Sebuah hasil karya Tank APC (Armoured Personnel Carrier) berhasil diciptakan berkat kerjasama TNI-AL (Dislitbangal dan Denhar Lanmar Surabaya) bersama PT Wirajayadi Bahari.

Kesuksesan kerjasama TNI Angkatan Laut (Dislitbangal dan Denhar Lanmar Surabaya) bersama PT Wirajayadi Bahari. Mampu menyuguhkan sesuatu yang banyak menyedot perhatian banyak pengunjung dalam ajang Indo Defence 2012 awal November lalu. Adalah penampakan sebuah prototipe,namun bukan prototipe panser yang rajin dirilis selama ini, tapi ini adalah prototipe sebuah tank, yakni tank angkut personel alias Tank APC (armoured personnel carrier).

Tank angkut personel yang mampu mengangkut 2 Awak dan 20 pasukan ini dirancang untuk memenuhi kebutuhan Korps Marinir TNI AL. Dimana target pengembangan tank APC ini adalah untuk menggantikan keberadaan Panser Amfibi BTR-50 yang usianya sudah sangat tua.

Dengan Daya mesin: 520 HP/328 kw Tank yang memiliki panjang: 8.70 m, lebar: 3.50 m, tinggi: 2.30 m dan berat: 20 ton mampu berjalan dengan kecepatan 60 km/jam di jalan raya dan 35 km/jam di jalan off road, serta kecepatan berjalan di laut dengan dua water jet bisa mencapai 14 km per jam. 

Daya tempuh Tank ini sekitar 370 km di darat, 340 di medan off road serta mampu berenang di laut sejauh 90 km. Selain itu Tank ini juga mampu berjalan dengan sudut kemiringan 32 derajat.

Tank APC dipersenjatai 3 pucuk senapan mesin FN MAG kaliber 7,62 mm. 1 pucuk di depan,dan 2 di belakang. APC Amfibi ini telah melewati serangkaian uji coba dengan hasil memuaskan. 

Pengujian maneuver di darat di KarangPilang, Surabaya dan test kekedapan di kolam Denhar Lanmar. Embarkasi dan debarkasi di laut melalui rampa kapal dari Landing Ship Tank (LST) KRI Teluk Banten-516 di Koarmatim.

Pengujian maneuver darat di Karangtekok, Asembagus. Serta lolos pengujian tahan peluru body APC Amfibi dengan senjata peluru kaliber 5,56 mm dan 7,62 pada jarak 50m dan 100m

Dalam hasil uji coba ini Tank APC telah memenuhi standar dan keselamatan TNI AL serta ergonomis sebagai ranpur amphibi yang memenuhi standar operasional TNI AL. Sementara mesin yang digunakan adalah mesin KAPA (Kendaraan Amfibi Pengangkut Artileri) K-61 yang juga buatan Uni Soviet. 

Desain ranpur ini cukup kokoh dan mantab dengan lapisan baja yang kuat.dan sistem pintu buka tutupnya berada di belakang, mirip dengan tank Stormer TNI AD.

Majalah Marinir No.37-Februari 2013

Navy Flagship to be Equipped with Missile System

30 Juli 2015

PF-15 BRP Gregorio del Pilar (photo : pdff)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The BRP Gregorio del Pilar Patrol Frigate (PF) 15 will be equipped with missile system for long range threats, according to official.

BRP Gregorio del Pilar, one of the two Philippine Navy (PN) flagships, arrived in this city as part of its routine patrol in southern Philippines.

Navy Captain Vincent Sibala, commander of BRP Gregorio del Pilar said the main firepower of his warship is the 7mm Oto Melara cannon and other armaments which are still working with upgraded sensors.

BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a mainstay in the West Philippine Sea is also equipped with long range radar system that can detect other crafts in the sea.

Sibala said additional guns and sensors are already in the pipeline of the Department of National Defense (DND).

The missile system however is not yet installed.

“But we are looking forward that we will have missile capability soon,” Sibala said. “Because the trainings of our personnel and their performance we are already up to far. Kayang-kaya na po nila yong mag-acquire ng missile.”

Sibala maintained that they strictly follow the trust of the Philippine government not to escalate the situation at the West Philippine Sea.

“We are here for peace and not basically to fight for a war,” Sibala said. “We should be ready but as much as possible, we try to avoid it.”

Sibala cited that they follow the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES), an agreement signed by 21 countries, including the Philippines and China, which aims to deescalate naval encounters.

(PhilStar)

The Australian Growler: Ready to Fly, Ready to Jam

30 Juli 2015

Royal Australian Air Force gaining airborne electronic attack capability with first EA-18G Growler (photo : Australian Aviation)

Boeing is unveiling an Australian version of the aircraft that offers a veil of protection to fighter fleets. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is receiving its first EA-18G Growler. Australia joins the United States as the only two nations to fly the airborne electronic attack platform. The Growler’s radar-jamming devices deceive and frustrate enemy forces and allow strike jets to carry out their missions undetected. 

“The Growlers really compliment our air combat capability our legacy fighters, our Super Hornets and the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF); they’ll be a lot more lethal when you have a Growler up there to support,” said Wing Cmdr. Cameron Cornell, deputy project manager, Australian Growler program. Members of the Royal Australian Air Force will train with the U.S. Navy to learn the intricacies of controlling the electromagnetic spectrum.

The Royal Australian Growler recently demonstrated its agile flight capabilities during its first flight in St. Louis, Mo., where the Growler and Super Hornet assembly lines are located. Check out the video to see the Australian Growler’s air prowess in action and learn more about Australia’s desire to master the art of electronic deception.

(Boeing)

Malaysia Signed Deal for UK Made SAMs

30 Juli 2015

Starstreak V-Shorads (photo : lowyat)

Shah Alam: Malaysia has signed the deal for the procurement of the Thales Starstreak V-Shorads, ahead of the official visit of the UK Prime Minister on  Thursday.

Industry sources told Malaysian Defence that the deal

involved Global Komited Sdn Bhd which will supply the GM-K1 vehicles and Thales UK, the producer of the Starstreak V-Shorads. The deal will also include light weight multiple launchers, radars and command and control system.

Global Komited, a subsidiary of Weststar Group and Thales signed the agreement to market the Starstreak system to the Malaysian Armed Forces at  DSA 2014.

The Starstreak will replace the Thales Starbust V-Shorads which had been used in the air defence of military bases.

As the signing today is for the LOA, the  LOI for the deal would have been signed much earlier but was kept under wraps until today.

David Cameron, the UK PM will be in Kuala Lumpur Thursday for a 12 hour visit, the last leg of his  South East Asia tour and the first to the region since his recent re-election.

The Starstreak deal is the only defence item procured during the visit.

(Malaysian Defence)

First RAAF P-8 on Track for Mid-2016 First Flight

29 Juli 2015

P-8As for the US Navy on Boeing’s mission systems integration line for the aircraft, which is adjacent to Boeing Field, Seattle. (photo : Australian Aviation)

Components for the first Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft for the RAAF are already in production ahead of the aircraft’s first flight in mid-2016, Boeing says.

The fuselage for the first RAAF P-8A, dubbed ‘Aussie 01’, should arrive at Boeing’s Renton factory to begin final assembly by early 2016, James Detwiler, Boeing Military Aircraft’s director of business development for maritime projects, told Australian journalists in Seattle on Monday.

“We’ve already begun production on the first aircraft. Aussie 01 is in production right now in a very long-lead advanced procurement state,” Detwiler said.

“The first fuselage will be complete by the end of the year … and that first Australian [fuselage] will be here [Boeing’s mission systems integration line adjacent to Boeing Field in Seattle] in the first part of 2016.”

That would lead to a first flight in “mid-year 2016,” Detwiler said.

The Australian government announced approval of the RAAF’s acquisition of eight P-8As with options on a further four in February 2014. The first Australian aircraft is due to be delivered in early 2017 and all eight are expected in service by 2021. Prime Minister Tony Abbott said at the time that acquiring the four optioned aircraft would be considered as part of the new Defence White Paper, which is due to be released in coming weeks.

To date Boeing has delivered 27 production P-8As to the US Navy out of a requirement – project of record – for 117. Fifty-three P-8As have been contracted for under low rate initial production (LRIP) batches 1 through 4 and the first full-rate production batch. Currently Boeing and the US Navy are finalising contracts for full rate production batch two and long-lead items for full rate production batch three, which will include all eight Australian aircraft. A contract for long-lead items covering the first four RAAF aircraft was signed last August.

So far India and Australia are the only confirmed P-8 export customers – but Detwiler said Boeing anticipated that further international orders would take total P-8 production beyond 200 units.

“We’re looking at numbers that would bring a fleet size in the 200 ballpark, maybe more,” Detwiler said.

India is acquiring eight P-8Is, a variant of the P-8A featuring a different communications suite and a digital magnetic anomaly detector (MAD). Seven of the eight Indian P-8Is have already been delivered.

(Australian Aviation)

Su-22M3K of Vietnam was Upgraded in Ukraine?

29 Juli 2015

 VPAF Su-22UM3K in Ukraine (photos : KienThuc)

Su-22UM3K Vietnam's fighter supposedly been sent to Ukraine to carry out repairs and upgrading.

Information on new military air Informant Military-page guide to sources Spotters.net.ua (Ukraine) said.

Fighter Su-22M3K 8556 numbers are thought of Vietnam People's Air Force is in Ukraine's Zaporozhye.

The source did not disclose how many Su-22M3K of Vietnam were sent to Ukraine for repairs. Only know through the images on Spotters.net.ua disclosed, at least 2 Su-22M3K.

Su-22UM3K are two seats fighters bomber that can be used for part-time as combat trainer.

Along with Su-22M3K number 8556 is a Su-22M3K bearing number 8551.

According to the Military-Informant, most likely these images taken since 2007 but only now revealed.

Su-22M3K and fighter Su-22M4 bombing of Vietnam is also rumored that could have been upgraded in Ukraine.

(KienThuc)

Australia Drops Plans to Use AWD Hulls for Future Frigates

29 Juli 2015

The air warfare destroyer Hobart after its launch at Osborne. (photo : AdelaideNow)

The option of using the Navantia-designed hull of Australia's Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs) as the basis for the proposed Future Frigate that will replace the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) Anzac-class fleet has been quietly dropped, informed sources have told IHS Jane's .

At the same time, a reported limit on the displacement of the Future Frigate has been set aside in favour of assessing the capability effects of competing platforms, an industry briefing was told on 15 July.

Both developments clear the way for a robust international competition to build at least eight Future Frigates under Project Sea 5000.

(Jane's)

France in Advancad Discussion with Malaysia and UAE to Supply Rafale Fighter

29 Juli 2015

Rafale jet fighter (photo : militaryphotos)

France aiming for two more Rafale deals by early 2016

(Reuters) - France is confident of winning two more foreign orders for its Rafale fighter jet by the beginning of next year as it seeks to extend a spate of recent export successes, a source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.

After failing for years to win an order for its warplane, France has sold 24 Rafales each to Egypt and Qatar in recent months and is in talks to finalise the sale of another 36 to India.

"There should be two other export contracts for the Rafale by the beginning of next year," not including India, the source said.

"The most advanced discussions are with Malaysia and the UAE," the source added.

In a further development, the source said that France was negotiating with India for options to supply further aircraft on top of the 36 Rafales the country has provisionally agreed to buy.

In April, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had ordered 36 "ready-to-fly" Rafale fighters to modernise his country's warplane fleet, dealing directly with the French government after three years of inconclusive negotiations with the plane's manufacturer, Dassault.

India has signalled any further purchases will come though government channels, raising doubts over the future of the stalled commercial negotiations with Dassault for 126 jets

Competition

The recent spate of Rafale export orders has shaken up the global defence market and given fresh momentum to the French warplane as available production slots begin to dwindle.

Analysts and diplomats say the appetite for the jets has also risen as a result of the United States' diminishing influence in the Arab world along with wider security concerns.

However, Dassault still faces tough competition from U.S. and European rivals.

Kuwait is expected to announce soon an order for 28 Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets, a $3 billion-plus deal that will keep the jets' St. Louis production line running well into 2019, according to people familiar with the deal. .

Malaysia, which wants to replace its fleet of Russian MiG-29 fighters, is looking at the Rafale, the F/A-18, Swedish firm Saab's Gripen and the Eurofighter Typhoon.

While a Malaysian decision had been expected this year, aviation industry executives have warned that fiscal troubles due to lower oil and commodities prices could lead to delays in placing the order.

Indonesia, which needs to replace ageing U.S.-built F-5s, is reported to be studying the Rafale, Eurofighter and Russia's Sukhoi Su-35 as well as Sweden's Gripen and the Lockheed Martin F-16. The Eurofighter consortium comprises Airbus Group , representing Germany and Spain, Italy's Finmeccanica and Britain's BAE Systems.

(Reuters)

Two Navy Vessels Arriving Next Week from Australia: Three More to be Procured

28 Juli 2015

BRP Ivatan (AT298) and BRP Batak (AT299) will arrive next week (photo : snipview)

The Philippine government will purchase remaining three decommissioned Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) vessels from the Australian government. This was confirmed by President Benigno S. Aquino III in his sixth State of the Nation Address (SONA) July 27 at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

“We plan on buying three more, once all the paperwork has been put in order, the processes to procure them will begin,” Aquino said in Filipino. The said vessels are part of five recently decommissioned Australian Balikpapan-class LCVs. Two were donated to Philippine Navy and are expected to arrive next week.

“By next week, two Landing Craft Heavy will arrive from Australia,” the President said.

He added that the turnover of these vessels was very generous. “They even came with spare parts and generators.”

“These vessels will reduce our dependence on the kindness of other nations; we will be able to accelerate delivery to different parts of the Philippines, and more promptly send aid, supplies, and other heavy equipment such as bulldozers, which are needed for clearing and relief operations,” Aquino said.

The Department of National Defense previously said remaining three Australian LCHs will be procured at a giveaway price of PhP726 million.

(AngMalaya)

Singapore Debuts S-70B Naval Helicopter on Board US Navy LCS

28 Juli 2015

A Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter from the Republic of Singapore Air Force lands on the USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) during deck landing qualifications as part of 'CARAT' 2015. (photo : US Navy)

In a sign of greater interoperability between the armed forces of the two countries, the US Navy's (USN's) Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) has conducted deck landing qualifications for a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF's) S-70B naval helicopter during a bilateral naval exercise.

"The RSAF's S-70B Seahawk deck landing qualification on board Fort Worth during this year's Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training' ('CARAT') 2015 Singapore was the first time that the aircraft has landed on a littoral combat ship," Lieutenant Lauryn Dempsey, spokeswoman for the USN's Destroyer Squadron 7, said in response to questions from IHS Jane's on 27 July.

The qualifications were conducted during the sea phase of the exercise, part of a series of bilateral naval drills between the USN and the armed forces of nine partner countries in south and Southeast Asia.

'CARAT' Singapore 2015 ran from 13-24 July and featured ashore and at-sea phases, the latter focusing on conventional maritime warfare operations including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine operations.

"With LCS now a routine presence in the region, the ability to cross-deck RSAF helicopters on LCS brings significant versatility to our joint operations together, and provides opportunities for our navies to strengthen our interoperability during future exercises," Lt Dempsey said.

Another highlight of this year's drills was the inaugural deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in conventional maritime operational scenarios by both the USN and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

The RSN operated Boeing-Insitu ScanEagle UAVs from its Victory-class guided-missile corvettes RSS Vigour (P 92) and RSS Valour (P 89), while the USN deployed a Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV from Fort Worth . The UAVs were employed for maritime surveillance operations.

An RSAF S-70B helicopter operating from the RSN's Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme (73) also took part in combined torpedo firing exercises with a USN MH-60R Seahawk helicopter.

"CARAT Singapore has increased in scope and complexity over the years," Colonel Seah Poh Yeen, co-commander of the task group for 'CARAT' Singapore 2015, said in a statement released by Singapore's Ministry of Defence on 22 July. "The successful conduct of the combined torpedo firing and the UAV operations underscores the high level of interoperability and trust both navies have achieved," he said.

The US and Singapore armed forces have been involved in the 'CARAT' exercises series since it began in 1995. Following 'CARAT' Singapore 2015, additional bilateral phases of the exercise will occur through November 2015 with Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Timor-Leste.

(Jane's)

Pangkalan Selam TNI AL Ditargetkan Rampung 2017

27 Juli 2015

Pangkalan kapal selam di Palu untuk mendukung kedatangan 2 kapal selam baru dari Korea (photo : Kaskus Militer)

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID,JAKARTA -- Dalam kunjungan kerjanya ke Palu, Sulawesi Tengah, Kamis (23/7) silam, Menteri Koordinator Politik Hukum dan Keamanan, Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno, sempat mengutarakan bakal mempercepat realisasi pembangunan pangkalam kapal selam di Pangkalan TNI AL (Lanal) Watusampu, Palu.

Pihak TNI AL pun menargetkan, pangkalan kapal selam itu sudah selesai pada awal 2017 mendatang. 

Kepala Dinas Penerangan TNI AL (Kadispenal), Laksamana Pertama TNI M Zainudin, mengungkapkan, saat ini pihaknya memang terus melakukan upaya pengembangan pembangunan pangkalan kapal selam di Palu, Sulawesi Tengah. Pengembangan ini pun diharapkan selesai pada saat kedatangan dua kapal selam baru yang dipesan dari Korea Selatan.

Rampungnya pembangunan pangkalan itu nantinya dapat mendukung kedatangan dua kapal selam baru yang memperkuat TNI AL tersebut. ''Dua (kapal selam baru) di awal 2017 dan di akhir 2017. Jadi (pembangunan pangkalan kapal selam) diharapkan bisa sudah siap di awal 2017,'' kata Zainudin saat dihubungi Republika, Ahad (26/7).

Kadispenal menambahkan, dalam upaya pembangunan pangkalan kapal selam itu, pihaknya melaksanakan secara bertahap. Selain itu, pembangunan itu disesuaikan dan berdasarkan anggaran yang didapat dari APBN. Saat ini, pembangunan dermaga dan dok untuk kapal selam sudah hampir rampung diselesaikan.

''Terutama fasilitas-fasilitas yang khususnya untuk kapal selam,'' ujar Zainudin.

Dalam Rencana Strategis Minimun Essential Forces (MEF), TNI AL memang sempat menargetkan menambah armada kapal selam yang mereka miliki.

Saat ini, TNI AL baru memiliki dua kapal selam, yaitu KRI Cakra 401 dan KRI Nanggala 402. Dua kapal selam itu pun sudah tergolong cukup tua dan beroperasi sejak 1980 silam. Alhasil, pemerintah lewat Kementerian Pertahanan telah menyepakati soal pembelian tiga kapal selam jenis Changbogo dengan sistem transfer of techology (ToT).

Rencananya, dua kapal selam itu akan dibuat di Korea Selatan oleh perusahaan galangan kapal Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME). Kemudian satu unit kapal selam akan dibuat oleh industri galangan kapal dalam negeri, yaitu PT PAL.

Sebelumnya, dalam rencana pemenuhan alutsista yang mengacu pada MEF, 2013 silam. TNI AL mengungkapkan kebutuhan sekitar 12 kapal selam untuk bisa menjamin pengamanan wilayah NKRI.

Selain kapal selam, TNI AL juga terus melakukan program peremajaan dan modernisasi Alutsista, terutama untuk kapal-kapal patroli yang kondisinya sudah tua seperti, fast patrol boat (kapal cepat patroli), Kapal Frigate dan Korvet buatan Belanda, serta kapal penyapu ranjau.

''Jadi rata-rata sudah hampir 40 tahun kapal-kapal ini. Sebelum mereka habis, kita proses remajakan, jangan sampai terjadi kekosongan alutsista karena ketidaksiapan TNI dalam peremajaan. Mudah-mudahan semuanya itu sesuai waktu,'' ujar Kepala Staf Angkatan Laut (KSAL), Laksamana TNI Ade Supandi, beberapa waktu lalu.

(Republika)

Airbus Helicopters Achieves Factory Acceptance for First “HATS” Military Training Helicopter for Australia

27 Juli 2015

Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) for the Australian Defence Force (photo : Airbus Helicopters)

Airbus Helicopters has achieved Factory Acceptance of HATS01, the first of fifteen helicopters of the H135 family (EC135 T2+) for the Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). 

Boeing Defence Australia as the prime contractor for the new training system for the ADF, joined with representatives of the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army for a Factory Acceptance ceremony for the “ideal training platform for the next generation of Navy and Army pilots”. 

Under the JP 9000 Phase 7 HATS project, a new joint helicopter training system for both Army and Navy aircrew will utilise the EC135 T2+ helicopters, along with flight simulators and a new flight-deck equipped sea-going training vessel.

“Airbus Helicopters is thrilled that Boeing and the Commonwealth of Australia have demonstrated their confidence in our product by accepting this first EC135 T2+, on time and on budget, as part of a world leading high tech helicopter aircrew training system for the ADF”, says Peter Harris, Head of Governmental Sales for Australia Pacific.

“Following contract signature in November of 2014, the first aircraft took to the skies on the 16th of January 2015, and is now accepted by the customer. The next steps involve training of initial Boeing and Commonwealth aircrews and technicians here in Donauwörth, before shipment to Australia in January 2016” said Harris.

Boeing’s HATS Program Manager James Heading said that during 2015 the Boeing team have been conducting engineering evaluations and ground and flight test activities and have been fully satisfied with the results. 

“By partnering with Airbus Helicopters on this important program, Boeing Defence Australia is confident of meeting our requirements towards the Commonwealth for providing a mature and cost effective platform that meets training, technical and safety requirements and the future needs of the Australian Defence Force,” said Heading. 

The EC135 T2+ is a consummate military training helicopter, offering a glass cockpit with high visibility, a multi-axis auto-pilot, the performance and safety of a twin-engine helicopter replacing current single types, plus other advanced technologies to help instructors perform training missions safely and provide the ADF with the flexibility to undertake additional missions.

The more than 1,200 H135 helicopters now delivered have clocked up over three million flight hours world-wide. The helicopter is part of successful training systems in Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Japan, and is in service in Australia with the Victorian and New South Wales police forces.

(Airbus Helicopters)