DEFENSE STUDIES

06 Oktober 2016

S-61A4 Nuri helicopter (photo : Chaity)

PETALING JAYA: The S-61A4 Nuri helicopters should be upgraded and replaced with newer assets to prevent accidents from occurring, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

"I have reminded the top leadership in the Defence Ministry and the armed forces that there is no compromise when it comes to the safety of the personnel and preparedness of our military assets,” said Hishammuddin in a press release this Wednesday.

On Tuesday morning, a Nuri helicopter crashed at SMK Balung in Tawau, injuring approximately 10 Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) personnel and five students.

"I agree and understand the public's opinion on the fact that the Nuri helicopters have been in service for a long time – since 1968 – and should be replaced with newer assets," said Hishammuddin.

He added that he has instructed the RMAF chief to prepare action and upgrading plans for the Nuri.

"I will be receiving a special briefing from the RMAF regarding the plans after my return from a working trip next week," said Hishammuddin.

(The Star)

06 Oktober 2016

Pesawat Sukhoi Su-27 dengan rudal R-73 (photo : Batampos)

NATUNA, KOMPAS.com - Belasan pesawat tempur TNI AU antara lain Sukhoi 27/30 MK dan F-16 Fighting Falcon melakukan unjuk kekuatan di depan Presiden Joko Widodo dalam Latihan Tempur Angkasa Yudha 2016 di Kabupaten Natuna, Kepulauan Riau, Kamis (6/10/2016).

Pesawat F-16 C/D TNI AU (photo : TNI AU)

Jokowi yang didampingi Ibu Negara Iriana Joko Widodo menyaksikan latihan tempur saling kejar atau dog fight oleh satu Sukhoi Su 30 dan dua F-16.

Selain itu, pesawat Hawk 100/200 dan T50i Golden Eagle serta Super Tucano juga melakukan unjuk kekuatan dengan melakukan pemboman dengan sasaran di Laut Natuna.

Pesawat serang ringan Hawk 109 (photo : TNI AU)

Setelah pemboman selesai dilakukan, Jokowi juga menyaksikan penerjunan statis dan dinamis oleh Pasukan Khas Angkatan Udara yang melakukan latihan pengamanan daerah dengan menumpang pesawat cargo yaitu dua CN-295 serta enam C-130 Hercules.

TNI AU juga melakukan penembakan kepada sisa sasaran di laut menggunakan meriam Oerlikon dan QW3.

Pesawat latih & serang ringan T-50i (photo : tribunnews)

Beberapa unit helikopter Super Puma juga melakukan latihan pengamanan evakuasi dan pertolongan kepada pilot yang disimulasikan telah eject dari pesawat tempur.

Dalam perhelatan tersebut, Presiden telah mendapatkan penganugerahan Lencana Wing Kehormatan TNI AU.

Oerlikon Skyshield, QW-3 dan LIG Nex1 Chiron manpads terbaru TNI AU,(photo : Keris)

Menurut agenda, dalam kunjungannya, Presiden juga akan mengunjungi lokasi pembangunan Cold Storage atau gudang pendingin di Sentra Kelautan dan Perikanan Terpadu (SKT) di Selat Lampa. Selain itu, Kepala Negara juga akan meninjau Dermaga Apung serta Dermaga Beaching TNI AL.

(Kompas)

07 Oktober 2016

C130T for PAF (photo : AMARG)

The fifth US Lockheed C-130 transport plane to be acquired by the Philippine Air Force will arrive in Cebu on Sunday.

The plane will touch down at Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Air Force spokesperson Col. Antonio Francisco told reporters on Thursday.

The plane took off Thursday morning from Davis-Monthan Air Base in Tucson, Arizona.

The C-130 plane will boost the Air Force’s capability in humanitarian assistance and disaster response, as well as transport of troops, relief goods and equipment.

The refurbished C-130 is the second of the two planes bought from the US at P1.6 billion through the Excess Defense Articles program. The first one arrived last April.

The number of C-130 planes in the Air Force inventory will be increased to five after the latest C-130 arrives. Other transport planes of the Air Force are three C-295 airbus and three Fokker F-27.

(Inquirer)

07 Oktober 2016

KD Hang Tuah training ship (photo : jiayuan)

Hang Tuah, Laksamana-class, LMS and Helos too

SHAH ALAM: KD Hang Tuah, the grand dame of the Royal Malaysian Navy will be paid-off when the two DSME-designed training ships are commissioned.

The first training ship, Gagah Samudera is expected to be commissioned by November while the second ship, Teguh Samudera is expected to receive its pennant, next year.

RMN chief Admiral Ahmad Kamarulzaman Badaruddin said the four Laksamana-class corvettes will be decommissioned – most likely one at a time – when the first four units of the Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) are commissioned, also one at a time.

He did not specify the timeline for the decommissioning or the commissioning, however. Hang Tuah will be preserved as a floating museum though the location has not been decided.

Asked why Hang Tuah and Laksamana-class were to be retired ahead of the much-older Sandakan-based patrol craft – KD Seri Perlis and KD Seri Johor, Kamarulzaman said the five ships were chosen based on the number of days they spend at sea and the cost to maintain them.

Laksamana class corvette (photo : Shephard)

“Based on those criterias, Hang Tuah will be the first to go and the Laksamanas the next. After that it will be the MCMVs turn,” he says in an interview after presenting the keynote address at the Maritime Warfare Asia 2016 on Wednesday.

Kamarulzaman also said that an announcement on the RMN 15-to-5 plan will be made during the presentation of the 2017 Budget, scheduled to be delivered by the Finance Minister by the end of this month.

Pressed on what will be announced, Kamarulzaman declined to comment further saying that “you will have to wait for the budget presentation.

Asked whether the announcement will be about RMN ordering China-made warships – corvettes or the LMS – Kamarulzaman declined to be specific although he said that the service had no objections in getting them as long it fit “RMN requirements and missions.”

On the LMS, Kamarulzaman confirmed that the plan was to buy 18 of these vessels. RMN, according to him, is speaking with shipyards to get their proposals for the class. He said the LMS will replaced various vessels in the navy including the MCMVs.

KD Kasturi frigate (photo : standupper)

As for future mine hunting, Kamarulzaman said that they might used containerised mission modules for the capabiliy. He did not specify the numbers of modules to be procured or the capability to be acquired.

Kamarulzaman declined to outline the exact specifications of LMS apart from that it will be “70ish (metre) long”. It will be fitted for UAVs and probably USVs.

“We want to move away from laying specifications as in the past. When we do that – when my planning officers go to exhibitions and similar events – they will come back with a lot of data and we end up with a gold plated ship.

For the LMS our priority are the mission capabilities, that is why we called them (littoral) mission ships. It will not be our main surface combatants, that is the job of the LCS, the LMS will be used for border security, patrol and similar operations.

For border patrol or preventing illegal fishing, we do not need for example, jamming capabilities. However we might opt for “Fitted for but Not Equipped With” concept so we can reduce the purchase price.”

Asked on whether missiles and guns will be fitted on the LMS, Kamarulzaman said it will be based the proposals by the shipyards.

He also declined to specify the cost of the LMS as envisioned by the navy apart from saying it will be 80 per cent cheaper than the LCS. Industry sources however told Malaysian Defence that the cost has been capped to RM200 million per ship inclusive of the all the weapons.

One source says only China will be able to sell such a vessel at that price.

Meanwhile, Kamarulzaman said they want six newly built helicopters instead of just upgrading the six Super Lynxes already in service.

“The cost of upgrading the Super Lynxes is as much as buying new ones, so might as well we buy new ones. We have learn our lessons from the Kasturi upgrade. We end up paying two-thirds of the cost of buying a new ship,” he added.

As for the LCS, he said as off, Oct 1, the progress is up to 28 percent. It was expected that the ship will be launched by March or April, next year and Kamarulzaman said they were still targeting 2019 for its commissioning.

He admitted that it was cheaper and faster to built the ships in France but the RMN accepted the government’s decision to built them locally . The decision have a great impact on the local defence industry and the community.

(Malaysian Defence)

07 Oktober 2016

ScanEagle Unmanned Aircraft System, with Visual Detection and Ranging (or ViDAR) set up to launch at Christmas Island Airport (photos : RAN, suasnews)

ScanEagle soars in Christmas Island trials

A team from the Navy Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unit have deployed to Christmas Island to test their ability to conduct long term Unmanned Aircraft System operations without support.

The six member detachment is operating from the island’s aerodrome, testing the limits of the ScanEagle Unmanned Aircraft System, with Visual Detection and Ranging (or ViDAR).

The ScanEagle’s ViDAR performs maritime search tasks to determine the presence of and locate an object. ViDAR is similar to RADAR, but uses vision rather than radio waves.

Developed by a Melbourne-based company, Sentient Vision Systems, ViDAR uses a camera to scan and record a 180-degree view and which identifies anomalies through a complex software program.

Anything unusual is sent to the Ground Control Station in real time, for the operators to investigate using the ScanEagle’s more powerful electro-optical system.

Detachment Commander, Lieutenant Ben Hanson-Murphy, described ViDAR as a game changer.

“Employing the ScanEagle in a surface search role is enabling a far greater area of coverage than we could previously achieve,” Lieutenant Hanson-Murphy said.

“The team have done an outstanding job establishing the operating site at short notice with minimal preparation and then successfully establish a safe flight operations envelope around the island.”

The deployment has been a great opportunity to consolidate operator training, gather valuable test data and gain experience in an operational-like environment.

The deployment and location have allowed for flights offshore for up to ten hours at a time.

By the fourth week of the three month deployment, the team had achieved approximately 82 flight hours, with over 12 hours of specific ViDAR operation.

This trial represents the first time an all Navy Unmanned Aircraft Systems crew has conducted all aspects of the setup, testing and validation flights without support of the manufacturer, Insitu Pacific, a significant milestone.

The trail is scheduled until early November and will lay the foundations for use of ViDAR at sea early in 2017.

(RAN)

07 Oktober 2016

Batalyon Arhanud TNI AD Kodam XII akan ditempatkan di Kubu Raya (photo : defence.pk)

Kubu Raya, thetanjungpuratimes.com – Bupati Kubu Raya Rusman Ali mengungkapkan hingga saat ini kerja sama maupun koordinasi antara Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) khususnya Komando daerah militer XII Tanjung pura (Kodam XII Tpr) dengan Pemerintah Kabupaten Kubu Raya sudah sangat baik.

“Untuk itu saya mengharapkan koordinasi dan kerjasama ini dapat dipertahankan bahkan ditingkatkan,” pintanya saat ditemui di Sungai Raya, Rabu (5/10).

Sejauh ini, kata dia, kordinasi bersama dengan Kodam XII Tpr sudah sangat baik, bahkan pihak TNI juga telah membantu pembangunan di Kubu Raya.

Ia menjelaskan Panglima TNI telah meminta kepada Pemkab Kubu Raya untuk ikut serta membangun Arhanud di wilayah Kubu Raya, permintaan ini disambutnya dengan baik, bahkan pada tahun 2016 ini pihaknya akan menyediakan lahan dan akan dihibahkan kepada pihak TNI untuk pembangunan Arhanud itu.

“Mudah-mudahan kerja sama yang dijalin ini dapat terus ditingkatkan, untuk kemajuan Kalimantan Barat khususnya Kubu Raya,” pungkasnya.

(thetanjungpuratimes)

07 Oktober 2016

Airbus DS demonstrated the aerial refuelling capability of the C295 in late September, and plans to conduct helicopter-receiver trials of the system before the end of the year. (photo : Airbus DS)

Airbus Defence and Space (DS) has successfully demonstrated the air-to-air refuelling (AAR) capabilities of the C295W medium transport aircraft, the company announced on 5 October.

A company-owned C295W (winglets) equipped with a palletised AAR kit performed a series of contacts with a Spanish Air Force C295 receiver aircraft on 29 September. Tests took place at various speeds down to 110 kt.

The C295 AAR platform has a particular application in the aerial refuelling of helicopters and Airbus DS has announced helicopter-receiver trials before the end of the year (helicopter proximity flights have already been successfully flown).

Development of an AAR kit for the C295 was first revealed by Airbus DS at its annual Trade Media Briefing in June. As noted at the time, the modification uses a standard AAR kit fitted to pallets and involves only minimal modifications to the aircraft related to the control systems for hose-and-drogue operations.

While the AAR refuelling kit does not currently include auxiliary tanks fitted in the aircraft (fuel for offloading being drawn from the main tanks), these could be added at the customer's request.

Although developed mainly for in-flight refuelling of helicopters, the C295 tanker could be used for replenishing other turboprops and the company has future plans to use the concept for aerial refuelling of unmanned aerial vehicles. The concept would also enable the C295 to serve as a forward refuelling platform for ground vehicles.

(Airbus DS)

08 Oktober 2016

Mil Mi-24/Mi-35 helicopter (photo : Dimitry Labutov)

THE Philippines is set to acquire two helicopters—each worth between $12 million and $17 million—as its initial purchase under a Russian-Philippine military acquisition program.

An insider ad Foreign Affairs Department told the Manila Standard that the Philippines is looking to purchase either two of Mi17 or Mi24 to improve the country’s capability against possible internal and external threats.

“We are looking of purchasing two to four Mi17 or Mi24. This is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s focus is more on internal security than external,” the source, who asked for anonymity, told the Manila Standard.

Although the Philippines is still window shopping, the source admitted that the Israel government is also pushing for their drones.

The heavily armored Russian helicopters are designed to withstand any kind of weather and are said to be low maintenance.

The choppers are also said to have defensive capabilities against portable surface-to-air attacks.

The source said Russia may offer a huge discounts and extended payment schemes could be arranged.

“It’s all just feelers at the moment. There are no negotiations yet,” the source said.

Recently, Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos Sorreta said the Philippines is looking to buy military equipment and technology from Russia.

He said the officials of Federal Service for Military-technical Cooperation (FSMTC) briefed them on the different modes of financing on acquiring militaty equipment or technology.

The ambassador said Philippine defense officials have established the kind of equipment they need for internal defense and counterterrorism, and that they were now canvassing to see if the systems that Manila needs are available from Russia.

Mi-17 helicopter (photo : Piotrek Bozyk)

The Philippines has been unable to procure the weapons it wants “because some countries don’t believe we can use these high-tech systems properly or because of certain country-specific conditionalities,” he said.

The only country so far with the available military technology and the willingness to sell it is Russia.

“They trust that we will use these in accordance with international humanitarian law,” he said.

Aside from the military equipment and technology, Sorreta said, both countries have discussed possible cooperation on training; after-sales service and maintenance; transfer of technology; investment in domestic military production and servicing; and different modes of financing.

The talks with Russia developed after Duterte met with Russian Ambassador Khovaev in Davao City a few days after the May 9 elections.

Khovaev said he was impressed by Duterte during a “very productive” meeting where they discussed how to jump-start Philippine-Russian relations which officially started only in 1976.

Khovaev said that it was “time for Russians to discover the Philippines, and it is time for the Philippines to discover Russia,” adding that strengthened trade cooperation could begin before the end of this year.

The Russian envoy said there is much potential in the two country’s bilateral ties because “there were no disputes and no contradictions.”

(The Manila Standard)

08 Oktober 2016

Network Centric Operations Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (image : MMP)

ATM optimum perbelanjaan, utamakan NCO

KUALA LUMPUR - Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) akan memberi penekanan dalam aspek pembangunan keupayaan strategik termasuk pembangunan Network Centric Operations (NCO) meliputi ruang angkasa dan siber dalam bajet 2017 yang dijangka dibentangkan bulan Oktober.

Panglima ATM, Jeneral Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd. Zin berkata, usaha tersebut merupakan salah satu inisiatif bagi mengoptimumkan perbelanjaan dalam usaha mengatasi ancaman pelbagai aspek serta meningkatkan kesiapsiagaan ATM.

Menurut beliau, selain itu, ATM turut memberi penekanan dalam dua aspek lain iaitu kesiapsiagaan angkatan dan kualiti hidup semua anggota bagi memberi keseimbangan dalam keseluruhan aspek pembangunan strategik ATM.

Mobile X-band terminals fitted on Land Cruiser Prados. This will allow X-band while on the move and pause (photo : Malaysian Defence)

“Kita juga percaya sekiranya ATM tidak membangunkan keupayaan mengawal ruang angkasa dan siber, kita akan ketinggalan lebih-lebih lagi ruang tersebut penting untuk memerintah dan mengawal angkatan sedia ada.

“Ketiga-tiga aspek penting ini perlu ada untuk memperteguhkan lagi fungsi ATM sebagai salah satu pasukan yang dipertanggungjawabkan menjaga keselamatan negara,” katanya kepada pemberita semasa menghadiri Majlis Perbarisan Hari ATM Ke-83 di Kem Perdana Sungai Besi di sini hari ini.

Yang turut hadir Panglima Tentera Darat, Jeneral Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor; Panglima Tentera Udara, Jeneral Tan Sri Roslan Saad dan Timbalan Panglima Tentera Laut, Laksamana Madya Datuk Anuwi Hassan.

Majlis perbarisan tersebut yang diketuai oleh Pegawai Memerintah Batalion Ke-5 Rejimen Askar Melayu Diraja (RAMD), Leftenan Kolonel Samsuri Noordin melibatkan 73 pegawai dan 723 anggota lain-lain pangkat (LLP) dari ketiga-tiga perkhidmatan.

Man-packable and flyaway X-band terminals (photo : Malaysian Defence)

Dalam pada itu, Zulkifeli berkata, pihaknya akan menggunakan perbelanjaan secara berhemah bergantung kepada peruntukkan kewangan negara.

“Kita tahu kerajaan hendak kurangkan defisit perbelanjaan dan perlu memberi penekanan kepada aspek yang lebih penting dalam bidang kesihatan, pembangunan luar bandar dan kesihatan.

“Oleh itu, kita akan menggunakan peruntukan kewangan berkenaan sebagai penentu keupayaan yang ingin dibina mengikut keutamaan,” ujarnya.

(Utusan)

08 Oktober 2016

Rudal MANPADS Chiron (all photos : Angkasa)

Latihan puncak Angkasa Yudha 2016 memang istimewa. Tidak hanya all out menggelar pesawat tempur yang menyajikan simulasi serangan darat dan pertempuran udara yang mengundang decak kagum di Natuna, TNI AU ternyata juga menyiapkan sejumlah alutsista terbaru yang penampakannya tidak banyak terlihat oleh khalayak.

Salah satunya adalah rudal anti pesawat jarak dekat Chiron buatan Korea Selatan. Kehadiran sistem MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense System) ini sudah didengungkan sejak 2014, sebagai pendamping sistem kanon anti pesawat 35mm Rheinmetall Skyshield. Kalau Skyshield sudah dipamerkan dan digelar kemana-mana, maka rudal Chiron terhitung pemalu. TNI AU lebih sering menggelar sista anti pesawat QW-3 buatan Tiongkok dengan fungsi yang sama.

Chiron sendiri berawal dari upaya Korea Selatan untuk membangun sistem pertahanan udara secara mandiri, dengan meluncurkan proyek KP-SAM (Korean Portable Surface to Air Missile) “Shingung” atau bila diterjemahkan berarti busur dewa. Butuh 8 tahun waktu untuk mengembangkan KP-SAM sebelum dapat diproduksi secara komersial dengan nama Chiron, yang produksinya dipercayakan kepada LIG Next1, anak perusahaan konglomerasi LG yang membidangi urusan pertahanan.

Sistem Chiron sendiri didesain untuk dioperasikan dengan menggunakan launcher post atau pos peluncur dengan tripod, grip untuk pegangan tangan, serta sistem optik bidik serta tak lupa kursi untuk juru tembak. Rudal Chiron memiliki berat mencapai 24,3 kg untuk tabung peluncur dengan rudalnya. Satu launcher post biasanya diawaki oleh juru tembak, pengisi rudal, dan pengamat/ pencari sasaran.

Kemampuan luncur rudal Chiron mencapai 700 meter/detik atau Mach 2,4 dengan jarak efektif mencapai 7.000 meter untuk sasaran yang terbang dengan ketinggian maksimum 3.500 meter. Sistem pemandu pada Chiron sama seperti sebagian besar sistem MANPADS jarak dekat, mengandalkan sistem pandu Infra Merah yang mengejar emisi panas pesawat sasaran, plus sensor kontras UV (Ultra Violet) untuk pengenalan sasaran yang lebih baik, terutama saat berhadapan dengan sumber panas lain yang lebih dominan. Rudal Chiron juga sudah dilengkapi dengan interogator IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) untuk mengenali pesawat kawan yang memancarkan sinyal dari transponder IFFnya.

Waktu respon yang dibutuhkan Chiron dari pelatuk ditarik sampai rudal meluncur hanya tiga detik, rudal akan meluncur setelah kode baringan dan jarak ke sasaran diinput oleh sistem TDR (Target Data Receiver) ke dalam prosesor rudal. Rudal Chiron menggunakan hulu ledak fragmentasi yang dipicu oleh sumbu jarak (proximity).

Saat rudal sudah mendekati sasaran, tiang antena telemetri yang ada di kepala rudal akan mengirim sinyal untuk meledakkan rudal ketika sudah berada 1,5 meter dari sasaran. Ledakan rudal akan menghasilkan 720 fragmen logam panas nan tajam dengan energi kinetik yang cukup untuk merobek kulit alumunium pesawat terbang.

Di TNI AU, sistem Chiron dioperasikan terintegrasi dengan sistem kendali penembakan Skymaster yang memasok informasi sasaran untuk sistem Skyshield. Sistem Skymaster yang dilengkapi dengan radar pencari dan penjejak memampukan pasokan informasi sasaran di luar garis cakrawala sehingga personil tim penembak Chiron dapat menyiapkan diri untuk menghadang sasaran pada jarak efektif terjauh rudal ini sendiri.

Spesifikasi Rudal Chiron
Diameter : 80mm
Panjang tabung luncur : 1,87m
Panjang rudal : 1,68m
Bobot hululedak : 2,5kg
Kecepatan : Mach 2,4

(Angkasa)

08 Oktober 2016

Penerjunan Pasukan Paskhas TNI AU (photos : Reuters)

Ranai - Pelaksanaan gelar latihan Angkasa Yudha 2016 yang diselenggarakan di Pangkalan Udara TNI AU Ranai telah berakhir dimana Korpaskhas melibatkan sekitar 650 prajurit dalam mendukung latihan tersebut, Kamis (06/10).

Wadan Korpaskhas Marsekal Pertama TNI T. Seto Purnomo saat diwawancara wartawan mengatakan konsep Korpaskhas ke depan akan terus melakukan evaluasi dari yang diperoleh dari hasil latihan.

Kedepan Korpaskhas akan mencoba untuk merubah beberapa konsep operasi seperti penerjunan Satuan Tempur Paskhas, dimana selama ini menggunakan payung statik namun kedepan mulai dengan kegiatan yang baru saja usai, seluruh penerjunan satuan tempur Paskhas akan menggunakan payung freefall.

Dengan menggunakan metode penerjunan freefall maka kerahasiaan menjadi lebih terjaga dan droping paaukan bisa lebih jauh dari dropping zone. Itulah alasan yang sangat mendasar kenapa kita menggunakan payung freefall. Tutur Wadan Korpaskhas.

Konsep rencana ini sudah disetujui oleh pimpinan TNI Angkatan Udara, diharapkan ke depan bukan hanya pengadaan parasut freefall yang kita butuhkan akan tetapi pendidikan harus juga ditambah dengan jumlah peserta didik kaitannya dengan pendidikan freefall. Tutur Wadan Korpaskhas.

(Paskhas)

10 Oktober 2016

Second C-130 Hercules from US with EDA scheme (photo : AMARG)

Amid Duterte riff, PAF gets C-130 cargo plane from US

The Philippine Air Force’s fifth C-130 cargo aircraft, acquired through the United States’ Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program, arrived in Mactan, Cebu, on Sunday.

The aircraft arrived in the middle of President Duterte’s harangue against the United States for past slights and his avowd move to position the Philippines closer to China and Russia, historical foes of the US.

PAF spokesperson Col. Antonio Francisco said the Lockheed C-130 Hercules cargo plane flown by Maj. Marjorie Mukay, the pilot in command, landed at Benito Ebuen Airbase in Mactan.

“Major Mukay is the first female pilot to be certified as a pilot in command of a C-130 aircraft,” Francisco told reporters.

The C-130 left Davis-Monthan Air Base in Tucson, Arizona, on Oct. 6.

The other crew members were Lt. Col. Joey Inacay, mission commander; Lt. Col. Jason Rom Lacida, aircraft commander, and pilots Maj. Anthony Amora, Maj. Meritto Jay Quijano and Maj. Ronel Salas.

The newest C-130 and another one that arrived in April—valued at around $61 million—were originally configured as airborne tankers, according to the Air Force official.

The PAF’s air assets for logistics and lift missions are now composed of the five C-130s, as well as three Airbus Military C-295 medium aircraft and three Fokker F-27 transports.

The US defense department’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency is responsible for administering the EDA program.

Under authorities established in the US Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act, defense articles declared as excess by the US military departments may be offered to foreign governments or international organizations in support of US national security and foreign policy objectives as well as in the armed forces modernization efforts of US allies.

(Inquirer)

10 Oktober 2016

Pesawat Boeing 737 seri 400 merupakan pesawat narrow body dengan mesin ganda jenis CFM56-3C1 dan kapasitas jarak tempuh short to medium range sehingga menjadikan pesawat pilihan maskapai penerbangan baik di dalam maupun di luar negeri. (photo : JituNews)

BATAM, JITUNEWS.COM - TNI Angkatan Udara menambah sat u kekuatan dengan diterimanya hibah pesawat Boeing 737-400 dari PT Lion Group yang diserahkan Cofaunder (CEO) Lion Group, Rusdi Kirana, kepada Kasau Marsekal TNI Agus Supriatna, di Hanggar PT. Batam Aero Technic, Bandara Hang Nadim, Batam, Sabtu (8/10) kemarin.

Serah terima pesawat Boeing 737-400 PK-LIW menjadi A-7308 ini ditandatangani Direktur Utama PT Lion Group, Edward Sirait, dengan Aslog Kasau Marsda TNI, M.Nurullah, dilanjutkan dengan pemecahan kendi di bawah roda pesawat A-7308 oleh Kasau Marsekal TNI Agus Supriatna didampingi CEO Lion Group, Rusdi Kirana.

PK-LIW dengan nomor seri 24684 merupakan pesawat Boeing 737 seri 400 buatan tahun 1990 pertama kali dioperasikan Lion Air pada 13 Juni tahun 2006. Pesawat ini digunakan untuk rute-rute domestic Lion Air dengan kapasitas tempat duduk 168 kursi.

Pesawat Boeing 737 seri 400 merupakan pesawat narrow body dengan mesin ganda jenis CFM56-3C1 dan kapasitas jarak tempuh short to medium range sehingga menjadikan pesawat pilihan maskapai penerbangan baik di dalam maupun di luar negeri.

Boeing 737-400 PK-LIW (photo : Jeff Gilbert)

Terkait dengan selesainya proses hibah pesawat B-737-400 dari PT. Lion Group, Kasau menyampaikan terima kasih dan penghargaan yang tinggi kepada Direktur Utama PT. Lion Group beserta jajarannya, dengan melalui koordinasi dan penyelesaian secara administrasi maka proses hibah ini dapat berjalan baik dan lancar.

“Selaku instansi pengguna, maka TNI Angkatan Udara akan memelihara dan mengoperasikan alutsista udara secara maksimal dan terus mengupayakan agar alutsista yang ada mempunyai usia pakai yang panjang dan mempunyai nilai manfaat tinggi bagi terselenggaranya tugas TNI Angkatan Udara dimasa kini maupun di masa mendatang, termasuk Boeing 737-400 dari PT. Lion Group in,” tutur Kasau.

Sementara itu, CEO PT. Lion Air Group, Rusdi Kirana mengatakan bahwa PT. Lion Air Group dapat berkembang dan berkontribusi ke penerbangan Indonesia salah satunya adalah berkat dukungan dari TNI Angkatan Udara.

“Hibah ini bukanlah yang pertama dan terakhir, maka sumbangsih ini diharapkan dapat membantu TNI Angkatan Udara dalam menjaga dan mempertahankan keutuhan wilayah Indonesia,” jelas Rusdi.

Hadir pada kesempatan tersebut Irjenau, para Asisten Kasau, Pangkoopsau I, Kadispenau, Danlanud Tanjung Pinang Kolonel Pnb IGN Wahyu Anggono,SE.MM. para pejabat Lion Air Group dan Imigrasi Bandara serta Otoritas Bandara Hang Nadim, Batam.

(JituNews)

10 Oktober 2016

RAAF KC-30A MRTT (photo : cqplanespotting)

Australia is getting its own Air Force One – albeit a budget version.

After years of deliberations and political hesitancy, the Defence Department has been given the go-ahead to convert a KC-30A air-to-air refuelling aircraft, essentially an Airbus A330, into the VIP jet, replacing the ageing leased fleet.

First floated in a white paper, Defence has admitted, five months after it was first asked, it is moving ahead with modifications of one of its $204 million refuellers to give the Prime Minister an office in the air.

The new VIP jet is to be kept "modest" with only the minimum required modifications, remain capable of acting as an air-to-air refueller, but will also allow for "the continuance of Government business whilst in transit", meaning the Prime Minister will remain in contact at all times.

The government has chosen the cheapest of the options available to it, following former British prime minister David Cameron's lead. Defence confirmed it was "managing the modification", with the cost to come from $190 million already set aside to alter planes according to the air force's needs. Britain managed it for £10 million, which equates to about $16.5 million.

The current Australian VIP jets, which include two Boeing Business Jet 737s as well as three smaller planes, are shared between the Prime Minister, dignitaries, visiting royal family members, the Governor-General and ministers.

Leased in 2002 during the Howard years, frustrations have recently risen over the fleet's limitations, of which size is one. The 737s can carry fewer than 40 people, meaning business delegations and (paying) media cannot travel on the same aircraft, raising issues during multi-stop trade missions.

The range of the 737s has also proven frustrating – a trip to Washington required two stops for refuelling.

The Royal Australian Air Force describes the KC-30A on its website as being capable of carrying 270 passengers while in transport mode, with a range of 14,800 kilometres.

The new, larger jet won't solve all the government's transport woes as the decision means the government is replacing two planes with one. Protocol dictates the Governor-General takes precedence over the Prime Minister.

But a former adviser who often travelled on the current Boeing Business Jet said it would be an improvement, with the BBJ planes "not great for the role".

"They are not suitable planes for a country on the other side of the world," he said.

"They are very small and only fit staff, which is an issue when you are on delegations, or need to take the media with you, which is what every other country does.

"It's understandable that there has been political angst over the purchase – as there is for any large expensive that seems extravagant, but a plane like this is something every government in the world has and we are a serious middle power and it is entirely appropriate we have the same."

Sean Kelly, a former adviser to prime ministers Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, wasn't quite as harsh in his assessment of the current VIP fleet – "It's a great trip, you're on a plane, there are private staff there to really meet your every whim, there is reasonable amount of space, there is a lot of privacy, it's a joy to fly with them"– but agreed there were limitations.

"The main benefit would be being able to take the press pack and that is a benefit for the Prime Minister and for the journalist themselves," he said.

"Right now you have this crazy situation, where journalists who are conducting exactly the same trip as the Prime Minister, who are flying with the Prime Minister around the world, jumping from country to country, sometimes for weeks at a time, have to make their own arrangements entirely separately, which is not only inconvenient but also means it is a struggle for journalists to make sure they are actually at the same place at the same time as the Prime Minister and that obviously impedes coverage.

"If you bought a bigger plane, then you would be able to take the press pack with you, which would automatically mean that coverage of the Prime Minister was made simpler, which would also serve voters."

Malcolm Turnbull's office declined to comment.

(Sidney Morning Herald)

10 Oktober 2016

Ambassadors of India, Russia and Israel have offered misile to Philippines (image : Brahmos Missile)

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to look for other military markets for sophisticated weapons.

According to DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, ambassadors of India, Russia and Israel have offered some of their sophisticated equipment.

“Is it time for us to look for others for our military defense materials? It’s time. Many ambassadors already came to me, offering a lot of equipment. I see this as a healthy development with our relationship with other countries,” Lorenzana said, as quoted by Interaksyon.com.

The defense secretary also hinted the plan to acquire missile defense.

“We can also buy missiles from other countries like Germany, Israel and South Korea. We can also buy from France,” he said.

However, Lorenzana acknowledged, US-made materials and technology remain well-known world-wide.

(Tankler)

11 Oktober 2016

UAV Aerostar TNI AU dalam latihan Angkasa Yudha 2016 (photo : defence.pk)

Sedikit demi sedikit selubung itu mulai terbuka. Meski bukan merupakan aksinya yang pertama, penampilan UAV Aerostar milik TNI-AU dalam ajang Latihan Angkasa Yudha 2016, merupakan yang perdana di muka umum. Bahkan UAV ini ditampilkan dalam pameran statis yang juga dihadiri Presiden Joko Widodo.

Arostar UAV TNI AU (photo : ARC)

Secara tampilan luar, UAV yang tergabung dalam Skadron Udara 51 ini tampak sederhana. Bahkan terkesan misterius, karena tak ada logo, simbol atau bahkan nomor ekor layaknya pesawat TNI-AU. Tak ada lambang Pentagon, Bendera Merah putih dan lainnya. Hanya nomor seri yang tak lazim yaitu KX-70xx. Mungkin karena misinya yang bersifat rahasia, maka tanda pengenal pada pesawat UAV ini pun tidak diperjelas.

Meski demikian, Skadron UAV Aerostar bolehlah dibilang cukup sibuk. Pertama kali, UAV ini sebenarnya tampil pada HUT TNI 2015 di Cilegon Banten. Namun saat itu wujudnya masih disembunyikan. Saat itu UAV Aerostar bertugas memantau jalannya upacara peringatan HUT TNI. Aksi selanjutnya terjadi pada saat penyanderaan WNI di Filipina pada April lalu. UAV ini disiagakan di Lanud Tarakan, untuk segera dioperasikan jika sewaktu-waktu dibutuhkan.

Arostar UAV TNI AU (photo : ARC)

Selanjutnya Aerostar juga beraksi pada operasi Tinombola dalam rangka menangkap gembong Teroris Santoso. Seorang Pilot asal Skadron 51 menjelaskan kepada ARCinc, saat itu mereka beraksi di ketinggian 18 ribu kaki. Dari ketinggian tersebut, bentuk maupun suara sang UAV sama sekali tak terdeteksi. Meski cukup tinggi, tampilan hasil sorotan kamera tampak jelas, baik siang maupun malam hari. Pasalnya, UAV Aerostar ini memiliki kamera Infra merah dan Thermal. ARCinc sendiri diperlihatkan video hasil tangkapan kamera. Dan memang tampak jelas pergerakan orang-orang yang diduga teroris tengah bergerak pada malam buta, dengan menggunakan kamera thermal.

Di lingkungan TNI-AU, UAV Aerostar masuk ke dalam Skadron 51 Wing 7 Lanud Pontianak. Skadron ini diresmikan pada bulan Juli 2015. Sesuai misinya, Skadron 51 bahkan memiliki motivational patch bertuliskan: "you can run, but you can't hide". Aerostar sendiri tergolong dalam Tactical UAV, yang mampu terbang sejauh 250 km selama 12 jam nonstop.

(ARC)

11 Oktober 2016

HMAS Glenelg - 96 prior to launch from the Austal shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia 2007 (photo : Austal)

Austal Limited (Austal) (ASX:ASB) is pleased to announce that Austal Australia will deliver an important mid-life remediation program to the Royal Australian Navy’s Armidale Class Patrol Boat (ACPB) fleet.

Austal will undertake a number of hull remediation and configuration changes as well as planned and corrective maintenance work on up to seven (7) ACPB’s at the company’s Henderson, Western Australia shipyard from October 2016.

The activity, won in a domestic and international environment, will provide immediate, ongoing work for over 120 Austal employees and provides continuity of work between the completion of two Cape-class Patrol Boats for the Royal Australian Navy and a major export contract for Mols Linien, commencing April 2017.

The work on the ACPB’s adds to the company’s growing service and sustainment business. Austal is already delivering in-service support to the Australian Border Force’s fleet of eight Cape-class patrol boats (designed and constructed by Austal) and has been contracted to provide in service support for nineteen steel Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement (PPB-R) vessels, as they enter service from late 2018.

Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton commented “As the original designer and builder of the Armidale Class, Austal is in an ideal position to deliver this important, mid-life enhancement work to a proven naval platform. Our inherent knowledge base and practical experience building and servicing the hard working Armidale fleet will ensure the vessels depart Austal in 2017 as a fully operational and effective capability.”

“This order is indeed timely for Austal and ensures that key skills in naval shipbuilding and repair are maintained in Henderson during the lead up to the placement of the Offshore Patrol Vessel contract.

“Once again, by winning this competitively bid contract, we have demonstrated that Australian shipbuilding can be internationally competitive.”

The Armidale Class Patrol Boat (ACPB) is a 56 metre all-aluminium monohull patrol boat designed and constructed by Austal for the Royal Australian Navy. Fourteen ACPB’s were delivered from 2005 to 2007 and the vessels continue to play an integral role in Australia’s naval capability in the lead up to the arrival of the new Offshore Patrol Vessel fleet from 2020.

(Austal)

11 Oktober 2016

Two Su-30MK2 fighters last Vietnam People's Air Force has completed the testing and ready to handover (photo : Russia Air Force Forum)

On the day 8/10 the Air Force Forum has published pictures of two Su-30MK2 final production for Vietnam Air Force.

Information from the factory KNAAPO citation in Komsomolsk, Russia said, engineers and production personnel souvenir photograph with two Su-30MK2 finally produced for Vietnam. Two aircraft bearing number is respectively 8593 and 8594.

Under the plan, the Su-30MK2 2 will be delivered to Russia in October Vietnam coming after the previous two were handed over in May 2/2016. So after receiving the last 2 aircraft, Vietnam will own fleet of Su-30MK2 with a total of 35 units.

And according to information posted vpk-news.ru page 6/2016 last month, after finishing two Su-30MK2 last in line for Vietnam Air Force, the KNAAPO plant will not produce Su-30MK2 more that focus on developing next-generation fighter PAK FA 5 T-50 and Su-35.

(BaoDatViet)

12 Oktober 2016

ALAC 74mm anti tank (all photos : GESPI)

Brazil seeking exports sales for ALAC anti-armour weapon

Brazil's privately run GESPI Defense Systems is in negotiations with several foreign countries to sell its 84 mm ALAC (Arma Leve Anti-Carro) man-portable shoulder-launched medium-range light anti-armour weapon system it developed in co-operation with the Brazilian Army's Technological Center (CTEx), a company spokesperson told IHS Jane's.

GESPI Defense Systems is in advanced negotiations with Mexico, which has requested 1,200 of the one-shot anti-armour weapon, and with Iraq, which is considering 2,000. Azerbaijan requested an initial tranche of 50 and is considering in-country manufacturing of additional units.

Preliminary discussions are being held with states such as with Indonesia and Portugal for possible sales.

(Jane's)

12 Oktober 2016

BRP Andres Bonifacio PF-17 (photo : PN)

The second batch crew of BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17) has arrived to United States October 7. BRP Andres Bonifacio is the third Hamilton-class cutter to be commissioned in Philippine Navy (PN) service. According to the official social networking account of created for BRP Andres Bonifacio, “in a few weeks time” the crew together with BRP Andres Bonifacio will be leaving the United States Coast Guard Alameda port in California and sail back home.

BRP Andres Bonifacio has a crew of 80 officers and naval personnel. She is expected to leave the US for her voyage home by first week of November.

Navy spokesperson Captain Lued Lincuna said the ship is expected to be in the Philippines by second week of December.

“She will pass by Hawaii and Guam for refueling and provisioning [before heading to the Philippines],” he added.

The USCGC Boutwell was retired from US Coast Guard service last March 16 and handed to the PN last July 21 (American time).

(Update)

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