October 31, 2016, 1:53 am
31 Oktober 2016
KD Gagah Samudera (photo : Malaysian Defence)
SHAH ALAM: Training Ships delayed again. The never ending saga of the two RMN training ships, PCU Gagah Samudera and Teguh Samudera, continues. Malaysian Defence had reported before that Gagah is expected to be commissioned soon and the navy even fixed the date for it, Nov. 14.
Two weeks before that however, Malaysian Defence have to report that Gagah commissioning has been postponed. Malaysian Defence was not told the reason for the delay but it appears that it will take a while as no one will even dare estimate the new commissioning date.
Several months ago Malaysian Defence was told that Boustead Naval Shipyard had decided not to bid for the job to complete the two training ships following surveys on both the ships. The surveys, Malaysian Defence was told concluded that both ships were not in a good shape and it will take more money and time to complete them.
In short, the funds allocated for the completion was too low and the deadline was too tight for them to make any profit from the project. Initially I thought this was just idle talk from officials who lost a tender but it appears that the continuing travails over the two ships seemed to justify the BNS decision not to bid for the project.
For the record, Grade One Marine Shipyard Sdn Bhd in Lumut, was awarded the deal to complete the two ships.
See full article Malaysian Defence
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October 31, 2016, 4:28 am
31 Oktober 2016
C-705 missile fired from KRI Clurit 641 (photo : Aktualita)
China battles fierce competition and quality issues in fight for weapons sales
Chinese arms manufacturers may find it even more challenging to make sales following the reported failure of Chinese-made C-705 anti-ship missiles to hit their targets during an Indonesian exercise in September that was watched by Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
IHS Jane’s reported that two C-705 missiles failed to hit their targets after being fired from two of the Indonesian navy’s KCR-40-class missile attack craft during the large-scale Armada Jaya 2016 exercise in the Java Sea on September 14.
Indonesia had acquired a licence that would allow state-owned aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia to produce C-705 missiles locally by 2017 or 2018, according to an earlier report in The Jakarta Post.
It is not clear whether the licence contract will be affected by the failed launch, but Chinese military experts said the poor performance of the C-705, a high-subsonic missile guided by the US Global Positioning System (GPS) or Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), might have an adverse short-term impact on international sales of Chinese-made weapons.“It’s impossible to make sure all missiles can hit any targets accurately,” said military observer Zhou Chenming, who previously worked for a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the main state-owned contractor for the country’s space programme, and is now a researcher at the Knowfar Institute for Strategic and Defence Studies, a non-government think tank in Jiangyin, Jiangsu province. “Normally, a manufacturer would note a general kill probability at 90 to 95 per cent during range tests.
“When a missile is fired, human factors play the key role during the intermediate operations to decide whether it will hit its designated target, including a series of reference data such as what altitude it needs to ascend to in the first stage and when it needs to turn.”
KRI Clurit 641 (photo : Jane's)
Zhou said the capabilities of the C-705 missile and the shorter-range C-701 and C-704 models had been proven in recent attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on United Arab Emirates vessels that were part of a Saudi Arabian-backed coalition supporting the Yemeni government.
Beijing-based naval expert Li Jie said local weather, and whether the Indonesian missiles operators had followed all the necessary procedures, would also affect the launch result.
“Weapons are made with various metals and other sensitive materials, so local weather like temperature, humidity, salinity may cause problems,” Li said, adding that the climate in China was very different from that in Indonesia.
See full article South China Morning Post
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October 31, 2016, 8:00 pm
01 November 2016
Australia and Indonesia are looking to co-develop a vehicle based on the Thales Bushmaster (photo : Otomania)
Australia and Indonesia have signed an agreement to expand defence industrial collaboration with a view to jointly developing an armoured vehicle, the two countries said on 28 October.
In a joint statement the two said the accord would result in the co-development of a platform, based on Thales Australia's Bushmaster multirole protected vehicle design, which will be customised for Indonesian military requirements.
Work under the agreement, which was signed in Jakarta during the two countries' fourth 2+2 foreign and defence ministers dialogue, will feature "leading Indonesian and Australian defence industry members", the statement said.
Thales Australia is expected to collaborate with PT Pindad, Indonesia's state-owned land systems specialist, although the two companies have not yet outlined the details.
In addition to the armoured vehicle project, Australia and Indonesia agreed to "elevate" security collaboration in the cyber-security area "through strengthening co-operation on capacity building".
Furthermore, Indonesian Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu confirmed that the two countries have agreed in principle to conduct joint patrols in the eastern South China Sea in the near future to boost maritime security.
(Jane's)
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October 31, 2016, 11:15 pm
01 November 2016
KS-1 SAM (photo : Sina)
As reported in the article «Thailand Imports KS1 SAMs», published in the September issue of the journal «Kanwa Asian Defence», citing a source in the Thai defense industry, Thai Air Force finalized a contract with China on the division purchase of Chinese anti-aircraft missile system of medium-range KS-1 / HQ-12. Once the deal is officially enters into force, Thailand will become the third country, having armed with this complex, after Myanmar and Turkmenistan. According to the source, due to budgetary constraints, Thailand will buy only three launchers of anti-aircraft missiles.
The source did not specify what modifications will be purchased - KS-1, KS-1A or KS-1C. The last option was proposed three years ago in the world market. According to the newspaper, soon to Myanmar has been put option KS-1A, and Turkmenistan and Thailand receive KS-1C.
Last year, there were reports that Thailand is negotiating the purchase of Chinese AAMS FD2000 (HQ-9), but due to financial constraints, the parties agreed on the version of KS-1. The source did not say whether the talks would continue on Thailand HQ-9 purchase. Typically, the Chinese foreign trade association China Precision Machinery Import-Export Corporation (CPMIEC), carrying out the implementation of air defense missile systems in the world market, conducting joint marketing SAM HQ-9 and HQ-12, as the range of their fire is 125 and 70 km, respectively (but so far this combination acquired only Turkmenistan)
For a while, KS-1 offered Malaysia, but without result. Since then, the complex was modernized to version KS-1A increased from 50 to 70 km firing range. In April 2016 at the exhibition in Malaysia for the first time announced CPMIEC characteristics SAM KS-1C. Firing range of 5-70 km when firing on the aircraft and 7-30 km for shooting cruise missiles. Reach height - 0,3-27 km from the KS-1A - 0,3-18 km. Both complexes used radio command guidance system. KS-1C can be simultaneously released six missiles for firing eight goals.
The publication notes that the negotiations on the purchase of the complex took place very quickly - almost a year. And the arms embargo [of the West] makes the connection between the two countries even more dense.
(BMPD)
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November 1, 2016, 6:49 am
01 November 2016
Su-35 Fighter (photo : Lysenko Sergey)
Indonesia is in talks to buy "nine or 10" Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, an Indonesian defense ministry official told Reuters on Tuesday, without giving a timeline for any deal.
"We are still negotiating," Leonardi, head of the defense facilities at Indonesia's defense ministry who goes by one name, said by telephone.
"We are still bargaining, 'how much do you want to sell them for?'."
Indonesian defense minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said in May the Southeast Asian country would buy eight Russian Sukhoi Su-35 jets this year, but the planned purchase has not materialized.
Rival Western companies are still trying to wrest the deal to supply Indonesia with fighter jets away from Russia's Sukhoi, two people familiar with the talks said, asking not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter.
The award has not been finalised and it is seen as a test for efforts by Indonesian President Joko Widodo to enforce more transparency in big-ticket deals, they said.
Hundreds of companies including Lockheed Martin of the United States, Sweden's Saab and Indonesian state weapons maker PT Pindad will be represented at an Indo Defence exhibition, which will be held in Jakarta from Nov. 2 to Nov. 5.
The country's biggest annual defense show will come weeks after Indonesian warplanes staged large-scale exercises on the edge of a South China Sea area claimed by Beijing.
While Indonesia is not part of the dispute over the South China Sea, it objects to China's inclusion of waters around the Natuna Islands within its 'nine-dash line', a demarcation line used by China to show its claims there.
Indonesia's total defense spending has risen 77 percent over the last four years to 108.7 trillion rupiah ($8.3 billion), though it is expected to dip to 108.0 trillion rupiah next year, according to official data.
Indonesia had signed a contract with Lockheed Martin for 24 F-16 jets, of which 14 had been delivered and 10 more expected by early 2018, the defense ministry's Leonardi said. He declined to disclose the value of the deal.
Research firm IHS Markit predicts that Indonesia will spend more than $20 billion on procurement between 2016 and 2025 -- the fifth fastest-growing defense budget in the world -- and it will increasingly seek to diversify its suppliers.
South Korea, Russia and France are expected to hold a combined market share of 53 percent between 2009 and 2018, while the other half will be shared by about 30 countries, many with less than one percent, IHS said.
"This reflects Indonesia's wariness about dependency of a supplier or a set of suppliers, as well as the intention to 'shop around' for the best defense deals, spurring competition," said IHS analyst Jon Grevatt.
(Reuters)
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November 1, 2016, 6:04 pm
02 November 2016
FNSS's concept design for Indonesian medium tank (image : FNSS)
Indonesia's PT Pindad and FNSS Savunma Sistemleri of Turkey have revealed details of the Modern Medium Weight Tank (MMWT) that the companies are partnering to develop.
Under the terms of this joint development programme, which started two years ago, two prototypes are being built, one in Indonesia and the other in Turkey, both of which are scheduled to be completed sometime in 2017. There will be one additional hull that will be used for ballistic and mine protection trials.
Specification from the Indonesian Army for medium tank (photo : Kaskus Militer)
The main role of the MMWT will be to engage light and medium armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) such as reconnaissance platforms, infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and combat support vehicles, rather than tackling heavier, well-armed MBTs.
(Jane's)
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November 2, 2016, 1:46 am
02 November 2016
Helicopters Mi was overhauled in Helitechco. (photo : Helitechco)
Zhuhai / TASS /. Holding "Helicopters of Russia" (part of the state corporation "Rostec") conducted an audit of the Vietnamese enterprise Helitechco and gave him the right to repair helicopters Mi-17 civil. About this in an interview with Tass, Deputy General Director of the holding after-sales service, Igor Czeczik.
"Already there are such centers, especially in Vietnam - it is our joint venture Helitechco In September we held his audit, and the center has received the right to maintenance of Mi-17 civil purposes is also discussing the possibility of repairing military helicopters on the basis of the center.. "- Czeczik said.
According to him, the negotiations are under way with several other countries in the region, but they are still at an early stage.
Joint Russian-Vietnamese repairer Helitechco there since 1994. During this time, it was repaired more than 80 helicopters, civil government and commercial operators from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, India, Australia and New Zealand.
(TASS)
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November 2, 2016, 6:54 am
02 November 2016
Littoral Mission Ship for Royal Malaysian Navy (image : RMN)
BEIJING, China: Malaysia is buying four vessels from China for the Malaysian Navy, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.
Describing it as one of the highlights of his ongoing official visit to China, Najib said two of the littoral mission ships will be built in China while the other two will be made in Malaysia.
“We have not bought anything worthwhile from the Chinese yet in terms of military equipment. This is a landmark decision that we have made.
“If the contract meets the requirements and satisfaction of the Navy, the number of vessels can be increased in future,” he said at a press conference with Malaysian media here.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who was also present, said the details on price of the vessels have not yet been finalised.
“What the Navy has done is transferred allocation from the SLEP (Ship Life Extension Programme) which has not resulted in cost benefit to the Navy, and that saving has been used to buy new ships built by the Chinese.
“So, it’s in the form of creative solution and they will get more value from that allocation,” Najib added.
Asked about the Malaysian companies that will be involved in building the vessels, he said this is in the process of being determined, adding that the vessels are to be built within 24 months and will be used to patrol Malaysian waters.
(NST)
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November 2, 2016, 7:37 am
02 November 2016FNSS-Pindad Modern Medium Weight Tank (all images : FNSS)FNSS of Turkey and PT.Pindad of Indonesia have advanced on their Joint Development Modern Medium Weight Tank (MMWT) project. The conceptual design of MMWT has been completed and reveals during Indo Defense 2016, International Tri-Service Defence Expo & Forum, from 2–5 November at the Jakarta, Indonesia.
Turkey and Indonesia initiated the project to develop MMT in 2014. The production of the first prototype has already started. FNSS and PT Pindad make up the prime contractors of the project, whose intellectual property rights will be owned by the two countries.
MMWT design comprises advanced ballistic and mine protection with broad range of fire power, from close support of infantry to anti-armour. MMWT’s precision direct fire capability ensures required lethality with an outstanding tactical ands trategic mobility. Rear configuration power pack of thevehicle is combined with advanced electronic controlled systems and heavy duty suspension system.
The vehicle’s new generation engine supplie sadequate power, coupled with a fully automatic electronic controlled transmission, which results in a minimum of 20hp/ton ratio, depending on the configurable protection system. MMWT gets its advanced mobility capability from 6 wheeled suspension system built on torsion bars with double pinned tracks.
Power pack of the vehicle is equipped with high capacity cooling pack and fuel tanks. The cooling pack is cooled by an intelligent software driven hydraulic fan for optimum torque extraction and fuel economy and two separate fuel tanks provide a minimum operating range of 450km. An auxiliary power unit enables turret operation when vehicle engine is not running, by charging the battery system. Advanced battery monitoring system is also equipped for optimum power management and Silent Watch capabilities.
Interior of the vehicle is engineered carefully considering ergonomics of crew and different tactical and battlefield conditions including driving, firing and ammuniti on load and unload. Special type of driver seat enables operator to have adequate field of view with accessibility to all cabin equipment.
MMWT comprises state of art modern technology platform with superior fire power supported with battle field management and laser warning systems, providing tactical awareness to the commander. It will havehighendmine andballisticprotectionin itsclass andinthis sense MMWTguarantees required fire supportagainstbattlefield threads with speed of response at a very short notice, providing superior survivability and mobility on the battlefield.
Conceptual Background
MMWT brings new technologies and innovative fighting skills to the battlefield. MMWT direct-fire combat roles may include:
Combat operations against medium and light armour, including; IFVs, APCs, reconnaissance vehicles, combat support vehicles, armoured engineering vehicles, artillery equipment, recovery vehicles and logistic suppor tvehicles.
Fire support tasks against; dismounted infantry, logistic support sites and defensive positions.
For these roles, the MMWT combines an effective direct-fire weapon with a capable sighting system. This combination enables MMWT to achieve first round hits at battle at long ranges. The tank can fire both AP and HE ammunitions, as well can emplo secondary weapons such as 50-cal or 7.62 mm MGs for medium-range area shoots and close-range self-defence.
Although medium tanks are seen as a no-match forheavy main battle tanks (MBTs) in the 60-70 tonnes range, utilizing its stealth and mobility, MMWT can be tasked against MBTs in specific scenarios, such as mobile screening operations, flank attacks, ambush attacks, emergency delaying operations and support of friendly MBTs.
Moreover, as MMWTs tend to b emore easily transported and, once on the battlefield, have very good tactical mobility and these factors, together with a reasonable level of armour and capable weapons make them suitable for other roles including:
-Rear area security tasks against light mobile or air-landed forces, -Counter penetration roles,-Delaying operations,-Combat recce tasks,-Screening operations,-Escorting of light armour or soft-skinned vehicle convoys, and-Deep penetration operations in the enemy’s rear areas.
(FNSS)
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November 2, 2016, 8:01 am
02 November 2016
The MRSS will be based on a 150 m design by PT PAL that will be modified, according to the Royal Malaysian Navy's requirements. (photo : Jane's)
Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS) to construct Malaysia's first multirole support ship (MRSS) in Indonesia.
The MOU was signed on 2 November at the Indo Defence 2016 exhibition in Jakarta, and paves the way for PT PAL to work on its first-ever project for a Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) vessel, if the contract is awarded to BNS.
Managing Director of BNS, Ahmad Ramli Moh Nor, who signed the MOU on behalf of the Malaysian company, described the agreement as a historic moment between the two countries, which were not known to have collaborated on any major naval platforms prior to the possible MRSS project.
According to specifications provided by PT PAL, its basic design for the landing platform dock (LPD)-like MRSS features an overall length of about 150 m, an overall beam of about 24 m, and a draught of 6 m. The platform has been designed with a top speed of about 18 kt, a cruising speed of about 15 kt, and an endurance of about 30 days.
The ship can be armed with a 76 mm naval gun, and a number of 12.7 mm machine gun positions.
However, an official from PT who spoke to IHS Jane's on 2 November at Indo Defence stressed that talks with the RMN and BNS are still ongoing, and a final configuration based on the service's requirements will only be available at a later date.
One of the RMN's requirements is that the ship must be able to accommodate two helicopters on the flight deck, in addition to two helicopters in the hangar, said PT PAL, who added that this may mean extending the platform's length to about 163 m.
(Jane's)
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November 2, 2016, 4:03 pm
03 November 2016
Indonesia is looking to build the BTR-4 for Korps Marinir (photo : IMF)Indonesia and Ukroboronprom, Ukraine's state-owned defence industry holding group, are expected to commence talks before the end of the year focused on the Southeast Asian country's licenced production of the BTR-4 8x8 amphibious wheeled armoured personnel carrier (APC).
Speaking at Indo Defence 2016 exhibition in Jakarta, a representative of Ukroboronprom said the production programme could follow the official acceptance of an initial five BTR-4s, which were ordered by the Indonesian Marines Corps (KORMAR) in 2014 and delivered in September 2016.
Official acceptance of the five vehicles is scheduled for the end of 2016, although KORMAR's total BTR-4 requirement is much more expansive as the service looks to replace about 100 BTR-50PK APCs that were acquired from Ukraine in the late 1990s. There are also understood to be amphibious APC requirements in the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD).
"After official acceptance we will talk about expanding technology transfers to Indonesia and about expanding the order," said a Ukroboronprom official. "We know [KORMAR] has a requirement for another 50 vehicles. This could mean some of these vehicles are built in Ukraine followed by technology transfers and local production in Indonesia."
The official added that this programme could expand even further if the TNI-AD's interest in the vehicle results in an order.
The BTR-4s delivered to the KORMAR have been equipped with one ZTM-1 30 mm automatic cannon as a primary weapon, and complemented with one AGS-17 30 mm automatic grenade launcher. The vehicles, manufactured by the Kharkov Morozov Machine Building Plant in Ukraine, have also been equipped with a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) filtration system.
(Jane's)
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November 2, 2016, 5:12 pm
03 November 2016
Norinco Sky Dragon 50 medium SAM (photo : Army Recognition)
China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) is close to securing a deal from Indonesia to supply its Sky Dragon 50 medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, it has emerged.
A NORINCO official told IHS Jane's at the Indo Defence 2016 exhibition in Jakarta on 2 November that the state-owned company has recently submitted a proposal to supply the Sky Dragon to the Indonesian Air Force and that the service has "successfully completed" field evaluations of the system.
"We are now waiting for the official bidding process to start," said a NORINCO official, although he did not disclose the scope of the air force requirement.
IHS Jane's has previously reported that a Sky Dragon battery consists of an IBIS150 3D target designation radar, a fire distribution vehicle, and three to six launch vehicles, each armed with four ready-to-fire missiles carried in container-launcher tubes of circular cross-section. In this configuration, a battery will be capable of engaging up to 12 targets simultaneously and firing all 12 individually targeted missiles in seconds.
The official said that NORINCO is competing to supply the Sky Dragon against comparative systems from rival but unidentified companies. However, he stressed that the NORINCO product has several factors in its favour, most importantly price.
"We believe this system is much easier to operate than rival air defence systems," he said. "There is no major training programme required for the Sky Dragon and the rockets are supported by an advanced active radar seeker, which increases accuracy significantly. Also, the Sky Dragon is about 40% cheaper than some other medium-range air defence systems."
The official added that NORINCO has been active in Indonesia "about 20 years" supplying mainly the Indonesian Army and Indonesian Navy with "rockets and air defence" products.
(Jane's)
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November 2, 2016, 7:06 pm
03 November 2016
BRP Andres Bonifacio PF-17 (photo : USCG)
Newest addition to PH warships arriving before Christmas
BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), the third Hamilton-class cutter in Philippine Navy (PN) service, departed from California on Nov. 1 (American time) and now headed for home. “Yes, she (BRP Andres Bonifacio) has left Alameda, California on Nov. 1. She is expected to be home by the second week of December,” PN spokesperson Lued Lincuna in a message to the PNA Wednesday said.
Lincuna said the BRP Andres Bonifacio has a crew of 80 officers and enlisted personnel.
“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).
She will be the third Hamilton class cutter in PN service after the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) which were acquired in 2011 and 2013, respectively.
(Update)
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November 2, 2016, 8:26 pm
03 November 2016
Passive radar system will be installed on Natuna Island (photo : finmeccanica)
The Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Udara: TNI-AU) is currently evaluating proposals from radar systems manufacturers and suppliers regarding a passive early warning radar system to be installed at Ranai airbase.
Five presentations, from companies based in China, Czechoslovakia, Iran, Italy, and Ukraine, have been made at the TNI-AU headquarters since October 2016, a source close to the acquisition process told IHS Jane's , with the information corroborated by sources within the service.
IHS Jane's understands that the Ukrainian company has proposed the Kolchuga passive detection system, although it is unclear what systems have been proposed by the other suppliers.
(Jane's)
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November 2, 2016, 10:26 pm
03 November 2016
Indonesia has submitted a request for price and availability of the Boeing CH-47F Chinook (photo : Boeing)
Boeing sees an opportunity to expand its presence in Indonesia with sales of additional AH64E Apache attack helicopters and its CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter, company officials said on 2 November.
The Indonesian Army (Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Darat: TNI-AD) ordered eight Apache helicopters in 2013 for USD296 million, with the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract representing the largest US sale of a new military platform to Indonesia since Washington lifted an arms embargo on the country in 2005.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Indo Defence 2016 exhibition in Jakarta, officials said there is potential for sales of another eight Apache helicopters to the TNI-AD. "They have an appetite for maybe eight more and we would like to fulfil that," said Edward Hassiepen, Boeing's director for vertical lift global sales and marketing.
"After the fielding of the first Apache helicopter there will be a definitive answer as to potential follow-on purchases," added Yeong-Tae Pak, Boeing's regional director for Southeast Asia.
The officials said that Boeing is scheduled to begin production of the TNI-AD's initial Apache helicopter in December 2016, with flight tests expected in June 2017. Deliveries of the eight aircraft are expected to be completed by the end of 2017.
About the TNI-AD's potential purchase of the Chinook, Pak said that Indonesia has already submitted to the US government a request for price and availability of the latest CH-47F version of the platform. The programme will move ahead once Jakarta issues a letter of acceptance (LOA).
"Indonesia's request covers between four to 10 Chinooks," said Pak. "But if you look at Indonesia's geography - it's a huge country - I would suspect that once we get the initial sale there will be more requirements. In a country of this size there are expansive requirements for capabilities such as humanitarian relief and firefighting, so we believe there is a market for more than what has been specified."
(Jane's)
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November 3, 2016, 1:19 am
03 November 2016
Norinco VT5 light tank (photo : China Defense)
China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) chose the occasion of the 11th Zhuhai Air Show in China to unveil its VT5, a new light main battle tank (MBT).
An example of the VT5 was on static display in a hall devoted to armoured vehicles, and its designation indicates Norinco has aimed it squarely at the export market.
The heritage of the VT5 is easily discerned since the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) began fielding its own Norinco-designed ZTQ-series light tank in about 2014. It is estimated to weigh about 35t.
Such a tank in this weight class is ideal for operations in mountainous areas such as Tibet, which is where most ZTQ tanks have been seen to date.
The VT5 weighs between 33t and 36t dependent on what armour package is installed. This includes a modular armour package of composite armour and/or explosive reactive armour installed atop the base steel armour.
Norinco VT5 light tank (photo : Shephard)
The VT5 on display in Norinco’s hall at the air show featured slat armour on the turret sides and hull flanks. However, no ERA was installed on the front of the turret.
Its dimensions are: 9.2m long, 3.3m wide and 2.5m high. This compares to a 52t weight for the larger and obviously much heavier VT4. The running gear consists of six road wheels either side.
The vehicle is powered by a 1,000hp engine, while two fuel drums mounted on the rear of the hull increase the range of the VT5.
The turret features a 105mm main gun, likely to be able to fire missiles, and the main armament is combined with a fire control system able to take out targets up to 3,000m away. The gun is fed by an autoloader, as is typical for Chinese MBTs.
Two crew members are ensconced in the turret (gunner on the left and commander on the right). The commander has a panoramic sight for hunter/killer engagements, while a remote-controlled weapon station mounting a machine gun is also fitted atop the turret.
Norinco also had on display an improved VT2 MBT with a turret-top RWS and ERA. Also present was a specimen of the VT4, of which Thailand is the only customer to date after ordering 28 units for $4.9 million each on 21 March.
(Shephard)
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November 3, 2016, 4:03 am
03 November 2016
Pesawat tempur F-16 block 72 Viper (photo : Defense Studies)
KASAU Mengunjungi Stand F-16 Blok 72 Lockheed Martin
KASAU Marsekal TNI Agus Supriatna didampingi Asrena Kasau Marsda TNI Suprianto Basuki, Aslog Kasau Marsda TNI Nurullah, Aspers Kasau Marsda TNI Yadi Husyadi dan Koorsahli Kasau Marsda TNI UH. Harahap, seusai pembukaan pameran Indo Defence 2016 yang dibuka oleh Wapres Jusuf Kalla, mengunjungi stand F-16 Block 72 Viper, yang diterima oleh Kepala Proyek F-16 Block 72 Mr. Mario Magana di JIEXPO Kemayoran, Jakarta, Rabu (2/11).
Dalam kesempatan itu, KASAU mendapat penjelasan yang komprehensif tentang kecanggihan pesawat F-16 yang paling mutahir dan ditawarkan ke Indonesia. Pesawat F-16 Block 72 ini memiliki kemampuan setara dengan pesawat generasi ke-5 dan memiliki kemampuan untuk menjaga ruang udara dengan persenjataan udara ke udara dan udara ke permukaan yang paling modern saat ini.
Dijelaskan pula bahwa Pesawat F-16 tipe ini sangat cocok untuk mengawal negara kepulauan yang luas dengan tantangan modern namun cukup efisien dan efektif karena dalam penjelasannya, Lockheed Martin menyediakan peralatan dan dukungan serta persenjataan sesuai kebutuhan Indonesia.
Dalam kesempatan itu KASAU Marsekal TNI Agus Supriatna yang juga penerbang F-16 TNI AU menyatakan, sangat interest terhadap kemampuan pesawat tersebut.
(TNI AU)
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November 3, 2016, 4:45 am
03 November 2016
Klewang class 63m trimaran-hull FAC-M (photo : Aviation Week)
Lundin rises from the ashes
Shipbuilder PT Lundin is on track to deliver a replacement vessel for the Indonesian Navy’s KRI Klewang that was completely destroyed in a fire four years ago, the company’s CEO has confirmed.
John Lundin told Shephard that his company was still on schedule to deliver a new 63m trimaran-hull vessel ‘late next year’, with build progress now over 30% complete at its facility in Banyuwangi, East Java.
Built with modern composite materials, KRI Klewang was planned to be a nimble fast attack craft – incorporating four to eight anti-ship missiles – with stealth features that reduced radar and thermal signatures.
However, shortly after being delivered in 2012 the ship caught fire and was ultimately lost. Despite an investigation from several teams, and a focus on the ship's composite structure, the ultimate cause of the fire remains unknown and no blame has been attributed to PT Lundin.
‘After the accident there has been some re-evaluation and assessments, but we are hopeful we can get it on the water next year,’ said Lundin. ‘Of course, people had some concern about composites after this - that’s why we started several research projects.’
PT Lundin has worked with Indonesian research laboratories to get approval for a new solution that it calls a ‘self-extinguishing resin’, which is a component of the composite material. ‘The performance is much better than aluminium,’ explained Lundin.
Recent reports have indicated that Indonesia has cut funding for the project, and primary mission system integrator Saab – which was planned to provide the ship’s CMS, weapons and radar systems – had also pulled out of the project.
Lundin could not explain the reason for Saab’s withdrawal from the project. He said that the first boat could become a technology demonstrator, but reaffirmed that the project on the whole was not cancelled.
Integration of a new CMS and weapon systems will be determined by the Indonesian Navy, with potential options for anti-ship missiles being the Chinese C-704, Saab’s RBS15, the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile and the MBDA Exocet.
Interest in the stealth ship is not limited to Indonesia, said Lundin, with several countries showing an interest for ‘light missile boats’, which are smaller and cheaper than traditional vessels. The ships are particularly suited for operations such as counter-piracy in shallow littoral waters.
The vessel can embark a 12m RHIB, big enough for a 10-person boarding crew.
‘If you do not have global interests we believe in fast and short range,’ said Lundin. ‘Small, high-tech, boats are also easier on infrastructure.’
(Shephard)
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November 3, 2016, 5:58 am
03 November 2016
VL Mica point defence missile with maximum range of 20km (photo : MBDA)
Missile comes into range
European missile house MBDA Missile Systems (Hall D, Stand 274) is closing in on a deal to supply its VL Mica shipborne point defence missile system for the Indonesian Navy’s two-ship SIGMA 10514 Perusak Kawal Rudal (PKR) frigate programme. The order would bring to seven the number of navies taking VL Mica into service, of which three would be in Southeast Asia.
VL Mica uses the existing Mica air-to-air missile, available with either active radar or imaging infrared seekers, fired in a lock-on-after- launch mode to provide protection out to a maximum range of 20km. The use of vertical launch, and the absence of dedicated target trackers, provides for a 360º engagement capability against multiple simultaneous targets.
PKR-105 frigates (photo : defence.pk)
The full tactical VL Mica ammunition integrates a single missile all-up-round with a single-use autonomous firing and storage canister. The latter, 3.8m in length and weighing 368kg empty, is a sealed and pressurised dual-chamber enclosure designed with an integral ‘chimney’ duct so as to vent motor efflux upwards on launch.
Aside from the ammunition canisters themselves, the only other below-decks equipment is the sequencer cabinet (containing power supplies and processing electronics). This is an electronic interface unit that links the VL Mica missiles with the ship combat management system (CMS), receives inputs from the ship inertial system, and provides the link to the Ship Missile Data Link (SMDL). The SMDL comprises a below-decks transmitter with four small uplink antennas fitted around the masthead.
Details of VL Mica missile (image : MBDA)
The two PKR frigates, being delivered by prime contractor Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) in partnership with PT PAL, have been designed with weight and space to receive 12 VL Mica canisters and associated ship equipment. While the ships are being delivered ‘fitted for but not with’ VL Mica, the Show Daily understands that MBDA and DSNS are now in contract negotiations for the provision of ship equipment for backfitting; the missile rounds themselves would be acquired directly by Indonesia from MBDA.
Elsewhere in the region, VL Mica has already been selected for the Royal Malaysian Navy’s six-ship Second-Generation Patrol Vessel – Littoral Combat Ship programme, and the Republic of Singapore Navy’s eight-ship Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel programme. Other customers comprise Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Egypt.
(Jane's)
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November 3, 2016, 5:55 pm
04 November 2016
Durjoy class of Wuchang Shipyard will be the basic platform for LMS program (photo : BD defence)
KUALA LUMPUR: The construction of the four Littoral Mission Ships (LMS), purchased by Malaysia from China, will be done by a joint venture between Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS) and China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co Ltd (CSOC).
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the construction of the ships, procured in conjunction with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s official visit to the Republic of China, would be monitored by his ministry and the State Administration for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence (SASTIND) of the Republic of China.
“Yesterday, PM Najib Razak has announced the purchase of four LMS in conjunction with his official visit to China. This landmark decision marks the first time in history Malaysia will be procuring a defence asset from China.
“The first LMS will be ready within 24 months upon contract signing and the allocation for the purchase is Off-Budget, which means the funding will come from the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) through savings acquired from the 15-5 Transformation Programme,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page yesterday.
He said this was part of the several initiatives to achieve ‘efficiency savings’ where the RMN would be decommissioning old vessels that cost a lot to operate and maintain and channelling these funds to buy newer ships which have the latest equipment to obtain operational and maintenance savings.
Through this transformation, the RMN Armada would be revamped to only five classes of ships from 15, he said.
“I believe that this is a creative, transformative and cost-effective initiative to improve our asset base to ensure defence remains a top priority.
“In fact, the acquisition of the LMS also meets the RMN’s requirements based on the concept of ‘fit for purpose’, designed to conduct multi missions in a challenging littoral environment. The LMS also meets international maritime standards,” he explained.
(Borneo Post)
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