DEFENSE STUDIES

01 Desember 2016

RSAF and TNI-AU aircraft flying together during Exercise Elang Indopura 2016 (photo : Sing Mindef)

Chief of Air Force Major-General (MG) Mervyn Tan and Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) Air Chief Marshall (ACM) Agus Supriatna co-officiated the closing ceremony of the 19th edition of Exercise Elang Indopura this afternoon at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base, Pekanbaru, Indonesia. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) participated in the biennial exercise with the TNI-AU from 16 November to 2 December 2016.

The exercise comprised two phases: a Command Post Exercise held at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, from 16 to 18 November 2016; and an air manoeuvring exercise held at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base from 21 November to 2 December 2016. More than 150 personnel from both air forces, with a total of 10 aircraft including the RSAF's F-16C/D and TNI-AU's F-16A/B were involved.

Commenting on the significance of the exercise, Commander Fighter Group and RSAF Exercise Director for Exercise Elang Indopura 2016 Colonel (COL) Linus Tan said, "This exercise provides a valuable platform to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the RSAF and TNI-AU. In addition, the opportunity to train with our counterparts has allowed our airmen to enhance their professional competencies and promote mutual understanding between the two air forces."

Exercise Elang Indopura serves as an excellent platform to enhance the professionalism of the RSAF and TNI-AU, and to foster mutual understanding and interoperability between the two air forces. This bilateral exercise also underscores the close and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and Indonesia.

(Sing Mindef)

01 Desember 2016

Mil Mi-26 helicopter (photo : Doomych)

A delegation from the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has concluded a visit to Russia during which a discussion to acquire Mi-26 helicopters for the Indonesian Army (Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Darat: TNI-AD) was held.

The matter was disclosed to IHS Jane's on 1 December by sources from within the MoD, and corroborated with matching accounts from an official at state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI).

Among matters that were discussed during the visit were defence offsets, technology transfer arrangements, and how local Indonesian companies could benefit from the acquisition should it proceeds.

IHS Jane's understands that PTDI is being proposed as a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for the Mi-26 platform, should the acquisition be approved by the Indonesian government.

(Jane's)

02 Desember 2016

The Singapore Armed Forces’ Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle being driven at the Shoalwater Bay training area in Rockhampton as part of Exercise Wallaby, in Queensland, Australia. (photo : Sing Mindef)

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) conducts overseas training not only in Taiwan but also in a dozen or so countries, including Australia, Brunei, Germany, India and the United States.

The training arrangement with Taiwan dates back to 1975 - following talks between then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and then Premier Chiang Ching-kuo - when both sides reached an agreement to allow SAF units to train in Taiwan, given Singapore's limited land and airspace.

Through a programme dubbed Starlight, SAF personnel are put through their paces in the south- western part of Taiwan every year. Unilateral drills include manoeuvre operations over vast distances and live-firing exercises.

When Singapore was going to establish formal diplomatic ties with China in 1990, Mr Lee had said that training in Taiwan would continue.

During a visit to Singapore in August that year, then Chinese Premier Li Peng said Beijing would not be "too disturbed" by the Republic's continued use of military training facilities in Taiwan after the establishment of Sino-Singapore ties.

Hong Kong customs officials have seized at least 9 Terrex armored military vehicles that were on board a cargo ship from Taiwan that was bound for Singapore. (photo : shanghaiist)

Mr Li had said at a news conference: "We sympathise with Singapore's position and understand its need to build a strong defence force. On this matter, suitable arrangements will be made."

Over the years, little has been mentioned about SAF personnel training in Taiwan. Some exceptions were when a Super Puma crashed in 1994 and when three SAF personnel were killed after a Taiwanese F5-F jet crashed into a camp storeroom they were in.

While the South China Morning Post and Taipei Times, quoting sources and analysts, said Singapore had turned down China's offer to let the SAF train on Hainan island, Singapore's Defence Ministry has not confirmed or denied the reports.

Relations between China and Taiwan have turned frosty since pro-independence President Tsai Ing- wen and her Democratic Progressive Party won January's elections.

After she took office in May, Beijing said it had suspended official communications with Taipei. This was because Ms Tsai, in her inauguration speech, did not acknowledge the 1992 Consensus - a tacit agreement that there is only one China, with each side having its own interpretation of what it means.

(Staits Times)

02 Desember 2016

Korean Fighter Experimental (KF-X) (photo : chosun)

South Korea aims to begin preliminary design work on the country's indigenous fighter jet next year, which will help the country maintain a potent air defense capability in the coming years, the state defense procurement agency said Thursday.

"The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) will hold a system functional review this month to see if the Korean Fighter Experimental (KF-X) project meets all the specifications requested by the military and other requirements," the DAPA said in a statement.

"If the DAPA concludes the project is ready, it will kick off the preliminary design process."

However, the DAPA did not provide the exact timeframe for when the design would start being drawn up.

The DAPA has held meetings with related officials and defense experts since November last year to push the KF-X project forward.

Related to the project, South Korea has begun the process of developing the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars for some 120 KF-X fighter jets, which it seeks to develop by the mid-2020s.

South Korea's goal is to produce the first prototypes of the AESA radar system by the second half of 2020. Starting in 2021, the radar system will undergo a five-year test run after it is mounted onto the KF-X jet.

South Korea plans to build the new planes, estimated to cost some 18 trillion won ($15 billion) for the whole project, to replace its aging fleet of F-4s and F-5s.

The Korean military decided to develop the AESA radar system on its own as the United States refused to transfer related core technologies in April 2015.

AESA is a type of phased array radar whose transmitter and receiver functions are composed of numerous small transmit/receive (T/R) modules. AESA radars have almost instantaneous scanning rates, making them difficult to jam and allowing the aircraft employing the technology to remain stealthy from electronic detection.

(Korea Times)

02 Desember 2016

Two ships will be donated from JCG are PL-01 Ojima and PL-02 Erimo, this large patrol vessels commissioned into service of the JCG 1989 and 1991 (photo : JCG)

KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will receive two offshore patrol vessels from Japan early next year to further enhance the agency's operation capabilities.

Its Sabah and Labuan Region director Admiral (Maritime) Mohd Zubil Mat Som said the 90m long vessel named KM Arau would be placed in Kota Kinabalu while another one KM Pekan in Kuantan.

"The first vessel will arrive in January and to be followed by the second one later.

"I made to understand at a meeting recently that one of the vessels will be placed in Sabah region," he told reporters after the Sabah and Labuan Maritime Search and Rescue Operation Exercise (Sarex) here today.

PL-02 Erimo, a 90m large patrol vessel (photo : biglobe)

He said both vessels had additional features, including longer sailing period capability and equipped with a helicopter hanger.

"I expect this vessel can sail for more than 30 days, can be at sea without fuel, communications and weather the rough seas of up to three to four metres," he said.

In another development, Zubil said MMEA proposed that the Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry made it compulsory for boat operators to install the Automatic Detection System (AIS) and a radio system.

Both systems are important for security purposes in addition to facilitating search and rescue operations quickly in case of any untoward incidents at sea, he said.

(The Sun Daily)

02 Desember 2016

The Australian-designed Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle can be considered as the original Mine-Resistant, Armor-Protected combat vehicle, and was used in Afghanistan and Iraq before US designs entered service. (photo : Aus Army)

Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles Are Set for A Weapons Upgrade

The weapon systems on the Army’s lifesaving Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles are set for an upgrade.

The Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, said the upgrade will include a new, Australian-designed stabilisation system that improves accuracy when firing from a Bushmaster.

It follows on from the already successfully completed upgrade to 45 Protected Weapon Systems (PWS).

“This contract with Thales Australia is valued around $11.2 million and will see the upgrade of an additional 40 PWS,” Minister Pyne said.

The PWS comprises an upgraded remote weapon station designed by Australian company Electro Optic Systems and a vehicle integration kit designed by Thales Australia.

“The work will be undertaken by the experienced workforce at Thales Australia's support facility in Brisbane, supporting three jobs and the Electro Optic Systems facility in Queanbeyan, supporting 50 jobs," he said.

“The PWS is a fully integrated remote weapon and battlefield surveillance capability that has been used by Australian soldiers on operations since 2008.

“This contract is another example of Australian industry improving capability and the safety of our soldiers,” Minister Pyne said.

(Aus DoD)

02 Desember 2016

Briefing on the capabilities of the Armour Driving Simulator (photo : Sing Mindef)

Second Minister for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung officiated at the opening of the Armour Simulation Centre (ASC) at Sungei Gedong Camp this morning. At the event, Mr Ong had the opportunity to observe the Army's continued commitment to optimise training space and available training time through advanced technology.

The ASC houses two new virtual simulation systems, the Armour Driving Simulator (ADS) and the Armour Gunnery and Manoeuvre Simulator (AGMS). With the realistic scenario-based training, both systems complement existing field training by providing safe and progressive training to hone the driving and gunnery skills of soldiers across all of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s Armoured Fighting Vehicle and Infantry Fighting Vehicle platforms. The highly configurable and networked simulators also train tactical commanders in the command and control of their forces.

Also present at the ceremony were Chief of Army Major-General Melvyn Ong, senior officers from the SAF, and senior officials from the Defence Science and Technology Agency. (Sing Mindef)

Illustration of Armour Driving Simulator (ADS) (image : Sing Mindef)

Factsheet: Armour Simulation Centre

The new Armour Simulation Centre (ASC) comprises the Armour Driving Simulator (ADS) and Armour Gunnery and Manoeuvre Simulator (AGMS).

Key features of the Armour Driving Simulator (ADS)

Wider Range of Training Platforms. The ADS supports driving simulation training across all Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) and Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) platforms including the Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tank (MBT), Bronco All-Terrain Tracked Carrier and Bionix II Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). Prior to the ADS, there were only driving simulators for the Leopard 2A4 MBT.

Enhanced Training Realism. Providing varying weather and terrain conditions, as well as basic, advanced and operational driving scenarios, the ADS provides the AFV and IFV operators and commanders with enhanced training experiences. In addition, with the simulator's six degrees of freedom (6DOF), it is able to move freely in three-dimensional space, as the three planes replicate varying terrains to provide trainees with realistic operating conditions prior to their field training.
Versatile Design. There are 10 simulator cabins for the Leopard 2SG MBT, Bionix II IFV and Bronco All-Terrain Tracked Carrier, and four Instructor Operating Stations to control and manage the training. Up to four cabins can be mounted onto the motion simulators for training at any one time, up to platoon level.

Illustration of Armour Gunnery and Manoeuvre Simulator (AGMS) (image : Sing Mindef)

Key features of the Armour Gunnery and Manoeuvre Simulator (AGMS)

Enhanced Tactical Command and Control Training. With simulator training configurable up to company level, our commanders are able to hone their command and control (C2), fire and manoeuvre, battlefield coordination, and gunnery competencies prior to their field training.

Versatile Design. The AGMS is configurable to support gunnery and tactical manoeuvre training across all our AFV and IFV platforms. There are 36 simulator cabins which replicate the three platforms - (1) Leopard 2SG MBT, (2) Bionix I and II IFV, and (3) Ultra M113 APC. Up to 15 simulator cabins can be configured for training at any one time.

Integrated Training. Comprising 15 cabins integrated with the Battlefield Management System (BMS) and networked with a Fire Support Team simulation station, the AGMS provides integrated simulation training up to company level. Prior to the AGMS, simulator training could only cater up to platoon level. (Sing Mindef)

02 Desember 2016

Sukhoi Su-35S multirole fighter (photo : TASS)

Indonesia and Russia are holding intensive talks over the procurement of up to 10 Russian-made Su-35S multirole fighter jets for the Indonesia Air Force (TNI-AU), according to a senior Russian government official.

“There are prospects and the talks are very intensive,” the Russian president’s aide in charge of defense and technology cooperation, Vladimir Kozhin, told TASS News Agency

on December 1. Kozhin did not divulge any additional details of the ongoing contract negotiations.

For over a year now, Russia has been pushing very hard to sell Indonesia Su-35 (NATO reporting name: Flanker-E) Fourth++ generation, twin-engine, highly maneuverable multirole fighter jets; however, Russia has had limited success so far despite repeated leaks to the media that a deal was imminent.

Last month, an Indonesian defense official said in a phone interview with Reuters that Indonesia is interested in purchasing “nine or ten” Su-35S fighter jets. “We are still negotiating,” he added. “We are still bargaining, ‘how much do you want to sell them for?’”

In addition, a senior manager of Russia’s state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, reiterated that bilateral talks are continuing. “Bilateral talks on the delivery of Su-35 multirole fighters are being conducted very actively,” Sergei Goreslavsky said during the Indo Defense 2016 exhibition on November 2.

Ten more F-16C/D will add to the 14 currently in service (photo : defence.pk)

Russia and Indonesia failed to sign a contract in early 2016. Among other things, analysts expected the inking of an agreement during the Russia-ASEAN Summit in May, 2016 but no fighter jet deal materialized. (Also, no signed contract emerged during Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu’s visit to Moscow in April, 2016.)

The exact details of the Indonesian-Russian fighter jet deal remain unknown. For example, as I noted elsewhere, there have also been conflicting reports over the total number of aircraft to be purchased:

First, Indonesia considered buying 16 new warplanes. This number went down to 10 as talks progressed. According to press reports, both sided eventually settled on eight, with an option of procuring two additional Su-35s in the future. The contract under negotiation also includes pilot training and knowledge transfers through a military exchange program.

The TNI-AU is currently undergoing a major modernization effort. By 2018, it is expecting to induct ten more F-16C/Ds fighter jets in addition to the 14 currently in service. Indonesia also operates older Russian combat aircraft including 11 Su-30s and five Su-27s. Indonesia’s defense budget has been steadily rising over the past four years.

(The Diplomat)

02 Desember 2016

KRI Fatahillah 361 (all photos : IMF)

Surabaya (ANTARA News) - PT Dok dan Perkapalan Surabaya (Persero) telah merampungkan modernisasi KRI Fatahillah-361, yang adalah kapal perang jenis perusak kawal berpeluru kendali yang memiliki bobot 1.450 ton pesanan Kementerian Pertahanan.

"Alhamdulillah, kami bisa merampungkan pesanan secara tepat waktu dan tidak sampai dua tahun, bahkan lebih awal. Modernisasi ini adalah kali pertama dilakukan Kemenhan untuk jenis kapal perang," kata Direktur Utama PT Dok dan Perkapalan Surabaya (Persero), Imam Sulistiyanto, saat penyerahan kapal kepada Kementerian Pertahanan, di galangan kapal Tanjung Perak, Surabaya, Jumat.

Ia mengatakan, KRI Fatahillah-361 merupakan kapal perang buatan Belanda pada 1973, yang saat ini telah memiliki teknologi dan persenjataan terbaru dan modern.

"Daya tempur KRI Fatahillah-361 saat ini sama dengan kapal modern, yakni memiliki command management system, di antaranya sistem pendorong, yang kami perbaiki dengan kerja sama Ultra dari Inggris," katanya.

Bahkan, kata Sulistyanto, beberapa persenjataan atau peluru kendali kapal perang dengan dua sumbu baling-baling yang masing-masing berkekuatan 8.000 bhp itu sudah diuji coba tembakan, dengan hasil keseluruhan tembakan tepat sasaran.

KRI Fatahillah-361 dilengkapi senjata modern, di antaranya radar Decca AC 1229, pemandau tembakan signal, surface search, dan signal DA 05.

"KRI Fatahillah-361 yang awal komponenya sekitar 80 persen tidak terpakai itu, kini memiliki sistem sonar yang menggunakan signal PHS 32 (Hull Mounted), dan sistem pengecoh yang menggunakan 2 Knewbworth Corvus 3 - tubed launchers dan 1 T-Mk 6 torpedo decoy," katanya.

Selain memiliki persenjataan canggih, kapal berkapasitas 82 awak kapal itu juga memiliki lambung kapal yang dikerjakan sendiri oleh anak bangsa, dan dilengkapi interior kapal modern.

Dalam kesempatan itu, Kepala Badan Sarana Pertahanan Kementerian Pertahanan, Laksamana Muda TNI Leonardi, yang mengikuti serah terima dan modernisasi KRI Fatahillah-361 mengatakan, kontrak kerja dengan PT Dok dan Perkapalan Surabaya (Persero) juga usaha memajukan indusri pertahanan dalam negeri.

"Perbaikan atau pemeliharaan harus sesuai nafas UU yakni dilakukan dalam negeri, dan untuk kandungan lokalnya juga harus didorong dari dalam negeri, meski soal mesin kita belum semua bisa," katanya.

Ia berharap, proyek modernisasi KRI Fatahillah-361 yang dilakukan kali pertama ini menjadi gambaran dan acuan, sehingga ke depan industri pertahanan bisa lebih cepat dalam proses pengerjaan atau manajemen proyeknya dan mandiri.

"Paling tidak rampungnya KRI Fatahillah-316 ini sudah harus ada gambaran bagiaman mekanisme bekerjanya, dan ke depan bisa dipercepat untuk kemajuan industri pertahanan nasional," katanya.

(Antara)

03 Desember 2016

Six new M-21 patrol boat for RTN (photo : Royal Thai Navy)

The Royal Thai Navy yesterday took delivery of six new patrol boats to guard the country's coastlines in the Gulf of Thailand and in the Andaman Sea and to provide security for the royal family.
All the six patrol boats built by Marsun ship builder were received by Navy commander Admiral Na Areenich at the ceremony held at the Sattahip Naval Base’s Laem Thien Pier.

The boats were then handed over to commander of the Royal Thai Fleet Admiral Sucheep Wangmaitree and later to the Coast Guard Squadron commander Rear Admiral Banchob Phodaeng.

Marsun M-21 patrol boat (photo : Marsun)

The six patrol boats will replace the four patrol boats which it received from the United States in 1968-1976. They are scheduled to be decommissioned soon.

The new boats will be operating in the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, guarding against drug traders, smugglers and illegal fishing fleets. They are also tasked with providing security for the royal family.

The 45-gross ton gunboat is 21.40 metres in length and 5.56 metres in width, and maxim speed of 30 knots.

(Thai PBS)

03 Desember 2016

RAAF EA-18G Growler (photo : Boeing)

The jet engines for the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) new EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft will be supported under an existing contract with General Electric International Incorporated (GE) that already provides total logistics support for the RAAF’s ‘Classic’ Hornet and Super Hornet engines.

The Growler and Super Hornet are both powered by the same GE F414 engines, which will now be supported until June 2025 under the recent contract extension worth around $230 million AU.

The Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group’s Director General of Air Combat Systems, Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Greg Hoffmann, said this additional support secured for our 24 Super Hornets and 12 Growlers will ensure the.

AIRCDRE Hoffmann congratulated GE and its subcontractors on the outstanding support they have delivered under the contract since 2008.

“GE has provided exceptional support for our air combat engines, not only during our Raise, Train and Sustain operations, but also during the increased tempo of the Operation Okra deployments,” he said.

Geoff Culbert, President and Chief Executive Officer, GE Australia, New Zealand & PNG.said GE are extremely proud to support the RAAF.

“We are very pleased with the collaboration between our teams and it’s a privilege to be able to bring our expertise to their operations,” he said.

(Defense Aerospace)

03 Desember 2016

Kendaraan tempur BVP-2 mempunyai senjata utama kanon otomatis 2A42 kaliber 30 mm yang dipergunakan untuk anti serangan udara (photos : Kaskus Militer, Marinir)

Prajurit Batalyon Arhanud-1 Marinir Latihan Satuan Dasar

Surabaya (Antara Jatim) - Prajurit Batalyon Artileri Pertahanan Udara-1 (Arhanud-1) Marinir melaksanakan Latihan Satuan Dasar (LSD) Triwulan IV tahun 2016 di Kesatrian Sutedi Senaputra Karangpilang, Surabaya, Jumat.

Sebelum melaksanakan kegiatan, Komandan Batalyon Arhanud - 1 Mar Mayor Marinir Guntur Almasyih mengatakan, tujuan dan tugas pokok Batalyon Arhanud - 1 Mar adalah melaksanakan pertahanan udara secara aktif dengan menghancurkan, meniadakan atau mengurangi daya guna dan hasil guna (efektifitas dan efesiensi) serangan udara musuh yang mempergunakan pesawat terbang maupun peluru - peluru balistik dan peluru - peluru kendali.

"Dengan latihan tersebut, diharapkan supaya seluruh Prajurit Batalyon Arhanud-1 Mar bersemangat dalam melaksanakan setiap kegiatan, selalu menjaga dan membina kebugaran fisik dan mental prajurit," katanya.

Ia mengatakan, laksanakan latihan ini dengan sungguh-sungguh dan selalu mengutamakan faktor keselamatan, sehingga latihan benar-benar "zero accident".

"Mari laksanakan kegiatan ini dengan sungguh-sungguh dan jangan lupa untuk mengutamakan faktor keselamatan," katanya dalam siaran pers Jumat.

Kegiatan yang dipimpin Komandan Batalyon Arhanud-1 Mar Mayor Marinir Guntur Almasyih tersebut dilaksanakan menjadi dua tahap yaitu tahap pertama, dengan materi pelajaran teori tentang ke Arhanudan, Brasas, Pelayanan Amonisi, Prosedur Komunikasi Arhanud dan Harwat.

"Tahap Kedua, berupa materi Gelar Satuan Penembakan (Satbak) menggunakan kendaraan tempur BVP-2 dengan rute yang telah ditentukan, selama dalam perjalanan, pelaku latihan akan menyelesaikan problem yang diberikan oleh pelatih," katanya.

(Antara)

03 Desember 2016

Philippine Navy frigate (image : HHI)

MANILA (PNA) -- The letter of credit (LOC) for the country's first two missile-firing frigates, whose contract was won by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), is now being finalized, Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command, Vice Adm. Roland Joseph Mercado has said.

"As far as I know, they are now finalizing the terms in the LOC, for the frigate project. That's the only update I could give for now," he said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

An LOC is a letter from a bank guaranteeing that a buyer's payment to a seller will be received on time and for the correct amount. In case the buyer is unable to make payment for the purchase, the bank will be required to cover the full or remaining amount of the purchase.

Mercado is the same officer who headed the technical working group that came up with the specifications of the country's first-ever missile-capable frigates.

On Oct. 24, National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana formally inked the contract for the Frigate Acquisition Program, together with officials and delegates from South Korea's HHI. The signing ceremony took place at the PN's headquarters in Naval Station Andrada, Roxas Blvd., Manila.

The project involves the construction and delivery of two missile-firing frigates to the PN.

The signing of the contract signals the start of the construction and is the culmination of the long and tedious procurement process for the project.

As background, the Notice of Award was approved, issued and was duly conformed by HHI on Sept. 13 with the amount of USD336,912,000 or PHP15,744,571,584.

The project is worth PHP16 billion with another PHP2 billion allocated for the acquisition of assorted weapon systems and munitions.

(PNA)

03 Desember 2016

KRI Nagapasa 403 (photo : Hiu Kencana)

Pengawak Kapal Selam Baru Siapkan Diri Menuju Korea

Komando Latihan Armada RI Kawasan Timur (Kolatarmatim) melaksanakan pelatihan Kesatuan Persiapan Pengambilan Kapal (KPPK) Kapal Selam Diesel Electric (KSDE) Kelas 209 DSME. Latihan di buka oleh Wakil Komandan Kolatarmatim Letkol Laut (P) Edy Tarjono mewakili Komandan Kolatarmatim Kolonel Laut (P) Octavianus Budi Susanto, S.H., di Gedung Mandalika Kolatarmatim, Ujung Surabaya. Kamis (01/12/2016).

Pembukaan di tandai dengan penyematan tanda peserta latihan kepada Perwakilan Calon Awak KSDE 209 DSME oleh Wadan Kolatarmatim. Sebanyak 40 orang Cawak kapal selam akan mengikuti pelatihan selama empat bulan di Kolatarmatim.

Dalam amanatnya Kadisadal Laksamana Pertama (Laksma) TNi Prasetiyo Nugraha, S.T., yang dibacakan Wakil Komandan Kolatarmatim menyampaikan bahwa, tuntutan profesionalisme merupakan hal yang paling utama dalam pelaksanaan tugas disetiap profesi. TNI Angkatan Laut telah menetapkan di dalam TRI pilar pembangunan dan semangat baru TNI Angkatan Laut, bahwa profesionalisme menjadi salah satu prioritas utama dalam mencapai visi dan misi TNI pada umumnya serta tni al pada khususnya. Cawak ksde 209 yang diberi pelatihan KPPK merupakan personel yang diharapkan menjunjung tinggi profesionalisme.

Kegiatan pelatihan ini dilaksanakan untuk menyiapkan personel-personel yang akan mengawaki kapal selam, diesel electric dengan teknologi baru. Adapun materi yang akan diberikan meliputi pengetahuan dasar tentang kepelautan, pembekalan, penyelamatan kapal dan pemeliharaan tingkat organik.

Dengan berbekal pengetahuan dan keterampilan yang diberikan diharapkan seluruh peserta dapat menjaga terpeliharanya kemampuan personel dan dapat mengaplikasikan di satuan tugas masing-masing, yang berdampak positif bagi personel tersebut maupun satuannya.

Acara pembukaan dihadiri perwakilan Perwira Kolatarmatim, para Instruktur dan seluruh peserta pelatihan dan undangan lainnya.

(TNI AL)

03 Desember 2016

The Republic of Singapore Air Force's F-16D+ fighter aircraft (bottom) and the Indian Air Force's Su-30 fighter aircraft (top) in a flight mission during the Joint Military Training. (photo : Sing Mindef)

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are conducting a Joint Military Training (JMT) at Kalaikunda Air Force Station, India, from 7 November to 8 December 2016. The RSAF deployed six F-16D+ fighter aircraft and more than 100 personnel to train with the IAF's four Su-30 fighter aircraft in this year's JMT.

Highlighting the significance of the RSAF's participation in the JMT, the RSAF Detachment Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Stanley Selva, said, "The JMT is a valuable opportunity for the two air forces to interact and train together. This bilateral training not only helps to enhance our operational skills, but also strengthens the rapport and mutual understanding between personnel from the RSAF and the IAF."

The JMT has grown in complexity over the years to involve advanced fighter aircraft from both air forces and high-end training missions such as Dissimilar Air Combat Training and Mission-Oriented Training.

The JMT underscores the warm and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and India, and is conducted under the ambit of a Bilateral Agreement, which was signed between both air forces in 2007 and subsequently renewed in 2012. The two air forces also interact regularly through professional exchanges, visits, and cross-attendance of courses.

With the signing of the revised Defence Cooperation Agreement in November 2015, both countries also committed to exploring further defence cooperation in areas of common interest, such as counter-terrorism and maritime security.

(Sing Mindef)

03 Desember 2016

BRP Andres Bonifacio PF-17 (photo : US Navy)

MANILA — The country's third Hamilton-class cutter, the BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), is scheduled to arrive to the country on Dec. 8 at the Manila South Harbor.

This was confirmed by Philippine Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Roland Joseph Mercado in an interview with the PNA during the sidelights of the Department of National Defense's 77th founding anniversary Tuesday.

"She's a beautiful ship, so be there when she arrives," Mercado said.

BRP Andres Bonifacio is expected to boost the Navy's capability to conduct "territorial patrols" within the nation's exclusive economic zone.

"FF-17 is a significant addition to the Navy' inventory of ships in order to boost the conduct of territorial patrol missions within our EEZ," PN spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said.

BRP Andres Bonifacio, the sister ship of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz, is now in Guam for a three-day visit.

The frigate departed the US Coast Base in Alameda, California Nov. 1 (American time) and made reprovisioning stops in San Diego, California; Hawaii and finally Guam before proceeding to the Philippines.

The BRP Andres Bonifacio is formerly the USCGC Boutwell which was retired from US Coast Guard service last March 16 and handed to the Philippine Navy last July 21.

(RadyoNatin)

05 Desember 2016

Wilayah Esscom (image : Focus)

LABUAN: Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM) memperuntukkan dana tambahan sebanyak RM7 juta kepada peruntukan asal RM9 juta yang disediakan kerajaan untuk pelaksanaan projek Pangkalan Operasi Hadapan (POH) TUDM di Lahad Datu.

Panglima Tentera Udara Jeneral Tan Sri Roslan Saad berkata pada masa ini, TUDM sedang menunggu kelulusan daripada Kementerian Pertahanan dan Kementerian Pengangkutan untuk memulakan projek itu.

Beliau berkata POH, iaitu infrastruktur detasmen helikopter yang akan dibina di Lapangan Terbang Lahad Datu, penting untuk membantu mengekalkan keselamatan ruang udara Sabah, khususnya di Zon Selamat Timur Sabah (ESSZone).

“Pangkalan operasi itu adalah untuk anggota tentera udara bertindak cepat sekiranya berlaku apa-apa kejadian tidak diingini atau isu berkaitan keselamatan di kawasan itu,” katanya selepas menutup Eksesais PARADISE 3/16 TUDM di Pangkalan TUDM Labuan di sini kelmarin.

Upacara pecah tanah projek itu disempurnakan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak pada Mei lalu.

POH akan berfungsi sebagai pusat transit dan sokongan udara untuk pelbagai helikopter yang dikendalikan oleh Angkatan Tentera Malaysia yang berulang-alik antara Kawasan Keselamatan Khas Pantai Timur Sabah (ESSCom) dan Lapangan Terbang Lahad Datu.

(New Sabah Times)

05 Desember 2016

Two Molniya-class missile-armed fast attack crafts of the Vietnam People’s Navy during a combat training mission at sea (photo: Tuoi Tre News)

Vietnam’s homebuilt Molniya-class fast attack crafts (FACs) are armed with 12 air defense missiles and 16 subsonic anti-ship missiles with an operational range of up to 130 kilometers.

The crafts are allotted to the three-year-old 167th Artillery – Missile Ship Brigade, which has become a key unit of the Vietnam People’s Navy with capabilities for standalone and cooperative combat missions at sea in the armed force’s operations.

Young officers of the brigade take particular pride in being trained to master the controls and operations of the crafts.

Lightning strikes

The name Molniya means ‘lightning’ in Russian, an accurate representation of the speed and power of these modern warships.

In the past, Vietnam resorted to buying Molniya-class FACs from Russia, but newer Moniya vessels employed by the 167th Brigade were built completely locally at the Ba Son shipyard under the country’s Ministry of Defense.

In comparison with Russian-built Molniya-class vessels, Vietnam’s Molniya ships boast a more modern control system.

A Vietnamese naval officer on board a Molniya-class missile-armed fast attack craft during a combat training mission at sea. (photo: Tuoi Tre News)

Thanks to the readily available vessels, the training of new crew members for Molniya-class FACs now takes only four months, according to naval captain Le Ba Quan, chief of staff of the 167th Brigade.

“In 2016 alone, the brigade trained two entire crews to prepare for admission onto our two newly-built ships,” Quan said. “In only a short time, we have managed to train a united team that makes dedication and solidarity their first priority in training missions.”

According to captain Quan, his brigade is focused on the sole mission of training crew members to operate Molniya-class vessels, as “undertrained officers would not have full combat capability when the situation arises."

Molniya-class FACs differ from older warships in Vietnam's naval fleet in that all of the vessels' operations are controlled through modern equipment.

Machinery, radars, and all types of weaponry on board these vessels are interconnected to automatically locate the target and calculate relevant parameters before sending the final confirmation to the commanding officer to fire the shot.

“In combat, the ship is only as powerful as its crew,” Quan explained. “Just one wrong move by a soldier and the machines will lose accuracy.”

See full article :TuoiTreNews

05 Desember 2016

Pesawat latih T-50i TNI AU (photo : SH Yang)

Tentu kita tahu, sudah sejak 2012 Indonesia diperkuat oleh salah satu pesawat tempur taktis T-50i Golden Eagle. Pesawat yang bermarkas di Skadron Udara 15 ini hadir sebagai pengganti Hawk MK.53 yang sudah mengabdi lebih dari 30 tahun.

Pesawat buatan Korea Selatan (Korsel) ini terbang perdana pada tahun 2002 dan mulai diproduksi pada tahun 2005. Awalnya, program Golden Eagle di Korsel merupakan program untuk menggantikan pesawat-pesawat latih yang dipakai oleh AU Korea dan sebagai pesawat serang ringan. Dalam pembangunannya, Korean Aerospace Industries menjalin kerjasama dengan Lokheed Martin. Isu yang banyak beredar, kode penamaan T50i juga berasal dari Amerika Serikat untuk menghindari konflik dikemudian hari.

Pesawat latih T-50i TNI AU (photo : SH Yang)

Saat ini tercatat ada empat negara pengguna T-50 Golden Eagle dengan varian yang berbeda-beda. Pesanan Indonesia sendiri merupakan T-50 versi latih lanjut (advance trainer). Dengan panjang badan mencapai 13 m dan diawaki oleh dua penerbang, pesawat ini ditenagai oleh mesin General Electric F404-FE-102.

Soal sistem terbangnya, sebagai pesawat abad 21 tentu Golden Eagle juga dibekali sistem fly by wire dengan kontrol terbang yang digital secara penuh. Desain pesawat sendiri sekilas mirip F-16, namun dengan ukuran lebih kecil dan dilengkapi dua buah air-intake disamping badan mungilnya.

Pesawat latih T-50i TNI AU (photo : SH Yang)

Golden Eagle semakin mirip dengan F-16 dengan sistem kontrol yang menggunakan sistem HOTAS (Hand-On Throttle and Stick), sama seperti yang digunakan ‘kakaknya’ itu. Selain itu, pesawat ini juga dibekali perekam video yang berguna untuk merekam aktivitas penerbangan. Pada beberapa varian, T-50i juga mampu dijejali beberapa armament yang mendukung operasional tempur dan dilengkapi dengan radar multinode.

Di tanah kelahirannya sendiri, Golden Eagle menjadi salah satu produk kebanggaan. Untuk membuktikan keandalan T-50, AU Korsel juga mempercayakan tunggangan tim aerobatiknya kepada pesawat itu.

Pesawat latih T-50i TNI AU (photo : Alex Sidharta)

Indonesia sendiri saat ini telah diperkuat oleh 16 unit T-50i. Terdapat dua variasi warna yang digunakan, yaitu cammo dan warna biru-kuning khas tim aerobatik F-16 Fighting Falcon yang pernah berjaya di era 1990-an Elang Biru.

Satu unit T-50i Golden Eagle mengalami kecelakaan saat melakukan atraksi udara di Yogyakarta tanggal 21 Desember 2015 lalu. Kecelakaan itu mengakibatkan gugurnya dua penerbang TNI AU Letkol Marda Sarjono dan Kapten Dwi Cahyadi.

Pesawat yang masuk jajaran keluarga besar TNI-AU ini dikirim dengan ferry flight dari Sacheon, Korsel ke Lanud Iswahyudi, Madiun dengan tiga kali transit di beberapa kota. Total jarak yang ditempuh sekitar 5484 km.

(Angkasa)

05 November 2016

MV Susitna (photo : Manila Livewire)

Philippine Red Cross’ (PRC) ambulance vessel from Alaska’s Matanuska-Susitna Borough, M/V Susitna has arrived Friday, December 2 afternoon at Subic Bay Freeport Zone. M/V Susitna is a 195-foot military prototype vessel that was supposed to be turned into a ferry service between Point MacKenzie and Anchorage in Alaska.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough has been trying to sell the vessel for about three years since plans to build a landing terminal outside of Anchorage fell through. The Mat-Su Assembly unanimously approved the plan to sell the ferry to the PRC for USD 1.75 million, a fraction of what the borough originally hoped to get for it.

PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said that the ship will be the biggest ambulance and disaster response vessel in the country.

He said that they will conduct a contest so that the ship will be given a particular name.

He explained that the ship will be capable of evacuating thousands of people from a particular barangay to a safer place when need arises in recognition of the fact that the country is disaster-prone.

(Update)

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BRP Andres Bonifacio to Arrive on Dec. 8

TUDM Peruntuk RM7 Juta Lagi untuk Projek POH Lahad Datu

Aboard Vietnam’s Homebuilt Missile-Armed Fast Attack Craft

T-50i Golden Eagle, Andalan Latih Lanjut dan Serang Darat Indonesia

Country’s Biggest Ambulance Vessel Arrives