DEFENSE STUDIES

02 Januari 2017

F-16A/B Israel Air Force (photo : Avionist)

The Israel completely retired fighter aircraft F-16A/B to open up opportunities for countries to own this type of aircraft, such as Vietnam.

According to the Jane's magazine, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) has completely retired first generation of fighter aircraft F-16 Fighting Falcon. The near future, the training aircraft - advanced combat fighter F-346 and F-35 stealth will fill the vacancy that F-16 leave.

Approximately 90 the fighter F-16A/B Netz officially out of service IAF after a ceremony was held at bases Ouvda, southern Israel Thursday 26/12. This event marked the end of 36 years of service of the F-16A/B aircraft.

During service in the IAF, the F-16A/B Netz made 474,000 sorties for a total of 335,000 hours of flight time. The first trophy of the F-16A/B in the IAF was formed in May 4/1981 making sorties to shoot down the helicopter Mi-8 Hip Syria.

Derby AAM (photo : Israel Weapon)

Since 2000, the F-16A/B has gradually retreated to defensive back, leaving the front line for the more modern fighter line such as F-15I Raam as F-16I Sufa and. They primarily serve the role of combat training.

It is not clear what Israel will do with the F-16A/B was off the service, 90 are very large numbers. Do not rule out the possibility, IAF might "donation" or is sold to countries still use. The F-16 can undergo overhaul operation is 10-15 years more.

Currently, Vietnam Air Force also needs the F-16 fighter line of US design, fabrication. However, the procurement from the US (despite the arms embargo lifted) is not easy. We also can hardly afford new planes that the US often provides the aircraft used, stored for long in the state Arizona.

Meanwhile, Israel is the relationship of technical cooperation - major military with Vietnam, perhaps second only to Russia. With that relationship, the acquisition of F-16s from Israel seems feasible and easier. If you have upgraded, Israel can also upgrade to modernize, not dependent on the US. Even the weapons systems, the fighter F-16A/B of Israel be deployed popular domestic weapons no less than American weapons.

Popeye cruise misssile (photo : Israel Weapon)

F-16A/B is the first generation of F-16 fighter line, version A is kind of single seat while B is a two-seat - can be used for combat training. They are versatile fighters, can undertake a strategic role, attacking ground targets.

F-16A/B is equipped with a template engine F100-PW-200 turbofan allow maximum flight speed to 2.120km/h, a combat radius of 500 kilometers, the maximum range 4.220km. Maneuverability upon the type of excellence not inferior line of Russian MiG-29, speed climbing to 254m/s.

F-16A/B can deploy 7.7 tons of weapons including bombs, rockets, missiles for land. Israeli version is used are amended to allow easy integration of smart weapons manufactured by Israel. It is beneficial if Vietnam acquired F-16A/B Netz.

In the air-to-air combat, the F-16A/B is capable of implementing the kind of air-to-air missile highly sensitive thermal imaging Python 3/4/5 and Derby beyond visual range.

F-16A/B Netz with conventional bomb (photo : Airliners)

Derby air-to-air missile is beyond viasual range, is equipped with active radar homing head, a range of about 50km at a speed of Mach 4.

In air-to-ground combat, the F-16A/B of Israel equipped with Popeye cruise missile has a range of 78 km. The missile is believed to have used in recent Syrian battlefield with high accuracy.

Popeye weighs 1.12 tons, bringing out 340kg warhead or 360kg warhead bunker with 21yI-800 penetrating warhead.

In addition, Israeli fighter F-16 has the ability to deploy smart bombs Spice generation by developing countries themselves with no less precision than US bomb.

The first-generation F-16 using the fire control radar AN/APG-66 has a range of reconnaissance interference to 83 km. However, if necessary, Israel could replace the radar modernization American standard APG-66 radar technology by the Israel-phase network.

(DatViet)

03 Januari 2017

Lima kendaraan BTR-4M telah dikirim ke Jakarta pada bulan September sebagai bagian dari kesepakatan dengan Ukraina, karena Indonesia berusaha untuk menggantikan 100 BTR-50PK APC yang diperoleh dari Kiev (photo : judaic)

Selama tes di Indonesia, terungkap kekurangan BTR-4M Ukraina

Menurut Ridzwan Rahmat dalam artikel "Indonesia reconsiders further acquisition of BTR-4 APCs after early trials" edisi dari "Jane's Defence Weekly", Korps Marinir Indonesia (KORMAR) telah menggelar pengujian tahap pertama dari BTR-4M buatan Ukraina, tapi setelah itu mereka mengusulkan untuk meninjau kembali keinginan untuk melanjutkan pembelian. Demikikian kata sumber yang berasal dari Korps Marinir.

Kubah senjata BM-7 Parus (photo : KMDB)
Revisi rencana pembelian datang setelah menerima laporan dari hasil pengujian tahap pertama yang menunjukkan beberapa isu permasalahan. Ada kejadian "trimmed by the bow" (badan depan kendaraan lebih masuk ke dalam air) pada mode kecepatan penuh. Hal ini terutama terlihat selama latihan pendaratan yang berlangsung pada bulan Desember, kata sumber itu.

Pengujian BTR-4M di waduk Saltov, Kharkiv, Ukraina (photo : National Academy)

Di dalam air, APC ini didorong dengan 2 propeller yang terletak di kedua sisi belakang kendaraan. Dengan bantuan peralatan ini, kecepatan APC di atas air mencapai 10 km/jam.

Versi tempur BTR-4M Indonesia dilengkapi kubah BM-7 "Parus" dengan meriam otomatis ZTM-1 kaliber 30mm, peluncur granat AG-117 kaliber 30mm atau dapat dilengkapi juga dengan senapan mesin.

Pengujian BTR-4M di waduk Saltov, Kharkiv, Ukraina (photo : National Academy)

Resimen Kavaleri 2 Korps Marinir Indonesia yang berlokasi di Cilandak (Jakarta Selatan) mengadopsi BTR-4 M pada bulan Oktober 2016. Kementerian Pertahanan Indonesia telah membeli lima BTR-4 dari perusahaan Ukraina "Ukroboronprom" pada bulan Februari 2014. Kendaraan APC ini diterima pada bulan September 2016.

Pengujian BTR-4M di waduk Saltov, Kharkiv, Ukraina (photo : andrei bt)

Korps Marinir akan melakukan analisis mendalam tentang kekurangan yang timbul saat pengujian, dan kemudian akan mengeluarkan rekomendasi tentang perlu-tidaknya pembelian lebih lanjut dari BTR-4.

Kementerian Pertahanan Indonesia telah menandatangani kontrak untuk pembelian lima unit BTR-4 dalam versi khusus amfibi (BTR-4M) pada akhir Februari 2014. Keseluruhan lima kendaraan telah diselesaikan oleh pabrikan KMDB pada semester pertama 2016.

Pengujian BTR-4M oleh Korps Marinir (photo : istimewa)

Kapal kargo Texel yang membawa lima BTR-4M berangkat dari pelabuhan Oktyabrsk di Ukraina pada akhir Juli 2016, dengan arah menuju ke Laut Mediterania, lalu ke Ravenna Italia, kemudian pada tanggal 24 Agustus, telah kembali ke Laut Hitam hingga tiba di Constanta (Rumania), Pada tangggal 26 Agustus pindah sudah arah ke Indonesia sambil melewati Uni Emirat Arab dan Thailand.

Setelah pembelian lima BTR-4M ini akan disusul dengan akuisisi lanjutan sehingga Korps Marinir memiliki 50 ini kendaraan lapis baja ini, tetapi sekarang muncul ketidak pastian akan masa depan pembelian lanjutan tersebut.

Spesifikasi kendaraan BTR-4 yang dikeluarkan oleh pabrikan (image : Ukroboronprom)

BTR-4M yang dibuat dalam versi amfibi sebagai persyaratan khusus dari Korps Marinir Indonesia (termasuk pengapung tambahan dan instalasi "snorkel"), sampel pertama dari BTR-4M versi tempur mampu mengapung dan berenang dengan baik selama pengujian bulan Mei 2016 di waduk Saltov wilayah Kharkiv, Ukraina.

BTR-4 M dilengkapi dengan mesin diesel Deutz BF6M 1015CP buatan Jerman dengan kapasitas 490 hp dan transmisi otomatis Allison 4600SP buatan Amerika Serikat dengan enam gigi maju dan satu gigi mundur.

(BMPD)

03 Januari 2017

S-26T submarine of the Royal Thai Navy (all photos : TAF)

The Royal Thai Navy announced the reference price for its S26T submarine procurement program at the cost of 13.5 billion Baht or 376.86 million USD.

The deal will consist of one Chinese-made S26T submarine as well as weapon system, support, spare parts, associated equipment, documents, trial activities, fuel, lubricating oil, training, transfer of technology, handover and delivery activities, and related customs formalities. This order will exempt from import tariff.

The final proposal should be submitted by 19 Jan 2017. But the Royal Thai Navy clearly stated that they want to procure the S26T only, so one bidder is expected.

All administration process should be completed by the first quarter of 2017 and the contract is expected to be signed no later than second quarter.

(TAF)

04 Januari 2017

Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol plane and C-2 transporter (photo : Japan MoD)

Japan in talks with New Zealand for defense aircraft

TOKYO -- Japan is in negotiations with New Zealand to export the Self-Defense Forces' patrol and transport aircraft, in hopes of beating out U.S. and European competition to score its first large-scale arms contract.

The deal will also involve the maintenance of the planes, and is potentially worth billions of dollars. Tokyo in September provided unclassified information on the P-1 maritime patrol plane and C-2 transporter, both developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, in response to Wellington's requests.

Representatives from Japan's defense ministry and Kawasaki Heavy are in New Zealand for negotiations. Japan could come up with a proposal in the first half of 2017 concerning the price, production process and maintenance of the planes. It will also consider jointly producing certain parts with New Zealand.

New Zealand will choose the winning bid as early as this summer out of a pool including American and European proposals. The Japanese government will also negotiate a treaty with New Zealand to allow the transfer of defense equipment and technology, a prerequisite to the potential deal.

The P-1, deployed by the Maritime SDF, was designed as a successor to the mainstay P-3C patrol aircraft. It can pick up even faint submarine signals through underwater sensors, and is also known to be fuel efficient and extremely quiet.

The bidding "will be a one-on-one fight with Boeing's P-8 patrol plane," a Japanese official said.

The C-2, meanwhile, can carry heavy loads over long distances. It was first delivered to the Air SDF in June 2016, with plans for deployment this March. The aircraft shares the same parts in the wing and other areas with the P-1, which will allow New Zealand to save money if it adopts both models. Airbus and several other companies are considered Japan's main rivals for the transporters.

The Japanese government adopted three principles on the transfer of defense equipment and technology in April 2014, greatly relaxing the requirements for arms exports. But it has done little under the new rules. Japan was outbid by France on Australia's new fleet of submarines in April, and lost a bid on anti-submarine patrol aircraft for the U.K. to the U.S. in November 2015.

(Nikkei)

04 Januari 2017

VT4 also named MBT-3000 is a new generation of MBT, designed and manufactured by NORINCO (photo : w54.biz)

Army chief denies West out of favour

More Chinese armaments are likely to be procured by the government, says the army commander in chief, while denying Thailand has shifted policy to procure military hardware from China rather than Western countries.

Gen Chalermchai Sittisat said the government was also mulling a Thai-Chinese joint venture to start a defence and weapons industry in Thailand.

More purchases of military hardware from China may help shape the policy, he said.

The army chief denied speculation the armed forces have switched to China after relying on the United States and Western nations for such deals, saying several factors would be taken into account.

The US-made M-41 tanks purchased since 1957 would soon need to be decommissioned and the army would have to find new ones to replace them, he said.

“So, this has nothing to do with whether the army will shift to purchasing weapons from China as some have speculated. But the point is Thailand wants to create a new industry in the country… and we have to make this happen,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon wants to see a defence and weapons industry in Thailand develop steadily, starting with less complicated weapons and moving on to the more advanced ones, said Gen Chalermchai.

“After visiting China, Gen Prawit agreed China is suitable because the prices of its weapons aren’t high. And as Thailand’s friend, China can understand Thailand in several contexts. If China agrees to make a joint investment with us on this project, China will become like our adviser,” said Gen Chalermchai.

More Chinese Tank

The army had signed an agreement to purchase 28 VT-4 tanks from China and in the second phase would procure more such tanks until it has a full fleet of 49 tanks in fiscal year 2017.

After problems with the delivery of 49 Oplot tanks ordered from Ukraine, the army committee which decides on military hardware procurements has opted to cut the number of tanks to be bought from Ukraine and buy more from China instead, he said.

The problem facing the Ukrainian supplier was due mainly to Ukraine’s internal situation, he said.

However, the Ukrainian tank maker should be able to deliver all 49 tanks to the Thai army by October, 2017, according to Gen Chalermchai.

An army source said the army also has drawn up a plan to procure several more fleets of 49 VT-4 tanks to replace US-made ones that need to be decommissioned.

Military hardware produced in the US and other Western countries is high quality but also expensive.

“In any procurement, the budget is also a key factor to put into account.”

Still, the US had previously not offered to sell weapons to Thailand due to the US’s own legal restrictions on selling weapons to Thailand since the coup, he said.

What’s more, several other countries in this region had also turned to Chinese-made military hardware, he said.

More Chinese Submarine

A source at the navy, meanwhile, said the navy’s proposal to purchase the first Chinese-made S26T submarine at a cost of 12 billion baht is expected to be sent to the cabinet for approval by no later than March.

The first Chinese-made submarine is expected to be bought during fiscal year 2017, while two more are expected to be procured under an 11-year plan.

In total, 36 billion baht in budget will be needed for the three submarines, said the source.

The proposed submarine purchase has been delayed repeatedly in the past though signs are it could now finally get a push-along.

(Thai Military)

05 Januari 2017

Vietnamese Navy's Pluto Pus UUV (all photos : BaoDatViet)

Can work 6 hours at a speed of 6 knots/h, the Navy UUV Pluto Plus Vietnam was rated the world's leading modern.

In an interview with the newspaper in May 8/2016 Navy, Lieutenant Colonel Doan Bao Anh, head of Brigade 161 Brigade said the new unit is receiving Pluto Plus robot.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Britain, new units receiving robot Pluto Plus recently. This is the modern equipment and very expensive to have strict regulations in the operations manual, to the foreign experts also must be very careful.

So, to master, to become proficient quickly equip, staff and soldiers actively research units and less than a month after the reception has successfully made this device model aimed training before cases reach the actual robot.

So equipped with the latest robot Vietnam Navy can accomplish what task? Pluto Plus is a means of unmanned underwater produced by Italy's Electronics Group Gaymarine scan tasks for torpedoes.

Pluto Plus composed of magnetic materials with low and emits very little noise when in operation in order to avoid triggering the mines from the field type or sound, it can be controlled via a fiber optic cable or wireless connection while on duty.

According to the recommendation of the manufacturer, the battery of Pluto Plus can work from 2 to 6 hours at a speed of up to 6 knots/h.

Dedicated equipped Pluto Plus includes digital camera along with three sonar equipment to identify and detect objects below the depth of 300 meters, upgraded variant called Pluto Pluto Plus extends Gigas working depth to 600 meters.

It is particularly according to the manufacturer's in the world, only about 150 robots Pluto Plus is active in Navy payroll Italy, Norway. The UUV are also manufactured under license in the US by Columbia Group and exports to Egypt under a contract worth $ 10.6 million.

The Vietnam People's Navy investment decisions Pluto Plus equipped robot to integrate onto the coastal minesweeper Sonya class or class minesweepers off Yurka is quite unexpected.

(BaoDatViet)

05 Januari 2017

KD Perantau hydrographic survey (photo : Secure Malaysia)

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has taken conditional delivery of the hydrographic survey ship KD Perantau from Boustead Naval Shipyards (BNS), the service announced via an official social media account.

The ship had undergone a number of upgrades at the shipyard, including the installation of new bridge equipment and integrated systems supplied by Raytheon Anschütz.

According to IHS Jane's Fighting Ships, the 1,900-tonne Perantau has an overall length of 67.8 m, an overall beam of 13.3 m, and a hull draught of 4 m. The vessel is equipped with four multipurpose boats, three winches, and two cranes that can be used to launch survey equipment.

(Jane's)

06 Januari 2017

Pengujian flare pada pesawat F-16C/D (photo : TNI AU)

Disaksikan langsung oleh Komandan Lanud Iswahjudi Marsekal Pertama TNI Andyawan M.P.,S.I.P.,M.Tr (Han), bersama Kasubdis Alpernika Diskomlekau Kolonel Lek Suyitno, Dandepohar 60 Kolonel Tek Dadan Supardan, Dandepohar 20 Kolonel Lek Teguh Dharmawan dalam pelaksanaan uji fungsi Flare Cartridge pada pesawat F-16 di main apron Lanud Iswahjudi, Kamis (5/1).

Pada pelaksanaan uji fungsi Flare CM 218 MK3 yang berlangsung aman tersebut diperagakan langsung oleh Komandan Skadron Udara 3 Letkol Pnb M. Anjar Legowo menggunakan pesawat F-16 dengan nomor 1631.

Flare Chemring CM 218 MK3 type 1 (image : Chemring)

Flare CM 218 MK3 type 1 ini digunakan sebagai bagian dari counter meassure defence system pada pesawat untuk menangkal rudal pencari panas pada pertempuran udara. Flare CM 218 MK3 type 1 telah memenuhi syarat dan ketentuan dari UK MOD (United Kingdom
Ministry of Defence).

(TNI AU)

06 Januari 2017

Royal Thai Navy Krabi Class OPV (photo : Sujin Jetkasettakorn)

Viriyakit (1995) Co., Ltd. of Thailand has awarded L3 WESCAM a contract to supply its MX™-10MS EO/IR maritime sensor system to the Royal Thai Navy for its Krabi Class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).

Missions will include surveillance patrols, border control, disaster relief operations and natural resources protection. L3 WESCAM’s MX-10MS was chosen based on a technical evaluation and overall system performance.

This milestone contract represents L3 WESCAM’s first MX sale in Thailand.

(L3 Wescam)

07 Januari 2017

Roket Rhan 122 (all photos : Audrey)

Tiga menteri lihat roket pesanan Kemenhan

Malang (ANTARA News) - Tiga menteri kabinet kerja pemerintahan Presiden Joko Widodo pada Kamis meninjau dan melihat dari dekat pembuatan roket pesanan Kementerian Pertahanan yang dikerjakan PT Dahana bekerja sama dengan PT Sari Bahari yang berlokasi di Kabupaten Malang, Jawa Timur.

Ketiga menteri tersebut adalah Menteri Koordinator Perekonomian Darmin Nasution, Menteri Komunikasi dan Informatika Rudiantara, dan Menteri Pekerjaan Umum Perumahan Rakyat (PUPR) Basoeki Hadimoeljono.

Roket yang dibuat PT Dahana itu diberi nama "RHAN 122" dan dipajang di kantor PT Sari Bahari.

"Kementerian Pertahanan (Kemenhan) telah memesan sebanyak 120 unit," kata Direktur Teknologi dan Pengembangan PT Dahana, Heri Heriswan, kepada ketiga menteri yang mengunjungi perusahaan yang memproduksi roket di Kecamatan Pakis tersebut.

Ketiga menteri yang didampingi Gubernur Jawa Timur Soekarwo itu, begitui turun dari pesawat di Lanud Abd Saleh, langsung diarahkan ke PT Sari Bahari, perusahaan yang bergerak dalam pembuatan alutsista itu. Ketiga menteri melihat dengan seksama sejumlah selongsong bom yang diproduksi di tempat itu.

Sejumlah selongsong bom tersebut, antara lain dipakai untuk pesawat tempur Sukhoi. Selain melihat selongsong bom dan roket pesanan Kemenhan, ketiga menteri tersebut juga melihat dinamit yang diproduksi rekanan PT Sari Bahari, yakni PT Dahana.

Dinamit yang diproduksi tersebut dipakai oleh sejumlah perusahaan komersial, terutama yang bergerak di sektor pertambangan.

Menko Perekonomian Darmin Nasution memuji perusahaan tersebut "Ini bagus dan potensial, karena selama ini kita kan masih impor. Sekarang sudah ada yang memproduksi di dalam negeri, sehingga harus dikembangkan," ujar Darmin.

Sementara itu, ketiga menteri tersebut melakukan kunjungan kerja di wilayah Malang raya selama dua hari (Kamis-Jumat, 5-6/1). Kunjungan pertama di PT Sari Bahari di Kecamatan Pakis Kabupaten Malang, selanjutnya ke Universitas Brawijaya (UB) Malang dan dilanjutkan ke Kota Batu.

(Antara)

07 Januari 2017

RAAF P-8A Poseidon MPA (photo : wilco737)

BURLINGTON, Ontario – L3 WESCAM announced today that it has recently won defense contracts valued at more than U.S. $90 million. The orders will provide a range of MX™-Series electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems to global customers operating in
the airborne and maritime domains. Key contracts include systems for the Royal Thai Navy, the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force, the United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), and the United States Department of Homeland Security.

“This grouping of new orders for L3 WESCAM sensors is a direct reflection of our strategy to
drive growth by engineering market-leading products and solutions,” said Jeff Miller, President of L3’s Integrated Sensor Systems sector. “Our advanced imaging products are delivered to a diverse international customer base in both the defense and the broader security and public safety markets, and we see a robust pipeline of opportunities globally.”

“With more than 3,600 MX™ products fielded and an installed base that spans 78 countries, L3 WESCAM remains a sought after, trusted and proven partner,” added Mike Greenley, President of L3 WESCAM. “We are proud to provide our stabilized MX-Series systems in support of evolving missions carried out by defense agencies at home and abroad.”

(L3 Wescam)

06 Januari 2017

Milan rudal anti tank/ATGM (photo : Army Recognition)

Dalam jagad alutsista nasional, kabar pengadaan rudal anti tank buatan Perancis ini sudah terendus sejak era pengadaan ranpur IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) Marder 1A3. Di sekitaran tahun 2013 pengadaan rudal Milan dicanangkan, namun kabarnya baru pada bulan September 2016 sosok rudal ini hadir melengkapi arsenal infanteri TNI AD. Dari segi usia dan teknologi, Milan tak bisa digolongkan sebagai senjata baru, debut rudal ini secara teknologi bisa disandingkan dengan rudal TOW.

Siapakah sebenarnya Milan? Milan adalah singkatan dari missile d´infanterie léger antichar, atau dalam Bahasa Inggris disebut Light Anti Tank Infantry Missile. Diproduksi oleh MBDA, Perancis, rancangan Milan pertama kali dimulai pada tahun 1962 oleh periset Perancis dan Jerman. Milan pertama kali dilakukan uji coba penembakkan pada tahun 1971. Sertifikasi Milan akhirnya diperoleh setahun kemudian, seperti halnya rudal TOW 2, Milan mengusung model SACLOS (semi-automatic command to line-of-sight) dengan wire guided.

Prajurit TNI berlatih dengan Milan ATGM (photo : IMF)

Meski dari segi usia sudah lumayan tua, Milan sampai saat ini masih jadi andalan di banyak negara. Telah dirilis dalam berbagai varian, menurut Wikipedia.org, sampai saat ini setidaknya telah diproduksi 360 ribu rudal dan 10 ribu peluncur rudal Milan. Agar update terhadap beragam situasi peperangan, sistem peluncur Milan dapat ditambahkan thermal sight jenis Mira atau Milis besutan Thales, sehingga rudal tank era 60-an tetap topcer saat dioperasikan di kegelapan malam.

Seperti halnya rudal TOW 2 yang belum lama ini berhasil menggasak MBT (Main Battle Tank) Leopard 2A4 Turki di Al Bab, Suriah. Rudal Milan bersifat anti jamming dari radio dan flare, pasalnya pemandu rudal menggunakan bentangan kabel. Ada keunggulan tentu ada juga kekurangan, dengan wire guided, maka ada keterbatasan pada jarak tembak, dimana varian awal Milan punya jarak tembak 2.000 meter, meski pada varian Milan ER (Extended Range) jarak tembak bisa ditingkatkan sampai 3.000 meter. Dalam beberapa rilis, meski dapat dapat menghindari jammer dari frekuensi radio, Milan masih takluk pada jammer infared Shtora yang berbasis lector optical active protection system.

Milan ER ATGM (photo : MBDA)

Secara umum, rudal Milan dapat melesat dengan kecepatan 200 meter per detik. Dan sampai saat iniu telah dirilis dalam varian Milan 1 (1972) dengan kaliber 103 mm, Milai 2 (1984) dengan kaliber 115 mm, pada Milan 2 ditambahkan kemampuan penetrasi lapis baja sampai 880 mm. Selanjutnya ada Milan 2T (1993) dengan kemampuan menembus reactive armor 880 mm. Di tahun 1996 dirilis Milan 3 dengan tandem warhead dan dukungan elekctronic beacon. Dan yang terbaru Milan ER yang menyerap keunggulan Milan 3 dengan jarak tembak sampai 3.000 meter, dan kabarnya mampu menembus baja setebal 1.000 mm.

Tentang keberadaan Milan di Indonesia masih belum jelas benar, apakah nantinya rudal ini akan dipasang pada ranpur IFV Marder 1A3, ataukah dioperasikan man portable oleh regu infanteri reguler? Bila digunakan pada ranpur, maka Milan akan masuk etalase kesenjataan Batalyon Infanteri Mekanis (Yonif Mekanis). Sejatinya tak hanya Marder yang cocok dipasangi Milan, ranpur roda ban seperti panser Renault VAB dan Panhard VBL juga dirancang ideal dipasangkan Milan. Kombinasi tersebut sudah jamak diterapkan AD Perancis. Sebagai informasi, Renault VAB 6×6 dan Panhard VBL 4×4 juga sudah lama dioperasikan TNI AD.

Spesifikasi Milan ER (image : MBDA)

Belum ada informasi varian Milan apa yang diadopsi oleh TNI AD, namun yang jelas kini Indonesia menjadi salah satu dari 41 negara pengguna Milan. Bagaimana soal pengalaman perang? Yangb ini catatannya lumayan banyak, diantaranya dilibatkan Inggris dalam Perang Malvinas untuk menghancurkan perkubuan pasukan Argentina. Di Perang Teluk, rudal ini jadi penjagal bagi beberapa tank Irak. Dan sejak tahun 2015, Inggris telah mengganti Milan dengan FGM-148 Javelin, jenis rudal tank tercanggih yang kini juga telah dioperasikan TNI AD.

(Indomiliter)

07 Januari 2017

Live bomb produce by PT Sari Bahari (photo : Sari Bahari)

The Indonesian government wants to export more locally manufactured weapons in an effort to boost the defense industry in the country.

In its latest measure, the government has explored the possibility of exporting bombs produced by a manufacturer in Malang, East Java, for Sukhoi jet fighters.

“If their products cannot be fully used domestically, they should export them. The problem is, exporting weapons is not purely a commercial matter. There are non-trade issues we must also settle,” said Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution during a visit to weapons manufacturer PT Sari Bahari‘s factory in Malang on Thursday.

Communications and Information Minister Rudiantara, Public Works and People’s Housing Minister Basoeki Hadimoeljono and East Java Governor Soekarwo were also present. During the visit, Darmin explored Sari Bahari’s business situation, including its production capacity.

Bomb casing produce by PT Sari Bahari (phoro : elisabethnovita28)

With another weapons manufacturer, PT Dahana, PT Sari Bahari is now producing various primary defense systems (alutsista). They include the P-100 and P-250 bombs, which are for practice and to carry live warheads, the P-500 live bomb, 70 and 80 mm warheads for both smoke bombs and real explosives, the Petir missile target drone and the Rocketpod 7 tube launcher.

Sari Bahari president director Ricky Hendrik Egam said several parties were interested in buying the bombs produced by the company.

“They have conveyed their interest in buying bombs [for Sukhoi jet fighters],” said Ricky. He said Sari Bahari once exported hundreds of 70 mm smoke warheads to the Chilean Air Force.

Currently, Sari Bahari is focusing on producing up to 100 bombs per day to fulfil the needs of the Indonesian Air Force’s military exercises. Every year, Indonesian pilots conduct bombing exercises using thousands of P-100 bombs produced by Sari Bahari.

The bombs produced by the Malang company for the Sukhoi jet are sold at competitive prices and consist of 90 percent local components.

(The Jakarta Post)

09 Januari 2017

Soldier of the PNGDF during amphibious exercise (photo : Asian Military Review)

Brigadier General Gilbert Toropo, commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), talk to asianmilitaryreview.com about the state of PNGDF capabilities in the run-up to next year’s national and local elections.

The PNGDF, which contains a land, air and naval element under a single command, plays a key role in supporting the national police force, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), in maintaining security in the country. The capabilities, such as Bell 212 light utility helicopters and ‘Balikpapan’ landing craft for example, that the PNGDF has at its disposal far surpass those of the RPNGC. This makes it possible to ensure security in remote areas of the country during significant events such as next year’s elections.

PNG received three Balikpapan-class landing craft heavy : HMPNGS Buna, HMPNGS Lakekamu, HMPNGS Salamaua (photo : William Hester)

Currently, the PNGDF operates two 212 helicopters, which are leased from the Australian Government. According to Brig. Gen. Toropo: “Helicopters are a key capability on an island where the lack of road infrastructure makes mountainous areas particularly difficult to reach”. A Public Private Partnership (PPP) is being set-up with a private helicopter company to acquire more helicopters and secure PNDGF personnel training for five years. The name of the company and the details of the contract, however, cannot be disclosed for confidential reasons.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Toropo continued that in 2018, the PNGDF’s naval element will receive the first of four Austal ‘Guardian’ class patrol boats to replace the four Tenix ‘Pacific’ class patrol boats acquired from Australia in the late-1980s.

Bell 212 owned by HeviLift and leased to The PNGDF with aid from the Australian Government. (photo : Greg Buckley)

Finally, Brig. Gen. Toropo states that: “There is a big requirement to upgrade our capabilities … but the big challenge is the uncertainty of funding.” For example, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Papua New Guinea performed $112 million in 2014 on military expenditure, although this declined to $100 million in 2015.

(AsianMilitaryReview)

09 Januari 2017

Pesawat CN-235 Angkatan Udara Senegal (all photos : PTDI)

London (ANTARA News) - Pesawat CN-235 Produksi PT. Dirgantara Indonesia (DI) pesanan Senegal tiba di Pusat Airforce Senegal, Dakar, setelah menempuh perjalanan panjang selama 11 hari dengan jarak lebih dari16.000 km, Jumat (6/1/2017) tepat pukul 14.15 waktu setempat.

Pesawat CN 235 220M Multi Purpose, pesawat kedua pesanan Pemerintah Senegal yang telah ditunggu-tunggu sejak Oktober tahun lalu itu, tiba bersama 15 crew yang terdiri atas empat pilot, yang salah satunya adalah WN Senegal, satu flight test engineer dan sepuluh mechanic, demikian Pelaksana Fungsi Ekonom KBRI Dakar- Senegal Rahmat Azhari kepada Antara London, Minggu.

Kedatangan pesawat yang dipiloti Kapten Esther Gayatri Saleh tersebut disambut Dubes RI Dakar Mansyur Pangeran beserta Staf, Jenderal Birame Diop, Chief of Senegalese AirForce atau KSAU Senegal beserta jajaranya Mr. Pierre Baudechon, Regional Manager ADTrade Belgium bersama jajarannya dan perwakilan dari PT. DI serta Indonesian MilitaryAirworthiness Authority (IMAA) yang sehari sebelumnya telah tiba di Dakar.

KSAU Senegal Jenderal Birame Diop sangat senang dengan datangnya pesawat CN-235 tersebut yang telah lama ditunggu untuk memperkuat armada angkatan udaranya.

KSAU juga menyampaikan kesan baiknya selama kunjungannya ke Indonesia saat menghadiri serah terima pesawat dari PT. DI kepada AD Trade Belgium, dan pelepasan ferry flight CN-235 dari Bandung tanggal 27 Desember tahun lalu. Dalam kesempatan tersebut,KSAU Senegal berkesempatan bertemu dengan KSAU RI atas fasilitasi KBRI Dakar.

Dubes Mansyur Pangeran mengatakan kedatangan pesawat CN-235 itu di Dakar merupakan kebanggaan sebagai hasil karya anak bangsa Indonesia yang menunjukkan kepada dunia bahwa Indonesia mampu memproduksi dan bersaing di bidang teklogi kedirgantaraan dengan negara-negara maju lainnya.

Dubes Mansyur menegaskan, kedatangan CN-235 tersebut dapat dijadikan contoh dalam mempromosikan produk PT.DI ke tujuh negara-negara rangkapan KBRI Dakar lainnya yaitu Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Pantai Gading,Sierra Leone dan Cabo Verde.

Rencananya Senegal akan membeli satu lagi pesawatCN-235 yang akan digunakan untuk kepentingan armada Angkatan Lautnya yang direncanakan sesuai jadwal akan tiba di Dakar tahun 2018.

Dubes Mansyur menyatakan di antara negara rangkapan yang telah menyatakan keinginannya membeli pesawat CN-235 produsksi PT.DI yang sama adalah Republik Guinea sebagaimana yang disampaikan langsung oleh Presiden AlphaConde kepada Presiden Joko Widodo ketika berkunjung ke Indonesia bulan Agustus lalu.

Informasi kedatangan pesawat CN-235 tersebut disampaikan langsung Dubes Mansyur Pangeran kepada Presiden Senegal, Macky Sall pada sore hari-nya, pada saat Dubes menghadiri Resepsi Tahun Baru 2017 di Istana Kepresidenan di Dakar. Presiden sangat senang dan menyampaikan terima kasih atas hubungan kerjasama yang telah terjalin dengan baik selama ini dan meminta untuk ditingkatkan di masa-masa mendatang.

Pesawat yang diterbangkan dari Bandara Husein Sastranegara Bandung, tanggal 27 Desember lalu dalam perjalanannya ke Dakar, Senegal mengambil rute ferry flight Medan, Colombo (Sri Lanka), Maldives, Karachi (Pakistan), Riyadh (Arab Saudi), Khartoum (Sudan), Ndjamena (Chad), Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), dan Dakar.

(Antara)

09 Januari 2017

Akash air defence system (photo : Indian Defence News)

India and Vietnam are actively discussing the sale of Akash surface-to-air missiles to the latter, the Times of India reported on Monday.

The Akash missile can engage hostile aircraft and drones at a range of 25 kilometres. Writing for the Business Standard, Ajai Shukla explains that the Akash missile was planned as a replacement for the army’s obsolescent Russian SAM-6 Kvadrat. The heart of an Akash missile battery is the Hyderabad-developed Rajendra phased-array radar that tracks up to 64 enemy fighter aircraft simultaneously, in a radius of 60 kilometres.

The mobile command centre selects up to four of the most threatening air targets, and two Akash missiles are fired at each from the Akash launchers. The Rajendra radar continuously guides the missiles, eventually “flying” them smack into the enemy fighters. Theoretically, a “ripple” of two Akash missiles has a 99 per cent chance of shooting down a modern fighter aircraft. Practically, however, in 9 live Akash trials so far, all 9 missiles that were fired hit their targets.

The discussions follow the review of the bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries in early December last year. During the review, India also agreed to train Vietnamese pilots for the Russian Su-30 aircraft, a variant of which is the mainstay of the Indian Air Force, and help in the maintenance of the aircraft.

India and Vietnam have been steadily ramping up their strategic relationship over the years. Last year, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China in September, India elevated its relationship with Vietnam from "Strategic Partnership" to "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" while significantly deepening defence and security engagement with the southeast Asian nation. At raison d'être for the enhanced cooperation was "to advance our (India and Vietnam's) common interests".

India had also offered a $500-million defence credit line part of which will be used for the construction of offshore patrol boats by Larsen & Toubro and the Vietnam Border Guards.

See full article Business Standard

10 Januari 2017

SPS Cristobal Colon F 105 Guided Missile Frigate (photo : NATO)

Spanish Navy’s Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate Cristóbal Colón is scheduled to embark on a long-term deployment to Australia on January 9.

Under an agreement between the two navies, the Aegis-equipped frigate will spend 120 days in Australia where it will help train future Australian Hobart-class destroyer sailors of the Australian Navy.

By integrating into the Australian Navy fleet, Cristóbal Colón will provide dedicated training and familiarisation opportunities for the crews of Australian destroyers Hobart, Brisbane and Sydney.

NUSHIP Hobart, the first of three destroyers, will start category 5 sea trials in mid-January 2017 and will be assisted in the process by ESPS Cristóbal Colón.

If everything goes according to plan, the Spanish frigate is expected to return to Ferrol, Spain in early August 2017.

This is not the first time a Spanish Navy ship is integrating into the Royal Australian Navy. Back in 2013, Spain sent its replenishment ships ESPS Cantabria to Australia where it remained for eight months.

(Naval Today)

10 Januari 2017

Searcher UAV made in Russia under licence from Israel (photo : Kazakov)

Will PH Buy Submarine from Russia?

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Russia has offered to sell a submarine to the Philippines to boost the modernization program of the military.

Russia’s package offer is also accompanied with drones and military hardware according to Lorenzana.

Due to high cost of Russia’s submarine, Lorenzana said he would decline its procurement because it is too expensive and the military does not need it right now.

He said the defense department is looking at the acquisition of drones and sniper rifles. “The drones, we can get them,” Lorenzana said.

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed interest in getting sniper rifles from Russia, but Lorenzana said these were not yet available during his recent visit to Moscow.

(Tankler)

10 Januari 2017

MTS-209 Common Armament Test Set (photo : Marvin Test)

Irvine, CA. – Marvin Test Solutions’ MTS-209 Common Armament Test Set has been selected by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) as part of the support package for a group of T-50TH aircraft purchased by the Thai Air Force in 2015 and slated for delivery in the next 24 months. The new aircraft will replace aging L-39 Albatros trainers.

The T-50 “Golden Eagle” was jointly developed by KAI and Lockheed Martin as a multi-role trainer and has several variants, including a light combat aircraft, capable of supersonic speeds.

Artist's impression on T-50TH (image : Pantip)

The MTS-209 (also referred-to as the Stores Suspension Unit Tester, or SSUT) is a state-of-the-art portable test set for various armament systems used on the F-16, F-15, F-18, T-50, TA-50, FA-50, Hawk and additional aircraft, supporting a wide range of Alternate Mission Equipment (AME) including missile launchers, aircraft pylons, and bomb racks. Based on the proven MTS-207 Rugged Field Test, the MTS-209 combines the test capabilities of an I-Level (backshop) test set in a compact, rugged, flightline-qualified enclosure. The test set’s modular design simplifies logistics, and its flexible, scalable PXI architecture enables future upgradeability to match evolving test requirements.

(Marvin Test)

11 Januari 2017

RAAF F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters (photo : Avionale)

The Royal Australian Air Force’s first two Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters have been upgraded with the final iteration of the aircraft’s Block 3i interim software release, the Department of Defence has confirmed.

“The two Australian F-35A have been loaded with the final release of Block 3i (3iP6) during September 2016,” a Defence spokesperson told Australian Aviation via emailed statement on January 4.

“Among other capabilities, the 3iP6 software enabled the aircraft to conduct its first weapons release.”

That first weapons release was conducted in December when F-35A A35-002 released a 500lb GBU-12 laser-guided bomb from its starboard side internal weapons bay over the Barry M Goldwater range in southwest Arizona.

A35-002 is one of the first two RAAF F-35As that are currently based at Luke Air Force Base, west of Phoenix. The aircraft were built with an earlier Block 3i software load which restricted them to an interim training and warfighting capability.

“The next block of software is Block 3F, and is the final release of software under the System Development and Demonstration phase, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017,” the Defence spokesperson said.

(Australian Aviation)

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