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Australia Releases 35-Year, A$90 Billion Shipbuilding Plan

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17 Mei 2017


Australia’s Naval Shipbuilding Plan, is the nation’s largest ever programme of naval shipbuilding and sustainment (photo : Adelaide Now)

Securing Australia's naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry

The Turnbull Government has released Australia’s first Naval Shipbuilding Plan, outlining the nation’s largest ever programme of naval shipbuilding and sustainment.

The plan includes a massive injection of funds - $1.3 billion - to develop vital infrastructure in the nation’s shipyards so that we can build the Navy's next generation of naval vessels here in Australia.

The Naval Shipbuilding Plan will end the boom-bust cycle that has afflicted the industry for many years, providing certainty for local businesses and shipbuilding workers.

The Turnbull Government is investing around $90 billion in the rolling acquisition of new submarines and the continuous build of major ships such as future frigates, as well as minor naval vessels.

This Plan will ensure delivery of these modern defence capabilities set out in the 2016 Defence White Paper, creating thousands of jobs and securing the naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry for future generations of Australians.

We are embarking on a great national endeavour. We will transform our naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry here in Australia, with Australian workers, in Australian shipyards, using Australian resources.

In total, the Turnbull Government will invest more than $1.3 billion to modernise construction shipyards in South Australia and Western Australia.

Work will commence this year on the development of infrastructure at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. The Henderson Maritime Precinct in WA will also be upgraded.

This will encompass construction of new cranes and heavy lift transportation capability, welding stations and upgrades to workshops and storage facilities including new steel framed sheds.

The plan is a pathway to prosperity in naval shipbuilding and represents a major milestone for the nation’s defence industry.

The Government is delivering on its unwavering commitment to both national security and economic prosperity through the continuous building of naval vessels in Australia, while also strengthening the nation’s advanced manufacturing industrial base.

The Centre for Defence Industry Capability, opened by Government in December 2016, is based in Adelaide and has a national presence.  The Centre will play a critical role in developing the national supply chains to support the naval shipbuilding programs.

Modern shipbuilding facilities and processes will play an important role in the transformation of Australia’s naval shipbuilding industry.

The naval shipbuilding workforce is expected to grow to around 5,200 workers by the mid to late 2020s, with more than double this number of workers in sustainment activities and throughout supply chains across Australia.

The Naval Shipbuilding College announced on 24 March 2017 will commence operation in early 2018, working with existing education centres to expand and develop the pool of available skilled workers to meet the growing demand.

The Naval Shipbuilding Plan is available at the Department of Defence website.

(Aus DoD)

Majority of UH-IDs Now Airworthy -- PAF

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17 Mei 2017


PAF UH-1D (photo : DWDD)

MANILA -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has declared that eight out of the 11 remaining UH-1D "Huey" combat utility helicopters airworthy after finding nothing mechanical wrong with the aircraft during recent inspections.

"They were grounded for the purpose of inspection and during individual inspections, no discrepancies were found on the UH-1Ds," said PAF spokesperson Col. Antonio Francisco in Filipino Tuesday.

All of the PAF's UH-IDs were grounded following a fiery crash in Tanay, Rizal which killed one pilot, two enlisted personnel and severely wounded another pilot last May 4.

Francisco said the eight are found airworthy after a close check by PAF personnel with another three awaiting inspection.

However, the PAF spokesperson could not give the exact cause for the May 4 crash as investigators are still conducting their work.

The PAF acquired the UH-IDs as part of their efforts to augment their existing UH-IH combat utility helicopters in 2014 and 2015.

Their acquisition were earlier scored by some groups as the UH-IDs were claimed to be defective.

The "D" designation in the UH-1 means that it was manufactured by Dornier, a German aircraft manufacturer which started construction of the UH-1 during 1967 to 1981.

Around 350 units were build by the German aircraft manufacturer.

(PNA)

Marinir Gelar Pelatihan Alokom DDF Generasi Terbaru

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17 Mei 2017

Alat komunikasi Digital Direction Finder (DDF) tipe 550 (photo : Korps Marinir)

Dispen Kormar (Jakarta). Korps Marinir menggelar pelatihan alat komunikasi Digital Direction Finder (DDF) tipe 550 di Markas Batalyon Komunikasi Dan Peperangan Elektronika (Yonkomlek) 2, Resimen Bantuan Tempur (Menbanpur) 2 Marinir Jakarta,  Senin (15/5/2017).

Sebelumnya Korps Marinir telah memiliki beberapa unit alkom sejenis yakni Monitoring and Observation Direction Finder (Monob DF) yang berbentuk Komunikasi Mobile (Komob) yang sudah sering digunakan dalam berbagai latihan dan operasi Korps Marinir. Alkom  DDF 550 merupakan generasi terbaru dari Komob generasi pertama yang kini sedang diupgrade teknologinya dari monolog ke digital.

Pelatihan Alkom DDF diikuti 26 peserta perwakilan dari Yonkomlek-1 Mar Surabaya, Yonkomlek-2 Mar Jakarta dan Dinas Komunikasi dan Peperangan Elektronika (Diskomlek) Korps Marinir. Materi pelatihan yang disampaikan teknisi Ronde & Schwarz yang didatangkan langsung dari Jerman tersebut antara lain  System Overview, Layout and Equipment, Signal Within the Electromagnetic Spectrum, DF Basic And Direction Finder, Mission Preparation: System Deployment Considerations, Monitoring Operation, Further System Related Practical Use and Hands-on Dan System Maintenance. Khusus untuk hari pertama, materi pelatihan difokuskan pada pengenalan radio Manpack 1555 sebagai kelengkapan DDF 550.

Alkom DDF generasi terbaru mempunyai kelengkapan sistem Digital Direction Finder with R & S DDF 550, Direction Finder Antena With R & S ADD253, Monitoring R&S HE 010 (HF Band), Satellar dan Laptop Monitoring R & S. Seperti generasi sebelumnya, Alkom jenis DDF dalam pengoperasiannya ditempatkan  di dalam kendaraan Toyota Hylux.  Kelebihan alkom ini adalah dapat menentukan lokasi dari suatu Transmiter lawan dengan panduan dari sumber Transmiter itu sendiri.

Hadir dalam pelatihan yang direncanakan hingga Selasa (23/5) mendatang tersebut, Kasi Siapnika Diskomlekal Letkol Laut (E) Letkol Laut (P) Giat Pangaribuan, Kasi Bannika Diskomlekal Letkol Laut (P) Domingus, Kasubdisrenhar Diskomlek Kormar Letkol Mar Hadi Santoso , S.E. dan Kasirenhar Diskomlek Kormar Mayor Marinir Mughni Alex serta perwakilan Rohde & Schwarz .

A26 Sub Goes Vertical

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17 Mei 2017

Rear Admiral Mercado, Chief of Navy, Philippines, is getting a presentation about the A26 submarine (photo : Saab)

Sweden’s Saab is displaying a model of its A26 conventional submarine (SSK) fitted with vertical launch missile tubes at IMDEX Asia. 

This version of the boat is designed to emphasise the modular capability of the submarine with the installation of a 10m section containing three launchers, each containing six missiles.

It is the first time that a conventional diesel-electric-powered submarine has been designed with the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile capability (TLAM). Existing boats that have TLAM – the US Navy and UK Royal Navy submarines – are all nuclear-powered (SSN).

Submarine launch of Tomahawk. (photo : General Dynamics)

The only other land attack capability that is fitted to conventional submarines has had to be through missiles fired through the torpedo tubes.

It is no small feat to install a vertical launch land attack capability onto an SSK, but the modular design means that a 10m section can be relatively easily installed. The modular section could also instead contain more batteries or AIP depending on the customer requirements.

Saab has received interest from customers that want a land attack capability in a smaller conventional submarine, but would not disclose what countries.

A26 submarine (photo : Navy Recognition)

Naturally, the country would have to be a close US ally due to the restrictions in the sale of cruise missiles. Most countries that could procure an A26 of this type either would not be allowed to buy TLAM or have already selected other submarine designs for their subsurface capability.

Poland, however, is one country that may fit the bill as it is still looking for a submarine capability has close relations with Sweden, and is also a close ally of the US being a part of NATO.

As a part of a wider naval expansion programme Poland wants to acquire three submarines from 2023 and Saab is bidding alongside European rivals, DCNS and TKMS.

(Imdex Asia 2017 Daily News)

ST Marine’s Sovereign Class Frigate

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18 Mei 2017


Sovereign class frigate (all images : ST Marine)

The Sovereign class frigate is an indigenous ST Marine designed vessel validated through extensive model testing with machineries and equipment based on proven designs.



Possessing enhanced sea-keeping (operable in sea state 5) and high manoeuvrability, this is a versatile multi-role platform with a wide range of capabilities.



Incorporating ST Marine’s designed modular mast for optimisation of sensors’ performance and with a wide array of sensors and weapons systems, this is a vessel that can exert influence over a wide air, surface and sub-surface zones. 



Possessing a great endurance and designed for crew comfort, these vessels are ideal for sea lines of communication protection and interdiction operations.

(ST Marine)

Army Receives Next-Generation Trucks and Trailers

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18 Mei 2017


Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons (photo : Aus DoD)

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today welcomed the first deliveries of a new generation of trucks and trailers to Army’s 7th Brigade at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane.

“These trucks, trailers and modules will revolutionise Defence’s logistics capability for decades to come and hundreds of jobs have been created as part of the $3.5 billion LAND 121 Phase 3B project,” said Minister Pyne.

“They provide a generational leap forward from the current fleet of Unimog, Mack and S-Liner trucks, offering significantly increased protection for our soldiers and an improved combination of payload and off-road mobility.”

Minister Pyne said he was delighted a number of Australian companies are making a significant contribution to the development, delivery and support of this capability.


Medium Heavy Vehicle Capability (MHC) (photo : Aus DoD)

“The new trucks and interchangeable modules, used on the vehicles for a range of tasks including fuel and water transportation, are being supplied by Rheinmetall together with a range of local suppliers,” Minister Pyne said.

“These suppliers come from around Australia and include G.H. Varley (Newcastle, NSW), Sea Box International (Canberra, ACT), Holmwood Highgate (Brisbane, QLD) and RPC Technologies (Sydney, NSW).”

“Rheinmetall’s local workforce has grown from 15 to more than 125 staff over the last three years, with approximately 200 direct jobs created across its Australian subcontracted workforce.”

“The majority of the trailers are being built in Brisbane by local company Haulmark Trailers Australia, with approximately 110 jobs created across Haulmark, its subcontractors and supply chain.”



In addition to the new Rheinmetall trucks and Haulmark trailers, a general maintenance capability will be delivered, expected to comprise 122 Mercedes G-Wagons and 49 converted Bushmasters and trailers.

Once deliveries to the 7th Brigade and South East Queensland units have been completed, the focus will turn to the 1st Brigade in Darwin and Adelaide in late 2017, and then to the 3rd Brigade in Townsville in 2018.

Between now and 2022, a total of 2707 vehicles, 3858 modules and 1753 trailers will be rolled out to units across Australia.

(Aus DoD)

ST Electronics Completes Development of Mercury AUV

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18 Mei 2017


ST Electronics launched its fully developed and rebranded Mercury AUV at the IMDEX 2017 exhibition. (photo : Jane's)

Singapore Technologies (ST) Electronics completed development of its Mercury autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) in mid-2016, Jane's has learnt during the IMDEX 2017 exhibition in Singapore.

Formerly known by its development name of Meredith, the 500 kg-class Mercury AUV is a modular, mid-weight AUV that is the result of a joint effort between DSO National Laboratories and ST Electronics to develop an underwater robot capable of providing high-quality seabed data for mine countermeasure (MCM) operations.

"We are deliberately keeping the overall weight under 1 tonne so that it can be deployed easily from shore or any craft of opportunity without complicated and expensive handling equipment," a company spokesperson told Jane's.

The example on display at IMDEX measures approximately 5 m in length and comprises the following components: the nose cone, which houses a forward-looking sonar; the configurable payload module that is currently equipped with a Thales synthetic aperture and mine detection imagery sonar (SAMDIS); the mission module that contains the autonomy, communications, navigation, safety, and processing systems; the battery module; and finally the propulsion module where a modified commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) thruster, optimised for efficiency, resides.

According to ST Electronics, another potential payload could be a dual-frequency synthetic aperture sonar. While no details of this particular system were revealed, Jane's earlier reported that DSO National Laboratories is collaborating with the locally based Microfine Materials Technologies to develop dual-imaging frequency techniques using indigenously developed piezoelectric crystal technology.

The Mercury AUV is outfitted with a global positioning system (GPS), an inertial navigation system (INS), and a Doppler velocity log (DVL). When operating in GPS-denied environments, the vehicle is claimed to be capable of navigating with a margin of error of 1 m for every kilometre travelled.

Jane's was briefed that the vehicle has an endurance of 14 hours at an average speed of 3 kt when equipped with a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery.

(Jane's)

Third Air Warfare Destroyer Receives Mast

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18 Mei 2017


Mast for HMAS Sydney (photo : Aus AWD)

Third Destroyer, Sydney Reaches Milestone with Mast Lift

Progress on the third Air Warfare Destroyer, Sydney continues as the Alliance works towards the upcoming completion of the ship’s hull integration in the coming months. Sydney continues to benefit from lessons learned across the program, with significant efficiency gains being measured from the first ship through to the third.

On Monday 15 May 2017, the AWD Alliance successfully loaded out the mast onto the hull of Sydney, following the Mast Stepping Ceremony that was held last week. The Mast Stepping Ceremony celebrates a long standing naval tradition, dating back to the ancient Romans, which involves placing a coin under the mast of a ship for good luck. 

At the ceremony, Alliance General Manager Paul Evans spoke about the traditions of the Mast Stepping and thanked the team for their hard work and dedication.

“Your commitment to excellence and finding improvements, combined with your demonstration of the true spirit of collaboration and teamwork has been noticed.”

Sydney Ship Manager Jason Loveday spoke about the lessons learned and how the team implemented them successfully. 

“Our Ship 3 team critically analysed the build state of Ship 2’s mast outfitting, and evaluated the build strategy to introduce further efficiencies. I am very proud of our shipbuilding team for proactively working together to achieve a further improvement of 15% on top of the already optimised Ship 2 mast outfitting strategy.”

(Aus AWD)

ST Marine Lifts Veil on New Platforms

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19 Mei 2017


New Endurance 170 design (image : STMarine)

ST Marine is highlighting its latest Endurance 170 design, a landing helicopter assault (LHA) ship that measures 170m long, at IMDEX Asia 2017. It is an evolution of the Endurance 160, of which a scale model was on display.

Far more capable than the four-ship Endurance class currently operated by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), ST Marine said it had a ‘potential customer’ for the Endurance 170. While the shipbuilder would not be drawn on who its client was, the RSN has talked since 2014 of acquiring a larger Joint Multi-Mission Ship.

There are five landing spots on the LHA’s full-length 4,200m² flight deck, plus a below-deck hangar deck can accommodate ten medium-sized helicopters.

Tan Ching Eng, senior vice president of ST Marine’s engineering design centre II, said, to save deployment time, helicopter rotor blades can be fully deployed before the aircraft ascend either of the LHA’s two elevators.

The Endurance 170 has a full load displacement of 19,000t, is 170m in length and 30.8m in width. Its ship crew numbers 140 plus 150 for the air crew. It can also carry up to 400 troops. Maximum speed is listed as 20kt, its range as 7,000nm and an endurance of 30 days.

The well deck can accommodate four landing craft plus up to 17 tanks on the vehicle deck. Another deck can fit 16 30t armoured vehicles. A 1,000m² medical facility, with three operating theatres, ten intensive care unit beds and 17 wards, is integral to the design.

Weaponry being promulgated, dependent on customer preference, includes a 76mm gun, 30mm remote-control weapon systems, close-in weapon systems and a vertical-launch missile system.

See full article Shephard

Raytheon Australia and Air Affairs Australia Partner on Advanced Electronic Warfare Training

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19 Mei 2017


New teaming agreement supports Defence forces training in complex, high-threat electromagnetic environments (photo : Raytheon)

NOWRA – Raytheon Australia and Air Affairs Australia have signed a teaming agreement today that outlines a significant expansion of Australia’s Electronic Warfare Training Services capability. This new partnership will allow Defence forces to train in complex, high-threat electromagnetic environments. 

Raytheon Australia currently delivers real-world simulation, testing and training services for the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Defence Force utilising two Raytheon-owned Learjets. The teaming agreement expands the current fleet of special mission aircraft available for delivery of EWTS. 

EWTS missions are complex and involve sophisticated EW system training, test, experimentation and evaluation trials, radar jamming and deception, communications denial and deception and radar threat simulation. 

“Electronic Warfare will play an increasingly critical role in the battlespace of the future,” said Michael Ward, managing director of Raytheon Australia. “As the demand for sophisticated EW training systems grows, Raytheon Australia and Air Affairs Australia will be ready to respond and support defence.”

Air Affairs Australia owns and operates a fleet of 13 special mission Learjet aircraft that offer specialised air training support services to Defence. Established in 1995 and 100% Australian owned, Air Affairs Australia is a leader in specialised airborne and engineering services.

“Air Affairs Australia looks forward to working with Raytheon Australia and supporting Defence in its Electronic Warfare Training Services mission,” said Chris Sievers, managing director of Air Affairs Australia. “The combination of Raytheon Australia’s EW pedigree with Air Affairs’ high capacity special mission air operation will provide Defence the advanced capability it is seeking.”

In the last two years, Raytheon Australia and the Commonwealth have jointly invested more than $5 million to upgrade Australian Electronic Warfare Training Service capabilities. Recently Raytheon Australia marked the 2,500th mission completed by its airborne EWTS team. 

(Raytheon)

ST Marine Introduces Vanguard Series of Modular Vessels

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19 Mei 2017


A model of the Vanguard 110 frigate on display at the IMDEX 2017 exhibition. (photo : Navy Recognition)

Singapore shipbuilder ST Marine has launched an array of surface vessels, which it calls the Vanguard series, and is showcasing them at the IMDEX 2017 maritime and defence exhibition.

Although it comes with four different classes, each class has been designed with a common hull form, which reduces design and engineering cost should a customer acquire more than one class of vessel from the series, said Siow Chee Kiang, ST Marine's vice-president for marketing and branding, in an interview with Jane's at the exhibition in Singapore.

The four classes are the Vanguard 80 patrol vessel, the Vanguard 95 naval research and support vessel, the Vanguard 105 offshore patrol vessel (OPV), and the Vanguard 120 frigate.

"Because they share common hull forms, you actually reduce not only your acquisition costs but also training, logistics, and maintenance costs throughout the vessel's life," said Siow, adding that within each class, the platform has also been designed to embark modularised mission containers so that operators can exercise more flexibility in the ship's deployments.

The Vanguard series' hull form features reduced radar cross-section (RCS) features, can operate up to Sea State 6, and survive up to Sea State 9. Each of the platforms can accommodate one helicopter, and has also been designed with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), unmanned surface vessel (USV), and unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) operational needs in mind.

(Jane's)

PT PPI Ditunjuk Menjadi Pelaksana Transaksi Imbal Dagang Pesawat Sukhoi Su-35

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19 Mei 2017

Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker E (photo : Sputnik)

PT PPI Diminta Kawal Transaksi Imbal Dagang Sukhoi dari Rusia

JAKARTA - Kementrian Perdagangan meminta pihak Kejaksaan Agung Republik Indonesia untuk mendampingi transaksi imbal dagang. Pasalnya, Kemendag tengah melakukan transaksi imbal dagang untuk pembelian pesawat Sukhoi Su-35 asal Rusia. 

Menteri Perdagangan Enggartiasto Lukita mengatakan, telah menunjuk perusahaan Badan Usaha Milik Negara (BUMN) yaitu PT Perusahaan Perdagangan Indonesia (PPI) sebagai perantara dalam melakukan transaksi imbal dagang dengan Rusia. Sementara dari sisi Rusia akan menunjuk Rostec yang merupakan BUMN yang bergerak dibidang Alutsista.

"Kami telah menunjuk PT PPI, BUMN yang mewakili kita, karena mereka tunjuk BUMN-nya (Rostec), kita tunjuk BUMN-nya PPI. Mereka akan lakukan transaksi dagang dari sisi kita. Sukhoi jual pada Kementrian Pertahanan, dia tunjuk badan usahanya, Rostec," ujarnya di Kantor Kementrian Perdagangan, Jakarta, Rabu (17/5/2017).

Meski telah menunjuk PT PPI sebagai perantara, namun Enggar belum menyebutkan jenis komoditas apa saja yang akan ditawarkan pemerintah pada Rusia sebagai imbal dagang dengan delapan pesawat jet Sukhoi Su-35. Namun sejauh ini pihak Rusia baru menyampaikan keinginan mereka untuk membeli karet alam produksi dalam negeri, namun, tidak menutup kemungkinan untuk membeli produk lainnya.

"Imbal dagang itu ada UU mengenai ketentuan setiap mengenai alusista, ada transteknologi dan nilainya. Dan pemerintah kita dalam hal ini menhan membeli sukhoi dan sebagian itu dalam bahannya, jenisnya imbalnya apa, itu nanti dalam pembicaraan," kata Enggar.

Sebagai informasi, Adapun nilai imbal dagang yang akan dilakukan dengan Rusia sekitar USD600 juta. Diperkirakan pengadaan delapan unit pesawat tempur Sukhoi SU-35 memakan biaya senilai USD 1,14 miliar.

(Okezone)

Apache Puspenerbad Jalani Uji Terbang

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19 Mei 2017


Apache TNI AD melakukan uji terbang di salah satu fasilitas produksi Boeing di Amerika Serikat. (all photos : Wayan Agus/Penerbad)

Walau helikopter serang baru milik Pusat Penerbangan TNI AD (Puspenerbad) baru akan dikirim akhir tahun ini, namun uji terbang telah dilakukan.

Heli tempur jenis AH-64E Apache dengan kelir khas TNI AD ini terlihat sangat garang dan tetap menawan.



Kabarnya, heli yang akan memperkuat Skadron Serbu 11 di Semarang ini akan dikirim sebanyak tiga unit di tahap pertama. Lima unit lainnya akan dikirim pada awal 2018 mendatang. Total yang akan di terima sebanyak delapan unit.

Selain itu, Puspenerbad juga akan menerima satu set simulator heli serang yang sampai saat ini masih hits digunakan di medan tempur oleh AS.

(Angkasa)

Singapore Displays Latest Special Forces RHIB

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20 Mei 2017


The RSN is in the process of replacing existing RHIBs used by its elite 'Frogmen', with this 11 m example built by Zodiac Milpro under evaluation. (photo : Jane's, Shephard)

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) took the opportunity at the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2017 in Singapore to showcase a new type of rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) currently undergoing operational test and evaluation (OT&E) and destined for the service's elite Naval Diving Unit (NDU).

Designated the Combatant Craft Medium (CCM), the RHIB measures 11.5 m long and 3.25 m wide and is powered by a pair of 400-hp inboard engines that enable it to reach a maximum stated speed in excess of 40 kt. It can carry up to 15 personnel, although Jane's has learned that crew seating can be reduced in order to accommodate other mission payloads if necessary.

The CCM is typically armed with a 7.62 mm general purpose machine gun (MG) located near its bow, although heavier weapons such as a 12.7 mm MG could also be fitted.



"The new boat can be configured and optimised prior to a mission for much improved tactical versatility," an NDU team member told Jane's on 18 May, adding that the first example was received in December 2016. It is understood that the CCM is expected to eventually replace the service's current fleet of 11 m RHIBs, which were built by Mississippi-based United States Marine, Inc. (USMI) Boats.

The CCM is built by Zodiac Milpro and customised for the RSN's specific mission requirements, which can include seaward interdiction as well as boarding operations. It appears to be based on the company's ZH-1100 CDO Military Air Channelled Hull II (MACH II) design, which features an aluminium hull and foam-filled sponsons that maximise deck volume for improved configurability and usable space.

The company also claims that its patented MACH II hull design reduces resistance while offering improved directional stability for gains in fuel economy and speed.

(Jane's)

Australia's Two New $1.5 Billion Warships May Have Design Flaws, Navy Chiefs Reveal

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20 Mei 2017


HMAS Canberra L02 & HMAS Adelaide L01 (photo : Tropic Maritime)

Propulsion problems on two new warships which cost taxpayers $3 billion could be the consequence of fundamental design flaws, navy chiefs have revealed, as they confirmed at least one of the vessels will miss major drills with the US next month. 

One of the two ships, the HMAS Adelaide, has been dry-docked at Garden Island in Sydney Harbour so naval engineers and the manufacturers can open up the propeller system and examine whether the problems are as simple as parts being poorly fitted or something deeper.


Chief of Navy Tim Barrett and Rear Admiral Adam Grunsell, head of maritime systems at Defence's capability and sustainment group, acknowledged there could be a design problem, though they stressed it was still being investigated.

Such a fundamental problem would raise the likelihood the ship's overseas manufacturers would bear the cost under warranty.


"Am I disappointed? Yes. We were not expecting to find this," Vice Admiral Barrett said in a briefing in Canberra on Friday.

What is known is that oils have seeped into sections in which they don't belong within the external propulsion pods that drive and steer the ship. In the Adelaide, metal particles have also been found in the oil.


The findings appear to indicate that problems with seals have allowed oils to move around. Different parts of the system use different types of oil of varying thickness.

This in turn may have caused bearings to be worn which could have produced the metal particles in the oil in the Adelaide.


HMAS Canberra L02 & HMAS Adelaide L01 (photo : Aus DoD)

Each ship cost roughly $1.5 billion. They were built by Spanish firm Navantia using a propulsion system made by German firm Siemens. British firm BAE Systems integrated the ship's systems.

Rear Admiral Grunsell said: "The three companies themselves are looking very closely and working very closely on the detail because they want to understand what caused this as well. It may well be a design issue."

Spain's armada has a ship of the same design, the Juan Carlos I. It has had problems but not of the same nature. Despite being commissioned in 2010, it has done less sea time than the newer Canberra or Adelaide, Vice Admiral Barrett said.

This appears to leave open the possibility that the ship cannot actually perform at the level the manufacturers stated. Vice Admiral Barrett acknowledged this possibility, as well as that there were basic design or engineering problems.

"All of those aspects are part of what we're considering at the moment," he said. "Until we've done this work, we're not in a position to be able to say that and I would not speculate on any of those outcomes but clearly in root cause analysis you have to consider all of those options."

HMAS Canberra meanwhile has been taken to sea to do further tests. Vice Admiral Barrett confirmed the Adelaide would miss Exercise Talisman Sabre with the US starting in late June, though he was still hopeful the Canberra could take part.


On the question of who bears the cost, Vice Admiral Barrett said: "If we have to change our requirement because of what we've discovered here … then clearly whether that becomes a warranty issue or something that the Commonwealth has to live with, that's the bit that I am sensitive about saying too much because that would be a piece that the Commonwealth would choose to take up at a later stage."

(SMH)

Tiga Unit Patkamla Perkuat Armada TNI AL

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20 Mei 2017


Satu dari tiga unit kapal patroli keamanan laut (patkamla) TNI AL diuji coba di perairan Ujung, Surabaya, usai diserahterimakan di Koarmatim Surabaya (photo : Antara)

Surabaya (Antara Jatim) - Tiga unit kapal patroli keamanan laut (Patkamla) siap memperkuat armada Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Laut (TNI AL) setelah diserahterimakan PT Rizquna Energy Persada kepada Asisten Logistik Kepala Staf  TNI AL (Kasal) Laksamana Muda TNI Mulyadi.
     
"Tiga unit Patkamla ini tipe 12 M, merupakan hasil pengadaan program Anggaran Pendapatan dan Belanja Negara Perubahan Tahun 2016," katanya, di sela serah terima yang berlangsung di Gedung Satuan Pemeliharaan Material, Komando Armada Republik Indonesia Wilayah Timur (Koarmatim), Surabaya, Kamis.
     
Dia mengatakan ketiga Unit Patkamla itu akan memperkuat jajaran Pangkalan TNI AL (Lanal) baik di Wilayah Barat maupun Wilayah Timur. 
     
Tiga unit Patkamla tersebut masing-masing adalah Kapal Angkatan Laut (KAL) Pulau Ismoyo, yang menurut Mulyadi selanjutnya diserahkan ke Komandan Lanal Malang.
     
"Selain itu KAL Minca kami serahkan kepada Komandan Lanal Simeulue dan KAL Pulau Sugi diserahkan kepada Komandan Lanal Tanjung Balai Karimun," katanya.
     
Dengan bertambahnya unsur patroli TNI AL itu, dia berharap, secara langsung akan menambah kemampuan patroli pangkalan TNI AL dalam menjaga keamanan wilayah perairan Indonesia, khususnya sebagai sarana patroli terbatas di lingkungan Lanal.
     
"Tiga unit Patkamla ini dibangun sesuai dengan kriteria pembangunan kapal secara prosedural, serta diawasi oleh tim pengawas dan biro klasifikasi," ujarnya.
     
Dengan begitu dia memastikan tiga unit kapal Patkamla yang telah selesai dibangun memiliki tingkat kesiapan (readiness) dan kecakapan (sustainability) yang tinggi. 
     
"Tiga unit Patkamla 12 M dapat di operasikan secara maksimal untuk mewujudkan TNI AL yang handal, disegani serta berkelas dunia," ucapnya. 
     
Lebih lanjut kepada satuan TNI AL penerima, Mulyadi mengimbau agar terus memonitor kondisi teknis ketiga Patkamla tersebut terkait dengan jaminan pemeliharaan yang diberikan oleh PT Rizquna Energy Persada.

(Antara)

PAF Nomad 68 Back in Flight Line

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20 Mei 2017


PAF Nomad 68 (photo : Jack Hannen)

One of the three Nomad aircraft (N-22) of the Philippine Air Force, 220th Airlift Wing, with tail nr 68 is now back to the flight line after going through a major maintenance inspection.

The inspection was completed in record time in barely almost a month covering all the required scope of works. This is in accordance with the ASTA published Inspection Requirements Manual (IRM) Nomad series N22 & N24 pub # 12.39-1, considering that Nomad 68 has accumulated almost one thousand eight hundred (1,800) hours time in service.

Thus, the aircraft was subjected to IRM scheduled ‘D’ inspection and has undergone a thorough inspection including some non-destructive, mandatory compliance service bulletin and repetitive periodic inspections. Nomad aircrew and maintenance personnel led by Maj Meritto Jay Quijano PAF worked double time in order to bring the aircraft back to operational status in time.

The Nomad Aircraft was designed, developed and manufactured by Government Aircraft Factories (GAF) in Melbourne, Australia. The Philippine Air Force has been utilizing the Nomad Aircraft for almost 38 years now. It has performed tactical airlift operations in support to the Airlifter's mission and to the Armed Forces of the Philippines as well.

It also performed various tasks such as transport of personnel and material, aerial reconnaissance, air evacuation, transport assistance to various government agencies, delivery of munitions for combat operations and other functions as directed by higher headquarters.

One of the many significant impact brought by the use of these aircraft was the airlift support provided to COMELEC personnel during the 2013 National and Local elections in Pag-Asa island.

On the other hand, a recent report was also made by the Philippine Star states that, "The conduct of mid-term national and local elections in Palawan’s Kalayaan island town in the hotly-contested Spratlys archipelago is over in a matter of six hours—the fastest electoral exercise ever recorded so far in the country's election history". This would not have been possible without the support provided by the Nomad aircrew that time.

(PAF)

Singapore Allocates SGD10 Million Towards Upgrading of Submarine Rescue Ship

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20 Mei 2017


MV Swift Rescue, the RSN's submarine intervention and rescue vessel. (photo : Vladimir Knyas)

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has set aside SGD10 million (USD7.1 million) towards upgrades of its submarine rescue ship and its related sub-systems.

The matter was revealed by the RSN chief, Rear Admiral Lai Chung Han during his presentation at the International Maritime Security Conference, which was held in conjunction with the IMDEX 2017 maritime defence exhibition at the Changi Exhibition Centre on 16 May.

The admiral has, however, not given further details on the planned upgrades, saying only that these will result in "better submarine rescue capabilities" for the RSN. The upgrades will take place over the next two years, he added.

The RSN has been operating a 4,300-tonne helicopter-capable ship, MV Swift Rescue, jointly with a commercial operator since April 2009. The 83 m vessel is equipped with a 9.6 m, 25-tonne submarine rescue vehicle (SRV) known as the Deep Search and Rescue-6 (DSAR-6), and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with manipulator arms.

Swift Rescue is currently the only ship in Southeast Asia that is capable of mating and conducting collective rescue and transfer of distressed submariners while under pressure. The platform is equipped with a recompression chamber that can rehabilitate up to 40 rescued submariners, in four separate compartments, at any one point of time.

(Jane's)

Prajurit Resimen Kavaleri dan Artileri Marinir Laksanakan Latihan Menembak

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20 Mei 2017
Latihan penembakan dengan AMX-10 PAC 90mm (all photos : Korps Marinir) 

114 Prajurit Menkav-1 MAR Laksanakan Materi Menembak

Dispen Kormar (Situbondo). Sebanyak 114 Prajurit Resimen Kavaleri-1 Marinir melaksanakan materi menembak kendaraan tempur (Ranpur) siang dan malam, kegiatan materi ini merupakan bagian dari Latihan Satuan Dasar (LSD) Triwulan II Tahun 2017, yang dilaksanakan oleh Menkav-1 Mar didaerah latihan Pusat Latihan Tempur (Puslatpur) Marinir Baluran Situbondo, Jumat, (19/05/2017).

Kegiatan menembak ini ditinjau langsung oleh Komandan Menkav-1 Mar Kolonel Marinir Agung Trisnanto, Pasops Danmenkav-1 Mar Letkol Mar Supriyadi, Danyon Ranratfib-1 Mar Mayor Mar Agus Setiadi SH. M.,Tr.Hanla., Danyon Tankfib-1 Mar Mayor Mar Fachrul Ahmadi, Pabandya Binor Srena Kormar Mayor Mar Anton Prastowo, serta para Katim latihan kesenjataan Menkav-1 Mar.

Dalam kesempatan tersebut seluruh peserta latihan dalam hal ini kru material tempur melaksanakan penembakan siang dan malam hari. Adapun materi penembakan yang dilaksanakan pada siang hari meliputi penembakan Canon BMP 3F 100mm dan 30mm, Canon PT 76 M 90mm, Canon PT 76mm, AMX 10 PAC 90mm, M2HB 12,7mm, M2 7,62mm, GPMG 7,62mm, dan DSCHK 12,7mm. dengan jarak sasaran sejauh 400m, 800m, 1000m, 1200m dan 1500m, sedangkan pada malam hari dilaksanakan penembakan Canon BMP 3F 100mm dan 30mm serta PT 76 kaliber 76mm dengan jarak sasaran meliputi jarak 800m, 1000m  dan 1200m.



Danmenkav-1 Mar selaku Pimpinan Latihan LSD TW II tahun 2017 menyampaikan bahwa latihan ini bukan sekedar untuk formalitas namun manfaatkan latihan ini untuk meningkatkan, mengasah  serta mempertajam kemahiran sebagai kru ranpur, tanamkan jati diri sebagai prajurit professional yang cepat, tanggap, tepat dan mengejutkan dalam setiap tugas yang diberikan.

Mengawali kegiatan para peserta latihan diberi pembekalan materi oleh Katim penembakan Mayor Mar Wilibrordus, yang selanjutnya para peserta menuju ke kendaraan tempur dan senjata yang telah disiapkan sebelumnya.

“tetap utamakan zero accident, teliti dan konsentrasi adalah hal utama dalam kegiatan materi menembak kali ini stiap prajurit kavaleri pasti memiliki naluri tempur namun bila tidak diasah maka naluri tersebut akan senantiasa sia-sia oleh sebab itu manfaatkan sebaik mungkin kesempatan ini untuk menambah ilmu dan kemampuan kalian,” ungkap Katim materi menembak Mayor Marinir Wilibrordus. (Marinir)



Prajurit Resimen Artileri-1 MAR Laksanakan Menembak TW.II TA.2017

Dispen Kormar (Situbondo). Prajurit Resimen Artileri-1 Marinir melaksanakan menembak senjata berat Alutsista jenis Meriam Roket MLRS Vampire 122 MM, Meriam Howitzer 105 MM serta menembak meriam Arhanud BPV2 dan PKT dalam lanjutan Latihan Satuan Dasar (LSD) Tri Wulan II Darat/Laut Tahun 2017 di Pusat Latihan Tempur Baluran, Karangtekok Situbondo, Jawa Timur, (19/05/2017).


Materi Latihan dalam latihan menembak kesenjataan Artileri Korps Marinir yaitu prosedur permintaan bantuan tembakan, menentukan arah pokok, perintah tembakan, tembak tinjau, tembak pelaksanaan, penembakan malam dan koreksi hasil tembakan yang dilaksanakan oleh Batalyon Howitzer-1 Marinir dan Batalyon Roket-1 Marinir. 


Latihan penembakan dengan BVP-2 kanon 30mm (all photos : Korps Marinir)

Sedangkan untuk Batalyon Arhanud-1 Marinir melaksanakan pertahanan udara secara aktif dengan menghancurkan, meniadakan atau mengurangi daya guna dan hasil guna (efektifitas dan efesiensi) serangan udara musuh yang menggunakan pesawat terbang maupun peluru-peluru balistik dan peluru-peluru kendali.




Pimpinan Latihan Satuan Dasar (PIMLAT LSD) Menart-1 Mar TW.II. TA. 2017 Kolonel Marinir Ainur Rofiq didampingi Penasehat Latihan (HATLAT) Letkol Marinir Gunawan Tri Utomo, Perwira pelaksana latihan (PALAKLAT) Letkol Marinir Marhabang, S.H.,M.Tr.Hanla, Komandan Batalyon Roket-1 Marinir Letkol Marinir Dian Suryansyah,S.E,.M.Tr.Hanla, Komandan Batalyon Arhanud-1 Marinir Mayor Marinir Guntur Almsyih,S.H,.M.Tr.Hanla, Pengawas pengendalian (WASDAL) Mayor Marinir Prio Sigit, Mayor Marinir Endik Catur, Mayor Marinir Sonny Kurniawan meninjau langsung penembakan kesenjataan Artileri yang dimiliki Korps Marinir.

Latihan penembakan howitzer LG-1 105mm (all photos : Korps Marinir)


Dalam peninjauannya, Pimlat LSD TW.II.TA.2017 mengatakan bahwa dengan latihan tersebut diharapkan supaya seluruh prajurit Menart-1 Marinir besemangat dalam melaksanakan kegiatan, laksanakan kegiatan ini dengan sungguh-sungguh, jangan lupa mengutamakan faktor keselamatan sehingga latihan ini benar-benar “Zero Accdent” selalu menjaga dan membina kebugaran fisik dan mental, karena setelah penembakan terlaksana masih ada kegiatan esok harinya yaitu Lintas Medan (Limed), Start Patalan naik ke Gunung Bromo Kabupaten Probolinggo dan Finish di Paserpan Kabupaten Pasuruan“, tegasnya. (Marinir)

TNI-AD Tarik Seluruh Meriam Giant Bow

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20 Mei 2017


Meriam Giant Bow II 2x23mm Kostrad TNI AD (photo : kostrad)

NATUNA – Investigasi insiden yang mengakibatkan empat prajurit Batalyon Artileri Pertahanan Udara Ringan 1/Divisi Infanteri 1 Kostrad berlanjut. Polisi Militer TNI-AD (Pomad) masih menggali data mengenai insiden tersebut. Berdasar laporan terakhir, meriam Giant Bow yang mengalami gangguan berada dalam kondisi baik.

Insiden itu terjadi ketika latihan Pasukan Pemukul Reaksi Cepat (PPRC) TNI di Tanjung Datuk, Natuna, Kepulauan Riau (Kepri) Rabu lalu (17/5)

Berdasar informasi di lokasi kejadian, sejumlah perubahan dilakukan pasca kejadian. TNIAD tak hanya mengerahkan petugas untuk mengidentifikasi insiden tersebut. Tapi juga menarik mundur seluruh meriam Giant Bow yang semula turut serta dalam latihan.

Total ada sembilan Giant Bow yang ditarik. Selain Giant Bow yang mengalami gangguan, delapan lainnya turut ditarik mundur. Meski demikian, Mabes TNI-AD memastikan bahwa alutsista tersebut tetap siap siaga. ” Yang diidentifikasi hanya satu,” terang Kadispen AD Brigjen TNI Alfret Denny Tuejeh kemarin. Dia menekankan kembali bahwa alutsista itu berada dalam kondisi baik. Sebab, Yon Arhanud 1/ Divisi Infanteri 1 memeriksa peralatan tersebut sebelum dibawa ke Natuna.

”Dipelihara dengan baik di satuan Yon Arhanud 1/Divisi Infanteri 1 Kostrad,” ungkap dia kepada Jawa Pos kemarin (18/5). Namun, Denny belum bisa memastikan insiden tersebut bersumber dari malfungsi alutsista atau kesalahan prajurit. Berkaitan dengan hal itu, POM TNI-AD mendapat tugas untuk menginvestigasi insiden tersebut. ”Tim dari TNI-AD masih, sedang, dan terus melakukan investigasi untuk mengetahui penyebabnya,” terangnya. Hasil investigasi tersebut bakal dihimpun dan dilaporkan langsung kepada Panglima TNI Jenderal Gatot Nurmantyo sebagai pemegang komando PPRC TNI.


Meriam Giant Bow II 2x23mm diatas truk Isuzu Elf NPS 4×4 milik Batalyon Arhanud Ringan 1 Kostrad TNI AD (photo : vidio)

Denny memastikan, setiap korban yang terdampak insiden di lokasi latihan PPRC TNI diurus dengan baik. Itu merupakan bentuk tanggung jawab TNI-AD terhadap para korban peristiwa tersebut. Jenazah empat prajurit yang gugur dalam latihan yang puncaknya diselenggarakan hari ini (19/5) tersebut sudah berada di tengah keluarga masing-masing. ”Rabu malam (17/5) jenazah empat prajurit TNI-AD telah diberangkatkan menuju daerah asal masing-masing,” ujarnya.

Jenazah Danrai Kapten Arh Heru Bayu dibawa ke keluarganya di Padang, Sumatera Barat. Jenazah Pratu Marwan dibawa ke Pekanbaru, Riau. Lalu, jenazah Praka Edy ke Palopo dan jenazah Pratu Ibnu Hidayat ke Semarang. Seluruhnya dimakamkan secara militer sebagai bentuk penghormatan dari TNI-AD kepada prajurit.

Sementara itu, kondisi delapan korban luka terus dipantau. Laporan terakhir menyebutkan, kondisi empat korban luka ringan membaik. Mereka adalah Pratu Ridai, Pratu Didik, Praka Edi Sugianto, dan Pelda Dawid. ”Mereka berobat jalan,” kata Denny. Bahkan, Pelda Dawid yang berasal dari Pusat Penerangan (Puspen) TNI sudah keluar dari rumah sakit. Empat korban lainnya, Serda Alfredo Siahaan, Sertu Blego, Prada Wahyu Danar, serta Pratu Bayu Agung, masih dirawat secara intensif di RS Kartika Husada Pontianak. Mereka mengalami luka berat.

Meski insiden di Natuna merenggut empat nyawa prajurit TNI-AD, puncak latihan PPRC hari ini dilaksanakan sesuai dengan agenda. Kemarin seluruh prajurit TNI yang terlibat memang sudah tidak berlatih. Namun, persiapan dilakukan dengan matang. Sebab, bukan hanya panglima TNI dan kepala staf masing-masing angkatan yang dijadwalkan hadir. Presiden Joko Widodo pun turut menyaksikan langsung agenda tersebut. Bersama Gatot, Presiden Jokowi akan memimpin seremoni pembaretan gubernur-gubernur yang turut hadir.

(Jawa Pos)
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