DEFENSE STUDIES

22 Mei 2017

RSN Specialised Maritime Craft (photo : Monch)

Singapore Technologies (ST) Marine, the shipbuilding arm of defence prime ST Engineering, is in the final stages of validating new high-speed marine craft designs featuring its indigenously developed air cavity hull (ACH) technology, Jane's has learnt during the IMDEX 2017 exhibition being held in Singapore.

Air cavity hull (ACH) technology (image : research gate)

ACH technology aims to reduce the hydrodynamic drag of a marine vessel via air lubrication of its hull bottom. This injects and traps air underneath the hull to generate thin but large-area cavities that separate a significant section of the vessel's wetted hull surface from the contact with the water, resulting in improved operating efficiencies and overall performance.

(Jane's)

22 Mei 2017

Drone Schiebel S-100 buatan Austria (all photos : Tribun Batam)

Batam (ANTARA News) - Panglima Komando Armada RI Kawasan Barat (Pangarmabar) Laksamana Muda TNI Aan Kurnia menyatakan masih menjajaki rencana pembelian drone intai buatan Austria untuk membantu pengamanan di laut.

Hal itu dikatakan Pangarmabar usai menyaksikan uji coba pesawat tanpa awak (drone) intai Rajawali S-100 buatan PT Schiebel Elektronische Gerate Gmbh, Austria di Perairan Batam, Kepulauan Riau, Sabtu.

"Kami masih dalam penjajakan untuk pembelian drone guna membantu tugas pengamanan laut. Untuk pengamatan awal lebih efektif kalau pakai alat seperti ini dari pada helikopter. Jadi kami cari yang memiliki kemampuan sesuai dengan tugas kami," kata dia.

Drone Rajawali S-100 berbentuk helikopter yang diuji coba didukung oleh sistem yang memiliki kemampuan tinggi dan merupakan perangkat yang mudah dibawa untuk operasi laut maupun darat.

Drone ini mampu diaplikasikan sebagai alat intai jarak jauh, operasi di pesisir pantai, dukungan misi, pelindungan convoy, pengamanan multi sensor, anti penyelundupan, keamanan perbatasan, SAR dan pengawasan multi sensor.

Spesifikasi terbang yang dimiliki drone meliputi kecepatan terabang maksimul 130 knot (240 km/jam), kecepatan laju 100 knot (185 kilometer per jam) dan kecepatan operasi 55 knot (100km/jam).

Drone tersebut juga memiliki daya terbang lebih dari enam jam dengan playload 25 kilogram dan kemampuan ketinggian jelajah 18.000 fl (5500 meter).

Spesifikasi teknis drone antara lain diameter rotor utama 3400 mm, panjang total 3110 mm, tinggi 1120 mm, berat maksimal T/O 200 kg, berat kosong 110 kilogram, kemampuan tanki bahan bakar interna 57,1 liter, tangki BBM eksternal mencapai 25,4 liter dan mampu menjangkau data link sejauh 200 kilometer.

Drone dilengkapi layar mission control yang dapat memberikan informasi video dengan waktu nyata dari kamera pilot termasuk penampilan data penerbangan seperti pada umumnya di pesawat modern.

Dengan tampilan multi fungsi pada layar kontrol, pesawat mampu memberikan informasi dan peringatan tentang sistem yang ada di pesawat dan di darat.

Arsitektuk dan link yang dimiliki drone tersebut juga mampu menyediakan data dengan bendwidth yang tinggi sehingga secara bersamaan dapat mengirimkan multiple video streams dan memungkinkan integrasi yang sederhana dari bermacam-macam payload.

"Secara umum sudah bagus. Namun untuk kameranya belum sesuai dengan harapan kami. Katanya kamera yang dipakai kali ini belum yang terbaik, makanya kami masih dalam tahap penjajakan," kata Aan.

(Antara)

22 Mei 2017

KM Arau 8704 (all photos : APMM)

Kapal patroli kedua yang disumbangkan oleh Jepang Coast Guard (JCG) untuk APMM/MMEA akan berlayar ke pulang pada akhir Mei, saat ini kapal dengan nama KM Arau ini sedang dalam tahap perbaikan akhir yang dilakukan di Jepang.

Jepang menghibahkan dua kapal kelas 90m masing-masing PL-01 Ojima dan PL-02 Erimo, kedua kapal ini masuk dinas di JCG pada tahun 1989 dan 1991.

Kapal pertama KM Pekan telah tiba di Malaysia pada bulan Maret lalu, saat perhelatan LIMA 17.

(Defense Studies)

23 Mei 2017

Israeli AESA radar (photo : Israel Defense)

Korea turns to Israeli contractor for KF-X jet radar: source

South Korea has formally decided to receive some technology support from Israel for the development of an advanced radar system in its KF-X fighter jet program, Seoul's arms procurement agency said Tuesday.

The state-run Agency for Defense Development signed a contract with an Israeli defense firm on testing an active electronically scanned array radar being developed by a South Korean company, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.

"It's about technology support related to the operation test of a prototype radar, not the development itself," the DAPA said.

The agency would not reveal the value of the contract apparently with Elta, while an industry official said it's worth around 40 billion won ($35.5 million).

It requires sophisticated technology to test an AESA radar system and integrate it with aircraft.

The DAPA's statement followed a news report that the ADD has abandoned a push to develop the radar on its own despite a partnership with a local defense firm.

In 2016, the ADD chose Hanwha Thales, a local defense firm later renamed Hanwha Systems, as the preferential bidder for the radar development. Hanhwa beat its domestic rival LIG Nex1 in the controversial competition.

The ADD said earlier it could seek outside help if Hanhwa falters in developing such an advanced radar system for use by South Korea's envisioned fighter jets.

South Korea launched the KF-X project in 2015 with the aim of producing more than 120 cutting-edge fighters to replace its aging jet fleet of F-4s and F-5s.

It plans to pour a total of 18 trillion won into the project by 2026, with the production of six prototype jets scheduled to begin in July next year.

(Korea Herald)

23 Mei 2017

Pelatihan radio DDF 550 Korps Marinir (all photos : Portal Komando)

Dispen Kormar (Jakarta) . Setelah menjalani pelatihan selama tujuh hari, 29 orang prajurit Korps Marinir perwakilan dari Batalyon Komunikasi dan Peperangan Elektronika (Yonkomelk) Jakarta dan Surabaya serta perwakilan dari Dinas Komunikasi dan Peperangan Elektronika (Diskomlek) Korps Marinir siap mengoperasikan alat komunikasi generasi terbaru Digital Direction Finding (DDF) tipe 550.

Dalam pelatihan sebagai salah satu media Transfer of Technology (TOT) yang digelar di markas Yonkomlek-2 Marinir Jakarta tersebut, peserta pelatihan secara umum telah memahami dan siap untuk mengoperasikan alat tersebut di medan operasi terutama untuk mengantisipasi dan menghadapi model peperangan elektronika atau electronic warfare sebagai salah satu ciri peperangan masa depan. Pelatihan dimulai pada Senin (15/5/2017) lalu dan berakhir pada Selasa (23/5) siang ini.

Radio DDF 550 Korps Marinir didesain sesuai standard militer. Mobilisasinya di lapangan diintegrasikan dengan kendaraan Toyota Hilux yang didesain dengan tambahan beberapa perangkat, fitur dan spare part pendukung yang telah teruji unggul di sejumlah medan operasi baik di pegunungan, pemukiman penduduk maupun di wilayah perkotaan.

Radio ini mampu memfinding (mencari) kedudukan dan frekfensi radio musuh dengan tepat dan akurat dalam jarak tertentu, apalagi dengan tambahan radio 1550 potable yang dikemas dalam bentuk manpack, sehingga dapat mendukung operasional radio DDF 550 secara maksimal.

Pelatihan alat komunikasi generasi terbaru DDF 550 Korps Marinir diselenggarakan olel Diskomlekal didukung teknisi yang didatangkan langsung dari Jerman dan sejumlah teknisi Rohde&Schwarz Indonesia. Hadir dalam acara penutupan latihan Kasubdispernika Diskomlekal Letkol Laut (E) Dominggus, Kasubdisrenhar Diskomlek Kormar Letkol Mar Hadi Santoso , S.E. dan Kasirenhar Diskomlek Kormar Mayor Marinir Mugni.

(Marinir)

23 Mei 2017

Three brand new MPAC (photo : Tankler)

MANILA - The country's first three multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC), with provisions for missile armament, was formally turned over and commissioned into the Philippine Fleet during short ceremonies at the Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City Monday.

These MPACs are the Mark III models and are considerably more advance that the six Mark I and IIs currently in the inventory.

Capt. Lued Lincuna, Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson, said the MPACs, which has the hull number BA-488, BA-489, and BA-491, were all commissioned and quickly send-off to Davao City by Philippine Fleet commander Rear Admiral Gaudencio Collado after ceremonies at the Capt. Moya Boat Landing around 8 a.m. Monday.

These boats will be participate in the 119th founding anniversary of the PN which will be held in May 31 at Sasa Wharf, Davao City, he added.

The PN spokesperson said that the MPACs will form the 3rd Boat Attack Division of the Philippine Fleet's Littoral Combat Force.

These MPACs were constructed by Subic Bay-based Propmech Corporation.

They will be armed with the Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd's Spike ER (extended range) in anti-ship mode.

It is capable of penetrating 1,000 mm (39 inches) of rolled homogeneous armor and has a maximum range of five miles.

PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado said installations of the missile systems will follow shortly.

"(The MPACs) are only the platforms; installation of the missiles will follow," he said to the PNA.

These three MPACs are worth PHP270 million which was sourced from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act Trust Fund of 2000.

The contract includes mission essential equipment.

Mission essential equipment includes day/night electronic navigation systems, communication suites, safety-of-life-at-sea, propulsion system and seamanship and ship-handling gears.

(PNA)

24 Mei 2017

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius handed over six 45-foot Metal Shark patrol boats to the Vietnam Coast Guard in Quang Nam Province on May 22. (photo : US Embassy)

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius on Monday handed over six 45-foot Metal Shark patrol boats to the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) in Quang Nam, Region II, marking another important step in the expanding security cooperation between the two countries, according to the US Embassy.

Delivering these patrol vessels represents deepening cooperation in the areas maritime law enforcement, maritime search and rescue, and maritime humanitarian assistance operations within Vietnam’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.

These patrols boats will assist VCG Region II in intercostal patrols and law enforcement in smuggling, illicit trafficking, piracy and armed robbery against ships, and illegal fishing.

Immediately after the transfer, VCG will begin to train on and operate the vessels, making them fully operational.

“Vietnam’s future prosperity depends upon a stable and peaceful maritime environment. The United States and the rest of the international community also benefit from regional stability, which is why we are here today, and it is why we are very pleased to be working together with the Vietnam Coast Guard,” said Ambassador Osius at the handover ceremony.

The U.S. Embassy, through its Office of Defense Cooperation, coordinates U.S.-Vietnam security cooperation activities on behalf of U.S. Pacific Command to advance common defense goals and interests.

This cooperation, as agreed upon in the September 2011 Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation, includes security assistance and educational exchanges between the U.S. and Vietnamese militaries.

(VietNamNet)

24 Mei 2017

HMAS Adelaide rests on blocks within the Captain Cook graving dock. (photo : Aus DoD)

Canberra class amphibious assault ship HMAS Canberra has returned to sea to conduct trials off Sydney to test interim repairs made to the ship’s propulsion pods.

Meanwhile, sister ship HMAS Adelaide has entered the Captain Cook graving dock for a docking that includes a close inspection of its propulsion pods, defect rectification and maintenance.

A propulsion problem was identified aboard Canberra during helicopter flight trials.

Fairfax Media reported that “fundamental design flaws” could be behind the problems, following a briefing by Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, although this is still under investigation.

HMAS Adelaide will miss Exercise Talisman Sabre 2017 but Canberra could still take part, according to the report.

(ADBR)

24 Mei 2017

Next Generation - Armoured Recovery Vehicle (NG-ARV) (photo : Shephard)

The Singapore Army has rolled out a production prototype of the Next Generation - Armoured Recovery Vehicle (NG-ARV), as well as revealing a new Leopard 2SG sight.

The NG-ARV was developed by ST Kinetics, in parallel with the Next Generation - Armoured Fighting Vehicle that was unveiled in 2016. (Shephard)

Next Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle expected to debut at Singapore Army Open House along with new ARV

On a less speculative note, one of the Next Generation AFV's stablemates goes on show at Army Open House (AOH) 2017. The vehicle is the Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV) variant of the new, yet-to-be-named AFV family that was designed and built in Singapore by Singapore Technologies Kinetics.

Like the cannon-armed Infantry Fighting Vehicle variant, the ARV has an all-round camera function. This allows its crew of three armoured engineers to carry out recovery operations from within the vehicle under full armour protection with hatches closed.

Specifications are sparse. The new ARV is said to be 6.9 metres in length and is fitted with a front-oriented winch with a 25,000 kg capacity. The vehicle is so new it did not appear to have a MID numberplate.

See full article Kementah

24 Mei 2017

BRP Davao del Sur (photo : Rappler)

Acquisition of additional strategic sealift vessels (SSVs) for the Philippine Navy (PN) will depend on the prevailing security environment in the future.

This was stressed by Department of National Defense (DND) public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong when asked by the PNA on whether there plans to acquire additional SSVs for the Navy.

“At the moment, there are no plans to acquire a third SSV. Our modernization plan, which is based on the PN’s doctrine, only provides for two,” he added.

“Perhaps we will consider it in the future when our security environment will require it,” Andolong emphasized to the PNA.

As of this posting, the PN has two SSVs in its inventory, the BRP Tarlac (LD-601) and the BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) which is scheduled to be commissioned this coming May 31.

(Update)

25 Mei 2017

Navantia SAGE Automation Group will supply the next generation ‘Integrated Platform Management System’ for two Royal Australian Navy Auxiliary Oil Replenishment ships (photo : SAGE)

NSAG joint venture wins $2.8M contract to supply key naval technology

Adelaide-based company SAGE Automation together with Navantia Australia have today signed a $2.8 million contract to supply the control systems for two Royal Australian Navy Auxiliary Oil Replenishment ships, currently being built in Spain.

Under the deal, SAGE Automation will supply the enclosures and consoles for the next generation ‘Integrated Platform Management System’ (IPMS) – the system which provides ship wide control and monitoring of all electrically powered on-board units.

This is the third project of its kind delivered by the Navantia SAGE Automation Group (NSAG), a joint venture which brings IPMS intelligence to the Australian defence industry. This latest contract brings the number of Royal Australian Navy ships with IPMS to seven.

Minister for Defence Martin Hamilton-Smith together with the NSAG, announced the deal at SAGE Automation in Adelaide today.

“Contracts such as this with Navantia further strengthen our local capability in naval automation and monitoring and create a footprint for future Royal Australian Navy platforms,” he said.

“With $89 billion in naval shipbuilding work for South Australia, it is vitally important that our local defence industry provides a stable supply chain and has a flow of work to maintain capabilities, ready for when the Offshore Patrol Vessel program commences in 2018.”

SAGE Automation will manufacture the enclosures and consoles for IPMS at their Adelaide manufacturing facility before they are exported to Spain for installation on board the ships. When the ships return to Australia, NSAG will provide local support for the IPMS.

SAGE Automation CEO Adrian Fahey said NSAG’s experience and expertise will be critical to the future of naval shipbuilding in Australia.

“NSAG is built on a depth of experience and technical knowledge which will be vital to the success of shipbuilding in Australia,” Mr Fahey said.

“We have proven our capability on the Canberra Class Amphibious Assault Ships and the Hobart Class Destroyers.”

“Through the award of this contract NSAG is able to make a significant contribution to Australian shipbuilding industry and plan for future growth.”

Today’s news comes with the announcement of the Federal Government’s long-awaited $89 billion Naval Shipbuilding Plan last Tuesday, which includes $1.3 billion to upgrade facilities in SA and WA.

Defence Connect reported that the infrastructural upgrades at Adelaide's Osborne Naval Shipyard are expected to increase capacity for “high productivity construction’ of major surface combatants such as the future frigates, which are expected to begin construction in 2020.” The naval shipbuilding workforce is expected to reach 5,200 by the mid to late 2020s, with more than double this amount in supporting, maintaining and supply chain type-roles.

The infrastructural work at Osborne will begin in July.

Meanwhile at SAGE Automation, manufacturing of the IMPS components will begin in June and continue over the next 2 years.

(SAGE)

25 Mei 2017

Latihan Kuasa Tembakan 2017 (all photos : BTDM)

Gemas 'dibedil'

Gemas: Bagaikan berada di medan perang sebenar apabila tembakan mortar dan dentuman meriam bertubi-tubi membedil Lapang Sasar Kem Syed Sirajuddin Gemas, di sini.

Gegaran dirasai cukup membuat kumpulan petugas media terpegun sepanjang menyertai Latihan Kuasa Tembakan (LKT) 2017 oleh Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM).

Bunyi letupan kuat memaksa peserta menggunakan penutup telinga bagi melindungi gegendang daripada cedera.

Bagaimanapun perkara itu tidak mematahkan semangat pengunjung yang hadir untuk melihat lebih dekat aset pasukan Mekanise dan Persenjataan Infantri milik Tentera Darat (TD) dan Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM) seperti kereta perisai, kereta kebal, helikopter dan pesawat tempur.

Lebih menguja apabila pengunjung dapat melihat keberkesanan aset ATM menggunakan peralatan persenjataan dalam mengatur serangan dari darat dan udara dengan melakukan tembakan tepat ke arah lokasi sasaran.

Panglima Tentera Darat Jeneral Datuk Seri Zulkiple Kassim berkata, latihan itu dikenali sebagai Demonstrasi Kuasa Tembakan (DKT) dan diadakan sebagai aktiviti tahunan bertujuan memberi pendedahan kepada Siswa Kursus Pemerintah dan Staf Malaysia (KPSM) dari Maktab Turus Angkatan Tentera (MTAT) kepada kuasa tembakan.

Katanya, penyertaan KPSM tahun ini membabitkan 165 siswa termasuk 45 penuntut dari luar negara.

“Siswa tempatan membabitkan 78 pegawai Tentera Darat Malaysia (TDM), 20 pegawai Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM), 20 pegawai Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM), dua pegawai dari agensi penguatkuasaan lain membabit Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) dan Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia (APMM).

“Kursus ini turut disertai 45 penuntut dari 28 negara antaranya Australia, Bangladesh, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Labonan, Meldives, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Thailand, Sri Lanka dan Arab Saudi,” katanya ketika ditemui pada sidang media Latihan Kuasa Tembakan 2017, di sini, kelmarin.

Turut hadir Panglima Angkatan Tentera Jeneral Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor dan Panglima Wilayah Udara Satu TUDM, Mejar Jeneral Datuk Mohd Faudzi Ahmad.

Mengulas mengenai latihan itu, Zulkiple berkata, ia diadakan membabitkan dua segmen iaitu Segmen Dinamik dan Pameran Statik serta Segmen Tembakan Tidak Langsung.

Katanya, objektif latihan diadakan untuk mempamerkan keupayaan kuasa tembakan dan impak ke atas sasaran sistem persenjataan di dalam inventori TDM termasuk keupayaan pesawat TUDM.

“Ia membabitkan 1,700 pegawai dan anggota tentera dengan aset ketenteraan seperti kenderaan berperisai seperti AV8 GEMPITA, ADNAN, kereta kebal PT91M Pendekar 125mm, meriam 105mm PH L5, Meriam 155mm G5 MK III serta aset udara antaranya Helikopter Agusta, Nuri, pesawat Sukhoi SU-30MKM FA 18D Hornet dan Hawk 208.

“Latihan ini juga secara tidak langsung memberi peluang anggota menggunakan aset terbabit bagi memahirkan diri serta menentukan keberkesanan senjata berikutan ia memberi kesan besar dalam pertempuran,” katanya.

Katanya, dia berpuas hati dengan kecekapan dan kemahiran yang dipamerkan pegawai serta anggota menerusi latihan berkenaan.

Menurutnya, kelainan pada latihan tahun ini adalah penggunaan senjata baharu iaitu Agusta-7.62mm Gatling Gun M 134D.

“Senjata ini digunakan untuk menembak dari atas helikopter Agusta. Kita dapat lihat keberkesanan senjata terbabit ketika digunakan.

“Selain itu, kita lihat keberkesanan kenderaan berperisai AV8 GEMPITA yang diterima ATM sejak 2014 dan kita sangat berpuas hati melihat keupayaan kenderaan ini,” katanya.

(Harian Metro)

25 Mei 2017

Ukrainian made UAV (photo : iec expo)

"SpetsTeсhnoExport" starts cooperation in defense industry with Philippines

Pavlo Barbul, Director of SFTE “SpetsTechnoExport” and Oleg Hladkovskiy, First Deputy to the Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine, during the working visit to the Republic of the Philippines, held an official meeting with the Secretary of National Defense Delfin N.Lorenzana and a number of negotiations with the senior leadership of defense offices of the country. The parties discussed the potential of cooperation between the countries, particularly in the field of shipbuilding, production of air defense means, UAV's, radar equipment and weapon systems.

"In fact, the Philippines with its market and economy are opening up huge prospects for Ukrainian developers and manufacturers. Shipbuilding, various weapon systems, radars, UAVs - this is nowhere near a full list of what Ukraine can offer as part of a mutually beneficial defense cooperation", - said the First Deputy to the Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine.

This visit has to be a new starting point for the development of efficient cooperation and contribute to strengthening of national security of both states.

(SpetsTechnoExport)

26 Mei 2017

MASTIS as part of wideband military satcom (image : Aus DoD)

BAE Systems Australia will deliver a major capability improvement to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) with the upgrade of maritime satellite communications terminals in a four year, $30 million project.

The upgrade of maritime satellite communications terminals (MASTIS - Maritime element of the Advanced SATCOM Terrestrial Infrastructure System) will provide a major enhancement to the RAN operations and life at sea.

The upgrade will be undertaken at BAE Systems facilities at Edinburgh Parks in South Australia and North Ryde in Sydney and will result in the creation of up to 20 new jobs. The upgrade is an extension to BAE Systems Australia’s existing MASTIS support contract.

The upgrade will be achieved through the delivery of vastly increased bandwidth which will provide more efficient usage of defence satellite capacity and enhanced network interoperability between ships, aircraft and land based platforms.

The MASTIS terminals are equipped with two antennas which are capable of transmitting and receiving in X and Ka-bands simultaneously and they are able to connect to two different satellites at the same time.

This dual-band, dual-antenna approach will provide the Navy with advanced SATCOM availability and a substantial increase in the ship's data capabilities, even under heavy interference conditions.

BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Glynn Phillips said:
“The upgrade will provide the RAN with a capability edge that will significantly improve its ability to keep our nation safe by providing the very latest in satellite communications interoperability.”

MASTIS terminals are fitted in three variants in the RAN fleet including the dual antenna terminal variant fitted to Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships and Air Warfare Destroyers (AWD). The upgrade addresses all of the Navy’s in-service MASTIS fleet of 17 ship fitted systems and 1 training suite.

MASTIS terminals were designed, developed and delivered by BAE Systems and entered service in 2005. The upgrade will see BAE Systems working with AIRBUS Defence and Space, which supplied a significant portion of the original terminals including the three axis stabilised antenna system.

(BAE Systems)

26 Mei 2017

Eksesais Network Centric Operation oleh Briged Keempat Infantri Malaysia Mekanize (photos : BTDM)

Tentera Darat Malaysia telah menguji keberkesanan Sistem Network Centric Operation melalui pelaksanan Eks NCO TD 2017 yang diadakan di kawasan Kuantan, Pahang dan Dungun, Terengganu selama tiga hari bermula dari 10 hingga 12 Mei 2017.

Eksesais ini bertujuan untuk melihat sejauh mana peralatan sistem baharu dalam perkhidmatan yang membawa kepada pengintegrasian angkatan sepenuhnya dan Markas Briged Keempat Infantri Malaysia Mekanize (MK 4 Bgd Mek) dilantik sebagai pelaksana eksesais yang mana berjaya mengenalpasti keberkesanan serta kekurangan sistem ini yang perlu diberi penambahbaikan pada masa akan datang.

Majlis penutup eksesais disempurnakan oleh Panglima 4 Bgd Mek, Brig Jen Dato’ Md Din Hj Abu di Felda Bukit Sagu yang melibatkan 26 pegawai dan 88 anggota Lain-Lain Pangkat (LLP) serta wakil dari Syarikat Sapura.

Panglima 4 Briged Mekanize, Brig Jen Datuk Md Din Abu berkata, eksesais NCO Tentera Darat yang dijalankan itu bertujuan untuk melihat sejauh mana peralatan sistem baru dalam perkhidmatan yang membawa kepada pengintegrasian angkatan sepenuhnya.

Dalam ucapan Panglima 4 Bgd Mek semasa majlis penutup, beliau mahukan eksesais tersebut menjadi medan untuk melatih pegawai dan anggota dalam merancang pelaksanaan gerakan berpandukan protap briged sedia ada.

“Saya melihat, eksesais yang diadakan dapat mempertingkatkan kebolehan pemerintah di peringkat kompeni dan batalion dalam merancang penggunaan aset-aset yang ada di dalam unit gabungan membabitkan peperangan konvensional selain penggunaan teknologi dapat dinilai keberkesanannya serta dapat mengenal pasti kelemahan sistem NCO yang digunakan,” katanya.

Turut hadir semasa penutup eksesais, Ketua Staf Am MK 4 Bgd, Lt Kol Mat Khalid Hamzah.

(TDM)

26 Mei 2017

The RSN and IN ships sailing in formation. R1: RSS Formidable; R2 (left to right): INS Kamorta, INS Sahyadri, RSS Victory; R3 (left to right): RSS Supreme, INS Jyoti, INS Shivalik. (photo : Sing Mindef)

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indian Navy (IN) conducted the Singapore-Indian Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) from 18 to 24 May 2017. Hosted by Singapore, the exercise comprised a shore phase held at RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base and a sea phase in the South China Sea. This year's exercise is the 24th iteration of the annual bilateral exercise held since 1994.

The RSN deployed two frigates (RSS Formidable, equipped with an S-70B naval helicopter, and RSS Supreme) and a missile corvette (RSS Victory), while the IN participated with two frigates (INS Sahyadri and INS Shivalik), a corvette (INS Kamorta), an oiler (INS Jyoti) and a P8-I maritime patrol aircraft.

SIMBEX 2017 saw the inaugural participation of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s F-15SG fighter aircraft. Aside from the two F-15SG fighter aircraft, the RSAF also deployed two F-16D+ fighter aircraft and a Fokker-50 maritime patrol aircraft for the exercise.

INS Shivalik, India's stealth frigate. (photo : Shiv Aroor)

During the exercise, the two navies conducted a series of advanced naval warfare serials, including air defence exercises and gunnery live-firings. The sea phase culminated in a mission-oriented surface action group exercise wherein assets and personnel from the two navies worked together to plan and execute a series of warfare missions.

Over the years, SIMBEX has grown in scope and complexity, expanding beyond its traditional emphasis on anti-submarine warfare to incorporate elements of maritime security, anti-air and anti-surface warfare. CO RSS Formidable, Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Albert Khoo said, "SIMBEX has progressed both in scale and complexity over the years – from a serial-based exercise to today's mission-based exercise incorporating scenarios with threats from surface, underwater and air."

Apart from SIMBEX, the two navies also interact regularly through professional exchange programmes, staff talks and training courses. Testament to the warm and long-standing defence ties between both countries, INS Sahyadri and INS Kamorta joined in the RSN's Golden Jubilee celebrations, participating in both the inaugural Singapore International Maritime Review at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base on 15 May 2017, and the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX) Asia from 16 to 18 May 2017. Both navies are also exploring new and enhanced areas of cooperation in the maritime domain.

(Sing Mindef)

26 Mei 2017

Amur Class Submarine (photo : Angad Singh)

DND mulls purchase of Russian weaponry

MANILA -- The Philippines is planning to acquire weapons, including advanced diesel-electric submarines from Russia

This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in an interview on PNA Exclusive in Moscow, Russia around 2 p.m. Tuesday (7 p.m., Manila time).

"Yes, we have plans to purchase weapons from them. They have also very sophisticated and advanced weaponry. We will look into them, we have not decided what equipment but off the bat, we are looking, we would like to develop our submarine force so we will look into their submarines one of these days," he added.

Lorenzana was with President Rodrigo Duterte on his official trip to Russia which was cut short by the ongoing clash between government forces and Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur.

"If we can buy submarines or if they are affordable for us, or if the Philippine Navy would be willing to go there because we will give it to the Navy to decide what kind of submarine they would like to purchase. That is one of the plans that the PN (wants) is to develop some submarine capabilities," the DND chief pointed out.

And when asked on where these vessels will be based, Lorenzana said that they are looking into that detail.

"We will look into that. We don’t have any submarine base yet in the Philippines but if we will purchase already then we have to develop a submarine base to keep those submarines safe," Lorenzana pointed out.

Another Russian-made weapon being looked by the Philippines is sniper rifles and precision-guided munitions which can be used for the country's brand-new FA-50 "Fighting Eagle" jet aircraft and AW-109 attack helicopters.

"So one of the things that we are considering is the sniper rifles of the Russians, they have very good sniper rifles. They also have very good precision-guided munition that we can use with our FA-50s, and our attack helicopters. Those are the items. But we have to see more because sometime this year, there will be this defense exhibition that they are going to hold here and we will send some people to look into it," the DND chief added.

(PNA)

26 Mei 2017

R-27 guided missiles at the Ukrobronoprom's booth. (photo : J.Sabak)

Indonesian marines begin using Ukrainian BTR-4M armored personnel carriers

The all-purpose maritime battalion of Indonesian marines have officially begun to use a test batch of BTR-4M armored personnel carriers produced at Ukraine's Kharkiv-based Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau. The contract was signed in February 2014 between the state-run SpetsTechnoExport Concern, which is part of Ukrainian state-run Ukroboronprom, and Indonesia's Defense Ministry.

Ukroboronprom's press service on Thursday cited SpetsTechnoExport CEO Pavlo Barbul as saying the first five BTR-4 vehicles have completed testing and have been transferred to Indonesia's military for use.

"The procedure for transferring Ukrainian BTRs to Indonesia's military has taken place. Since the start of May, Indonesia marines have been using them," Barbul said.

As earlier reported, the contract to produce and send a test batch of five BTR-4Ms was signed in February 2014. The contract provides the option for further supplies of 50 vehicles. The first batch was offloaded in Indonesia in 2016.

The success of the Indonesia contract comes within the framework of increased capacity of Ukraine's military industrial complex after supplying BTR-4s to Ukraine's armed forces.

Indonesia is one of Ukraine's best potential partners in the Asian Pacific region. Ukrainian tank and armored vehicles, as well as aviation equipment, have been provided to Indonesia on a bilateral basis, as well as repair and modernization services.

Kyiv and Jakarta have stepped up talks about increased military cooperation. Indonesia today is interested in the creation of a joint enterprise for the production of guided air-to-air missiles, Ukrainian radar systems and Ukrainian military cargo planes.

(Interfax)

27 Mei 2017

USCGC Morgenthau WHEC-722 which will be renamed as CSB 8020 into Vietnam Coast Guard (photo : FleetMon)

U.S. transfers high endurance cutter to Vietnam coast guard

HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard transferred a high endurance cutter to the Vietnam coast guard during a ceremony in Honolulu, Thursday at 10 a.m.

The ship, which will be renamed CSB 8020, is expected to improve the Vietnam coast guard’s maritime domain awareness, increase its capacity to perform maritime law enforcement operations, and conduct search and rescue and other humanitarian response operations.

"This cutter provides a concrete and significant symbol of the U.S-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership," said U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Michael J. Haycock, assistant commandant for acquisition and chief acquisition officer. "The Coast Guard is honored to see this vessel continue to preserve global peace and prosperity as a part of the Vietnam coast guard."

The CSB 8020 was transferred to the Vietnam coast guard from the U.S. Government through the Excess Defense Articles program. The EDA offers excess military equipment to U.S. partner and allied countries in support of their military and security modernization efforts.

(DVIDS)

27 Mei 2017

Helikopter AW-101 TNI AU (photo : Liam Daniels)

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Panglima TNI, Jenderal TNI Gatot Nurmantyo, menegaskan, helikopter angkut berat AgustaWestland AW-101 Merlin yang didatangkan dari pabrikan Inggris-Italia itu tidak sesuai dengan spesifikasi yang diperlukan.

"Heli itu pintunya bukan ramp door, padahal harusnya ramp door dan PT Dirgantara Indonesia harusnya bisa membuat heli seperti ini dan sudah dipakai juga," kata dia, dalam konferensi pers, di Gedung KPK Jakarta, Jumat.

Bersama dengan Kepala Staf TNI AU, Marsekal TNI Hadi Tjahjanto, Ketua KPK, Agus Rahardjo, dan Kepala Pusat Penerangan TNI, Mayor Jenderal TNI Wuryanto, dia memaparkan potensi kerugian negara dari pengadaan helikopter AW-101 Merlin itu.

Sudah ada tiga tersangka ditetapkan, yaitu Marsekal Pertama TNI FA, Letnan Kolonel Administrasi BW, dan seorang pembantu letnan satu. Semuanya personel TNI AU.

Ramp door adalah pintu untuk keluar-masuk personel, kendaraan, barang ke dalam kabin. Posisi ramp door selalu di buritan fuselage. Adapun spesifikasi teknis yang dikehendaki pengguna (TNI AU) pada pengadaan helikopter angkut berat ini adalah helikopter transport pasukan dan SAR tempur.

Semula, AW-101 Merlin digadang-gadang akan dibeli sebagai helikopter VIP kepresidenan, dengan konfigurasi sesuai hakikat tugas utamanya, yaitu membawa presiden-wakil presiden dan VIP. Jika mengacu ke sini maka ramp door tidak diperlukan, karena fokusnya pada keamanan-keselamatan dan kenyamanan VIP.

Saat itu (sekitar akhir 2014 hingga 2016) bagi publik peminat kemiliteran terjadi pro-kontra soal perlu atau tidak perlu dan harus-tidak harus memiliki helikopter baru VIP kepresidenan. Hal ini terutama di ranah media massa dan media sosial. Apalagi ada UU Nomor 16/2012 tentang Industri Pertahanan berhadapan dengan tuntutan tugas militer.

Pintu belakang heli AW-101 TNI AU (photo : defence.pk)

Adapun TNI AU memiliki skuadron udara helikopter khusus VIP, yaitu Skuadron Udara 45 VIP yang bermarkas di Pangkalan Udara Utama Halim Perdanakusuma, Jakarta. Skuadron udara ini bermaterialkan NAS-332 Super Puma.

Namun atas perintah Presiden Joko Widodo, pengadaan helikopter baru untuk VIP itu dibatalkan. Namun ternyata muncul perjanjian kontrak No KJP/3000/1192/DA/RM/2016/AU tanggal 29 Juli 2016 antara Markas Besar TNI AU dengan PT Diratama Jaya Mandiri tentang pengadaan heli angkut AW-101 Merlin.

"Rp738 miliar itu pun untuk VVIP, tapi kemudian untuk heli angkut juga habisnya dalam jumlah yang sama padahal spesifikasinya lebih tinggi VVIP, itu saja sudah kelihatan (korupsi)," kata Nurmantyo.

Helikopter AW 101 Merlin yang disebut untuk angkut berat-personel dan SAR tempur itu akhirnya datang pada akhir Januari 2017, secara diam-diam.Sejak dia datang hingga kini, belum pernah dipertunjukkan langsung pada publik, kecuali sekali saja kepada pers. Itupun secara terbatas.

"Desember 2015 memang sudah ada perintah untuk menghentikan pengadaan helikopter, satu buah. Kemudian awal 2016 helikopter VVIP diubah menjadi heli angkut dan juga hanya satu buah. Memang betul TNI AU belum memiliki helikopter (yang dilengkapi) ramp door itu," kata Nurmantyo.

Menambah keterangan Nurmantyo, Tjahjanto berkata, "Tapi kenyataannya pada 2017 heli datang pada akhir Januari dan helikopter itu masih tidak sesuai spesifikasi sehingga heli tersebut belum kami terima sebagai kekuatan AU dan speknya belum memenuhi versi militer."

Saat ini helikopter AW 101 Merlin itu masih berada di salah satu hanggar di Pangkalan Udara Utama TNI AU Halim Perdanakusuma, Jakarta.

"Helinya belum diterima sebagai inventaris TNI masih di Halim, ada garis polisi. Belum diterima sebagai (unsur) kekuatan TNI," kata Rahardjo, kemudian.

Karena nilai strategisnya, maka proses pengadaan dan pembelian arsenal dan perlengkapan TNI melalui proses dan mekanisme yang panjang dan melibatkan matra-matra yang bersangkutan di TNI, Markas Besar TNI, Kementerian Pertahanan, Kementerian Keuangan, Bappenas, dan lain-lain. Khusus untuk peralatan perang, tender terbuka tidak pernah diumumkan kepada publik.

(Antara)

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Panglima TNI: Helikopter AW-101 Tidak Sesuai Spesifikasi