DEFENSE STUDIES

30 November 2018

HMAS Arunta alongside at Henderson Shipyard with her new mast in place (photo : RAN)

The replacement of HMAS Arunta’s mast at Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia marks another major milestone in the Anzac Class Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP).

The program, being implemented by the Warship Asset Management Agreement (WAMA), involves the upgrade of a number of platform and warfare systems in Navy’s eight Anzac Class Frigates.

Major Projects Implementation Manager, Commander Steve Ford, said the new mast was designed to accommodate the replacement of the existing Long Range Air Search Radar as well as replace the existing Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) capability.

“Ships use their air search radar to scan at long ranges for potential threats, so it’s an integral part of a modern warship and extremely important for ensuring the safety of the vessel,” Commander Ford said.

“The current radar has served the frigates well but it is important to keep pace with modern technology to maintain the robust frontline capability provided by these ships.

“CEA Technologies is an internationally-recognised Australian company that developed the highly successful CEAFAR1 anti-ship missile defence radar system which is currently installed on the Anzac Class Frigates.

“CEAFAR2-L builds on this successful technology to deliver a generational improvement on the current long-range radar installed on the frigates.”

The new mast was designed and built by BAE Systems to support the CEAFAR2-L Phased Array Radar capability, in addition to existing capabilities.

The Anzac Class Midlife Capability Assurance Program starts the journey to remediate obsolescence issues and upgrades ship systems, positioning the Anzac Class ships for sustainment and maintenance of its warfare systems capabilities.

WAMA is an alliance consisting of the Commonwealth, BAE Systems Australia, Saab Systems and Naval Ship Management.

(RAN)

30 November 2018

Kapal Latih KAL Kadet V-06 dan Kadet V-07 (photos : SindoNews)

TNI AL Kembali Diperkuat 2 Unit Kapal Latih

BATAM - TNI Angkatan Laut (AL) menerima dua unit Kapal Angkatan Laut (KAL) baru, yakni KAL Kadet V-06 dan KAL Kadet V-07 setelah diserahkan resmi dari PT Karimun Anugrah Sejati, Batam kepada TNI AL di Dermaga PT Karimun Anugrah Sejati, Batam, Kamis (29/112018). Dua unit KAL ini akan melengkapi jumlah kekuatan unsur-unsur yang telah dimiliki TNI AL.

Penandatangan berita acara serah terima kedua KAL tersebut disaksikan Wakil Kepala Staf Angkatan Laut (Wakasal) Laksamana Madya TNI Wuspo Lukito. Direktur PT Karimun Anugrah Sejati Jacky Sucipto menyerahkan kepada TNI AL yang diwakili Kepala Dinas Pengadaan Angkatan Laut (Kadisadal) Laksamana Pertama TNI Prasetya Nugraha.

Selanjutnya, dari Kadisadal diserahkan kepada Asisten Logistik (Aslog) Kasal Laksamana Muda TNI Mulyadi diwakili Paban 1 renslog Kolonel Laut (T) Udyatmiko, yang kemudian diserahkan kepada Gubernur AAL Laksda TNI Muhammad Ali diwakili Wagub AAL Brigadir Jenderal (Mar) Nuri Adrianis Djatmika untuk digunakan sebagai kapal latih Taruna/Taruni AAL.

Usai pelaksanaan serah terima kedua KAL itu, kegiatan dirangkai dengan pengukuhan Komandan Kapal dalam suatu upacara dengan Inspektur Upacara (Irup) Wakasal Laksamana Madya TNI Wuspo Lukito, di mana Mayor Laut (P) Maladi Hanjayani dikukuhkan sebagai Komandan KAL Kadet V-06 dan Mayor Laut (P) Hariz Sandy Wibowo sebagai Komandan KAL Kadet V-07.

Wuspo Lukito mengatakan, pengadaan KAL Kadet V-06 dan Kadet V-07 merupakan salah satu kegiatan yang telah diprogramkan sesuai perencanaan strategis TNI AL guna melengkapi kekuatan unsur-unsur yang telah ada, dalam rangka mengoptimalkan pembelajaran vokasi di lingkungan Akademi Angkatan Laut (AAL).

“KAL ini terbuat dari bahan metal yang akan lebih baik dibandingkan dengan produk sebelumnya yang menggunakan bahan fibe," ujar Wakasal dalam keterangan tertulisnya.

Wakasal berharap keberadaan 2 KAL Kadet Latih ini dapat meningkatkan kualitas latihan praktek Taruna di laut dan memberikan kontribusi langsung kepada proses belajar dan latihan di AAL dalam rangka meningkatkan porsi pembelajaran praktek pada kurikulum pendidikan.

"Diharapkan seluruh Taruna akan lulus menjadi Perwira TNI AL yang terlatih, terdidik dan diperlengkapi dengan baik," ujar dia.

Laksamana Bintang Tiga ini menginstruksikan kepada komandan kapal untuk senantiasa memelihara dan mengoperasikan KAL ini sebaik mungkin agar dapat berfungsi optimal sesuai fungsi asasinya dan mencapai usia pakai yang diharapkan.

KAL Latih 45 M produksi PT Karimun Anugrah Sejati merupakan KAL Khusus yang didesain dan diperuntukkan agar dapat melaksanakan tugas sebagai kapal latih Taruna dan Taruni Akademi Angkatan Laut (AAL) guna melaksanakan tugas-tugas khusus dalam mendukung Program Pelaksanaan Pendidikan (Prolakdis) AAL yaitu Pengajaran, Pelatihan dan Pengasuhan (Jarlatsuh).

Kapal Angkatan Laut ini memiliki spesifikasi panjang 48,6 meter, lebar 7,9, tinggi 4,25 meter, kecepatan maksimum 18 knot, kemampuan berlayar selama 4 hari dan diawaki oleh 23 ABK.

(SindoNews)

30 November 2018

RTAF JAS-39 Gripen (photo : ptisidiastima)

SURAT THANI AIR FORCE BASE, Thailand — The Royal Thai Air Force’s Wing 7, home to all of the country’s Saab Gripen aircraft, wants more jets. The question is whether the country’s defense budget will allow for it, one official said Tuesday.

“As operators, we know that this is a very good aircraft, and we would love to have more,” said Group Capt. Prachya Tippayarat, deputy commander of the RTAF’s Wing 7. “But it’s just that I don’t know when. The Air Force will have to think about that.”

The RTAF currently operates 11 Gripen C/D fighter jets, bought from the Swedish government and manufactured by Saab. The Air Force lost one Gripen in a 2017 crash that destroyed the jet and killed the pilot.

RTAF JAS-39 Gripen (photo : keithoys)

With 11 jets left, it is more difficult to accomplish both training and maintenance, Tippayarat said.

“So of course we are looking for the replacement for the 12th one. It’s just a matter of when. As the operator, we cannot tell when we are going to have that aircraft,” he said, adding that the service might have other budget priorities.

Thailand’s 11 Gripen aircraft are operated from Surat Thani Air Force Base, located about 328 miles south of Bangkok. Defense News visited the base Nov. 27-28 and accepted airfare and accommodations from Saab.

Surat Thani plays a key role in defending southern Thailand. Although the nation also operates Northrop Grumman F-5s and Lockheed Martin F-16s, Wing 7’s Gripens are the Royal Thai Air Force’s premier fighters, used primarily for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, and for secondary missions such as reconnaissance, Tippayarat said.

RTAF JAS-39 Gripen (photo : aamanatullah)

The Thai government is also considering an upgrade of the RTAF Gripens’ software suite, he added. The jets are currently configured to the MS19 standard, but the potential upgrade to MS20 would bring the jets into the most advanced configuration for the Gripen C/D.

The MS20 software adds capabilities that make the Gripen a more formidable jet for air-to-ground attacks, including an electro-optical pod that allows the jet to drop laser-guided weapons, the addition of Boeing’s Small Diameter Bomb and MBDA’s Meteor missile, and new radar modes.

One MS20 enhancement that the RTAF won’t need is the addition of Link 16 capability, the data link used by NATO and its partner nations. The RTAF Gripens run on the Thai military’s indigenous network, Link T. If Link 16 functionality is needed, the service can use its F-16s, but operating Link T on the Gripen allows Thailand to protect its homegrown capabilities and information, Tippayarat said.

Saab delivered the first Gripens to Thailand in 2011. Other Gripen C/D users include Sweden, Hungary, the Czech Republic and South Africa.

(FlightGlobal)

01 Desember 2018

Elbit's Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket (image : Elbit Systems)

The Philippine Air Force is now in the process of negotiating the acquisition of laser-guided air-launched rockets, with Israel's Elbit Systems selected by the PAF with its Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket (GATR). The ABC for the project is Php156,785,590.00 (around US$2.95 million). MaxDefense and its contributors believe that the PAF may only be after kits instead of all-up rounds, as the GATR can be used to upgrade standard NATO 2.75" unguided rockets, and launched from standard 2.75" rocket launchers.

The GATR can be used against moving and stationary targets up to 8 kilometers away (depending on base rocket used, with the range based on Orbital ATK's own 2.75" rockets), and supports lock-on before or after launch as well as autonomous or remote laser designation.

The acquisition of the GATR would allow the PAF to use an affordable precision munitions onboard its current attack platforms with EO/IR turrets like the AW109E armed light helicopter, and the upcoming OV-10G+ Combat Dragon and A-29B Super Tucano attack aircraft. This would be added to a growing number of air-to-ground guided munitions being employed by the PAF.

This acquisition appears to be another solution that was born our of the PAF's experience in the Marawi conflict, which also brought the decision to acquire a purpose-built attack helicopter.

(MaxDefense)

01 Desember 2018

Uji coba USV tahap 2 (photo :Kemhan)

Uji Dinamis Kegiatan Rancang Bangun Mission Control System Kapal Permukaan Air Tanpa Awak (Unmanned Surface Vehicle/USV) Tahap 2

Surabaya - Balitbang Kemhan dalam hal ini yang terkait Puslitbang Iptekhan melaksanakan uji dinamis rancang bangun mission control system kapal permukaan air tanpa awak (Unmanned Surface Vehicle/USV) tahap 2 di Akademi Angkatan Laut (AAL) Surabaya, Jawa Timur. Uji dinamis rancang bangun mission control system kapal permukaan air tanpa awak (Unmanned Surface Vehicle/USV) tahap 2 disaksikan oleh Ses Balitbang Kemhan Laksma TNI Ir. A. Budiharja Raden, Kapuslitbang Alpalhan Balitbang Kemhan Brigjen TNI Abdullah Sani, Komandan STTAL Laksma TNI Ir. Avando Bastari, Kabid Dager Puslitbang Iptekhan Kolonel Chb Achmad Agung Santosa, S.E., M.Sc., Kabagdatin Set Balitbang Kolonel Inf Fatih El Amin, S.IP., M.Si., staf PT. Infoglobal Teknologi Semesta, para pejabat di lingkungan TNI dan Kemhan, serta tim uji dinamis dari PT. Infoglobal Teknologi Semesta dan personel yang terkait.

Kegiatan diawali sambutan oleh Ses Balitbang Kemhan Laksma TNI Ir. A. Budiharja Raden, pembacaan doa, dilanjutkan uji dinamis rancang bangun mission control system kapal permukaan air tanpa awak (Unmanned Surface Vehicle/USV) tahap 2 dari tim PT. Infoglobal Teknologi Semesta dan terakhir evaluasi hasil pelaksanaan uji dinamis rancang bangun mission control system kapal permukaan air tanpa awak (Unmanned Surface Vehicle/USV) tahap 2.

USV yang duji coba tahap 1 skala 1:10 (photo : Kemhan)

Pelaksanaan uji dinamis rancang bangun mission control system kapal permukaan air tanpa awak (Unmanned Surface Vehicle/USV) tahap 2 ini adalah hasil kerjasama antara Balitbang kemhan dengan PT. Infoglobal Teknologi Semesta yang telah melaksanakan uji dinamis rancang bangun mission control system kapal permukaan air tanpa awak yang ke-2.

Uji fungsi rancang bangun mission control system kapal permukaan air tanpa awak telah dilaksanakan pada tanggal 5 Nopember 2018 dan uji partial telah dilaksanakan pada tanggal 11 Oktober 2018. USV merupakan sebuah wahana tanpa awak yang dioperasikan pada permukaan air. USV dikendalikan otomatis dengan memberikan perintah-perintah seperti waypoint melalui ground control.

Tujuan dari uji dinamis ini untuk mengetahui seberapa jauh fungsi dari peralatan yang sudah dipasangkan di dalam wahana maupun yang berada di dalam sistem kontrol kapal permukaan air tanpa awak (USV). USV dapat dikendalikan dan dipersenjatai dengan rudal, senapan mesin ataupun torpedo. USV bergerak secara autonomous dengan menggunakan sistem navigasi yang menggunakan algoritma waypoint dan dengan menggunakan remote control.

USV selain sebagai pengawasan juga dapat digunakan untuk kapal riset, pertahanan dan pencegahan. Pemanfaatan USV untuk menjadi kapal riset sudah dilakukan di beberapa negara, sebagian besar melakukan penelitian di sungai maupun laut lepas secara otomatis sehingga mereka hanya mengolah data yang dikirim dari USV ke ground control.

(Kemhan)

01 Desember 2018

HMPNGS Ted Piro 401 (photo : Austal)

In a boost to security in the Pacific the first Guardian class patrol boat has been handed over to our nearest neighbour, Papua New Guinea.

Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, and Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP, said it’s the first of four new boats to be gifted to PNG as part of the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement project.

Minister Pyne said the first boat will be commissioned HMPNGS Ted Diro on return to PNG and is named after the first Commander of the PNG Defence Force post-independence.

“The Ted Diro is the first of 21 Guardian class patrol boats to be gifted to 12 Pacific Island Countries and Timor-Leste,” Minister Pyne said.

“The Ted Diro handover marks the start of the maritime element of the Morrison Government’s commitment to the new Pacific Maritime Security Program.”

“The new vessels replace the current Pacific Patrol Boats, operated by 12 participating nations, and will provide each nation with enhanced abilities to conduct maritime surveillance and law enforcement operations.”

Minister Ciobo said the new 39.5 metre steel hulled patrol boats are designed and built by Austal in Western Australia.

“The project is worth over $350 million and Austal estimates it supports around 400 direct and indirect jobs,” said Minister Ciobo.

The next vessel will be gifted to Tuvalu in April 2019 and the last will go to Timor-Leste in October 2023.

“I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in this project and we look forward to more boats being handed over.”

(Aus DoD)

01 Desember 2018

Image emerges showing possible design of China's third aircraft carrier (photo : Jane's)

China's third aircraft carrier is now under construction, the Xinhua News Agency said via its WeChat public account on early Sunday, with Chinese military experts saying on Monday that the warship is expected to be launched in two and a half years.

China's new type of aircraft carrier is being built on berth, the Xinhua News Agency reported on early Sunday, in a story to mark the sixth anniversary of the first takeoff and landing of the J-15 fighter jet on China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning.

It was the first official report of the national news agency.

Wang Yunfei, a naval expert and retired PLA Navy officer, told the Global Times on Monday that the report shows that construction has now begun and in its early stage, where different parts of the carrier are being built on berths.

After the parts are built, they will be assembled to form the entire vessel, which is an efficient way to build a large ship like an aircraft carrier, Wang said.

The new aircraft carrier might need about two and a half years to be launched because of its bigger size, Wang said, noting that the construction of the Type 001A, China's second aircraft carrier, was faster because it was based on the Liaoning. The third carrier, however, uses very new technologies and has no reference, he said.

To take 2 1/2 years to build, equipped with new technologies: experts (photos : BMPD)

There is speculation that the construction is taking place at the Shanghai-based Jiangnan Shipyard, as several photos have recently emerged on Chinese social media.

In June, the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, manufacturer of China's previous two aircraft carriers, released a photo featuring a third carrier with a flat deck, leading Chinese military observers to speculate it would be installed with an electromagnetic catapult.

The Liaoning and the Type 001A have jump-rack decks and use no catapult.

Li Jie, a Beijing-based naval expert, told the Global Times on Monday that the words "new type" mentioned in the Xinhua report again indicated the third aircraft carrier will be equipped with a catapult system.

The entire arrangement on the flight deck as well as the superstructure will be very different, too, Li said.

A third aircraft carrier will significantly boost the People's Liberation Army Navy's capabilities, experts said.

The Ministry of National Defense has yet to confirm on the building of the third aircraft carrier. However, the ministry's spokespersons said in routine press conferences in May and June that China will put the overall situation of the country into consideration when it comes to China's future plans with aircraft carriers.

(Global Times)

01 Desember 2018

Pulau Rondo berbatasan dengan Pulau Nikobar India (photos : Korps Marinir)

Komandan Korps Marinir Kunjung Pulau Rondo

Dispen Kormar (Sabang). Komandan Korps Marinir (Dankormar) Mayjen TNI (Mar) Bambang Suswantono, S.H., M.H., M.Tr (Han) mengunjungi pulau Rondo, salah satu pulau terluar bagian wilayah Aceh yang terletak di ujung barat Indonesia, Kamis (29/11/2018).

Kunjungan orang nomor satu di jajaran Korps Marinir tersebut tidak lain untuk mengetahui dari dekat kondisi puluhan prajurit Korps Marinir TNI AL dan TNI AD yang sedang menjalankan tugasnya menjaga pulau terluar yang tidak berpenghuni yang berbatasan dengan Pulau Nikobar, India ini.

Pulau Rondo dengan luas 0,4 kilometer persegi termasuk wilayah Kecamatan Sukakarya, Kota Sabang yang berjarak sekitar 15 mil laut dari Kota Sabang. Pulau ini sekarang dijaga dan diamankan oleh puluhan prajurit TNI dari Satuan Tugas Pulau Terluar (Satgas Puter) Marinir dari Pasmar 1 Jakarta dan Satgas Pengamanan perbatasan (Pamtas) TNI AD dari Yonif 116/GS.

Dalam kunjungannya tersebut, Dankormar berkesempatan mengecek kondisi barak, gudang senjata, pos tinjau, dapur dan Kamar Mandi prajurit sebelum akhirnya memberikan arahan. Dalam pengarahannya, Dankormar meminta kepada seluruh prajurit untuk melaksanakan tugasnya dengan semangat dan penuh tanggung jawab.

“Kalian yang bertugas di sini adalah garda terdepan bangsa yang menjaga batas kedaulatan NKRI. Untuk itu, laksanakan tugas negara yang amat mulia ini dengan baik dan penuh tanggung jawab” pesan Dankormar kepada para prajurit yang sudah lama meninggalkan keluarga demi menjaga daerah terluar Indonesia tersebut.

Turut serta dalam rombongan Dankormar, Komandan Pasmar 1 Brigjen TNI (Mar) Nur Alamsyah, M.Tr (Han), Asops Dankormar Kolonel Mar Y. Rudy Sulistyanto dan Kadispen Kormar Letkol Marinir Ali Sumbogo, S.E, M.M.

(Marinir)

03 Desember 2018

HTMS Trang OPV-522 (photo : Navy for Life)

Royal Thai Navy OPV-552 HTMS Trang second Krabi class Offshore Patrol Vessel was exits from dry dock for Setting to work at Mahidol Adulyadej Naval Dockyard Sattahip Chonburi, November 2018.

HMS Trang, out of dry dock Mahidol Adulyadej Naval Dockyard to set up the system (Setting to work).

The progress of the project to build Offshore patrol vessel, the second vessel is Trang, after the color and bring water to dry to leaks testing and floating it.

Setting to work, which is understood not to be a Harbor Acceptance Test (HAT), because the ship is still unfinished and requires more work, which takes more time. The ship is completed.

By now, the HMS Trang has not been color coded (552) and the ship's nameplate. So, the official launch of the boat and the follow-up ceremony will not happen soon.

(AAG)

03 Desember 2018

Carbotech GT38 rancangan dan buatan PT Lundin, Banyuwangi (photos : Lundin Industry Invest)

Kuasai Lomba Kapal Cepat, Ini Dukungan Bea Cukai ke PT Lundin

JAKARTA - Karya anak bangsa kembali mengharumkan Indonesia. Kali ini prestasi diukir anak bangsa melalui PT Lundin Industry Invest, Banyuwangi, Jawa Timur.

Tahun ini, Carbotech GT38, kapal buatan PT Lundin menguasai kejuaran kapal cepat di Swedia. Tak tanggung-tanggung, Carbotech GT38 meraih juara 1, 2, dan 4. “Carbotech GT38 berhasil mengalahkan kapal-kapal bikinan puluhan perusahaan di Eropa,” kata Manajer Logistik PR Lundin, Eko Budi di Banyuwangi, Sabtu (24/11/2018).

Di pasar luar negeri, PT Lundin menggunakan nama North Sea Boats. Tak hanya Carbotech, PT Lundin juga memproduksi sejumlah kapal lainnya. Ada Sea Rider, Combat, Penguin, X2K Special Ops RIB hingga Trimaran.

Sebagian besar pasar PT Lundin berada di luar negeri (ekspor). Tahun ini mereka mengekspor 17 kapal. Terdiri dari 15 Penguin dan 2 G7 yang diekspor ke Malaysia, Selandia Baru, dan Swedia. G7 merupakan kapal yang digunakan pasukan khusus Rusia. “Sejak berdiri, kami sudah berhasil memproduksi 278 kapal,” ujarnya.

Sejumlah Negara tercatat telah menjadi klien PR Lundin, di antaranya Swedia, Rusia, Australia, Malaysia, hingga Timor Leste. Dari Indonesia di antaranya, TNI, Basarnas, serta Kementerian Perikanan dan Kelautan (KPP). Saat ini PT Lundin bekerja sama dengan Pindad membangun tank boat.

PT Lundin merupakan perusahaan pembuat kapal. Spesialisi mereka adalah kapal berbahan serat karbon dan serat gelas. Serat karbon memiliki kekuatan 4 kali lipat dari baja, namun lebih ringan. Bahan baku masih impor dari Inggris karena memiliki kualitas lebih baik.

Mengenai impor bahan baku inilah, Bea Cukai berperan penting dengan kebijakan Kawasan Berikat. Dengan adanya Kawasan Berikat ini, PT Lundin tidak perlu membayar pajak impor untuk mendatangkan bahan baku dari luar negeri.

Jika kapal sudah jadi dan diekspor, maka pajak impor tidak akan dikenakan alias bebas pajak impor. “Jika kapal tersebut dijual ke pasar lokal, nah baru pajak impor kita kenakan,” kata Kepala Subdirektorat Komunikasi dan Publikasi Ditjen Bea Cukai, Deni Surjantono saat mengunjungi PT Lundin.

Kawasan Berikat merupakan upaya Bea Cukai menumbuhkan industri di Tanah Air. Dengan adanya Kawasan Berikat ini diharapkan, pelaku industri tidak terbebani dengan pajak impor sehingga biaya produksi bisa ditekan sehingga harga bisa bersaing. Diketahui, Fungsi Bea Cukai yakni revenue collection, community protection, trade facilitation, dan industrial existen. “Banyak multiplier effect jika sebuah industri terus tumbuh dan berkembang,” ujarnya.

Misalnya, penyerapan tenaga kerja dan ekonomi sekitar tumbuh. Entah itu makanan bagi para tenaga kerja maupun suplai barang-barang lainnya. “Misalnya cat, kita masih beli di pedagang di sekitar Banyuwangi,” kata Eko. PT Lundin saat ini memiliki 140 karyawan, terdiri dari 120 pekerja dan 20 staf (dua orang ekspatriat).

Sebagai fungsi kontrol, Kantor Pengawasan dan Pelayanan Bea Cukai (KKBC) Banyuwangi juga mendirikan pos di kawasan PT Lundin. Bea Cukai mengawasi bahan baku, proses pembuatan kapal, dan ketersediaan stok. “Kami melakukan pengawasan 24 jam,” kata Kepala KKBC Banyuwangi, R Evy Suhartantyo.

Selain penempatan personel di PT Lundin untuk mengawasi keluar masuk barang, Bea Cukai juga memasang CCTV. “Kami menamakannya IT inventory. Dari kantor, kami juga bisa melakukan pengawasan,” lanjutnya.

Pengawasan ini dilakukan agar pelaku industri tidak melakukan kecurangan. Apalagi pasar PT Lundin, 80% ekspor dan 20% pasar lokal. “Agar kasus seperti pabrik garmen di Bandung tidak terjadi. Mereka kita kasih fasilitas Kawasan Berikat, namun nyatanya ekspor fiktif,” tutur Deni.

(SindoNews)

03 Desember 2019

Balabac, southern Palawan, Philippine (image : GoogleMap)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- The proposed Philippine Air Force (PAF) base in Balabac, southern Palawan, is expected to begin construction in the first quarter of 2019, a local government official said here Thursday afternoon.

Atty. Teodoro Jose Matta, legal officer of the Palawan provincial government, said in an “Air Power Forum” that the groundwork for the new 300-hectare air base can start as land clearing is almost complete. The forum was held at the provincial capitol here.

The first-ever forum was led by the PAF’s Tactical Operations Wing West (TOWW) to inform the public about how Palawan’s security and safety is maintained using the country’s air assets.

Matta said the area, being unblocked in the site in Barangay Catagupan, mainland Balabac, is for the base’s three-kilometer runway and four-kilometer

“At the moment we are already conducting ground-clearing. The target is that by first quarter of 2019, the area should have been cleared of obstructions and secured,” Matta said.

He noted the site was purchased by the provincial government for said purpose, and its management and possession had already been turned over to the PAF earlier.

Among those present in the forum were Lt. Gen. Rozzano D. Briguez AFP, Commander of WESCOM; Maj. Gen. Restituto F. Padilla Jr., AFP, deputy chief of staff for Plans J-5; and Maj. Gen. Jose Tanjuan Jr., who represented Kintanar.

In July 2018, Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez signed a memorandum of agreement with Lt. General Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr., the PAF commanding general, for the establishment of the base that would take care of security in the southern border.

Alvarez said the area might also possibly serve as the location of a proposed airport to be constructed in southern Palawan to increase tourism influx.

(PNA)

03 Desember 2018

A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 drops a bomb on Kaipara Air Weapons Range (all photos : RNZAF)

For the past week a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) aircraft has been dropping bombs on the remote Kaipara Air Weapons Range, in an exercise designed to ensure RNZAF personnel remain proficient in anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.

During the training 14 bombs, each weighing 500 pounds, were dropped on the range, at the north-west end of South Head on Kaipara Harbour, from a P-3K2 Orion aircraft. They had been prepared and loaded on to the aircraft by RNZAF armourers at Base Ohakea in Manawatu.

Crews from RNZAF Base Auckland’s №5 Squadron, armourers, maintainers and explosive ordnance personnel were also involved in an exercise.

№5 Squadron Operations Flight Commander Squadron Leader Mark Chadwick said the training was a good test of the RNZAF’s combat capability.

“It’s for air and ground crews to gain currency and proficiency in preparing, loading and deploying the weapons from the aircraft,” Squadron Leader Chadwick said.

The bombs are dropped from the aircraft bomb bay or the wings, normally from 500 to 1000 feet over the range.

“They’re designed to arm and detonate on impact with the ground,” Squadron Leader Chadwick said.

The training also helped the explosive ordnance personnel, who were there to explode any bombs that did not detonate, he said.

“Every training we have, there are a small percentage of weapons that don’t explode. We’ve got contingency procedures for that, where we get personnel in there, find the weapon and dispose of it appropriately.”

The exercise was another reason there was a public ban from the range at all times, Squadron Leader Chadwick said.

“The explosions were quite significant.”

(Medium)

04 Desember 2018

Tim Ground Forward Air Control Paskhas TNI AU (photos : TNI AU)

TNI AU. Malang - Dalam rangka meningkatkan kemampuan dan ketrampilan Personilnya Detasemen Matra 2 Paskhas mengirimkan satu Tim GFAC (Ground Forward Air Control) yang dipimpin langsung oleh Wadan Denmatra 2 Paskhas Mayor Pas Jhon H Siregar untuk mengikuti latihan Bantuan Tembakan (LatBantem) terpadu TNI 2018 yang dilaksanakan di lapangan Puslatpur Marinir 5 Baluran desa Sumberwaru kecamatan Banyuputih Kabupaten Situbondo, baru-baru ini.

Latihan tersebut bertujuan untuk memelihara dan meningkatkan kemampuan ketrampilan prosedur penyelengaraan Bantuan tembakan terpadu guna mendukung keberhasilan tugas Operasi Militer Perang. Latihan tersebut diikuti oleh tiga Matra disatuan TNI dan dilihat langsung oleh Panglima TNI beserta seluruh Kepala STAF angkatan dengan melibatkan Alutsista Udara yang dimiliki TNI diantaranya Meriam Caesar 155 MM dari Yon Armed 12/kostrad, Roket Astross dari Yon Armed 1/Kostrad, Hely MI 35 dari Puspenerbad, Hely Bell 412 dari Puspenerbad, KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda Koarmada 2 Surabaya, Meriam Howitser 105 MM dari Yon Armed 8 Marinir, Pesawat F-16 dari Skadron Udara 3 lanud Iswahyudi, dan Pesawat Super Tucano dari Skadron Udara 21 Lanud Abd. Saleh.

Tim GFAC Denmatra 2 Paskhas sebanyak 13 personel yang dipimpin Mayor Pas Jhon H Siregar bertugas mengendalikan dan mengarahkan seluruh Alutsista yang dipergunakan dalam bantuan tembakan terpadu tersebut agar tepat mengenai sasaran yang ditentukan. Komandan Detasemen Matra 2 Paskhas Mayor Pas Alpin Jonggi Lumban Tobing menyampaikan agar selalu berkoordinasi dengan baik dengan satuan yang lain agar tugas yang diemban dapat terlaksana dengan aman dan lancar.

(TNI AU)

04 Desember 2018

Su-35 fighter (photo : National Interest)

Su-35 Offer Is Real

The Russian Federation has officially offered the Philippines a military hardware that is too good to refuse. While still in wraps for now, Malacanang sources disclosed this equipment to be a submarine (pair of Project 636 Improved Kilo class), squadron of MRF jets (Su-30SME/35), and missile defense batteries (Pantsir S-1/Buk M-2) to be financed by loan grant to as much as US$2 billion.

If all taken, that is ₱110 billion-off the ₱300 billion revised AFP modernization program second horizon budget.

Igla=S Manpads (photo : AFP)

The acquisition of submarines was originally planned for the third horizon (2023-2028). But the current navy chief, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, lobbied for the immediate inclusion of diesel-electric submarines in horizon two.

Russian state-run Rosoboronexport attended the Asian Defense, Security and Crisis Management Exhibition and Conference, ADAS 2018 in Manila Philippines last September 28 showcasing for the Philippine Air Force Su-35 and Su-30SME super-maneuverable multifunctional fighters, the Yak-130 training and combat training aircraft, the Mi-35M transport/combat helicopter, Ka-226T light multi-purpose helicopter and the Mi-171Sh military transport helicopter, Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile/gun system and the Igla-S MANPADS.

BMP-3 amphibious IFV (photo : Vitaly Kuzmin)

It also exhibited small arms like the AK-100 family of Kalashnikov assault rifles and armored vehicles, for example, the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle and BT-3F armored personnel carrier for the Philippine Army. While for the Navy, the Project 636 large diesel-electric submarine, Gepard-3.9 class frigate and boats for various purposes are on display at the Company’s stand.

Russia said they are working on workable payment schemes with the Philippines to pay for the products that they intend to order as its State-run company is prevented from using US dollars under Section 231 of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act of 2017 (CAATSA). CAATSA provides prohibition upon foreign exchange transactions under U.S. jurisdiction and transactions with the U.S. financial system.

Project 636 Improved Kilo submarine (photo : Navy Recognition)

Rosoboronexport General Director Alexander Mikheyev who met with President Duterte confirmed the restriction and said the company would focus on conducting transactions in the currency of a customer instead of US dollars.

Mikheyev said it had examined a number of ways to work around US sanctions against the company and was now considering the possibilities of working in non-US currencies.

(Philippine Airspace)

04 Desember 2018

Hindustan HJT-16 Kiran II jet trainer (photo : Andreas Zeitler)

To counter China's growing influence in Myanmar, India has decided to ship 6 Kiran Jet trainers to Myanmar.

Top government sources confirm the decision has already been taken.

India and Myanmar have close military ties and there have been times when the Myanmar Army has helped India with insurgents deep inside their territory.

(Times of India)

04 Desember 2018

Pengujian roket R-Han 122B Tahap II (all photos : Kemhan)

Kegiatan Uji Dinamik Roket R-Han 122B Tahap II TA. 2018

Kegiatan Uji Dinamik Roket R-Han 122B Tahap II TA. 2018 dilaksanakan pada tanggal 27 November 2018, bertempat di Desa Bulu Rejo. Kec Tempur Sari. Kab Lumajang. Kegiatan ini dipimpin oleh Dirtekind Ditjen Pothan Kemhan Laksma TNI Edy Sulistyadi, ST.

Dalam kegiatan ini dihadiri oleh Pejabat Kemhan Balitbang Brigjen TNI A. Sani, Kapuslaik Baranahan Laksma TNI Sriyanto, ST. Tim Ahli Bapak Sofyan, Bapak Mangaratua dan juga dari PT. Pindad, Lapan serta undangan lainnya.

Pada kegiatan uji Dinamik Roket R-Han 122 B Tahap II tahun 2018 ini telah diluncurkan sebanyak 9 (sembilan ) buah Roket R-Han 122 B dengan hasil baik. Kegiatan ini berjalan dengan tertiib, aman dan lancar.

(Kemhan)

04 Desember 2018

HMAS Canberra dan HMAS Adelaide (photo : Aus DoD)

Over 100 jobs supported in landing helicopter dock and landing craft sustainment agreement

Naval Ship Management will partner with the Australian Defence Force to sustain and support Landing Helicopter Docks (LHD) and LHD Landing Crafts (LLCs) over the long term under a historic new agreement.

Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP congratulates Naval Ship Management, an existing joint venture between UGL and Babcock, on being selected to sustain and support this strategically important capability over fifteen years, from July 2019.

“Naval Ship Management has a proven track record within similar sustainment programs, with proven performance in innovation, collaboration and building Australian Defence Industry workforce capability,” Minister Pyne said.

“More than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs will be supported in Sydney and across a national supply chain through this contract is which is valued at more than $1.5 billion.”

“This large scale, long term sustainment contract will provide Australian Defence Industry, and Small to Medium Enterprise with the confidence they need to invest in growing the skills and capabilities of their workforce.”

“The new agreement will give Australian defence industry more certainty and encourage investment in industry infrastructure, capability and jobs.”

“Naval Ship Management has committed to maximising Australian industry content through engaging its existing supply chain as well as providing increased opportunities and utilisation of Small to Medium Enterprises in the Sydney region and across the Australian supply chain.”

“We are looking forward to working with them to ensure the continued safe and reliable delivery of the LHD assets.”

(Aus DoD)

04 Desember 2018

Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) ships sailing in formation as part of Exercise Malapura 2018. (photo : Sing Mindef)

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) participated in Exercise Malapura, a bilateral maritime exercise, from 26 November to 3 December 2018. The shore phase, which included the opening ceremony, joint planning and training, was held from 26 to 27 November 2018 at Lumut Naval Base, Malaysia. This was followed by the sea phase from 28 November to 1 December 2018, which saw the exercise participants conducting conventional naval warfare and maritime security drills, in the Malacca Strait.

RSS Tenacious participating in the sea phase of Exercise Malapura 2018 (photo : Sing Mindef)

The exercise concluded with an exercise debrief held yesterday, and a closing ceremony held earlier today at the RSN's Fleet Command Building in RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base that was co-officiated by RSN Fleet Commander Rear-Admiral Edwin Leong and RMN Western Fleet Commander Vice-Admiral Dato' Rusli Bin Ramli.

Lekiu-class frigates KD Jebat (photo : RMN)

This year's exercise, hosted by the RSN, involved about 600 personnel from both navies. The RSN participated with a Formidable-class frigate RSS Tenacious with a S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter, a Victory-class missile corvette RSS Vigilance, a Fearless-class patrol vessel RSS Freedom. The RMN participated with two Lekiu-class frigates KD Lekiu and KD Jebat, a Kasturi-class corvette KD Kasturi, a Super Lynx helicopter, as well as the two Royal Malaysia Air Force F/A-18D fighter aircraft to support an air defence exercise.

RSN personnel participating in a boarding exercise during Exercise Malapura 2018. (photo : Sing Mindef)

The RSN and RMN interact regularly across a wide range of activities. These include professional exchanges and courses, as well as multilateral activities under the ambit of the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)/ADMM-Plus. The two navies also work closely to enhance maritime security through the Malacca Straits Patrol.

(Sing Mindef)

05 Desember 2018

KAI KUH-1 Surion helicopter (photo : quilt or capture)

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has started talks with the Philippines about a potential sale of its KUH-1 Surion twin-engine utility helicopter, the company has confirmed to Jane's .

The platform, which has yet to secure export orders, is believed to be positioned for the Philippine Air Force's (PAF's) combat-utility helicopter (CUH) requirement.

While a company spokesperson did not provide details about the bid, she did confirm reports in South Korea stating that KAI has started "technology talks" with the Philippines about a possible contract.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said earlier in 2018 that the Surion helicopter was a possible contender to fulfil the CUH requirement after the government terminated a deal to procure 16 new Bell 412EPI medium-lift helicopters from Canada.

This contract was signed in February but, shortly after, the Canadian government launched a review of the contract, concerned that the helicopters would be used in offensive campaigns against insurgents in the Southeast Asian country. This prompted the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) to cancel the procurement.

Another platform bidding for the CUH requirement is the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) T129 ATAK multirole combat helicopter. Arsenio Andolong, the DND's chief of public affairs, told Jane's in late November that the DND was considering the acquisition of the T129 based on the recommendation of the PAF's technical working group.

The Commanding General of the PAF, Lieutenant General Galileo Kintanar, also reportedly disclosed that the T129 was the technical working group's preferred option for the CUH programme.

If successful in the Philippines, the Surion, which KAI developed in collaboration with Airbus, would need to be optimised for combat support missions.

(Jane's)

05 Desember 2018

Satuan Armed sudah dilengkapi alutsista baru seperti roket MLRS Altros MK II buatan Brazil, Meriam 155 mm Caesar buatan Prancis, Meriam 155 mm KH 179 buatan Korea Selatan dan yang terakhir Meriam GS M109 A4BE 155 mm buatan AS (photo : TNIAD)

73 Tahun Artileri Medan TNI AD Membentuk Prajurit Profesional

CIMAHI, tniad.mil.id – Korps Artileri Medan TNI AD menginjak usia ke-73 tahun pada tanggal 4 Desember 2018 ini. Kegiatan peringatan HUT terpusat dilakukan dengan syukuran di Pusdikarmed Jln. Baros Kota Cimahi dengan mengusung tema “Prajurit Armed Yang Profesional Siap Mendukung Tugas Pokok TNI AD”.

Komandan Pusat Kesenjataan Artileri Medan (Danpussenarmed) TNI AD Brigjen TNI Dwi Jati Utomo, S.I.P., M.Tr (Han)., didampingi Wadan Pussenarmed Kolonel Arm. M. Naudi Nurdika, S.I.P., M.Si., M.Tr (Han)., Selasa (4/12/2018) mengatakan, kekuatan Alutsista yang dimiliki saat ini terus diupayakan untuk mewujudkan modernisasi Alutsista menuju world class gunner dengan memanfaatkan kemajuan teknologi.

“Pemerintah sangat mendukung modernisasi Alutsista. Hal itu dilakukan secara bertahap sesuai kemampuan negara,” katanya.

Saat ini Armed TNI AD telah diperkuat roket MLRS Astros MK II buatan Brazil, meriam 155 mm Caesar buatan Perancis, meriam 155 mm KH-179 buatan Korea Selatan dan meriam 155 mm M109 A4 BE buatan USA.

Modernisasi Alutsista tersebut untuk mendukung tugas pokok TNI dan menjaga keutuhan NKRI dari berbagai ancaman.

“Diharapkan dengan adanya Alutsista baru ini Armed TNI AD semakin memperkuat integritas NKRI di mata dunia,” tegasnya.

Roket MLRS Astros MK II dengan daya jangkau hingga 85 km sudah teruji ketangguhannya di berbagai medan pertempuran di berbagai negara. Saat ini roket tersebut sedang dalam pengembangan daya jangkau amunisi hingga 300 km. Sedangkan, meriam Caesar dengan daya jangkau 40 km merupakan meriam swa gerak (self propelled).

Peralatan Satuan Armed masa depan

Di masa depan, Alutsista Armed akan dilengkapi dengan radar anti artileri, pesawat tanpa awak Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Global Positioning System (GPS), alat pengukur jarak otomatis (Laser Range Finder/LRF) dan sistem penemu sasaran untuk mempercepat pencarian koordinat kedudukan sasaran (Inertial Navigation System/INS) sehingga dapat mewujudkan precision attack, joint attack and The Missile’s Role in Suppressing Enemy Strike Capabilities.

Kedatangan Alutsista yang modern, lanjut Danpussenarmed, harus ditunjang dengan kesiapan sumber daya manusia (SDM). Dibentuk Batalyon khusus untuk mengawaki Alutsista tersebut, para personel diseleksi secara ketat dan diberi pelatihan di negara tempat produksi Alutsista.

Diakuinya, tahap penerapan teknologi Alutsista terbaru membutuhkan proses.

“Tidak mudah untuk alih teknologi dan pengetahuan, namun kita terus berupaya mewujudkannya sebagai prajurit Armed yang modern, cerdas, tangguh serta profesional dan tetap dicintai rakyat Indonesia,” pungkasnya.

Sebelumnya jajaran Pussenarmed dalam menyambut ulang tahunnya yang ke 73 telah melaksanakan berbagai kegiatan lomba dan kegiatan sosial diantaranya lomba menembak, lomba karya tulis militer (Karmil) yang diikuti perwakilan seluruh satuan jajaran Pussenarmed.

Kegiatan lainnya berupa jalan santai, donor darah, pemberian Sembako kepada masyarakat Batujajar yang merupakan desa binaan Pussenarmed, anjangsana kepada Warakawuri anggota Armed serta yang terakhir melaksanakan ikrar kesetiaan sebagai prajurit Armed.

(TNI AD)

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Kemhan Lakukan Uji USV Tahap 2

First Guardian Class Patrol Boat Gifted to PNG

China's 3rd Aircraft Carrier under Construction, to be Equipped with New Technologies

Korps Marinir Jaga Pulau Rondo yang Berbatasan dengan India

OPV-522 HTMS Trang was Launched

Carbotech GT38 PT Lundin Kuasai Lomba Kapal Cepat di Swedia

Construction of Air Force Base in Palawan to Start in 2019

RNZAF Tests Capability with Bomb Drops on Weapons Range

Denmatra 2 Paskhas Mendukung LatBanTem Terpadu TNI 2018

Russia Offer Various Weapons to PHL with US$ 2 billion State Credit

India Offers 6 Jet Trainers as Gift to Myanmar: Govt Sources

Kemhan Uji Dinamik Roket R-Han 122B Tahap II

NSM Wins Australian LHD Maintenance Contract

Singapore and Malaysia Navies Conclude Bilateral Maritime Exercise

KAI Enters Surion Talks with Philippines

Satuan Armed Terus Memodernisasikan Alutsistanya