January 18, 2019, 8:31 pm
19 Januari 2019
MicroDragon satellite (photos : VNSC)
Vietnamese satellite MicroDragon was successfully launched from the Uchinoura Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Japan Friday morning.
The satellite, built by a team of Vietnamese engineers with help from Japanese experts and launched aboard Japan’s Epsilon 4 launcher, will be used to observe Vietnam’s coast line.
MicroDragon measures 50x50x50 centimeters (19.6 inches) and weighs around 50 kilograms (110 pounds).
It will help evaluate water quality, locate fisheries resources and monitor changes to serve aquaculture.
It will also detect cloud coverage and aerosols, collect ground-based sensor signals and transmit them to stations on Earth.
In 2013 the Vietnam National Space Center (VNSC) sent 36 engineers to five top universities in Japan for master’s programs in satellite technology as part of a joint Vietnam-Japan project to prevent natural disasters and climate change using satellites.
Using official development assistance from Japan and counter capital from the Vietnamese government, the engineers worked with Japanese experts to build MicroDragon in Japan.
The satellite marks a milestone for Vietnam in building satellites. The VNSC told the media earlier that the satellite is expected to provide imagery of a specific area within six to 12 hours compared with at least two days when is it obtained from a commercial satellite imagery provider.
Vietnam sent its first indigenous satellite into space in 2013. The one-kilogram PicoDragon was in space for three months. The country had launched four satellites before that, but all made by foreign companies.
Plans are underway to build LOTUSat-2 (500 kg) by 2022, which would place Vietnam among the leading countries in the region in terms of space technology, alongside Indonesia and Malaysia, Pham Anh Tuan, general director of the VNSC, said.
(VNExpress)
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January 19, 2019, 1:17 am
19 Januari 2019
Blackhawk aircrew training in US (photo : Military Simulation and Training)
The training of Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots who will operate the 16 Black Hawk helicopters to be acquired from Lockheed Martin Sikorsky will be carried out in Florida, United States, National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on January 16 during the plenary discussion on DND’s 2019 budget.
The defense chief made the statement when asked by Senator JV Ejercito regarding the training materials and trainors. “Since [the manufacturer is] Sikorsky, will this already be in English? I assume that these (manuals) will not be in Polish,” Ejercito said.
Though built in Poland, the S-70i Black Hawk helicopters will be certified by US-based Lockheed Martin Sikorsky.
“They will be in English your honor,” Secretary Lorenzana said.
“That’s good to hear. Because what I heard from some Air Force personnel before, that the problem with Sokol, since mayrong language barrier, ‘yung mga manuals tapos the trainors instead of them having actual performance nangyari demo nalang, kasi mayron ngang language barrier,” the senator explained.
“Yes your honor, in fact the training of our pilots will be done in Florida,” Secretary Lorenzana noted. “So all the manuals and everything will be in English.”
Lorenzana added that PAF wants delivery to start in six months after the contract signing.
“According to the manufacturer, they can produce the whole lot in two years time, but what our Air Force want is once the contract is signed they want deliveries in the next six months – even just couple of choppers to be delivered, maybe monthly thereafter until the whole lot is delivered,” he said.
(Mintfo)
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January 20, 2019, 3:46 pm
21 Januari 2019
Pesawat tanker Boeing KC-46A Pegasus (photo : Boeing)
Pengadaan pesawat berkemampuan khusus TNI AU menarik untuk diikuti, karena dari sini akan muncul jenis-jenis pesawat baru untuk TNI AU, pengadaa ini terdiri dari 4 Pesawat Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C), 4 Pesawat Jet Tanker, serta pengadaan 4 Pesawat Multipurpose Amphibious.
Untuk pesawat tanker, TNI AU akan mengganti pesawat lama jenis KC-130B dengan nomor registrasi A-1309 dan A-1310. Menarik disini bahwa sejak awal ditetapkan bahwa pesawat penggantinya adalah pesawat jet bukan lagi propeler.
Air refueling sistem air boom pesawat KC-46A (photo : Boeing)
TNI AU melakukan studi terhadap tiga tipe pesawat jet tanker yaitu Boeing KC-46, Ilyushin Il-78 MK 90 dan Airbus A330-200 MRTT. Ketiga tipe pesawat ini ternyata mempunyai perbedaan bobot kosong yang sangat mencolok : KC-46 82 ton, Il-78 72 ton, sedangkan A330 125 ton.
Untuk platform pesawat, ketiga jenis tanker ini memenuhi kriteria TNI AU, service ceiling ketiganya melampaui 40.000 ft dan jarak tempuh/range terendah 9.700 km hingga 14.800 km semuanya tetap memenuhi syarat.
Untuk operational requirement dari pesawat tanker ini, kemampuan loading fuel minimal 20 ton, kemampuan air refueling dengan sistem hose-and-probe serta air boom serta dapat melakukan hot refueling on the ground, dilengkapi dengan peralatan komunikasi dan navigasi serta radar yang memadai sehingga dapat menuntun pesawat penerima ke air refueling control point (ARCP), dilengkapi dengan pernika untuk self defence.
Air refueling sistem hose-and-drogue/probe-and-drogue pesawat KC-46A (image : Boeing)
Untuk sistem air refueling TNI AU mensyaratkan penggunaan dua sistem yaitu hose-and-drogue (probe-and-drogue) serta air boom karena kebutuhan riil pesawat TNI AU adalah seperti itu, sebagai contoh untuk F-16 mememakai sistem air boom sedangkan pesawat Hawk dan Flanker memakai sitem hose-and-drogue.
Mengingat pesawat Ilyushin Il-78 hanya dapat melakukan air refueling dengan sistem hose-and-drogue saja dan tidak dapat menggunakan sistem air boom, kemudian populasi pesawat versi sipil dari Boeing dan Airbus yang cukup banyak di Indonesia dan hal ini tidak terjadi pada pesawat Ilyushin, maka pada akhirnya persaingan mengerucut kepada dua pabrikan saja yaitu Boeing KC-46 dan Airbus A330 MRTT.
Dari 11 kriteria penilaian, untuk kemampuan teknis yang terdiri dari kemampuan air refueling, kemampuan loading fuel, service ceiling dan jarak tempuh/range TNI AU menilai bahwa kemampuan kedua pesawat ini relatif sama. A330 MRTT hanya dapat mengungguli KC-46 dalam hal non teknis berupa kemampuan tidak terkena embargo saja.
Perbedaan bobot pesawat yang cukup mencolok antara KC-46 dan A330 berimbas pada kemampuan landing dan take off pesawat. Dari total 36 pangkalan udara (lanud) yang dimiliki TNI AU, pesawat A330 MRTT ini hanya dapat melakukan operasi dari 19 lanud saja sedangkan KC-46 dapat beroperasi dari 31 lanud.
Dengan kata lain, 70% pangkalan udara TNI AU tidak dapat didarati oleh A330 MRTT, sedangkan 90% pangkalan udara TNI AU dapat didarati oleh KC-46. Dapat ditebak juga, harga pesawat tanker KC-46 menjadi lebih murah dari pada A330 MRTT.
Faktor keunggulan KC-46 terhadap A330 MRTT juga terletak pada kenungkinan Transfer of Technology (ToT), disini kerjasama dengan PT Garuda Maintenance Facility (GMF) menjadi penentu dalam segi maintenance dan personel. Dari sisi Maintenance : ketersediaan spare parts, interoperabilitas, kerjasama dengan GMF/PT DI, Boeing lebih unggul dari para pesaingnya. Dari sisi Personel : ketersediaan transfer of knowledge/technology, pengalaman dan sertifikat yang dimiliki juga Boeing lebih unggul.Lalu apakah hasil studi TNI AU ini akan digunakan oleh Kementerian Pertahanan untuk memutuskan KC46 sebagai pilihan pesawat tanker ? Banyak faktor yang dipakai sebagai pertimbangan oleh Kementerian Pertahanan untuk membeli pesawat udara, namun mengacu kepada pembelian pesawat multirole amphibious TNI AU, ketika di luaran ramai diperdebatkan pesawat multirole amphibious pilih mana antara Be-200 atau US-2, ternyata yang diproses oleh Kemhan adalah peswat Viking Air CL-415 bauatan Kanada, hal ini persis seperti hasil studi yang dilakukan oleh TNI AU.
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January 20, 2019, 7:30 pm
21 Januari 2019
AN/TPQ-49 counter-drone radar (photo : SRC, US Army)
Woodside Barracks, South Australia – In September, SRC, Inc., successfully completed a demonstration of the AN/TPQ-49 radar performing counter-UAS and air surveillance missions for members of the Ground Based Air Defence and Radar Program of the Australian Defence Force.
The Australian Army has confirmed that it is investigating options for the development of a counter-UAS and air surveillance capability to help protect warfighters from hostile drones. Australia has already deployed multiple AN/TPQ-49 radars for counterfire missions. These AN/TPQ-49 radars are capable of being upgraded with SRC’s LSTAR® air surveillance software to provide drone air surveillance capabilities without needing to replace the radar hardware. This upgrade would give these existing radars advanced air surveillance and UAS detection capability to guard against emerging threats.
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“This demonstration helped provide evidence to our Australian allies that they can perform these important missions without needing to replace hardware. It’s a cost-effective strategy that enhances capabilities of the Australian Defence Force,” said Paul G. Tremont, president and CEO of SRC. “We are proud to be supporting Australia with innovative technologies that help safeguard warfighters and defend important assets.”
SRC has multiple offices around the U.S. and Australia and is looking to fill more than 300 positions - particularly within the disciplines of systems engineering, software engineering, integration/test, field application support and program management.
(SRC Inc)
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January 20, 2019, 11:19 pm
21 Januari 2019
Anniversary the 70th of the Lao People's Army (all photos : Houmphet Manisouk, Lao National Radio)
On January 20, in the Phonhong district of Vientiane province, the Lao People's Army held a review ceremony to celebrate its 70th anniversary with the participation of thousands of soldiers and hundreds of modern military equipment.Formerly known as Latxavong which was declared by President Kaysone Phomvihane on January 20, 1949 with only 25 soldiers and rudimentary armament, spent 70 years of building, fighting and maturity, Nowadays, Lao People's Army is gradually developing to be formal, sophisticated and modern.
In the photo, the Lao Army representative block with a rifle assaulting a Vietnamese-made Galil ACE, can be seen at first glance as an ACE 32 rifle variant.
In particular, the General Secretary and Lao President Bounnhang Vorachith attended and presided over the military ceremony to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Lao People's Army at Phonhong, besides the leaders of ministries, departments and branches Lao Party and state.Reportedly, the parade this year is the biggest revision in the history of the Lao People's Army since its establishment, with the participation of thousands of soldiers and hundreds of modern military equipment, representing for troops and soldiers of the Lao People's Armed Forces .From a company with only 25 soldiers from the beginning, the Lao People's Army has now scale up to 30,000 soldiers, along with 100,000 civilian employees, made up of two Army soldiers and No troops.
The representative of the Lao Army participated in the parade on January 20 at Phonhong, with the main equipment being an AK-47 assault rifle. Known in recent years, the Lao Army has been refitted and modernized quite quickly with a new range of weapons.
Armored Personnel Carrier
In the photo is an armored vehicle carrying Chinese gear of 4x4 Tiger tires, capable of carrying from 9 soldiers and crew of two people. The car is also armed with 12.7mm machine gun.
The Lao Army's armored reconnaissance vehicle BRDM-2, with the protection armor upgrade package and the new optoelectronic reconnaissance system participating in the parade at Phonhong.
Armored vehicles carrying the BTR-60BP army of the Lao Army, built by the Soviet Union, can carry up to 9 soldiers and 2-person combat crews.
Cavalry System
The Lao Army's PT-76 amphibious tank, armed with a 76mm main cannon with a range of up to 400km.
BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle of the Lao Army.
In the picture is the Lao Army's T-54 tank, this is Vientiane's most powerful battle tank before T-72B is fitted.
The new T-72B "White Eagle" main battle tank was recently transferred to the Lao Army by Russia at the end of 2018, but it still appeared in this parade.
Artillery System
In the photo is the 82mm Type PCP001 self-propelled fast-firing mortar system of the Lao Army, which is placed on the Dongfeng EQ2050 armored vehicle chassis. This mortar system has an effective combat range of up to 6,000m with a firing rate of about 40 rounds/minute.
The M-46 artillery of the Lao Army 130mm has a range of 27 to 38km participated in parade at Phonhong.
Immediately after the HL-70 self-propelled gun was the Lao Army's artillery shells led by the D-20 152mm towing cannon, with an effective range of 17-24km.
Immediately after the HL-70 self-propelled gun was the Lao Army's artillery shells led by the D-20 152mm towing cannon, with an effective range of 17-24km.
Next is the 122mm PCL-09 self-propelled gun, which can be considered the main self-propelled artillery of the Lao Army and staffed in large numbers. PCL-09 has a range of 18 - 27 km.
Rocket System
The Lao Army's BM-21 Grad series of rocket launchers, BM-21 is equipped with a 122mm rocket with a 40-barrel launcher and has a range of up to 20km.
The SR-5 series of anti-aircraft artillery systems were built by China in the Lao artillery payroll. The SR-5 also uses 122mm rocket bullets with modular modular launchers that can fire different types of bullets.
Anti Aircraft System
Leading the Lao anti-aircraft force the 23mm ZSU-23-2 anti-aircraft batteries, directly above the Mi-8 multi-purpose transport helicopter squadron.
The next name may be the strongest air defense system of Laos until now - the mid-range S-125 Neva/Pechora combined by the Soviet Union, has an effective range of 28–35km with The targets fly at altitudes up to 18,000m.
The Yitian low-range anti-aircraft missile system of the Lao air defense, equipped with the Tianlong 6 surface-to-air missile with effective combat range of up to 6,000m.
9K35 Strela-10 short-range air defense missile complex of the Lao air defense. Each of these air defense units is equipped with 4 missiles 9M37 with a range of 500-5,000m with targets of a height of 10-3,500m.
Fleet of LE500 light reconnaissance aircraft of the Lao Air Force.
(KienThuc)
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January 21, 2019, 1:09 am
21 Januari 2019
Cougar XT underwater robotic vehicle (photo : SaabSeaEye)
Cougar Best for Royal New Zealand Navy
Norway-based Østensjø Rederi has chosen a Saab Seaeye Cougar XT underwater robotic vehicle as a deployable resource aboard their multi-purpose support vessel ‘Edda Fonn’.
The company is contracted to deliver the ‘Edda Fonn’ to the New Zealand Ministry of Defence in 2019 with an integrated ROV and dive system amongst its upgrades. The ship will subsequently be used by the Royal New Zealand Navy.
Østensjø Rederi say they chose the Cougar over robotic vehicles from other manufacturers after hearing ‘very good feedback’ from end users around the world. They also said the Cougar had the best overall specification and is backed by Saab Seaeye’s 30 year reputation for building reliable systems.
ROV and diving consultant at Østensjø Rederi, Arvid Bertelsen, explains that the Cougar XT has the best power, thrust and payload in its class, with the widest and most comprehensive range of quick-change tool skids.
He says it was also the most technically compliant to specifications demanded by NORSOK, the Royal New Zealand Navy and Østensjø Rederi. The Cougar is compliant with NORSOK 102 3ed. 2016 Class II B for an observation vehicle with light intervention, survey and construction capabilities.
MV Edda Fonn with Cougar ROV will replace HMNZS Reolution in November 2019 (photo : NZDF)
Exceptional Launch and Recovery System
To meet the Navy’s exacting operational requirements, Østensjø Rederi expanded and extended the technical specification for the complete system including the Cougar, the control room, and in particular, the Launch and Recovery System (LARS).
The ability to safely launch the Cougar in sea states specified by the Royal New Zealand Navy was of paramount importance. This set a special focus on the LARS and its position inside the vessel, with the Cougar launched from a mezzanine deck inside the vessel’s ROV hangar.
When evaluating the best system, Østensjø Rederi concluded that the Cougar with a modified dipping and extending LARS with snubber, heave compensation and electric winch motors, was the best solution.
Along with the LARS, the complete system includes a standard Cougar XT with minor modification to include three cameras and sonar system, together with its tether management system and three individual tool skids with manipulators, cutters and water jetting system.
Also specified is a control room integrated into the vessel created to a design centred on operator ergonomic principles.
Unrivalled manoeuvrability
The 2000m rated Cougar XT’s maneuverability comes from its six thrusters, each interfaced with a fast-acting control system and solid-state gyro for enhanced azimuth stability and control.
The Cougar’s compact 1.5 metre size footprint makes it easy to mobilise, yet despite its small size, it has the power to handle a wide range of heavy tooling.
(SaabSeaEye)
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January 21, 2019, 4:26 pm
22 Januari 2019
KRI Semarang 594 (photo : Masyhudi)
TNI AL Berencana Akan Kembali Pesan Kapal Rumah Sakit
KBRN, Surabaya: TNI Angkatan Laut berencana memesan kembali kapal rumah sakit ke PT PAL Indonesia setelah rampungnya pesanan kapal sejenis KRI Semarang 594 dengan tujuan memperkuat armada militer untuk mendukung tugas nonmiliter.
"Dengan konstruksi geografi yang sangat luas, itu minimal seharusnya kita mempunyai tiga kapal rumah sakit," ucap Kepala Staff Angkatan Laut (KSAL) Laksamana TNI Siwi Sukma Adji,dalam keterangan yang diterima RRI, Senin (21/1/2019).
Usai acara serah terima KRI Semarang 594 di Dermaga Divisi Kapal Niaga, PT PAL Indonesia, Kawasan Ujung Tanjung Perak Surabaya, Siwi mengatakan bahwsa kapal rumah sakit sangat dibutuhkan mengingat beberapa bencana yang terjadi di Tanah Air, seperti di Lombok dan Palu.
Saat ini, armada nonmiliter, khususnya kapal rumah sakit yang dimiliki TNI AL, hanya dua kapal (KRI dr. Soeharso dan KRI Semarang).
"Hari ini, keberadaan KRI Semarang yang awalnya landing platform dock (LPD), kami naikkan levelnya menjadi kapal rumah sakit dengan tambahan beberapa kontainer medis," ucapnya.
KRI Semarang 594 (photo : BUMN)
Dengan keberadaan kapal rumah sakit KRI Semarang, dia berharap bisa membantu dalam penegakan kedaulatan, melaksanakan kegiatan proyeksi kekuatan diplomasi dan bisa membantu keberadaan KRI dr Soeharso sebagai armada rumah sakit.
Untuk kapal ketiga, kata dia, pembangunannya akan dimulai pada tahun ini dengan target penyelesaian pada tahun 2021.
"Setelah rampung, keberadaan KRI Semarang akan difungsikan kembali ke LPD," paparnya.
Untuk pesanan kapal rumah sakit ketiga, papar Direktur Pembangunan Kapal PT PAL Indonesia Turitan Indaryo, mulai dikerjakan pada triwulan kedua 2019.
Ia menambhakan, "Pola pengerjaan nantinya tidak jauh berbeda dengan kapal sebelumnya, dengan enam `starting poin` dan dibangun sesuai dengan kebutuhan yang ada," pungkas Turitan.
Dengan sumber daya yang ada, PT PAL selalu siap mengerjakan setiap pesanan, dan tidak henti-hentinya melakukan transformasi untuk pasar kapal kombatan.
Terkait dengan nilai investasi, Turitan tidak mau menyebutkan secara pasti, namun dia mengaku nilainya tidak jauh berbeda dengan kontrak investasi KRI Semarang sekitar Rp736 miliar.
(RRI)
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January 21, 2019, 7:18 pm
22 Januari 2019
The multi-role combat vessel will act as a "mothership" for unmanned systems (image : Mediacorp)
SINGAPORE: Not long ago, a warship’s superiority was defined by how powerful the guns on its deck were. Then, as weapons evolved, how far its missiles could go.
Now, with wars increasingly being fought hundreds of kilometres apart, it has become a case of spotting the enemy before it spots you.
“We are reaching a stage where who sees first, who sees fastest, actually wins,” Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) head of naval operations Cheong Kwok Chien told Channel NewsAsia in an exclusive interview on Saturday (Jun 30).
And so the RSN saw an opportunity for change.
The Victory-class missile corvettes, for over two decades the “backbone” of the RSN’s strike capabilities, are entering their twilight years. They will hit the end of their operational life in 2025.
Enter the multi-role combat vessel (MRCV), a type of “mothership” that will work in tandem with unmanned machines to see farther and respond quicker. These mission-configurable warships will be introduced after 2020.
“If we have certain areas we want to watch closely, we can be triggered early to respond,” Rear-Admiral (RADM) Cheong said. “These ships allow us to put eyes forward.”
Multi Role Combat Vessel (image : CNA)
These “eyes” are actually a network of unmanned drones and vessels that respectively carry cameras and weapons.
“The suite of weapons and sensors that can spread itself over a large area effectively turns the ship from being a point source to an area type of umbrella capability,” RADM Cheong added.
A typical strike package will possibly comprise a pair of MRCVs that each carries three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), so there’s one in the air at all times, and two unmanned surface vessels.
But the RSN has not laid down specific configurations. There are physical limits to how much the MRCV can carry, and then there’s the cost factor of buying too many unmanned systems.
“Technology is allowing unmanned systems to get smaller, and it helps,” RADM Cheong said. “But there are physical limits to size because out there the wind is quite strong, so you can’t fly a typical hobbyist drone.”
Still, he added that the MRCV will allow the RSN to “bring a CCTV out to sea”. “If you have a whole network of eyes and shooters, you really expand the effective influence of the vessel.”
Victory class corvettes will be replaced by MRCV (photo : RSN)
ALL-ROUND VIEW
While current UAVs can extend a ship’s field of vision by 100km because of their range, RADM Cheong said it’s likely that those on the MRCV can go farther.
“In the future, this range will increase because the control capabilities will improve,” he added. “It’s not very far-fetched to say that easily the ship will have awareness of maybe 150km around it.”
The high-definition capability of the UAV’s camera also adds a whole new dimension to surveillance, far beyond beeping blips on traditional radars. “You can see the colour of the hair of the guy you’re looking at 150km away; that’s possible,” RADM Cheong said.
Joint Multi Mission Ship (image : CNA)
It doesn’t stop there. The RSN wants to hear and recognise him as well.
“The other breakthrough that we will go for is to be able to see different dimensions,” he added. “If you put together facial recognition, voice recognition and sense recognition, not many people can run away from that.”
With information from multiple UAVs and cameras, as well as intelligence from other assets, the RSN intends to put it all together on a single screen.
“More than flying cameras around, it’s quite important for us to stitch together the picture and make sense of it fast,” RADM Cheong said. “No point staring out at beautiful scenery without knowing what you’re looking for.”
“This technology is not earth-shattering,” he continued. “It just takes deliberate effort to make it happen.”
Beyond its superior strike and surveillance capabilities, the MRCV is also more versatile and can go farther than the missile corvette, which was purpose-built for its warfighting capabilities.
For example, the MRCV can undertake counter-terrorism as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions, because it can carry mission-specific cargo like counter-terrorism forces and medical aid.
Endurance class LST will be replaced by JMMS (photo : Sing Mindef)
JOINT MULTI MISSION SHIP
But the RSN’s ship of choice when it comes to HADR is the landing ship tank (LST), which has been deployed at several humanitarian assistance operations including the Aceh tsunami in 2004.
This is because the 141m-long, 6,000-tonne LST is the RSN’s largest ship, with the capacity to carry up to 18 tanks, 20 vehicles and bulk cargo. It also has two 25-foot deck cranes for loading and unloading of cargo.
But the RSN wants to go bigger.
“What we have learnt from a lot of disaster relief missions is that our first wave of aid and supplies that go in really make the difference,” RADM Cheong said. “It’s not about building a conveyor belt, the first guy who reaches there, the first box that you open must save lives. That’s why we need to carry more.”
With that, the RSN will replace the LST with a larger joint multi mission ship (JMMS) that can carry twice the amount of cargo and discharge it better. The JMMS will also be introduced after 2020.
“When you reach the area, you must always remember that there’s no beautiful port for you to come alongside and put the staircase down,” he added. “So, the design of the ship is also how you can bring it to an area with no access.”
A future ready RSN Ship (image : RSN)
This extra space and accessibility are also important during counter-piracy operations. In the Gulf of Aden, Singapore regularly deploys the LST for international anti-piracy patrols.
To that end, the JMMS will be able to carry more and bigger boats to transport boarding teams that repel pirates and keep merchant ships safe.
“When the sea is rough, and the boat you carry is so small, you can’t launch your boys and say please carry on,” said RADM Cheong, who has led counter-piracy operations at the Gulf of Aden.
“Even for a big ship which can carry three to four boats, it’s never enough. It’s always the feeling that you want to do more than what you have brought along.”
Besides boats, the JMMS can also carry larger UAVs and unmanned vessels to do surveillance and fend off pirates. Its longer flight deck also means it can carry multiple helicopters, as opposed to the LST which could only carry two.
As RADM Cheong concluded: “It’s more than just a pick-up lorry.”
Singapore Navy Fleet (image : CNA)
BETTER AND SHARPER
Along with the Type 218SG submarine, RADM Cheong said the RSN’s three new vessels bode well for Singapore’s future.
“We have built in a confidence and belief in the younger generation to see that with each generation, we modernise the Navy to make it better and sharper,” he said.
Each acquisition is “very deliberate”, he added, with a lot of hard work going into designing, operating and maximising it. “We are always maximising limited resources, and we never back off from any challenge.”
(ChannelNewsAsia)
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January 21, 2019, 11:11 pm
22 Januari 2019
Mechanized Infantry Battalion (photo : Philippine Army)
MANILA -- The Philippine Army (PA) activated the 6th Mechanized Infantry "Salaknib" Battalion of the Mechanized Infantry Division (MID) on Friday.
In a statement Saturday, PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said the event was spearheaded by PA Commander, Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto, at Camp O'Donnell, Capas, Tarlac.
"The battalion is an addition to the MID forces which forms part of the Army’s cutting edge in conducting prompt and sustained ground operations in support of AFP’s (Armed Forces of the Philippines) mission," Villanueva said. “Its activation is an offshoot of the continuing Army capability upgrade as it undertakes transformation to give rise to a modular force structure aimed at creating standardized, flexible and versatile elements capable of accomplishing virtually any assigned task.”
The battalion will be the mechanized component of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) of the PA which was just activated in December 2018.
“True to your name ‘Salaknib’, which means shield in Ilocano, your unit symbolizes protection, strength, and security as you serve as the rapid deployment force of the Mechanized Infantry Division responding to the requirements of the Philippine Army in the conduct of ground operations against emerging security threats,” Alberto said during the activation ceremonies.
Villanueva said the 1BCT is a contingency force that is readily deployable and capable in addressing unconventional threats to national security.
Other maneuver components of the 1BCT are two infantry battalions and maneuver support consisting of specialized enablers such as field artillery and engineer combat battalions, reconnaissance company and units from signal, intelligence, civil-military operations, military police, explosive ordnance, CBRN (chemical biological radiological and nuclear), and sustainment components composed of a forward service support unit and a forward medical platoon.
(PNA)
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January 22, 2019, 8:04 am
22 Januari 2019
Australia’s first F-35A Joint Strike Fighters homeward bound bring refuelled by the KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft (photo : RAAF)
F-35A aircraft scheduled to begin flying operations this week
AAF Base Williamtown is advising Hunter residents that our two F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft are scheduled to begin flying operations this week (from 21-25 January 2019).
The first two aircraft arrived in Australia on 10 December 2018.
Commander of Air Combat Group (ACG), Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Michael Kitcher said the two aircraft will begin a phase of operations designed to verify and validate the jet’s capabilities during 2019-2020 in the lead-up to the declaration of the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) at the end of 2020.
“At the end of 2019, Air Combat Group expects to have taken delivery of up to eight aircraft,’’ Air Commodore Kitcher said.
“In December 2020, Australia will have up to 33 aircraft, established a sovereign training capability and completed verification and validation of the Australian F-35A capability.
“By the end of 2020 one operational squadron will be proficient in air combat, strike and offensive air support, and ready to deploy in support of Australia’s national interests.”
The Australian Government has approved the acquisition of 72 aircraft and the F-35A fleet will comprise of three operational squadrons.
Numbers 3 and 77 Squadron operate out of RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales, and Number 75 Squadron based at RAAF Base Tindal near Katherine, Northern Territory. Number 2 Operational Conversion Unit squadron will also fly F-35A out of RAAF Base Williamtown.
The majority of the $1.5B invested to house and support the F-35A have been constructed at RAAF Base Williamtown. The facilities include new working accommodation, maintenance hangars, storage, workshop facilities, training facilities, aircraft runway, and pavement works.
Members of the community seeking further information are invited to call 1800 033 200, or refer to our flying operations page or Defence Aircraft Noise website.
(RAAF)
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January 22, 2019, 4:36 pm
23 Januari 2019
Pesawat amfibi CL-415 buatan Viking Air Ltd, Canada (photo : Chip Chaffin)
Jika tidak ada perubahan, maka TNI AU akan segera memiliki pesawat amfibi buatan Viking Air Ltd Canada, pesawat ini selain difungsikan sebagai pesawat intai maritim juga mempunyai kemampuan untuk memadamkan api dari udara dengan metode water bombing. Wahana ini sangat diperlukan untuk mengatasi bencana kebakaran yang sering terjadi di Kalimantan dan Sumatera khususnya daerah yang mempunyai tanah gambut.
Dalam studi yang dilakukan oleh TNI AU pesawat ini disarankan untuk segera diwujudkan sebagai kekuatan alutsista di jajaran TNI AU serta dibuatkan skuadon udara tersendiri agar dapat mendukung pelaksanaan tugas Operasi Militer Perang (OMP) dan Operasi Militer Selain Perang (OMSP)
TNI AU sendiri telah mengeluarkan Operational Requirement (OpsReq) untuk pesawat amfibi yang dikeluarkan pada April tahun lalu dengan SK Kepala Staf Angkatan Udara yang dapat menjadi rujukan dalam memilih pesawat amfibi.
Pesawat CL-415 untuk fungsi water bombing dapat menyendoki air (water scooping) dari situs air yang dangkal dan dengan lebar 90 meter, untuk melakukan water scooping air sebanyak 6.137 liter hanya diperlukan waktu 12 detik dengan kecepatan pesawat 70 knot (130 km/h) dengan jarak pengambilan 410 meter.
Pesawat amfibi CL-415 buatan Viking Air Ltd, Canada (photo : Wojtek Kmiecik)
Ini berarti bahwa sejumlah situs air dapat digunakan untuk mengisi kembali tangki-tangkinya. Pesawat tidak membutuhkan jalur yang benar-benar lurus karena dalam mode terbang saat menyedot air pilot dapat melakukan manuver di sekitar sungai, setelah mendapatkan air yang cukup dapat kembali ke titik api untuk pemadaman kebakaran.
Selain fungsi water bombing tersebut, sebagai pesawat militer maka ada beberapa kemampuan yang harus dimiliki pesawat CL-415 agar dapat melaksanakan tugas-tugas TNI AU dalam OMP maupun OMSP.
Kabin pesawat amfibi CL-415 (image : Viking Air Ltd)
Adapun kemampuan teknis yang harus dimiliki pesawat amfibi CL-415 ini adalah :
a. IntaiMelaksanakan pengintaian perbatasan, pengintaian maritim dan penegakan hukum. Patroli dilakukan di laut dan sungai-sungai besar, patroli maritim juga dapat dilakukan terhadap pulau-pulau terluar yang jumlahnya 92 pulau.
b. SARKemampuan mendarat dan lepas landas di air menjadikan pesawat ini cocok untuk dijadikan pesawat SAR untuk menangani musibah di perairan, karena mampu dengan cepat mencapai sasaran dibanding wahana manapun.
Water bombing oleh pesawat amfibi CL-415 (image : Viking Air Ltd)
c. Interoperabilitas dengan matra lain dan PolriSelain mengadakan pengamatan, pesawat dapat sekaligus melakukan penindakan terhadap sasaran yang mencurigakan, mengatasi pencurian ikan, memberantas pencurian kayu yang dilakukan lewat sungai-sungai besar, kejahatan lintas negara, penyelundupan narkoba dan senjata, menangani terorime, dll.d. Penerjunan personelPesawat ini mampu mengangkut 30 orang jika tangki air diturunkan, pesawat harus dapat dipakai untuk penerjunan statik dan terjun bebas pasukan militer. Diperlukan perangkat peralatan penerjunan yang dapat dibongkar pasang sesuai kebutuhan.
Peralatan water bombing pesawat amfibi CL-415 (photo : Viking Air Ltd)
e. Evakuasi medisSelain kemampuan untuk mengevakuasi korban di laut akibat kecelakaan kapal atau pesawat harus mampu digunakan sebagai sarana evakuasi medis untuk memindahkan korban pertempuran keluar mandala operasi serta merawat korban selama dalam perjalanan.
f. Foto udara dan pemetaan udaraKehadiran pesawat ini dapat dimanfaatkan untuk foto udara dan pemetaan udara yang berguna untuk keperluan intelijen militer dan sipil khususnya eksplorasi sumber daya alam.
Kabin penumpang pesawat amfibi CL-415 (photo : Viking Air Ltd)
g. Water bombingKemampuan pesawat ini untuk mengambil air (water scooping) 6137 liter hanya 12 detik dengan kecepatan 70 knot (130 km/h) dengan jarak pengambilan 410 meter sehingga dengan cepat dapat kembali ke titik api kembali.
h. Dapat dilengkapi persenjataanJika dibutuhkan pesawat ini harus dapat dipasang senjata selayaknya pesawat amfibi lainnya yaitu di bawah wing untuk pod roket dan pod senjata atau juga pada stand di dekat pintu pesawat serta perlunya dipasang chaff dan flare untuk self defence.
(Defense Studies)
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January 22, 2019, 10:03 pm
23 Januari 2019
Second AW-159 of the PAF (photo : Neil D. Brant)
The second unit of two AW-159 (ZZ550) has already started initial test flights in Yeovil town, South Somerset in England as part of the manufacturer's trials. Last November 2018, the first of two units (ZZ549) already started undergoing it's flight trials
The Naval Air Group's two AW-159 helicopters are dedicated antisubmarine warfare helicopters that is being planned to be embarked eventually to the Philippine Navy's two frigates to be made by Hyundai Heavy Industries.
The AW-159 helicopters will be installed with SPIKE-NLOS antiship missiles made by Israel's Rafael and Blue Shark light torpedoes made ng South Korea's LIG NEX1.
Delivery of the two units of AW-159 is scheduled for March 2019 pending any unforeseen reasons as cause for any delays.
(Upfront Phil Defense)
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January 23, 2019, 8:53 am
23 Januari 2019
ATMG and ATMM for Royal Thai Army (all photos : I love Thai Army)
New batch of Autonomous Truck Mounted Gun-ATMG 155mm/52 caliber Self-Propelled Howitzer 6x6 and Autonomous Truck Mounted Mortar-ATMM 120mm Self-Propelled Mortar System that all manufactured by Weapon Production Center (WPC), Defense Industry and Energy Center (DIEC), Ministry of Defense Thailand (technology company from Elbit Systems) was delivered to the Royal Thai Army in January 2019.
Permanent Secretary for Defense commit the delivery ceremony Heavy artillery shells and grenade launchers which was developed by the Weapon Management Center according to the armament development project for self-reliance in the future to the Army, with the Deputy Commander-in-Chief as the Army representative to receive.
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Weapon Center National Defense Industrial and Military Energy Center, OPSD/Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defense, Ministry of Defense has entered into a supply contract with Elbit Systems Land and C4I Ltd Israel. In the transfer of technology for two domestic armament systems development projects for the Thai Army is a project to develop a cannon-towed artillery to be a rubber wheel or an autonomous artillery gun mounted on the truck-ATMG, which is based on artillery artillery systems, Elbit tires, ATMOS (Autonomous Truck Mounted howitzer System), and a project to improve the size of the grenade launcher 120mm self-propelled rubber wheels or 120 mm Autonomous Truck Mounted Mortar-ATMM, which is based on the Elbit Soltam SPEAR 120mm mortar launcher system.
ATMG : Autonomous Truck Mounted Gun
The SPG cannon system, ATMG tires, size 155mm/52cal, used as a secondary vehicle for the TATRA T815-7 6x6 truck, 10tons of Czech Republic with engine power 400HP, 220liter oil tank capacity, with 400km operating distance, maximum speed on the road 90km/h, top speed terrain 30km/h. By the Royal Thai Army each 6 systems, including 17 systems that are produced by the SAO. Artillery Battalion, 921 Artillery Division and also artillery wheeled Nexter Caesar size 155mm/52cal France 6, stationed in. The Army Thailand also plans to procurement of additional 38 ATMG systems according to the structure of the new infantry and cavalry forces Thai Navy Marine Corps (RTMC: Royal Thai Marine Corps, RTN: Royal Thai Navy) has signed a supply contract with Elbit Systems Israel to supply artillery guns, ATMG tires, valued 65 million baht ($ 26 million).
ATMM : Autonomous Truck Mounted Mortar
The SPG ATMM tire mounted on a military truck, the TATA 715 4x4, 2.5tons of India, has a power of 155 HP, a 200 liter oil tank capacity, operating distance 350km, maximum speed on the road 80km/h, top speed on Information is in 30km/h. Officer for the project argue that the selection of the TATA truck guns because a military truck that is used in the Indian Army with performance and durability that meets the needs, which civilian trucks in the market such as Isuzu or Hino cannot support this requirement.
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January 23, 2019, 6:01 pm
24 Januari 2019
TNI AL's submarine made by HDW and DSME (photo : Kompas)
The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) is currently negotiating with South Korea over a possible purchase of a batch of three additional Type 209/1400 (known in South Korea as the Chang Bogo class, pictured) diesel-electric submarines, which will help meet the MoD’s target for a Minimum Essential Force (MEF).
Discussions by Indonesia’s MoD are centred upon PT Pal and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) over respective workshare portions and technology transfers.
According to the Committee for Defense Industry Policy (KKIP), Indonesia had considered other submarine types to extend its fleet, but commonality with existing 1,400t Nagapasa-class submarines and ease of maintenance make the most sense.
Competing designs believed to have been considered by the KKIP were Turkey’s Reis class (Type 214), Russia’s Kilo class and France’s Scorpene.
The potential deal could be worth up to $1.2 billion for DSME.
This price tag compares with the $1.07 billion that Jakarta spent in December 2011 for a batch of three 61.3m-long submarines of the same type from DSME. The first, KRI Nagapasa, was commissioned on 2 August 2017, while KRI Ardadedali was handed over at DSME’s shipyard on 25 April 2018.
After being assembled indigenously, the third vessel from this 2011 order awaits launch by PT Pal at Surabaya before a scheduled handover to the TNI-AL in 2021.
New naval base in Natuna Island (photo : IMF)
These vessels incorporate an Atlas Elektronik CSU 90 sonar and Indra’s Pegaso radar electronic support measures system and Aries intercept radar.
For the latest submarine batch, Indonesia would like to build modules in-country. These could then be shipped to DSME for assembly.
The TNI-AL also operates two German-built Cakra-class (Type 209/1300) submarines that were commissioned in 1981. In 2017, DSME announced that it had been awarded a $27 million contract to refit KRI Cakra. Work includes upgrading the periscope mast, the hull and a new CMS.
At one time, Indonesia was talking about fielding up to 12 submarines by 2024 under its MEF posture, but this is obviously an impossibility. Instead, the achievable target is now eight boats.
Indonesia remains very concerned about maritime security, as well as China’s exaggerated maritime territorial claims in the South China Sea. In mid-December, Indonesia inaugurated a new military base on Natuna Besar Island, one of the Natuna Islands.
The base located at the southern periphery of the South China Sea will host more than 1,000 personnel. The base is located at the port of Selat Lama and it incorporates a UAV squadron, an army battalion, engineers, artillery and marines.
At the opening ceremony, ACM Hadi Tjahjanto, the Indonesian military’s commander, said the base would work as a deterrent against potential security threats in border areas.
(Shephard)
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January 23, 2019, 8:27 pm
24 Januari 2019
Australian Land 400 Phase 2 CRV Boxer (photo : Australian Defence)
The Australian Defence Force has asked Rheinmetall Defence to evaluate Israel’s Iron Fist Active Protection System (APS) developed by Elbit Systems’ IMI. Brigadier Greg McGlone, Australian Army Director General, Armored Fighting Vehicles, broke the news at the International Armoured vehicles 2019 conference (#IAVevent) in London today. According to Brig. McGlone the evaluation will include only the Iron Fist as it was the only mature APS that meets the Boxer’s weight requirement (38.5-ton combat weight).
Following the current assessment, Australia plans to contract Rheinmetall to integrate Iron Fist on the Lance turrets being used on the 121 of the Block II (improved reconnaissance vehicles) Australia is buying under the Land 400 Phase 2 program.Two Iron Fist Light Configuration (IF-LC) active protection units equipped the turret (photo : Defense Update)
The Australian army plans to conduct live fire testing of the system as part of the Block II improvements of the Australian Boxers. Australia will locally assemble 197 Boxers in this Block II phase, the vehicles include 121 combat reconnaissance vehicles (CRV), 10 recovery vehicles, 15 command vehicles, 29 joint fires surveillance vehicles and 11 repair APCs. The Australians also have options to buy 11 Boxer ambulances, all under the Block II tranch. The first 25 CRVs and engineer vehicles will be delivered by 2020 from Germany under Block I.
The Australian Army studied using APS during the evaluation of Land 400 Phase 2 but did not require such capability from the competitors. Rheinmetall proposed the Boxer with its own ADS system. The Australians requested Rheinmetall, the Boxer manufacturer, to evaluate the scope of integration of the Iron Fist – Light, Decoupled (IF-LD) APS – the same system selected by the US Army to protect the Bradley Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV). The study could also consider the compact variant of Iron-Fist (IF-LC) which was selected to protect the Dutch CV-9035NL AIFVs.
IF-LC was proposed for two of the platforms that were not selected by the Australians – AMV-35 and Terrex III. It is now part of the AJAX-based tracked vehicle offered by General Dynamics Land Systems UK (GDLS-UK) to the Australian Land 400 Phase 3. A model of that vehicle was also unveiled by GDLS at the #IAVevent. This vehicle is intended to replace the M113s in the future. One of the competitors in the program is KF31 from Rheinmetall.
(Defense Update)
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January 24, 2019, 12:17 am
24 Januari 2019
F-16 Block 70/71 flight simulator (photo : MaxDefense)
Lockheed Martin has brought to Philippines an F-16 Block 70/72 flight simulator for Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots to experience the F-16.
“We were honored to host 70 Philippine Air Force Air Education, Training and Doctrine Command Flying School students as they experienced flying the most advanced F-16 to date; the F-16 Block 70 Fighting Falcon,” Lockheed Martin said.
Prior to information released by Lockheed Martin, MaxDefense Philippines uploaded in its social networking page photos of the said simulator in Philippines on January 21.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is in the process of officially deciding on what platform it needs for its multi-role fighter program.
“The timing is so good since the PAF is already in the final steps on finally deciding the Multi-Role Fighter of its choice between the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 Viper and the Saab JAS-39C/D MS20 Gripen,” MaxDefense said.
(Mintfo)
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January 24, 2019, 5:46 am
24 Januari 2019
Penyerahan 5 helikopter anti kapal selam AS565MBe dan 1 pesawat CN235 220 MPA kepada Kemhan (all photos : Kumparan)
Kementerian Pertahanan (Kemenhan) Republik Indonesia menerima 5 unit heli AKS (anti kapal selam) dan 1 Pesud (pesawat udara) CN 235-220 MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) di Hanggar PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) (PTDI), Bandung, Jawa Barat, Kamis (24/1).
Penyerahan tersebut merupakan bagian dari kontrak 11 unit heli AKS yang dilakukan pada 30 September 2014 antara Kemenhan dengan PTDI. Pada penyerahan 5 unit heli AKS dan 1 Pesud hari ini disaksikan oleh Menteri BUMN Rini M Soemarno.
"Secara kontraktual telah diserahkan bertahap pada Juni 2018 dua helikopter AKS (SN 7021, 7043) dan November 2018 tiga helikopter AKS (SN 7042, 7046, dan 7047)," ujar Direktur Utama PTDI Elfien Goentoro.
Sebelumnya, PTDI pada September 2017 sudah menyerahkan 2 unit heli AKS, kemudian pada Januari 2018 sebanyak 2 unit dan Februari 2018 sebanyak 1 unit. Dengan begitu, PTDI telah menyerahkan 10 unit heli AKS kepala Kemenhan untuk selanjutnya digunakan oleh TNI Angkatan Laut (AL).
"Satu unit heli AKS yang telah diserahkan akan dikirimkan kembali ke PTDI untuk pemasangan konfigurasi full AKS. Dan sisanya 1 unit heli AKS saat ini masih di PTDI, dan keduanya akan diserahkan pada 2019 ini," ucapnya.
Heli AKS sendiri, diungkapkannya, merupakan Helikopter Panther dengan tipe AS656 MBe.
"Platform helikopter ini merupakan produk kerja sama industri antara PTDI dengan Airbus Helicopters, Prancis. Sedangkan untuk fase integrasi AKS, mulai desain hingga pemasangan adalah karya PTDI," katanya.
Untuk pemasangan torpedo dan sonar varian terbaru, PTDI menyesuaikan kebutuhan TNI AL. Dan untuk melengkapi persenjataan dan teknologi sonar helikopter tersebut, PTDI bekerjasama dengan Retocraft Services Group dan L-3 Aerospace System, juga Airbus Helicopters untuk engineering collaboration dan rekayasa manufakturing.
"Untuk helikopter AS565 MBe Panther full AKS mampu mendeteksi keberadaan kapal selam yang dilengkapi dipping sonar L-3 oceans system DS-100 helicopter long-range active sonar (HELRAS). Dan sonar HELRAS dapat beroperasi optimal di area laut dangkal dan dalam," sebutnya.
Selain itu, teknologi HELRAS menggunakan frekuensi rendah dengan resolusi tinggi pada sistem doppler dan rentang gelombang panjang untuk mengetahui keberadan kapal selam dari jarak jauh."Dipandu dengan perangkat DS-100, AS565 Panther dirancang ideal untuk melakukan redection, melokalisir sasaran, dan melancarkan serangan torpedo di perairan dangkal dan dalam," katanya.
Untuk pesawat CN235-220 MPA, dapat digunakan untuk berbagai misi, mulai patroli perbatasan dan ZEE (Zona Ekonomi Eksklusif), pengawasan pencurian ikan dan pencemaran laut, pengawasan imigrasi dan perdagangan manusia, penyelundupan narkoba dan barang ilegal, serta pencarian dan penyelamatan korban bencana.
"Pesawat udara CN235-220 MPA memiliki beberapa keunggulan, yaitu bisa lepas landas dengan jarak pendek dengan kondisi landasan belum beraspal dan berumput. Selain itu juga mampu terbang selama 10-11 jam dengan sistem avionik glass cocpit, autopilot, dan adanya wunglet di ujung sayap agar le ug stabil dan irit bahan bakar," jelasnya.
Pesawat udara CN 235-220 MPA ini juga, lanjutnya, dilengkapi 2 co soles, 360° search radar yang dapat mendeteksi target kecil sampai 200 bautical mile dan AIS (automatic identification systen). "AIS ini sistem pelacakan otomatis untuk mengidentifikasi kapal sehingga dapat diperoleh posisi objek mencurigakan," paparnya.
"Pesawat juga dilengkapi IFF (identification friend or foe) integrator dan tactical computer system, yaitu sistem identifikasi yang dirancang untuk mengetahui pesawat lawan atau kawan yang terintegrasi ke dalam sistem komputer guna menganalisa dan menentukan strategi operasi," ucapnya.
CN235-220MPA pun diungkapnya dilengkapi FLIR (forward looking infra red) untuk mendeteksi dan mengklasifikasikan target serta mampu merekam situasi di sekitar wilayah terbang untuk evaluasi misi.
PTDI, ditegaskan Elfien, selalu siap memenuhi pesanan berikutnya dari Kemenhan maupun TNI dalam mewujudkan kemandirian alutsista TNI.
"Keberadaan PTDI akan sangat berarti jika setiap produk serta jasa yang dihasilkan dimanfaatkan secara maksimal oleh seluruh instansi dan lembaga negara Indonesia, terutama Kemenhan dan TNI yang selama ini menjadi customer terbesar PTDI," katanya.
(Kumparan)
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January 24, 2019, 4:37 pm
25 Januari 2019
ELM-2288 - AD-STAR - Air Defense & Air Traffic Control Radar (photo : IAI)
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will soon be receiving the final two of three ordered ELM-2288 AD-STAR Air Defense & Air Traffic Control Radar from Israeli ELTA Systems, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
MaxDefense said it received “first hand information that the two radars, which were supposed to have been delivered last 2018, will be received by the Philippine Air Force in a very short time.”
The Letter of Credit (LOC) for this radar acquisition under revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program first horizon was opened early 2016. According to the contract, delivery of first unit will be 22 months after the opening of LOC followed by 2nd and 3rd radars with 6 months interval.
The first radar was delivered 4th quarter of 2017.
These radar system are for Gozar Air Station in Mindoro Occidental, Mt. Salakot Air Station in Palawan, and Paredes Air Station in Ilocos Norte. The first radar was installed in Ilocos to cover the northern part of the country.
According to Air Force commander Lieutenant General Rozzano D. Briguez, their radar system already covers the northern portion of the country.
“In nine months time, I think the radar system in Mount Salakot will be up and running,” Lieutenant General Briguez said when asked by Senator Dick Gordon during Senate session on January 16 if the Air Force already has radars to detect Chinese frequencies in West Philippine Sea.
(Mintfo)
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January 24, 2019, 7:38 pm
25 Januari 2019
Helikopter Fennec TNI AD (photo : Haryadi Dwi)
Komandan Korem 121/Alambhana Wanawwai, Brigadir Jenderal TNI Bambang Trisnohadi menerima kunjungan Wakil Komandan Pusat Penerbangan Angkatan Darat (Wadan Puspenerbad), Brigadir Jenderal TNI Eko Susetyo dalam rangka meninjau lahan yang direncanakan akan menjadi lokasi pembangunan Skuadron Heli TNI AD di Kabupaten Sintang, Kalimantan Barat, Rabu (23/1/19) kemarin.
Rombongan Wadan Puspenerbad disambut Danrem 121/Abw Brigjen TNI Bambang Trisnohadi dan Staf serta Dandim 1205/Stg diruang kehomatan Makorem 121/Abw, Jalan Pangeran Kuning, Nomor 1, Sintang.
Sebelum melaksanakan peninjauan, Wadanpuspenerbad juga mendapatkan presentasi dari Bupati Sintang Dr. Jarot Winarno, M.Med PH tentang lahan yang akan dihibahkan oleh Pemda di Pendopo Kab. Sintang.
Dalam presentasinyw Bupati Sintang menyampaikan beberapa alternatif lahan yang akan ditinjau untuk disetujui sebagai lokasi rencana pembangunan Skuadron Heli TNI AD. Dalam kegiatan tersebut juga dihadiri oleh beberapa dinas terkait seperti Dinas Perhubungan, Kepala Bandara Sei Tebelian dan Bappeda Kab. Sintang.
Dalam peninjauan, lahan pertama yang ditinjau adalah tanah yang berada dilahan kawasan Bandara Sei Tebelian, kemudian lahan kedua yang ditinjau berada di Simpang Pandan, Desa Manter, Kec. Sei Tebelian. Selain itu juga meninjau di lokasi ketiga yang merupakan lahan bekas Bandara Susilo Sintang.
Dalam peninjauan dilapangan juga didiskusikan aspek-aspek yang menguntungkan dari masing-masing lahan yang akan dijadikan lokasi rencana pembangunan Skuadron Heli TNI AD.
Dari hasil peninjauan di lapangan ini akan dikaji serta didiskusikan kembali di Markas Besar TNI Angkatan Darat, terkait lahan yang akan menjadi prioritas lokasi pembangunan Skuadron Heli TNI AD, terang Wadan Puspenerbad, Brigadir Jenderal TNI Eko Susetyo mengakhiri.
(TNI AD)
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January 24, 2019, 10:50 pm
25 Januari 2019
HMAS Newcastle (photo : RIMPAC)
Athens has sent an expression of interest to Defence to buy the RAN’s two remaining Adelaide-class FFG frigates, HMA Ships Melbourne and Newcastle, ADM can confirm.Greek Minister for Defence Evangelos Apostolakis referenced the move during a press conference attended by local media in late December.
Minister Apostolakis said the Adelaide-class, a modified version of the US Oliver Hazard Perry class, is one of three options under consideration as an interim capability for the Hellenic Navy. Other possibilities include American LCS frigates or the French La Fayette class.
“Defence has received expressions of interest from the Hellenic Navy, as well as other countries in relation to the Adelaide class frigates,” a Defence spokesperson said to ADM.
Greece is currently looking to expand its naval presence in the eastern Mediterranean as tensions with Turkey grow over regional natural gas exploration. Cyprus has granted drilling rights to a number of foreign companies, with ExxonMobil expected to shortly begin drilling in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone – a move Turkey has warned against.
Ankara has previously used warships to prevent Italian company ENI from drilling at a site not far from Exxon’s license.
A report by Ptsisi Magazine indicates that Greece also intends to use the ships to leverage its position as a ‘bridge of cooperation’ between the US and Egypt.
The attractiveness of the Adelaide-class largely rests on upgrades received under the Sea 1390 program, which added medium range surface-to-air Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSMs), SM-2 Block IIIA long-range air defence missiles and associated sensor and combat system enhancements. The ships are the first Australian vessels powered by gas turbines and can move from cold in less than 30 minutes.
Sources indicate that Greece may seek an end-to-end user certificate from the US to acquire the SM2s and ESSM missiles with the Australian ships. ADM understands, however, that RAN is unlikely to include weapons with a potential sale.
The most recent FFGs to be decommissioned are ex-HMA Ships Sydney and Darwin, with the former taken apart and the latter sunk as a dive wreck off Tasmania. Ex-HMAS Darwin was the first Australian ship to deploy to the Persian Gulf.
Three new Hobart-class guided missile destroyers are replacing the Adelaide-class. Two have been commissioned into RAN service with the third due this year.
ADM understands that the Minister’s remarks have preceded a possible visit to Australia by Greek representatives.
“Defence treats all expressions of interest on disposals as ‘in-confidence’ unless otherwise agreed with the relevant country, and does not comment on the details of subsequent discussions or negotiations,” the Defence spokesperson said.
“Any decision regarding the purchase of Adelaide class frigates from Australia is a matter for the relevant foreign government.
“Once withdrawn from service, Defence has no plans to retain the Adelaide class frigates.”
Poland officially expressed interest in buying the last Adelaide-class vessels in 2017 but negotiations have reportedly since fallen through.
(ADM)
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