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Navies from 12 Countries to Hold Joint Exercise

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07 Mei 2019


Warships from participating ADMM-Plus countries docked in Busan, ROK. The Maritime Security FTX will see participation from a total of 19 ships, 10 aircraft and about 700 personnel from the 18 ADMM-Plus countries (photo : Sing Mindef)

Twelve countries will join a naval exercise off Busan from Monday to Thursday to counter maritime crimes, the Navy said Sunday.

It said the four-day exercise was the first of a two-part exercise involving 18 members of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), a defense dialogue involving ASEAN and other Asia-Pacific countries.

The second part of the exercise will take place from May 9 to 13 off Singapore.

The 12 countries participating this week are South Korea, the United States, China, Japan, Australia, India, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

They will send a combined 16 warships and six aircraft.

The remaining six ADMM-Plus members — Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, New Zealand and Russia — will join as observers.

For this week's exercise, South Korea will operate the 4,400-ton destroyer Wang Geon, the 2,500-ton frigate Jeonbuk, the 4,900-ton landing ship Cheonjabong, two UH-60 helicopters and one Lynx helicopter. The Wang Geon will also take part in the second part of the drills.

Led by the South Korean Navy, the first part of the exercise will focus on rescuing ships hijacked by armed groups.

The Singaporean Navy will lead the second part of the exercise aimed at stopping and searching ships suspected of carrying banned items.

Some military sources speculated that the Singapore drill was mainly targeting North Korea amid suspicions that it has been engaged in ship-to-ship transfers of crude oil and other items banned by the United Nations.

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea and Singapore are serving as co-chairs of the maritime security expert working group of the ADMM-Plus.

The ADMM-Plus was launched in 2010. It had meetings in 2010, 2013, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

(Korea Times)

2 New AW-159 Helicopter Arrived in Philippines

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07 Mei 2019

AW-159 helicopter of the Philippines Navy (photo : pdff)

AW-159 choppers can detect submarines: Empedrad

MANILA -- The Philippine Navy (PN) now has the capability to detect, locate and hunt submarines with the arrival of its two AugustaWestand (now Leonardo) AW-159 "Wildcat" helicopters Tuesday.

This was bared by Navy flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, on  the sidelines of the send-off ceremonies for the military, police and government contingents tasked to secure the May 13 mid-term elections in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

"These helicopters will give the PN the capability to detect and locate submarines due to its sonar capabilities," he said in Filipino.

Empedrad said this is a big leap for the PN, considering that in the past, the Navy does not have the means to detect subsurface threats.

The PN chief said that the sonar capabilities of the AW-159 will be further augmented by the proposed upgrades of the three Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessels, which include the installation of sonar equipment.

AW-159 helicopter of the Philippines Navy (photo : Paul Carreon)

Empedrad said the helicopters will be placed in Navy service shortly after the blessing and commissioning ceremonies in Sangley Point, Cavite this coming May 27, which coincides with the PN's 121st founding anniversary.

These helicopters are to be based on the two missile-armed frigates Hyundai Heavy Industries is constructing in South Korea. These aircraft were acquired for PHP5.4 billion including its munition, mission essential equipment and integrated logistic support.

The AW-159 (previously called the Future Lynx and Lynx Wildcat) is an improved version of the Westland Super Lynx military helicopter.

The helicopter has been ordered for the Royal Navy and British Army. It is capable of speeds of 291 km/h (181 mph), range of 777 km (483 miles), ferry range of 963 km (598 miles) and an endurance of one and a-half hours (fours hours and 30 minutes if fitted with auxiliary fuel).

The AW-159 can also be armed with rockets, machine guns, missiles, torpedoes and depth charges.

(PNA)

RAAF F-35As Begin Ground-Attack Training at Salt Ash AWR

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08 Mei 2019


RAAF F-35A (photo : Aus DoD)

F-35A Joint Strike Fighters to conduct first training over Salt Ash Air Weapons Range

No. 3 Squadron from RAAF Base Williamtown will conduct the first training for F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft over the Salt Ash Air Weapons Range (SAAWR) from Monday 6 May to Friday 17 May.

Up to four jets will conduct a number of passes over the range for up to two weeks during weekdays only.

Acting Commander Air Combat Group, Group Captain (GPCAPT) Harvey Reynolds said the initial training runs would involve a series of dry passes over the range, and be followed by gunnery activities.

GPCAPT Reynolds said residents living in East Medowie, Salt Ash and Lemon Tree Passage can expect the range to be used intermittently throughout this period.

“SAAWR training activities are an important part of the validation and verification phase for the newly introduced aircraft and the aircrew,’’ he said.


F-35A with external weapons (photo : USAF)

“The program will include practicing F-35A weapons loading and unloading procedures, and provide gunnery practice which remains an essential skill for fighter aircrew,’’ he said.

The F-35A aircraft will operate over the range in a similar manner to the F/A-18 A/B Hornet aircraft.

F-35A operations over the SAAWR were assessed and approved as part of the F35A Environment Impact Statement.

“Annual use of SAAWR will remain well under the usage allowed under the operational conditions for the range which is a maximum of 115 days each year over a 10 year rolling average,’’ GPCAPT Reynolds said.

“Air Force has a responsibility to ensure personnel are ready and able to deploy at short notice and this involves necessary air-to-ground training that is employed at SAAWR,’’ he said.

Every effort is made to minimise any inconvenience to residents during SAAWR training. The range schedule can change at short notice due to weather or operational considerations.

(RAAF)

Helkopter ASW Lynx Pernah Diincar TNI AL

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08 Mei 2019


Helikopter Westland Lynx dengan nomor registrasi XZ721 (photo : Bruce Woodruff)

TNI AL Pernah Mengincar Helikopter AKS Westland Lynx HAS.3SGM

ANGKASAREVIEW.COM - Awal Mei 2019 ini Penerbangan AL Filipina baru saja menerima dua helikopter antikapal selam (AKS) dan antikapal permukaan AW159 Wildcat Mk.220 (sebelumnya dikenal sebagai Future Lynx) dari AgustaWestland, Inggris.

Tapi mungkin banyak yang belum tahu kalau Pusat Penerbangan TNI Angkatan Laut (Puspenerbal) pernah mengincar helikopter AKS Westland Lynx pada pertengahan tahun 1990-an.

Kala itu Penerbal mencari pengganti heli AKS Westland Wasp HAS Mk.1. Helikopter Wasp sendiri datang tidak dalam kondisi baru, namun didapatkan sebagai paket pembelian kapal frigat kelas Tribal dari Inggris.

Kembali ke kisah Lynx, untuk mempromosikan produknya, Westland memboyong sebuah Lynx ke pameran kedirgantaraan internasional yang kedua kalinya diselenggarakan di Tanah Air. Yaitu, Indonesia Air Show (IAS) pada 22-30 Juni 1996 di Bandara Soekarno-Hatta, Cengkareng.

Heli Lynx seri HAS.3SGM itu adalah milik AL Inggris (Royal Navy) bernomor registrasi XZ721.

Lynx HAS.3SGM ikut mengisi acara demo dinamis selama gelaran IAS 1996 berlangsung. Termasuk pada dua hari terakhir pameran yang terbuka untuk masyarakat umum.

Gagahnya, Lynx HAS.3SGM memboyong dummy torpedo antikapal selam Mk.44/46 Stingray dalam unjuk kebolehannya.



Selain torpedo, persenjataan lain yang bisa dibawa Lynx HAS.3SGM adalah rudal antikapal Sea Skua serta depth charges Mk.11.

Sayang, pengadaan heli AKS Lynx HAS.3SGM ini tak pernah berlanjut. Karena setahun setelah itu, Indonesia terkena badai krisis moneter.

Penerbal akhirnya hanya bisa mengandalkan Wasp miliknya saat itu. Itupun tak lama karena heli tersebut harus dipurnabaktikan pada akhir 1990-an.

Lynx HAS.3SGM merupakan generasi ke-3 seri keluarga “Naval Lynx’. Heli ini dikembangkan berdasar Lynx seri HAS.3S/HAS.3GM yang mendapatkan perangkat IFF dan FLIR baru.

Lynx HAS.3SGM diawaki tiga orang. Terdiri dari pilot dan kopilot serta seorang operator sensor merangkap load master.

Heli digerakkan oleh mesin turboshaft Gem 42-1 Mark.204 berdaya 1.120 hp. Kecepatan terbang maksimumnya mencapai 230 km/jam dengan radius tempur 95 km.

Total 23 unit seri keluarga HAS.3 dibuat untuk AL Inggris pada kurun 1982-1985, ditambah varian 54 versi upgrade dari seri HAS.2 ke HAS.3.

AL Inggris sendiri telah mengandangkan seluruh armadanya ini pada Maret 2018. Selanjutnya digantikan oleh sang adik AW159 Wildcat buatan Agusta-Westlad (kini Leonardo Helicopters).

Sementara itu di Indonesia, Penerbal akan mendapatkan beberapa AS565 Mbe Panther versi AKS yang kini tengah digarap oleh PTDI dengan Airbus Helicopters.

Rencanaya AS565 Mbe Panther versi AKS akan ditempatkan dalam Skuadron 400 ‘Gurita’ di Sidoarjo, Jawa Timur.

(Angkasa Review)

General Dynamics Unveils Their Guided Missile Frigate Proposal for U.S. Navy

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08 Mei 2019


The FFG(X) program is a Navy program to build a class of 20 guided-missile frigates (FFGs). The Navy wants to procure the first FFG(X) in FY2020, the next 18 at a rate of two per year in FY2021-FY2029, and the 20th in FY2030. The Navy’s proposed FY2020 budget requests $1,281.2 million for the procurement of the first FFG(X). The Navy’s FY2020 budget submission shows that subsequent ships in the class are estimated by the Navy to cost roughly $900 million each in then-year dollars. (photos : Chris Cavas)

Major United States shipyard General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, part of General Dynamics Corporation, has unveiled their guided missile frigate proposal under the FFG(X) program for the U.S. Navy.

The concept of new guided missile frigate was unveiled during annual Sea-Air-Space, the largest maritime exposition in the United States.

Naval warfare correspondent Chris Cavas has posted pictures of General Dynamics FFG(X) proposal on social media.

“General Dynamics Bath Iron Works also unveiled their FFGX proposal for the US Navy today at SAS, based on partner Navantia’s F100 design. Good looking ship!,” Chris Cavas tweeted.

In February 2018, the U.S. Navy awarded General Dynamics Bath Iron Works a $14.9 million contract for the concept design of the Navy’s planned Guided Missile Frigate (FFG(X)).

Bath Iron Works’ proposed design is based on a family of AEGIS Guided Missile Frigates designed by the Spanish shipbuilder Navantia. The contract award enables Bath Iron Works to mature the design to meet the specifications established by the Navy that will be used for the Detail Design and Construction request for proposals. The contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the total value of the contract to $22.9 million.



“Bath Iron Works looks forward to working with Navantia to further develop a guided missile frigate design that meets the needs of the U.S. Navy,” said General Dynamics Bath Iron Works President Dirk Lesko.

The Navy’s initial request for proposals in November required that frigate designs be based on an existing hull form that is already in service. The Navy has said the requirement will make the planned production of 20 frigates more affordable and bring the ships to the fleet more quickly. The Detail Design and Construction award is planned to be in 2020.

Bath Iron Works designed the Navy’s prior frigate, the Oliver Hazard Perry class, and built many of the hulls. Bath Iron Works partnered with Navantia in the 1980s to adapt the Oliver Hazard Perry design for construction by the Spanish shipbuilding industry and for use by the Spanish Navy.

According to recently notice by Naval Sea Systems Command, the future frigate will provide combatant and fleet commanders a uniquely suitable asset to achieve select sea control objectives and to perform maritime security operations while facilitating access in all domains in support of strike group and aggregated fleet operations.

As part of the Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations Concept, the FFG(X) small surface combatant will expand blue force sensor and weapon influence to enhance the overall fleet tactical picture while challenging adversary intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and tracking efforts. FFG(X) will also contribute to the Navy the Nation Needs by relieving large surface combatants from the stress of routine duties during operations other than war. The Navy expects to build a total of twenty (20) FFG(X) ships as per the fiscal year 2019 Report to Congress on the Annual Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels.

(Defence Blog)

Angkatan Laut Indonesia-Jepang Akan Gelar Latihan Bersama

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09 Mei 2019


DD-106 JS Samidare (photo: Japan MoD)

JAKARTA - Menyambut 61 tahun hubungan Jepang-Indonesia. TNI Angkatan Laut dan Angkatan Laut Jepang akan menggelar latihan bersama. 

Hal itu di ungkapkan Komandan Escort Divisi Empat, Laksamana Takahiro Nishiyama saat berlabuh di kawasan Pelabuhan Tanjung Priok bersama dengan Kapal Perang Jepang, JS Samidare, Rabu (8/5/2019).

“Kami akan koordinasi hari ini soal latihan. Masih ada waktu dua malam tiga hari sebelum kami berangkat,” kata Takahiro. 

Di mata Angkatan Laut epang, TNI AL merupakan mitra sangat penting. Takahiro mengajak 200 anak buah kapal (ABK) untuk datang ke Indonesia usai menyelesaikan misi mengamankan Teluk Aden atau perairan lepas Somalia membasmi bajak laut Somalia. 

“Nah sebelum ke Jepang kita Indonesia. Kebetulan ini menyambut kerja sama kami sejak tahun 58 lalu,” kata Takahiro.

Sebagai negara dengan luas laut besar, Jepang melihat Indonesia sebagai negara penting. Banyak beberapa kapal Jepang yang ada di Indonesia memiliki peranan penting. 

Oleh karena itu, butuh koordinasi dan pelatihan militer untuk meningkatkan kemampuan tentara Jepang. Hal ini untuk mendorong kekuatan Indo-China. 

Bagi Takahiro, kedatangan ke Jakarta bukan kali pertama. Dia mengaku sudah tiga kali datang ke Jakarta. Terakhir kali dia datang sekitar 20 tahun lalu, kala itu Jakarta tak seramai sekarang.

“Kota ini mengalami perkembangan yang cukup pesat,” ucapnya.

Sementara terhadap Kapal JS Samidare, kapal ini dibangun tahun 2000 Kapal dengan kapasitas 200 ABK dan 20 perwira ini mampu bertahan sekaligus menyerang.

Segala fasilitas dan persenjataan kapal tersebut dapat digunakan untuk udara, permukaan laut, hingga kapal selam.

Selain itu missil yang dimiliki mampu membuat penembakan hingga 18 kilometer. Dengan delapan lantai, kapal ini cukup besar. Tak ayal dua helikopter bisa tertampung di kapal sepanjang 155 meter ini.

Komandan Lantamal (Danlantamal) III, Laksamana Pertama TNI AL Denih Hendrata mengucapkan selamat datang kepada Angkatan Laut Jepang. 

Dia mengundang personel Angkatan Laut Jepang untuk menghabiskan waktu sebaik-baiknya selama berada di Jakarta.

"Atas nama pimpinan TNI AL saya ingin menyampaikan ucapan selamat datang ke Indonesia. Selama berada di sini akan ada banyak kegiatan yang disusun, Jakarta sebagai Ibukota juga memiliki tempat menarik untuk dikunjungi," tandasnya.

(SindoNews)


Philippine Navy’s Jacinto Class Faces Delays in Combat Systems Restoration

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09 Mei 2019


Restoration works on Philippine Navy’s Jacinto-class corvettes have fallen behind schedule. Delays are expected to impact operations of the service’s Littoral Combat Force till 2020 (photo : Timawa)

A project to restore combat systems of the Philippine Navy’s fleet of Jacinto (Peacock)-class corvettes has fallen behind schedule and all three vessels in the class are now temporarily non-operational, a source from within the service has confirmed with Jane’s .

Works on the frigates, which are being done under the Philippine Department of National Defense’s (DND’s) Jacinto-class patrol vessel (JCPV) Phase 3A and 3B service life extension project (SLEP), were supposed to have completed by end-2018.

(Jane's)

RAAF Engages Nanotech to Revolutionise Sensing Capability

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09 Mei 2019


Nano Institute - University of Sydney (photo : RAAF)

The University of Sydney Nano Institute and the Royal Australian Air Force today launch a scientific collaboration to provide world-leading sensing technology for Australia’s defence.

Researchers at the Jericho Smart Sensing Laboratory will develop nanoscale devices that can assess the physical, chemical, biological, acoustic or electromagnetic environment. This is vital technology for Australia in monitoring electromagnetic, space and underwater domains as they become more contested and congested.

“Advanced sensors give us a clearer picture of what is happening against difficult targets in challenging environments,” said Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Gavin Turnbull.

Plan Jericho is the RAAF’s project to develop augmented intelligence capability to protect Australia from technologically sophisticated and rapidly changing threats. The Jericho Lab at Sydney Nano will form a critical part of the plan’s scientific infrastructure.

Air-Vice Marshal Turnbull said: “We need to think differently to achieve and maintain our competitive edge in a rapidly changing world, and this is something we cannot do alone. Our academic and other partners are helping us to disrupt ourselves in a controlled way, which is a far better proposition than unwillingly being disrupted by our competitors.”

Associate Professor Cara Wrigley from the Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning has been appointed the Jericho Chair of Design Innovation, responsible for bringing the University of Sydney’s research closer to real-world defence problems.

“The University of Sydney’s world-leading design methodologies partnered with Air Force’s experience will accelerate our cutting-edge photonics research into a real defence capability advantage for Australia,” she said.

“When used on aircraft, satellites, vehicles and integrated into a sophisticated Combat Cloud – or Internet of Defence Things – these sensors will enable game-changing awareness.”

The technology developed at the Jericho Smart Sensing Lab will be optimised for Australian conditions, including humidity, foliage and other environmental factors that currently pose challenges for airborne sensors.

Professor Duncan Ivison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Sydney, said: “The Jericho Smart Sensing Laboratory will see the design, development and integration of future-generation photonic sensors, to provide enhanced situational awareness for the RAAF.”

The design-led collaboration brings together Associate Professor Wrigley and Professor Benjamin Eggleton from the School of Physics and Director of Sydney Nano.

“Our smart-sensing technologies are enabled by photonic platforms, which are miniaturised on to thumbnail-sized chips to bring massive reduction in size, weight and power consumption, ideally suited for mobile or aerial platforms,” Professor Eggleton said.

The sensing chips use photons – particles of light – which cannot be affected by electromagnetic fields in the way that electronic chips can be.

“These compact, power-efficient, rugged and reliable sensors will provide information that will enable smart, timely decision-making,” Professor Eggleton said.

About the Jericho Smart Sensing Laboratory

The experimental work will be located in the Sydney Nanoscience Hub, the headquarters of the University of Sydney Nano Institute. This purpose-built building for research and teaching incorporates state-of-the-art, environmentally controlled laboratories specifically designed for research in nanoscale devices, such as those that will underpin the compact smart sensors developed in this project. Researchers will be able to access the 800m2 of cleanroom space providing lithography equipment for printing photonic circuits in silicon and other materials as well as packaging and prototyping facilities.

Professor Eggleton’s research in photonic-chip technology is world-leading and he regularly presents plenary talks at major scientific conferences. As well as being one of most cited researchers at the University, his group has enjoyed successful collaborations with industry and end-users for many years. He currently works with Lockheed Martin, Harris Corporation and the US Army Research Laboratory as well as DSTG in the defence sector. His group’s leading work on photonic sensors was the basis for the NSW Government asking Professor Eggleton and Professor Justin Gooding (from UNSW) to establish the NSW Smart Sensing Network, which they established in 2016.

The University of Sydney is well-positioned to engage the Air Force on this project through its multidisciplinary initiatives, including Sydney Nano. As well as providing leading-edge technology for the Air Force, the project should also lead to commercialisation opportunities and assist in the creation of sovereign capability.

(RAAF)

PHL’s Amphibious Assault Vehicles are Finally Home

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10 Mei 2019


PMC's KAAV-7A1 (all photos : MaxDefense)

The initial batch of ordered Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs) from South Korean Hanwha Techwin for the Philippine Marin Corps is now in the country.

The Philippine government ordered a total of eight AAVs from South Korea and four are expected to be presented on May 27 during Philippine Navy’s 121st founding anniversary celebration.

These Korean-made AAVs are set to be part of Philippine Navy’s Tarlac-class landing platform docks.



Prior to this development, the Marines activated the Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) Company on April 25.

“The activation and preparation of the arrival of AAV is part of the AFP Modernization Project and an additional capability to the Corps. The ceremony was presided by MGEN ALVIN A PARREÑO AFP, Commandant, Philippine Marine Corps,” the Philippine Marines said.

(Mintfo)

Boeing was Successful with the Test of Super Hornet Block III

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10 Mei 2019


Super Hornet III (photo : US Navy)

Super Hornet Block III is on schedule to deliver in 2020. With the US Navy, we have tested next-gen conformal fuel tanks, the advanced cockpit system, and infrared search and track.

The US Navy will receive the Block III Super Hornet and its next-gen capabilities through 2033 as our teams deliver new aircraft and update existing aircraft through the Service Life Modification program.


UH-1D #8230 Back Into the Service

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10 Mei 2019


PAF UH-1D #8230 (all photos : TuOPip)

As part of fulfilling the Capability Enablers of the Philippine Air Force’s Flight Plan 2028, so as to become responsive to national security and development, the UH-1D with tail number 8230 was formally turned over to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing by the 410th Maintenance Wing, led by MGEN ALLEN T PAREDES AFP, Commander, Air Logistics Command.

Together with all the maintenance personnel of the 410MW involved in the recovery of the said aircraft, led by BGEN FLORANTE M AMANO AFP, Commander, 410MW, MGEN PAREDES turned over the aircraft records of UH-1D #8230 to COL RENE RAOUL ROMMEL DC HONASAN PAF (GSC), Wing Commander, 205THW, last 22 April 2019 at Bay 4 Hangar, 410MW, Clark Air Base, Mabalacat, Pampanga. The event was even highlighted by the pouring of champagne and presentation of awards to all personnel involved in the successful aircraft recovery. UH-1D #8230 is one of the 205THW’s “Super Delta” aircraft – the UH-1D variant with a T53-703 engine.



After a year and 2 months of being in the Non-Mission Capable Status (NMCS), UH-1D #8230 will soon be able to once again soar the skies to provide the necessary assistance in accomplishing the missions of the Philippine Air Force. The UH-1D #8230 experienced engine failure during take-off in Manaoag, Pangasinan, which led to a hard landing last 14 February 2018. Right there and then, it was turned-in to 410MW to undergo extensive recovery. The recovery program spent a total of 9,259 man hours in depot level maintenance.

The 410th Maintenance Wing, under the Air Logistics Command, is the unit in charge of depot-level maintenance of all PAF aircraft, while the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing is the force provider of combat utility helicopters (CUHs).

With this turn-over of a successfully recovered CUH, an increase in the operationally ready aircraft will surely translate to a more capable and credible air force ready to respond to national security and development.

Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel Keel Laying

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11 Mei 2019


Keel laying of Arafura class OPV (photo : ASC)

The first Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel has reached a significant milestone today with the ceremonial keel laying at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide.

Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan AO, RAN positioned a coin to commemorate the laying of the keel for the first vessel to be named Arafura.

“The keel laying ceremony represents a great naval tradition and I am honoured to be joined today by the two youngest shipbuilders in the Osborne shipyard in placing the commemorative coin under the keel,” Vice Admiral Noonan said.

This project will see the delivery of 12 Offshore Patrol Vessels to the Royal Australian Navy to replace the Armidale Class Patrol Boats.

The Arafura Class is named for the Arafura Sea between Australia and Indonesia, acknowledging the importance placed on the coastal regions around Australia and their significant role in the nation’s security and economic prosperity. The naming of the Arafura Class also honours the significance of Northern Australia’s waters to Australia’s maritime security and the importance of the continuing work of the Navy across the Top End.

“I would like to thank our defence industry counterparts and Defence’s Capability Acquisition & Sustainment Group for their collective efforts to get us to this point on time and budget,” Vice Admiral Noonan said.

Prime contractor Luerssen Australia along with shipbuilding sub-contractor ASC commenced construction of the first vessel on 15 November 2018.

The first ship will be launched in 2021, with the second ship to be launched from the Osborne shipyard in 2022.

Construction of the third vessel will commence in 2020 at the Henderson Maritime Precinct in Western Australia, where the remaining 10 vessels will be constructed.

(Aus DoD)

Closing Ceremony of Thai-China BLUE STRIKE 2019 Exercise

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11 Mei 2019

Blue Strike 2019 Exercise (all photos : PRThaiNavy, Naewna)

On May 09, 2019, Thai Marine in the training section of the mixed exercise BLUE STRIKE 2019 was returned to the Jiangnan Naval Base after participating in the closing ceremony of BLUE STRIKE 2019 on the LPD ship 987 yesterday (8 May) at 3:30 pm local time. The day before, they transported with the Chinese Navy LPD 987 large landing craft to participate in training with the Chinese naval forces in amphibious operations at the Sun Wei training ground.


Earlier on May 6, the Marine Corps Training Section BLUE STRIKE 2019 joined forces with the Chinese Marines. Traveled to the Chinese Navy's large landing craft ship, LPD 987, departing to conduct amphibious operations at Sun Wei Republic of China during 6-7 May 2019, by training the amphibious battle plan together with the Chinese Marines Including training for landing at the training ground of the city of Sun Wei on May 8, 2019, using an amphibious transport vehicle Air Mobility Vehicle (LCAC) and Chinese Navy Helicopter Is a vehicle for transporting naval forces to land accomplished very well When seizing the plot according to the plan, therefore withdrawing the power back to LPD 987 and the closing ceremony of BLUE STRIKE 2019 training to complete.


Mixed training under the code name BLUE STRIKE, this is an exchange practice between the Thai Navy with the People's Republic of China Navy. There is a training cycle every 2 years and turns into a host each time. It is a good opportunity to strengthen relationships. Exchange learning with each other. And above all, reflecting the good friendship between each other for a long time until the present.


For Thai forces consisting of the frigates HTMS Naresuan 421 and corvettes HTMS Bangpakong 456 (Naval Training Squadron) and Marine Corps Training Force from the Marine Corps by participating in the training between 2-8 May 2019, with Rear Admiral Paisan Meesri, Commander of the Second Fleet Division, as Director of the Blue Strike 2019 Combined Training and Colonel Worapong Thongruang the commander of the Marine Corps is the Deputy Director of the Blue Strike 2019 Training and the Marine Corps Control Unit.


For the LPD 987 landing craft is a large landing craft of People's Republic of China Navy which is a landing craft the latest version of the Chinese Navy. There is a ship that is important, is a floating dock in itself which can carry vehicles with various types, such as Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicles, amphibious transport vehicles. 


There is also a deck and a medium-sized transport helicopter hangar. Capable of transporting 800 Marines with equipment or 1 battalion. Can establish a floating hospital. There are about 25,000 tons of water. There is a kitchen with a large number of people. Therefore very useful both during the war or in the event of a marine or coastal disaster of Southern Fleet Division of the Chinese Navy enrolled on January 12, 2019.

(Naewna)

MALE UAV Program for the RMAF

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11 Mei 2019


TAI Anka UAV mock up at LIMA 19 (photo : Malaysian Defence)

SHAH ALAM: Fairest of them all. Three UAVs competing for a RMAF requirement for a medium altitude, long endurance unmanned intelligence,surveillance, reconaissance and armed drone took part at the recent LIMA 19.

A US ANG MQ-9 Predator drone was the only real aircraft that took part in the show, the other two were just mockups.

The Predator is the representative of the MQ-9B Sea Guardian, the candidate of the General Atomics drone for the RMAF requirement.

It is likely the most capable especially when it comes to integration with the Malaysian civil aerospace requirements. But at the same time it is also likely the most expensive one in the competition with a reported price tag of US$20 million per drone. So for a three air frame Sea Guardian deal, it is likely to cost around US$100 million, inclusive of the cost of the ground station, training, spares and support.



The mock ups that were displayed at LIMA were the Turkish Aerospace Anka and the AVIC Wing Loong II. The Anka being less numerous is likely to be more expensive than the Wing Loong II but probably cheaper than the Sea Guardian.

The Wing Loong 1 cost around US$3 million per air frame, so the II could be slightly more expensive. I hazard to guess for the same set up as the Sea Guardian above, the China made one would only cost around US$30 million. However, it may be more difficult to integrate it with the civil aviation authorities.

With the main tasking for the RMAF drone to overfly the South China Sea, one may wonder if it is wise to buy the Wing Loong, no matter, how cheap it is and the large amount of weapons its can carry.

A fourth contender, the Leonardo Falco, was only represented by a model at the company’s booth. It is also likely that other UAVs were promoted to the RMAF to meet its requirement. As there are many of these type of UAVs around I will not hazard a guess.

(Malaysian Defence)

Sidekick: New Rack that Enables F-35A and C to Carry Two More Missiles Internally

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11 Mei 2019


F-35A with Sidekick weapons rack (photo : Lockheed Martin)

Lockheed Martin unveils Sidekick: the new weapons rack that enables F-35A and C to carry two more missiles internally

Lockheed Martin designed a new weapons rack to enable the F-35A and C Lightning IIs to carry two more missiles internally. The new rack is called Sidekick and adds a little extra weight but enables each of the two weapons bays to carry three AIM-120s instead of the current two, for a total of six internally carried AMRAAMs. Sidekick is not compatible with the F-35B, because it features a smaller weapons bay.

“What we’ve done is essentially completed trade studies, design and development” of Sidekick, a Lockheed Martin spokesman explained to Aviation Week. “What is left to be fielded would be things like software integration, weapons separation testing, flight testing and airworthiness testing.”

Lockheed hasn’t released details of the design of the Sidekick mechanism. It’s possible the Sidekick replaces the AIM-120 launch adapter in the high section of the internal bay with a mechanism that can store two of the Raytheon-built, radar-guided missiles in the same space as one now.


F-35 with internal bay and external weapon bay (image : Lockheed Martin)

The idea of equipping the F-35A and F-35C with a six-missile load-out in the weapons bay has been around for over a decade. Until Lockheed Martin Tony Wilson test pilot comments during a scheduled media briefing, the company hadn’t discussed the idea publicly in several years. 

“Lockheed Martin has gone out on its own and developed this capability,” Wilson said. “And now we’ve let the [joint program office] know that it’s out there. It will be over to [business development] and other people to decide how and when it gets implemented. Lockheed Martin stands ready to help the customer implement it when they want it.”

Noteworthy as we have already explained, in stealth mode, the F-35 can infiltrate enemy territory that other fighters can’t, carrying 5,700 pounds of internal ordnance. Once air dominance is established, the F-35 converts to beast mode, carrying up to 22,000 pounds of combined internal and external weapons, to return to the battle to finish the fight.

The F-35 Lightning II, which is the result of the JSF program, has been originally designed to replace aging fighter inventories including U.S. Air Force F-16s and A-10s, U.S. Navy F/A-18s, U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers and F/A-18s, and U.K. Tornados, Harrier GR.7s and Sea Harriers. Three Joint Strike Fighter variants have been developed to fulfill this difficult task: the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, the F-35B short take-off and vertical-landing (STOVL) variant, and the F-35C carrier-based Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) variant.

(TheAviationGeekClub)

Delegation from Indonesia Visited PCO and PIT-RADWAR

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12 Mei 2019

Delegation from Indonesia (photo : PGZ)

On May 9, 2019 representatives of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia visited two companies forming part of the Polish Armaments Group: PCO SA and PIT-RADWAR SA The Indonesian delegation got acquainted with the offer of companies in optoelectronic equipment, anti-aircraft, artillery and radiolocation systems.

PCO SCT Rubin thermal imaging sight (photo : PCO)

The delegation was headed by the Director General of Strategy at the Ministry of Defense of Indonesia, Major General Rizerius Eko Hadisancoko. Also attended by the Attaché for Defense of the Indonesian Embassy in Warsaw, Colonel Hilman Zaeni.


PCU MU-3M Koliber night-vision monocular (photo: PCO)

Southeast Asia is an important area of ​​engagement for Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ). Our companies run several significant projects in this region. We participate in the arms trade fairs in Asia, last year we were in Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur, for example. I am glad that our offer meets the interest of the Indonesian armed forces. We are fully open to talks and closer cooperation - said Radosław Domagalski-Łabędzki, member of the board of PGZ SA.

A/AG-35 towed anti aircraft artillery (photo : Radwar)


At PCO SA, the guests watched the presentation about the company's activities, got acquainted with the offer for military vehicles, as well as thermal imaging cameras for tanks and anti-aircraft systems. In the optoelectronic tunnel, among other things, they saw the MU-3M night vision monocular and the SCT thermal imaging sight - one of the company's flagship products.

PET/PCL passive location system (image : Radwar)

The Delegation from Indonesia also visited the Warsaw headquarters of PIT-RADWAR SA. The guests were presented the main areas of the company's activity and current development projects. Among the presented devices were fire systems, including the self-propelled anti-aircraft missile system POPRAD and towed anti-aircraft guns A/AG-35 and radar solutions, including a PET/PCL passive location system.

(PGSA)

Denel Announces Latest Phase of Its Offset Programme to Malaysia

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13 Mei 2019


Denel is providing 30mm turrets and cannon for AV-8 Gempita (photo : MMP)

South Africa’s State-owned defence industrial group Denel announced on Friday that its tenth and last offset project for Malaysia, being provided in return for the Asian country’s order for armoured gun turrets and integrated weapons systems for armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs), was launched last week. The AV8 contract is the biggest export contract in Denel’s history and the group’s offset obligations total €342-million.

The South African turrets and weapons are being fitted to the Malaysian Army’s new 8 x 8 wheeled AV8 Gempita AFVs, which are based on the Turkish Pars AFV family. (Gempita means Thunder.) The AFV will have about 12 variants and an initial number of 257 have been ordered, of which more than 118 have reportedly been delivered.


Denel LCT30 turret (photo : Cari)

Denel is providing 69 two-man LCT-30 turrets armed with its GI-30 30 mm cannon and a 7.62 mm machine gun for the AFV30 variant and 54 LCT-30 turrets armed with four of its Ingwe anti-tank missiles in addition to the 30 mm cannon, for the anti-tank variant. It is also supplying 54 remotely-controlled weapons stations. The deal reportedly includes 216 Ingwe missiles.

The latest and last of the offset programmes will see South Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) provide courses to personnel from the Malaysian armed forces and provide an internship to a senior researcher from the National Defence University of Malaysia (NDUM). The first of these courses has already been held, and was attended by 34 specialists from the Malaysian armed forces and academia. It was focused on radio frequency and microwave principles in electronic warfare.


Denel LCT30 ATGW with Ingwe missile (photo : defenceindustry)

The CSIR will also act as a consultancy for the NDUM, to help the latter set up an electronic defence centre of excellence. This programme, with the CSIR, is expected to be concluded during 2021, at which point Denel plans to have delivered 100% of its offset obligations.

“The collaboration will deepen the cooperation on technology and research between South Africa and Malaysia,” highlighted Denel Group CE Danie du Toit. “The experience we gained on the AV8 offset programme will benefit Denel in future initiatives and can contribute to the promotion of the broader South African defence and manufacturing industries.”


Denel GI-30 30mm cannon as a system of LCT30 turret (photo : Cari)

“This serves as an example of what can be achieved with well-designed offset programmes,” he affirmed. “The experience gained can contribute towards similar future projects to benefit the broader industry in South Africa and open doors for other defence and manufacturing companies to gain footholds in the Malaysian and regional markets.”

(EngineeringNews)

Philippine Army Receives First Batch of Upgraded M113A2 RCWS-Equipped APC from Elbit Systems

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13 Mei 2019


M113A2 APC with 12,7mm RCWS (all photos : Max Defense)

One of the Philippine Army's M113A2 APC with RCWS disembarking on its own from the Philippine Navy's Bacolod City-class LSV BRP Bacolod City (LS-550).

On 11 May 2019, GMA News' reporter Raffy Tima posted a report and an accompanying video from his Twitter account on the deployment of additional Philippine Army (PA) assets in Jolo, Sulu to beef up security before the upcoming Mid-Term Elections this coming Monday 13 May 2019.

The video shows one of five M113A2 armored personnel carriers equipped with a 12.7mm machine gun on a remote controlled weapon station (RCWS) as it disembarks from the Philippine Navy Bacolod City-class logistics support vessel BRP Bacolod City (LS-550) . A corresponding photo was also posted by GMA News as profile photo of their report in their Facebook page.


The said photo shows that there are slight differences with the Philippine Army's existing fleet of RCWS-armed M113A2 APCs, and the units that arrived in Jolo.

Upon closer inspection, and upon checking with our sources, it was confirmed that the Philippine Army is indeed in possession of additional M113A2 APCs with RCWS.

In 2017, the Department of National Defense (DND) awarded a contract worth Php1.051 billion with Israel's Elbit Systems Land & C4I for the M113 APC Firepower Upgrade Project of the Philippine Army.


This project involves the upgrade of 44 units of existing M113A2 armored personnel carriers of the Mechanized Infantry Division by equipping them with a new Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS), and converting 5 existing M113A2 APCs to Armored Mortar Carriers. Both upgrades will include installation of battlefield computers connected to a networked system as part of the PA's C4ISTAR system.

Information received by MaxDefense is that Elbit will supply the already proven Dragon Overhead Remote Controlled Weapon Station (ORCWS) mounted with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, which already proved its worth during the Battle of Marawi in 2017, and in other skirmishes on operations against terrorists groups.

See full article MaxDefense

Australia's Combined Arms Capability on Show at Exercise Chong Ju

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13 Mei 2019


Live fire demonstration at Exercise Chong Ju in Puckapunyal, Victoria, Australia (all photos : Aus DoD)

A fighting force of tanks, helicopters, armoured reconnaissance vehicles, and infantry soldiers have showcased Australian Army’s joint combined arms capabilities during a live fire demonstration at Exercise Chong Ju in Puckapunyal, Victoria.



Spectators witnessed the versatile and decisive force of the Army through a fictional operational scenario that showcased the joint capabilities including M1A1 Abrams tanks, Australian light armoured vehicles (ASLAVs), a M777A2 howitzer, a Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopter and infantry minor team tactics.



Chief of the Australian Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, AO, DSC, MVO said Exercise Chong Ju demonstrated Army’s preparedness for operational deployments, and showcased its capabilities to partners in defence industry.



“This exercise is an opportunity for Defence leaders and defence industry to see how the Australian Defence Force systems work in unison and the effects on the battlefield in a potential operational scenario,” Lieutenant General Rick Burr said.



“We are an Army in motion. We are prepared to deploy our versatile capabilities for the joint force, which requires us to be ready to assist in crises here at home and across the globe, now and in the future."



The exercise also provided staff cadets of the Royal Military College - Duntroon an opportunity to experience the breadth of roles open to them upon graduation later this year.



Exercise Chong Ju is an annual Army exercise named after a battle in North Korea in 1950 when the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, supported by tanks and artillery, attacked and captured a large North Korean defensive line during their northward advance to the Yalu River.

Vietnamese Defense Budget to Reach $7.9 Billion by 2024 : Analyst

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13 Mei 2019


Kilo submarine of the Vietnamese Navy (photo : Saturnax)

The Future of the Vietnamese Defense Industry to 2024: Defense Budget is Projected to Register a CAGR of 9.43% Over 2020-2024, to Reach $7.9 Billion by 2024

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Future of the Vietnamese Defense Industry - Market Attractiveness, Competitive Landscape and Forecasts to 2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Vietnamese defense budget is projected to register a CAGR of 9.43% over 2020-2024, to reach US$7.9 billion by 2024.

This report provides readers with detailed analysis of both historic and forecast defense industry values, factors influencing demand, the challenges faced by industry participants, analysis of industry leading companies and key news.

China's increased naval presence and territorial claims in the disputed waters of South China Sea are the major factors compelling the Vietnamese government to increase its military capabilities. The Vietnamese Government allocated US$5.1 billion towards military expenditure in 2019, of which 32.5% is earmarked for the procurement of defense equipment. The country's defense expenditure increased at a CAGR of 7.34% over 2015-2019.

The country's military modernization efforts are focused on preventing China from taking hold of disputed territory in the South China Sea. Over the forecast period, the country is expected to procure fighter and multi-role aircraft, armored vehicles, naval vessels, patrol ships, maritime patrol aircraft, and surveillance equipment. The country's defense expenditure is projected to increase from US$5.5 billion in 2020 to US$7.9 billion by 2024, increasing at a CAGR of 9.43%.

Between 2015 and 2019, Vietnam cumulatively spent US$7.2 billion on defense equipment, while US$15 billion was assigned for revenue expenditure. Over the forecast period, Vietnam's capital expenditure is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.43% and revenue expenditure is expected to register growth of 9.44%. Vietnam's slow population growth is projected to increase per capita defense expenditure from US$53.7 in 2019 to US$79.3 by 2024.

Vietnamese homeland security expenditure, on a cumulative basis, is expected to be US$20.9 billion over the forecast period compared to US$12.7 billion spent between 2015 and 2019. Efforts to protect its maritime boundaries, coupled with the need to counter human trafficking and the illicit drug trade are anticipated to drive homeland security expenditure during the forecast period.

The lack of technology and low domestic defense capability has forced the country to import weapon systems from foreign OEMs in order to fulfill its military requirements. Over 2014 to 2018, Russia emerged as the largest supplier of military hardware to Vietnam with a share of over 77.9% of Vietnam's imports, followed by Israel, Belarus, South Korea and Ukraine accounting for 9%, 4.1%, 2.8% and 2% respectively. Vietnam prefers government-to-government deals when procuring defense equipment; therefore, improving government-to-government relationships are expected to open up business opportunities over the forecast period.

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