DEFENSE STUDIES

14 Mei 2019

Otokar TULPAR medium tank (photo : Rank_X)

Forget The Scorpion, Let’s Go With TULPAR

Following the decision made by MINDEF to withdraw Alvis Scorpion light tank from Malaysian Army’s service due to obsolescence issues, it has become apparent that new replacement is to be sought after. The 90mm gun Scorpion light tank currently still in the hands of the Armoured (Parachute) Squadron which is part of the 10th Parachute Brigade.

Beside the Scorpion, the squadron also operates several Alvis Stormer Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and DEFTECH/FNSS ACV-300 Adnan ambulance vehicle. The Adnan was perhaps the first product of joint venture between Malaysian and Turkish defence industry that would later paved the way for other programs including BYO Pintar 16 fast interceptor craft (FIC) and DEFTECH/FNSS AV-8 Gempita armoured infantry fighting vehicle (AIFV).

Otokar TULPAR medium tank (photo : Army Recognition)

DEFTECH, a wholly owned subsidiary of DRB-Hicom, is also collaborating with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for the offering of TAI Anka-S Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

Another notable Turkish company is Otokar which produces many armoured vehicle for armies around the World. Otokar, through collaboration with Hyundai Rotem of South Korea has won the Altay MBT contract which will see the Turkish Army receiving 250 of such tanks beginning from 2021.

Boosted by such success, Otokar has recently unveiled TULPAR medium tank at International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) 2019 in Istanbul Turkey. The TULPAR integrates CMI Cockerill 3105 turret with auto loading 105mm gun system capable of firing 105mm NATO ammunition and 105mm guided anti tank missile.

Otokar TULPAR medium tank (photo : Rank_X)

The rising threat of medium tank armour in the region has prompted the Malaysian Army to review its anti armour capabilities. Beside the induction of AV-8 ATGM variant in various armoured formations, the Army is also polishing its long lost anti armour capability by reintroducing the M40 106mm Recoiless Gun into the parachute infantry regiments as well as equipping the infantries with RPG-7 rocket launcher for saturated anti tank operation.

The Army also has Adnan vehicles integrated with Pakistani-made Baktar Shikan ATGM which are currently operational with 4th Mechanised Brigade’s 12th Mechanised Infantry Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment.

Otokar TULPAR medium tank (photo : Otokar)

Having a mobile platform like light or medium tank would better provide mobility to the paratroopers during extended period airborne operation. Despite the fact that medium tank might not fit the cargo bay of Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft, the Army could well employed the Air Force’s Airbus A-400M Atlas strategic transport aircraft thanks to the aircraft’s cavernous cargo bay.

MINDEF has been seen as interested on Medium Tank as reported by foreign media a few months ago. Capitalising on strong relationship with Turkey, perhaps Otokar TULPAR could be considered as possible candidate to replace the Scorpion in Army’s service. Perhaps, the TULPAR could paved the way for other preocurement from Otokar especially the Altay MBT to initially augment and eventually replace the Polish made PT-91M (Malaj) Pendekar MBT.

(MFH)

14 Mei 2019

Vanguard Multi-Role Combatant (image : STEng)

Singapore – ST Engineering’s new launches at the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX) 2019 demonstrate its diverse capabilities as a Total Naval Solutions provider. From smart vessel designs and autonomous solutions, to integrated digital defence technology, the Group is showcasing a broad spectrum of products and solutions spanning the shore to deep sea that will bring enhanced security and operational efficiencies to its partners.

New Vessel Designs for Deep Sea Defence & Security

Visitors to the show will be among the first to see these new launches unveiled by the Group, including the Super Swift series for homeland security as well as the Vanguard 130 Multi-Role Combatant to support international maritime security. The Super Swift series is a range of ultra-high speed Fast Patrol Boats (FPB) designed for interdiction, interception and patrolling. Customised for military and law enforcement applications, each FPB features an Air Cavity Hull (ACH) that enables the craft to reach high speeds of up to 70 knots, depending on the craft size. Significant improvements in ride and crew comfort levels are key characteristics of Super Swift – ACH series, with reduced ship motions and acceleration. Users will enjoy exceptionally high seakeeping and survivability abilities with this new series of vessels which is best suited for very high speed activities such as pursuit and arrest, search and rescue, offshore patrolling and escort, surveillance and covert surveillance, as well as border patrol.

The Vanguard 130 Multi-Role Combatant is a good fit for ship operators looking for enhanced cost efficiencies and flexible ship deployment. It is part of a series of five classes that delivers multi-modal capabilities with one design. This enables enhanced cost efficiencies across the platforms as all five classes share common hull forms that reduce acquisition costs. Because of its highly scalable and modular design, the Vanguard allows operators to exercise more flexibility in the ship’s deployment, including space for carrying of unmanned vehicles for warfare or other operations. The in-house developed and patented Q-LARS 2.0 for handling a wide range of small crafts and unmanned surface vehicles can be easily adapted for use in every Vanguard series vessel.

Digital Solutions for Ship Management and Defence

Moving from sea to shore, maritime defence and security hinge on harnessing technological developments such as robotics, artificial intelligence and data analytics to enhance overall vessel capabilities, maritime security and operational effectiveness. Ship operators can leverage the suite of advanced ICT solutions offered by the Group to automate ship management, improve comprehensive awareness and overall digital defence.

ST Engineering announced the launch of its upgraded SkyArcher Counter Drone System that enables the safe takedown of unauthorised drones, landing them at designated safe zones without damaging legitimate drones or causing any public safety and security issues. The first such solution of its kind in Singapore, the SkyArcher does not interfere with the communications signals of surrounding authorised drones as well as other communications signals in a radio frequency dense urban environment. It is also capable of taking over multiple drones and landing them safely at designated locations, regardless of their flying direction and number of drones. These enhanced features make the SkyArcher a highly suitable counter drone solution for critical infrastructure protection including coastal surveillance.

On showcase for the first time is the AgilLOC Antenna Element Compact (AgilLOC AEC), an integrated anti-jam antenna system which can nullify the interference of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals. It is designed to ensure the reliable reception of GNSS signals necessary to compute vessel position and timing information, enabling safe and effective navigation of sea vessels.

Also showcased at IMDEX are solutions designed for smart maintenance which include predictive maintenance, maintenance management and VR training.

Making its debut at IMDEX 2019, the Integrated Ship Bridge Simulator offers a realistic environment that promotes collaborative training in ship-handling, engineering watch and combat operations for the navy crew. The system features Virtual Reality (VR) stations that enhance realism with targeted scenarios including berthing and dealing with small vessel threats.

“In today’s context, it is no longer feasible to focus only on one aspect of maritime defence and expect a fool proof solution. With rapidly evolving digital technology, engineering innovations like what we have featured here at IMDEX 2019 demonstrate the full spectrum of maritime defence and security needs – from in-house proprietary ship designs, ship construction, to smart autonomous solutions and integrated digital defence solutions. At the heart of it all, we are showcasing indigenous defence capabilities that are diverse enough to value-add and help our partners take future-proofing of maritime security and defence to the next level,” said Chew Men Leong, Chief Marketing Officer, ST Engineering and Deputy President & President (Defence Business), Marine.

(ST Eng)

14 Mei 2019

MH-60R with NSM-HL missile (photo : NavalNews)

Kongsberg is actively pitching its helicopter-launched variant of the Naval Strike Missile, officially dubbed NSM-HL. According to Kongsberg, the NSM-HL missile is designed « to fill the role as a long-range, anti-ship missile for helicopter launch, thus increasing the parent ship’s potential ASuW capabilities when launching forward firing, deliberate attacks ».
Nathan Gain 08 May 2019

According to a scale model and pictures shared by Kongsberg, the integration study should firstly involve the MH-60R platform. “The NSM has been approved for rotary wing platforms so integration work can now start,” Raytheon NSM Program Director Randy Kempton confirmed today at SAS 2019.

MH-60R with NSM-HL missile (photo : NHA Simposium)

Prior to executing a strike mission, an advanced off-board mission planning tool allows for route generation through numerous waypoints, terrain correlation for overland flight, and target identification criteria down to ship class specificity. These data are stored in the missile prior to the helicopter lift-off. The NSM-HL missile utilizes MIL-STD 1760 electrical interface and is drop-launched from a standard BRU-14 bomb rack.

Arming an helicopter with the NSM-HL would potentially increase the mother ship operational range. Given the operational radius of the MH-60R of 450 nm, the effective range from the ship for the NSM-HL will be more than 550 nm.

An April 2019 FMS announcement indicates that India may be the first country to consider purchase of the NSM-HL variant. Besides 24 MH-60R helicopters, the Indian Navy would purchase « two Naval Strike Missile Emulators » as well as « four Naval Strike Missile Captive Inert Training missiles », the FMS said.

(NavalNews)

14 Mei 2019

BRP Gregorio Velasquez (AGR 702) (photo : Wiki)

MANILA -- The BRP Gregorio Velasquez (AGR-702), a research vessel assigned to the Philippine Navy, arrived at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor on Friday after a two-month mission off the seaboards of Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Tawi-Tawi, and Zamboanga Del Sur.

The ship, which was designated Naval Task Group (NTG) 80.7 "Survey", and her crew were welcomed by Fleet-Marine Ready Force head, Commodore Toribio Adaci Jr.

The task group is composed of 100 officers and enlisted personnel headed by Commander Benjo Negranza, skipper of BRP Gregorio Velasquez, Navy spokesperson, Capt. Jonathan Zata, said.

The NTG 80.7 left last March to undertake hydrographic and research in selected areas in the archipelago to contribute to the continued safe navigation of naval vessels, as well as bring the Navy closer to communities in hard-to-reach islands.

"Your arrival from a successful mission underscores your professionalism, dedication, hard work and collective effort. Most importantly, your success bespeaks well of your selfless devotion and unwavering zeal towards the accomplishment of your mission," Adaci said.

BRP Gregorio Velasquez (AGR 702) (photo : esy05)

Meanwhile, Negranza said the two-month mission made them better appreciate the important role the Navy plays in protecting and preserving the country's maritime resources and in keeping in touch with the Philippines' rich maritime heritage.

The undertaking also highlighted the capacity of the sailor-scientists, who provide the organization competence in the fields of hydrographic research. It further manifests the evolution, development and expansion of the Navy’s capabilities in reaching out even to the archipelago’s remotest island communities.

The BRP Gregorio Velasquez is the sole asset of the Philippine Navy capable of conducting oceanographic and hydrographic survey.

The BRP Gregorio Velasquez (formerly the RV Melville) was one of the two former American ships pledged by then president Barack Obama during his visit to the Philippines during the APEC Leaders’ Summit in November 2015.

The other ship was the USCGC Boutwell, which has been renamed to BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), and the third Hamilton-class cutter in the service of the Philippine Navy.

The BRP Gregorio Velasquez was commissioned into service in June 2016.

(PNA)

14 Mei 2019

Kapal Cepat KCR-60 (photo : Piet Sinke)

Singapore - During a signing ceremony in Surabaya, Indonesia, Terma was officially awarded the contract for delivery of a complete C-Series Combat Suite for four KCR-60 vessels of the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL).

Terma combat management system (photo : Terma)

The scope of supply for each of the vessels will include Terma’s C-Flex Combat Management System, SCANTER 4603 X-Band radar, C-Guard Decoy Launching System, C-Fire Electro Optical Fire Control System, and full system integration of shipborne sensors and effectors such as naval guns and missile systems. In addition, Terma will assume the role of Combat System Integrator (CSI).

C-Guard Decoy Launching System (photo : Terma)

“Terma supports Indonesia’s ambitions and aspirations of developing its own defense industry. Transfer of Technology and growing together with our partners are in line with the business philosophy of Terma. We have already, together with a local partner, established a local Combat Management System development center based on our C-Flex solution. This will further empower and also enable us to better support our Indonesian customers, and we look very much forward to further strengthening the collaboration with non-defense and defense partners in Indonesia,” said Jens Maaløe, President and CEO, Terma Group.

An Important Breakthrough
“This contract is an important breakthrough for Terma as it represents the first sale of a complete Combat System in Indonesia, and the third in the region,” said Anupam Narain Mathur, Vice President & General Manager, Terma Asia Pacific.

SCANTER 4603-X Band radar (photo : Terma)

Prior to the signing ceremony, the state-owned Indonesian shipyard PT PAL and the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 28 December 2018 signed a contract for the upgrade of two KCR-60 fast attack crafts with new Combat Management Systems (CMS) and also for the construction of two additional vessels to be equipped with the same CMS. PT PAL will act as the platform system integrator.

Indonesia Holds a Key Role
Since the opening of Terma’s subsidiary in Singapore in 2007, Indonesia has played a key role in the regional development of the company in Asia Pacific. As an archipelagic country with over 50,000 km of coastline, Indonesia holds many opportunities for Terma. The country’s dependency on sea transport for both domestic and international trading links represent a major axe of development for Terma’s Security and Mission Systems capabilities in the country.

C-Fire Electro Optical (photo : Terma)

Terma already has several systems in operation in Indonesia, both on land and at sea. SCANTER radars are operated by the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (BAKAMLA), the Indonesian Sea and Coast Guard (KPLP), the Directorate General of Sea Transportation, TNI-AL and Jakarta Soekarno–Hatta International Airport. TNI-AL has also chosen the C-Guard Decoy Launching System to protect several strategic vessels of its fleet.

(Terma)

15 Mei 2019

Kendaraan lapis baja Stryker 8x8 (photo : Kalom)

Angkatan Darat Thailand telah mencapai kesepakatan untuk membeli 37 kendaraan lapis baja Stryker yang "diperbaharui", senilai US $ 80 juta, dari Amerika Serikat.

"Thailand adalah negara pertama di mana AS menjual [Stryker]," kata sumber di angkatan darat.

Kendaraan lapis baja M1126 Stryker beroda delapan disebut-sebut sebagai persenjataan "kelas dunia" dan telah digunakan di banyak medan perang, menurut sumber itu. Model ini akan tetap beroperasi untuk tentara AS hingga 2030.

Sementara itu, paket tersebut mencakup sistem komunikasi serta senjata, hanggar, pengembangan praktek lapangan, suku cadang dan pemeliharaan.

Selain itu, tentara AS akan memberikan 23 Stryker lagi kepada tentara Thailand secara gratis, sehingga jumlahnya menjadi 60 secara total.

Sebelumnya diperkirakan tentara Thailand mungkin akan melakukan pembelian lebih lanjut atas kendaraan buatan China, tetapi kepala militer Apirat Kongsompong berhasil mengamankan kesepakatan dengan AS, kata sumber itu.

Jenderal Apirat Kongsompong telah menghadiri banyak program dan kegiatan pelatihan militer di AS. Hubungan antara tentara Thailand dan AS dikatakan kuat di bawah kepemimpinannya, dengan partisipasi tentara Thailand dalam latihan bersama yang disebut Lightning Forge 2019 di Hawaii di antara kegiatan yang dirancang untuk memperkuat ikatan.

Stryker akan dikirim ke Divisi Infanteri ke-11 yang berbasis di Chachoengsao.

(Bangkok Post)

15 Mei 2019

PTDI intends to triple its plane production to 56-a-year by 2024 (photo : PTDI)

Dirgantara Indonesia, a supplier of aluminum wing components for Airbus SE’s A320 and A380 model jets, is developing the production capability to supply non-metal aircraft parts as well.

The company is “exploring opportunities” to produce so-called composite parts -- typically made from fiberglass or carbon fiber -- for both Airbus and Boeing within the next two years, President Director Elfien Goentoro said in an interview in Jakarta Monday. The state-owned company, which is also an aircraft manufacturer, intends to triple its plane production to 56-a-year by 2024, he said.

The expanded production plans would support the Indonesian government’s efforts to reduce the nation’s dependence on commodities and narrow the current account deficit. Dirgantara, based in West Java, expects its latest 19-seat propeller plane, the N219, to obtain certification from Indonesian regulators this year, Goentoro said.

“We want to expand our composite-parts production facilities so hopefully by 2021, we can start taking orders for these aircraft parts,” Goentoro said. “We also plan to invest $119 million to build a facility dedicated to producing the N219.”

Island Hoppers

The aircraft would be for use in industries including tourism to provide access to remote areas, such as some of the 17,000 islands that make up Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago. Dirgantara plans to produce 36 of these aircraft annually by 2024 with a target to exporting half of them, in addition to making 20 other propeller planes a year, Goentoro said.

The company is targeting orders for the N219 in the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, East Timor, Nepal, Senegal and South Korea this year, Goentoro said. “Our company’s intention is to boost our exports significantly so we can have a better balance between our domestic contracts and contracts denominated in foreign currencies.”

Dirgantara plans to boost its aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul business and is certified by Airbus to service some of its military aircraft and helicopters, Goentoro said.

The company previously supplied parts for Boeing’s 737 family of aircraft under a contract that has expired, Goentoro said. Dirgantara wants to secure a new contract with the U.S. aircraft maker, he said, without specifying whether they are in discussions.

Goentoro also said he’s in talks with Indonesian finance ministry officials to allow the N219, which was developed domestically, to be sold to local customers without attracting a luxury tax from the government.

(Jakarta Post)

15 Mei 2019

ZTD-05 advanced amphibious assault vehicles (AAAVs) is a 26,5 tonnes with max speed 65 km/h on land and 28 km/h on water (photo : strategic bureau)

China recently conducted a maritime exercise featuring what is being hailed as the world's most advanced medium-sized amphibious assault vehicle, the ZTD-05s, a weapon that can join amphibious landing ships in land assault missions.

With the ZTD-05s and other domestically designed hardware, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is well positioned to deal with Taiwan secessionists and potential island disputes, analysts said on Monday.

The evaluation exercise, conducted by the 74th Group Army of the PLA, was held recently in the eastern part of South China's Guangdong Province. Multiple types of amphibious vehicles entered the sea and ran through various training exercises, state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Saturday.

ZTD-05 fire at live firing exercise (photo : China Military)

Multiple ZTD-05 amphibious assault vehicles took part in the exercise.

The ZTD-05 is a domestically made, high-speed amphibious assault vehicle and is the most advanced medium-sized amphibious assault vehicle in the world, CCTV reported.

Equipped with a 105-millimeter tank cannon and capable of firing while at sea, the ZTD-05 is highly stable and can reach speeds of 40 kilometers an hour on water, china.com.cn reported.

The highly mobile vehicle has very lethal fire power, CCTV said. The ZTD-05 can be dispatched for land assaults, or join the PLA Navy's amphibious landing ships for other types of military operations, the broadcaster's report noted.

ZTD-05 cutaway (image : Naver)

The PLA Navy also has the Type 071 amphibious transport dock and Type 072 landing ship. China is reportedly also developing the Type 075 amphibious assault ship.

The exercise came after a US Department of Defense report released earlier this month. It said China lacks adequate amphibious capabilities. Some Western reports claimed that the Chinese mainland is not capable of launching an assault on the island of Taiwan.

China's amphibious landing capabilities may indeed lag behind those of the US, but this will not impact China's ability to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Zhang Junshe, a senior research fellow at the PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute, told the Global Times on Monday.

ZTD-05 amphibious vehicles head to shore (photo : China MoD)

There would be no problem for the mainland to crush Taiwan secessionists' scheme should they attempt to separate from the mainland, Zhang said.

The PLA holds an overwhelming advantage over the island's military forces, military experts say.

(ChinaMil)

15 Mei 2019

Model of HDF-2500 frigate BRP Jose Rizal (photo : rhk111)

“The ship’s launching is approaching fast, which is expected to be sometime between 17-19 May 2019. MaxDefense will make the final confirmation soon, as everything can still change depending on the availability of DND officials to grace the event in South Korea, or depending on circumstances in HHI’s yard,” MaxDefense said.

Philippine Navy chief Robert Vice Admiral Empedrad said in March that on May 17 to 19, he and National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana are scheduled to be in South Korea to launch BRP Jose Rizal.

Future BRP Jose Rizal is one of the 2 frigates being built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in South Korea.

“Ibig sabihin ng launching ng first frigate is yung barko ay tapos na yung ginagawa sa kanya sa dry-dock, so ibaba siya, mag-fofloat na siya sa dagat from the dock of the shipyard,” he explained.

“After the launching of BRP Jose Rizal, ito naman ‘yung keel laying ng ating BRP Antonio Luna, ‘yung second frigate,” he added.

He said the two frigates will be delivered six months apart. Delivery of first frigate is expected first quarter of 2020.

(Mintfo)

16 Mei 2019

Vanguard 130 Multi-Role Combatant (all photos : Naval News)

Di IMDEX Asia 2019, ST Engineering meluncurkan tambahan terbaru untuk seri Vanguard-nya: Vanguard 130 Multi-Role Combatant.

IMDEX Asia 2019 adalah pameran pertahanan maritim internasional yang saat ini diadakan di Singapura.

Desain Vanguard 130 menggabungkan kapal kombatan permukaan penuh dengan kapal-induk: sebuah platform yang mampu meluncurkan dan berlabuh-kembali beragam sistem wahana tak berawak seperti UAV, USV, dan UUV.

Menurut perusahaan lokal ST Engineering, Vanguard 130 Multi-Role Combatant sangat cocok untuk operator kapal yang mencari efisiensi biaya yang ditingkatkan dan penyebaran kapal yang fleksibel. Ini adalah bagian dari serangkaian lima kelas Vanguard yang memberikan kemampuan multi-modal dengan satu desain. Ini memungkinkan peningkatan efisiensi biaya di seluruh platform karena kelima kelas berbagi bentuk lambung bersama yang mengurangi biaya akuisisi.

Karena desainnya yang sangat skalabel dan modular, Vanguard memungkinkan operator melakukan lebih banyak fleksibilitas dalam penyebaran kapal, termasuk ruang untuk membawa kendaraan tak berawak untuk peperangan atau operasi lainnya. Q-LARS 2.0 yang dikembangkan dan dipatenkan untuk menangani berbagai kapal kecil dan kendaraan permukaan tak berawak dapat dengan mudah disesuaikan untuk digunakan di setiap kapal seri Vanguard.

Kapal ini adalah kapal kombatan permukaan penuh karena dilengkapi dengan VLS untuk rudal permukaan ke udara, peluncur rudal anti-kapal, peluncur torpedo, peluncur decoy serta senjata 76mm, 30mm dan 12.7mm. Kapal itu memiliki panjang 130 meter, kecepatan 28 knot dan bobot rendam 5.000 ton.

ST Engineering tidak mau mengkonfirmasi atau bahkan berkomentar tentang hal itu, namun menurut Naval News sendiri bahwa desain ini akan cocok untuk kebutuhan "MRCV" masa depan Angkatan Laut Republik Singapura (RSN).

MRCV atau Multi-Role Combat Vessels yang akan datang akan menggantikan kapal Missile Corvettes Victory-class yang telah menua, yang telah melayani dengan istimewa sejak 1989. Pengiriman diharapkan dimulai dari tahun 2025, dengan pengiriman penuh diperkirakan sekitar tahun 2030. RSN belum mengeluarkan persyaratannya untuk program masa depan ini namun beberapa informasi tentang itu muncul baru-baru ini ketika MINDEF Singapura menjabarkan rencana pengadaannya di masa depan

Selain meningkatkan kemampuan, MRCV baru akan dibuat khusus untuk lean manning dan menggabungkan teknologi untuk mengotomatisasi fungsi-fungsi tertentu. Ini menghasilkan MRCV yang menggunakan lebih sedikit tenaga kerja - sekitar setengah dari ukuran yang ditemukan di fregat modern. Selain itu, ini akan menghasilkan penghematan biaya operasional hingga 10 persen, dibandingkan dengan fregat berukuran serupa.

MRCV juga akan memiliki kendaraan udara dan darat tak berawak untuk memperluas jangkauan dan fleksibilitasnya terhadap ancaman.

(NavalNews)

16 Mei 2019

K9 tracked self-propelled howitzer (all photos : Hanwha)

The Morrison Coalition Government has today announced a revival of the previously cancelled LAND 17 Phase 2 self-propelled artillery project for Army.

The project was originally described by the Howard Coalition government in the 2006 Defence Capability Plan (DCP), before being delayed and then cancelled by the Gillard Labor government in 2012 due to defence funding cuts.

ADBR understands the project will be renamed LAND 8112 Protected Mobile Fires, and that the government is looking to acquire it as a sole source acquisition through Defence’s new Smart Buyer initiative.

Army has reportedly shown a renewed interest in the project in recent years after studying the results of the campaign in eastern Ukraine where Russian backed separatists were able to triangulate and direct counter-fires onto fixed Ukrainian artillery positions. In addition, a self-propelled howitzer has a much smaller footprint than the towed BAE Systems M777 gun, making it easier to deploy aboard the Canberra class LHDs if required.

A Prime Ministerial release says the resurrected project will acquire 30 self-propelled howitzers, and that the manufacturing and sustainment will be centred around Geelong in Victoria. The southern half of Geelong is the main population centre of the federal seat of Corangamite, now the most marginal seat in the country and considered notionally Labor after a redistribution since the last election. Labor’s shadow Defence minister, Richard Marles holds the neighbouring seat of Corio which includes the northern half of Geelong.

“By reviving this project – which was cancelled under Labor – we will deliver the Army the capability it needs,” the statement reads. “By building it in Australia, we will create up to 350 jobs, as part of growing our defence industry across the nation.

“This important Defence capability project was one of the casualties of Labor’s budget mismanagement when they were last in government,” it adds. “Under my government, defence capability is back on track and Australia’s defence industry is growing, creating a high-skilled workforce.”

Work is expected to commence at a green-fields site in Geelong in 2022-23. Although there is no mention of a self-propelled artillery/howitzer or similar project in the publicly available Integrated Investment Plan published in early 2016, Defence Industry Minister Senator Linda Reynolds says the project will be brought forward.

“We will revive the self-propelled artillery project by bringing forward the Defence acquisition project known as ‘Protected Mobile Fires’ to address the capability gap left by Labor,” she said in the statement.

For the previous LAND 17 Phase 2, the Samsung K9 tracked vehicle that was offered by a teaming of Raytheon Australian and Samsung was notionally down-selected by Army before the project was cancelled. Now manufactured by Hanwha, ADBR understands the K9 remains the favoured option for Army.

“When the acquisition process for self-propelled artillery was cancelled in 2012 Raytheon Australia had successfully led a team offering an Australianised version of the Korean K-9 self-propelled howitzer which became known as the AS-9 ‘Aussie Thunder’,” a Raytheon Australia spokesman told ADBR. “As preferred tenderer, the company had won the competition, completed a risk-mitigation process in collaboration with the Commonwealth, finalised the solution and negotiated contracts.

“Following the cancellation announcement, Raytheon Australia formally advised the Commonwealth that, although the company was disappointed with the decision, we would resume the acquisition process should the Commonwealth decide to reconsider acquiring self-propelled artillery. This advice was provided to rapidly deliver a world-class capability for the Australian Army. That offer remains on the table.

“The self-propelled artillery solution agreed upon in 2012 remains as relevant today as it did seven years ago. Should the acquisition process be resumed Raytheon Australia would refresh our offer and seek the involvement of capable Australian small businesses as part of our team.

“Raytheon Australia will respond to the requirement that this work be undertaken in Geelong by working with its partners to establish a new assembly and integration facility that has the potential to create hundreds on local jobs in the region.”

Encouragingly, Labor appears to have provisionally supported the announcement. A joint statement from Shadow Defence Minister Marles and Shadow Minister for Defence Industry and Support Dr Mike Kelly says, “A Shorten Labor Government will work with Army on the decision to acquire 30 self propelling howitzers to make sure it gets the capability it needs, when it needs it. We will seek Army’s advice on this decision to make sure it meets its needs, not a desperate government’s political need.

“Once we have determined this capability is the right one for Australia, a Shorten Labor Government will proceed with the decision to build the capability in Geelong.”

(ADBR)

16 Mei 2019

Peluncuran LST KRI Teluk Youtefa 522 di galangan kapal DRU (all photos : DRU)

Pada hari rabu siang kemarin tanggal 15 Mei 2019 bertempat di galangan kapal PT. Daya Radar Utama, di Panjang, Lampung dilakukan peluncuran kapal/launching kapal Landing Ship Tank (LST) bernomor lambung 522 yang diberi nama KRI Teluk Youtefa. Untuk selanjutnya pengerjaan kapal ini akan diteruskan ke dok basah.

Teluk Youtefa adalah salah satu destinasi wisata di Papua yang merupakan teluk kecil di dalam Teluk Yos Sudarso yang terletak di garis pantai kota Jayapura. Nama-nama teluk digunakan oleh TNI Angkatan Laut sebagai nama kapal jenis Landing Ship Tank/Angkut Tank.

PT Daya Radar Utama (DRU) adalah galangan kapal yang berdiri pada tahun 1972 dan mempunyai fasilitas di tiga lokasi yaitu Jakarta, Lampung dan Lamongan. Sebagai perusahaan yang sudah berumur lebih dari 40 tahun, perusahaan ini mempunyai fasilitas untuk membangun kapal baru hingga 6.500 DWT dan fasilitas perbaikan kapal hingga 8.500 DWT.

KRI Teluk Youtefa merupakan kapal LST tipe AT-117 yang memiliki panjang 117 m dan lebar 16,4 m serta bobot benam hingga 2.300 ton. Kapal angkut tank ini mampu membawa 15 tank Marinir jenis BMP-3F ataupun 10 tank Leopard 2 milik TNI AD. Selain itu juga mampu membawa 2 helikopter dengan berat total 10 ton.

DRU mempunyai pesanan 5 LST dari Kementerian Pertahanan, sebanyak 2 unit sudah diserahkan kepada TNI AL yaitu KRI Teluk Bintuni 520 dan KRI Teluk Lada 521. Masih ada 2 kapal LST lagi (AT6 dan AT7) yang akan diluncurkan DRU dalam waktu dekat, semuanya dikerjakan di galangan Lampung. Sedangkan galangan di Lamongan mengerjakan 2 kapal LCU 1.500 DWT pesanan TNI AD.

Bulan lalu Kementerian Pertahanan melakukan tambahan pemesanan kapal LST kelas AT-117, namun kali ini yang ditunjuk adalah galangan kapal di Batam yaitu PT Bandar Abadi dengan pesanan sebanyak 2 kapal (AT8 dan AT9) untuk memenuhi target MEF TNI AL hingga tahun 2024.

(Defense Studies)

16 Mei 2019

Latihan TALO TUDM (all photos : TUDM)

LABUAN – Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM) dan Pusat Latihan Peperangan Khusus (PULPAK) telah mengadakan latihan Tactical Airland Operation (TALO) bagi menguji siap siaga pesawat C-130H, EC725 dan pasukan khas, di Labuan.

TALO merupakan latihan serangan taktikal berskala besar bagi menguji siap siaga dan tahap daya operasi pesawat C-130H dan EC725 bersama pasukan khas.

Latihan diteruskan pada hari ini dengan perlaksanaan latihan fasa ‘On Ground’ pada pesawat C-130H.

Fasa ini merupakan fasa penting dimana setiap teknik dan gerak taktikal yang akan digunapakai oleh pasukan khas diselaraskan bersama anak kapal. Penyelarasan dilakukan bagi memastikan keselamatan dan ketepatan misi penerbangan tercapai.

Turut dilaksanakan adalah sesi taklimat oleh Subject Matter Expert (SME) yang terlibat dan ulangkaji prosedur serta senarai semak penerbangan.

Latihan taktikal TUDM bersama Eksesais Beruang Ganas anjuran PULPAK ini melibatkan No 14 Skuadron(Skn), No 20 Skn dan No 5 Skn. Latihan bersama ini diadakan pada 8 Mei sehingga 18 Mei 2019 di Labuan.

Majlis pembukaan latihan ini telah dirasmikan oleh Panglima Wilayah Udara 2, Mej Jen Dato’ Hj Yazid Hj Arshad TUDM di 14 Skn pada 8 Mei lepas.

(AirTimes)

17 Mei 2019

Boeing feels its Little Bird would be a good fit for Australia's special forces helicopter requirement (photo : Boeing Defence)

Boeing has confirmed it is to bid its AH-6i Little Bird light-attack and observation helicopter for Australia’s special forces requirement.

Speaking at Boeing’s rotorcraft production facility in Philadelphia, David Koopersmith, vice-president and general manager, Vertical Lift, said that the company is waiting on a formal request from the Australian government, but that it stands ready to offer the AH-6i Little Bird once it does.

Australia’s Land 2097 Phase 4 requirement is to airlift up to four special operations helicopters aboard a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft for rapid forward deployment. “We do believe we have a good fit with the Little Bird in Australia, and we will be looking to offer that,” Koopersmith said on 16 May.

(Jane's)

16 Mei 2019

The Philippine Coast Guard is in talks with Israel Shipyards on the Shaldag Mk II patrol craft. The service has requirements for a new class of fast interceptors within the 25-35 m range (photo : Jane's)

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is considering the Shaldag Mk II patrol craft to fulfil the service's outstanding requirement for a new class of 25-35 m interception vessels.

A senior service official who spoke to Jane's at the IMDEX 2019 defence and maritime exhibition has confirmed that a meeting between PCG leaders and Israel Shipyards was held at the same event on 14 May. The meeting was held to understand the vessel type further, including whether it can be configured according to PCG preferences.

"Some of the matters that we discussed include the types of engines that can be fitted on the Shaldag Mk II. We very much prefer the brands of engines that are currently already in service on our coastguard boats, so we wanted more confirmation on this," said the senior official.

Other matters that were discussed are namely the scope of possible government-to-government programmes that can be utilised between the two countries should a procurement programme materialise, including funding programmes, payment plans, co-build programmes, and transfer-of-technology arrangements.

The Shaldag Mk II has an overall length of 24.8 m, a maximum beam of 6 m, and a maximum draught of 1.2 m. The vessel type displaces about 58 tonnes, and is powered by MTU engines in the original configuration. The patrol craft is propelled by waterjets, and can attain a maximum speed of over 40 kt with a standard range of 650 n miles at 32 kt.

(Jane's)

17 Mei 2019

Brahmos anti-ship missile (photo : scroll)

Apart from Vietnam, several other South-East Asian countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia have evinced interest in purchasing BrahMos missiles.

Export of supersonic cruise missile BrahMos, a joint venture product of India and Russia, to the South East Asian and the Gulf countries may commence later this year, an Indian defense official said on Wednesday.

For the past few years, there have been speculations about Vietnam negotiating with India for the purchase of the BrahMos — touted as the world's deadliest missile.

"A number of South East Asian countries are ready to buy our missiles. It will be our first export and we have received increasing interest in the missiles from the Gulf countries," Commodore S K Iyer, Chief General Manager for HR at BrahMos Aerospace, said at the IMDEX Asia 2019 exhibition.

The first missile export contract awaits a government to government approval, he added.

Last year, Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had stated a number of crucial issues required to be addressed before exporting what has been touted as the world's deadliest missile system.

It is believed that cost negotiation has been taking time as slower economic growths have put budgetary constraints on acquiring viable, cost-effective defense equipment to these nations.

BrahMos Aerospace is presently working on an order worth $7 billion by the three services of the Indian Armed Forces.

Based on the demand for armed helicopters, naval equipment, missiles including the BrahMos and the Akash air defense system, the Indian Defence Ministry has set a target of exports worth $5 billion by 2023.

The Indian official did not clarify if Russia agreed to export the missile to south Asian nation like Vietnam, considered a rival to China.

However, during the recently concluded Aero-India 2019, Russian officials confirmed to Financial Express Online that they had no objection to export of BrahMos Missiles to friendly nations.

(SputnikNews)

17 Mei 2019

Pesawat CN-235 MPA melewati water salute (photo : Jawa Pos)

Puspenerbal Juanda Terima Pesawat Udara CN 235-220 MPA Terakhir sejak Pengadaan 2013

SIDOARJO - Pusat Penerbangan TNI Angkatan Laut (Puspenerbal) Juanda menerima satu unit terakhir pesawat udara CN 235-220 MPA, dari total lima pengadaan pesawat sejak 2013 silam, Senin (13/5/2019).

Komandan Puspenerbal, Laksamana Pertama (Laksma) TNI Dwika Tjahja menjelaskan Pesawat CN 235-220 MPA merupakan pesawat bermesin Turboprop produksi PT Dirgantara Indonesia yang bekerja sama dengan CASA Spanyol.

Pesawat jenis ini, lanjut Laksma TNI Dwika sudah banyak dioperasikan oleh berbagai instansi militer di dunia. Pesawat bernomor Iambung P-8305 ini akan menambah jajaran kekuatan untuk memenuhi MEF (Minimum Essetial Force) yang menjadi target TNI AL.

"Ini merupakan pesawat kelima dari total 5 pengadaan Puspenerbal dengan 2 kali pengadaan. Pengadaan pertama, 3 buah pengadaan kedua, 2 buah. Kedepan kita masih ada pengadaan-pengadaan pesawat sejenis untuk kebutuhan Puspenerbal, harapannya Puspenerbal memiliki pesawat intai maritim yang memadai," jelasnya, Senin (13/5/2019).

Pesawat CN-235 MPA melewati water salute (photo : Puspenerbal)

Laksma TNI Dwika mengatakan jumlah pesawat intai maritim yang dibutuhkan Puspenerbal idealnya sesuai dengan luas wilayah yang jadi tugas mereka di lapangan.

"Kita tidak menghitung secara ideal, tapi paling tidak kita harus mampu mendukung kegiatan koarmada 1, 2 dan 3 yang masing-masing juga memiliki tugas mengamankan wilayah masing-masing. Untuk operasionalnya, sluruh pesawat kita harus waspada untuk selalu mengamankan perairan," tambahnya.

Sebaggai informasi, pesawat udara merupakan salah satu sub Sistem Senjata Armada Terpadu (SSAT) yang dimiliki TNI AL saat ini, dimana fungsinya adalah sebagai unsur yang mengumpulkan dan mendeteksi hal-hal yang mencurigakan dan merugikan juga ikut dalam pencegahan penangkalan dan penindakan pelanggaran perairan wilayah Indonesia.

Dalam mengemban fungsinya, pesawat udara melaksanakan patroli udara maritim untuk mendapatkan data atau sasaran yang selanjutnya dkindak lanjuti oleh unsur KRI.

Pesawat ini masuk di jajaran Skuadron 800 Wing Udara 2 Puspenerbal yang memiliki tugas pokok melaksanakan pembinaan kekuatan dan kemampuan tempur dibidang lntai Udara Taktis, Pengamatan Laut Terbatas serta Anti Kapal Permukaan.

Pesawat CN 235-220 MPA juga memiliki kemampuan untuk melaksanakan misi Inteligence, Surveillance dan Recognition, selain itu pesawat ini dapat mengirimkan data-data secara real time kn Unsur KRI Dengan kemampuan tersebut, pesawat ini dapat menjalankan misi sebagai Pesud Patron Maritim.

(Surya)

18 Mei 2019

HMNZS Manawanui ex MV Edda Fonn (photos : NZDF)

Ministry of Defence's new dive and hydrographic vessel arrives in ship shape

A $103 million vessel for the Ministry of Defence has berthed in Wellington after 46 days travelling from Denmark.

The diving support and hydrographic survey vessel, named Edda Fonn, was purchased second-hand from Norway.

Frank Dyer, the integrated project team leader for the dive and hydrographic vessel, said it was packed with world-class facilities for both diving and hydrographic specialists.

Disaster relief, search and recovery and explosives disposal are among the many tasks it could be utilised for in the Pacific.

"A typical mission ... to the islands in Fiji, it could get up there in just over three days and could hold station there for close to a month."

It could run tasks up there, return home and still have over 40 per cent of its fuel, Dyer said.

The ship's crane can also retrieve 100 tonnes from one kilometre underwater. It could even retrieve a sunken ship.

"It's also got a massive range. It's just completed a 12,000 mile, 46-day journey without refuelling."

The ship has four engines, two of which are brand new and can run in a green emission mode.

"They can run just emitting water vapour and nitrogen."

The ship can treat it's own ballast water so that undesirable water is not transported to wherever the ship may travel.

Edda Fonn has bunks for 66 people, cabins have ensuites and entertainment centres, and there's even a gym and a sauna for crew.

The ship will provide the ability for diving and hydrographic specialists to conduct specialised operations such as surveying coastlines and harbours.

Dyer said although the vessel is already 15 years old, engineers had assessed it to be seven years younger than that based on its good condition.

Next stop for the Edda Fonn is Auckland, where ownership will be transferred to the Crown on June 7.

It will spend the rest of the year being fitted with military equipment.

(Stuff)

18 Mei 2019

Indonesia plans to reinstate missile capabilities on two of its KCR-60M vessels in the long term. First- and second-of-class were earlier stripped of their missile launchers after receiving Chinese-made CIWS turrets (photos : mcd)

Slightly more than a year after removing missile launchers from two of its KCR-60M fast attack craft (FAC), the Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut: TNI-AL) is now working to reinstate the capability on these vessels.

SR-47B search radar (photo : KeyPublishing)

The matter has been confirmed with Jane's by a senior crew member of KRI Tombak (629), which was berthed at RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base for the 2019 IMDEX exhibition, which was held in Singapore from 14 to 16 May. Tombak is one of the two KCR-60M vessels taking part in the event, with the other being KRI Halasan (630).

Beginning in late 2017, Indonesia's state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL removed diagonally mounted missile launchers on Tombak and first-of-class KRI Sampari (628) as part of efforts to reconstitute the class.

TYpe 347G "Rice Bowl" fire control radar (photo : GlobalMil)

The vessels were subsequently installed with the Chinese-made Type 630 close-in weapon system (CIWS) turret on a pedestal at the stern position where a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) used to be positioned.

Type 630 CIWS set-up on Sampari and Tombak includes the Type 347G 'Rice Bowl' short-range fire-control radar and its associated fire-control console, and the SR47B air-and-surface search and gun-target indication radar, which has been integrated with an identification friend-or-foe system.

Type 630 cannon (photo : TNI AL)

In response to requests for clarification from Jane's, a PT PAL official who first informed Jane's of the reconstitution confirmed that Tombak has now been refitted with its original missile launchers, but at a slightly different position in the aft section. He explained that this weapon has yet to undergo evaluations in its new position, or to be integrated into the vessel's wider combat systems.

(Jane's)

18 Mei 2019

CROSSOVER XO 131C scale model on DAMEN stand at IMDEX 2019 (all photos : NavalNews)

DAMEN To Answer Singapore’s MRCV Requirement With Fit For Purpose CROSSOVER Design

At this year's IMDEX Asia, Dutch shipbuilder DAMEN unveiled a new variant of its CROSSOVER design specifically configured to answer the future MRCV requirement of the Republic of Singapore Navy.

Damen’s CROSSOVER “mission flexible combatant” was originally unveiled at DIMDEX 2014, presented as the ultimate mission modular naval concept.

The variant of the CROSSOVER specifically designed for the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) future MRCV requirement was showcased on DAMEN stand in a 1:100 scale model. It is based on the “XO 131C” baseline variant of the CROSSOVER, configured as a surface combatant. Other CROSSOVER variants include Security, Fast Security, Amphibious, Fast Combatant. The first three are built according to commercial standards while the last two and the Combatant are 100% military/naval grade.

The CROSSOVER XO 131C is 130 meters in length (as are most designs being pitched for MRCV, likely an indication of an early requirement by the RSN eventough no RFI has been issued yet). It has a beam of 19.6 meters and a displacement of 5,300 tons.

Its maximum speed is 28 knots and crew complement 108 to 125 sailors plus accommodation for an extra 128 personnel.

The scale model on display at IMDEX Asia 2019 was fitted with a 76mm main gun, 2x Millenium CIWS, 8x anti-ship missiles and an integrated mast featuring a radar with four fixed panels.

The most interesting feature of the CROSSOVER is not related to the sensor or weapon suite however, but rather its “X-DECK”, a single, flexible deck to handle, store, operate and deploy mission equipment, fast RHIBs, landing craft or, in the case of MRCV, USV, UUV and UAV (from the flight deck).

The scale model featured 3x landing craft and 2x RHIBs below the helicopter deck. These can be deployed via a a convertible slipway/beach at the stern or via the X crane system: An integrated crane and davit system port, starboard and astern.

Talking to Naval News, Pieter Heijboer, Naval Sales Support at DAMEN explained that the CROSSOVER is a new design which was introduce to make the next step in what frigates can bring in capabilities at sea.

The future MRCV or Multi-Role Combat Vessels will replace the ageing Victory-class Missile Corvettes, which have served with distinction since 1989. Delivery is expected to begin from 2025, with full delivery expected around 2030. The RSN has yet to issue its requirements for this future program however some information about it appeared recently when Singapore MINDEF outlined its future procurement plans.

Besides improving capabilities, the new MRCVs will be custom-built for lean manning and incorporate technologies to automate certain functions. This results in the MRCV using less manpower – about half the size found in modern frigates. In addition, this will result in operational cost savings of up to 10 per cent, compared to similar-sized frigates.

The MRCVs will also have unmanned air and surface vehicles to extend their reach and flexibility against threats.

(NavalNews)

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Kongsberg Pitching NSM-HL Missile For Maritime Helicopter

BRP Gregorio Velasquez Back from 2-Month Survey Mission

TERMA Awarded Contract for Complete C Series Combat Suite for KCR-60 Vessels

Thailand Dapatkan 37 Kendaraan Lapis Baja Stryker

Dirgantara Indonesia to Produce Composite Parts for Airbus, Boeing

China Conducts Maritime Exercise with Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicles

PHL’s Future Modern Frigate BRP Jose Rizal Nears Launching

Vanguard 130 : Kandidat Kapal MRCV Angkatan Laut Singapura

Australia to Revive Self-Propelled Artillery Project

DRU Luncurkan KRI Teluk Youtefa 522

Latihan Tactical Airland Operation : Uji Daya Saling Operasi TUDM Bersama Gerak Khas

Boeing to Offer AH-6i for Australian SOF Role

Philippine Coast Guard in Talks with Israel Shipyards for Shaldag Mk II

India to Begin Export of BrahMos to South East Asian, Gulf Nations - Official

TNI AL Menerima Pesawat Terakhir dari Pesanan 5 CN-235 MPA

HMNZS Manawanui Arrives in New Zealand from Norway

Indonesia to Reinstate Missile Capabilities on KCR-60M Fast Attack Craft

Damen Offers CROSSOVER XO 131C for Singapore's MRCV