DEFENSE STUDIES

04 Juni 2019

Philippines to add 5 new radar, increase existing radar in operation (photo : Elta)

The Philippines is looking to procure five new radar systems from Japan to help the country in its territorial defense, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

In an interview over GMA Digital News, Lorenzana said as part of the Philippines defense cooperation with Japan, they are looking at acquiring new radar systems which will be put in various locations around the country.

“For us, I think we can tap into the technology of Japan on Defense industries. Remember, Japan was also a super power in World War 2. They are building planes, warships, and submarines. So the technology is there and they are improving it. And Japan is actually willing to help us to improve our defense capabilities,” Lorenzana said.

Lorenzana said a few years ago, the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD), donated to the Philippines five Beechcraft King Air TC-90 aircraft to help boost the country’s maritime patrol capabilities.

(Manila Bulletin)

04 Juni 2019

The delivery of six brand new close-air support (CAS) A-29B Super Tucano aircraft for Philippine Air Force (PAF) is expected in fourth quarter of this year.

The Philippines, in fourth quarter 2017, chose Brazil-based Embraer to supply 6 CAS aircraft for PAF.

MaxDefense Philippines said that the six Embraer A-29B Super Tucano ordered by the Department of National Defense (DND) for PAF are expected to arrive by November 2019.

“The Super Tucano is the fruit of the PAF’s Close Air Support Aircraft Acquisition Project under the Horizon 1 phase of RAFPMP, and are expected to replace the 15th Strike Wing’s Aermacchi SF-260TP armed trainers,” MaxDefense said.

Embaer said the A-29 Super Tucano is a durable, versatile and powerful turboprop aircraft capable of carrying out a wide range of missions, even operating from unimproved runways.

“The Super Tucano is the best light attack aircraft in the market and we are confident that it will accomplish with excellence the missions it was selected for,” Jackson Schneider, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security said in 2017.

(Mintfo)

27 Mei 2019

PAF OV-10 Bronco (photo : Ariel J Solomon)

Air Force OV-10s grounded following crash

MANILA -- All of the North American Rockwell OV-10 strike aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) have been grounded following the crash of one of the bombers while about to land at the Sangley Point Airport in Cavite last May 24.

"(Grounding of the remaining OV-10 aircraft is) part of our safety procedure, the aircraft will be grounded," said PAF spokesperson Major Aristides Galang on Monday.

Around five to six OV-10s are still being operated by the PAF.

If needed, the South Korean-made FA-50PH fighter aircraft and McDonnell Douglas MG-520 "Defender" attack helicopters can be deployed for missions.

"Depending on the type of missions, we can use the MG-520s or FA-50s if necessary," Galang said.

There is no order yet as to when the grounding order for the OV-10s would be lifted.

Last May 24, PAF OV-10 with tail number 402 and belonging to the 15th Strike Wing, crashed while turning crosswind for landing on runway 25 of Sangley Point Airport during the scheduled proficiency flight.

The two pilots safely ejected and were recovered by local fishermen in the area 2.5 kilometers from the shoreline of Rosario, Cavite.

The personnel were immediately picked-up by a civilian fishing boat and brought to Major Danilo Atienza Air Base Hospital.

"The investigation team was already activated to conduct a thorough investigation of the mishap," Galang said.

(PNA)

03 Juni 2019

First steel cutting for two new PC-40 at PT Karimun Anugrah Sejati shipyard, Batam (all photos : BVI)

BV Class had been chosen again by Indonesian NAVY to supervise New Construction Project of PC-40 for the Procurement Program in 2019-2020.

There have been a total of 20-units of NAVY Vessels built under BV-Class since 2015 to 2018, they were in various sizes ranging from 28m to 40m to support fleet availability and fulfill Minimum Essential Force (MEF) as programmed by Ministry Of Defense.

By early 2019, BV Class is trusted again to become partner in assisting the New Construction program of Indonesian NAVY of 2019-2020, for the procurement program of 18-units of Patrol Vessels.

We believe the trust given by the NAVY is referring to BV-Class Technical Competency, Capability, and Professionalism of Surveyor at Yards (SAY) and Technical Experts reviewing the design.

These 2-units will be the 37th & 38th unit of Indonesia NAVY Ships built under BV-Class and constructed by PT. Karimum Anugerah Sejati - Batam, Indonesia.

(Bureu Veritas Indonesia)

04 Juni 2019

RMAF Hawk Mk 208 (photo : Blaster Aviagraphey)

BAE Systems believes a Hawk upgrade is a cost effective way for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) to address future attack requirements, as it eyes additional emerging opportunities.

Natasha Pheiffer, the company’s managing director in Asia, believes a Hawk upgrade is a viable alternative to the country’s plans to buy 36 fighters under its light combat aircraft competition. She contends that such an upgrade could possibly free funds for the long frozen Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) deal for 18 advanced fighters.

Cirium’s Fleets Analyzer shows that the RMAF operates 18 Hawks, of which five are two-seat Mk 108s used at trainers, and 13 are single seat Mk 208s used for ground attack. Over the years, five Mk 108s and four Mk 208s have been written off, and one Mk 208 retired.

Following a request for information earlier this year, contenders for the LCA requirement include the Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50, Hindustan Aeronautics Tejas, Chengdu/Pakistan Aeronautical Complex JF-17, and Yakovlev Yak-130. Kuala Lumpur is still considering its options for LCA and it is not clear when, or if, a request for proposals will be forthcoming.

Pheiffer says that BAE did not receive the LCA RFI, but this was mainly due to the RMAF's view that it is intimately familiar with the Hawk after operating it for a quarter of a century.

Pheiffer, a long-term veteran of the company, has been in her role for the last five months and is based in KL.

Though contractors no longer view MRCA as an active competition, eventually KL could buy new fighters. Contenders could include BAE with the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Saab Gripen, Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, and Dassault Rafale. The aircraft the MRCA was supposed to replace, the Mikoyan MiG-29, is already in storage.

As for other opportunities, BAE Systems is watching government-to-government talks between the United Kingdom and Japan on future fighter technologies. The development of the UK's Tempest fighter, in which BAE plays a role, will coincide with Japan's efforts to replace the Mitsubishi F-2 with an advanced fighter developed locally or in conjunction with international partners.

Tokyo has yet to decide how it will proceed, but appreciates the opportunities offered by international partners. US companies such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin have also provided information to Tokyo.

Another area where Pheiffer sees a possible opportunity is Tokyo's intention to modify two Izumo class helicopter destroyers to carry Lockheed Martin F-35B fighters.

She feels that BAE is well placed to assist Tokyo with the integration of fixed wing fighters aboard the two ships owing to its work on the UK’s Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers, which will also operate the F-35B.

(FlightGlobal)

04 Juni S2019

Sukhoi Su-35 fighter (photo : UAC)

SINGAPORE/TASS/. Indonesia expects the supplies of Russian Su-35 fighter jets to start by the end of 2019, the republic’s Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu told TASS on Sunday.

"I think that the issue will be solved this year," he said.

According to the minister, "certain challenges (in finalizing the contract) are due to the fact that three departments of the republic are involved in the process.""The Defense Ministry has signed all documents, whereas the Trade Ministry and Finance Ministry are still in the process of approval," which is connected with the fact that "there will be different forms of payment," he explained, adding that though discussions are still underway "fundamentally the issue has been solved."

Earlier the minister told TASS that Jakarta "would not cancel the contract on jet supplies despite the US sanctions against Russia." The signing of the contract with Indonesia to supply 11 Su-35 fighter jets was announced at the beginning of last year.

Indonesia became the second country after China to buy Su-35 aircraft from Russia. The Su-35S generation 4++ supersonic fighter jet performed its debut flight on February 19, 2008. The fighter jet is a derivative of the Su-27 plane. The Su-35S weighs 19 tonnes, has a service ceiling of 20,000 meters, can develop a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h and has a crew of one pilot. The fighter jet’s armament includes a 30mm aircraft gun, up to 8 tonnes of the weapon payload (missiles and bombs of various types) on 12 underwing hardpoints.

(TASS)

05 Juni 2019

A-129B Super Tucano (photo : reddit)

The delivery of six brand new close-air support (CAS) A-29B Super Tucano aircraft for Philippine Air Force (PAF) is expected in fourth quarter of this year.

The Philippines, in fourth quarter 2017, chose Brazil-based Embraer to supply 6 CAS aircraft for PAF.

MaxDefense Philippines said that the six Embraer A-29B Super Tucano ordered by the Department of National Defense (DND) for PAF are expected to arrive by November 2019.

“The Super Tucano is the fruit of the PAF’s Close Air Support Aircraft Acquisition Project under the Horizon 1 phase of RAFPMP, and are expected to replace the 15th Strike Wing’s Aermacchi SF-260TP armed trainers,” MaxDefense said.

Embaer said the A-29 Super Tucano is a durable, versatile and powerful turboprop aircraft capable of carrying out a wide range of missions, even operating from unimproved runways.

“The Super Tucano is the best light attack aircraft in the market and we are confident that it will accomplish with excellence the missions it was selected for,” Jackson Schneider, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security said in 2017.

(Mintfo)

05 Juni 2019

Land 400 Phase III to be shortlisted in Q3 2019 (photo : Hanwha)

Two of the four confirmed contenders bidding to replace the Australian Army’s M113AS4 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) with up to 450 modern infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) at a cost of AUD10–15 billion (USD7–10.4 billion) are to be shortlisted in the third quarter of 2019.

The two downselected competitors for Project Land 400 Phase III will then undertake an extensive risk mitigation activity (RMA), Major General David Coghlan, head of the newly formed armoured vehicle division in the Department of Defence’s (DoD’s) Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), said during an industry briefing on 22 May.

Although the detailed RMA schedule was not disclosed, it is expected to conclude with the submission of best and final offers and final evaluation.

(Jane's)

05 Juni 2019

Milrem Robotics and STEng combat UGV (photo : Shephard)

Milrem Robotics and ST Engineering have demonstrated a beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) combat UGV armed with a 40mm automatic grenade launcher (AGL) and a 12.7mm heavy machine gun (HMG) during a live fire exercise held in Tapa, Estonia.

The joint warfare system consists of the THeMIS UGV and the ADDER remote weapon station. The UGV is a tracked all-terrain system with ground clearance up to 60cm that can negotiate 60% slopes and pass 61cm deep water obstacles. Its top speed is 20km/h and it is powered by a diesel-electric drive that, depending on the mission, can offer 15 hours of constant operations without re-fuelling.

The system is equipped with an advanced medium-calibre weapon system armed with a 40mm AGL and a 12.7mm HMG. Both weapons passed live fire tests conducted in April in cooperation with the Estonian Defence Force.

The combat UGV is configured for wireless BVLOS control from a distance of 1000m and 2500m in urban and rural areas, respectively. The operator can control the system from an ergonomically-designed mobile or stationary crew station, which uses an unmanned network control system consisting of a general L-Band datalink and a dedicated fire control UHF-band datalink embedded fire control system.

The combat UGV can be armoured up to STANAG 4569 level 3.

(Shephard)

05 Juni 2019

Nyamok 2.0 UAV (photo : MMP)

For nearly a decade, the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) has successfully operated a mix of locally developed CTRM/UST Aludra Mk I/II and Boeing/I situ ScanEagle Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) out of unspecified location in Kudat, Sabah.

Both UAVs were launched, retrieved and maintained by CTRM under Contractor Owned, Government Operate arrangement but was flown on station by UAV operators from UAV Troop under the triservice Joint Task Force 2 Command (Markas Angkatan Tugas Bersama 2 – Mk ATB 2) operating at Kukusan Camp.

Recently, the two contracts now under the charged of DEFTECH, which acquires both CTRM and UST have lapsed resulting a new search for TUAV. (here)

As interim measure, two Schiebel S-100 Camcopter Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) UAV formerly operated by Petronas but now under the control of Defence Intelligence Staff Division (Bahagian Staf Perisikan Pertahanan – BSPP) were deployed to Kukusan Camp.

Unlike the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Medium Altitude, Long Endurance (MALE) UAV which gained much attention ever since such plan was first mooted by the Air Force following 2017’s edition of the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA) show, the TUAV program seems to be out of the limelight.

Having said that unbeknownst to many, there are currently two types of locally developed TUAV which could vie for the contract.

DEFTECH has recently unveils its collaborative effort with Malaysia Technology Universiti (UTM) to further improved the performance of blended wing body, UST/UTM Camar TUAV during Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2018 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur.

Despite its sophisticated design, there is still a lot of developmental works that need to be done before it could be fully ready for offering to the MAF for the latter’s TUAV program.

While LIMA 2019 was dominated by MALE UAV from Turkey, China and the United States, system Consultancy Services, dubbed as the true pioneer of TUAV in this country has unveiled the second generation of Nyamok TUAV.

Nyamok TUAV has a long history that dates back from Malaysia Science University (USM) Taming Sari research program that led to USM/UTM/SCS Blackbird program in 2006. The first generation of Nyamok TUAV was unveiled during LIMA 2007.

It was then decided that three companies SCS, Ikramatic and CTRM would cooperate together under the Unmanned System Technologies (UST) to come up with the Aludra TUAV.

When DEFTECH acquired full control of UST and incorporated it into DEFTECH Aviation, SCS decided to focus on fully developing the Nyamok 2.0 TUAV.

What is interesting about the Nyamok 2.0 that the UAV was actually involved in providing vital aerial overwatch for the Malaysian Army and Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) which were rushed to rescue trapped policemen in a deadly ambushed by Sulu terrorists at Simunul water village in Lahad Datu, Sabah.

Nyamok 2.0 conducted demonstration flight at LIMA 2019 to highlight its flight characteristics as well as its superior Electro Optic (EO) camera.

With DEFTECH now embroiled in corruption scandal involving the spare part supply of FNSS/DEFTECH ACV-300 Adnan and FNSS/DEFTECH AV-8 Gempita armoured vehicles as well as the supply of Chaiseri/DEFTECH AV-4 Lipanbara mine resistance armoured protection (MRAP) vehicle, it is unlikely that the company will be in the competition for the TUAV program.

Having said that, established defence journalist, Marhalim Abbas suggested that a system of ScanEagle 2 TUAV slated for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) under US sponsored Maritime Security Initiative (MSI) might be handed to Mk ATB 2 possibly under direct control of the Navy instead of the UAV Troop.

Since Mk ATB 2 has operated THE UST contracted ScanEagle 1 for more than 5 years, it has no problem to seamlessly integrate the new ScanEagle 2 with its Joint Regional Control Centre (JRCC), which interestingly enough was developed by SCS.

Perhaps, if such arrangement did materialise as Encik Marhalim suggested, perhaps the MAF would again adopted local-export combination of TUAV for Mk ATB2 by considering the Nyamok 2.0.

Previously, this blog has suggested that all 12 ScanEagle 2 TUAV are to be operated from the flight decks of Kedah class New Generation Patrol Vessel (NGPV).

(MFH)

06 Juni 2019

PZL Mielec S-70i Blackhawk helicopter (photo : Stuart Spicer)

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, is expected to start the delivery of 16 S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters (CUHs) for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) within third quarter of 2020 and will be completed in 2021. However, delivery may start earlier.

This update was provided by Inquirer.net’s Frances Mangosing who attended the Air Force Symposium (AFS) 2019 on June 4.

“16 Black Hawk Sikorsky S-70i helicopters will be delivered to PAF in batches starting 3rd quarter of 2020 until 2021,” Mangosing said in a Twitter post.

“A rep from Lockheed Martin said the deal was signed in April and the start of delivery may be moved earlier,” she added.

According to PAF, AFS is an annual whole day event which involves the gathering of senior leaders, defense and military officials, members of the academe, defense industry partners, air-power practitioners, and others who have a stake in the country’s defense security and development.

(Mintfo)

07 Juni 2019

HMAS Success tanker ship (photo : RAN)

Success completes her last overseas port visit

HMAS Success has completed her last foreign port visit after 33 years of proud service in the Royal Australian Navy.

Success’ visit to Makassar in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, was also the final port visit by the Indo-Pacific 2019 (IPE19) Joint Task Group, which also included HMA Ships Canberra and Newcastle.

While in the country, members of ship’s company participated in welcome events, community engagement, official hospitality and sporting activities to engage with their Indonesian Navy colleagues.

Over three days, they also discussed what Success does best: replenishing ships of all shapes and sizes at sea.

The Navy’s first and only imam, Chaplain Mogamat Majidih Essa, also led a prayer after completion of the buka puasa, or the breaking of the fast, during the blessed month of Ramadan.

“It was a great honour to represent the Royal Australian Navy at this event,” Chaplain Essa said.

“I know the locals here were very appreciative and I feel humbled.”

Chaplain Essa and Success Chaplain Simote Finau also had the privilege to be invited for the early morning meal by a local Indonesian family.

The ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Darren Grogan, said the visit was important.

“Indonesia is a vital partner for us; we are close friends and neighbours and share the world’s longest maritime boundary,” Captain Grogan said.

“Our defence relationship is a longstanding one focussed on a wide variety of security-related matters like counter terrorism, maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and peacekeeping.

“This was a successful port visit for us and the IPE19 Joint Task Force, but this is the last time this hardworking, proud and professional Navy ship will get to see foreign shores.”

Success will stop in Cairns and Brisbane on the way to Sydney for her decommissioning at the end of next month.

(RAN)

07 Juni 2019

Vietnam's Senior Lieutenant Dang Duc Toai (R) and Sublieutenant Doan Van Canh with their trainer (photo : U.S. Embassy in Hanoi.

Two Vietnamese pilots are finishing the Aviation Leadership Program run by the U.S. Air Force, the first from their country to do so.

Senior Lieutenant Dang Duc Toai will be the first to complete it followed by Sub Lieutenant Doan Van Canh.

It is a U.S. Air Force scholarship program that provides undergraduate pilot training to select officers from other nations’ air forces, seeking to build relationships between future leaders of air forces and increase cooperation between countries.

The two Vietnamese pilots are attending the 52-week course at the Columbus Air Force Base in Columbus, Mississippi State, according to the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi.

Defense ties between the former foes are flowering.

Boeing subsidiary Insitu has received an order for six unmanned aerial vehicles from Vietnam worth $9.7 million.

It will also provide components and spare parts and training in their use, and send experts for technical support.

Andrea Thompson, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs, told the Vietnamese media via phone on Monday that the U.S. looks forward to the next step to ensure that Vietnam has the best national defense equipment in the world, which it would supply.

At a meeting on June 1 at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, U.S. Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan and Vietnam's Minister of National Defense Ngo Xuan Lich agreed that the bilateral cooperation in recent years has achieved practical results and is consistent with the comprehensive partnership between the two countries, and contributes to maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world.

(VNExpress)

07 Juni 2019

MPAC of the PN (photo : GMA News)

MANILA -- The Philippine Navy (PN) is expected to take possession of three additional multi-purpose attack craft (MPACs) armed with the Rafael Advanced Defense Ltd. Spike-ER (extended range) surface-to-surface missile system by August this year.

This was bared by Navy spokesperson Captain Jonathan Zata when sought for an update regarding the fast and hard-hitting boats Monday afternoon.

"The three MPACs being constructed are still with the builder and will still undergo the systems integration phase in one of the facilities in Subic. Based from the approved contract, the delivery date is on August 2019," he said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.

Should deliveries push through this August, Zata said the Department of National Defense (DND) Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee will still subject the vessels to series of tests and evaluation before finally being accepted.

"The PN TWG (Technical Working Group) is working closely with the DND to ensure the completion of the project," Zata said.

The PN spokesperson said these MPACs will be armed with the Spike-ER surface-to-surface missile systems and will raise the number of vessels armed with the Israeli-made weapon to six.

"The new batch of MPACs will likewise be armed with Spike-ER (missiles)," he added. Earlier, PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said the Navy is expected to activate three more Spike-ER armed MPACs this year.

"We have another three building, and they are expected to be delivered this year. They will also be armed with the Spike-ER missiles," he said.

These MPACs will be called the Mark IV and have started construction in November last year.

Empedrad said that the builders of the MPACs are the same as that of the previous Mark II and III.

The PN's three Mark IIIs MPACs were constructed by the Subic-based Propmech Corporation and activated on May 22, 2017.

These boats can up to 45 knots and are armed with remotely-controlled .50 caliber machineguns aside from the Spike-ER missiles.

(PNA)

08 Juni 2019

PTDI akan jadi holding industri pertahanan Indonesia (photo : PTDI)

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Kementerian Badan Usaha Milik Negara (BUMN) terus mempercepat pembentukan beberapa holding BUMN. Masuk dalam agenda adalah pembentukan holding industri pertahanan.

Deputi Bidang Usaha Pertambangan, Industri Strategis dan Media Kementerian BUMN Fajar Harry Sampurno mengatakan, proses pengajuan holding industri strategis ini sudah disampaikan ke Kementerian Keuangan.

"Sedang berproses, resminya sudah ke Kemenkeu, sudah dibahas dengan pihak terkait dan beberapa FGD," kata Harry kepada Liputan6.com, Kamis (6/6/2019).

Dalam surat yang disampaikan ke Kemenkeu, Harry mengatakan PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) akan menjadi induk usaha dari industri strategis ini.

Nantinya yang akan menjadi anggota holding adalah BUMN lain yang tergabung dalam klaster National Defence and Hightech Industries (NDHI).

Selain PT DI, klaster ini terdiri dari PT DAHANA (Persero), PT Pindad (Persero), PT Industri Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Persero), PT Len Industri (Persero) serta PT Industri Nuklir Indonesia (Persero).

"Itu ada kajiannya mengapa PT DI, baik dari komite eksekutif maupun konsultan independen yaitu PwC. Ada beberapa pertimbangan," tegas Harry.

Hanya saja Harry masih belum bisa memastikan kapan holding BUMN pertahanan ini bisa terealisasi. Yang jelas, Kementerian BUMN terus melakukan pembicaraan dengan Kementerian Keuangan dan beberapa pihak terkait.

Untuk diketahui, Presiden Republik Indonesia Joko Widodo (Jokowi) memiliki rencana jangka panjang terhadap masa depan BUMN, yaitu dengan pembentukan superholding.

Terkait hal ini, ternyata Menteri BUMN Rini Soemarno juga sudah memiliki gambaran dan langkah apa saja yang dilakukan menuju pembentukan superholding tersebut.

Langkah awal, jumlah BUMN yang saat ini 143 perusahaan akan disederhandakan dengan dikelompokkan menjadi holding subsektor BUMN. Seperti saat ini sudah terbentuk salah satunya holding industri pertambangan.

"Ya kementerian BUMN akan hilang. Jadinya nanti ada superholding. Nanti akan seperti Temasek dan Khasanah," kata Rini di Gedung Bursa Efek Indonesia, pada Senin 15 April 2019.

Secara pengawasan, meski Kementerian BUMN akan hilang, tapi pemerintah tetap menjadi pemegang saham. Bahkan, pengawasan dan pertanggungjawaban langsung kepada Presiden.

"Jadi, nanti kalau superholding juga langsung ke Presiden. Cuma bentuknya itu bukan bentuk seperti birokrasi, bentuknya bukan kementerian. Yang diharapkan Bapak Presiden itu betul-betul bahwa BUMN dikelola secara profesional. Jadi, yang mengawasi harus orang-orang profesional, bukan orang-orang birokrasi," ucap Rini.

(Liputan6)

08 Juni 2019

RAAF Hawk 127 (photo : goldcoastbulletin)

The RAAF’s fleet of 33 BAE Systems Hawk 127 Lead-in Fighter Trainers was been grounded for just over three weeks following an “engine issue” on a 79SQN Hawk at RAAF Pearce on May 14.

The aircraft was conducting touch-and-go training at RAAF Pearce north of Perth when it experienced the unspecified engine issue, and the trainee pilot was able to safely land the aircraft without damage or injury.

Following the incident, the RAAF grounded its fleet of Hawks until June 6 to allow the investigation sufficient time to deliver preliminary findings and to discover a root cause of the engine incident.

In response to questions from ADBR, an RAAF spokesman said, “current state of investigations with Rolls-Royce, the Hawk Design Authority (BAE Systems in the UK) and RAAF have allowed the Hawk Lead-In Fighter aircraft to resume flying on Thursday 6 June.”

While there are no operational restrictions to the fleet following the removal of the grounding, the spokesman said, “aircrew have been advised to be stringent in their application of existing operational controls to ensure any risk is reduced so far as reasonably practicable.”

The Hawk entered service with the RAAF in 2001, and is powered by a single Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour Mk 871 engine. The fleet recently completed the comprehensive AIR 5438 Lead-in Fighter Capability Assurance Program (LIFCAP) upgrade to better provide advanced training for the next generation of RAAF frontline air combat pilots for aircraft such as the F-35A Lightning II.

(ADBR)

08 Juni 2019

Hanwha Naval Shield CMS (all images : ANC247)

Hanwha Systems, the chosen supplier of the combat management systems (CMS) for the Philippine Navy’s upcoming frigates, opened up its facilities to Philippine media recently.

The CMS is considered the “brain” of warships, which integrates its weapons, communication and navigation, and sensors systems for naval combat.

Manila-based reporters were given a chance to have a quick look at the integrated combat management systems’ test site for BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), the second missile-capable frigate which formally started its construction this week.

The selection of the CMS for the first purposely-built missile-capable frigates of the Philippine Navy attracted public attention last year.

Then Navy chief Vice Adm. Ronald Joseph Mercado was unceremoniously relieved from his post in late December 2017 for insisting on Tacticos Thales as CMS, as the system has been branded as a proven technology and capable of data integration with other modern navies.

Tacticos Thales is compatible with Tactical Data Link 16, a military data exchange network used by the navies of NATO, the United States, and other countries. Hanwha System’s Naval Shield compatibility with TDL 16 is still being developed.

Shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries recommended two brands of CMS for the Philippine ships — Tacticos Thales and Hanwha Systems. While it first offered Tacticos Thales to the Philippine Navy, it later switched to Naval Shield of Hanwha Systems.

(ANC247)

09 Juni 2019

The recently upgraded Anzac class frigate HMAS Perth has been stuck in dry dock since 2017 (photo : ANAO)

One of the Navy's recently upgraded Anzac class frigates has been stuck in dry dock since 2017, because the ADF is struggling to find enough sailors to put the warship to sea.

The situation, first uncovered by the auditor-general in March, has been highlighted in a new report that closely examines Australia's $38.7 billion annual defence spend.

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute's (ASPI) latest "The Cost of Defence" report confirms military spending will easily reach the Government's target of 2 per cent of GDP by next financial year.

However, the ASPI study also found the ADF had failed to achieve "modest" personnel recruitment goals laid out in the most recent defence white paper, published in 2016.

"Overall, it's only increased by 600 actual people against a target of around 1,730 over the period since the white paper," the report concluded.

Report author and former Defence official Marcus Hellyer said the recruitment problem was underlined by the case of an Anzac frigate that had been out of operation since October 2017.

HMAS Perth FFH 157 (photo : Maritime Quest)

"HMAS Perth, one of Navy's frigates, had gone through a very extensive refit and upgrade, got new radar capabilities, so a lot of investment went into that, but at the end of that process Navy couldn't find a crew for it," Dr Hellyer said.

"So, it's essentially sitting up on blocks for two years, out of the water because Navy doesn't have the people and I think that's really a microcosm of the challenges the defence force is facing.

Australia maintains a fleet of eight Anzac class frigates, although Dr Hellyer noted two of the warships were almost always in deep maintenance, meaning only six at most were available at any one time.

Report calls for more unmanned technology

The ASPI report also called on the Australian Defence Force to "devote more resources to autonomous systems", such as unmanned submarines and aircraft drones.

"One of the advantages of autonomous systems is less people, because these systems can do a lot of the job themselves," Dr Hellyer said.

"Much of the cost of military platforms is due to the need to keep the crew alive, as is much of the complexity of design.

"Remove the crew, and the cost, risk and schedule needed to design and build the platforms decreases dramatically."

(ABC)

09 Juni 2019

Vietnamese weapons in inflatable product (photo : Z76)

Accordingly, the once-made "Made in Vietnam" weapon surprised international military experts with the image of a real-life S-300 missile complex, which is actually an inflatable air pump made by the 76 One Member Limited Liability Company (in short “Company 76” - BQP/Ministry of National Defense). under the General Department of Defense Industry (CNQP) introduced in the 5-year Preliminary Conference (2013-2018) to implement Resolution 765-NQ/QUTW of the Central Military Commission.

A special feature of the weapon that disguises the S-300PMU1 missile complex built by the Company 76 is that it is identical to the real weaponry in the equipment of the current Vietnam Air Defense force.

Inflatable S-300PMU1 (photo : Z76)

Even the details of the pumped air are made to the utmost level when the missile launchers of this weapon can be erected to resemble the S-300PMU1. In the picture we can see a series of S-300 missile launchers and a Su-30 fighter built by inflatable weapons developed by the Company 76.

The use of inflatable weapons to disguise or fake real weapons battles is currently being carried out by many countries around the world. The most famous of which is the Russian Army, with inflatable weapons simulating the country's famous weapons complexes such as S-300 missiles, T-72 tanks, Su-27 fighters and even MiG-21s. The more special these "fake" weapons cannot be detected by modern electronic reconnaissance systems.

Inflatable S-300PMU1 (photo : VPA)

Known for S-300 rocket-evacuated inflatable weapon, since 2017 the Company 76 has successfully fabricated the weapon of camouflage simulating Su-30 fighter and was accepted by the Council of PK-KQ appraise and recognize the results of products meeting the required technical standards.

After evaluation, the Acceptance Council has requested the Ministry of Defense to produce and put into equipment; At the same time, he proposed Company 76 to continue researching and developing other inflatable models such as: Su-22 aircraft, S125-2TM missile system, radar radar system ... slightly simulated Su-30MK2 fighter produced by Company 76 and real weaponry.

Inflatable Su-30MK2 (photo : Z76)

With only the available technologies in the country, the fact that our Army successfully built sophisticated inflatable devices once again speaks of the development of the domestic defense industry in general, as well as the efforts. of engineers, officers and employees of the Company 76 in developing equipment for military training and ready to fight in many army-soldiers.

It is known that the average weight of a pumped gas is more than 30 kg, made of non-absorbent fabric and takes up little volume when folded. Inflatable tanks and fighters reach the size of real tanks and aircraft within 5 minutes, and it is difficult to distinguish them from real weapons combinations at a distance of 100m. In the picture is the air pump simulated T-54/55 tank also developed by Company 76.

Inflatable Su-30MK2 (photo : Z76)

In order for these inflatable devices to be more difficult to detect by electronic reconnaissance devices, the Russian Army also installed them with heat generators and faked the radar signal. However, it is unclear whether Vietnam's inflatable devices are equipped with these devices or not.

During the American Resistance War, the Vietnamese missile team used the S-75 missile models with pressure to deceive US Air Force reconnaissance. This tactic has been effective in America's efforts to combat destructive warfare in the North.

Inflatable T-54/T-55 tank (photo : Soha)

Today, modern reconnaissance and weapons facilities do not give technical means a chance to survive the first wave of attacks. Thanks to the inflatable models, tactical weapons can improve survivability and avoid being killed before the battle is ready.

Another benefit of using inflatable equipment is to cause the enemy to lose their bombs on unworthy targets. It can be said that the use of an inflatable weapon model to trick the enemy is an effective and effective defensive measure even in modern warfare.

(DatViet)

10 Juni 2019

The Lotos is to replace 120mm Nona-S 2S9, 2S9-1 Sviristelka and Nona-SM 2S9-1M self-propelled guns in the Airborne Forces (all photos : TASS)

KLIMOVSK /Moscow Region//TASS/. Russia’s Central Research Institute of Precision Machine-Building (TsNIITochMash) unveiled a prototype of the Lotos 120mm self-propelled artillery system for the Airborne Force. The gun’s operation was demonstrated on the Institute’s premises in the Moscow Region on Wednesday.

The defense contractor showed the Lotos artillery system in motion for the first time. The vehicle drove through the enterprise’s territory, including its drive at a speed, demonstrated the rotation of its turret and a change in its ground clearance, raised and lowered its gun. The vehicle also made a test blank shot in the presence of journalists.

"Today we rolled out the prototype of the Lotos self-propelled artillery system for the first time. As of now, the gun is fully equipped and is ready for its operation in the manual mode. All the components have passed entry control and have been accepted by the technical control department and the defense representative office. The gun’s control system software will begin to be tested very soon," the press office of Russia’s state hi-tech corporation Rostec quoted its Industrial Director Sergei Abramov as saying.

Lotos self-propelled artillery system

Russia is developing the 2S42 Lotos air-droppable floating self-propelled artillery gun to boost the firepower of the Airborne Force and replace operational 2S9 Nona 120mm self-propelled artillery-mortar systems.

The artillery gun is mounted on the chassis of the BMD-4 airborne infantry fighting vehicle. As the Rostec press office reported, the new artillery vehicle weighs 18 tonnes, can develop a maximum speed of 70 km/h, operates a 450hp engine and has a cruising range of no less than 500 km.

The artillery system has a crew of four, a rate of fire of six-eight rounds per minute and a firing range of 13 km. The preparation and delivery of fire are maximally automated.

The Lotos is a follow-up and a replacement of the Zauralets project, which was aimed at developing a new self-propelled artillery gun for the Airborne Force to boost the paratroopers’ firepower and maneuverable capabilities. The Lotos system will be furnished with a 120 mm gun as its basic armament while its artillery round will be heavily upgraded to be slightly behind the 152mm shell by its firepower.

Along with the Lotos system, Russia is developing a Zavet-D new artillery fire control vehicle. Both systems will feature the ability to be transported by military transport aircraft and air-dropped by a parachute.

(TASS)

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