28 November 2014

HMAS Canberra Handed Over to the Royal Australian Navy

28 November 2014


LHD HMAS Canberra (photo : Christian Pearson)

The newly built Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) HMAS Canberra has been handed over, on 28th. November, to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) by the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO). This afloat vessel is the biggest naval vessel the RAN has, followed by a second LHD that will be finished and delivered to the RAN in 2015. This vessel has been acquired to aid with operational support for the ADF when on defence related missions and humanitarian missions.

This significant milestone saw the presence of Spanish representatives attend, including the Executive Chairman of Navantia, Mr Jose Manuel Revuelta, who highlighted the importance of this milestone, as a key element of Navantia’s engagement with the Australian defence industries and organisations. This occasion paves the way for great relationships between the ADF and Navantia now and into the future.

The commissioning, which took place in Sydney, had also the presence of the Spanish Secretary of Defence, Mr. Pedro Argüelles, The Chief of Spanish Navy, Mr Jaime Muñoz Delgado and the Spanish Ambassador to Australia, Mr Enrique Viguera. This event was presided by the General Governor of Australia, his Excellency General the Honourable Peter Cosgrove and the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot.

HMAS Canberra was 85% built in Spain by Navantia and finished in Australia by BAE Systems. Navantia was responsible for the construction of the hull, including the installation and integration of all the systems on board in the hull up to the fly deck. This collaboration between Spain and Australia has been a significant step forward to allow the Australian Shipbuilding Industry to strengthen.

(Navantia)

26 November 2014

DSME Wins Order for 6 Malaysian Navy Corvettes

26 November 2014

The corvettes model was fitted with a 76mm Oto Melara main gun, 4x Kongsberg NSM anti-ship missiles, 2x MSI 30mm guns located aft, and several South Korean made sensors, most of them from Samsung Thales. (photos : Defense Studies)

The DSME has obtained an order to build 6 battleships from the Malaysian government, taking part in the country's naval modernization project.



The DSME said on Nov. 24 that it received an order for six corvettes from the Malaysian Navy on Nov. 24. A corvette is a kind of warship designed for quick offense and defense, mostly used for patrolling coastal areas.

The order specifies vessels weighing approximately 1,800 tons. The DSME said that three units will be built at Geojedo Okpo shipyard and delivered to Malaysia in order, and the other three units will be built in Malaysia by delivering them in block form.



Maintaining a close relationship between the DSME, which focuses on fostering the defense industry, and the Malaysian Navy formed the foundation of the order.

The DSME previously achieved orders for battleships from England, Norway, Thailand, and Bangladesh, since winning orders for three submarines from Indonesia in 2011.

(Business Korea)

25 November 2014

NAVANTIA Launches Ninth Fast Landing Craft for Australia

25 November 2014


Ninth fast landing craft for the RAN (photo : Navantia)

Navantia has launched on 24th. November, at 12:00, the ninth LLC fast landing craft of the series of 12 that is building for the Royal Australian Navy. The design of these ships is based in the fast landing crafts built also by Navantia for the Spanish Navy between 2006 and 2008.

The contract for the construction of the series of 12 LLC was signed in September 2011 and the works have been executed in the Bay of Cádiz. The landing crafts are destined to operate with the ALHD “Canberra” and ALHD “Adelaide”, strategic projection ships, similar to LHD ”Juan Carlos I”, also built by Navantia in cooperation with BAE Systems. It is scheduled all the ships are delivered on summer 2015.

The main characteristics of the ships are:

Lenght overall: 23.30 m.
Floatation lenght: 21.27 m.
Width: 6.40 m.
Depth: 2.80 m.
Propulsion: two 809 kW diesel engines, two waterjets propellers
Speed: more than 20 knots
Autonomy: 190 miles at full load
Loading capacity flexibility: Abrams vehicle, several Army vehicles, fusiliers’ company or 20 feet container truck.
Australia is a strategic country for Navantia and has opened a subsidiary, Navantia Australia in order to cooperate with the Australian Government in future options for its Navy.

(Navantia)

22 November 2014

Krakatau Steel Pasok 98 Persen Baja Militer

22 November 2014


Panser Anoa buatan Pindad saat Peringatan HUT TNI Ke-69 di Dermaga Ujung Armada RI Kawasan Timur (Armatim), Surabaya, Selasa (7/10). Sebanyak 526 alat utama sistem persenjataan (alutsista) dikerahkan pada TNI kali ini antara lain 192 unit alustsista dari TNI AD, 195 alutsista dari TNI AL, dan 139 pesawat dari TNI AU. (photo : Viva)

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia -- PT Krakatau Steel memperbarui kerjasama suplai baja khusus militer dengan PT Pindad. Perjanjian itu ditandatangani di sela kegiatan Indo Defence 2014 di Kemayoran, Jakarta, Rabu (5/11). Sebanyak 98 persen bahan baku pembuatan peralatan militer berasal dari perusahaan baja itu.

Presiden Direktur Krakatau Irvan K. Hakim mengatakan penandatanganan itu adalah pembaruan kerjasama yang sudah berlangsung selama beberapa tahun terakhir. 

“Ini dilakukan dalam rangka menyambut kebutuhan besar untuk alutsista TNI dan kepentingan pertahanan nasional dari Kementerian Pertahanan,” kata Irvan. 

Irvan mengatakan 98 persen bahan baku baja untuk pembuatan kapal cepat rudal TNI, panser buatan Pindad, dan kapal logistik Kementerian Pertahanan, dipasok oleh Krakatau Steel. 

Jadi kami merupakan bagian yang tidak terpisahkan dari Komite Industri Pertahanan. Dalam hal ini, kami bertindak sebagai supplier bahan baku untuk industri ini," kata Irvan kepada CNN Indonesia.

Irvan menjamin kualitas produksi baja untuk Pindad selalu di bawah pengawasan ketat baik Kementerian Pertahanan dan harus memenuhi standar kualitas NATO. Baja khusus Pindad adalah jenis armor steel yang tidak bisa diperjualbelikan secara bebas.  

Untuk memproduksi baja yang antipeluru itu, Krakatau membangun fasilitas produksi tersendiri. “Standar kualitas bukan sesuatu yang bisa ditawar-tawar,” katanya. 

Penandatanganan kerjasama dilakukan oleh Irvan dan Pelaksana Tugas Direktur Utama Pindad Tri Hardjono.

(CNN)

21 November 2014

KD Tun Razak Laksanakan Uji Coba Penembakan Torpedo Black Shark

21 November 2014


Krew-krew bantuan dari Markas Angkatan Kapal Selam (MAKS) TLDM sedang melaksanakan pemunggahan masuk torpedo Black Shark ke dalam KD TRZ. (all photos : TLDM)

Kejayaan Penembakan Torpedo Black Shark Meningkatkan Keyakinan Rakyat


KD TRZ berada pada kedalaman periskop bersedia untuk melaksanakan penembakan torpedo Black Shark (all photos : TLDM)

KOTA KINABALU – Kapal Selam KD TUN RAZAK (KD TRZ) telah berjaya melaksanakan penembakan torpedo Black Shark di Perairan Laut China Selatan (LCS) pada jam 11.13 pagi tadi. Penembakan yang dilancarkan dari aset strategik Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM) ini telah berjaya mengenai sasaran permukaan iaitu sebuah feri penumpang yang telah diubah suai untuk tujuan tersebut. Torpedo yang dilancar pada jarak yang telah ditetapkan ini tepat mengenai dan memusnahkan serta menenggelamkan sasaran tersebut.



Penembakan kali ini telah melakarkan sejarah, apabila buat julung kalinya kapal selam negara melaksanakan penembakan torpedo semenjak kapal selam pertama negara KD TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN (KD TAR) tiba di Pelabuhan Klang pada 3 September 2009. Selain itu, penembakan ini merupakan penembakan yang julung kalinya bagi torpedo Black Shark semenjak diperkenalkan oleh syarikat pengeluar torpedo Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei (WASS) dari Itali.



Operasi penembakan ini melibatkan aset bantuan dari perkhidmatan TLDM dan Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM) sebagai aset untuk keselamatan kawasan, tim sasaran, rakaman dan analisis. 



Antara aset TLDM yang terlibat ialah KD JEBAT, KD TERENGGANU, KD KASTURI, KD LAKSAMANA TAN PUSMAH, helikopter Fennec, kapal penyelamat kapal selam MEGA BAKTI dan Bot Tempur CB 90 serta Tim Penyelam, sementara TUDM yang turut terlibat ialah pesawat B 200T dan EC 725.



Setiausaha Bahagian Pembangunan (SUB PEMB) KEMENTAH, Tuan Haji Mohd Shahbudin bin Ibrahim dan Panglima Armada, YBhg Laksamana Madya Dato’ Mohamad Roslan bin Mohamad Ramli hadir menyaksikan penembakan ini dari platform pesawat EC 725 di Perairan Laut China Selatan.



Eksesais penembakan torpedo yang dinamakan Op BARRACUDA 1/2014 ini dikelolakan oleh Panglima Angkatan Kapal Selam, YBhg Laksamana Muda Abdul Rahman bin Hj Ayob selaku Pengarah Eksesais. Kejayaan penembakan ini membuktikan keupayaan saling khidmat (interoperability) antara elemen dalam ATM.



Kejayaan ulung penembaan torpedo Black Shark ini turut mengesahkan keupayaan sebenar kapal selam negara, malah secara langsung telah membuktikan kesiapsiagaannya yang tinggi dalam menghadapi peperangan tiga dimensi iaitu peperangan bawah permukaan, aras permukaan dan anti-udara. Selain itu juga, kejayaan ini dapat meningkatkan keyakinan rakyat kepada Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) khasnya TLDM dalam mempertahankan kedaulatan maritim negara.

(TLDM)

Vietnam's third Russian Sub to Arrive Next Month

21 November 2014


Third submarine HQ 184 Hai Phong will be delivered to Vietnam next month (photo : tuoitrenews)

The third of six submarines Vietnam purchased from Russia will arrive early next month, Russian news agency Interfax reported.

The HQ-184 Hai Phong completed testing at sea in Kaliningrad and returned to the St. Petersburg-based Admiralty Shipyards, the submarines' manufacturer, on March 2.

Interfax quoted Alexander Buzakov, Admiralty Shipyards’ general director, on Tuesday as saying that the submarine will arrive in Vietnam early next month without specifying how. 

He added that the HQ-186 Da Nang, the fifth submarine in the contract, will also be launched at the shipyard by the end of the year. 

Last March, the HQ 183 Ho Chi Minh City, the second submarine, was delivered to Vietnam’s Cam Ranh Bay by the Dutch-registered cargo ship Rolldock Star. 

The Dutch delivered the HQ 182 Hanoi, the first of the six subs, to Cam Ranh Bay on December 31, 2013. 

The six diesel-electric submarines, which are considered improvements over the older Kilo-class, were bought through a US$2-billion deal signed during a visit by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to Russia in 2009. 

The contract requires Russia to deliver everything by 2016, train Vietnamese crews and supply necessary spare parts.

(Thanh Nien)

20 November 2014

Navy Renews Push for Sub Plan

20 November 2014


Navy pressed governments for years to buy submarines (photo : enha)

The Royal Thai Navy will dust off a proposal to buy submarines after years of failed attempts to equip itself with the expensive underwater craft. 

Navy chief Kraisorn Chansuwanich revealed the plan on Thursday, which marks Royal Thai Navy Day.

Adm Kraisorn said he had proposed the navy’s latest development plan, which includes the bid to procure submarines, to Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon during his visit to navy headquarters on Monday. 

Adm Kraisorn said Gen Prawit agreed with the planned procurement of submarines and instructed the navy to present detailed studies on the types of submarines it wanted and the cost to see if they are affordable. 

The navy has pressed governments for years to buy submarines to help protect the Gulf of Thailand.

The bid to equip the navy with submarines began when Banharn Silpa-archa was prime minister in 1995. Back then, Kockums of Sweden were the prime target. But alleged corruption by politicians and middlemen who wanted to pocket money from the project led to the deal being sunk.

Ten years later, the navy renewed its efforts with a proposal to buy used submarines from China under the Thaksin Shinawatra administration. But the military coup on Sept 19, 2006 killed that bid.

In 2010, then navy commander Kamthorn Phumhiran approved a plan to set up a Submarine Squadron, with expectations of having six used German U206A submarines worth a total of 7.7 billion baht. But it was met with resistance and never passed the planning stage. 

In 2012, then navy chief Surasak Rounroengrom approved guidelines to train navy personnel in submarine operations, which led to navy personnel studying submarines with the help of countries who have had them for a long time.

In July this year, the Royal Thai Navy’s Submarine Squadron was officially launched at Sattahip naval base in Chon Buri province. The navy has sent 18 officers to Germany for training in submarine technology and another 10 to South Korea to attend a training course on international diesel submarines.

(Bangkok Post)

Pindad Siap Jadi Pemasok Amunisi Leopard

20 November 2014


Amunisi 120mm untuk MBT Leopard 2 (photo : defense update)

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID,BANDUNG--PT Pindad Persero siap menjadi pemasok amunisi tank tempur utama atau Main Battle Tank (MBT) Leopard buatan Jerman dengan kaliber besar 120 milimeter.

"Kita sudah membeli tank Leopard dari Jerman. Makanya, kita siap menjadi pemasok amunisi tank Leopard. Strategi bisnis kita ubah, siapa saja di Asia yang punya (Leopard), butuh berapa? Kita telah mengirimkan 7 tenaga ahlinya ke Jerman dalam rangka bagian transfer of technology (ToT)," kata Kepala Divisi Munisi PT Pindad I Wayan Sutama di kantornya, Turen, Malang, Jawa Timur, Rabu (19/11).

Guna mempersiapkan pembuatan amunisi berkaliber besar seperti tank Leopard, Pindad telah menyiapkan lahan seluas tiga hektare di Gunung Layar, Malang. Namun dirinya belum bisa memastikan apakah Pindad akan membuatnya secara keseluruhan atau hanya perakitan.

"Kami sedang menggeliatkan, membantu pemerintah, untuk mengurangi impor di bidang amunisi. Ini harapan saya jangan sampai devisa kita terkoyak ke luar. Kami sudah berhasil mendesain meriam Howitzer 105 mm," ujar Wayan.

Menurut Wayan, teknologi laras smoothbore yang diaplikasikan pada Leopard merupakan teknologi baru yang harus melalui alih teknologi agar pengembangan peluru untuk tank 62 ton itu bisa sesuai harapan.

"Tak hanya dalam negeri, jika pasokan peluru untuk Leopard telah terpenuhi, Pindad juga mengincar pasar Asia yang menggunakan Leopard. Pangsa pasar munisi tank Leopard di Asia masih terbatas, hanya ada Singapura dan Indonesia serta Australia," kata Wayan.

Pindad telah memiliki fasilitas pembuatan munisi kaliber besar dan munisi kaliber besar roket di Malang. Industri plat merah ini menargetkan pada tahun 2019 sudah bisa memproduksi kaliber 76 mm, 90 mm dan 105 mm yang memang banyak digunakan oleh pasar internasional dengan keuntungan yang menjanjikan.

"Tapi Pindad harus memenuhi kebutuhan TNI lebih dulu, baru lebihnya bisa diekspor," kata Wayan.

Wayan menerangkan, ke depan, Indonesia jangan sampai bergantung impor. Saat ini perusahaan sedang meningkatkan kualitas dan kuantitas produk alutsista dan menargetkan akan menjadi produsen alutsista terkemuka di Asia pada 2023.

"Kita sudah melaksanakan peningkatan kemampuan produksi dan kemampuan desain serta kapasitas produksi sudah direncanakan tiga tahun. Jadi per 2015, 2019, dan 2023 itu visi Pindad tahun 2023 kita akan menjadi industri alutsista terkemuka di Asia. Karena, kan, setiap tahun desain-desain atau memang kebutuhan dari TNI itu di-review kembali. Hal itu senada dengan UU No 16/2012. Makanya, kami memiliki target, tahun 2023 Indonesia mampu memuncaki industri pertahanan di kawasan Asia," katanya.

Pindad terus memproduksi munisi kaliber kecil yang biasa digunakan untuk pistol, senjata laras panjang, hingga senapan serbu. Untuk memperbanyak jumlah produksi munisi kecil ini, Pindad telah mendatangkan mesin baru dengan teknologi termutakhir.

"Yang munisi kaliber kecil sifatnya umum. Kita sudah memiliki penambahan kapasitas untuk memberi mesin-mesin produksi yang modern. Apabila semua terpasang di 2015, saya bisa melipatgandakan kapasitas produksi kaliber kecil, 140 juta butir per tahun," ujar Wayan.

(Republika)

19 November 2014

Gandeng Indonesia, Rusia Kembangkan Peluru Meriam BMP Terbaru

19 November 2014


Tank BMP-3F marinir TNI AL (photo : Defense Studies)

Industri Rusia dan Indonesia tengah mempertimbangkan kemungkinan untuk mengembangkan peluru meriam 100 mm bagi kendaraan tempur infanteri generasi terbaru milik Rusia, BMP.

“Kami berharap dalam waktu dekat dapat memasuki tahap uji coba konstruksi bersama dengan Indonesia. Hal ini terkait dengan rencana pembuatan peluru meriam baru untuk BMP. Ini benar-benar bidang pekerjaan yang baru bagi institusi kami,” terang perwakilan resmi perusahaan Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (NIMI), salah satu anak perusahaan pemerintah Rusia Rostec, dalam pameran Indo Defence 2014.

“Tahap uji coba konstruksi mencakup pembuatan dokumen teknis grafis dan tertulis peluru meriam baru tersebut yang sesuai dengan spesifikasi dari pihak Indonesia, pembuatan prototip, serta pelaksanaan uji coba,” demikian tertulis dalam siaran pers Kementerian Perdagangan dan Perindustrian Rusia mengutip pernyataan perwakilan NIMI.

Transfer teknologi dan pembuatan pabrik berlisensi di wilayah Indonesia pun bisa menjadi langkah lanjutan yang dapat meningkatkan hubungan kerja sama bilateral. "Pemberian lisensi tersebut akan membantu mempersiapkan kader-kader lokal untuk perindustrian militer Indonesia kelak," ujar perwakilan NIMI tersebut.

BMP-3F adalah kendaraan tempur BMP-3 yang diperuntukan bagi operasi kelautan pasukan marinir, penjaga berbatasan dan garis pantai, pelaksanaan operasi militer di pesisir dan garis pantai, serta pendaratan pasukan amfibi. BMP-3F dipersenjatai oleh meriam 100 mm, senapan kaliber 30 mm, rudal, dan senapan mesin. BMP dirancang untuk dikendalikan tiga awak dan mengangkut tujuh orang.

Rusia memiliki catatan positif dalam upaya pengembangan senjata bersama dengan negara lain, salah satunya adalah kerja sama perusahaan asal Rusia Bazalt dengan Yordania, yang telah menghasilkan peluncur granat Khoshim. Selain itu, Rusia juga sukses bekerja sama dengan India dalam proyek pembuatan roket Bramos. Hal itu tertulis dalam situs resmi Kementerian Perindustrian dan Perdagangan Federasi Rusia.

(RBTH)

BRP Artemio Ricarte Getting P249.6M Upgrade

19 November 2014


BRP Artemio Ricarte PS-37 corvette (photo : US Navy)

BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37), one of the three Emilio Jacinto-class patrol corvettes, is getting a marine engineering upgrade worth PhP249,671,000 as part of Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization through the Department of National Defense to ensure combat readiness and seaworthiness of current assets of Philippine Navy.

The said marine engineering upgrade is the second phase of upgrade. Phase one which was completed in 2005 consisted of brand-new M242 Bushmaster 25mm-cannon installation, upgrade of Command and Control & Fire Control Systems. Raytheon Gyro Compass, Sperry Marine Naval BridgeMaster E Series Surface Search Radar, GPS, Anemometer, and EM logs were also integrated in the system of BRP Ricarte.

On the second phase, the ship’s hull will be repaired and undergo remediation. Main propulsion system will be overhauled and improved including control and monitoring systems, electrical plant, and auxiliary systems.

BRP Ricarte is also armed with an Oto Melara 76-mm gun.

The three Jacinto-class patrol corvettes previously served the Royal Navy for Hong Kong as Peacock-class patrol vessels. However, in 1997, when sovereignty of Hong Kong was transferred to China from United Kingdom, three Peacock-class vessels were sold to Philippine government as sign of good-will.

(AngMalaya)

UIMC to Deliver a Communication System to Vietnam

19 November 2014


Su-30MK2 of the Vietnamese People's Air Force (photo : xahoithongtin)

The communication system is designed for a battlefield aviation command post

The United Instrument Manufacturing Corporation, a Rostec subsidiary, has started delivery of the NKVS-27 ground-based aerial communication system. The communication equipment is capable of maintaining communication with frontline aircraft and aircraft of other types.

“NKVS-27 is an airfield-based communication system designed, developed and manufactured by our NPP Polet,” Sergey Skokov, Deputy CEO of the United Instrument Manufacturing Corporation, said.

“The purpose of the communication system is to establish communication networks, communication channels and channels for data exchange, primarily with tactical battlefield aircraft: Sukhoi Su-27-SKM, Sukhoi Su-30 MK2, Su-35 and others,” Sergey Skokov said.

According to NPP Polet CEO Alexey Komyakov, the system offers command post functionality and is capable of automatically transmitting control orders, relaying orders from superiors in the chain of command, monitoring and recording the progress of flight mission processes. 

NKVS-27 can support full-duplex voice communication and multi-channel data exchange over distances up to 1,500 kilometers, the company said in its press release.

This is the third NKVS-27 to be delivered to Vietnam since 2011. Vietnam’s requirement for these communication systems because the Vietnam People’s Air Force has large numbers of Russian-made aircraft in active service. Sukhoi Su-30 MK2 strike fighter manufactured by Sukhoi Company is one of the most numerous military aircraft in the country.

The next equipment delivery to Vietnam is scheduled for early 2015, when NPP Polet should manufacture and deliver to Vietnam a set of backup equipment for NKVS-27. 

The United Instrument Manufacturing Corporation (UIMC) is a Russian government-controlled corporation established in 2014 as a Rostec subsidiary to organize high-tech manufacturing of competitive communication systems and devices, automated control systems, electronic warfare systems, and robotic systems for the Russian military, law enforces and other special forces, as well as competitive products for civilian and dual use. The UIMC includes Vega Radio Engineering Concern, Concern Sozvezdie, Control Systems Integrated Facility and the Central Research Institute for Economics, Informatics and Control Systems. 

(Rostec)

Final Farewell for Navy’s Landing Craft

19 November 2014


HMAS Brunei, Labuan , and Tarakan (photo : Aus DoD)

After nearly 40 years of essential service to communities in Australia and the Pacific, the Royal Australian Navy’s three remaining Landing Craft, Heavy (LCH) have been farewelled at HMAS Cairns.

Representing the Prime Minister, Assistant Minister for Defence Stuart Robert watched the Australian White Ensign being lowered on HMA Ships Brunei, Labuan and Tarakan at sunset, marking the end of their service life.

Mr Robert said it was a significant day for Navy and acknowledged the ships’ proud history of providing essential logistic support to operations.

“Between them Brunei, Labuan and Tarakan have seen more than 120 years of service moving large amounts of cargo, personnel and equipment from larger ships to shore, often to areas that would otherwise be unreachable,” Mr Robert said.

“The Balikpapan Class vessels will be replaced by six new heavy landing craft that will have improved ocean going capabilities and be able to transport armoured vehicles, trucks, stores and personnel.”

Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer, CSC and Bar, RAN, and Head of Navy Capability, Rear Admiral Mark Campbell, CSC, RAN, along with a number of current and former personnel, were also present at the traditional decommissioning ceremony.

During their many years of service, the Balikpapan Class supported numerous operations and exercises in the Australian national interest. RADM Mayer said this important contribution had been done with silent professionalism, beyond the view of many in our nation.

“The landing craft have an operational service history that is virtually unparalleled. Their versatility as a medium sea lift vessel saw them provide much of the logistics support to Australian Defence Force operations in Bougainville, East Timor and the Solomon Islands.

“They also supported Operation RESOLUTE, and in Australia’s time of need, were deployed to help in the aftermath of Cyclones Yasi and Tracy,” RADM Mayer said.

Commanding Officer Labuan, Lieutenant Chris Cockerill said the vessels have also been fantastic ships for the crews.

“My name is the final in a very long list of Commanding Officers of Labuan – this is truly the end of an era for Navy. While it is sad to see the old warships go, this is a proud day as we reflect on all we have achieved. It is also exciting as we look forward to serving on the Canberra Class,” LEUT Cockerill said.

Following the decommissioning, Labuan will be gifted to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Maritime Element.

(Aus DoD)

Thailand's Third Army Grounds Bell 212 Helicopter Fleet After Crash

19 November 2014


RTA Bell 212 Twin Huey helicopter (photo : kvk94530)

The Royal Thai Army's (RTA) Third Army Region has grounded its fleet of eight Bell helicopters, following a fatal crash involving one of its rotorcraft in northern Thailand.

On 17 November, a Bell 212 Twin Huey helicopter reportedly exploded in mid-air, after take-off from an army camp in Phayao province and crash-landed in the Muang district, killing all nine personnel, who were on a logistical mission.

Those on the flight included five army officers, including deputy Third Army Region commander major general Songpol Thongjeen, and four crew members.

3rd Army area spokesperson major-general Tana Jaruwat was quoted by The Nation as saying that all helicopters in the unit will undergo aviation safety checks at RTA's Aviation Centre in Lop Buri province.
"We have imposed a temporary helicopter flight suspension," Jaruwat said.

However, RTA deputy spokesperson colonel Sirichan Ngathong said that the army will continue to operate both the Bell 212 and UH-1 Huey helicopters for missions across the country.

"I insist that the army still uses Bell 212 helicopters for its missions as normal. There has not been a general order to ground them," Ngathong said.

The Third Army Region currently operates three Bell 212 and five UH-1 Iroquois twin-engine aircraft.
A relative of one crash victim revealed that concerns about the age of the helicopter had been expressed a few days before the accident.

However, 4th Infantry Division commander major general Nopporn Ruenjan told the Bangkok Post that the helicopter was maintained properly, with parts regularly replaced.

The Thai Army currently operates 40 Bell 212s and UH-1 Iroquois copters.

Initial reports suggest that the helicopter developed engine trouble, although an investigation is underway.
In 2011, the RTA grounded its Bell 212 fleet after three different models crashed over a two-week period, killing 17 people.

(Army Technology)

Myanmar Navy Launches Stealth Corvette

19 November 2014

Myanmar Navy UMS-773 Tabinshwehti corvette (all photos : Myanmar Navy)

Myanmar Navy launched Stealth Light Frigate  Heavily armed Corvette

The Stealth Corvette is believed to be armed with Chinese and Russian made weapons with Anti Submarine Capability 



The stealth corvette of Myanmar Navy is made in Myanmar 

Myanmar Previously has successfully build Two Stealth Frigate F 12 and F 14.Another stealth Frigate F 15 is under construction

The Stealth Corvette aka Stealth Light Frigate's pennant no is 773 .Myanmar Navy operates 2 other corvette with  seral no of 771 and 772.



Myanmar has a economy of $65 Billion which is almost three times less then it's neighbor Bangladesh who has a GDP of $187 Billion.but Bangladesh has not made any stealth ship so far. 

Despite Bangladesh's friendly attitude towards Myanmar ,Myanmar is showing aggressive attitude towards Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Navy is currently going though a modernization phase which threatens Myanmar.

(DefenceBd)

18 November 2014

Philippines Allots P90.86B to Boost Defense

18 November 2014


P41.38B already spent on 46 military modernization projects (photo : aol)

The government has set aside P90.86 billion to sustain the implementation of the defense and military modernization program until 2017, President Aquino announced on Monday.

The President shared the government’s initiatives to further upgrade military capacity and equipment at the 75th anniversary of the Department of National Defense (DND) in Camp Aguinaldo.

“Ongoing na rin ang ating DND Medium Term Capability Development Program na saklaw ng ating Revised AFP Modernization Law. Sa programang ito, 33 proyekto ang kinukumpleto na natin na aabot hanggang 2017. Ang halagang inilaan na natin dito: P90.86 billion. [The DND Medium Term Capability Development Program under the Revised AFP Modernization Law is ongoing. Under the program, 33 projects must be completed by 2017 with a budegt of P90.86 billion],” the President said in his speech.

Surpassed

The President said the government has already spent P41.38 billion on 46 various military modernization and capability upgrade projects from June, 2010, to October, 2014. Aquino took pride that his administration has surpassed the 45 combined projects of three previous administrations since 1995.

“Mayroon pa tayong natitirang mahigit isang taon at pitong buwan, kaya’t tiyak na madaragdagan pa ang makukumpleto natin [We have one year and seven months left so I’m certain we will complete more projects],” the President said.

In 2013 alone, Aquino said 12 projects, including the purchase of two modern ships, three naval helicopters, and eight combat utility helicopters, were completed under the AFP modernization program.

He also welcomed the formation of the Philippine Defense Transformation Roadmap 2028 that will ensure all reform initiatives will be implemented.

Benefit for Soldiers

Apart from the military upgrade program, the President assured that the government will continue to provide benefits for the country’s brave soldiers such as decent and affordable housing, reforms in their pension system, and livelihood programs for retired and active soldiers.

With these programs, Aquino said gone are the days when soldiers and their needs are neglected. “Ang nais natin: Ipagkaloob ang mga benepisyong karapat-dapat lang matanggap ng mga nagmamalasakit sa bayan [Our goal is to provide the benefits commensurate to those who cares for the nation],” he said.

While the government promotes the welfare of soldiers, Aquino said he has higher expectation from the military to improve its service, particularly in protecting the country’s sovereignty.

Ready to Assist

“Makakaasa naman kayo sa pagpapakitang-gilas ninyo, lalo ring ginaganahan ang inyong liderato na tulungan kayong lampasan ang mga hamon ng inyong misyon, at maging ang inyong pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan [Rest assured that while you perform your job well, the government is ready to assist you in overcoming the challenges of your mission as well as daily needs],” he added.

In the same ceremony, the President lauded Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin for the significant reforms in enhancing the nation’s defense capability while looking after the welfare of soldiers. He cited the great public service rendered by Gazmin, particularly when he combated numerous coups against the administration of his mother, the late President Corazon Aquino. Gazmin was then head of the Presidential Security Group.

Aquino also commended the group of awardees during the DND event for their tireless service to the flag and Filipino people.

“Nawa’y lagi kayong magsilbing huwaran sa inyong mga kasamahan upang lalong pagbutihin ang pagtupad sa tungkulin [I hope you will serve as role models to your colleagues to improve the fulfillment of your duties],” he said.

(Manila Bulletin)

TNI AL Tambah 54 Tank Baru dan Roket Multilaras pada 2015

18 November 2014


Penambahan kendaraan tempur batalyon kavaleri Marinir dapat berupa tank BMP-3F atau panser pendarat amfibi BTR-4 (photo : resboiu)

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Kepala Staf Angkatan Laut (KSAL) Laksamana TNI Marsetio berencana memodernisasi alat utama sistem pertahanan (alutsista) di tubuh marinir. Rencana ini untuk memenuhi Minimum Essential Force (MEF) korps marinir.

Menurut KSAL Laksamana TNI Marsetio, alutsista tersebut juga untuk menjaga kedaulatan dan keutuhan Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia.

"Tahun depan akan ada penambahan 54 tank terbaru serta roket multilaras," kata Marsetio saat perayaan HUT marinir ke-69 di Lapangan Tembak Bumi Marinir, Karangpilang, Surabaya, Senin (17/11/14).

Dalam peringatan HUT marinir ini, ditampilkan beberapa atraksi keterampilan prajurit. Antara lain tarian kolosal prajurit dan tarian nusantara dengan diiringi rampak bedug yang dipersembahkan jalasenastri marinir wilayah timur.

Menurut Marsetio, tarian kolosal tersebut mencerminkan bagaimana TNI AL mengangkat budaya maritim Bangsa Indonesia.

"Gambaran dari tarian kolosal tersebut sejalan dengan visi pemerintah yang ingin menjadikan Indonesia sebagai negara maritim terbesar dunia dan menjadi poros maritim dunia," tandas Mersetio.

Selain menampilkan tarian kolosal, peringatan HUT marinir ini juga menampilkan atraksi serangan kilat gabungan infanteri dan kesenjataan marinir, dancing tank, free fall 12 prajurit pasukan khusus yang melaksanakan kerjasama udara Canopy Relative Work (CRW) dan flag jump dengan membawa bendera-bendera satuan, bendera merah putih, bendera Mabes TNI, Mabesal, serta marinir. 

(Liputan6)

Australia Set to Receive Additional C-17s

18 November 2014


C-17 Globemaster strategic transport aircraft (photo : Aus DoD)

A requested sale of four Boeing C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft to Australia has been approved by the US government, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 12 November.

The sale, which is valued at USD1.6 billion, includes three spares engines, AN/AAQ-24V Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) and AN/AAR-54 Missile Warning Sensor systems (one set per aircraft), as well as other communications and navigation equipment.

The Royal Australian Air Force already operates six C-17s and this sale would "further improve Australia's capability to deploy rapidly in support of global coalition operations and also greatly enhance its ability to lead regional humanitarian and peacekeeping operations", the DSCA said.

No timeline for the delivery of the aircraft was given in the notification, but with the production line set to shut down in mid-2015 and a number of unassigned 'white-tail' aircraft already built and awaiting a customer, the waiting time should not be too long.

Comment

In placing its order for four more C-17s, Australia has secured a large proportion of the final aircraft to roll off the production line. Having announced the closure of the line in 2013, Boeing built 12 additional aircraft, dubbed 'white-tails', in the expectation that customers would be found.

Having delivered 258 C-17s to date - Australia (6), Canada (4), India (5), Kuwait (1), NATO and the Partnership for Peace nations (3), Qatar (4), the United Arab Emirates (6), the United Kingdom (8), and the United States (221) - Boeing has just five more contracted aircraft set to be delivered to India, plus a further one that is expected for Kuwait.

With this Australian order there remain eight white-tails on the line. India has previously stated that it would like a further six aircraft, while Algeria and the UK have also expressed interest in acquiring aircraft.

(Jane's)

17 November 2014

TNI AL Siapkan Divisi-3 Korps Marinir

17 November 2014


Divisi 3 Korps Marinir akan bermarkas di Sorong, Papua (photo : Marinir)
  Surabaya (ANTARA News) - Kepala Staf TNI Angkatan Laut Laksamana TNI Dr Marsetio menegaskan bahwa pihaknya akan terus melakukan modernisasi alutsista (alat utama sistem persenjataan) untuk menyiapkan Divisi 3 Korps Marinir.

"Kami akan terus berupaya memodernisasi alutsista Marinir dengan membangun kekuatan kesenjataan sesuai dengan target pemenuhan Minimum Essential Forces (MEF), termasuk untuk mengantisipasi pembentukan Divisi-3 Marinir," katanya di Surabaya, Senin.

Dalam sambutan pada peringatan HUT ke-69 Korps Marinir di Bhumi Marinir Karangpilang, Surabaya, orang nomor satu di jajaran TNI AL itu menegaskan bahwa Korps Marinir telah memiliki 54 unit tank amfibi BMP-3F pada akhir renstra tahap 1 tahun 2014.

Selain itu, kata KSAL, juga ada penambahan 15 kendaraan pendarat amfibi LVT-7 A1, dan rencana penambahan roket multi-laras. "Modernisasi alutsista Marinir akan terus berlanjut pada renstra tahap 2 (2015-2019)," katanya.

Menurut dia, penambahan itu juga untuk mengantisipasi pembentukan Divisi-3 Marinir yang akan dilakukan pada renstra tahap 2 (2015-2019). Pada akhir renstra 1 telah diresmikan batalyon baru yakni Yonif 10 Mar/SBY di Batam pada 10 November 2014.

"Itu untuk mengembalikan kejayaan Bangsa Indonesia lewat laut, sekaligus mewujudkan Indonesia sebagai Poros Maritim Dunia yang di dalamnya perlu peran konstruktif dari jajaran Korps Marinir," katanya.

Upacara HUT Korps Baret Ungu itu sesuai hari terbentuknya sejatinya dilaksanakan pada tanggal 15 November, namun dilaksanakan pada 17 November 2014 untuk menyesuaikan dengan agenda acara lain. Upacara yang bertema "Bersama Rakyat Membangun Negeri" itu melibatkan 5.054 prajurit Korps Marinir TNI AL.

Secara historis, kelahirannya bermula dari berdirinya sebuah Korps Ketentaraan yang diberi nama "Corps Mariniers" di Pangkalan IV ALRI Tegal pada 15 November 1945, lalu Corps Mariniers ditetapkan menjadi Korps Komando Angkatan Laut (KKO AL) pada 9 Oktober 1948 dan KKO AL secara resmi berubah nama menjadi Korps Marinir pada 15 November 1975 berdasarkan Surat Keputusan KSAL Nomor Skep/1831/XI/1975.

Seiring pengabdiannya, Korps Marinir senantiasa hadir dalam setiap palagan dengan mengibarkan bendera keberhasilan di setiap pelaksanaan operasi mulai dari Perang Kemerdekaan, Operasi RMS, operasi DI/TII, Operasi PRRI/Permesta, Operasi Dwikora, Operasi Seroja, Operasi G30S PKI, pengamanan Kepulauan Natuna dan Ambalat, Operasi Reformasi, Operasi Pengamanan Ambon, Operasi Rencong Sakti di Aceh, operasi pengamanan pulau terluar Indonesia dan operasi pembebasan sandera perompak Somalia.

Selain melaksanakan tugas-tugas tempur, Korps Marinir juga aktif dalam Bakti TNI dan operasi bantu rakyat lainnya. Dalam rangka ikut serta menjaga ketertiban dunia, Korps Marinir terlibat aktif sebagai pasukan penjaga perdamaian PBB sejak tahun 1960 hingga sekarang.

Selama 69 tahun pengabdian kepada negara dan bangsa, Korps Marinir telah kehilangan 838 prajurit terbaiknya yang gugur, tewas, dan hilang. Semua itu terukir rapi dalam Prasasti Sakti Jasawira Perkasa.

(Antara)

Australia Acquires New Deployable Air Traffic Management and Control Systems

17 November 2014


Indra Australia is to supply three deployable air traffic management and control systems worth more than AUD50 million (USD44 million) to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) (photo : Indra)

The Australian Government has purchased deployable Air Traffic Management and Control Systems for the Royal Australian Air Force.

 Defence Minister Senator David Johnston today said the new systems would enable the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to use radar to control aircraft and manage airspace for missions within Australia and overseas.

“This acquisition will assist the ADF in managing airspace during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, as well as deployed combat operations, either independently or integrated with our allies,” Senator Johnston said.

The contract to supply the two rapidly deployable and one larger Air Traffic Management and Control Systems is valued at more than $50 million, and has been awarded to Indra Australia.

Senator Johnston said the contract would provide significant employment opportunities for Australian industry during the integration and through-life support phases of the project.

“Recent global events have seen Australia’s air capabilities come to the fore to assist our friends and allies, with the search for MH370, Operation Bring Them Home and in support of the international efforts in Iraq,” Senator Johnston said.

“These deployable air traffic control systems will enhance the RAAF’s future operations both overseas and domestically.”

(Aus DoD)

Indonesia Targets Shipbuilding Collaboration with France, Germany

17 November 2014


Indonesia to increase naval shipbuilding collaboration with France and Germany (photo : DCNS)

Indonesia has outlined its intention to increase naval shipbuilding collaboration with France and Germany as part of the southeast Asian country's continuing drive to become a modern maritime power.

Indonesia's state news agency Antara reported on 16 November that President Joko Widodo met separately with French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Markel at the G20 Leaders Summit in Australia to discuss maritime industrial co-operation.

Cabinet Secretary Andi Widjajanto said Indonesia and France had agreed to establish a working group to explore areas of shipbuilding collaboration. With regards to Germany, he added that industrial links would continue in the land systems sector but that "in the wider defence industry both sides will co-operate on what can be done within the maritime [sector]".

(Jane's)

Gazmin: AFP to Acquire P23B Worth of New Ships, Equipment

17 November 2014


Strategic Sealift Vessels (photo : Defense Studies)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will soon acquire more than P23 billion worth of brand new boats, helicopters, rifles and other combat and communication equipment, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin announced on Monday.

In his speech during the 75th founding anniversary of the Department of National Defense (DND) in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Gazmin said 36 projects with a total contract price of P23.39 billion were “already obligated and are just awaiting delivery” to the AFP.

Among the units to be acquired under the said projects are the following:
-Strategic sea-lift vessels (two units)
-Naval helicopters (two units)
-Attack helicopters (eight units)
-Medium-lift aircraft (three units)
-Light-lift aircraft (two units)
-Assault riffles (several units)
-Force protection and communication equipment (several units)

Gazmin said these projects were part of the AFP Modernization Program under Republic Act (RA) 7898 and amended by RA 10349.

Gazmin said that apart from the 36 projects, the DND, in line with the implementation of RA 10349 or the Revised AFP Modernization Program, has also lined up an additional 33 projects to be implemented over the next five years, from 2013 to 2017 with the total amount of P90.86 billion.

Gazmin said President Benigno Aquino III had already approved two projects under the Revised AFP Modernization Program—the acquisition of 12 units of surface attack lead-in fighter aircraft and eight units of combat-utility helicopters with a total contract price of P23.6 billion.

“To date, total payment made for these two projects amount to P9.74 billion,” Gazmin said.

Gazmin said other items set to be purchased under the Revised AFP Modernization Program are air defense surveillance radar system, long-range patrol aircraft, close-air support aircraft, C-130 Tango aircraft, anti-submarine warfare helicopters, frigates, amphibious assault vehicles, and various items of communication equipment and night-fighting systems.

Gazmin also boasted of the Philippine Defense Transformation (PDT) Roadmap that the DND has recently crafted to serve as guide of various government agencies in responding to disasters and other emergency situations.

“Even in peaceful times, we must be prepared to protect our countrymen from the wrath of nature and assist in saving lives and properties during disasters. We must also continue to inculcate in our citizens the importance of risk reduction and individual preparedness, and teach them how to counter-act the effects of earthquakes, typhoons, heavy rains, floods, and climate change,” Gazmin said.

(GMA Network)