Australia Orders 211 Boxer Armored Vehicles

18 Agustus 2018

Boxer CRV (photo : ADF)

Rheinmetall Wins Contract Worth Over €2 Billion: Australia Orders 211 Boxer Wheeled Armoured Vehicles

Australia has awarded Rheinmetall an order for 211 Boxer wheeled armoured vehicles worth a total of €2.1 billion (AUD3.3 billion).

The contract was signed at Parliament House in Canberra today by the Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull and the Managing Director of Rheinmetall Defence Australia Gary Stewart. Delivery of the advanced 8x8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) will take place between 2019 and 2026.

The selection of the Boxer CRV ensures Rheinmetall will play a key role in the comprehensive modernisation of the Australia's armed forces. Mr Turnbull first announced his government's intention to order the fleet of Boxer vehicles in March 2018.

Rheinmetall AG Chief Executive Armin Papperger said it was a great honour for the company to be chosen as a partner by the Australian Government at such an important time for the ADF.

Boxer CRV (photo : ADF)

"This demonstrates, in no uncertain terms, the continued successful cooperation between Rheinmetall and the Government and Armed Forces of Australia," Mr Papperger said. "As a company, we are extremely pleased to have secured one of the biggest orders in the recent history of Rheinmetall."

The Boxer vehicle is already in service with, or being procured by, the armed forces of Germany, the Netherlands and Lithuania. The ADF will introduce several variants of the Boxer with the reconnaissance variant – accounting for 133 of the 211 vehicles – equipped with Rheinmetall's cutting-edge Lance turret system and armed with a 30mm automatic cannon.

The Boxer CRV was selected after rigorous trials conducted by the ADF. Under Australia's LAND 400 Phase 2 selection process, the Boxer CRV was chosen in 2016 as one of two candidates for Risk Mitigation Activity trials where the 8x8 wheeled armoured vehicle performed convincingly in the categories of survivability, mobility, firepower, and command & control.

Rheinmetall is co-operating closely with Australian defence industry, having established a strong, highly effective team in the country. A significant share of the industrial value added during production of the Boxer will take place in country. More than 40 Australian companies will be included in the programme. Head of Rheinmetall's Vehicle Systems Division Ben Hudson said the Boxer CRV is the most capable, survivable and adaptable field-armoured fighting vehicle available today.

Passanger cabin of Boxer CRV (photo : couriermail)

"The Boxer CRV is highly protected against both asymmetric threats that have been faced by Australian soldiers in recent operations, while also being highly protected against conventional battlefield threats that our soldiers may face one day in a conventional war-fighting scenario," Mr Hudson said.

"We look forward to building on our successful Land 121 program and extending the trustful partnership we have with the Australian Government and our Australian suppliers and partners into Land 400 to deliver an outstanding combat vehicle to the Australian Army."

Mr Stewart said production of the Boxer vehicles would take place in a dedicated new facility in Queensland in partnership with the Queensland Government.

"This will allow us to establish as sovereign military vehicle industry in Australia that will underpin the enduring partnership with the Government to design, manufacture, deliver, support and modernise this world-leading capability," Mr Stewart said.

Rheinmetall sets the global standard for excellence in a wide array of disciplines and offers an extensive array of military hardware that delivers mobility, lethality, survivability of troops, reconnaissance capability and networking of national and international systems. Rheinmetall Defence Australia and New Zealand is a subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG, with offices in Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane.

(Rheinmetall)

Marinir TNI AL dan USMC Berlatih di Jawa Timur

18 Agustus 2018

Pendaratan pasukan Marinir (photo : Korps Marinir)

Marinir TNI AL dan USMC Mendarat di Pantai Banongan

Dispen Kormar (Surabaya). Korps Marinir TNI AL dan United States Marine Corps (USMC) kesekian kalinya melaksanakan Latihan Bersama (Latma), Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Tahun 2018 Latma ini dilaksanakan di Pusat Latihan Tempur (Puslatpur) 5 Korps Marinir Baluran, Karangtekok, Situbondo, Jawa Timur, Rabu (15/08/2018).

Latma CARAT 2018 ini dilaksanakan mulai tanggal 10 Agustus s.d 18 Agustus 2018, Latihan bersama dimulai dengan serangkaian pelatihan Lintas Laut (Linla), oleh KRI Banda Aceh, KRI Iskandar Muda Serta Kapal Perang Amerika USS Rushmore (LSD) Landing Ship Dock dengan Nomor Lambung 47, menampilkan latihan persenjataan serta operasi patroli laut.

Korps Marinir dan USMC tergabung dalam Landing Operation Working Group CARAT 2018, melaksanakan pendaratan bersama di Pantai Banongan pada tgl 15 Agustus 2018, dengan Komposisi satgas Amfibi Regu Komando Kompi (Rukoki) 2, Peleton 1 Regu Tonban Pasrat Korps Marinir di KRI Banda Aceh, serta1 Peleton dan 1 Regu Tonban Pasrat Korps Marinir di Kapal Perang USS Rushmore.

Pasalnya, Latma Carat ini melibatkan 3 kapal perang,terdiri dari 2 Kapal Perang Milik Indonesia dan 1 Kapal Perang Milik Amerika, 1 helikopter, 15 Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) USMC, 2 LCU USS Rushmore dan 2 LCU KRI Banda Aceh, Tim Kesehatan dan Medis Serta Tim Komunikasi dari Korps Marinir.

Dalam Latma Carat 2018, dengan skenario latihan untuk melaksanakan operasi pengembalian Kedaulatan Pemerintah Negara Republik Blambangan (Negara fiktif) atas mandat Dewan Keamanan PBB, setelah wilayah ibukota Negara Blambangan di Banyuwangi diserang dan dikuasai oleh pasukan negara Buleleng (negara fiktif) yg melaksanakan agresi militer untuk menguasai wilayah Banyuwangi dan sekitarnya.

Latihan Latma Carat 2018 Kali ini dipimpin Oleh Komandan Satuan Tugas (Dansatgas) Letkol Marinir Didik Iwan Supriyanto yang sehari - hari menjabat Komandan Batalion - 4 Marinir, dan Perwira Operasi (Pasiops) Mayor Marinir Ringga Pratama Widiyatama serta Kapten Marinir Bagus Sutrisno (Korps Marinir Head Of Exercise Staff Planner). (Marinir)

Penyerbuan pasukan Marinir (photo : Marinir)

Bukit Baluran Diserbu Pasukan LATMA CARAT 2018

Dispen Kormar (Banyuwangi). Sebanyak 430 Pasukan gabungan Korps Marinir TNI dan USMC mengikuti Latihan Bersama (Latma) Cooperation Afloat Readiness And Training (Carat) Tahun 2018, melaksanakan Latihan perang Gerakan Maju Untuk Kontak (GMUK) dibukit Mangga Dua Karang Teko Banyuwangi Surabaya Jawa Timur, Kamis (16/08/18).

Latihan perang ini dipimpin langsung oleh Komandan Satuan Tugas (Dansatgas) Letkol Marinir Didik Iwan Supriyanto yang sehari - hari menjabat Komandan Batalion - 4 Marinir, dan Perwira Operasi (Pasiops) Mayor Marinir Ringga Pratama Widiyatama serta Kapten Marinir Bagus Sutrisno (Korps Marinir Head Of Exercise Staff Planner). Latihan ini merupakan program pelaksanaan Latma Carat tahun 2018 dengan tujuan memelihara dan meningkatkan kemampuan teknik maupun taktis satuan setingkat kompi dalam operasi darat.

Serangan gabungan antara Marinir TNI dan USMC ini yang dilatihkan meliputi pemberian perintah operasi, sarana kendali serangan, perebutan sasaran, prosedur permintaan bantuan tembakan, konsolidasi, reorganisasi dan perpindahan posko.

Selain materi serangan, juga dilatihkan beberapa materi lainnya seperti GMUK (Gerak Maju Untuk Kontak), pertahanan, patroli tempur, dan Long Marc sejauh 30 km dari daerah persiapan (DP) Hutan Kecil Asem Bagus ke Bukit Mangga Dua Karang Teko Baluran. (Marinir)

DND to Acquire Subs, Equipment Advantageous to Military

18 Agustus 2018

Project 636 Improved Kilo submarine (photo : Military Edge)

MANILA --- In acquiring modern equipment like submarines, the Department of National Defense (DND) will only procure platforms that will be most advantageous to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the DND spokesperson said Friday.

"While our acquisition of submarines for the Philippine Navy is still under study and nothing is final at this point, we emphasize that the defense department will procure equipment that is most advantageous for the Armed Forces of the Philippines through our AFP Modernization Program," Arsenio Andolong said.

He also clarified that the country can acquire equipment from any nation as long as the procurement follows the proper process as provided for under Philippine laws and the platform meets the requirements of its end-users.

"In the case of the planned submarine purchase, we will consider any and all offers," Andolong said, adding that DND will honor all its alliances and international partnerships through the conduct of international defense and security engagements.

Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Russia is willing to provide advanced versions of its Kilo-class submarines to the Philippines through "soft loans" but clarified that the country is still looking for other sources.

Kilo-class submarines have a surface displacement of 2,350 tons, a length of 73.8 meters, capable of speeds up 17 to 20 knots and can be armed with a variety of torpedoes, missiles and naval mines.

It has a cruising range of around 6,000 to 7,500 nautical miles. In the ASEAN region, Vietnam is known to operate six improved Kilo-class submarines in its fleet.

The DND plans to procure the country's first submarines under the Horizon Two of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP).

Procurement of the naval craft was earlier scheduled under Horizon Three which is expected to run from 2023 to 2028 while Horizon Two is scheduled from 2018 to 2022. Budget for the program is roughly placed at PHP300 billion.

Horizon One lasted from 2013 to 2017 and resulted in the acquisition of the three Del Pilar-class frigates, 12 FA-50PH light-lift interim fighters, two strategic sealift vessels, to name a few. 

(PNA)

Some Southeast Asian Countries Interest in Sprut SDM1

18 Agustus 2018

Vietnam and Indonesia showed interest in Sprut SDM1, a 18 tonnes air-droppable-tank (photo : Sputnik)

MOSKVA (Sputnik) - Rosoboronexport (ROE) will launch its world-class "Sprut - SDM1" light amphibious tank, which has been featured in several Southeast Asian countries, ROE chief executive Alexander Mikhneev told reporters on Thursday.

"This is the only type, with no similar product in the world." Sprut - SDM1 "- unique in lightweight amphibious assault class, with firepower as a base tank. It is hoped that this weapon will be of great interest to the weapons from countries with difficult geographic conditions: rivers, waterways, marshland and mountains, and in particular, some Southeast Asian countries showed interest in "Sprut - SDM1," Rosoboronexport press service quoted Mikheev.

Indonesia interest in BT-3F, a 18,5 tonnes amphibious APC (photo : weaponnews)

He noted that in addition to the amphibious tank at the "Army - 2018" forum, exporters were particularly interested in the interest in BT-3F armored vehicles and other products promoted in the international market.

(Sputnik)

Boeing Delivers P-8A Poseidon Simulator and Training Systems

18 Agustus 2018

P-8A Poseidon flight simulator exercise (photo : U.S. Navy)

P-8A Poseidon training commences in South Australia

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, and the Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today announced the handover of the P-8A Poseidon simulator and training systems at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

Minister Payne said the advanced P-8A Training System would better prepare Australian Defence Force pilots and maintenance crews for their demanding roles.

“This $470 million facility marks the beginning of a transformation of our training that will support Air Force’s ability to meet emerging threats and future challenges,” Minister Payne said.

“The facility will deliver over 39 separate training courses which will minimise training demands on the P-8A Poseidon aircraft, reducing aircraft fatigue, increasing safety and improving availability for higher priority tasking.”

The facility is part of the government’s $5.2 billion investment in our new P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft. These cutting edge aircraft conduct a range of tasks including anti-submarine warfare; maritime and overland intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; electronic support; as well as supporting search and rescue missions.

The facility is being constructed under contract with Australian industry with an estimated workforce of up to 700 personnel during peak construction and 2,200 employees over the course of construction.

Minister Pyne said the partnerships between Defence, the United States Navy, Boeing and Boeing Defence Australia have enabled this to be delivered on time and on budget.

“The training system will be maintained and supported by Boeing Defence Australia, creating up to 30 jobs,” Minister Pyne said.

“The project is part of a broader Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance hub being developed at RAAF Base Edinburgh, which will support and create highly skilled jobs in South Australia.”

(Aus DoD)

Pindad Pasarkan Medium Tank ke Filipina dan Bangladesh

17 Agustus 2018

Tank medium Pindad (photo : Pindad)

BANDUNG, KOMPAS.com – PT Pindad (Persero) memasarkan produk teranyarnya, medium tank ke Filipina dan Bangladesh. Caranya dengan mengikuti lelang di kedua negara. 

“Lelang di Filipina sama Bangladesh tahun ini. Filipina butuh 30 unit dan Bangladesh 100 unit,” ujar Direktur Utama Pindad, Abraham Mose saat menyambut medium tank di Bandung, Kamis (16/8/2018). 

Abraham menjelaskan, medium tank buatan Pindad merupakan yang pertama di dunia. Karenanya, Pindad tak memiliki saingan dalam lelang tersebut. 

“Ada juga yang menawarkan tank, tapi beda. Punya kita medium tank,” ungkapnya. 

Abraham optimistis medium tank bisa bersaing. Apalagi, medium tank memiliki banyak kelebihan. Tank ini memiliki meriam 105 mm, sama dengan main battle tank seperti Leopard. 

Namun, medium tank lebih ringan dan tidak berbadan besar sehingga lebih enak manuvernya.

Tank medium Pindad (photo : radarbanyumas)

“Kalau leopard, lihat tongkrongannya saja sudah takut. Belum daya gempurnya. Tapi kalau dibawa ke Indonesia, agak sulit lakukan manuver,” ucapnya. 

Karena itu, Indonesia membuat yang ukurannya lebih kecil, yakni medium tank. Rupanya ide ini belum dikembangkan negara lain. 

“Makanya kenapa kita bikin acara hari ini, bahwa kita mau men-declare, kita sudah mampu membuat medium tank untuk pasar domestik maupun internasional. Kita declare supaya pihak asing hadir, user juga hadir,” tuturnya. 

“Tanggal 27 Agustus nanti saat uji daya gempur, Filipina juga hadir,” ungkapnya. 

Ke depan, sambung dia, pihaknya akan lebih gencar memasarkan medium tank karya anak bangsa tersebut.

(Kompas)

Lelang Tender Proyek UAV: Turki, China, Perancis dan Israel Akan Berebut Hati Indonesia

17 Agustus 2018

UAV Anka - Turki (photo : Lukasz Stawiarz)

ANGKASAREVIEW.COM – Tinggal menghitung hari, pelelangan tender proyek pesawat terbang tanpa awak/PTTA (unmanned aerial vehicle/UAV) MALE (medium-altitude long-endurance) dijadwalkan akan segera dibuka. Tercatat ada empat negara yang mapan dalam bidang teknologi kedirgantaraan siap berebut hati Indonesia.

Kepala Marketing dan Komunikasi Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI/TUSAŞ) Tamer Ozmen mengatakan, kedatangannya ke Indonesia secara khusus memang untuk berpartisipasi dalam lelang tender proyek tersebut, di samping menggelar acara ‘Hari kerja sama Industri TAI-Indonesia’ di Jakarta.

Kepada Kantor Berita Turki, Anadolu Agency ia menyebutkan, Turki merupakan satu dari empat negara yang terlibat dalam lelang yang akan digelar pada 24 Agustus mendatang. Tiga negara lainnya yang akan memeriahkan lelang tersebut yakni Tiongkok, Perancis dan Israel.

UAV Wing Loong - China (photo : Sinodefence)

Sebelum menginjakkan kaki ke Indonesia, Ozmen mengaku ia terlebih dahulu telah mempelajari secara mendalam mengenai industri pertahanan Indonesia.

Inti kedatangannya adalah untuk membahas cara membangun kerja sama dengan Indonesia dalam mengelola industri pertahanan dengan berbagai keahlian dan pengalaman TAI. Berbekal produk seperti UAV Anka, helikopter serang ringan Atak, pesawat jet Hurkus hingga sistem satelit ruang angkasa, TAI akan menggenjot peluang kerja samanya dengan Indonesia.

“Kami memperkenalkan program Anka untuk memberikan ide terkait kerja sama apa yang bisa dilakukan dalam program ini. Indonesia menginginkan sistem permanen di udara dengan ketinggian menengah, dan pesawat kami memberikan jawaban langsung kebutuhan yang dimaksud,” jabar Ozmen, Rabu (15/8/2018).

UAV Heron - Israel (photo : Defense Update)

Kami, lanjutnya, memiliki platform nyata untuk memenuhi kebutuhan yang sebenarnya diinginkan dalam tender tersebut. “Meski saingan terbesar dari negara-negara di kawasan ini adalah China, tapi kami merasa bahwa mereka (Indonesia) tidak terlalu tertarik dengan sistem milik China,” jelasnya.

Baru-baru ini beredar kabar bahwa Kemhan RI mengakuisisi empat UCAV (unmanned combat aerial vehicle) Wing Loong II besutan Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG), China.

Memang di sisi lain hubungan Turki-Indonesia terlihat semakin meningkat, yang diperkuat dengan kerja sama di bidang industri pertahanan akhir-akhir ini.

TAI dan PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) misalnya, meraka telah menandatangani perjanjian pada tahun 2017 untuk mengembangkan kerja sama dan melakukan proyek bidang penerbangan bersama.

UAV Patroller - Prancis (photo : Aerobuzz)

“Kami berharap saat tender nanti dapat menarik partisipasi perusahaan lokal pada tingkat memuaskan sehingga kami dapat dapat memenangkan pelelangan ini,” ungkapnya.

Begitu juga dengan PT Pindad dengan perusahaan alutsista Turki, FNSS Savunma Sistemleri yang baru-baru ini meluncurkan prototipe terbaru medium tank hasil kolaborasi kedua pihak yang sedang menjalani uji ledak dan mintas medan.

Mungkin dari keempat negara yang akan bersaing memenangkan proyek PTTA MALE tersebut, kontestan yang perlu bekerja keras adalah Perancis. Negara ini memang telah memiliki produk serupa yang cukup dijagokan, UAV MALE Patroller buatan Safran Electronics & Defense and Stemme. Namun Perancis telah kalah langkah dengan tiga negara lainnya.

(Angkasa Review)