KSAU Ceritakan Momen Prabowo Langsung Telepon ke Turkiye Untuk Pesan Drone BLOS

11 Oktober 2024

Menhan Prabowo ketika berkunjung ke Baykar Technology di Turkiye (photo: Antara)

KSAU Cerita Prabowo Langsung Telepon Mantu Erdogan Untuk Pesan Drone BLOS

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Kepala Staf Angkatan Udara (KSAU) Marsekal Tonny Harjono bercerita bahwa Menteri Pertahanan sekaligus Presiden Terpilih RI, Prabowo Subianto langsung menelepon perusahaan drone atau pesawat tanpa awak asal Turki untuk memesan drone berteknologi beyond line of sight (BLOS). 

Awalnya, Tonny mengatakan, Prabowo pernah bertanya kepadanya mengenai apa saja kebutuhan yang diperlukan TNI AU pada saat ini. 

"Kemudian saya sampaikan bahwa 'Bapak kami dalam melaksanakan operasi militer mendukung kegiatan Papua operasi militer di Papua kami membutuhkan suatu pengawasan yang bisa secara terus menerus tidak terputus 24 jam'," ujar Tonny dalam acara seminar di Mabes AU, Cilangkap, Jakarta Timur, Rabu (9/10/2024). 

Atas dasar itu, ia mengungkapkan bahwa TNI AU memerlukan pesawat terbang tanpa awak yang dibekali kemampuan beyond line of sight (BLOS).

Dia menjelaskan kepada Prabowo bahwa Indonesia belum memiliki teknologi tersebut.

Sebenarnya, Indonesia memiliki drone CH-4 buatan China yang bisa menggunakan teknologi BLOS. Namun, hardware untuk teknologi BLOS tidak dipasang karena tidak termasuk paket pembelian. 

"Sehingga kita sangat terbatas kemampuan operasi dari pesawat terbang tanpa awak kita," tuturnya. 

Saat ditanya apakah TNI AU sudah meiliki spesifikasi teknologi yang diinginkan, Tonny kemudian menjelaskan, ada drone buatan Turki yang memiliki teknologi BLOS. 

Tonny menjelaskan, drone produksi Turki tersebut berhasil membantu evakuasi korban bencana gempa bumi di negara itu dengan efektif lewat teknologi BLOS. 

"Itu saya sampaikan kepada Pak Menhan dan langsung beliaunya telepon ke pemilik pabriknya. Ternyata beliau sudah kenal dan pemilik pabriknya itu mantunya dari Erdogan dan beliau menyampaikan bahwa 'Saya akan beli'," imbuh Tonny.

Tonny juga mengungkapkan belum bisa memastikan jumlah pesawat tanpa awak yang akan diberikan dari Turki itu. 

"Unitnya nanti tergantung anggaran ya, saya tidak menyebut berapa banyak. Tetapi Pak Menhan, Presiden terpilih, itu sudah menjanjikan akan memberikan drone yang berkemampuan BLOS," tandas nya.

(Kompas)

Australian Cavalry Comes to Grips with Jungle Conditions

10 Oktober 2024

An Australian Army Light Armoured Vehicle from 2nd Cavalry Regiment conducts a river crossing during Exercise Regional Warfighter at Tully Training Area, Queensland (photos: Aus DoD)

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment completed 12 days of training last month that culminated in a 48-hour full mission profile using dismounted and mounted force elements to hone their skills in a jungle environment. 

Officer Commanding A Squadron Major Laurence Smith said training in the jungle in the Tully Training Area was different to operating in more familiar environments, like the Townsville Field Training Area. 

“The training was focused on exposing troops to operating in the jungle while dismounted, as well as understanding the complexities of operating mounted in armoured vehicles in the density of jungle terrain,” Major Smith said. 

“We trained in a series of realistic scenarios that simulate the environments where we may operate in the near region, dense jungle, jungle urban fringe, where communications and endurance away from vehicles can be challenging.”

The soldiers conducted reconnaissance in the jungle and on urban centres, completed raids and coordinated squadron-level attacks supported by fighting vehicles, and low-level jungle operations, including resupply.

Major Smith said armoured vehicles needed to operate differently depending on the terrain. 

“The vehicles can only go to in certain areas; it's quite restrictive terrain,” Major Smith said.

“We can't operate how we traditionally would, so we need to understand how the terrain affects mounted manoeuvre.

“You've got to slow down; everything is slower and more difficult.”

The training will prove useful as the regiment prepares to deploy to Papua New Guinea for Exercise Wantok Warrior later this year. 

(Aus DoD)

KLD Tunas Samudera Underwent Significant Uplift at LUNAS

10 Oktober 2024

KLD Tunas Samudera of the Royal Malaysian Navy (photo: TLDM)

KLD TUNAS SAMUDERA has arrived at LUNAS Langkawi Shipyard (LLS) on 26th September for a significant uplift as part of its comprehensive smart refit program. 

KLD Tunas Samudera when arrived in Lumut Naval Shipyard/LUNAS (photos: LUNAS)

This extensive project is designed to upgrade the ship's systems, enhance its operational capabilities, and ensure it continues to embody the standards of excellence in maritime operations.

Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Commanding Officer, Cdr Azmi Abu Zarin will oversee the project, ensuring that every aspect of the smart refit is executed with precision and care. The project is set to be completed by the end of June 2025, marking a new chapter in TUNAS SAMUDERA's service to the nation.

This collaboration not only showcases LUNAS’s commitment to delivering top-notch maritime solutions but also reinforces the strategic partnership between the RMN and the shipyard. As we embark on this journey, we look forward to sharing updates on the progress and transformation of this vessel. 

KLD Tunas Samudera was a two-masted schooner, or brigantine, of the Royal Malaysian Navy. Tunas Samudera was built by Brooke Yachts in Lowestoft, United Kingdom. The ship began construction in 1988, was launched in 1989, and was named by Queen Elizabeth II and the King of Malaysia.

(LUNAS | Wiki)

Ten Royal Thai Air Force C-130H Transport Aircraft Perform Elephant Walk

10 Oktober 2024

RTAF Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules of 601st Squadron "Lucky", Wing 6 Don Muang shows its Full Mission Capability (FMC) Rate by conducting 10 aircraft formation Elephant walks and taxis on the runway. The first of 12 C-130H/C-130H-30 Hercules have been in RTAF service since 1980 (photos: Komen Eansaard, Noppasin Poompo, Napapol Pethlert) 

Squadron 601, Wing 6, Don Mueang, Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has demonstrated the Full Mission Capability rate (FMC) of 10 out of 12 Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules transport aircraft by performing an "Elephant walk" on the runway of Wing 6, adjacent to Don Mueang International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand.

According to the photos released by the official Facebook page of Squadron 601, which saw the transport aircraft C-130H do Elephant walk and taxi on the runway simultaneously for the first time, the preparation of the time and place for taking photos was still limited by having to use it with a civilian airport, and after the activity was finished, the C-130H had to fly to support the mission to help people from the flood in Chiang Mai Province immediately.

Currently, Squadron 601, Wing 6, Royal Thai Air Force has a total of 12 C-130H transport aircraft, consisting of 6 short-body C-130H transport aircraft and 6 long-body C-130H-30 transport aircraft, namely C- 130H number 60101, 60102, 60103 entered service in 1980, C-130H-30 60104 entered service in 1983. 1990, and C-130H 60109, 60110 and C-130H-30 60111, 60112 entered service in 1992, with an average service life of 32-44 years, which is likely to continue to be used until at least 2032. 

Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) has been implementing the C-130H Hercules transport aircraft capability upgrade project in two phases, phase 1 and phase 2, which were completed in September 2022, while the latest phase 3 project was announced by the selection method, with a budget of 2,820,000,000 baht ($76,895.84). Sources of the median price are StandardAero Canada, Industria de Aviacao E Servicos S/A(IAS) Brazil, Turbopower USA, Hanwha Aerospace Republic of Korea, Airod Techno Power SDN.BHD. Malaysia and TAI Thailand, which issued a revised median price announcement document on August 30, 2024 from the first publication in June 2024.

Although not mentioned in the RTAF White Paper 2024, it is understood that in the long term, the RTAF will need to look for a new tactical transport aircraft to replace its aging fleet of C-130H/C-130H-30 transport aircraft, which is likely to be a competition between The US Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft that has been trying to be offered for sale to Thailand for a long time and the Brazilian Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft that sees an opportunity with Thailand as its new launch customer.

(AAG)

Australian and Malaysian Jets Train Together at Exercise Elangaroo

09 Oktober 2024

RAAF F-35A (photo: Aus DoD)

Australian and Malaysian jet fighters have concluded training together during Exercise Elangaroo 24, from 30 September to 4 October 2024.

In the skies over Malaysia, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A Lightning IIs flew air combat training missions with Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) F/A-18D Hornets and SU-30MKM Flankers.

On the ground, aircrew and maintenance personnel conducted training and engagement activities designed to improve how the two air forces work together.

Wing Commander Paul Simmons, Commanding Officer of No. 77 Squadron, said six F-35As and approximately 140 RAAF aviators deployed for the exercise.

“Malaysia is one of our most important regional partners, and Exercise Elangaroo ensures we’re ready to contribute with our partners to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific,” Wing Commander Simmons said.

RMAF FA-18D (photo: Aus DoD)

“Air combat training allows us to integrate people and systems from respective air forces, learn each other’s strengths, and understand how to fight together.

“Malaysian and Australian aviators have trained together for generations, and Exercise Elangaroo 24 built on our longstanding Defence relationship.”

RAAF fighter squadrons have a long history of training and operations in Malaysia, with No. 77 Squadron based there from 1958 to 1969.

Exercise Elangaroo 24 involved RAAF aviators working from RMAF Base Butterworth in Malaysia and Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore.

RMAF Su-30MKM (photo: Wiki)

The RAAF F-35As are deployed to Singapore to support a string of exercises in the region over September and October.

“Exercise Elangaroo 24 allowed our aviators to practice agile combat employment missions to RMAF Base Butterworth in Malaysia, where F-35As would land mid-mission to refuel,” Wing Commander Simmons said.

“Agile combat employment provides greater flexibility in how we employ F-35As on operations, increasing their survivability and resilience against threats.

“This is more complex training than we previously conducted in 2022, when we debuted the F-35A in Malaysia for Exercise Elangaroo 22.”

(Aus DoD)

New RSN Submarine Joins Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the German Navy

09 Oktober 2024

RSS Impeccable (background), RSS Tenacious (foreground) sailing along side as part of the manoeuvring exercise serial (photo: Sing Mindef)

Interactions with German Navy

Earlier this week, our Formidable-class frigate RSS Tenacious, embarked with Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter, and our Invincible-class submarine, RSS Impeccable, conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the German Navy's Baden-Württemberg class frigate FGS Baden-Württemberg. This was also the first time that RSS Impeccable participated in an exercise with a foreign navy since her commissioning in September.

German Navy Baden-Württemberg-class frigate FGS Baden-Württemberg (F222), length 149,52m and displacement 7.200 ton (photo: Alf Kare Aasebo)

During the PASSEX, both navies conducted a series of communication exchanges, as well as manoeuvring and warfare serials which helped to enhance mutual understanding.

RSS Impeccable (left), RSS Tenacious (center) and FGS Baden-Württemberg (right) sailing in formation during the exercise (photo: Sing Mindef)

Watch-keeper from RSS Tenacious monitoring the bearing of the German Navy's FGS Baden-Württemberg during the manoeuvring exercise serial.

FGS Baden-Württemberg (left), RSS Impeccable (center) and RSS Tenacious (right) sailing in formation during the exercise (photo: Sing Mindef)

Our sailors also interacted with their counterparts from the German Navy, including during a reception on board FGS Baden-Württemberg when she was alongside RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base.

Chief of Navy RADM Sean Wat (second from right) attended the Unity Day celebrations on board FGS Baden-Württemberg, together with Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad (fourth from left) (photo: Sing Mindef)

Our Chief of Navy Rear Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat and senior RSN officers also joined their counterparts, including the German Chief of Navy Vice Admiral (VADM) Jan Christian Kaack, for the reception.

(Sing Mindef)

Ahli: Perpanjangan PSP 25 Alutsista Jadi PR Pemerintahan Prabowo

09 Oktober 2024

PSP 2 kapal selam Scorpene belum diperpanjang (photo: Chilean Navy)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Ahli pertahanan dari Semar Sentinel Alman Helvas Ali menilai perpanjangan penetapan sumber pembiayaan (PSP) untuk 25 program pengadaan alutsista yang jatuh tempo pada Semester I/2024 perlu menjadi prioritas kerja jangka pendek pemerintahan ke depan.

Dia menjelaskan perpanjangan PSP untuk pengadaan alutsista tersebut memastikan keberhasilan pemenuhan kekuatan pokok minimum (MEF) 2020–2024 atau periode terakhir yang bakal berakhir pada 31 Desember 2024.

"Pekerjaan jangka pendek (pemerintahan) Prabowo Subianto setelah menjadi presiden adalah memerintahkan menteri keuangan yang baru untuk segera menerbitkan perpanjangan PSP 25 program pengadaan yang telah jatuh tempo pada semester pertama tahun ini," kata Alman saat dihubungi di Jakarta, Senin.

PSP 2 kapal Fincantieri PPA belum diperpanjang (photo: Il Giornale)

Dia melanjutkan Kementerian Pertahanan beberapa bulan lalu telah mengajukan perpanjangan PSP kepada Menteri Keuangan Sri Mulyani, tetapi permohonan itu sejauh ini belum disetujui.

"Tanpa PSP, program-program yang kontraknya telah ditandatangani oleh Kementerian Pertahanan tidak dapat dieksekusi. Dengan adanya PSP, Kementerian Keuangan dapat melaksanakan negosiasi loan agreement dengan lender (bank pemberi pinjaman) sehingga kontrak diharapkan dapat efektif," tutur pengamat militer itu.

Prabowo Subianto, yang menjabat menteri pertahanan sejak periode kedua pemerintahan Presiden RI Joko Widodo, dijadwalkan dilantik sebagai presiden RI periode 2024–2029 pada 20 Oktober 2024. Dalam waktu selama kurang lebih 2 bulan, pemerintahan baru itu bakal bertanggung jawab atas pemenuhan MEF yang dicanangkan sejak pemerintahan Presiden Ke-6 RI Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

PSP untuk upgrade F-16 menjadi setara Viper belum diperpanjang (photo: LockheedMartin)

Alman, dalam kesempatan yang sama, juga menilai persetujuan menteri keuangan baru memperpanjang PSP itu juga menjadi bukti komitmen Prabowo memperkuat postur kekuatan TNI, yang pada Sabtu pekan lalu merayakan 79 tahun hari jadinya.

“Jika menteri keuangan baru tidak juga menerbitkan perpanjangan PSP, maka secara otomatis hal itu akan mengancam pencapaian MEF sekaligus memunculkan pertanyaan tentang kredibilitas Prabowo Subianto sebagai presiden yang sebelumnya menteri pertahanan," ujar Alman.

Menurut Alman, beberapa program pengadaan alutsista yang saat ini telah diteken kontrak pembeliannya oleh Kementerian Pertahanan RI, tetapi belum masuk tahap kontrak efektif mencakup akuisisi dua kapal selam Scorpene Evolved dari Naval Group Prancis, sementara untuk beberapa rencana pengadaan seperti helikopter angkut berat untuk TNI Udara, rencana upgrade F-16 menjadi Viper, dan pengadaan rudal Exocet, sejauh ini belum ada kontrak pembelian yang diteken.

PSP untuk persenjataan Rafale belum diperpanjang (photo: Omnirole-Rafale)

Di luar itu, ada juga pengadaan dua kapal patroli lepas pantai (PPA) yang dapat ditingkatkan kemampuannya menjadi fregat buatan galangan kapal Fincantieri Italia.

Terkait rencana upgrade F-16 menjadi Viper, Kementerian Pertahanan RI pada awal 2024 justru memilih memborong 42 jet tempur Rafale buatan Dassault Aviation Prancis, terutama setelah kontrak pembelian tahap ketiga untuk 18 unit terakhir efektif.

Kepala Biro Hubungan Masyarakat Sekretariat Jenderal Kementerian Pertahanan Brigjen TNI Edwin Adrian Sumantha saat dihubungi di Jakarta, pada 9 Januari 2024, menyebut pesawat Rafale pertama pesanan Indonesia dijadwalkan tiba di tanah air pada awal 2026.

Boeing CH-47 berhadapan dengan AW-101 dalam memperebutkan pengadaan helikopter kelas berat TNI AU, PSP nya belum diperpanjang (photo: David Parody)

Sementara itu, untuk pembelian dua kapal selam Scorpene, Kementerian Pertahanan RI mengumumkan pembelian dua unit kapal selam buatan Naval itu pada 4 April 2024. Dua kapal itu rencananya dibangun di galangan kapal PT PAL di Surabaya, Jawa Timur, tentunya setelah kontrak pembelian efektif.

Direktur Utama PT PAL Kaharuddin Djenod dalam sesi jumpa pers di Kampus ITB Bandung, Jawa Barat, pekan lalu, menyebut saat ini PT PAL dan Naval dalam proses merancang kapal selam pesanan Indonesia itu.

"Kami sedang melakukan proses desain sekarang ini, kemudian penguatan-penguatan infrastruktur yang dibutuhkan dan juga perlengkapan untuk di sistem supply chain-nya," kata Djenod.

(Antara)