Singapore Navy's First Invincible-Class Type 218SG Submarine Launched

18 Februari 2019

Type 218SG submarine (photo : Shephard)

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at the launch ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s first Invincible-class submarine, Invincible, at the thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Shipyard in Kiel, Germany, on 18 Feb 2019. The submarine was launched by Mrs Ng, wife of Dr Ng. Chief of German Navy Vice-Admiral Andreas Krause, Republic of Singapore Navy's Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Lew Chuen Hong and senior defence officials from both countries attended the launch ceremony.
    
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Ng highlighted that, "The RSN plays a key role in keeping [the] Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs) open, not only for Singapore, but indeed, for the world. And the maritime environment around Singapore also faces security challenges… In this context, the acquisition of the new Type 218SG submarines is timely." He added that that the new submarines were designed based on experience and expertise garnered through more than two decades of operating submarines, and the launch of the Invincible marked a significant milestone in the RSN’s submarine capability.

Type 218SG submarine (photo : MediaCorp)

Invincible is the first of four customised submarines designed for operations in Singapore's shallow and busy tropical waters. Custom-built to Singapore's needs, the new submarines will possess longer endurance and higher payloads. Following the launch, Invincible will undergo a series of sea trials before delivery to Singapore in 2021. The remaining three submarines are under construction. Dr Ng also announced the names of the remaining three submarines – Impeccable, Illustrious, and Inimitable. 

The launch of Invincible is testament to the warm and growing defence ties between Singapore and Germany. Bilateral defence relations have strengthened with the signing of the enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (eDCA) in 2018. The eDCA paves the way forward for cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as in submarine training, defence technology and cyber defence. Both countries also cooperate and interact widely through high-level visits and dialogues, military exchanges, cross-attendance of professional courses and technology collaboration.

Dr Ng was in Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference from 15 to 17 Feb 2019, where he spoke at the conference and had bilateral meetings with his foreign counterparts. 

(Sing Mindef)

HMNZS Te Kaha Undergoing Upgrade in Canada

18 Februari 2019

HMNZS Te Kaha F77 (all photos : NZDF)

HMNZS Te Kaha undergoing its frigate systems upgrade in Canada.

Taking shape. HMNZS Te Kaha's Frigate Systems Upgrade in Canada is reaching an exciting stage with new forward and aft masts and pole mast being installed during a dry dock phase.

Work done in Lockheed Martin Canada and Seaspan Victoria Shipyards for a combat system upgrade under the Anzac Frigate Systems Upgrade (FSU) project.

The vessel will receive an upgraded combat management system (CMS) based on Lockheed Martin’s CMS 330, in addition to the integration of other sensors, the Sea Ceptor anti-missile system, and a combat systems trainer, to be refitted for further service.

(NZDF)

Sea Trials of the BT-3F Armored Personnel Carrier Began to Replace the MT-LB

18 Februari 2019

BT3F amphibious APC (photos : Yuripasholok)

MOSCOW - RIA News. Sea trials of the newest Russian armored personnel carrier BT-3F, designed to replace the Soviet MT-LB, have started, told Abralov Sergey Avtolov, chief designer of the Special Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering (SKBM, is part of the Kurganmashzavod structure, told RIA Novosti)

"Sea trials began, they will be completed in the autumn of 2019," said Abdulov.

The new amphibious tracked armored personnel carrier BT-3F was first presented at the Army 2016 forum. It can navigate and parachute from transport aircraft. The crew of the BT-3F - three people, while the armored personnel carrier takes on board up to 14 paratroopers.

A remote-controlled combat module with a 7.62-millimeter machine gun with a thermal sight and a laser rangefinder is installed on the roof of the combat vehicle. The diesel engine with a capacity of 500 horsepower allows it to reach speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour on land and up to ten kilometers per hour afloat.

Earlier, the deputy general director of Rosoboronexport, Sergei Goreslavsky, said that Russia was negotiating with Indonesia about the supply of BT-3F. In addition, the intention to purchase the latest armored personnel carrier was also expressed by the Russian military department.

(RIA Novosti)

The Philippines Team Visited TUSAS, Viewed the T129

18 Februari 2019

Philippines delegattion visited TUSAS (photo : Kokpit)

In the past months, the T129 ATAK order to pre-negotiate the Philippines Ministry of Defense officials, visited the TAI facilities in Ankara. In addition to the T129, Filipino officials, who were informed about the other TUSAS products, were satisfied with the negotiations.

Corporate Marketing and Communications Director Tamer Özmen gave the model of the helicopter in front of the T129.

8 to 10 T129 to be delivered in the First Stage

The first agreement was signed with the Philippines for the sale of 8 to 10 T129 ATAKs. It is intended to exceed 20 needs.

In the international market, TAI continues its marketing activities for T129. Negotiations are being made with Morocco on sales.

(Kokpit)

TNI AU Bakal Siapkan Pesawat Tempur di Kabupaten Berau

17 Februari 2019

Kalimarau, Berau, Kalimantan Timur (image : GoogleMaps)

TANJUNG REDEB, TRIBUNKALTIM.CO - Untuk memperkuat pertahanan di wilayah utara Kalimantan Timur, Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) Angkatan Udara (AU), berencana menempatkan sejumlah pesawat tempur di Kabupaten Berau.

Hal ini diungkapkan oleh Kolonel Penerbang TNI AU, Irwan Pramuda yang juga menjabat sebagai Komandan Lapangan Udara TNI AU Balikpapan, usai meninjau Bandara Kalimarau, Kabupaten Berau, Jumat (15/2/2019).

Irwan mengatakan, TNI AU memandang perlu untuk menempatkan pesawat tempur, guna menjaga wilayah perbatasan. Terlebih lagi, Kabupaten Berau memang berbatasan dengan Malaysia dan Filipina.

"Ini untuk mengantisipasi ancaman dari wilayah utara. Jadi jika sewaktu-waktu terjadi eskalasi (konflik), kita sudah men-deploy (menempatkan) pesawat tempur kita," kata Irwan kepada Tribunkaltim.co saat ditemui di rumah dinas Bupati Berau.

Bersama para petinggi dari Mabes TNI, Irwan mengatakan, pihaknya telah meninjau Bandara Kalimarau, yang menurutnya cukup layak untuk penempatan pesawat tempur jenis sukhoi dan F-16.

"Kami sudah meninjau bandaranya, parkir (apron)nya, depo BBM (avtur) jugabsudah tersedia, hanya perlu penambahan kecil saja," ungkapnya.

Bahkan menurut Irwan, melihat luasan Bandara Kalimarau, wilayah ini bisa menampung satu skuadron (12 hingga 24) pesawat tempur.

"Tapi kalau untuk operasional (latihan tempur dan patroli), cukup 4 atau 5 pesawat saja," imbuhnya.

Setelah peninjauan ini, pihaknya akan langsung melapor ke Mabes TNI, agar rencana ini bisa segera direalisasikan.

"Kalau lancar, tahun ini mungkin sudah bisa menempatkan pesawat tempur di Berau," tandasnya.

Dalam beberapa tahun terakhir, TNI tampaknya terus memperkuat wilayah perbatasan di Kalimantan Timur. Di Kabupaten Berau sendiri, selain terdapat Komando Distrik Militer, juga ada Yon Armed dan Skadron Helikopter Serbu.

Menanggapi rencana ini, Bupati Berau, Muharram mengatakan, pihaknya akan mendukung rencana TNI ini.

"Karena wilayah kita memang berbatasan dengan Malaysia dan Filipina. Dengan kehadiran TNI Angkatan Udara, Angkatan Laut dan Angkatan Darat, kita memiliki keamanan berlapis," ujarnya.

Muharram menambahkan, dirinya mendapat informasi, ada sekitar 200 personel TNI AU yang akan ditempatkan di Berau.

"Bandara kita dinilai sudah layak, ada depo avtur dan sebagainya, tinggal membangun barak (asrama TNI) saja, karena informasinya mereka akan menempatkan sekitar 200 personel," tandasnya.

(TribunNews)

US Admiral: Vietnam has Ordered Some Weapons from US

17 Februari 2019

USCGC Midgett, Hamilton class cutter (WHEC-726) (photo : USCG)

In a report to US Senate Senate Commissioner Philip S. Davidson, US Navy Commander in the Pacific mentioned a number of US weapons ordered by Vietnam.

Accordingly, in the section: "Solving common problems in the Indo-Pacific region: Strengthening relations with allies and partners", the part mentioning Vietnam has been Admiral Philip S. Davidson refer to the following:

"Vietnam has emerged as an important partner in promoting a safety platform based on rules of international order in the Indian-Pacific region.

ScanEagle UAV (photo : USAF)

Defense cooperation between the US Command in the Indian-Pacific region (USINDOPACOM) and Vietnam is one of the most powerful aspects of bilateral relations between the two countries.

As a symbol of promoting close relations between the US and Vietnam, aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson made a visit to Vietnam in March 2018, which was the first visit of an aircraft carrier. America came to Vietnam after 1975.

Vietnam also shares many US principles in implementing international principles and ensuring freedom of navigation, Vietnam is also the most important voice in the South China Sea region.

Beechcraft T-6 Texan II training aircraft (photo : stmed)

Military cooperation between USINDOPACOM and the Vietnamese Army focuses on strengthening Vietnam's maritime capabilities, which will be further strengthened through Vietnam ordering Scan Eagle drones and T-6 training aircraft and the 2nd coast guard ship of the US Coast Guard.

I look forward to Vietnam taking over ASEAN presidency by 2020 and strengthening regional leadership. "

Thus, with the disclosure of Admiral Philip S. Davidson, Vietnam ordered from Scan Eagle drones, T-6 training aircraft and 2nd coastguard vessels (most likely the Hamilton class ship).

(Soha)

First Two Used Australian Fighter Jets Arrive in Canada on Sunday

16 Februari 2019

Australian F/A-18A/B Hornet (photo : Aus DoD)

The Royal Canadian Air Force will be showing off its first two used Australian fighter jets on Sunday at 4 Wing Cold Lake in Alberta.

Representatives from the Royal Australian Air Force and the RCAF will mark the arrival of the F-18 jets that morning. Only local media have been invited to cover the event.

The aircraft will be used to bolster the RCAF’s CF-18 fleet.

Pat Finn, assistant deputy minister for materiel at the Department of National Defence, told Postmedia in a recent interview that he expected the first two jets in the spring but there was hope they could arrive earlier. The two aircraft will be prepared for flying as quickly as possible.

“I would say it could be by the summer the first couple are on the flight line and painted with the maple leaf,” Finn said.

A second group of planes would arrive later this year. Eighteen of the Australian F-18 aircraft will eventually be flying for the Canadian Forces, while another seven will be used for testing and spare parts.

Canada is paying Australia $90 million for the aircraft. The federal government originally estimated the purchase of the Australian jets would cost around $500 million, but Finn said that price reflected every aspect of the associated deal, not just the cost of purchasing the jets. Canada is also acquiring extra spare parts, the Australian jets will have to be outfitted with specific Canadian equipment and software and testing will be needed.

The $500-million project estimate also included $50 million in contingency funds to cover any problems and another $35 million for the salaries of all civilian and military personnel involved over the life of the project. An additional $30 million will be spent on new infrastructure needed to accommodate the aircraft.

Those costs add up to $360 million, Finn said. But DND also plans to upgrade its existing fleet of CF-18s with new communications gear and equipment required to meet regulations to operate in civilian airspace, improvements which the Australian jets will also eventually receive at a cost of around $110 million, an amount that brought the original estimate to nearly $500 million.

The Liberal government had planned to buy 18 new Super Hornet fighter jets from U.S. aerospace giant Boeing to augment the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18s until new aircraft can be purchased in the coming years.

See full article Ottawa Citizen