30 November 2013
The RSN is expected to receive the first LMV in 2016, and all eight LMVs are scheduled to be fully operational by 2020. (photo : Jane's)
MTU Diesel Eengines Entrusted to Power Singapores New Naval Fleet
Singapore - Tognum has been awarded by Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd to power eight Littoral Mission Vessels for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) with MTU Series 4000 diesel engines.
The Littoral Mission Vessels will be installed with state of the art, high efficiency MTU 20V 4000 M93L diesel engines, known for their low consumption and long service life, with each unit producing 4300kW (5766bhp).
MTU Series 4000 diesel engines offer unrivalled power density in terms of volume-to power ratio and power-to-weight ratio.
The application of the MTU 20V 4000 M93L engines in the new RSN fleet continues MTU's long history of providing propulsion systems to navies across the world.
MTU’s reputation, brought about by its powerful, economical and clean engines combined with a track record as a leading innovator, has cemented its status as one of world's leading suppliers of engines and propulsion systems in the marine industry.
MTU engines and propulsion systems suit a variety of applications including tugs, ferries, super yachts as well as naval vessels, which are used on all the world’s oceans and in all marine areas.
(Tognum)
29 November 2013
Satelit pertahanan akan dimasukkan dalam anggaran 2014 (photo : Lockheed Martin)
VIVAnews - Menteri Pertahanan Purnomo Yusgiantoro akan menindaklanjuti pengembangan sistem pertahanan siber dan memiliki satelit sendiri untuk kepentingan sektor pertahanan, keamanan, intelijen dan luar negeri. Menurutnya, rencana itu akan dimasukkan dalam program anggaran tahun depan.
"Soal satelit ini masuk dalam program anggaran 2014. Tahap berikutnya perlu ada mekanisme tambahan. Pengadaan satelit dari Kemenkominfo," kata Purnomo di Jakarta, Jumat 29 November 2013.
Purnomo mengatakan, TNI Angkatan Darat telah lama memiliki siber pertahanan, meski masih sewa dari pihak luar. Namun kedepan, pemerintah harus memiliki satelit khusus untuk sistem pertahanan agar tidak mudah disadap oleh pihak asing.
"Oleh karena itu mesti diajukan anggarannya, sejauh ini belum ada anggaran untuk itu (satelit khusus milik RI)," ujarnya.
Pertahanan siber yang akan dibangun itu nantinya berada di bawah kendali Kementerian Pertahanan untuk sistem keamanan dan pertahanan Badan Intelijen Negara (BIN), Badan Intelijen Strategis (BAIS), Lembaga Sandi Negara (Lemsaneg) dan Polri.
Purnomo menambahkan, untuk urusan siber ada dua institusi yang menangani. Yakni pertahanan siber dibawah Kementerian Pertahanan yang di operasikan oleh TNI. Sedangkan kriminal siber itu dibawah kewenangan Polri.
Sebelumnya Komisi I DPR yang merupakan mitra kerja Kemenhan mendukung penuh pemerintah untuk segera mengembangkan sistem pertahanan siber dan memiliki satelit khusus untuk kepentingan sektor pertahanan, keamanan, intelijen dan luar negeri.
Sebelumnya Komisi I DPR yang merupakan mitra kerja Kemenhan mendukung penuh pemerintah untuk segera mengembangkan sistem pertahanan siber dan memiliki satelit khusus untuk kepentingan sektor pertahanan, keamanan, intelijen dan luar negeri.
Hal itu merupakan salah satu butir rekomendasi hasil rapat antara Komisi I DPR dengan Menteri Pertahanan, Menteri Luar Negeri, Kapolri, Kepala BIN, Lemsaneg, Mensesneg dan Menkominfo terkait kasus penyadapan yang dilakukan oleh Australia, Kamis 28 November 2013.
(VivaNews)
29 November 2013
RAAF's C130H for Indonesian Air Force (photo : Bernard Proctor)
The Defence Minister says Australia's handover of an old C-130 Hercules to Indonesia will go ahead, despite cooperation being suspended between the two countries.
Defence Minister David Johnston says Australia's handover of an old C-130 Hercules to Indonesia will go ahead, despite cooperation being suspended between the two countries.
The aircraft flew over Darwin this afternoon and has had its Australian markings removed.
The Hercules has been repainted with flags and symbols of the TNI - the Indonesian military.
Australia originally intended to hand over the plane to the Indonesians at a ceremony this week at Williamtown in New South Wales.
That ceremony had been postponed in light of revelations that Australia attempted to spy on Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, his wife and senior ministers in 2009.
A spokesman for Senator Johnston says the C-130 handover will still go ahead.
He would not comment on whether another date had been set for the ceremony or if the aircraft is on its way to Indonesia.
Meanwhile, Indonesia's foreign minister says he has spoken to his Australian counterpart Julie Bishop about meeting to discuss rebuilding the two countries' relations.
Today Marty Natalegawa appeared before an Indonesian parliamentary commission that deals with foreign affairs.
Commission members want more details about a letter Prime Minister Tony Abbott wrote to the president vowing to never hurt Indonesia or the relationship again.
Dr Natalegawa says he is already looking to begin discussions.
"I've been already in touch with Minister Bishop to discuss about the first step, namely for the two of us to get together," he said.
He says a meeting is needed before protocols for future relations can be developed.
Indonesia says it will not restart cooperation on things like people smuggling until a new agreement is signed.
(ABC)
29 November 2013
Royal Australian Navy’s Collins class submarine in the floating dock. (photo : CumminsCommentary)
Defence and security company Saab has signed a contract with ASC Pty Ltd (Australian Submarine Corporation) to update and modernise the Integrated Ship Control Management and Monitoring System (ISCMMS) on the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins Class Submarines. The contract has a total value SEK 180 million.
The ISCMMS system provides the submarine manoeuvring control and integrated platform systems management. Originally developed by Saab it has proven to be a very reliable system of the Australian Collins Class Submarine.
The modernisation program involves updating electronic components and systems to alleviate upcoming obsolescence issues and porting the ISCMMS software to ensure the ISCMMS continues operating dependably into the future.
“ISCMMS has been a very successful part of the Collins Class Submarine and is critical to its on-going operations. With this contract, ASC and the Australian Navy continue to show faith in Saab’s high-tech solutions,” says Gunilla Fransson, head of Saab’s business area Security and Defence Solutions.
Steve Ludlam, ASC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, said ASC was extremely pleased to have Saab on board for this important project.
The contract will run between 2013 and 2016 and will involve the Security and Defence Solutions operations in Adelaide, Australia.
(Saab)
29 November 2013
Kaman SH-2G Super Seaprite will equipped with Penguin Mk 2 Mod 7 anti-ship missiles (photo : Kongsberg)
KONGSBERG has signed a contract with the New Zealand Defence Force for the delivery of Penguin Mk 2 Mod 7 anti-ship missiles and associated equipment.
The missiles will be deployed on the Royal New Zealand Navy new Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite maritime helicopters.
”This contract strongly confirms the Penguin missile’s position as the leading missile within its segment. The contract is for a limited number of missiles, however it is considered an important upgrade of New Zealand’s navy,” says Pål Bratlie, EVP Kongsberg Defence Systems.
(Kaman)
28 November 2013
PS-37 BRP Artemio Ricarte (photo : Azkals)
In line with its efforts to upgrade the capabilities of the Philippine Navy (PN), the Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday announced it is allocating P216 million to modernize the BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37), one of the three Jacinto Class Patrol Vessels (JCPV), in its service.
The latter are the Peacock patrol ships acquired from the United Kingdom in Aug. 1, 1997.
The money will be used to update the marine engineering upgrade of the above-mentioned ship.
The latter refers to to the development, design, operation and maintenance of watercraft propulsion and on-board systems; e.g. power and propulsion plants, machinery, piping, automation and control systems for marine vehicles.
This is Phase 2 of the JCPV upgrade with Phase 1 being the installation of the new Raytheon gyro compass, Sperry Marine Naval BridgeMaster E Series Surface Search Radar, GPS, anemometer, and EM logs.
These were integrated with the ship's existing systems. The Phase 1 upgrade was completed in 2005.
The DND said that interested parties must have completed a similar project within the last five years.
It added that winning bidders must be able to deliver the goods or required service within 180 calendar working days upon the opening of the letter of credit.
Pre-bid conference is on Nov. 22 at the DND Bidding and Awards Committee Conference Room, Right Wing, Basement, DND Building, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Bid opening will be held this coming Dec. 5.
(PTVNews)
28 November 2013
CEAFAR radar (photo : CEA)
Canberra Based Company Awarded Radar Development Contract
Minister for Defence Senator David Johnston today announced the award of a Standing Offer contract to Canberra based company CEA Technologies, to develop high powered Phased Array Radar technology.
Senator Johnston said the contract for the development of systems based on the CEAFAR radar would support a number of future Defence acquisitions.
“The CEAFAR radar is currently being fitted to the ANZAC Class Frigates as part of a major upgrade,” Senator Johnston said.
The radar has proven to be a significant enhancement to self and local area defence against modern anti-ship missiles and has performed successfully in recent trials.
“This radar is a world-leading capability for a system of its weight and size and importantly, is considerably more cost-effective than comparable systems,” Senator Johnston said.
“The development of high power phased array radar based on the CEAFAR system builds on the substantial investment in domestic radar-related research and development.”
Senator Johnston said the CEAFAR radar is a focus of the phased array radar element of the High Frequency and Phased Array Radar Priority Industry Capability (PIC).
“The High Frequency and Phased Array Radar (PIC) defines world leading radar capabilities that are locally developed in Australia, providing effective capabilities in their respective operational environments, while the intellectual property stays here.”
CEA Technologies is an internationally recognised radar and communication systems supplier established by two former officers from the Royal Australian Navy in 1983.
(Aus DoD)
28 November 2013
C130H eks RAAF untuk TNI AU (photo : RAAF)
Pembelian Pesawat Hercules dari Australia Tak Batal
Liputan6.com, Jakarta : Bocornya skandal penyadapan Australia terhadap Presiden SBY, Pemerintah Indonesia langsung memutus kerja sama militernya dengan Negeri Kanguru. Namun, pembelian pesawat hercules dari Australia tetap berjalan.
"Hercules sudah dibayar dengan APBN, jadi tidak dibatalkan pembeliannya. Kalau dibatalkan uangnya hilang. Kontrak sudah berjalan sambil kita mengevaluasi kerjasama yang lain. Jadi Hercules sudah kita bayar," kata Menteri Pertahanan Purnomo Yusgiantoro di Hotel Atlet, Senaayan, Jakarta, Jumat (28/11/2013).
Purnomo menjelaskan, pesawat Hercules dari Australia totalnya 9 unit, 4 di antaranya adalah hibah. Purnomo menambahkan, pesawat Hercules penting keberadaannya untuk dimiliki Indonesia.
"Jadi Hercules sudah kita bayar 5 unit, yang 4 hibah itu sudah kita perbaiki sehingga tetap kita terima 9 unit. DPR sudah setuju dan memberi dana untuk 9 pesawat itu. Pesawat Hercules bermanfaat untuk penanggulangan bencana dan sebagainya. Itu efektif sekali," jelas Purnomo.
Sedangkan kerja sama militer yang diputus, ungkap Purnomo, mencakup 3 hal. "Yang diberhentikan 3 hal, latihan militer bersama di Lembang, militer Australia telah pulang ke negaranya, TNI AU di Darwin juga sudah ditarik ke Tanah Air, dan ketiga latihan gabungan kita batalkan," beber Purnomo.
Selain itu, sambung Purnomo, pemberhentian juga mencakup pertukaran informasi intelijen dan kerjasama penyelesaian masalah penyelundupan manusia. Namun, beberapa kerjasama dengan Australia ada yang masih berjalan, tapi Purnomo tak menjelaskannya.
"Sedangkan kerja sama lain masih berjalan tapi akan kita evaluasi," pungkas Purnomo.
(Liputan6)
27 November 2013
The contract is to update the control management and monitoring system for the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins Class submarines (photo : ASC)
Defence Minister Senator David Johnston today announced the Defence Materiel Organisation has signed a multi-million dollar contract with ASC Pty Ltd to update the control management and monitoring system for the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins Class submarines.
Senator Johnston said the Integrated Ship Control Management and Monitoring System is a highly automated computerised system, which enables the crew of a Collins submarine to control, monitor and manage the large number of diverse and complex systems on board the submarines.
“Work under the $57 million contract will focus on updating electronic components and porting the software to operate on the new system,” Senator Johnston said.
“The current Ship Control Management and Monitoring System has performed effectively and reliably since the Collins class entered service in the 1990s.”
“However, it is essential to upgrade the current system to ensure the system can be maintained for the remaining service life of the Collins Class fleet.”
ASC is the Collins Class Submarine Platform System Integrator and they will be supported on the project by Saab Systems in South Australia.
The contract also covers design, development and manufacture of the hardware for two boats: the updating of the shore-based test facility and platform simulation trainer, and the installation of the updated system in the first boat.
Senator Johnston said the majority of the work will be performed in Outer Harbour and Mawson Lakes in South Australia.
(Aus DoD)
27 November 2013
DARPA Space Surveillance Telescope. (photo : DARPA)
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering the relocation of a highly advanced US space surveillance telescope to the Harold E Holt Naval Communication Facility in Exmouth has been signed in Washington by Defence Minister David Johnston and his US counterpart, Chuck Hagel.
“As a key outcome of the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations in Washington DC, US Secretary of Defense Hagel and I signed an MoU regarding the relocation of the US space surveillance telescope to the Harold E. Holt naval base,” said Senator Johnston.
“This is a significant initiative under the Australia-US Space Situational Awareness Partnership, and will provide an important capability for both Australia and the US.
“Furthermore, it is a demonstration of the ability of Australia and the US to work together to meet shared challenges.
“Like all modern economies, Australia relies upon space for a range of purposes, including national security, banking, navigation, communications and weather forecasting. Often we do not realise that the technologies upon which our modern lifestyles depend both utilise and rely on assured access to space-based capabilities.
“Just as our dependence on space is growing, however, so too are the risks to our access to space. These risks include increasing congestion of international and commercial space use, and the growing amount of orbiting space debris. The consequences of collisions in space can be devastating and uncontrollable.”
The space surveillance telescope will assist in addressing these risks by improving the ability to monitor space over the southern hemisphere. The highly advanced technology of the telescope will enable it to observe objects in space out to 36,000km above the earth.
The telescope, which will be operated by Australia on behalf of the US, will contribute to the US global Space Surveillance Network, which provides warnings to all satellite operators of potential collisions with other satellites or debris. The telescope will complement another initiative to also relocate a C-band space surveillance radar to Exmouth.
Under the signed agreement, Australia will be responsible for constructing a building at the Harold E. Holt facility to house the telescope, and will share the costs of operating and maintaining the telescope with the US Air Force.
The telescope is expected to operate from 2016. Consistent with long-standing policy, these activities will take place with the full knowledge and concurrence of the Australian Government.
This initiative represents a giant leap forward in Australia-US defence space cooperation, and will have benefits not only for our respective countries, but also every nation and individual that relies upon space on a daily basis.
(Aus DoD)
27 November 2013
Pesawat angkut C-130H eks RAAF yang skema warnanya telah disesuaikan dengan TNI AU (photo : Kaskus Militer)
Pemerintah Tak Jadi Beli Hercules Australia
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pemerintah lewat Kementerian Pertahanan memutuskan membatalkan rencana pembelian enam pesawat angkut C-130 Hercules bekas dari Australia. Pemerintah juga menolak hibah empat unit pesawat serupa dari Negeri Kanguru itu.
"Proyek Hercules dari Australia digantikan," kata Kepala Badan Sarana Pertahanan Kementerian Pertahanan Laksamana Muda Rachmad Lubis saat dihubungi Tempo, Selasa, 26 November 2013.
Pembatalan ini merupakan buntut pengungkapakan aksi penyadapan yang dilakukan pemerintah Australia pada 2009. Gusar pada tindakan negeri jiran itu, Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono lantas menghentikan kerja sama pertahanan dengan Australia.
Sebelumnya, Indonesia dan Australia sepakat dengan transaksi jual-beli enam unit pesawat angkut militer Hercules seharga US$ 15 juta per unit. Australia pun menawarkan empat unit pesawat Hercules secara cuma-cuma, meski Indonesia diwajibkan membayar biaya perawatan dan perbaikan senilai US$ 15 juta per unit, jumlah yang sama dengan harga pesawat Hercules baru.
Rachmad Lubis mengatakan sampai saat ini pemerintah belum membayarkan uang ke Australia. Menurut dia, besarnya anggaran proyek Hercules bekas Australia masih dalam perhitungan. "Karena sifatnya adalah biaya untuk pemeliharaan pesawat," tuturnya.
Namun, Kementerian Pertahanan belum menentukan apaakh akan membeli pesawat angkut serupa dari negara lain. Sebab harga pesawat Hercules baru bisa mencapai lima kali lipat dari biaya hibah dari Australia. "Sementara kami masih wait and see," ujarnya.
(Tempo)
26 November 2013
Northrop Grumman AN/TPS-78 (photo : technodefesa)
BALTIMORE – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been selected by the Royal Thai Air Force to supply additional AN/TPS-78 air defense and surveillance radar systems.
Under the terms of the contract, Northrop Grumman will begin supplying equipment to the Royal Thai Air Force in 2015. The company will also provide training, spares and logistics support.
"With this award, we continue our 25 years of support of the Royal Thai Air Force and the national security infrastructure of Thailand," said Robert Royer, vice president of Northrop Grumman's International Systems business unit. "Highly mobile and proven in a wide range of environmental conditions, the AN/TPS-78 will give the Royal Thai Air Force a powerful new capability for monitoring its national airspace."
The Northrop Grumman AN/TPS-78 is among the latest generation of highly mobile, state-of-the-art radars made possible by advances in high power transistor technology and designed to operate in some of the harshest, most demanding environments. The radar has proven particularly adept at detecting small targets in areas of difficult land and sea clutter, making it well suited for use in mountainous and coastal regions.
The S-Band, long-range AN/TPS-78 is in use with the U.S. Air Force and a variety of customers worldwide. To date, AN/TPS-78 systems have logged more than 1 million operating hours.
(Northrop Grumman)
26 November 2013
The Zhi-9 is a licensed-built version of Eurocopter's Dauphin AS365 N2, which has been built by Harbin Aircraft Industry Co since the early 1980s. (photo : Cambodia Herald)
Twelve Chinese-built Zhi-9 (Z-9) utility helicopters, which Cambodia had purchased from China, were delivered to the Royal Cambodian Air Force on Monday.
The handover ceremony was held at the capital's Military Airbase between Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Tea Banh and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Bu Jianguo.
Tea Banh said the helicopter delivery was a new historic achievement in addition to numerous supports the Chinese government has given to Cambodia.
"The helicopters will be used to serve training in order to strengthen capacity for the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces in defending territorial integrity and in cracking down on offenses in remote areas," he said. "They will also be used for humanitarian activities such as disasters."
Tea Banh also highly spoke of excellent relations and cooperation between Cambodia and China under the leadership of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Chinese leadership.
Twelve Z-9 utility helicopter (photo : Xinhua)
"The friendship relations between Cambodia and China have moved closer, reaching the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation in 2010," he said. "The bilateral excellent ties will bring mutual benefits to the two countries and peoples."
Bu Jianguo said that the Z-9 choppers are capable of carrying people and materials in case of any emergency rescues.
"China believes that the helicopters will enhance capacity for the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces in emergency operations in case of any disasters," she said.
Soeung Samnang, commander of the Royal Cambodian Air Force, said the Z-9 helicopters were purchased from the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC).
"They are medium-sized carriers," he said. "They will help increase efficiency and capacity for the air forces in their national defense duties," he added.
China lent Cambodia $195 million in August, 2011 to buy those choppers.
(Global Times)
25 November 2013
The Philippine Air Force should ideally have at least nine C-130s (photo : sires9094)
MANILA, Philippines–The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is in the process of acquiring two more C-130 cargo planes.
Once bought, there will be five C-130 planes in the Air Force inventory. AFP Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista said on Monday that there should be nine C-130s in order to say that the military has enough.
“The Air Force told me that they will be happy if they will get nine C-130s. So we have three and we are trying to acquire two more. So we will try to get more,” he told reports at Camp Aguinaldo.
The three C-130s have been the workhorse of the Air Force in the ongoing relief operations for typhoon-battered areas. It ferries relief goods and residents of typhoon-stricken areas who want to be evacuated.
The local cargo planes can carry as much as 200 persons. Dozens of foreign C-130s have also been helping in relief efforts.
“In terms of strategic lift the C-130 is important. We saw how it helped during calamities. It’s not just for military operations but for other operations other than war such as rescue and relief effort,” Bautista said.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin also revealed in his speech on the sendoff for BRP Ramon Alcaraz last Friday the plans to procure two more C-130s.
Bautista added that they are also trying two acquire two logistics support vessels and strategic sealift vessels.
“In addition to our sealift vessels, only two are used as logistics vessels so we are acquiring two strategic sealift vessels. In fact we need more and we will try to acquire more as resources allow us,” he said.
(Inquirer)
25 November 2013
Ten small amphibian vehicle will be operated by Philippine Marine Corp (photo :U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command)
The DND through the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program intends to apply the sum of 105 mio PhP being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Small Amphibian Vehicle Acquisition Project including Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) for the Philippine Marine Corp.
Delivery of 10 units of Small Amphibian Vehicle is required within 90 days from the opening of Letter of Credit.
Bids must be delivered before on or December 12, 2013 and will be opened in the same day.
(Defense Studies)
24 November 2013
The C17A Cargo Compartment Trainer (CCT) is a full scale replication of the cargo section of the C17A Globemaster III aircraft, measuring 65 feet long and 18 feet wide. This training device can accommodate any configuration that the aircraft is capable of up to and including carrying the M1 Abrams tank. (photo : Aus DoD)
The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) today announced the successful delivery and commissioning of a Cargo Compartment Trainer (CCT) for the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) C-17A Globemaster transport aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley.
DMO’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Warren King congratulated the AIR 8000 team and said the CCT is a working facsimile of a RAAF C-17A Globemaster’s interior.
“The CCT, which has been delivered ahead of schedule and under budget, consists of a 26.82m long by 5.49m wide cargo bay, with functioning loading ramp, Loadmaster’s station and other cargo systems found on the real aircraft,” Mr King said.
“Much like the real C-17A, the CCT can accommodate payloads ranging from 18 pallets of cargo to helicopters and an M1A1 Abrams tank.
“Importantly it can also be used in training scenarios for specialised roles such as aero-medical evacuation and humanitarian relief.”
Mr King said the significance of the CCT entering service is that it releases the fleet of six C-17A’s from some of the training tasks they previously conducted, increasing their availability for operational tasks.
“In recent weeks, the RAAF C-17A Globemaster has played a critical role in the redeployment of equipment from Afghanistan and supporting Operation PHILIPPINES ASSIST,” Mr King said.
“The CCT will train a generation of Defence personnel who will continue to use the C-17A to improve the wellbeing of others within the region.”
Mr King said the CCT will also be employed for trials and engineering assessments when developing cargo carrying techniques for the C-17A.
“Conducting engineering assessments on the CCT and away from the real aircraft will effectively allow us to more easily clear loads for carriage,” Mr King said.
“The successful acquisition of the CCT has been further assisted by US and Australian agencies, in particular the United States Air Force, Boeing, and Safety Training Systems.
“Sustainment of the CCT will be provided through L-3 Communications who will provide continued training for RAAF C-17A personnel.”
(Aus DoD)
24 November 2013
Pesawat tempur JAS-39 C/D Gripen keluaran SAAB dari Sweden. (photo : superb wallpaper)
KUALA LUMPUR - Syarikat pengeluar pesawat tempur, SAAB yang berpangkalan di Sweden, optimis Malaysia akan menimbang untuk menggantikan pesawat tempur pelbagai fungsi (MRCA) milik Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia, MiG-29N Fulcrum, dengan pesawat tempurnya, JAS-39 C/D Gripen.
Pengarah Urusan SAAB International Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (SAAB), Thomas Linden berkata, TUDM buat masa ini sedang mengkaji kemungkinan itu selepas barisan pegawai-pegawai tertinggi ketumbukan tersebut mengadakan lawatan ke pangkalan syarikat itu di Sweden baru-baru ini.
Pesawat pejuang JAS-39 C/D Gripen, yang dikeluarkan oleh SAAB, merupakan antara empat pesawat yang dikatakan pilihan untuk menggantikan MiG-29N Fulcrum.
Pesawatpesawat yang lain termasuk Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Rafale dan Eurofighter Typhoon.
"Kita telah disenarai pendek oleh kerajaan Malaysia walaupun program penggantian MiG-29N Fulcrum itu ditunda. SAAB kini aktif mengikuti sebarang perkembangan berhubung program itu.
"Kita optimis Gripen akan menjadi pilihan bagi TUDM atas kapasiti pesawat itu sebagai sebuah aset yang berprestasi tinggi dan pada masa sama kos efektif dalam memenuhi tuntutan pertahanan Malaysia," katanya kepada pemberita di Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) di sini hari ini.
Setakat ini jelas Thomas, pasukan Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) telah menggunakan pelbagai produk keluaran SAAB termasuk Senjata Anti Kereta Kebal Carl-Gustaf, Sistem Pengurusan Tempur Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM) 9LV dan Radar Pertahanan Udara Giraffe 40.
Yang turut menjadi kegunaan pasukan pertahanan negara, kata beliau, adalah Radar Pemantau 150 Sea Giraffe milik Kapal Diraja (KD) Lekiu, Radar Pengesan Senjata Artileri Arthur, EW milik Sukhoi 30 MKM dan Sistem Pengesan Automatik (AIS) untuk pengesanan pesisiran maritim.
(Utusan)
23 November 2013
PF-16 BRP Ramon Alcaraz (photo : rappler)
Christening, Commisioning and Send-Off Ceremonies for the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF16)
After three months of dry-docking and repainting in preparing our country’s latest warship for its future operations, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF16) is now ready to fulfill its mission of serving this maritime nation.
The Christening, Commissioning and Send-off Ceremonies for the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF16) were held today,November 22, 2013 at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila with Secretary of National Defense as Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker. The Alcaraz family also attended as special guests.
Immediately after the ceremonies, BRP Alcaraz embarked on her first ever mission, that is Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response operations for the victims of super typhoon “Yolanda” in Eastern Visayas.
The vessel transports relief items from different government agencies, NGOs and private organizations. BRP Alcaraz also carries PN personnel consisting of builders and engineers that will be utilized for various relief operations which will include but not limited to clearing operations, relief goods distribution, repair and rehabilitation.
With more or less 200 tons of assorted relief goods and other necessary equipment and 12 PN personnel as augmentation troops for the Naval Task Group “Tulong Visayas”, PF 16 is expected to arrive Tacloban on November 24, 2013.
BRP Alcaraz will serve as the command and control of the AFP Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response operations in Samar-Leyte area and will also assist in monitoring relief and rehabilitation efforts of foreign armed forces in the typhoon-stricken areas.
(Phil Navy)
22 November 2013
First C-27J for RAAF (photo : Alenia Aermacchi)
Alenia Aermacchi has completed the assembly of the first C-27J battlefield airlifter for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). At the company’s Turin plant, the aircraft’s wing was mated with the fuselage and the engines, landing gear, and other major components were installed. The aircraft is currently undergoing equipment installation and functional tests in preparation for the test flight phase.
Roll out and company flights will occur within November, and customer acceptance tests and procedures will follow shortly.
Alenia Aermacchi is providing the C-27J to prime contractor L-3 Communications, in support of a U.S. Air Force Foreign Military Sale to Australia.
The first aircraft is expected to be delivered to L-3 in the first quarter of 2014, on time and on budget.
The aircraft’s fuselage is produced in the company’s Naples plant. The other aircraft’s components come from several national and international program partners.
Alenia Aermacchi is currently under contract to deliver 10 C-27J battlefield airlifters by 2015 to the prime contractor.
(Alenia Aermacchi)
22 November 2013
Fuze untuk bom udara buatan Armaco Bulgaria (photo : Armaco)
Malang (ANTARA News) - Kementerian Pertahanan mendukung kemungkinan alih teknologi pembuatan fuze atau komponen pemicu bom dari Armaco JSC Bulgaria sebagai upaya menuju kemandirian industri pertahanan dalam negeri.
"Kita memang menuju kepada kemandirian alat utama sistem senjata (Alutsista), tetapi prosesnya bertahap. Pada saat kita belum mampu, kita melakukan kerja sama dengan luar negeri," kata Wakil Menteri Pertahanan Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin yang juga Ketua High Level Committe (HLC) usai meninjau kesiapan pabrik bom PT Sari Bahari di Malang, Jawa Timur, Jumat.
Menurut dia, kerja sama dengan luar negeri harus ada kesetaraan dan kemitraan untuk mendapatkan satu alih teknologi tentang pengembangan fuze ini.
"Ini dilakukan secara bertahap dengan target suatu saat kita bangun pabrik fuze di Indonesia. Ini dilakukan agar industri pertahanan dalam negeri bisa mandiri tanpa ketergantungan negara asing," tuturya.
Menurut dia, meski Indonesia belum memiliki pabrik pembuat fuze, namun Indonesia memiliki pabrik pembuat bom, PT Sari Bahari, dimana satu-satunya yang ada di Asia Tenggara.
Bom yang telah diproduksi oleh PT Sari Bahari dan PT Dahana selaku tempat pengisian bahan peledaknya, antara lain, bom asap, bom P-100 L yang diperuntukan untuk pesawat tempur Sukhoi TNI AU, roket untuk pesawat Super Tucano dan lainnya.
"Kami koneksikan dengan PT Sari Bahari dengan PT Dahana. Ini menunjukan kemampuan industri pertahanan kita sudah memiliki infrastruktur termasuk amunisi untuk mendukung kemandirian alutsista TNI," kata Sjafrie.
Di tempat yang sama, Presiden Direktur PT Sari Bahari Ricky Egam mengatakan, pihaknya akan berusaha untuk bisa berkembang dengan pesat, meskipun ada beberapa kendala yang dihadapinya.
Kendala itu, kata dia, belum adanya pembuat fuze di Indonesia sehingga mengharuskan pihaknya mengimpor dari Bulgaria.
"Sebenarnya pihak Armaco, Bulgaria setuju untuk menjalin kerja sama untuk PT Sari Bahari untuk alih teknologi pembuatan fuze. Namun, pihak Armaco meminta sebelum ada kesepakatan, PT Sari Bahari harus membeli fuze sebanyak 1.500 pcs. Kami minta pemerintah untuk mendukung masalah ini," katanya.
(Antara)
22 November 2013
HMAS Newcastle fires a Standard Missiles (photo : RAN)
Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO), Mr Warren King, today announced that a multi-million dollar contract had been signed with Thales Australia for in-service support on four Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ships.
Mr King said the $46 million contract provides support to the Adelaide Class Guided Missile Frigate’s (FFG) Combat Systems and offers increased job security to the 48 staff within Thales that have been engaged under the interim contract.
“This contract will ensure the FFG Class Combat System, which is among the most capable in the world, is effectively sustained until the RAN transitions to the new Air Warfare Destroyers,” Mr King said.
“The Commonwealth looks forward to working with Thales in maintaining the war fighting capabilities of the FFG Fleet.”
Mr King said the contract also covers on-board systems and associated support facilities, and will be delivered from the company’s facilities in Sydney and Perth.
The versatile FFG combat system was developed by Thales as part of the FFG Upgrade Project which concluded in 2011 and was the most technologically advanced warship upgrade program ever performed in Australia.
At the core of the upgrade, the Australian Distributed Architecture Combat System (ADACS) integrated various shipboard sensors, effectors, tactical data links and support systems to provide the frigates’ command teams with a common battle space management environment.
(Aus DoD)
21 November 2013
The Hanoi kilo-class submarine, considered one of the most modern submarines in the world (photo : QDND)
Following talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and visiting Vietnam Communist Party general secretary Nguyen Phu Trong here on Wednesday, the two sides signed eight pacts of which the ones on energy cooperation and protection of information in defence will intensify the already close ties in these two sectors.
For the defence pact, preparatory work was done during meetings between high ranking officials such as Vietnam’s Chief of General Staff Do Ba Ty and Defence Secretary R.K. Mathur during which they agreed to have greater cooperation in capacity building, joint projects and training.
India has already agreed to train 500 Vietnamese submariners and will transfer four naval boats under a $100-million credit line.
As Dr. Singh noted, “we reaffirmed the importance of defence and security cooperation and agreed to strengthen it further. India will continue to assist Vietnam in modernisation and training of its defence and security forces.”
In a joint statement, both leaders termed defence cooperation a “significant pillar” of strategic partnership and noted the increased pace of defence dialogue, training and exercises, ship visits, capacity building and exchanges between think tanks.
On the economic front, an MoU formalised Vietnam’s decision to award Tata Power a $1.8-billion thermal power project after a failed bid by the same company to set up a $5-billion steel plant. An air services agreement, which was also among the eight to be signed, could lead to direct flights giving a boost to trade and tourism.
(The Hindu)
21 November 2013
Infantry soldiers from both armies training together during a combined battalion field exercise. (photo : Sing Mindef)
Singapore Armed Forces Chief of Army Major-General Ravinder Singh and Malaysian Armed Forces Chief of Army General Datuk Raja Mohamed Affandi Bin Raja Mohamed Noor co-officiated at the closing ceremony of Exercise Semangat Bersatu this afternoon. This year's exercise, the 19th in the series of bilateral exercises between the two armies, was conducted in Singapore from 14 to 21 November 2013.
This year's exercise involved a total of 300 personnel from the 1st Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (SIR) and the 10th Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment. The eight-day exercise included professional exchanges and culminated in a combined battalion field exercise. Commanding Officer 1 SIR Lieutenant Colonel Justiin Ang said that the exercise was an excellent opportunity for both armies to interact and understand each other. "The exercise helped to boost mutual understanding between the two armed forces and strengthened our professional exchanges," said LTC Ang.
First conducted in 1989, Exercise Semangat Bersatu underscores the warm and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia.
(Sing Mindef)
20 November 2013
The first Royal Australian Navy MH-60R flying a check flight at Lockheed Martin's Owego, N.Y., facilities on Oct. 23. A total of 24 R models is being purchased by Australia. (photo : Lockheed Martin)
DUBAI — Australia’s first Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk multimission maritime helicopter is almost ready for delivery and is scheduled to fly its final test flight this week, according to an industry official.
The helicopter would be turned over to the US Navy and then given to the Australian Navy for more testing at Lockheed’s Owego, N.Y., modification facility on Dec. 10, George Barton, vice president of business development for Lockheed’s Ship and Aviation Systems Division, said during a Tuesday briefing at the Dubai Airshow.
A roll-out ceremony with Australian officials is scheduled for Jan. 24 in Jacksonville, Fla. The delivery will mark the first of 24 MH-60Rs for Australia.
“All of their aircraft are somewhere between a few weeks to two months ahead of schedule,” Barton said.
International interest in the MH-60R remains high, Barton said, noting countries are interested in foreign military sales and direct commercial sales.
(DefenseNews)
20 November 2013
Helikopter Mi-17V5 seperti yang dimiliki TNI AD memiliki keterbatasan terhadap empasan angin dari belakang atau dari kanan. Jika terkena empasan pada titik tertentu akan oleng dan mundur, sehingga helikopter harus mendarat dalam kondisi yang benar-benar cocok dengan arah angin (photo : kompas)
MAGELANG, KOMPAS — Pemerintah akan mengundang ahli dari Rusia untuk me-review ulang kinerja semua helikopter yang dimiliki negara, termasuk helikopter Mi-17. Langkah ini dilakukan untuk lebih mengenal karakter setiap jenis helikopter hingga dapat menghindari hal buruk, seperti kecelakaan.
Demikian dituturkan Menteri Pertahanan Purnomo Yusgiantoro di Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Sabtu (16/11).
Pada Sabtu, sebuah helikopter Mi-17 milik TNI Angkatan Darat jatuh di Long Pujungan, Kabupaten Malinau, Kalimantan Utara. Sebanyak 14 orang tewas dalam peristiwa itu.
Purnomo mengatakan, review tentang kinerja pesawat dan helikopter juga telah dilakukan oleh TNI AD. Dari review tersebut diketahui, Mi-17 yang jatuh di Malinau dalam kondisi bagus, tanpa ada masalah teknis, dan penyebab kecelakaan diduga terseret oleh pusaran angin.
Sebelum kecelakaan di Malinau, Purnomo mengatakan helikopter Mi-17 berfungsi baik, Untuk menjalankan tugas misi perdamaian di Kongo misalnya, PBB bahkan sering kali meminta pasukan dari Indonesia memakai helikopter Mi-17.
Sejumlah helikopter Mi-17 TNI AD saat ini dioperasikan untuk membantu misi PBB di Kongo sebelah timur. Helikopter TNI AD tersebut merupakan bagian dari Skuadron 21 SENA yang bermarkas di Pangkalan Udara Ahmad Yani, Semarang, Jawa Tengah.
Sebelumnya, Kepala Staf TNI Angkatan Darat (KSAD) Jenderal Budiman menjanjikan, tahun 2014, semua heliopter Mi-17 akan dilengkapi dengan radar buatan dalam negeri. Radar itu dibuat di Bandung oleh perusahaan swasta yang biasa memasok radar bagi Lockheed Martin, sebuah industri pesawat tempur dan senjata di Amerika Serikat.
Sekretaris Jenderal Asosiasi Pilot Helikopter Indonesia (APHI) Kapten Imanuddin Yunus memuji langkah Kementerian Pertahanan mengundang tenaga ahli Rusia untuk membantu investigasi jatuhnya helikopter Mi-17. Dalam penerbangan sipil ada rekaman percakapan dan rekaman penerbangan pesawat atau helikopter, yang dijadikan dasar investigasi sebuah kecelakaan penerbangan.
"Bagus sekali kalau mendatangkan pakar dari Rusia. Helikopter Mi-17 digunakan banyak negara dan memiliki reputasi baik sebagai kuda beban pengangkut penumpang dan peralatan," kata Yunus.
.............
(Kompas)
19 November 2013
SIGMA 40 XP (eXtended Performance) is an inertial navigation system based on ring-laser-gyro technology.(photo : Sagem)
Sagem (Safran) beat out an international field to win the contract from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd (DSME) of South Korea as prime contractor for the navigation system to be installed on three 1,400 ton ocean-going submarines to be deployed by the Indonesian navy.
Ordered by Indonesia in 2012, this new class of ocean-going submarine is the first South Korean-designed submarine to be sold in international markets.
The Sagem navigation system (NAVS) offers outstanding reliability and precision, making it the best system for demanding submarine missions, whether at sea or for operations along coastlines. NAVS comprises two high-performance Sigma 40XP laser gyro inertial reference units, a computer and safety-critical navigation software, all contributing to the submarine’s stealth and safety during dives.
The decisive factors in DSME’s choice were Sagem’s proven capabilities as systems integrator, plus its expertise in data fusion and transmission to the ship’s combat system, along with extensive experience in managing major defense programs.
This latest contract underscores the quality of the relationship between Korean industry and Sagem on navigation systems, and the predominance of laser technology in submarine navigation systems. South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) had already chosen Sagem recently to modernize the navigation system on the country’s KSS-1 Chang Bogo submarines class, several modernized submarines are already in full operation at sea.
Through this contract, Sagem further consolidates its leadership in navigation systems for today’s submarine forces. Over 60 submarines around the world, in 14 different classes, are now fitted with Sagem navigation systems, including nuclear submarines (SNLE-NG, Barracuda, SNA Améthyste), air-independent propulsion (AIP) types and diesel-electric models (Scorpène family). More than 400 surface vessels are also equipped with Sagem inertial navigation systems.
(Sagem)
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