30 April 2016
BRP Gregorio Velasquez oceanographic research vessels (photo : ABS CBN News)
SAN DIEGO - Forty-six years, a million and a half miles, and even a little bit of showbiz, the R/V Melville was one of the most well-traveled and well-known oceanographic research vessels in the world.
Now, this ship will serve the Philippines.
In a commissioning and baptism ceremony, the US Navy facilitated the transfer of the R/V Melville from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography to the Philippine Navy.
The ship, which appeared on the 1976 "King Kong" movie, has led numerous ocean research studies throughout the world, and was given to the Philippines by the US military as an excess defense article, ready to do research and exploration.
It may be used for gathering information that may some day aid in ongoing territorial disputes, specifically in the West Philippine Sea.
While it is not meant for combat, the Melville, which is now renamed as BRP Gregorio Velasquez after the Filipino scientist, will be used by both the military and the private sector.
It will serve as a platform for scientific research, making those functions as well as humanitarian assistance and rescue efforts. These are the capabilities this vessel will provide.
Last November, the White House announced that the 279-foot research ship, along with the USCGC Boutwell, were part of the US military's efforts to help the Philippines maintains its maritime presence and patrols in its own waters.
The ship, which is docked at the San Diego Naval Base, is scheduled to embark for the Philippines on Thursday, while the cutter ship Boutwell, docked a few yards from Melville, will also be transferred to the Philippines soon.
BRP Gregorio Velasquez is expected to arrive at the Philippine Navy home port in Subic by late June, ready for duty.
(ABS-CBN News)
30 April 2016
Anzac class frigate (photo : Aus DoD)
The Turnbull Government has signed a long-term contract for the sustainment of ANZAC Class Frigates centred in Western Australia.
The strategic partnership between BAE Systems Australia Defence Pty Limited, Saab Australia Pty Ltd, Naval Ship Management Australia Pty Ltd (a joint venture between UGL and Babcock), and the Commonwealth will streamline a number of existing contracts for the whole-of-life sustainment for the ANZAC Class Frigates. The majority of the sustainment work will be done in Henderson, with additional work at Fleet Base East, cementing Henderson as one of Australia’s naval shipbuilding and sustainment centres.
The open ended sustainment contract has a value of over $2 billion for the first eight years and will provide certainty to the principal partners to invest in growing skills and capabilities. It will also provide increased opportunities for the engagement of small-to-medium sized businesses in the Australian maritime industry.
The strategic partnership between Defence and industry ensures the ANZAC Class Frigates will remain highly capable, safe, environmentally compliant, and cost effective until their planned withdrawal dates.
The sustainment contract comes after the Turnbull Government’s recent naval shipbuilding decisions, which have secured long-term jobs for Western Australia. These include the construction of up to 21 steel-hulled Pacific Patrol Boats in Henderson, beginning in 2017, and the construction of Offshore Patrol Vessels, which will shift to Henderson from 2020.
The sustainment contract allows early implementation of key recommendations of the First Principles Review by enabling Defence to focus on governance functions while contracting industry to plan, manage and deliver the sustainment of the ANZAC Class Frigates
The sustainment contract ensures that the ANZAC Class Frigates remain a potent capability for the Royal Australian Navy until the Future Frigates, which will begin construction in Adelaide in 2020, enter service.
(Aus DoD)
30 April 2016
KD Perantau hydrographic survey (photo : Baomoi)
A bridge modernisation effort by Raytheon Anschütz to install its Synapsis Intelligent Bridge Control (IBC) suite aboard the Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN's) hydrographic survey ship KD Perantau is in progress.
New bridge equipment supplied by Raytheon Anschütz also include a Standard 22 Gyro Compass and repeaters, Reflecta Magnetic Compass, GDA 101 Echo Sounder, Synapsis Radar, Synapsis ECDIS, Synapsis Conning, BNWAS Watch Alarm system and a NP 5000 autopilot.
Synapsis Intelligent Bridge Control (image : raytheon-anschuetz)
Additional systems supplied by other manufacturers include a Skipper EML 224 speed log and a Skipper DL 1 Doppler log, a Saab R5 AIS, and a Saab R5 differential GPS.
Raytheon Anschütz area sales manager, Uwe Berendes, told IHS Jane's that he is hopeful that the service would consider modernising additional RMN ships with the Synapsis IBC following the completion of integration work on Perantau in May, with the ship expected to be delivered to the RMN in June.
(Jane's)
30 April 2016
Pesawat tempur Super Tucano TNI AU (photos : Bintang, Kompas)
Metrotvnews.com, Malang: Pesawat tempur Super Tucano di Lanud Abdul Rachman Saleh, Kabupaten Malang, Jawa Timur, dapat kembali mengudara pascatragedi jatuhnya Super Tucano TT-3108 pada Rabu 10 Februari lalu.
Kepala Dinas Operasi Lanud Abdul Rachman Saleh Kol Pnb Fairlyanto mengatakan, izin terbang diberikan oleh Mabes TNI AU, beberapa waktu lalu. Izin hanya seputar terbang biasa dan pengecekan sistem, sementara untuk manuver dan test flight belum diperbolehkan.
”Ini kan pesawat tempur, izinnya masih sebatas mengecek kondisi pesawat. Belum sampai pada latihan sebagaimana fungsi pesawat ini,” kata dia, Jumat (29/4/2016).
Fairlyanto enggan berkomentar banyak terkait hasil investigasi penyebab jatuhnya Super Tucano TT-3108. Dia hanya memastikan bahwa di kalangan TNI AU, hasil investigasi telah dibeberkan.
“Yang berwenang menyampaikan adalah KSAU langsung, hasilnya sudah keluar. Kami optimis lambat laun latihannya bisa normal seperti biasa,” ungkap dia.
Saat ini terdapat 15 pesawat Super Tucano di Lanud Abdul Rachman Saleh. Empat di antaranya baru didatangkan pada 29 Februari dari Brazil.
“Perawatan dan pengecekan pesawat sesuai SOP. Ke depan akan lebih dimaksimalkan, mulai pengecekan dan perawatannya. Kami harap tidak sampai terjadi tragedi serupa,” jelas dia.
Seperti diberitakan, pesawat tempur Super Tucano TT-3108 jatuh di Jalan Laksda Adi Sucipto RT03/RW05, Kelurahan Blimbing, Kota Malang, Jawa Timur, Rabu 10 Februari. Empat orang tewas dalam tragedi tersebut, yakni Pilot dan Juru Mesin Udara serta dua warga sipil lainnya.
(MetroTVNews)
30 April 2016
A number of VAMTAC ST5 tactical vehicles in the chassis-cab configuration have been openly displayed at a holding facility in western Singapore in October 2015 (photos : Jane's)
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has taken delivery of a number of Spanish-made 4x4 Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico (VAMTAC) ST5 high mobility tactical vehicles to add to its fleet, with at least two vehicles configured as light utility or troop transport platforms observed travelling on public roads in the northern part of the country by IHS Jane's on 28 April.
A number of these vehicles - which are manufactured by URO Vehículos Especiales SA (UROVESA) and often likened to the US Army's High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee) - had earlier been seen by IHS Jane's in open storage at a holding facility in western Singapore in October 2015, although local defence watchers have posted similar images on internet forums as early as July.
IHS Jane's Land Warfare Platforms: Logistics, Support & Unmanned reference notes that the VAMTAC platform is known to be offered in four main configurations: command-and-control, shelter carrier, chassis-cab, and pick-up, with the latter two models available with two- or four-door cabs.
Singapore appears to have selected the two-door chassis-cab option, which can be configured with a range of shelters and cargo modules to suit operational requirements. The two VAMTAC ST5s observed by IHS Jane's have been fitted with a soft-top shelter, which indicates that these particular examples could be employed as troop carrier or logistics supply vehicles. Other ST5 configurations could have been acquired, although these have yet to be seen in public.
The basic VAMTAC ST5 measures 4.84 m in length and 1.9 m in height with an overall track of 1.86 m and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 5,300 kg. It is in essence a facelifted S3 production model with exterior alterations such as a new front bumper and bonnet, and new lights. The ST5 range also includes the optionally armoured ST5-HD, 2HD, and 3HD variants, which can vary in GWV from 6,000 kg to 9,500 kg and feature ballistic protection of up to STANAG 4569 Level 3.
(Jane's)
29 April 2016
Gowind Littoral Combat Ship (photo : Navy Recognition)
KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) expects to buy 18 Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) in its effort to strengthen the country’s maritime security, says Laksamana Datuk Seri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin.
He added that the LMS would replace the older patrol ships.
“It is cheaper to buy new ships than to maintain the old ones that are already 30 to 40 years old. Although the LMS is smaller, it is capable of doing a lot of missions.
“The LMS will not only carry out surveillance work, but also provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief,” he said
Ahmad Kamarulzaman said six new Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), which is bigger and faster, would also be received by the RMN between 2019 and 2023.
The ships were acquired under the 11th and 12th Malaysia Plans and built by Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd.
“With the new ships in place, the RMN will be able to beef up its armada combat capabilities as the number of combat vessels would be 10, instead of four previously,” he added.
It was reported that the six ships, estimated to be worth RM9bil, would be equipped with superior four-dimensional warfare capabilities for electronic, air, surface and underwater threats integrated with state-of-the-art systems.
It also has stealth capability which reduces radar reflection to minimise visibility and detection and it is also capable of rapid launch and recovery of boats.
Ahmad Kamarulzaman said the RMN was also set to consolidate all its naval units from 15 classes to five in an effort to strengthen the country’s maritime security.
“This is part of the RMN’s transformation programme to strengthen its armada and also to be cost effective,” he added.
(The Star)
29 April 2016
Marsun M21 patrol boat (photo : TAF)
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has laid the keel for the first of four additional M21-class patrol boats on order from local shipyard Marsun Company Limited, the service announced via its press affairs office on 25 April.
A keel laying ceremony was held on the same day at the company's facilities in Samut Prakan and attended by senior members of the RTN.
The RTN currently operates three M21-class patrol boats, which were also built and delivered by Marsun in May 2013. The service placed an order for more vessels, which are likely to be deployed with the service's Coast Guard Squadron, in July 2015.
(Jane's)
29 April 2016
Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport and the Irkut manufacturer plan to deliver three Yak-130 (Mitten) advanced jet trainers and light attack aircraft to Myanmar by the end of the year, Russian media reported Tuesday, citing defense cooperation sources. (photo : fotografersha)
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Viktor Kladov, head of the International Cooperation Department of Russia’s state technology corporation Rostec, told RIA Novosti last week that Myanmar and a range of Latin American and North African states expressed interest in the Yak-130 aircraft.
"The plan provides for the transfer of three aircraft to them [Myanmar] in 2016," one of the Russian Kommersant daily’s two sources told the publication.
Additionally, Russian experts reportedly plan to set up a specialized combat flight simulator in Myanmar before the end of 2017.
The Defense Ministry of Myanmar signed its first Yak-130 purchase contract in June 2015, three years after the Southeast Asian republic voiced initial interest in the fighter trainer, the outlet says.
The Yak-130 lead-in fighter trainer is the world's only training aircraft with the aerodynamic configuration and subsonic flight performance characteristics of modern jet fighters. The two-seat reconnaissance and light attack jet has a combat load of up to 3,000 kilograms (about 6,600 pounds).
(SputnikNews)
29 April 2016
M109A4 Angkatan Darat Belgia (photo : milpedia, pussenarmed)
Kunjungan DanPussenArmed Kodiklat TNI AD dalam Rangka Menghadiri Presentasi dan Demonstrasi Meriam ARBEBA GS M109A4 SP 155 MM Howitzer di Belgia
Belgia – Danpussenarmed Kodiklat TNI AD melaksanakan kunjungan ke Belgia dalam rangka menghadiri presentasi dan demonstrasi Meriam Arbeba GS M109A4 SP 155 mm Howitzer buatan Amerika Serikat di Belgia oleh PT Indocertes.
Pada kesempatan tersebut Danpussenarmed Kodiklat TNI AD didampingi oleh Dirbinlitbang Pussenarmed Kolonel Arm Ruly Chandrayadi,S.H. dan Padya-3/Binsis Alutsista Spaban IV/Bindok Sopsad Letkol Arm Budi Saroso.
(PussenArmed)
27 April 2016
KRI Multatuli-561 yang konon adalah kapal tertua ke dua TNI AL setelah KRI Dewaruci, asalnya adalah kapal tipe submarine tender. (photo : GalaMedia, Kaskus Militer)
Di antara sejumlah kapal perang milik Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) Angkatan Laut mungkin banyak yang bisa dibilang memiliki keunikan tersendiri dan mempunyai nilai sejarah dalam bangsa ini.
Ada beberapa kapal yang cukup fenomenal dan menjadi cerita masa lalu bagi sejumlah prajurit-prajurit TNI AL saat mengarunggi laut yang luas, seperti KRI Ratulangi dan KRI Irian yang perkasa di zamannya.
Namun ada salah satu kapal perang yang menjadi sejarah bangsa ini saat masih dalam suasan perang. Kapal perang tersebut adalah KRI Multatuli dengan nomor lambung 561.
Kunikan dari kapal perang ini adalah kode dengan awalan lima yang hingga saat ini masih digunakan oleh TNI AL untuk menandai bahwa kapal tersebut adalah jenis kapal "landing ship tank" (LST) serta "landing platfrom dock" (LPD) dengan penamaaan nama-nama kota besar yang punya ciri khas maritim di Nusantara. Lalu KRI Multatuli dengan nomer lambung 561 tidak berada di antara kedua jenis kapal tersebut.
KRI Multatuli adalah sebuah kapal perang yang dibuat oleh galangan Ishikawajima Harima, Tokyo, Jepang pada tahun 1961. Yang menjadi satu-satunya kapal perang yang dibeli dari negara Sakura tersebut.
Walaupun sudah berusia sekitar 50 tahunan dan bisa dibilang kapal tertua ke dua setelah dewaruci namun masih tetap perkasa berpatroli di kawasan perairan Indonesia Timur sebab berada dalam wilayah komando Kooarmatim, yang meliputi wilayah Banten sampai dengan Merauke, Papua.
Saat berlabuh di dermaga Pangkalan Utama Angkatan Laut VII Kupang, kapal tersebut terlihat gagah perkasa walaupun sudah berumur sangat tua. Dari galangan-galangannya terlihat baru diubah dan diperbaiki seperti dilakukan penambahan hangar bagi mendaratnya helikopter.
Bila diperhatikan, pemasangan hangar itu juga menambah kelengkapan pada perangkat elektronika yang ditempatkan pada sisi atas hangar.
Komandan KRI Multatuli Kolonel Laut (P) Agus Prabowo mengatakan, walaupun sudah tua kapal perang itu tetap menjadi kebanggaan bagi TNI AL khususnya bagi dirinya yang menjadi Komandan dari kapal tersebut.
"Wilayah patroli kita adalah di wilayah Indonesia Timur. Sebelum ke Kupang kita sudah berpatroli di wilayah perairan Merauke untuk memeriksa wilayah perbatasan," katanya.
Bagi Agus, sebuah kehormatan tersendiri memimpin kapal yang memiliki nilai sejarah tersebut. Sebab hingga saat ini kapal dengan nomor lambung lima sudah tidak ada lagi di kapal-kapal perang yang modern.
Setelah dibuat pada 1961 kapal perang tersebut hanya berfungsi sebagai bersandarnya kapal-kapal selam Indonesia untuk melakukan pengisian arus dan sebagai perbaikan kapal selam. Tidak banyak yang dilakukan oleh KRI Multatuli pada zamannya selain menjadi kapal penyinggah bagi kapal selam.
"Dari rancangan awal diketahui KRI Multatuli adalah jenis kapal tender kapal selam, lalu kemudian dikonversi menjadi kapal markas (kapal komando)," tuturnya.
Dalam setiap gelar operasi laut yang melibatkan komponen kapal perang, KRI Multatuli mengemban tugas sebagai kapal markas. Perannya adalah melakukan koordinasi, pengendalian, dan perbekalan pada kapal-kapal tempur di gugus tempur.
Desain awalnya sebagai kapal tender plus bekal mampu membawa helikopter menjadikan kapal ini ideal sebagai kapal markas.
Komandan KRI Multatuli itu menambahkan saat ini kapal perang tersebut mempunyai berat dengan muatan penuh 6.741 ton, serta muatan kosong 3.220 ton. Dimensi kapal ini 111,35 x 16 x 6,98 meter, dan ditenagai satu mesin diesel barmeister dan wain 1 shaft dengan 5500 bhp.
"Kalau untuk kecepatan maksimumnya 18,5 knot atau setara 34 km per jam," ujarnya.
Dengan sembonyannya "Tangguh Pantang Menyerah", kapal ini tetap terlihat tangguh dan masih tetap dipercaya mengemban tugas untuk beragam operasi TNI AL.
Dari data yang diperoleh dari website TNI AL diketahui kiprah terbaru KRI Multatuli 561 adalah dalam mendukung operasi Taring Hiu-12 dan Alur-12 yang digelar Gugus Keamanan Laut Armada Timur (Guskamlatim) pada bulan Oktober 2012 lalu.
Namun menurut pengakuan dari Agus Prabowo, selama kepemimpinannya kapal tersebut baru pertama kali berhasil mengamankan kapal porsain di wilayah perairan NTT yang diketahui melakukan penangkapan ikan secara ilegal dan merusak lingkungan hidup serta ekosistem ikan, pada Selasa (19/4) lalu.
Kepala Dinas Penerangan Lantamal VII Kupang Kapten Marinir Johan Hariyanto mengatakan, kapal tersebut berhasil menangkap salah satu kapal pembawa cantrang di sekitar perairan Kolbano, Timur Tengah Selatan saat tengah beroperasi di wilayah itu.
"Ini merupakan pertama kalinya KRI Multatuli melakukan penangkapan di masa kepemimpinan Kolonel Pelaut Agus Prabowo," tuturnya.
Kapal Perang Bersejarah Saat tengah berlabuh di Dermaga Lantamal VII kurang lebih 54 mahasiswa dari Politeknik Negeri Kupang melakukan kunjungan dan melihat secara langsung kapal bersejarah tersebut.
"Tujuan kami mengajak mahasiswa melihat secara langsung kapal perang milik bangsa kita. Kebetulan mahasiswa kami juga belum pernah melihat dan mengujungi kapal perang ini," kata Ketua rombongan mahasiswa Politeknik Negeri Kupang, Maria Bernadetha, di geladak KRI Multatuli-561.
Dia menjelaskan kunjungan ke kapal perang tersebut juga untuk menumbuhkan semangat cinta mahasiswa terhadap bahari, dan khususnya kepada para prajurit TNI AL yang telah berlayar menjaga perairan Indonesia, terutama di wilayah timur Indonesia.
Apalagi, katanya, dalam kunjungan tersebut sejumlah mahasiswa mendapatkan pengalaman yang berharga dan mendapatkan pengetahuan tambahan soal alat utama sistem persenjataan di KRI Multatuli-561 yang konon adalah kapal tertua ke dua TNI AL setelah KRI Dewaruci.
Ansel seorang mahasiswa dari Politeknik, merasa bangga karena bisa melihat secara langsung kapal perang milik TNI AL yang hingga saat ini masih tetap perkasa di antara kapal perang lainnya.
Menurutnya kapal tersebut adalah kapal bersejarah yang masih tetap perlu dijaga dirawat karena memilki nilai sejarah bagi bangsa ini.
(GalaMediaNews)
27 April 2016
Royal Thai Navy H145M (previously known as the EC645) (photo : Airbus Helicopters)
The Royal Thai Navy receives two new H145M (previously known as the EC645) military helicopters.
The Royal Thai Navy signed for five H145Ms to be deployed on transport duties and other missions, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2016. Its purchase represents the first export order of this militarized version of the EC145 T2, which is the newest and most powerful model in Airbus Helicopters’ proven EC145 light twin-engine helicopter family.
The H145M is equipped with a modern digital glass cockpit, night vision goggle compatability, and Airbus Helicopters’ advanced Helionix® avionics suite with a 4-axis digital autopilot.
Enhancements include an upgraded transmission system and incorporation of Airbus Helicopters’ signature Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor for improved anti-torque control.
For armed operations, the rotorcraft carries a mission computer, two rigid multi-purpose armament pylons that are easily removable, an infrared/TV electro-optical system, and a laser range-finder/designator/pointer. With its open system architecture, this innovative weapon system contributes to full situational awareness for the crew.
(DefenceBlog)
27 April 2016
Drone Wulung yang diproduksi oleh PT DI (photos : detik)
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) bersama Badan Pengkajian Penerapan Teknologi (BPPT), dan Badan Penelitian dan Pengembangan (Balitbang) Kementerian Pertahanan Republik Indonesia telah berhasil mendapatkan sertifikat tipe (Type Certificate) dari Indonesian Military Airworthiness Authority (IMAA).
Dengan dikeluarkannya sertifikat tipe ini, maka proses rancang bangun dan spesifikasi teknis serta batasan operasi pesawat yang tercantum dalam data sheet sertifikat tipe telah memenuhi ketentuan atau aturan kelaikan udara.
Sertifikat tipe Pesawat Terbang Tanpa Awak (PTTA) Wulung diserahkan oleh Badan Sarana Pertahanan (Baranahan) Kementerian Pertahanan Republik Indonesia kepada PTDI dalam acara penyerahan Type Certificate pada 26 April 2016 di Gedung Pusat Manajemen PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero), Jalan Pajajaran No. 154 Bandung.
Sertifikat tipe (Type Certificate) adalah tanda bukti terpenuhinya persyaratan kelaikudaraan sesuai peraturan keselamatan penerbangan sipil dalam hal rancang bangun pesawat udara, mesin pesawat udara dan baling-baling pesawat udara.
PTTA Wulung dirancang sebagai sebuah pesawat tanpa awak dengan kemampuan autopilot, menggunakan konsep modular composite structure, ruang akses yang luas dan perakitan yang cepat dan mudah.
PTTA Wulung mempunyai bobot maksimal 125 kg, kapasitas tangki bahan bakar 35 liter, menggunakan single piston engine tipe pusher bertenaga 22 Horsepower (Hp). Dengan sistem autopilot yang terintegrasi dipesawat, PTTA Wulung dapat melakukan misi secara automatis.
Uji terbang pertama dilakukan pada tanggal 9 Mei 2015 di Bandara Nusawiru, Pangandaran, Jawa Barat. PTTA Wulung telah melakukan 13 kali uji terbang sertifikasi.
Uji terbang ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kemampuan terbang, kemampuan mission payload yaitu kamera FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared), dan memastikan bahwa seluruh komponen dan peralatan Ground Control Station PTTAWulung berjalan dengan baik.
Dengan didapatkannya Type Certificate PTTA Wulung dari Indonesian MilitaryAirworthiness Authority (IMAA), PTTA Wulung telah memenuhi regulasi dan siap untuk diproduksi.
Salah satu keunggulan Wulung ini yakni mampu terbang hingga radius 100 kilometer (km) dari pusat pengendali, hingga 3 jam. Pesawat tanpa awak ini juga mampu terbang dengan ketinggian jelajah maksimal 5.500 kaki (feet).
Siap Produksi Masal
Sementara itu, untuk pembangunan satu unit PTTA Wulung siap terbang dibutuhkan waktu enam minggu, dengan estimasi tiga minggu untuk produksi struktur, satu minggu untuk integrasi dan dua minggu untuk testing seperti ground test, kalibrasi, dan berbagai macam pengujian lainnya.
Tahap produksi massal untuk PTTA Wulung akan dimulai pada awal Mei 2016. Dan diharapkan sesuai rencana, tiga unit PTTA Wulung bakal diserahkan kepada pemesan, yakni Kementerian Pertahanan Republik Indonesia.
(Kompas)
27 Maret 2016
PAF C-295M (photo : Juanco Mayoral)
Manila (PNA) - The Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are allocating the sum of PHP40,200,000 for the acquisition of additional integrated logistics support for the brand-new C-295M transport aircraft.
This involves the procurement of 47 line items of aircraft ground support equipment as additional integrated logistics support for the C-295M.
The country currently has three C-295M aircraft in its air fleet.
Pre-bid conference is on Friday, 10:00 a.m. at the DND Bids and Awards Committee Conference Room, Basement, Right Wing, DND Building, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The guiding principles for this project shall be based on affordability and sustainability while conforming to the requirements of the Philippine Air Force in furtherance of accomplishing its mission.
Funding will be sourced from the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund.
Delivery period is 60 calendar days from the contract effectivity. Bidders should have completed within five years before the date of submission and receipt of bids, at least two contracts similar to the project.
(PNA)
26 April 2016
The DCNS Shortfin Barracuda submarine. (image : DCNS)
France sinks Japanese, German bids to win $40 billion Australian subs deal
France has beaten Japan and Germany to win a A$50 billion ($40 billion) deal to build a fleet of 12 submarines for Australia, one of the world's most lucrative defense contracts, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced on Tuesday.
The victory for state-owned naval contractor DCNS Group underscored France's strengths in developing a compelling military-industrial bid, and is a blow for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's push to develop defense export capabilities as part of a more muscular security agenda.
Reuters earlier reported that DCNS would be announced as the winner, citing sources with knowledge of the process.
"The recommendation of our competitive evaluation process ... was unequivocal that the French offer represented the capabilities best able to meet Australia's unique needs," Turnbull told reporters in the South Australian state capital of Adelaide where the submarines will be built.
In a statement, French President Francois Hollande said the deal "marks a decisive step in the strategic partnership between our two countries", while Prime Minister Manuel Valls said it was "cause for optimism and pride."
The French shipbuilder's share of the overall contract will amount to about 8 billion euros ($9.02 billion), according to sources with knowledge of the deal. DCNS chief Hervé Guillou said the deal would create around 4,000 French jobs, benefiting shipyards and industrial sites in Lorient, Brest, Nantes and Cherbourg.
Australia is ramping up defense spending, seeking to protect its strategic and trade interests in Asia-Pacific as the United States and its allies grapple with China's rising power.
Japan's government with its Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries boat had been seen as early frontrunners for the contract, but their inexperience in global defense deals and an initial reluctance to say they would build in Australia saw them slip behind DCNS and Germany's ThyssenKrupp AG.
Political Implications
Industry watchers had anticipated a decision to come later in the year, but Turnbull's gamble on a July 2 general election sped up the process.
The contract will have an impact on thousands of jobs in the shipbuilding industry in South Australia, where retaining votes in key electorates will be critical for the government's chances of re-election.
"The submarine project .. will see Australian workers building Australian submarines with Australian steel," said Turnbull.
DCNS, which traces its roots to 1624 and is 35 percent-owned by defense electronics giant Thales SA, proposed a diesel-electric version of its 5,000-tonne Barracuda nuclear-powered submarine. DCNS enlisted heads of industry and top government figures to convince Australia of the merits of its offering and the benefits to the broader relationship.
"This is a great opportunity for DCNS because they will work with the Australian navy for the long run as it is a series of contracts and a huge opportunity to invest more and to develop business," French Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron said on the sidelines of a trade fair in Hannover, Germany.
Japan had offered to build Australia a variant of its 4,000 tonne Soryu submarine, a deal that would have cemented closer strategic and defense ties with two of Washington's key Asia-Pacific allies, but risked antagonizing China, Australia's top trading partner.
Paul Burton, Defense Industry and Budgets Director at IHS Jane's said it was a surprise from a strategic standpoint that Japan didn’t win. "Japan is very keen to secure a significant piece of overseas business following the relaxation of its export legislation, and this Australian submarine deal was widely regarded as becoming a landmark trade," he said.
"The tradecraft required to convince a sophisticated domestic buyer that Japan's was superior to that offered by France was lacking."
ThyssenKrupp was proposing to scale up its 2,000-tonne Type 214 class submarine, a technical challenge that sources had previously told Reuters weighed against the German bid.
Both losing bidders said they were disappointed by the decision, but remain committed to their Australian businesses.
"Thyssenkrupp will always be willing to further contribute to Australia’s naval capabilities," said Hans Atzpodien, Chairman of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
Japan's Defence Minister Gen. Nakatani said the decision was "deeply regrettable," and he would ask Australia to explain why it didn't pick Japan's design.
America's Raytheon Co, which built the system for Australia's ageing Collins-class submarines, is vying for a separate combat system contract with Lockheed Martin Corp, which supplies combat systems to the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. A decision on the weapons system is due later this year.
(Reuters)
26 April 2016
RTA seeks new 6x6 vehicle (photo : ARC)
RTA military equipment standard committee draft up the requirement for the new APC prior to the start of competition.
The requirement is at least diesel-engine 6x6 APC with all terrain capability. Capable of carrying 11 equipped troops with the minimum protection for the 7.62 mm bullet. It must have an automatic turret with remote control from inside the APC.
Radio must be a frequency-hopping FM radio compatible with the system RTA currently operated. The APC must be commissioned in the manufacturer's nation with the 15 years spare part guarantee.
It is unclear whether the DTI 8x8 BWS currently developing by DTI will be eligible to participate in the competition consider there is no exception for the APC developed in Thailand.
(TAF)
26 April 2016
Vietnam apparently acquired some Soviet ASU-85 airborne SPATGs after the 1979 war with China, which recently have been brought out of storage. (photo: Via Bao Dat Viet)
Officials from the Minotor-Service Corporation of Belarus attending the Defense Services Asia (DSA) 2016 exhibition told IHS Jane's that Vietnamese officials had expressed "strong interest" in purchasing Minotor's upgrade package for their ASU-85 airborne self-propelled anti-tank guns (SPATGs).
Minotor's upgrade package includes a new more powerful diesel engine powerpack that would increase speed from 45 to 60 km/h and range from 400 km to 450 km.
The revelation that Vietnam People's Army (VPA) had the ASU-85 in its inventory was made in the 16 March 2015 issue of the Bao Dat Viet website, showing vehicles operating in a May 2015 exercise. An informed source has told IHS Jane's that these were delivered following China's brief war with Vietnam in 1979.
The 15.5 ton ASU-85, based on the chassis of the PT-76 amphibious tank, started arming Soviet Airborne Troops in 1959. It carries 45 rounds for its fixed D-70 85 mm main gun which has a maximum range of 10 km.
The ASU-85 was transported by the large Mi-6 "Hook" helicopter that the Vietnam People's Air Force also operated until the early 1990s.
The Soviet ASU-85s were part of larger shipments of T-62/55/54 tanks, BMP-1 armored personnel carriers and artillery that allowed the VPA to convert its 304th, 308th and 320th Infantry Divisions into Mechanised Infantry Divisions, or Motorised Rifle Divisions in Soviet terminology.
It is possible that the ASU-85s were kept in storage, which would appear to be confirmed by their being in good condition. Other Vietnamese reports indicate they were brought out of storage to provide a new capability for difficult terrain.
(Jane's)
26 April 2016
Among the issues is the submarine platform that can operate in both deep and littoral waters (photo : DCNS)
Indonesian and French officials have started a working group to explore Indonesian submarine requirements.
Among issues being explored is the feasibility of operating a platform that can operate in both deep and littoral waters.
Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL has teamed up with French company DCNS in a formal working group to explore future submarine requirements of the Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut, or TNI-AL), industry sources close to the matter have confirmed to IHS Jane's .
The working group, which started in March, has been formed under the ambit of a government-to-government framework between France and Indonesia and includes representatives from the private and public sectors.
(Jane's)
26 April 2016
The AIM-120D, formerly known as AIM-120C-8 is the latest model of the AMRAAM (photo : xtrememachine11)
WASHINGTON - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for AIM-120D Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles and associated equipment, training, and support. The estimated cost is $1.22 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 21, 2016.
The Government of Australia requested a possible sale of:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
Up to 450 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AIM-120D)
Up to 34 AIM-120D Air Vehicles Instrumented (AAVI)
Up to 6 Instrumented Test Vehicles (ITVs)
Up to 10 spare AIM-120 Guidance Sections (GSs)
This request also includes the following Non-MDE: containers, weapon system support equipment, support and test equipment, site survey, transportation, repair and return warranties, spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, maintenance, personnel training, and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representative engineering, logistics, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support.
The total estimated value of MDE is $1.08 billion. The total overall estimated value is $1.22 billion.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner and major contributor to political stability, security, and economic development in the Pacific region and globally.
This proposed sale is in support of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) F/A-18, E/A-18G, and F-35 aircraft. This proposed sale will provide the RAAF additional air-to-air intercept capability and increase interoperability with the U.S. Air Force. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing these missiles into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor for production is Raytheon in Tucson, Arizona. The principal contractor for integration is unknown and will be determined during contract negotiations. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. or contractor representatives to Australia.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
(DSCA)
25 April 2016
Satu skadron pesawat amfibi berjumlah 12 hingga 16 unit (photo : Fyodor Borisov)
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia -- Kepala Staf Angkatan Udara Marsekal Agus Supriatna menyatakan matranya membutuhkan satu skadron pesawat pengawas tipe amfibi untuk memaksimalkan pengawasan Alur Laut Kepulauan Indonesia (ALKI) yang begitu luas.
Berdasarkan konvensi hukum laut internasional, ALKI merupakan alur untuk pelayaran dan penerbangan yang dapat dimanfatkan kapal atau pesawat asing. Keberadaan ALKI, kata Agus, berkaitan dengan peran TNI AU dalam mewujudkan Indonesia sebagai poros maritim dunia.
"Dengan ALKI I, II, III yang begitu luas, berarti harus ada kekuatan udara yang bisa cepat hadir di mana saja, yang bisa dobel fungsi, contohnya pesawat amfibi," kata Agus di sela Seminar Nasional Kedirgantaraan bertema ‘Meningkatkan Peran TNI Angkatan Udara dalam rangka Mewujudkan Indonesia sebagai Poros Maritim Dunia’ di Persada Executive Club Halim Perdanakusuma, Jakarta Timur, Senin (25/4).
ALKI I melintasi Laut China Selatan, Selat Karimata, Laut Jawa, dan Selat Sunda. ALKI II melintasi Laut Sulawesi, Selat Makassar, Laut Flores, dan Selat Lombok. Sementara ALKI III melintasi Samudra Pasifik, Laut Maluku, Laut Seram, Laut Banda, Selat Ombai, dan Laut Sawu.
Pengawasan udara di wilayah ALKI I yang juga membentang di atas Selat Malaka, kata Agus, membutuhkan minimal empat pesawat amfibi.
"Kalau berpikir ideal, kita bisa membayangkan berapa luas wilayah Indonesia. ALKI I saja sudah luas. Berarti minimum sudah butuh empat pesawat," ujar Agus.
Maka dengan wilayah Indonesia yang memiliki tiga ALKI, kata Agus, dibutuhkan setidaknya satu skadron pesawat amfibi yang berjumlah 12 hingga 16 unit.
"Itu (satu skadron) kebutuhan minimalnya," ujar Agus.
TNI AU saat ini sudah memiliki pesawat amfibi, namun tak mencukupi. Dua di antara pesawat amfibi yang dipunyai Indonesia ialah Albatross dan Catalina. Pesawat-pesawat itu biasa digunakan untuk patroli, operasi SAR, dan pemadaman kebakaran hutan.
Agus menyerahkan pengadaan alat utama sistem senjata udara yang dibutuhkan TNI AU kepada Kementerian Pertahanan. Sementara TNI AU hanya mengirimkan spesifikasi teknis sesuai kebutuhan matra mereka.
"Masalah jenis pesawatnya apa, nanti tanyakan ke Kemhan. Kalo kami urus spesifikasi. Butuh yang seperti apa," ujar Agus.
Pada kesempatan yang sama, anggota Komisi I DPR Mayjen Purnawirawan Supiadin Aries Saputra mengatakan peran TNI AU tidak mudah dalam mengamankan poros maritim dunia karena kondisi alutsista saat ini yang belum maksimal.
Pengadaan alutsista, ujar Aries, harus berdasarkan kebutuhan pengguna, bukan kepentingan pihak lain di luar TNI.
(CNN)
