PTDI Provides Details Behind Delays of Philippine Air Force's NC212i Deliveries

30 September 2016

NC-212i of the PAF (photo : pdff)

State-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) has denied media reports that delays to two light utility turboprop transport aircraft on order for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) stem from manufacturer faults.

The Philippine government awarded a contract for two NC212i aircraft to PTDI in 2014 and was originally scheduled to receive the platforms in mid-2016.

"The two platforms are ready and have been completed according to manufacturing schedule," said Teguh Gratio, an area sales manager for PTDI, in a meeting with IHS Jane's at the ADAS 2016 exhibition in Manila. "However, there has been a delay in the integration and certification of the aircraft's auto-pilot system."

(Jane's)

Rafael Expands Market Share in the Philippines

30 September 2016

Rafael Spike N-LOS  (photo : Jane's)

Israeli company Rafael has recently boosted its presence in the Philippine defence market significantly and is looking for further opportunities to supply its systems to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Haim Jacobovitz, the company's vice president for international marketing, told IHS Jane's on 28 September.

Spike ER missile (photo : i-hls)

Speaking at the Asian Defence and Security 2016 (ADAS 2016) exhibition in Manila, Jacobovitz confirmed that the company has, in the past two years, secured a range of orders from the Philippine Navy (PN) to supply its Mini-Typhoon 12.7 mm lightweight naval machine gun mount, its Spike-ER (extended range) missile system, and its Spike-NLOS (non-line-of-sight) missile system.

(Jane's)

Commissioning of SAFARI Weapon Locating Radar (WLR)

30 September 2016

SAFARI weapon locating radar (all photos ; The Singapore Army)

The SAFARI Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) was commissioned this evening. Highly mobile and responsive, the SAFARI WLR enhances Army’s force protection against indirect fires.

Its commissioning today, held in conjunction with the turn-ops parade of the SAFARI WLR Detachment from 24 SA, marks a milestone in the Singapore Artillery’s 3rd Generation Transformation!

Chief of Army, MG Melvyn Ong, emphasised that the successful operationalisation of the SAFARI enables the Army to “leverage on technological advancements to enhance our capabilities while right sizing manpower demands”.

With the introduction of the SAFARI WLR, the battery size will be reduced from the usual 18 men crew to 11 men. The newest early warning technology of the SAFARI will also“strengthen our networked sense and strike capabilities” and ensure that our troops “will be better protected, more efficient and deadlier in the battlefield”.

(The Singapore Army)

Thales Looks to Leverage Starstreak Success in the Philippines

30 September 2016

Thales is marketing the Starstreak to the Philippines, following its successes in Southeast Asia. (photo : maxdefense)

Thales sees "lots of potential" in the Philippines for its Starstreak high velocity missile air defence system, Mick Oliver, the company's business development director for advanced weapon systems, told IHS Jane's at the Asian Defence and Security 2016 (ADAS 2016) exhibition in Manila.

The French defence company has in recent years secured sales of its air defence systems to several countries in Southeast Asia. This success is seen as a reflection of the strategic concerns in the region, where territorial tensions are increasing.

Thales air defence customers in the region include the Malaysian Army and Royal Thai Army, which have procured the Starstreak systems, and the Indonesian Army, which has acquired the company's Forceshield integrated air defence system, which comprises several Thales technologies including the Starstreak, the Controlmaster 200 radar and weapon co-ordination system, the Rapidranger mobile fire-control system, and the Lightweight Multiple Launcher system.

(Jane's)

Philippines Interested in Indonesian Medical Support Ship

30 September 2016

Indonesian hospital ship based on Makassar Class LPD (photo : beritasatu)

After purchasing two Strategic Sealift Vessel (SSV) warships from PT PAL Indonesia, the Philippine government is considering putting in another order for a medical support vessel from Indonesia’s state-owned shipbuilder.

During the 2016 Asian Defense & Security (ADAS) exhibition in Manila, Philippine Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana held a discussion with Brig. Gen. Jan Pieter Ate from the Indonesian ADAS delegation on Indonesian defense products.

“The Secretary of National Defense and the Philippines Navy chief of staff are impressed with the medical support vessel that will be fit for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations,” Jan Pieter, the Defense Ministry’s director of the defense industry and technology, told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

According to Jan Pieter, the Philippine secretary of defense had shown a deep interest in the 123-meter vessel and spent a lot of time looking at the vessel’s mock-up.

It was reported that the Philippines had also put in an order for the CN235-200 and N212i aircraft from state-owned airplane maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia in 2015.

The three-day ADAS 2016 exhibition ends on Friday.


According to its official website, ADAS 2016 attracts exhibitors from around the world and works closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

(The Jakarta Post)

ADF Orders Back-Pack Electronic Surveillance System

30 September 2016

Chemring RESOLVE electronic warfare (photo : Chemring)

Electronic Surveillance System Upgrade for Army

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP announced today that Defence has signed a contract that will provide Australian soldiers with a back-pack electronic surveillance system.

Mr Pyne said the acquisition contract signed with Victorian company Chemring Australia is valued at $18 million and will supply up to 50 back-pack electronic surveillance systems to be delivered during the first 18 months of the contract.

“These new back-pack based systems will detect, identify and determine the direction of communication signals in the field and provide that information to other electronic warfare command units,” Minister Pyne said.

“This replacement of an obsolete system as part of a wider Army electronic warfare capability upgrade will significantly improve the Army’s situational awareness in the field.

“The state of the art system will enable soldiers in the field to perform electronic surveillance operations and network with other Australian Defence Force electronic warfare capabilities.

“The system use the assault back-packs designed by Army’s innovative Diggerworks. The transport and storage systems for the new back-pack systems will be provided by Victorian company Trimcast Pty Ltd”.

Mr Pyne said Chemring Australia will assemble the electronic surveillance back-pack system in their facilities in Victoria, using this opportunity to grow their skills in electronic warfare through the development and support of the capability.

“When all systems are delivered, approximately one million dollars will be spent locally on sustainment activities per year, with around fifty per cent of the $28 million total life-time program cost being spent in Australia.” Mr Pyne said.

(Aus DoD)

Yon Armed 1/2 Kostrad Uji Coba Penembakan Roket Astros

29 September 2016

Suasana uji tembok roket Astros (all photos : Kostrad)

Pendivif 2 - Batalyon Artileri Medan (Yonarmed) 1 adalah salah satu kekuatan bantuan tempur (Banpur) Divisi Infanteri 2/Kostrad, yang memiliki Alutsista terbaru MLRS (Artillery Saturation Rocket System) ASTROS II, produksi Avibrás Aerospacial, sebuah perusahaan manufaktur senjata militer dari negara Brazil.

Baru-baru ini Yon Armed 1 Kostrad menggelar uji coba Alat Utama Sistem pertahanan MLRS Astros ll dan uji munisi Roket SS-09 dan SS-30 di pantai Banongan, Situbondo, Jawa Timur. Dalam uji coba tersebut, ditinjau secara langsung oleh Kepala Staf Divif 2 Kostrad Brigjen TNI  Ainurrahman. (20/9/16).

Kegiatan menembak senjata ini dilaksanakan untuk menguji coba dan menguji fungsi Alutsista baru yang dimiliki oleh Yon Armed 1 Kostrad, sekaligus melatih kesiapan satuan dalam rangka menghadapi Latihan Bantuan Tempur Terpadu yang akan digelar pada bulan November mendatang. Kegiatan uji coba menembak ini diikuti oleh 102 personel prajurit yang dipimpin oleh Komandan Batalyon Armed 1, Mayor Arm Dodot Sugeng Hariadi dengan mengerahkan 6 pucuk roket Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Astros ll MK 6.

Mayor Dodot menjelaskan, “bahwa kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk melakukan uji coba dan uji fungsi terhadap Alutsista baru yang kita miliki. Selain itu juga sebagai bentuk persiapan Yon Armed 1 Kostrad dalam menghadapi kegiatan latihan pada skala TNI,” jelasnya.

Lebih lanjut Mayor Dodot menjelaskan, “Setiap Alutsista terbaru pasti akan melalui proses uji prima, baik untuk menguji presisinya, jarak capainya, mekaniknya ataupun komponen yang ada di roket itu sendiri. Dan apabila terdapat perubahan setelah penembakan atau adanya kerusakan, akan dievaluasi dan kita laporkan ke komando atas,” tandasnya.

Roket MLRS Astros ll merupakan senjata canggih berupa peluncur roket dengan mobilitas dan fleksibilitas tinggi, yang memiliki efek gentar terhadap musuh. Karena bisa meluncurkan beberapa roket sekaligus dengan jangkauan sasaran yang jauh dan tingkat akurasi yang tinggi. Saat ini untuk jenis munisi yang dimiliki Yon Armed 1 adalah Roket SS-09 dan SS-30 yang memiliki jangkauan 6 Km-30 Km, dan akan dikembangkan dengan jenis munisi baru dengan jarak jangkauan hingga 150-300 km.

Pengadaan roket MLRS Astros ll di Yon Armed 1 Kostrad ini, terkait salah satu wujud dari pembangunan MEF (Minimum Essential Force), yang saat ini sudah memasuki proses Renstra tahap 2. Pada tahap ini, Renstra lebih menitikberatkan pada pembangunan dan modernisasi Alutsista beserta teknologinya untuk membentuk kekuatan pertahanan yang memadai, guna menjadikan postur pertahanan Indonesia yang mandiri, kuat, disegani dan semakin berwibawa.

(Kostrad)

Korea Offers Light Tactical Vehicle for Philippine Army

29 September 2016

New model of 4x4 from Kia motor (photo : Shephard)

KIA displays new 4x4

Christened the Kia Light Tactical Vehicle (KLTV) for export markets, Alan Lee, assistant manager of Kia’s special vehicle export team, said he hoped that this family of armour-protected vehicles would attract attention from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

With the AFP facing ever more dangerous threats such as improvised explosive devices in the southern Philippines and elsewhere, protecting troops is an important priority.

The KLTV weighs 5.7t and it is powered by a 2,959cc, six-cylinder diesel engine. 

Kia has already started production of the indigenous LTV for the Republic of Korea Army, and Lee said contracts may soon emerge in Africa too.

Kia Motors is the primary supplier of new vehicles to the Philippines, with Lee saying more than 2,000 vehicles had been provided to date.

Kia Light Tactical Vehicle (photo : Kia)

Numerically the most numerous model supplied to the AFP is the 1.25t KM450 4x4 vehicle. A Philippine Army spokesman provided further details on the variants obtained to date. The army alone has inducted 1,595 examples of the KM450, 120 KM451 ambulances and two KM452 communications vans.

In addition, the army has received 250 examples of the KM250 2.5t 6x6 truck and six KM500 5t 6x6 trucks as tractors for artillery pieces. The army also has 12 KM500-series prime movers and trailers for the transportation of heavy equipment.

It is quite likely the AFP will place further truck orders given the elderly state of the AFP fleet. The inventory is mostly based on types such as the M35 that are in service throughout the archipelago.

(Shephard)

PAL Indonesia Luncurkan Fregat PKR-105 dan Kapal SSV Yang Kedua

29 September 2016

Kapal SSV kedua BRP Davao Del Sur 602 (photo : IMF)

PAL Indonesia luncurkan kapal perang pesanan Filipina yang kedua

Surabaya (ANTARA News) - Perseroan terbatas PAL Indonesia meluncurkan dua kapal perang, yakni kapal jenis "Strategic Sealift Vessel" (SSV) pesanan kedua Kementerian Pertahanan Filipina serta Kapal Guided Missile Frigate (PKR-105) yang juga meruptakan pesanan kedua dari Kementerian Pertahanan Republik Indonesia.

Direktur Utama PT PAL Indonesia M Firmansyah Arifin, dalam acara peluncuran di Dok Semarang Divisi Kapal Niaga Kawasan Tanjung Perak, Surabaya, Kamis mengatakan peluncuran ini sebagai tanda selesainya pengerjaan kedua kapal perang oleh PT PAL Indonesia yang juga merupakan perusahaan BUMN.

Ia mengatakan dalam proses penggarapan Kapal SSV-2, PAL Indonesia mampu menyelesaikan lebih cepat tiga bulan dari target yang ditentukan Mei 2017 dan rencananya secara resmi diseraterimakan kepada Kementerian Filipina pada Maret 2017.

"Kapal SSV 2 ini kami peroleh dari proyek tender internasional, dan bersaing dengan beberapa negara," ucap Firman.

Sedangkan, Kapal SSV-2 pesanan Filipina merupakan hasil alih teknologi yang telah dikerjakan PAL Indonesia saat melakukan pembangunan kapal Landing Platform Dock (LPD) 125 Meter.

"SSV Kedua yang diluncurkan ini merupakan hasil pengembangan yang dilakukan Insan PAL Indonesia setelah sebelumnya SSV Pertama dengan nama BRP Tarlac 601 telah dikirimkan ke Filipina pada Mei 2016," katanya.

Ia menjelaskan kapal perang ekspor perdana pesanan Kementerian Pertahanan Filipina ini menjadi bukti dan saksi kebanggan bangsa, karena melalui penguasaan desain dan teknologi perkapalan, PT PAL Indonesia turut andil dalam mendukung program poros maritim serta pemenuhan kebutuhan keamanan kemaritiman nasional.

Berikut spesifikasi umum, SSV :

Panjang = 123,0 meter
Lebar = 21,8 meter
Sarat Air = 5 meter
Bobot = 7.200 ton
Jarak = 9.360 nM
Daya Angkut = 621 Orang
Kecepatan max = 16 Knots
Klas = Llyod Register.

Fregat kedua KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai 332 (photo : IMF)

Fregat PKR-105 Kedua

Sementara untuk Kapal PKR 105 merupakan penugasan dari Kementerian Pertahanan RI dalam memperkuat keberadaan alutsista, dan rencananya akan resmi diserahterimakan pada Oktober 2017.

"Setelah diluncurkan, Kapal PKR 105 akan menjalani penyempurnaan dan akan secara resmi diserahterimakan pada Oktober 2017," ucapnya.

Firmansyah menjelaskan, Kapal Perang PKR 105 adalah hasil kerja sama alih teknologi antara PT PAL Indonesia dengan perusahaan kapal Belanda "Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding" (DSNS) serta telah diuji coba 7 September 2016. 

Dalam proses pengerjaan PKR 105, PT PAL Indonesia dan DSNS menggunakan sistem modular, dan setiap kapal terdiri dari 6 modul, dengan perakitan terakhir dilakukan di Indonesia. 

Kapal jenis Frigate itu didesain untuk berbagai tipe peperangan di antaranya untuk peperangan darat, udara, atas air dan bawah air, serta dilengkapi pengamanan kemaritiman, SAR, dan misi Kemanusian. 

Sementara itu, spesifikasi umum PKR 105 :

Panjang = 105,11 meter
Lebar = 14,02 meter
Sarat Air = 3,7 meter
Bobot = 2.365 ton
Jarak = 5.000 nM
Daya Angkut = 100 + 20 Orang
Kecepatan max = 28 Knots
Klas = Llyod Register

(Antara)

HAWK 208 RMAF : Battle Proven, Deadly and Future Upgrades

29 September 2016

RMAF Hawk 208 (photo : Airliners)

Airod Sdn Bhd dah sain MOU dengan BAE Systems untuk upgrade RMAF Hawk.

Antara upgrade yang dicadangkan Cockpit displays, HUDs (mission computers) and the RWR (Radar Warning Receiver). 

Upgrade ini membolehkan Hawk 208 untuk bawa dan tembak AIM-9X Sidewinder. 

Upgrade ini juga membolehkan Hawk dipasangkan targeting pods untuk pandu bom panduan laser, rockets dan peluru berpandu.

(MMP)

Tarakan Bakal Jadi Pangkalan Induk TNI AU di Kaltara

29 September 2016

Di Tarakan akan dibangun apron untuk pesawat tempur (photo : defence.pk)

PROKAL.CO, TARAKAN - Panglima Komando Sektor Pertahanan Udara Nasional (Pangkosek Hanudnas II) Makassar, Marsekal Pertama TNI Alfonsius Joko Takarianto datang ke wilayah Kalimantan Utara dan tiba di Bandara Juwata Tarakan, sekira pukul 08.45 WITA. Kedatangannya dijemput langsung Komandan Pangkalan TNI AU (Danlanud) Kolonel Pnb Umar Fathurrohman.

Diketahui, kunjungannya ke Kaltara meninjau langsung Markas Satuan Radar (Satrad) 225yang berbasis di Kota Tarakan. Danlanud TNI AU, Kolonel Pnb Umar Fathurrohman, S.IP, M.Si mengatakan, kunjungan Pangkosek Hanudnas II Marsekal Pertama TNI AU, Alfonsius Joko Takarianto tidak terlepas pada rencana pembangunan landasan pacu pesawat tempur akan dibangun dalam waktu dekat dan sejumlah Alustsista (Alat Utama Sistem Senjata).

“Ini untuk menindak lanjuti kekuatan persenjataan udara dan fasilitas yang akan disiapkan di Tarakan, seperti apron untuk pesawat tempur jenis F16, Sukhoi, T50 dan pesawat tempur lainnya,” tukasnya, kemarin.

(Prokal)

Saab Targets Gripen at Philippines

29 September 2016

Saab is opening an office in the Philippines to pursue an opportunity for the Gripen. (photo : USAF)

Saab is to open an office in Manila by the end of 2016 to support the company's campaign to sell its JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft to the Philippine Air Force (PAF), an official from the Swedish company told I HS Jane's on 28 September.

Speaking on the opening day of the Asian Defence and Security 2016 (ADAS 2016) exhibition in Manila, Carl-Erik Leek, Saab's executive vice-president in the Asia Pacific, said the new office would be the centre of the company's marketing activities in the country.

At present, these are undertaken from Saab's regional headquarters in Thailand, although the company does not currently have a major presence, in terms of previous defence sales, in the Philippine market.

The new office will also be supported by the Swedish government's intention, announced in December 2015, to open an embassy in Manila to support growth in bilateral trade and investment. Both Saab's office and the new embassy are expected to be operational by November.

Leek, who will head up the new Manila office, said Saab's primary target in the Philippines is the PAF's requirement - outlined in the service's modernisation programme, Flight Plan 2028 - for 12 multirole combat aircraft. "Saab can fulfil the PAF requirement for an affordable fighter aircraft," said Leek. "We think we are a strong contender."

He added that the offer would include a package of support systems, similar to the capabilities that Saab has supplied the Royal Thai Air Force, which procured 12 Gripen C/D aircraft ordered in two phases in 2008 and 2010, with deliveries completed in 2013. "[The PAF offer] will be a whole system including ground infrastructure, an integrated command-and-control system, sensors, and datalinks," he said.

In addition, Leek highlighted opportunities for Saab to meet Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) requirements for naval systems - such as combat management systems - radars and air defence.

(Jane's)

BTR-4M Korps Marinir TNI AL Tiba di Indonesia

28 September 2016

Panser BTR-4M Korps Marinir (photo : Defence Military)

Setelah perjalanan panjang mengarungi lautan selama lebih dari satu bulan, akhirnya pada sore hari 28 September 2016, kapal MV Texel yang membawa lima unit panser intai amfibi BTR-4M Bucephalus pesanan Korp Marinir TNI AL tiba juga di dermaga pelabuhan Tanjung Priuk. Angkasa berkesempatan meninjau penurunan seluruh BTR-4M dari kapal, setelah selesainya proses inspeksi oleh Direktorat Bea dan Cukai.

Berbeda dengan pada saat pengiriman Main Battle Tank Leopard 2 yang turun dari kapal dengan tenaganya sendiri, BTR-4M diangkat, digotong, dan diturunkan dengan crane dari dek kapal sampai ke dermaga. Ini mirip dengan pada saat sistem artileri swagerak CAESAR diturunkan dari kapal pengangkut.

Satu-persatu, ranpur amfibi bersosok sangar ini diturunkan dari atas kapal secara perlahan oleh kru pelabuhan yang cukup ahli, diawasi dengan cermat oleh perwakilan dari perusahaan forwarding, perusahaan konsultan yang mewakili pabrikan BTR-4, dan tentu saja perwakilan dari Korp Marinir TNI AL. Semua yang menanti sudah tidak sabar menunggu selesainya proses turunnya BTR-4 dari dalam kapal.

Kalau dipikir, mungkin ini satu-satunya kesempatan bagi BTR-4 untuk ‘bermanja-manja.’ Saat nanti menjalani dinas aktif di tangan Kompi Intai Amfibi (Pintam), BTR-4 sudah pasti harus mengarung laut keluar dari kapal saat menjalani fase pendaratan dalam operasi amfibi.

BTR-4M yang didatangkan dari Ukraina sebanyak 5 unit (photo : IMF)

Dari segi desain, BTR-4 dengan sistem penggerak 8×8 merupakan desain asli Ukraina, yang merupakan penyempurna dari roh desain keluarga BTR-60/70/80. Walaupun buatan Timur, kualitas dan desainnya mengacu pada kendaraan tempur buatan Barat. Jika melongok ke dalamnya, layoutnya sudah seperti ranpur buatan Barat, dengan kompartemen pengemudi dan komandan di depan, mesin di tengah, dan kompartemen pasukan di belakang. Kompartemen belakang terasa sangat lapang dan lega, dengan konfigurasi kursi yang bisa diatur untuk duduk berhadapan atau berpunggung-punggungan.

Sistem penggerak untuk BTR-4 sendiri juga sudah mengandalkan mesin buatan Barat. Walaupun pabrikan sebenarnya menyiapkan dua opsi mesin, varian BTR-4M Indonesia menggunakan mesin terbaik yaitu Deutz BF6M 1015CP buatan Jerman yang sudah mengadopsi standar emisi Euro II yang saat ini berlaku di Indonesia. Mesin diesel berdaya 490hp ini dikawinkan dengan sistem transmisi otomatis buatan Amerika Serikat Allison 4600SP dengan 6 gigi maju dan 1 gigi mundur. Paduan mesin dan transmisi ini dapat membawa BTR-4 lincah melesat sampai kecepatan 100km/ jam di jalan aspal atau 70km/ jam cross country.

Untuk kompartemen pasukan, BTR-4 dapat mengangkut sampai 8 orang yang terdiri dari 7 prajurit dan 1 orang juru tembak untuk sistem senjata pada BTR-4. Setiap prajurit mendapatkan kursi individual, yang dipasang tergantung pada atap kendaraan. Konfigurasi ini sengaja dibuat untuk mengurangi keparahan cedera fisik apabila kendaraan sampai terkena ranjau, yang gelombang kejutnya dapat meremukkan tulang.

BTR-4M Korps Marinir dengan kanon Parus (photo : IMF)

Lantai kendaraan dibuat berlapis untuk mengantisipasi impak dari ledakan ranjau darat. Kenyamanan pasukan terjaga karena BTR-4M pesanan Indonesia sudah dipasangi sistem pendingin udara dengan daya yang cukup besar. Untuk menghadapi tren pertempuran di masa mendatang, BTR-4 pesanan Indonesia bahkan juga dilengkapi dengan filter NBC alias Nubika (Nuklir, Biologi, dan Kimia) untuk menghadapi skenario perang inkonvensional.

Sementara untuk sistem senjata BTR-4M pesanan Indonesia, kubah yang dibeli adalah Parus yang menggabungkan 4 tipe senjata sekaligus. Daftarnya mulai dari kanon otomatis 30mm ZTM-1/ 2A72 seperti yang terpasang pada BMP-2/3, yang sudah terbukti andal untuk menggasak berbagai macam sasaran. Mengingat kanon serupa sudah digunakan pula oleh Korp Marinir pada ranpur BVP-2 dan BMP-3F, soal logistik amunisi, penggunaan dan perawatan tentu tidak jadi masalah.

Untuk anti-infanteri, disediakan senapan mesin 7,62mm PKT dan pelontar granat 30mm AGS-17. Paduan dari dua senjata ini mampu menyediakan cakupan sasaran tunggal ataupun area pada jarak di luar jangkauan senjata ringan. Amunisi untuk ketiga senjata ini dapat dipasok dan diisi ulang dari sisi bawah atau dari dalam kabin, sehingga mengurangi resiko tertembak. Sementara untuk melawan tank, BTR-4M dibekali dengan rudal antitank Baryer (penghalang) yang dua tabungnya nangkring di sisi kanan kubah Parus. Dengan jarak efektif sampai 4.000 meter, BTR-4M memiliki kans untuk menghadapi dan melumpuhkan Main Battle Tank.

Panser BTR-4M Korps Marinir dengan kanon Parus (photo : ARC)

Namun sesungguhnya, fitur terbaik dari kubah Parus yang dipasang dari BTR-4M tidak cuma itu. Kubah ini dilengkapi dengan sistem hunter-killer dimana komandan dapat mengintip sasaran dari modul kamera yang dapat dinaikkan dan berputar independen dari putaran kubah. Komandan yang duduk di kursi depan dapat mengatur arah gerak dan zoom kamera ke sektor yang diinginkan. Fitur yang jamaknya hanya ada pada Main Battle Tank tersebut diadopsi pada BTR-4 untuk memaksimalkan daya gebuknya. Fungsi intai ini akan sangat berguna mengingat Korp Marinir membutuhkan fungsi intai untuk Resimen Kavalerinya.

Dengan segala fiturnya, BTR-4M yang akan tiba di Indonesia tahun ini boleh jadi merupakan ranpur terbaik di antara arsenal ranpur milik ketiga angkatan. Dengan kemampuan arung laut yang prima, ditambahkan dengan sistem senjata mulai dari senapan mesin sampai kanon tembak cepat yang dapat mencakup berbagai jarak, BTR-4M menghadirkan kombinasi letalitas dan mobilitas yang masih sukar dicari padananannya di antara ranpur-ranpur buatan Barat.

Namun, perjalanan BTR-4 jelas tidak akan berhenti setelah tiba di Indonesia. Masih ada uji tembak dan uji arung laut, yang walaupun sudah dilaksanakan di Ukraina, tetap harus dilakukan di Indonesia sebelum dapat diserahterimakan secara resmi.

(Angkasa)

Three SharpEye Radar Installed in Malaysia

28 September 2016

SharpEye radar at Port of Kuala Perlis (photo : Kelvin Hughes)

Growing Demand for Sharpeye VTS Rradar

Following the successful installation of three of its VTS systems in Malaysia, Kelvin Hughes is experiencing growing demand throughout South East Asia for its solid-state SharpEye™ radar technology for vessel traffic and coastal surveillance applications.

The Marine Department of Malaysia selected the Kelvin Hughes SBS-800-2

Upmast X-Band SharpEye™ system to ensure the safe entry and exit, management and monitoring of passenger ferries and other vessels within the ports of Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah & Kuah. Kelvin Hughes supplied the systems through SAAB TransponderTech AB and Greenfinder Sdn Bhd.

The SBS-800 range of radar systems are designed to align with the 'Basic', 'Standard' and 'Advanced' capability types of IALA V-128. With their patented SharpEye™ technology, they transmit a low power pulse sequence which enables short, medium and long range radar returns to be detected simultaneously.

SharpEye radar at Port of Kuala Kedah (photo : Kelvin Hughes)

Doppler processing of the radar returns provides coherent information concerning target velocity and enables the detection of very small and slow moving objects with a low Radar Cross Section (RCS). Through a series of electronic filters, the system is able to distinguish between targets of interest and sea, rain and land clutter.

In addition, with no magnetron required for the system, maintenance costs are significantly reduced.

Hamzah Akhbar, Regional Sales Manager for Kelvin Hughes, commented:
 “The success of our VTS radar in these three important Malaysian ports has clearly demonstrated the superior detection and tracking performance of SharpEye™ technology, particularly in adverse weather conditions where safety can’t be compromised. In response to the demand, we’re looking forward to the opportunity to enhance maritime safety and port security at other sites throughout the region.”

(Kelvin Hughes)

DND Finalizing Contract for Navy's 2 Missile-Firing Frigates

28 September 2016

Korean model frigate (photo : Military Review)

MANILA (PNA) -- The contract for the Philippine Navy's two missile-armed frigates is now being finalized, Department of National Defense (DND) public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said Monday.

Once the contract is finalized, it will be signed by DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and the duly authorized representative of the winning proponent, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), he added.

"Notice of Award (NOA) was formally served to HHI last Aug. 4. Once the formal contract is signed, it will be followed by a Notice to Proceed, which will be formally served to the proponent," Andolong said.

"NOA was given to HHI as GRSE (Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd) was post-disqualified after it was determined that their Net Financial Capacity was insufficient and therefore not in compliance with Republic Act 9184 (Government Procurement Policy Board)," he added.

GRSE along with HHI was one of the six proponents in the DND's frigate program.

In the NOA, HHI offered PHP15,744,571,884 for the two frigates.

The DND has allocated the sum of PHP18 billion for the acquisition of two missile-capable frigates, with PHP16 billion going to the construction of the ships and PHP2 billion for its munitions.

The ships will be armed with a variety of sensors and weapons capable of detecting and neutralizing air, surface, and submarine threats.

It will be also capable of electronic warfare.

Aside from this, the frigates, according to their technical specifications, must be capable of performing extended maritime patrol with an embarked naval helicopter and maritime surveillance through air-and-surface-search radar, sound navigation and ranging (sonar) for sub-surface search.

It will be armed and fitted a variety of air-to-air, anti-ship, and anti-submarine weapons. 

(PNA)

KLD Tunas Samudera Kapal Layar Latih TLDM

28 September 2016

KLD Tunas Samudera (photo : Bruno Girin)

Pada tahun 1988, YAB Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad telah mengumumkan bahawa Kementerian Pendidikan bagi pihak kerajaan Malaysia dengan kerajaan British telah bersama bersetuju untuk membiayai pembinaan sebuah kapal layar latihan yang berhaga RM 18 juta . Kapal layar latihan ini akan dikendalikan dan disenggara oleh TLDM bagi pihak negara untuk faedah belia negara dan pelatih TLDM.

Pembinaan kapal ini telah bermula pada November 1988 di Brooke Yachts International LTD, Lowestoff, Suffolk di United Kingdom. Kapal layar latihan ini telah diberi nama KLD TUNAS SAMUDERA dan ditauliahkan pada 15 Oktober 1989.

KLD Tunas Samudera (photo : Skyscrapercity)

Istiadat penyerahan KLD TUNAS SAMUDERA telah dilaksanakan oleh Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Banginda Yang Di Pertuan Agong Ke-9 Sultan Azlan Shah dan Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II di Pangkalan TLDM Lumut pada 16 Oktober 1989 dengan penuh adat istiadat tentera laut.

STS Young Endeavour, kapal layar latih Angkatan Laut Australia merupakan kapal kembaran KLD Tunas Samudera (photo : RAN)

KLD TUNAS SAMUDERA merupakan kapal layar latihan jenis Brigantine. Kapal layar latihan ini diwujudkan bertujuan memberi peluang kepada para belia dan beliawanis negara mengikuti program latihan pelayaran dan menghayati serta mencintai warisan maritim di samping menimba pengetahuan. Program ini juga bertujuan mengukuhkan disiplin diri, memupuk sifat kerjasama dan membina kualiti kepimpinan. Pendedahan kepada ilmu pelayaran seperti navigasi, kaji cuaca dan ilmu kelautan yang diberikan melalui program ini seterusnya akan melahirkan belia dan beliawanis yang berketrampilan dari segi jasmani, emosi, rohani dan intelek.

(TLDM)

BAE Systems Targets Australian Companies for Possible Type 26 Supply Chain Roles

27 September 2016

Type 26 Global Combat Ship (image : BAE Systems)

BAE Systems has declared that it intends to open up the supply chain for the UK’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship program, with 150 Australian companies set to pitch their products and services.

BAE Systems together with 20 of its major suppliers, including Rohde & Schwarz, Rolls-Royce, David Brown Santasalo, L-3 and Babcock, will be in Canberra to meet Australian SMEs over the next two days.

As well as having an opportunity to meet with BAE Systems and its suppliers, SMEs will hear from companies that have been successful in securing global defence contracts and learn more about what it takes to be part of a global supply chain, BAE Systems Australia stated.

“Australian SMEs have an extraordinary reputation for being innovative, agile and cost-competitive, which is why some of the world’s biggest companies are here to engage with and understand the capability that Australian companies can bring to this important program,” said Fran Murphy, director for strategy and business development at BAE Systems Australia.

“Securing work on a project the size and scale of the UK’s Type 26 to be built for the Royal Navy would position any Australian business well for future opportunities. The Global Combat Ship has been designed for export, and is currently being offered to Australia and other nations around the world.”

BAE Systems with the Type 26 is up against Fincantieri and Navantia in the race to provide the design for the Future Frigates. BAE Systems has signed a contract with the Commonwealth to further refine its design.

(ADBR)

Russia Arms Deal Eyed

27 September 2016

Duterte plans to purchase night attack helicopters and patrol boats for the AFP (photo : Max Bryansky)

MOSCOW is planning to donate or loan military equipment and technology to Manila, only days after President Rodrigo Duterte said he would go to Russia or China if the United States did not like his “dirty mouth.”

Ambassador to Russia Carlos Sorreta announced the plan after he met with Russian officials over how the two countries could boost trade and security cooperation as Duterte discussed with Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev last May.

At the same time, the US State Department also announced on Saturday that Washington approved the release of $6.725 million (more than P300 million) from the $32 million fund that US State Secretary John Kerry pledged during his visit to Manila last July.

Sorreta said the plan to donate or loan military equipment was discussed when he and vice consul Luningning Camoying were briefed by officials of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC).

The FSMTC is a federal agency directly under the Office of the President of the Russian Federation responsible for control and oversight in the field of military-technical cooperation between the Russian Federation and foreign countries.

Russian officials who hosted the briefing are First Department on Military and Technical Cooperation with Foreign States chief Serggey Buganov; and Section on Military-Technical Cooperation with Countries of the Asia-Pacific Region chief Valery Orel.

“We welcomed the briefing, which was quite revealing, particularly the extent that Russia is able to interact with a large number of countries in this field and the different mechanisms that are employed, including acquisition and transfer of Russian military equipment,” Soretta said.

“This is all part of our job to explore opportunities that could contribute to our government’s efforts to modernize our defense capabilities,” Sorreta said.

Aside from the military equipment and technology, Sorreta said Russia is also willing to provide training, after-sales service and maintenance, transfer of technology, investment in domestic military production and servicing and different modes of financing.

Sorreta and Camoying were briefed after a similar meeting between a Department of National Defense delegation, led by Undersecretary for Finance and Materiel Raymundo de Vera Elefante, and Russian defense officials including officials of the FSMTC.

The talks with Russia developed after Duterte met with Russian Ambassador Khovaev, who met with Duterte in Davao City a few days after the May 9 elections.

Khovaev said he was impressed by Duterte during a “very productive” meeting where they discussed how to jump-start Philippine-Russian relations which officially started only in 1976.

Khovaev said that it was “time for Russians to discover the Philippines, and it is time for the Philippines to discover Russia,” adding that strengthened trade cooperation could begin before the end of this year.

The Russian envoy said there is much potential in the two country’s bilateral ties because “there were no disputes and no contradictions” and only develop “cooperation in practical terms.”

Meanwhile, the US, through State Assistant Secretary for international narcotics and law enforcement William Brownfield the $6.7 million fund was meant to boost law enforcement in the Philippines.

In an interview with online news site Rappler, Brownfield said the fund was part of the $32 million that Kerry pledged for law enforcement training and services. 

US State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs said that $4.665 million of the larger amount “is set to be transferred soon, via an Interagency Agreement, from INL to the US Coast Guard.”

This funding aims “to support maritime security in the Philippines.”

“There is additional money which was previously appropriated by Congress for use in the Philippines, but no decisions have to be made on that funding’s use until next year,” Rappler quoted the INL as saying.

(Manila Standard)

After Indian Success, France Targets Malaysia For Rafale Jet Sales

27 September 2016

Rafale multi-role fighter (photo : the Avionist)

Fresh from signing a contract to supply 36 Dassault Rafale jets to India, France is looking at Malaysia as the next possible buyer of its multi-role fighter.

Malaysia and Canada have competitions to acquire new fighter aircraft in which Dassault is a bidder but Dassault CEO Eric Trappier is more optimistic on the Asian country. Talking about the chances of the Rafale in future competitions where it would up against the American fighter jets such as the F-16 and F/A-18 Super Hornet, Trappier was quoted as saying by a French publication, Challenges, “we are not like America, we have to build a good plane.”

Reading between the lines of Trappier’s statement, is an admission of American political pressure for countries to buy its aircraft and that for the French to compete in such an environment their aircraft has to be better than the competition.

The Malaysian procurement is considered a good opportunity by Boeing which manufactures the F/A-18. Malaysia is retiring older versions of F/A-18s in service with its Air Force. Saab which has sold its Gripen fighters to Thailand is also considered a good bet especially when it beat the French in the deal to sell jets to Brazil.

Regarding Canada, which re-opened the competition after public pressure to reject the super-expensive F-35, the French are not so optimistic given ‘American pressure’ on its northern neighbour. Canada has invited Eurofighter, Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Dassault to bid for its fighter acquisition program.

But many industry pundits expect the ultimate winner to be an American plane.

However, the Indian contract would give an advantage to Dassault like none other. A French diplomat was quoted as saying in a French publication, Le Maghreb, "the Indians are downright formidable as negotiators," meaning that the aircraft and the terms of purchase are the only issues that mattered in the negotiations. Unlike in many other defence deals all around the world where bilateral relations and political groups (NATO countries buying only from fellow NATO countries) matter more than the technical merits of the equipment.

(DefenseWorld)