31 Januari 2017
An SAF Terrex ICV being offloaded from the ship onto a low-bed trailer. (photo : Sing Mindef)
The nine Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicles (ICVs) and other equipment arrived in Singapore today at 1440hrs and will be transported to an SAF Camp for post-training administration.
The SAF Terrex ICVs and other equipment will be transported to an SAF Camp for post-training administration. (photo : Sing Mindef)
The standard post-training administration for all vehicles and equipment include thorough serviceability checks and routine maintenance.
(Sing Mindef)
31 Januari 2017
Propeller of the A400M M54-01 (photo : avgeekmy)
After a long transcontinental trip, on January 16, 2017 the first A400M of the RMAF (M54-01) landing in Spain. Airbus Defense and Space (DS) was officially delivered this aircraft on 10 January 2015 to the Royal Malaysian Air Force at the San Pablo plant in Seville.
The M54-01 landed at the airport of Getafe (Madrid), next to the Airbus plant, and would have to undergone the retrofit of its propeller, would solve the problem detected in gearboxes or the Engine Propeller Gearboxes, that build by the Italian company Avio Aero, a subsidiary company of the North American General Electrics.
Malaysian A400m will undergo retrofit in Getafe, Madrid. In February, 2016 A400M of the French Air Force has completed this work at the Iberia Maintenance, Madrid, which also performs tasks of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), with collaboration with Airbus DS.
(Defensa)
31 Januari 2017
HMAS Hobart has gone to sea for its acceptance trials. (all photos : Aus DoD)
The future Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Hobart on monday morning departed the wharf at Techport Australia to commence a second round of more advanced Sea Trials off the coast of South Australia.
Known as ‘Sea Acceptance Trials’ they follow the successful completion of ‘Builder Sea Trials’ in September 2016 which tested Hobart’s hull, propulsion and navigation systems.
AWD Program Manager Commodore Craig Bourke said this second phase of more advanced trials will test Hobart’s full suite of Mission Systems, involving both platform systems and combat systems.
“These trials are the culmination of all of the preceding design, production, activation, integration and test activities conducted on Hobart to date,” Commodore Bourke said.
“Sea Acceptance Trials are a significant milestone for the Project as it is the first time that the AWD will be tested as a complete Mission System.”
In order to fully test the ship, Hobart will work closely with a range of fighter aircraft, surface ships and helicopters, as well as other civilian platforms in a range of simulated scenarios.
Raytheon Australia’s Managing Director, Michael Ward noted the complexity and sophistication of the AWD combat system which will be tested during the trials.
“As the combat systems integrator for the AWD project, Raytheon Australia has applied its highly skilled Australian workforce of 350 architects, systems engineers and project managers to the AWD project over the last decade.”
“Raytheon Australia is responsible for the integration of ten major subsystems, including the Aegis Weapon System, which is provided through Foreign Military Sales, and associated delivery of more than 3,500 major pieces of combat system equipment required to establish the warfighting capability of the AWD. This will contribute to making the AWD the most lethal and sophisticated warship ever operated by the Royal Australian Navy.”
“The success of the combat system integration activity is a source of tremendous pride for Raytheon Australia. Not only have we performed admirably on this project but we have built for Australia a national asset in combat system integration,” Mr Ward said.
For ASC Shipbuilding CEO Mark Lamarre, these trials provide the formal testing and acceptance phase for the platform system.
“Sea Acceptance Trials further demonstrates the capacity of Australia’s sovereign defence industry to build and integrate ships for our specific defence needs, and will prove this highly capable platform ready for delivery to Defence,” Mr Lamarre said.
AWD Alliance General Manager Paul Evans said the Alliance is looking forward to the successful completion of ‘Sea Acceptance Trials’ as a pre-requisite to enable the AWD Alliance to deliver Hobart to the Commonwealth in mid-2017.
“On delivery of our first Air Warfare Destroyer, the Royal Australian Navy will gain a new and potent capability it has never before possessed, and the most capable and lethal warship it has ever operated,” Mr Evans said.
(Aus AWD)
30 Januari 2017
BTR-4M during tropical test trials in Indonesia (all photos : Ukrboronprom)
BTR-4M in Indonesia
Ukrainian amphibious armored personal carriers BTR-4M successfully passed all test trials in tropical conditions in Indonesia.
What’s in the package?
BTR-4M in its standard version equipped with uninhabited combat turret BM-7 “Parus” with a 30-mm automatic gun ZTM-1, 30 mm grenade launcher and 7,76 automatic gun, “Barrier” antitank guided missile system, however a number of different combat turrets are available for integration depending on the customer’s needs.
Mobility Trails
Each of five BTR-4M successfully passed mobility trials and hit defined targets on specified distances, demonstrating accuracy of Ukrainian weaponry.
BTR-4M Specifications
New BTR-4M with 8×8 wheel arrangement, equipped with NATO standard Deutz engine and Allison transmissions. Turbocharged 6-cylinder 11.9 liter diesel engine BF6M 1015Cp allows to have a 515 horsepower output at maximum 1800 rpm.
March of combat vehicles
Representatives of various departments of the Ministry of Defence of Indonesia controlled 100 km long march of combat vehicles.
Amphibious Capabilities
During the tests of amphibious capabilities, combat vehicles acted in the water steadily and smoothly.
Sea Trials
A number of different sea trials in different conditions have successfully been conducted.
Cross Inland
These new armored vehicles capable to cross inland water obstacles without any changes in configuration.
(Asian Military Review)
30 Januari 2017
Increase budget needed to buy modern equipment for AFP (photo : Update)
Lorenzana says Congress needs to boost Defense budget
MANILA (PNA) --- There is a strong need for the House of Representatives to increase the budget of the Department of National Defense (DND) to enable it to acquire modern equipment for the military.
This was disclosed by DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in a press briefing Thursday.
"You know I have been talking to some of the congressmen, I told them, we should increase our budget, we have been underfunded for the past 50 years so that we cannot buy modern equipment," he said in Filipino.
Lorenzana cited the case of Singapore, which is a relatively small country compared to the Philippines and yet spends around three percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) for its defense needs.
In contrast, he said the Philippines is only spending some 1.2 percent of its GDP for defense.
"That's why (Singapore) has more aircraft, more ships, they have more of everything, including 50 urban protection vehicles which they bought in France for 3 million Singaporean dollars each. They also have tanks. Their only problem is that they don't have any area for exercises," Lorenzana said.
Due to low budget for DND for decades, he said the Philippine military is very far behind its Southeast Asian neighbors.
Lorenzana said that allocating 2.4 percent to 2.5 percent of the GDP for defense expenditures will be fair.
"Well we are now (spending) maybe 1.2 percent, if they will double that to 2.4 percent or 2.5 percent, we'll be very happy with that," he said
(PNA)
30 Januari 2017
HMA Ships Anzac, Parramatta and Melbourne conduct a formation departure from Fleet Base East. (All photos: RAN)
The lead ship of Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac-class frigates departed Fleet Base East in Sydney for the first time in 2017 to begin her deployment work ups.
HMAS Anzac sailed out in formation with HMA Ships Melbourne and Parramatta.
Coming out of a maintenance period, Anzac headed for the East Australian Exercise Area, the Australian Defence Force training zone off the New South Wales coast.
Anzac Class frigates HMAS Anzac and Parramatta (photo : RAN)
Anzac’s first week at sea included a ‘shakedown’ period, designed to refresh the knowledge and training of ship’s company, in addition to teaching the ‘new joiners’ what is required in order to live and fight in the maritime environment.
Several warfare exercises were conducted while underway, including force protection harbour entries and air warfare training serials.
Upon her return to Fleet Base East, Anzac will embark members of Sea Training Group to commence a formal training and assessment phase. The Group are responsible for delivering effective training to the Navy’s Fleet, and will train and assess Anzac’s readiness across all disciplines.
HMAS Melbourne (photo : RAN)
In another milestone for the frigate, HMAS Anzac completed an Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile firing against an airborne target in late 2016, for the first time since her since her Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade in 2014.
The milestone was achieved during her Sea Qualification Trials as Anzac proved the capability of her weapon and sensor systems. The firing took place after the frigate’s maintenance period and completing she completed the Mariner Skills Evaluation, which allowed the ship to safely proceed to sea.
(Naval Today)
28 Januari 2017
Texstars canopy and windshield transparencies (photo : Texstars)
Grand Prairie, Texas – Texstars LLC, a leading innovator and manufacturer of aerospace transparencies and plastics, was awarded a multi-year Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). Under the EMD contract and working closely with the KAI design team,
Texstars will develop flight-qualified canopy and windshield transparencies for the KF-X single-seat and tandem-seat advanced multirole fighter aircraft.Texstars will provide the KF-X fighter with bird-strike resistant transparencies with high-quality optics. The company’s extensive manufacturing know-how will provide KAI with transparency systems that operate in the extreme flight conditions of the KF-X fighter while providing maximum survivability and pilot safety.
Texstars has significant experience providing single- and tandem-seat transparency configurations for a variety of platforms. Texstars co-developed the F-16 transparencies and has been the primary producer since 1977. The company is also a long-time supplier for the B-1B, B-2, E-2C/D, EA-6B, A-10, F-15 and many other fixed-wing aircraft.
(Texstars)
28 Januari 2017
AV-8 Gempita Infantry Combat Vehicle with LCT30 ATGW Ingwe Turret (photo : MMP)
Denel received the R3.7 billion contract in 2011 to develop, manufacture, supply, deliver and commission the turrets. The contract requires industrial participation in Malaysia and as a result the production and assembly are taking place in that country.
In its latest annual report, Denel noted that, “The contract execution has been extended by two years to nine years due to the economic situation in the end-user country. The required industrial participation activities have been implemented and the first systems have been successfully manufactured, assembled and tested in the end-user country. The base value of the programme is R3.7bn and revenue of R1.193bn (2014/15: R590m) was recognised during the 2015/16 financial year.”
The Malaysian contract, the largest export contract in Denel’s history, is seeing Denel Land Systems responsible for 69 two man turrets fitted with the South African GI30 30mm main gun; 54 missile turrets equipped with the GI30 30mm gun and Denel Dynamics Ingwe anti-tank missile system (the order also includes the supply of 216 laser-guided Ingwe missiles); and 54 remote control weapons systems.
Denel LCT30 turret (photo : Cari)
The annual report said key highlights and achievements over the last financial year included the completion of the light combat turret (LCT) 30 product baseline and the assembly of 20 LCT30 systems for Malaysia.
Through the contract Denel is participating in the Malaysian Economic Enhancement programme which entails the production and assembly of the turrets in Malaysia. The agreement provides a platform to transfer weapon system integration technology to DefTech in order to create a sustainable capability in Malaysia.
Manufacturing of the turrets grew out of Denel Land System’s development of the Badger infantry combat vehicle on behalf of the South African Army.
(Defenceweb)
28 Januari 2017
Kendaraan tempur pendarat amfibi LVT 7A-1 (photos : Marinir)
Prajurit Yonranratfib-2 Mar Laksanakan Latihan Kesenjataan Ranpur LVT 7A-1
Dispen Kormar (Jakarta). Dalam rangka mengasah dan menguji keterampilan serta penguasaan kesenjataan Korpas Marinir, Prajurit lapis baja Batalyon Kendaran Pendarat Amfibi-2 Marinir (Yonranratfib-2 Mar) melaksanakan Latihan Perorangan Kesenjataan (LPK) Triwulan l Tahun 2017, bertempat di garase ranpur Yon Ranratfib-2 Mar Cilandak Jakarta selatan, Jumat (27/01/2017).
Kegitan tersebut dipimpin Langsung oleh Komandan Batalyon Kendaran Pendarat Amfibi-2 Marinir (Danyon Ranratfib-2 Mar) Mayor Marinir La Ode Jimmy H Rachman.
Dalam kegiatan latihan ini diawali dengan pengenalan karakteristik senjata M85 12,7 MM dan Ranpur LVT 7A-1, Usai pengenalan dilanjutkan dengan praktek mengemudi LVT 7A-1 dan bongkar pasang Senjata M85 12,7 MM.
Sementara itu Danyon Ranratfib-2 Mar menyampaikan kepada Seluruh Prajurit Yon Ranratfib-2 Mar agar mengikuti kegiatan ini dengan sungguh-sungguh dan memahami karakteristi tiap-tiap Ranpur dan Kesenjataanya agar seluruh prajurit dapat memahami dan mengerti tentang kesenjataan yang di awaki oleh Prajurit guna mendukung tugas- tugas di masa mendatang.
(Marinir)
28 Januari 2017
For 2017 nominal GDP of the Philippines was estimated $ 412.909 billion (photo : Beam Magnum)
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is hoping that Congress would allocate more than two percent of the country's gross domestic product to defense spending.
Lorenzana made the remark even as the Department of National Defense continues to have one of the biggest allocations with P134.5 billion under the P3.35-trillion national budget for 2017.
"You know I've been talking to some of the congressmen. Sabi ko sa kanila we should increase our budget. We have been underfunded for the past 50 years kaya hindi tayo makabili ng equipment e," Lorenzana said.
Lorenzana said Singapore was spending three percent of its GDP for defense while other countries in Southeast Asia were spending at least two percent.
"That's why they have more aircraft, they have more ships, they have more everything," Lorenzana said.
"Well. we are now having maybe 1.2. Siguro kung doblehin lang nila, doblehin lang nila yung 1.2, mga 2.4, 2.5... We'll be happy with that," he added.
Lorenzana said the Philippines was lagging behind in the region because the country didn't want to spend.
"Hindi puwedeng magtipid tayo diyan dahil mahuhuli ka and then before you know it, kawawang kawawa ka sa paningin ng iba," Lorenzana said.
"So i hope that the Congress could also give us sufficient funds," he added.
Anoa-Singa revival
Meanwhile, Lorenzana said the AFP was looking to revive its bilateral military exercises with Singapore called the "Anoa-Singa."
Lorenzana said Singapore—despite being a small country of only six million people—had improved its defense capabilities since the exercises were suspended.
"We will look into that, for the revival of that Anoa-Singa, maganda kasi yan e dahil we could also learn a lot from the Singaporeans," Lorenzana said.
"They have also developed their defense industries, gumagawa sila ng kanyon, gumagawa sila ng terex, the terex is the infantry fighting vehicle," he added.
Lorenzana said he and Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen will have further discussions on the matter which he hopes would lead to a new round of exercises by 2018.
"We talked about it, sabi niya we'll talk some more about this so that... Gusto rin nilang mangyari yun [Anoa-Singa], they would like to conduct exercises with us also," Lorenzana said.
"If we can finish the discussion this year and look at the [memorandum of understanding] again maybe we can implement that next year," he added.
(GMANetwork)
27 Januari 2017
Radar Kohanudnas (photo : Detik)
Bantul (ANTARA News) - Kepala Staf TNI Angkatan Udara Marsekal TNI Hadi Tjahjanto meminta radar-radar atau alat untuk mendeteksi pesawat yang mengarah ke negara tetangga Indonesia agar beroperasi penuh selama 24 jam.
"Dalam rapim kemarin saya sampaikan bahwa radar-radar yang mengarah ke negara tetangga itu ada 15 radar, saya minta agar bisa beroperasi selama 24 jam," kata KSAU usai berkunjung ke Monumen TNI AU Ngoto Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY), Kamis.
Dengan radar yang beroperasi selama 24 jam maka menurut KSAU, TNI AU bisa mendeteksi dini apabila ada pesawat asing atau luar negeri yang melanggar wilayah udara Indonesia.
"Kalau selama ini yang dilaksanakan adalah 18 jam, tapi dengan sistem over lap, jadi dalam satu wilayah tidak ada radar yang mati, karena kalau ada yang masih nyala, yang sudah 18 jam di-off-kan. Namun nanti semuanya terpacu untuk on selama 24 jam," katanya.
KSAU mengatakan upaya tersebut perlu dijalankan untuk mendukung program pemerintah RI yaitu sebagai negara poros maritim dunia.
"Poros maritim dunia harus kita amankan karena yang kita jaga mulai dari ZEE (Zona Ekonomi Ekslusif) sampai ke dalam kita amankan wilayah udara, atas permukaan laut dan bawah permukaan laut," katanya.
KSAU juga menyinggung beberapa program yang menjadi prioritas untuk membangun kekuatan alat utama sistem persenjataan atau alutsista TNI AU, di antaranya dengan membangun sistem sistem pengadaan alutsista secara transparan agar bisa diikuti perkembangannya.
Kemudian tidak ada kecelakaan yang berulang, katanya, akan dibangun dan dilaksanakan sistem yang mengarah pada manajemen tentang pelatihan para penerbang.
"Sehingga dengan alutsista yang ada, kemudian radar yang terintegrasi dengan kekuatan udara yang siap, maka Insya Allah tidak ada negara-negara atau pihak yang ingin masuk secara ilegal ke wilayah kita," katanya.
(Antara)
27 Januari 2017
Improved Kilo class submarine (photo : Defencetalk)
MANILA (PNA) -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the country is now evaluating Russia's offer to sell the Philippines some of its advanced diesel-electric submarines.
The DND chief, in a press briefing Thursday, said they are now determining on whether these specialized ships are essential for the modernization needs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and whether the country can afford to acquire and maintain such an expensive weapons platform.
However, Lorenzana said Russia diesel-electrics submarines are considered to be one of the best in the world.
Six variants of the Russian-made Kilo-class submarines are now being operated by Vietnam People's Navy.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is expected to acquire its own diesel-electric class submarines during the 2nd Horizon of the AFP Modernization Program which is expected to begin this 2018 and end on 2022.
Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines are mainly intended for anti-shipping and anti-submarine operations in relatively shallow waters.
(PNA)
26 Januari 2017
Pesawat terbang N219 (photo : PTDI)
Gagal Terbang Perdana Akhir 2016, Maret Pesawat N219 Siap Mengudara
Rencana terbang perdana pesawat N219 pada akhir 2016 tak sempat terlaksana lantaran terganjal permasalahan teknik serta pemeriksaan dokumen pesawat yang belum tuntas. Pesawat yang 100 persen dibuat anak bangsa itu diharapkan dapat mengudara pada Maret mendatang.
Penerbang perdana pesawat baru merupakan bagian dari rekayasa pesawat. Dalam proses itu, sejumlah parameter pesawat diuji. Untuk bisa mencakar angkasa, purwarupa pesawat harus memenuhi semua syarat kelayakan terbang. Berbagai dokumen pun diperiksa dan sejumlah tes juga harus dijalani hingga pesawat dinyatakan laik terbang.
“Insya Allah, semua bisa selesai dalam dua bulan ke depan,” kata Direktur Teknologi dan Pengembangan PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) Andi Alisjahbana saat dihubungi melalui surat elektronik, dari Jakarta, Sabtu (21/1/2017).
N219 merupakan pesawat generasi kedua yang dibuat anak Indonesia yang didahului N250. Pesawat berkapasitas 19 penumpang itu didesain sebagai pesawat perintis yang mampu mendarat di landasan tanah, berumput, atau berkerikil, dengan panjang landasan 600 meter.
Pesawat ini juga dirancang multifungsi dengan konfigurasi angkutan penumpang, kargo, evakuasi medis, surveilans, dan patroli. Pesawat buatan Lembaga Penerbangan dan Antariksa Nasional (Lapan) dan PTDI itu adalah pesawat terbaru di kelasnya dan diklaim punya banyak keunggulan, termasuk kecanggihan teknologi yang digunakan.
Kepala Lapan, Thomas Djamaluddin, berharap terbang perdana N219 dilakukan kuartal pertama 2017 dan semua proses sertifikasi bisa selesai tahun ini. Sehingga, produksi pesawat itu bisa dimulai pada tahun depan.
“Semakin mundur penyelesaian sertifikasi dan terbang perdananya, produksi pesawat pun akan mundur sehingga kian besar peluang pasar pesawat berpenumpang 19 orang direbut pesaing,” terangnya.
Saat ini, pesawat sejenis di pasaran yang menjadi pesaing N219 adalah Yunshuji-12 (Y12E) buatan Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (HAMC) Tiongkok dan de Havilland Canada-6 (DHC6) produksi Viking Air Kanada.
Meski demikian, Andi yakin keterlambatan itu tak berlangsung lama dan dampaknya bisa diminimalisir. Terlebih, N219 memiliki banyak keunggulan dibandingkan pesawat sejenis, mulai dari sisi teknologi, kapasitas kabin, dan kemampuan terbang pesawat.
(Angkasa)
26 Januari 2017
FA-50PH fighter trainer aircraft (photo : Lester Tangco)
AFP to acquire PHP23.7-M worth of spares, component for unscheduled maintenance of FA-50PHs
MANILA (PNA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is allocating some PHP23,706,000 for the acquisition of spare parts and components needed for the unscheduled maintenance of one of its four Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)-made FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle" jet fighters.
Pre-bid conference is scheduled on Jan. 26, at 9 a.m. at the Philippine Air Force Procurement Center Conference Roon, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.
While bid opening is on Feb. 8, at 9 a.m. at the same venue.
The PAF currently has four FA-50PHs in its inventory. Another eight are scheduled to be deliver this year and the next.
The 12-plane order from KAI is worth PHP18.9 billion.
The FA-50PHs has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.
It will act as the country's interim fighter until the Philippines get enough experience of operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.
The FA-50PH design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.
KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the FA-50PHs.
The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.
The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.
There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 US gallons), five in the fuselage and two in the wings.
An additional 1,710 liters (452 US gallons) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.
Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.
The FA-50PHs uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and KAI.
The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement, and an afterburner.
Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of thrust with afterburner.
(PNA)
26 Januari 2017
Eurofighter Typhoon salah satu kandidat pesawat MRCA (photo : Airsoc)
SHAH ALAM - Tahap kesiapsiagaan Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) akan diperkasakan sebelum 2020 bagi memastikan angkatan itu memiliki kelebihan dalam mendepani apa juga ancaman yang boleh mengugat keselamatan negara.
Menteri Pertahanan, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein berkata, bagi tujuan beberapa perolehan aset tempur terbaharu terutamanya bagi Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM) dan Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM) akan diberi perhatian khusus.
“Biar ATM teliti perkara ini kerana mereka pengguna dan sebagai Menteri Pertahanan, saya akan pastikan rundingan terbaik untuk negara dan aset yang terbaik untuk tentera kita,” katanya ketika berucap merasmikan Retreat Hala Tuju Kementerian Pertahanan di sini hari ini. (Utusan)
Perkasakan ATM : Perolehan MRCA, MPA, MRSS
SHAH ALAM - Perolehan pesawat pejuang pelbagai peranan (MRCA) baharu bagi menggantikan pesawat MiG-29N, sama ada dari jenis Eurofighter Typhoon atau pun Dassault Rafale akan diputuskan sebelum tahun 2020.
Langkah serupa juga akan dibuat ke atas perolehan Pesawat Rondaan Maritim (MPA) generasi baharu serta Kapal Sokongan Pelbagai Peranan (MRSS) untuk kegunaan Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM).
Kandidat MRSS adalah LPD dari PT PAL (photo : wiki)
Perkara itu diumumkan Menteri Pertahanan, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein sebagai langkah memperkasakan kesiapsiagaan Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) dalam mendepani cabaran keselamatan terkini.
“Biar ATM selaku pengguna nilai kesesuaiannya dan selaku Menteri Pertahanan, saya mahu rundingan terbaik untuk negara dan aset terbaik buat tentera,” katanya ketika berucap merasmikan Retreat Hala Tuju Kementerian Pertahanan di sini hari ini.
TUDM memerlukan sekurang-kurangnya satu skuadron (18 buah) pesawat MRCA baharu dan empat buah pesawat MPA generasi terkini, manakala TLDM pula memerlukan tiga buah kapal MRSS moden bagi menjamin kedaulatan negara.
Ditanya lanjut dalam sidang akhbarnya selepas itu, apakah beliau optimis perolehan tersebut mampu dilakukan dalam tempoh ditetapkan memandangkan ekonomi negara tidak menentu, Hishammuddin berkata, perkara itu mesti dilakukan.
“Bukan lagi soal optimis tetapi kita perlu lakukan (perolehan), namun kita juga sedar pembelian aset ketenteran banyak dipengaruhi faktor kewangan negara,” jelasnya.
Sementara itu, kepada laporan yang mengaitkan Sabah sebagai transit bagi kumpulan militan Daesh, Hishammuddin berkata, laporan berkenaan adalah tidak benar kerana semua negara terdedah kepada ancaman pengganas.
“Mereka boleh bertindak walaupun bersendirian dan jika sekalipun militan itu ditahan di Sabah, tidak bererti Sabah adalah transit kerana mereka ini boleh berada di mana-mana sahaja,” katanya. (Utusan)
26 Januari 2017
Nexter Caesar howitzer 155mm TNI AD (photo : defence.pk)
JAKARTA - Alokasi anggaran Mabes TNI Angkatan Darat (AD) 2017 naik sebesar Rp1 triliun menjadi Rp46 triliun dibandingkan tahun sebelumnya Rp45 triliun.
Anggaran sebesar itu akan digunakan untuk memenuhi kebutuhan TNI AD. "Total anggaran kurang lebih sekitar Rp46 triliun sekian. Mengalami peningkatan Rp1 triliun dari 2016," ujar Kepala Staf Angkatan Darat (KSAD) Jenderal TNI Mulyono saat membuka Rapat Pimpinan TNI AD di Mabesad, Jakarta Pusat, Senin (23/01/2017).
Mulyono berharap anggaran sebesar itu bisa dimanfaatkan untuk memenuhi kebutuhan yang sudah menjadi skala prioritas seperti pengadaan alat utama sistem persenjataan (alutsista).
"Kita harapkan dengan rapim ini kita evaluasi penggunaan anggaran itu," ujarnya.
Mantan Pangkostrad ini menyebutkan, ada beberapa program prioritas dalam Rapim TNI AD 2017 di antaranya pengadaan alutsista, melakukan pembangunan di daerah pinggiran dan perbatasan.
"Kita programkan di 2017 mengacu kebijakan yang dijabarkan bapak Presiden terkait upaya membangun NKRI dari wilayah pinggiran. Tentunya untuk mewujudkan itu, kegiatan yang kita lakukan adalah mengantisipasi kegiatan di wilayah perbatasan termasuk pembangunan sarana prasarana militer yang dibutuhkan," ujarnya.
Program prioritas lainnya adalah mewujudkan ketahanan pangan. Walaupun Presiden Jokowi mengatakan Indonesia sudah swasembada tetapi untuk lebih menyakinkan cadangan pangan pihaknya maka akan kembali melanjutkan program tersebut.
"Cetak sawah juga akan dilanjutkan, upaya tanam tumbuh akan lebih ditambah lagi, juga terkait jumlah sawah dan hasil tanam tumbuh akan lebih meningkat supaya menguatkan swasembada pangan," ucapnya.
(SindoNews)
25 Januari 2017
Model pesawat N-245 (photo : Defense Studies)
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Pesawat terbaru buatan PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI), yaitu tipe N-245 ditargetkan mulai terbang pada 2018 mendatang.
Direktur PT DI Budi Santoso saat ditemui di Kementerian Badan Usaha Milik Negara, Jakarta, Selasa, mengatakan saat ini tengah masih dalam tahap desain.
"Masih dalam desain, jadi Insya Allah kita mulai karena ini pesawat derivatif (turunan) dari CN-235, jadi bukan pesawat baru 80 persen komponen sama dengan CN 235 dan 295. Jadi, kita targetkan 2018 sudah bisa terbang," kata Budi.
Budi mengatakan target pembuatan pesawat tersebut bisa dikejar pada 2018 karena dinilai tidak seberat dalam pembuatan pesawat N 219.
"Kalau 219 itu buat semua baru, kalau 245 kita buat ekornya saja, jadi yang lain sama, sertifikasinya sama melanjutkan yang 235," katanya.
Saat ini, ia mengatakan pihaknya tengah mengurus sertifikasi yang dibantu oleh perusahaan manufaktur pesawat yang bermarkasi di Toulouse, Prancis melalui kerja sama.
Budi menngatakan hal itu dilakukan untuk mempercepat proses sertifikasi pesawat di bawah tipe ATR 72 tersebut.
"Kalau kita ingin mensertifikasi produk, katakanlah ke EASA atau FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), kalau kita apply (mengajukan) langsung, maka dapat urututan paling buntut (akhir)," katanya.
Ia mengatakan Airbus mendukung proyek ini karena akan melengkapi seri sebelumnya, yaitu CN 235 dan CN 295.
"Insya Allah akan cepat prosesnya karena ini bukan pesawat baru, 80 persen komponennya sudah ada di kita," katanya.
Meskipun dalam proses sertifikasi dibantu oleh Airbus, Budi menegaskan ide dan desain murni hasil karya anak negeri.
Dia mengatakan N-245 merupakan pesawat kecil untuk daerah komersil yang jika dikembangkan bisa berkapasitas bisa 30-50 penumpang seiring dengan perkembangan teknologi yang semula hanya 10-12 penumpang.
Saat ini, Budi menuturkan pesawat-pesawatnya sebagian besar dibeli untuk keperluan pemerintahan dibandingkan dengan swasta, porsinya masih 90:10 persen.
"Kalau untuk keperluan pemerintahan itu biasanya (mempertimbangkan) performance (kegunaan) paling penting, tapi kalau swasta itu harga paling penting," katanya.
Selain itu, lanjut dia, negara-negara yang paling banyak memesan pesawat-pesawat PT DI tersebut, yaitu dari Timur Tengah dan Afrika.
"Itu pasar-pasar baru karena bisa dibilang dulu Afrika belum bisa beli pesawat baru, sekarang sudah bisa. Timur Tengah juga kita harapkan enggak ada masalah," katanya.
Budi mengatakan salah satu kelebihan dari pesawat yang diproduksinya, yaitu bisa dimodifikasi sesuai pesanan, terutama untuk VVIP.
"VVIP juga bisa dua versi, bisa dipakai penumpang biasa, bisa dipakai medical (medis), jadi satu pesawat dengan berbagai konfigurasi seperti ini, kalau pabrik besar kan sudah malas mengerjakannya," katanya.
(Antara)
25 Januari 2017
Terrex Vehicle (photo : The Online Citizen)
SINGAPORE - The Hong Kong authorities will release the nine Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) armoured vehicles that they had detained since last November.
In a statement on Tuesday (Jan 24), Singapore's Foreign Affairs Ministry said Hong Kong's Chief Executive Leung Chun Ying replied to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's earlier letter to inform him that the Hong Kong authorities have completed their investigations, "and will be releasing the SAF Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicles and other equipment to the Singapore Government through the carrier".
"This is a positive outcome," the ministry said.
"Prime Minister Lee has replied to Chief Executive Leung to thank him for Hong Kong's cooperation in resolving this matter."
Hong Kong Customs had, on Nov 23, detained the nine Terrex vehicles and other equipment on board a container ship that was transiting in Hong Kong.
The vehicles were bound for Singapore after a SAF military exercise in Taiwan.
The shipment was impounded because vessel owner APL had failed to provide appropriate permits for the vehicles, the South China Morning Post reported.
Officials from shipping firm APL, which has shipped SAF military equipment since the 1990s, later met Hong Kong Customs officials several times to resolve the issue.
Terrex vehicles (photo : TODAYonline)
Earlier this month, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said in Parliament that as the property of the Singapore Government, the vehicles are protected by sovereign immunity even though they were being shipped by commercial carriers. This means they cannot legally be detained or confiscated by other countries.
He also said PM Lee had written to Mr Leung to request for the Terrex vehicles to be returned.
The Hong Kong authorities replied that investigations would take some time to complete, and the matter will be handled in accordance to its laws.
On Tuesday, Hong Kong's Commissioner of Customs and Excise Roy Tang said in response to media queries that as an active and responsible trading partner in the global economy, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is committed to complying with international standards of strategic trade control, and Hong Kong implements a robust control system to achieve it.
"Import, export and transshipment/transit of strategic commodities in breach of licensing requirement are criminal offences punishable under the Hong Kong law. The action by the Hong Kong Customs on November 23, 2016 was taken because there was a suspected breach of the Hong Kong law," he said.
Mr Tang added that Hong Kong Customs has completed its investigation of the suspected breach, and that the investigation might lead to criminal prosecution.
"The military vehicles and the associated equipment will be returned to Singapore through the carrier," he added.
A spokesman with APL said: "APL is working with the relevant authorities and various stakeholders to ship the vehicles and associated equipment that were detained in Hong Kong in November 2016, back to Singapore."
(StraitsTimes)
