F-100 Engine for Indonesia

31 Maret 2017

Pratt & Whitney F100 is F-16 engine (photo : TNI AU)

Pratt & Whitney, Military Engines, East Hartford, Connecticut, has been awarded an $8,156,606 modification (P00026) to previously awarded contract FA8124-13-C-0009 for the remanufacturing of the F100 engine for the Indonesian Air Force. 

Work will predominantly be performed at Columbus, Georgia, and is expected to be complete by April 15, 2018. 

This contract is 100 percent foreign military sales to Indonesia. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity.

(US DoD)

Navy’s Britten-Norman Islander Fleet Not Yet Retiring

31 Maret 2017

Britten Norman Iskander (photo : defense ph)

The Philippine Navy (PN)’s venerable Britten-Norman Islander aircraft will not be retired even if all the five Japanese Beechcraft King Air TC-90 aircraft are delivered this year.

“We will not retire (our Britten-Norman Islander fleet) yet. The TC-90s will just complement them and add to the number of aircraft that the PN is (using) for its maritime domain awareness capabilities,” said PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado.

The Navy currently operates six Britten-Norman Island aircraft for its patrol and other security missions, having acquired them in the early 1980s.

It has a maximum speed of 170 miles per hour and range of 756 nautical miles.

While the TC-90s have a range of over 1,000 nautical miles, and a cruising speed of 260 knots and capable of carrying eight passengers along with the pilots.

Last Monday, Japanese naval personnel formally turned over two of the five TC-90s to the PN during short ceremonies in Sangley Point, Cavite.

(PNA)

Malaysia Pertimbang Beli Jet Pejuang Rafale

31 Maret 2017

Dassault Rafale fighter (photo : Flyination)

PUTRAJAYA - Malaysia sedang mempertimbangkan pembe­lian kelengkapan pertahanan dari Perancis termasuk pesawat pejuang pelbagai peranan (MRCA), Rafale buatan Dassault Aviation.

Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak berkata, Malaysia kini sedang melihat perkara ber­kenaan namun masih belum bersedia membuat sebarang keputusan mengenainya.

“Seperti yang kita tahu, Malaysia merupakan pelanggan besar peralatan ketenteraan dari Perancis, jadi perbincangan kita hari ini antaranya berkisar tentang perkara tersebut.

“Kita mengambil perhatian terhadap kejayaan pesawat buatan Perancis itu di beberapa negara dan kemungkinan baginya menjadi subjek kerjasama dan kolaborasi,” katanya dalam sidang akhbar bersama Presiden Perancis, Francois Hollande di Bangunan Perdana Putra di sini hari ini.

Terdahulu, Najib dan Hollande mengadakan mesyuarat dua hala dan menyaksikan majlis menandatangani dua surat hasrat (LOI) mengenai pertahanan dan pendidikan.

Perjanjian berhubung pertukaran dan maklumat sulit kerjasama pertahanan ditandatangani oleh Menteri Pertahanan, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein dan rakan sejawatannya dari Perancis, Jean-Yves Le Drian.

Diputuskan sebelum 2020

Baru-baru ini, Hishammuddin berkata, perolehan MRCA baharu bagi menggantikan pesawat MiG-29N, sama ada dari jenis Eurofighter Typhoon atau pun Dassault Rafale akan diputuskan sebelum 2020.

Dalam pada itu, Najib yang juga Menteri Kewangan berkata, perbincangan antara beliau dan Hollande turut mengetengahkan tentang soal pelaburan serta perdagangan dua hala yang kini mencecah RM15.2 bilion sekali gus menjadikan Perancis sebagai rakan dagang ke-18 terbesar bagi Malaysia.

Beliau menjelaskan, imbangan perdagangan memihak kepada Perancis ketika ini kerana sebahagian besar daripadanya melibatkan pembelian kelengkapan dari negara tersebut terutama kapal terbang, kapal serta lain-lain per­alatan pertahanan dan ke­selamatan.

“Kita juga mengambil perhatian bahawa syarikat-syarikat Perancis di negara ini memainkan peranan yang besar dalam me­nyumbang peluang pekerjaan kepada 60,000 rakyat Malaysia seperti STMicroelectro­nics, Lafarge dan Technip.

“Syarikat kenderaan Perancis, Peugeot, pada masa sama, juga kini dalam fasa perbinca­ngan serius bersama Proton Holdings Bhd. (Proton) tentang kemungkinan untuk satu bentuk perkongsian. Ia masih lagi belum dimuktamadkan tetapi ini adalah sesuatu yang boleh menjadi satu kemungkinan,” katanya.

(Utusan)

More King Airs for RAAF

31 Maret 2017

Beechcraft King Air 350 (photo : cqplanespotting)

Despite considering the consolidation of its 16-strong Beechcraft King Air 350 fleet over the next two years, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is acquiring four new aircraft from Hawker Pacific.

Although not announced publicly, a spokesperson for the Australian Department of Defence said the aircraft are being acquired under a leasing agreement with Hawker Pacific, and that they will be operated by 32 Squadron (Air Training Wing) at East Sale in Victoria.

They will be used to train RAAF air combat officers (ACO) and Royal Australian Navy aviation warfare officers (AvWO).

The spokesperson said that the new aircraft are being leased through the current King Air sustainment programme managed by the Defence's Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG).

The four aircraft have already been registered to Hawker Pacific and are currently at Bankstown, west of Sydney, prior to entering service.

The RAAF already operates eight King Airs in the ACO/AvWO training role, plus it has a further eight in service with 38 Squadron (Air Mobility Group).

BAE Systems developed and installed the King Air 350's Navigation Trainer Project's airborne navigation trainer and synthetic navigation training systems into the cabins of all eight 32 Squadron aircraft, which were commissioned into service in 2004.

The fleet is the subject of a review that will likely consolidate operations within one squadron in the near future, possibly at East Sale. However, it is unclear how the new aircraft fit within this plan.

The RAAF declined to answer any further questions on the subject.

(Shephard)

TNI AL Targetkan Memiliki 42 Kapal PC-40

31 Maret 2017

Kapal patroli kelas PC-40 (Patrol Craft - 40) (photo : Detik)

Metrotvnews.com, Batam: TNI Angkatan Laut (AL) menargetkan memiliki 42 kapal Patroli Cepat (PC)-40 untuk memperkuat pertahanan wilayah perairan Indonesia. Perairan itu di wilayah Komando Armada RI Kawasan Timur (Koarmatim) maupun Komando Armada RI Kawasan Barat (Koarmabar). 

Kepala Staf Angkatan Laut (Kasal) Laksamana TNI Ade Sopandi mengungkapkan, dari 42 KRI kelas PC-40 yang ditargetkan TNI AL, 16 kapal telah rampung pengerjaannya di awal 2017.

"Anggaran pembuatan seluruh kapal PC-40 ini berasal dari APBN 2015-2016. Diharapkan, pengerjaan seluruh kapal dapat rampung 2017 hingga 2018 sehingga dapat dioperasikan untuk memperkuat pertahanan wilayah perairan Indonesia," kata Ade usai meresmikan KRI Torani-860 dan KRI Lepu-861 di Pelabuhan Batuampar, Batam, Kamis 30 Maret 2017.

Ia menjelaskan, ke 42 kapal PC-40 tersebut nantinya disebar di Koarmatim dan Koarmabar. Khusus untuk wilayah Koarmabar, kapal-kapal PC-40 akan disebar di beberapa Markas Pangkalan Utama TNI AL (Lantamal), seperti Lantamal di Pontianak (Kalbar), Tanjungpinang (Kepri), Medan (Sumut), dan Aceh.

Kapal tipe PC-40 (photo : defence.pk)

"Selain itu, ke depan, setiap Lanal (Pangkalan TNI AL) di kota/kabupaten akan disiagakan satu kapal PC-40 yang dapat mobile (beroperasi) secara rutin di wilayahnya," jelas Ade.


Kapal-kapal patroli cepat tersebut, ungkap Ade, diproyeksikan memperkuat Satuan Kapal Patroli (Satrol) di wilayah masing-masing. Sebagai wilayah kepulauan, sambung Ade, keberadaan kapal PC-40 di Kepri sangat penting untuk menjaga keamanan wilayah dari ancaman maupun tindak kejahatan. 

"Saya mendapatkan laporan bahwa tindak kejahatan di Selat Malaka menurun dibandingkan tahun-tahun sebelumnya. Meski demikian pengamanan wilayah perairan tetap menjadi prioritas," tegasnya. 

Ade tak memungkiri bahwa wilayah perairan Kepri hingga Selat Malaka cukup rawan perompakan, namun berkat kesigapan TNI AL dan Tim WFQR, kejahatan itu dapat diatasi. "Jika tahun-tahun sebelumnya ada 10 kali perompakan, tahun lalu hanya ada dua kali perompakan dan berhasil kita ungkap," ujarnya.

Kapal tipe KCR-60 (photo : defence.pk)

Selain PC-40, sambung Ade, ke depan guna memperkuat pertahanan wilayah dan industri alutsista TNI, TNI AL memproyeksikan membuat kapal PC-60. Kapal ini ditargetkan memiliki kecepatan lebih tinggi dan daya jelajah lebih luas dibandingkan PC-40. 

"Bahkan target kami bisa membuat 6 kapal PC-60 tahun ini. Kita berharap pertumbuhan ekonomi Indonesia dapat lebih baik lagi agar pembangunan KRI ini dapat terealisasi," pungkasnya. 

Sekadar diketahui, pemberian nama kapal Torani dan Lepu diambil dari nama-nama ikan yang ada di Indonesia. Torani diambil dari nama ikan terbang, sedangkan Lepu diambil dari spesies ikan laut yang dikenal beracun.

(MetroTVNews)

Lacroix Offering Advanced Spectral Decoys for RMAF A400M Airlifters

31 Maret 2017

A400M Spectral Decoys (photo : Airbus Military)

As the Royal Malaysian Air Force officially inducted its fourth and final A400M military airlifter at the 14th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition (LIMA), the French company Lacroix was promoting innovative spectral decoy systems to bolster the aircraft's auto protection.

Providing new spectral decoys systems for the RMAF A400M airlifters fleet would allows the country's air force to extend its range of missions, said a Lacroix representative.

Hitherto focused on domestic transport missions, the four A400Ms belonging to RMAF would be able to be deployed in several missions, such as tactical transport for peacekeeping missions.

Among others protection systems, Lacroix developed decoys launched through MBDA's SAPHIR-400 expendable dispensing system, specially designed to carry out auto protection for the A400M military transport aircraft.

In order to carry out its protective role for this platform, SAPHIR-400 features a very large decoy capacity and is fully integrated within the A400M Defensive Aids Sub System (DASS). The system comes with a comprehensive Pre-Flight Mission Support Equipment (PFMSE) allowing Library Generation and Verification.

See full article Air Recognition

PN to Decommission all WW II Ships in Service by 2020

31 Maret 2017

BRP Rajah Humabon frigate PF-11 (photo : reddit)

MANILA (PNA) --- By 2020, all World War II vintage ships of the Philippine Navy (PN) will be retired and replaced by newly-built vessels.

PN spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in an interview with the Philippine News Agency Tuesday said retirement of these "legacy ships" is required as their officers and crewmembers are needed to man the newly-acquired warships which are expected to be delivered.

BRP Laguna LT-501 (photo : mbb8356)

Expected to be delivered and commissioned by then are the two missile-armed frigates, the contract of which was won by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries, and three missile-armed multi-purpose assault craft.

More crewmen are also needed to man the two strategic sealift vessels whose delivery are expected to be completed this May.

Lincuna said decommissioning of the PN's World War II era-vessels are needed as operating and maintaining them is getting more costly and expensive.

BRP Miguel Malvar PS-19 corvette (photo : mbb8356)

Aside from this, they are no longer capable of competing with new vessels of similar class.

World War II ships in PN service include the BRP Rajah Humabon, BRP Rizal, BRP Malvar, BRP Quezon and the BRP Laguna among others. 

(PNA)

Indonesia Ajukan LoI Pembelian Airbus A400M Atlas

30 Maret 2017

Airbus A400M (photo : Airbus Military)

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Champs d’Elysse, Kantor Kepresidenan Prancis di Paris, menyatakan, Indonesia telah menandatangani surat minat (Letter of Intent) pembelian pesawat transport berat militer buatan Airbus Military, A400M Atlas. Hal ini menyusul kunjungan resmi Presiden Prancis, Francois Hollande, ke Jakarta. 

Airbus menyatakan, LoI terhadap A400M Atlas itu ditandatangani Pelita Air, mewakili konsorsium BUMN Indonesia. Indonesia memiliki beberapa BUMN yang bergiat pada penerbangan komersial berjadwal ataupun sewa, yaitu PT Garuda Indonesia dan PT Pelita Air Service (anak perusahaan PT Pertamina).  

Dalam kunjungan resmi presiden Prancis setelah 30 tahun lalu, Hollande menyatakan, menanamkan modal sebanyak 2,6 miliar dolar Amerika Serikat di Indonesia pada berbagai bidang.

Reuters, Rabu waktu setempat (29/3), melaporkan, kesepakatan itu tidak menyebutkan secara persis jumlah A400M Atlas yang dinyatakan diminati Indonesia untuk dibeli. Di Asia Tenggara, hanya Malaysia yang menjadi operator A400M Atlas itu. 

A400M Atlas merupakan pendatang paling akhir di kelas pesawat transport berat militer. Kontrak pembelian telah terjadi di beberapa negara, namun di Afrika Selatan dibatalkan pada 2009. 

Sementara dari sisi ekspor dan pengembangan, banyak biaya dan waktu telah dihabiskan untuk menyempurnakan sosok dan kinerja A400M Atlas ini, sebagaimana dilakukan Chile bersama negara-negara pembuat. 

Dalam laporannya, Kepala Airbus Military, Fernando Alonso, menyatakan, pesawat transport berat mereka akan membantu meningkatkan mobilitas TNI AU selain membuka peluang kerja sama industri kedirgantaraan kedua pihak. 

“Diskusi pada masa mendatang akan digelar untuk membahas beberapa hal. Di antaranya jumlah pesawat terbang yang akan dicantumkan dalam kontrak dan kemungkinan-kemungkinan kerja sama industrial yang bisa dilaksanakan,” sebagaimana dinyatakan Airbus Military. 

Hingga saat ini, TNI AU mengoperasikan C-130 Hercules pada beberapa varian sebagai pesawat transport berat militernya. Indonesia juga membangun pesawat terbang buatan CASA Spanyol di bawah lisensi. 

(Antara)

Korea to Develop Battery-Powered Submarines by 2027

30 Maret 2017

3.00 ton submarine is KSS-III class built by DSME (photo : panzercho)

The military plans to build three lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery-powered submarines by 2027, according to Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) officials Friday.

Samsung SDI will make the batteries. Hanwha Techwin will develop a system for integrating them into the submarines that Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering will manufacture.

It is part of a long-term project to replace aging submarines. The Navy will have nine 3,000-ton submarines equipped with domestic technologies in a decade if the project is completed as planned, according to DAPA.

The military also plans to build three lead-acid battery-powered submarines between 2020 and 2024. Li-ion batteries last twice as long as lead-acid ones, according to Samsung SDI. The key is to develop advanced Li-ion batteries that can supply power to submarines consistently.

These batteries are now used for electric cars and many electronic gadgets, including laptop computers and smartphones.

The DAPA officials said Germany, France and Japan are also working hard to equip their submarines with Li-ion batteries.

"If the development of the Li-ion batteries for the subs succeeds, the subs' underwater navigation ability will be considerably enhanced," the DAPA said. This will strengthen the Navy's capacity against growing threats from North Korea, it said.

(KoreaTimes)

Teknologi Baterai Kapal Selam, BPPT Berguru ke Prancis

30 Maret 2017

Baterai kapal selam (image : MarineBio)

VIVA.co.id – Badan Pengkajian dan Penerapan Teknologi (BPPT) menjadi salah satu lembaga pemerintah yang akan bekerja sama dengan institusi penelitian dan pengembangan (litbang) Prancis. Rangkaian kerja sama ini menjadi rangkaian lawatan Presiden Prancis, Francois Hollande ke Indonesia.

Dua institusi litbang Prancis yang hari ini mengadakan pertemuan dengan BPPT, yakni INSA dan CEA.

Kepala BPPT, Unggul Priyanto, menyampaikan bahwa Prancis cukup maju dalam hal riset di bidang energi serta informasi dan teknologi komunikasi (ICT). Dalam hal energi misalnya, Unggul menjelaskan, seperti energi terbarukan seperti solar cell, fuel cell, dan teknologi baterai. Sementara itu, di bidang ICT, seperti security dan micro electronic.

"Atau teknologi lain, seperti manufakturing, kapal selam kalau mungkin (dikerjasamakan)," ujar Unggul usai courtesy call BPPT dengan CEA dan INSA Prancis di Hotel Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta Rabu 29 Maret 2017.

Terkait kapal selam, Unggul mengatakan, erat kaitannya dengan teknologi baterai. Sebab, kualitas kapal selam tergantung sekali dengan kualitas baterainya.

"Jadi, kapal selam ketika menyelam, energi mengandalkan baterai, semakin qualified baterainya, semakin lama bisa menyelam," kata Unggul.

Sementara itu, kapal selam bisa menyelam juga karena beban dari baterai. Sekitar 60 persen berat kapal selam adalah berat baterai.

Kapal selam yang dikembangkan BPPT, baterainya terbuat dari lithium ion. Saat ini, kekuatan durasi menyelamkan kapal selama empat hari.

Sementara itu, Prancis, telah mengembangkan baterai sodium-ion. Diklaim, baterai pengganti lithium ini lebih murah dan memiliki kerapatan penyimpanan energi sangat tinggi, ketersediaan sodium pun melimpah.

"Kami masih lihat (hasil riset Prancis) baterai sodium ion ini," tutur Unggul.

See full article Viva

Ruag Aviation Eyes RTN Do-228 Upgrade

30 Maret 2017

RTN Do-228 aircraft (photo : Jean Mc Braun)

Ruag Aviation eyes upgrading the RTN's fleet of 7 Do-228 as well as continue support for RTAF F-5s.

Beat Betschart, Senior Manager Regional Sales Asia of Ruag Aviation from Switzerland tell TAF at LIMA 2017 that his company still hope for the Do-228 upgrade contract from the Royal Thai Navy.

"Since the airframe has unlimited service life and wings can be operated into 42,000 hours, upgrading existing Do-228 is a vatable choice with half a price compare to buying the new aircraft"

RTN operates 7 Do-228s maritime patrol aircraft for more than 20 years and equipment start to show its age in the current mission, as well as search and rescue operation.

"RTN can choose Leonardo's SeaSpray radar or the radar of their choices as well as consider installing L-3 WESCAM EO/IR and perform the cockpit upgrade". He also stated that his company is ready to perform the work in Thailand of requested.

Ruag Aviation restart the Do-228NG production line and book more than 19 aircraft in the order book, including the two aircraft for Bangladesh Navy.

Ruag Aviation also continue to support the fleet of RTAF's F-5 despite losing to the Israeli company in the upgrade order.

(TAF)

Airbus Helicopters and PTDI Expand Long-Standing Industrial Co-operation to Include MRO

30 Maret 2017

Green helicopter of Panther, EC-725 and Fennec ordered by Indonesia (all photos : Airbus Helicopters)

Airbus Helicopters and PTDI expand long-standing industrial co-operation

Bandung – Riding on a 40-year long established partnership, Airbus Helicopters and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) bolstered their industrial co-operation to include support and services dedicated for the helicopter fleet of the Indonesian government. 

Witnessed by French Defence Minister Le Drian this morning, the agreement was signed by Airbus Helicopters CEO Guillaume Faury and PTDI President and CEO Budi Santoso.

Under this agreement, Airbus Helicopters and PTDI will jointly develop local support and services capabilities which cover maintenance, repair and overhaul specifically for the growing Airbus Helicopters fleet operated by the Indonesian government.

“Indonesia plays an extremely important role in Airbus Helicopters’ global industrial footprint, and this expanded co-operation with our long-standing trusted partner speaks of our continued commitment to invest into Indonesia’s aerospace industry,” said Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “We are happy to see the ‘Made-in-Indonesia’ initiative taking root as we strengthen our support for the Indonesian government.”

“PTDI is excited to embark on this new journey with Airbus Helicopters, which now enables us to offer a complete value chain in Indonesia, for the Indonesian Armed Forces,” said Budi Santoso, CEO and President of PT Dirgantara Indonesia. “We are also happy to be part of a strengthened alliance, which would help develop Indonesia’s technical competency in helicopter maintenance.” 

This joint agreement is the result of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed two years ago. Numerous progresses were made following the MoU signing, which saw to major maintenance activities successfully completed in Indonesia for the Presidential Super Puma aircraft, with dedicated support from Airbus Helicopters in Indonesia.

Over these two years, PTDI has implemented a robust re-organisation of their processes to consolidate all support and services activities under one single roof. The Indonesian industrial partner will also be recognised as Airbus Helicopters’ approved completion centre and services centre, upon successfully passing quality and safety audits. 

The decades-long partnership between Airbus Helicopters and PTDI began in the 1970s, with PTDI’s licensed production of the NBO-105 helicopter. Today, both companies are working together on 11 different helicopter types, namely the H225M, H215M, AS565 MBe Panther, AS365 N3+, H135, the Fennec (AS550, AS555 and AS350), as well as the legacy platforms NAS330, NSP332 and NBO-105, for the Indonesian Presidential fleet, the Indonesian air force, army, navy, police forces, Basarnas and the STPI training centre; supporting a wide range of operational missions. 

(Airbus Helicopters)

EPI Signs Support Contract for TP400 Engines Powering Malaysia’s A400M Military Aircraft

30 Maret 2017

Airbus A400M engines (photo : Curufinwe)

Europrop International GmbH (EPI) has signed an In-Service Support (ISS) agreement with the Malaysian government for the TP400 turboprop engines powering the Royal Malaysian Air Force's A400M military transport aircraft, at the 2017 Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA). The agreement was signed by Christophe Bruneau, President of EPI, and Dato' Sri Abdul Rahim Mohamad Radzi, Secretary General at the Malaysian Ministry of Defense.

This contract follows a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed on March 21 by EPI and Global Turbine Asia (GTA), a Malaysian joint venture with Safran that provides maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for helicopter and airplane engines.

EPI and GTA provide support services for the TP400 engines' fleet powering the Royal Malaysian Air Force's four A400M airlifters. The first phase of the contract runs until the end of October 2017, leading to the second phase, when GTA will become the prime contractor for these support services.

Under the terms of the agreement, EPI and GTA will provide local support services. GTA's Subang facility already deploys a Customer Support Representative (CSR), Field Support Representatives (FSR) and Logistics Support Representatives (LSR) to ensure that the Royal Malaysian Air Force continues to receive timely support for their engines.

 "We are delighted to continue to build a successful partnership with GTA, which enables us to provide local support for the TP400 engine fleet," said Christophe Bruneau, President of EPI.

EPI will support GTA to obtain Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) certification from EPI, as well as certifications from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA-Part145) and the Malaysian airworthiness authority DGTA.

(Safran)

7th, 8th FA-50PHs Arrive, 4 More Coming until May

29 Maret 2017

FA-50PH tail number 007 and 008 (photo : Hsinchu City)

The Philippine Air Force today received its 7th and 8th Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50PH Fighter/Surface Attack/Lead-in Fighter Trainer (F/SA/LIFT). PAF vice commander Major General Conrado V. Parra Jr. spearheaded the welcome ceremony at the Haribon Hangar, Air Force City, Clark Air Base in Pampanga.

Twelve ordered FA-50PHs are expected to be completed May 2017. FA-50PHs 009, 010 are scheduled to arrive in Aprile, while 011, 012 are expected to be delivered May.

“The FA-50 is a multirole fighter variant of KAI’s T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic advanced jet trainer. It is capable of carrying short range air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles with countermeasures such as chaffs and infrared flares,” PAF said. “With the arrival of the fourth batch of FA-50PH jets, the PAF now has eight jets in its inventory while the delivery of the rest of the jets will be completed within 2017.”

(Update)

Almost Certainly Vietnam Decided to Buy Yak-130 Aircraft

29 Maret 2017

Yak-130 aircraft (photo : Sputnik)

According to PK-KQ, almost certainly Yak-130 aircraft has been selected by the Vietnam Air Force as his new generation training aircraft.

In the article "Program renewal, the process of training military pilots is necessary" published in the Air Defense - Air Force, Colonel Nguyen Tien Hoc said:

"However, the newest of this program is that students do not graduate from L-39 but have to graduate on newer aircraft." According to the Department of Defense and the planes, The Yak-130 is a modern 4th generation aircraft and is compatible with the Su-27, Su-30.

Therefore, it is very convenient for the pilot after graduating from the Air Force School to transfer training at the Su-27, Su-30. " Vietnam has chosen but almost certainly Yak-130 has won the special attention of the Vietnam Air Force.

Previously, at the International Air and Marine Exhibition (LIMA-2017), the Vietnamese high-level military delegation had visited the site of the Yak-130 combat training ground. This is the type of aircraft that has been rumored by the Russian and international media that Vietnam is planning to buy.

Yak-130 aircraft (photo : The Aviaonist)

Speaking about the necessity of the Yak-130 aircraft to Vietnam, Sputnik news agency has analyzed the analysis of Russian military science doctor Makar Aksenenko has analyzed the need for this. Recently in Hanoi the conference was held exclusively for this, which announced plans to set up the Center for Training of Supersonic Pilots.

With the initial training facility, Vietnam is interested in modern-day Yak-130 speed trainers and the L-39NG of the Czech Republic. So what kind of aircraft should you choose: Russian or Czech? In the commentary for Sputnik, fighter plane expert, military science doctoral student Makar Aksenenko expressed the following opinion:

"For a time, it was the L-39 that took wing for future Soviet Air Force fighter pilots, then the Russian Air Force, and a whole host of other countries. The Czech plane was used not only as a training machine, but also as a light attack aircraft.

However, as time progresses, new avionics technologies have emerged, changing the training program of combat pilots and flying tactics. Therefore, the L-39, even the New Generation L-39NG, was the "yesterday".

The aircraft has an engine, avionics that does not have close interoperability with modern aircraft systems such as Su-30, Su-35, MiG-35. This does not allow the use of the L-39 as a transitional medium for the training of fighter pilots.

Yak-130 aircraft (photo : Philip B. Hosking)

The question is about the feasibility of Vietnam setting up a training center for supersonic pilots, controlling modern "Su" fighters. The clear aim is that young combat pilots need the best training when it comes to combat units, and can immediately fulfill their assigned tasks. Russian expert Makar Aksenenko assessed:

"I understand the interest of Vietnamese experts in training human resources for aviation, and they need a trainer with the same characteristics as possible with complex supersonic aircraft. However, the Russian Yak-130 (subsonic speed) aircraft can simulate the characteristics of the features, and especially the "Behavior" on "ultrasound".

These are the advantages of a combat training machine built on the basis of modern elements! Its capabilities are sufficient to train pilot pilots at supersonic speeds. Moreover, the "ultrasound" flight - the only combat mode available for use even on modern fighters. In addition, it should take into account ... economic factors: reduce costs, "- Russian expert noted.

Currently, in order to train pilots, the Vietnam Air Force has a series of specialized training aircraft including the L-39, a multi-purpose training aircraft developed in the Czech Republic. In addition to the L39 aircraft, as a training aircraft, Vietnam currently has a Yak-52 aircraft.

(BaoDatViet)

Kapal PKR Ke-2 akan Diserah-terimakan Oktober 2017

29 Maret 2017

KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai 332 (photo : Piet Sinke)

BUMN Ini Garap Kapal 'Perusak' Canggih Pesanan TNI AL

Jakarta - PT PAL Indonesia (Persero) tengah menyelesaikan kapal perang 'perusak' kedua jenis Guided Missile Frigate/Perusak Kawal Rudal (PKR). Kapal perusak kedua yang tengah dikerjakan BUMN asal Surabaya ini merupakan pesanan TNI AL.

Ini merupakan kapal perusak buatan PT PAL pertama kali untuk kebutuhan dalam negeri. Sebelumnya, kebutuhan kapal jenis PKR ini dipesan dari luar negeri.

"Untuk kita sendiri frigate itu buatan Indonesia pertama kali. Biasanya beli, tetapi ini untuk AL (TNI Angkatan Laut) kita sendiri, belum ekspor," jelas Direktur Utama PAL, Firmansyah Arifin, kepada detikFinance, Selasa (28/3/2017).

KRI Raden Eddy Martadinata 331 (photo : Jakarta Post)

Firmansyah menambahkan, sebelumnya PAL sudah menyerahkan kapal perusak ke TNI AL beberapa waktu lalu. Kemudian untuk pesanan kapal kedua akan dikirim pada Oktober 2017 mendatang.

"Ada dua unit, satu sudah serah terima. Kedua mungkin Oktober-November kita serahkan," tutur Firmansyah.

Kapal perusak ini memiliki panjang 105 meter dengan lebar 14 meter. Kapal ini bisa melesat dengan kecepatan 28 knots. Saat beroperasi, PKR bisa membawa 120 kru kapal.

Kapal perusak ini memiliki kemampuan perang antar permukaan. Dengan tembakan torpedo dan rudal, PKR bisa menenggelamkan kapal perang musuh.

KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai 332 dan KRI Raden Eddy Martadinata 331 (photo : defence.pk)

"Ini bisa untuk perang 4 matra sekaligus, perang permukaan sesama kapal perang, perang bawah air melawan kapal selam, perang dengan udara pesawat tempur, perang elektronika," kata Firmansyah.

Selanjutnya yang tidak kalah canggih adalah perang elektronika. Kapal perusak ini bisa membajak sistem persenjataan dan kendali dari kapal perang musuh.

"Perang elektronika itu misalnya mengarahkan rudal ke satu titik itu computerized. Kalau di perang elektronik itu di-jammer," tutur Firmansyah.

(Detik)

Japan, PH Now in Talks for Transfer of Helicopter Spare Parts

29 Maret 2017

JGSDF UH-1 Huey (photo : JGSDF)

Talks underway with Japan on helicopter spare parts transfer to PAF

To keep the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) fleet of UH-1H combat utility helicopters serviceable and mission-ready at all times, talks are underway with the Japan Ministry of Defense’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) regarding the transfer of “Huey” spare parts to the PAF.

This was confirmed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on the sidelines of the transfer ceremony for the two Beechcraft King Air TC-90 aircraft in Sangley Point, Cavite early this week.

“We are pleased to announce that the DND has already started discussions with ATLA regarding the possible transfer of UH-1H helicopter spare parts to the PAF,” he said when asked on whether the Philippines can expect more equipment aid from Japan.

The PAF is known to operate 40 to 60 units Huey helicopters in its fleet.

These spare parts, if the talks are formalized, will extend the service life of the UH-1H currently in PAF service.

The helicopter is being used for troop and supply transport, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and close air support missions.

“We are looking toward the actualization of this proposal,” Lorenzana stressed.


The DND chief also expressed his thanks and gratitude for the support being extended by the Japanese government to the Philippines.

(PNA)

India Bags Myanmar Torpedo Order Worth $38 Million

29 Maret 2017

India has agreed to supply lightweight torpedoes to Myanmar in a US$ 37.9 million-contract which is said to be evidence of a growing arms race between Myanmar and Bangladesh. The torpedoes will be manufactured by government-owned Bharat Dynamics and private company L&T. (photo : defence.pk)

New Delhi (Sputnik) — Earlier this month, the Indian Navy had accepted a proposal of the Myanmar Navy to train their personnel and set up meteorological facilities. "Export of the lightweight torpedoes would follow the earlier supply of sonars, acoustic domes and directing gear to Myanmar," said S. Christopher, chief of the Defense Research and Development Organization.

​In recent years, India successfully entered the Myanmar naval recapitalization bid which was dominated by China. India has supplied HMS-X hull-mounted sonar and radar for Myanmar's Kyan Sittha-class frigates. India also provides night-vision devices, bailey bridges, rocket launchers, mortars, rifles, communication and Inmarsat sets to the armed forces of Myanmar.

India shares a long maritime boundary with Myanmar in the strategically important Bay of Bengal. It will soon hand over the Sittwe port to Myanmar after completing the development process in the next few weeks. This port will be part of the transit corridor through which India expects larger trade share with East Asian countries.

(SputnikNews)

South Korea Donates 222 Military Vehicles to Cambodia

29 Maret 2017

South Korea on 23 March handed over 208 military trucks and 14 engineering vehicles to Cambodia as part of a military aid package. (photo : Cambodian MoD, KhmerTimesKh, CambodiaDaily)

Korea donates military vehicles

South Korea has given more than 200 military vehicles to Cambodia and nearly 200 more will arrive in July.

The first batch were handed over yesterday at a ceremony at the Techo Hun Sen Military Technical Institute in Kampong Speu province.

The trucks, light utility vehicles, excavators, bulldozers, buses, ambulances and cars were deployed in rows in the area where the ceremony took place.

General Chao Phirun, the director-general of the Defense Ministry’s materiel and technical services department, said it was the third time Cambodia had received military aid from South Korea.

He said the 222 vehicles included 208 vehicles of all kinds and 14 pieces of engineering machinery, along with spare parts.

Gen. Phirun said military aid amounting to 145 vehicles, including two patrol boats and eight pieces of engineering machinery, would arrive from South Korea in July.

“The South Korean government could give 30 to 50 more military trucks as well as some spare parts,” he said.

In 2010, Cambodia received 188 vehicles including military trucks, 66 pieces of engineering machinery and utility boats for the navy.

In 2012, a further 212 vehicles and 29 pieces of machinery were granted to Cambodia.

Last August, South Korean military attache to Cambodia Colonel Yung Yeong Chang and incoming attache Colonel Yoo Beom Gi promised to strengthen cooperation with the kingdom.

They met Neang Phat, a secretary of state at the Defense Ministry, and agreed to provide military equipment.

Speaking in the ceremony yesterday, South Korean Vice-Minister of National Defense Kang Byung Joo said 22 types of military vehicles and military engineering machinery had been granted to Cambodia since 2010.

“Following this handover, I believe that it will contribute to promoting the relationship of both countries, enhancing the security capacity of Cambodian military officers and improve military facilities,” he said.

Mr. Kang said Cambodia supports peace and security in his country and had joined the international community to speak out against North Korea’s nuclear test.

Last year, the Cambodian government called for North Korea to fully respect UN resolutions and urged North Korea to comply with all concerned parties to resolve tensions through peaceful negotiations.

Defense Minister Tea Banh said the military aid from South Korea helped the kingdom’s military bring more types of transport into its training.

He said the vehicles would be distributed to various ministry units to maintain social order and peace in Cambodia.

China is also a big donor of military aid to Cambodia. After the ceremony, Gen. Banh said there would be more military aid from other countries in response to Cambodia’s needs, but he did not name the countries.

(KhmerTimesKh)