Design Review Finalized for PCG Patrol Vessels

31 Januari 2018

PCG patrol vessel (photo : Manila Bulletin)

A design review for two new multi-role response vessels for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been finalized, ramping up its patrol vessels fit for maritime law enforcement and security.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently handed over to the Department of Transportation (DOTR) the final report of the design review of the new 94-meter patrol vessels under the JICA-Philippine cooperation Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase II for the Coast Guard.

With the design review, the transportation department can now conclude the bid documents for the construction of the additional vessels, a component of the 16.455 billion yen Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan from Japan.

“JICA has been supporting the PCG for the past decades and we’re looking forward to the completion of this assistance to ramp up design of the patrol vessels the PCG can use for maritime law enforcement and security,” said JICA Chief Representative Susumu Ito.

Under the project’s first phase, JICA has already provided six of the 10 middle-sized MRRVs and are now deployed in Philippine sea waters.

The recent one, BRP Malabrigo, succeeded in the rescue mission in Zamboanga when a passenger vessel encountered engine trouble this month.

The cooperation between JICA and the Philippines for maritime safety is meant to address rising maritime accidents due to the increase in passenger volume, aging vessels, and natural disasters, JICA said in a statement.

Under the project, training for PCG personnel on vessel operation and maintenance in Japan and in the Philippines will also be conducted.

(Manila Bulletin)

First Flights for Fourth and Fifth RAAF F-35s

31 Januari 2018

A35-004 wears 2OCU tail markings. (Photo : Caulun Belcher)

The RAAF’s fourth and fifth Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning IIs have made their first flights.

Photographer Caulun Belcher captured these images of A35-004 – above – and A35-005 – below – during their first flights, from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas on December 14 and January 23, respectively.

A35-005 with an F-16 flying chase. (Photo : Caulun Belcher)

After test and acceptance flights from Forth Worth the aircraft were due to be delivered to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona to be used for pilot and maintainer training, before being permanently relocated to Australia.

Like the first two RAAF F-35As, A35-004 and A35-005 wear the tail markings of 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2COU), unlike F-35A A35-003, which wears the tail markings of 3 Squadron, which is standing up at Luke as the first RAAF F-35 operational unit.

(Australian Aviation)

PT Dirgantara Indonesia Bidik Pertumbuhan Laba Dua Kali Lipat

31 Januari 2018

Pesawat NC-212 Skuadron Udara 4 TNI AU (photo : Indonesian Military)

Bisnis.com, JAKARTA – PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) memproyeksi pertumbuhan laba konsolidasi akan melonjak dua kali lipat atau menjadi US$12 juta pada 2018, dari sebelumnya US$5,4 juta pada 2017.

Presiden Direktur PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI) Elfien Goentoro optimistis target tersebut dapat diraih karena perseroan mendapatkan kontrak pemesanan dari beberapa lembaga di Tanah Air pada tahun lalu.

“Ada hasil yang cukup signifikan yang kami peroleh pada November dan Desember 2017, antara lain pemesanan 9 pesawat jenis NC-212 dari angkatan udara,” ujarnya di Jakarta, Senin (29/1/2018).

Peningkatan target laba juga tidak lepas dari kontribusi dua anak perusahaan asal Bandung tersebut yang diprediksi ikut menyokong pundi-pundi perseroan, yaitu PT Nusantara Turbin dan Propulsi (NTP) dan IPTN North America Inc.

Pada 2018, NTP diyakini mampu meraih laba sebesar US$2,8 juta, dengan kontrak senilai US$34,9 juta dan penjualan sebesar US$32,7 juta. Sementara itu, anak usaha IPTN North America Inc. ditargetkan bisa meraih cuan US$1 juta dengan penjualan US$15 juta dan kontrak US$16 juta.

Adapun laba bersih PT DI sendiri diharapkan dapat menembus US$7,9 juta dari kontrak senilai US$592,4 juta dan penjualan US$455,4 juta. Perusahaan dirgantara nasional ini juga disebut membukukan investasi sebesar US$33,9 juta, serta dipatok target efisiensi material sebesar 5%.

“Ini artinya kami melakukan inovasi dan peningkatan penggunaan dalam produksi karena 70% dari biaya kami ada di material,” ungkap Elfien.

(Bisnis)

Royal Thai Army Conducted Tests of VT-4 MBT

31 Januari 2018

A Thai army's newly purchased Chinese-manufactured VT4 main battle tank deploys during a simulated warfare exercise at the Royal Thai Army Cavalry Center in Saraburi Province, Thailand, on Friday. (photo: IC, Army PR Center)

Thailand praises capabilities of new tanks imported from China

The Royal Thai Army conducted tests of the China-built VT4 main battle tank, also known as the MBT3000, on Friday at the Royal Thai Army Cavalry Centre at Adisorn military camp in Saraburi. Reporters were there to witness the tests take place. 

The capabilities of the VT4, built by China for export, were on full display during the press open day, and won high praise from the Thai army. 

The commander at the Royal Thai Army Cavalry Centre told the press that the tank VT4 integrates the advantages of world-class advanced main battle tanks with a high level of informatization, maneuverability and firepower. 

The Royal Thai Army displayed the tank in early January after China delivered it in October, 2017 and held the press open day at the end of January. Some media commented that the test had grabbed the world's attention.

Thailand has purchased 28 VT4 tanks and its cabinet has approved the repurchase of 10 additional tanks from China, with the number of orders likely to continue growing. The tanks are produced by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO).

Of the 28 VT4 tanks, 26 were commissioned by the 3rd Cavalry Division in Khon Kaen Province, while the other two were delivered respectively to the Royal Thai Army Cavalry Centre at Adisorn Military camp in Saraburi and the Army Armory Hall.

  

Ready for battle

During the press open day, the VT4 showed its strong maneuverability by making a 30% gradient climb, navigating through water and coming up from a ditch. The army told reporters that the capability of the 1200-horsepower engine could not be fully tested as it is new. 

The tank also carried out shooting tests of both ground and aerial targets. With a 125mm smoothbore gun, the VT4 was able to shoot armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding-sabot (APFSDS), high explosive anti-tank cartridges and artillery missiles. The longest range of the artillery missiles was 5 kilometers. 

The VT4 is equipped with a stabilized fire control including cooled thermal imager sights for commander and gunner. It is also fitted with roof-mounted panoramic sights and a digitalized gun control system, capable of detecting, following and shooting targets in the day or night. 

The Royal Thai Army told reporters that "the VT4, equipped with stable main armaments and a strong power system and control system, is much easier to handle and comparable with US-made tanks."

The battalion commander of the 6th Royal Thai Army Cavalry also praised the advanced capability of the tank and said soldiers have become familiar with it, adding that the more they use it the more they like it. 

Equipped with a China-made 1200-horsepower diesel-fuelled engine and a hydromechanical drive system, the VT4 can run at a maximum speed of 70 km/h and a maximum cross-country speed of 50 km/h. 

When Thailand imported the 28 VT4 tanks from China in 2017, media compared it with the T-84 Oplot-M from Ukraine, but the outstanding capabilities of the VT4 prompted Thailand to purchase the Chinese-made tank. Once they are all commissioned, Thailand will possess one of the strongest armored forces in Southeast Asia. 

Staff from NORINCO told the Global Times that China displayed a new GL5 Active Protection System (APS) designed for main battle tanks during a show in August 2017, and customers can have the system fitted on the VT4 if they require. 

After-sales service

According to media reports, Thailand plans to eventually purchase a total of 49 tanks in three batches. The Thai cabinet approved the purchase of 10 VT4 tanks for the second batch in April 2017, replacing the old US-made M-41s. The Thai army has been using the M-41 since World War Two. 

Thai Army chief General Chalermchai Sitthisart said China and Thailand will build a repair and maintenance center together to ensure the production and maintenance of its accessories. Many commentators believe this is an important reason why Thailand purchased China-made tanks, and that the center will serve the whole of Southeast Asia. 

Although weapons from the West are more modern, they tend to be more expensive. Taking price into consideration, Sitthisart said the China-made tanks are cheap and good for investment, establishing long-term relations with China and developing the Thai weapons industry.

The Thai government's purchase of the China-made tanks has been given extensive coverage by the Thai press, including Matichon, Tnews and Bangkok Post, and it has received support as well as opposition from the public. 

Some netizens voiced their suspicions on Bangkok Post, saying the tanks could be used by the army for a military coup. But supporters said the "China-made tanks are only a third of the price of American or German made tanks. China will share maintenance and production technology but the West won't." 

(Global Times)

Hawk MK-209 TT-0230 Kembali Setelah Jalani Major Servicing

30 Januari 2018

Serah terima Hawk TT-0230 (photo : TNI AU)

Hawk MK-209 Tail no TT-0230 Home Flight Setelah Major Servicing

Pesawat tempur Hawk Mk-209 TT-0230 milik Skadron Udara 1 Lanud Supadio, Pontianak Kalimantan Barat  yang tiba di Satuan Pemeliharaan (Sathar) 32 Depohar 30 Lanud Abd. Saleh Malang pada tgl 26 Agustus 2016 untuk melaksanakan pemeliharaan Major Servicing. Setelah hampir satu tahun 6 bulan dilaksanakan pemeliharaan Major Servicing di Sathar 32 Depohar 30 Lanud Abd Saleh Malang,  Sabtu pagi (27/1) diserahkan kembali untuk kembali ke home basenya bertempat di lapangan apel Sathar 32 Depohar 30 yang ditandai dengan penandatanganan berita acara penyerahan oleh Komandan Sathar 32 Depohar 30 Mayor Tek Slamet Riyanto,S.T. kepada test pilotnya Mayor Pnb Dedi Andres Saputra disaksikan oleh Kasihar Sathar 32 beserta anggotanya.

Pesawat Hawk Mk-209 merupakan pesawat tempur ringan buatan Inggris British Aerospace (BAE) dengan nomor seri IS-030 dan nomor Registrasi TT-0230 masuk ke Sathar 32 untuk pemeliharaan major servicing yaitu suatu pesawat apabila sudah melaksanakan 2000 jam terbang maka pesawat tersebut diharuskan melaksanakan pemeliharaan tingkat berat.

Satuan Pemeliharaan 32 (Sathar 32), satuan pelaksana dibawah Depo Pemeliharaan 30 (Depohar 30) Lanud Abdulrachman Saleh Malang mempunyai tugas melaksanakan pemeliharaan / perbaikan tingkat berat  beragam pesawat tempur dari jenis Su-27/30, Super Tucano, Hawk 100/200 dan pesawat Cassa C-212.

“Setelah hampir 1 tahun 6 bulan tepatnya tanggal 22 Januari 2018, Sathar 32 telah berhasil melakukan pengerjaan major servicing (servis berat) pesawat tempur Hawk Mk-209 dibawah komando Komandan Sathar 32 Mayor Tek Slamet Riyanto, S.T. dan telah dilaksanakan test flight beberapa kali dengan hasil baik.” Tegas Nya

Pada pagi tadi pesawat Hawk Mk-209 dengan tail number TT-0230 akan melaksanakan fery flight  dari Lanud Abdulrachman Saleh ke homebasenya Skadron Udara 1 Lanud Supadio Pontianak Kalimantan Barat dengan Test Pilot Mayor Pnb Dedi Andres Saputra dengan ditandai dengan melakukan terbang low pass diatas lapangan apel Sathar 32 Depohar 30 Lanud Abd. Saleh. Berdasarkan SPT: Spt/233/ I /2018 tgl 27-01-2018 Pesawat dinyatakan release,  telah tinggal landas dari Lanud Abd. Saleh pada pukul 02:11 UTC / 09:11 WIB dan ETA (Estimate Time Arrival) di Lanud Supadio Pontianak pukul 03:40 UTC / 10:40 WIB.

(TNI AU)

Thailand Completes F-16 Midlife Upgrade

30 Januari 2018

F-16 A/B fighters of RTAF (photo : Shephard)

By completing a seven-year enhanced midlife upgrade (eMLU) programme on 18 F-16A/B fighters, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has given them a capability as advanced as that of the F-16 Block 50/52.

The RTAF entered the first F-16 into the eMLU programme in November 2012. The RTAF hired Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) to run this project under the supervision of Lockheed Martin, which provided upgrade kits to TAI.

The first two F-16 eMLU aircraft of 403 Squadron had a rollout ceremony in January 2014 to mark completion of the first phase.

New systems on the F-16 eMLU aircraft are the Northrop Grumman AN/APG-68(V)9 multimode fire control radar, modular mission computer, APX-113 combined interrogator and transponder, ALE-47 countermeasures dispenser system, ALQ-213 electronic warfare management system, Link 16 tactical data link and Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS).

In addition, the RTAF procured Sniper targeting pods for these F-16s. This equipment gives the aircraft the ability to use new weapons such as AIM-120C AMRAAM and IRIS-T air-to-air missiles, along with better self-defence systems.

403 Squadron also uses Rubis and ATLIS pods to enhance weapon employment.

With this upgrade, F-16 eMLU fighters will carry more advanced, higher-precision and longer-range weapons, plus the aircraft can operate in all weather conditions by day or night. Indeed, the aircraft can be considered as advanced as the Gripen C/D, the RTAF’s newest fighter type operated by 701 Squadron in southern Thailand.

The eMLU programme extends the life of these F-16s, which have been in service for more than 20 years, by at least 15 additional years.

The RTAF has two more F-16 squadrons: F-16A/B types in 103 Squadron and F-16ADF fighters in 102 Squadron in Wing 1 at Korat Air Force Base.

The reason the RTAF decided to put 403 Squadron through the eMLU programme was that its F-16s have younger airframes than those of 103 Squadron, whose aircraft entered service in 1988.

403 Squadron was the RTAF’s second F-16 unit. Its 18 F-16A/B Block 15 OCU fighters entered service with Wing 4 at Takhli Air Force Base in 1996.

Many Southeast Asian air forces have plans to enhance their fighter fleets. Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Singapore are all eyeing new fighters, while the RTAF hopes to acquire more Gripens in the near future to fill out its squadron.

(Shephard)

Lockheed Marin Australia Awarded Future Submarine Combat System Contract

30 Januari 2018

Model of SEA 1000 submarine (photo : Navy Recognition)

Lockheed Martin Australia welcomes Future Submarine Combat System contract announcement

CANBERRA, Australia  – Defence technology and innovation company, Lockheed Martin Australia, welcomes contract’s announcement by the Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, that its contract with the Commonwealth of Australia for the Future Submarine Combat System Design, Build and Integration has been signed.

Commenting on the announcement, Lockheed Martin Australia Chief Executive, Vince Di Pietro AM, said the signing of the contract is an important development in the delivery of the Future Submarine project.

“Today’s announcement marks the next phase in the design and delivery of Australia’s future submarine fleet. While this contract announcement is a major event, the design of the Future Submarine is already well underway.  We have seen great progress over the past 12 months with the establishment of a unified Australian team, the opening of the Cherbourg facility in France and hosting of industry briefings in every state and territory,” he said.

“In 2018, this progress will continue.  We are committed to delivering Australia a regionally superior sovereign submarine capability which will be built, operated and sustained in Australia.

“Lockheed Martin Australia continues to grow our engagement with Australian small to medium enterprises and their participation in equipment programs.  The Future Submarine Combat System program is a terrific new addition to our already significant contribution to Australian industry capability,” he concluded.

Lockheed Martin Australia was selected as the Future Submarine Combat System Integrator in September 2016 following a limited tender process, commencing preparatory and initial design work for the project under an earlier contract signed in November 2016.

(Lockheed Martin)

China to Donate Tanks, APCs to Cambodia

30 Januari 2018

The tanks and APCs would arrive in Cambodia in March (photo : Vitaly Kuzmin)

China donates army vehicles

Defence Minister General Tea Banh yesterday confirmed that China is to provide the army with tanks and armoured personnel carriers to strengthen relations between the two militaries.

He said the tanks and APCs would arrive in Cambodia in March, when the two countries will hold their second joint “Golden Dragon” military exercise.

According to a report on BTV television yesterday, China will provide about 100 tanks and APCs to the Defence Ministry’s Brigade 70.

Gen Banh declined to confirm the number of vehicles being given, but said the tanks and APCs would arrive in the country soon.

“China always helps in promoting the national defence sector,” he said.

General Ith Sarath, deputy commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, last week said the Golden Dragon military exercise would be held in March in Kampong Speu province’s Phnom Sruoch district.

It will commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the countries, he added.

“The topic of the joint exercise is missions against terrorism and humanitarian affairs concerning both Cambodia and China,” Gen Sarath said.

The exercise will include 280 Cambodian troops and 190 Chinese troops.

(KhmerTmes)

US Coast Guard Cutter Sherman Returns from Final Deployment and then to be Transferred to Vietnam

29 Januari 2018

US Coast Guard Cutter Sherman (photo : USCG)

US Coast Guard cutter Sherman returns from final deployment

US Coast Guard’s high endurance cutter Sherman (WHEC 720) returned from its final deployment on January 23, completing a 76-day patrol in the Bering Sea.

The deployment was Sherman’s last one before it decommissions in March this year after nearly 50 years of service.

The cutter is scheduled to be decommissioned on March 29 and will reportedly be transferred to Vietnam. Should this be the case, Sherman would be joining former sister ship USCGC Morgenthau which was renamed to ‘CSB 8020’ after it was transferred to Vietnam.

During their final patrol, the crew supported the safe transit of a disabled vessel over 800 miles to Dutch Harbor, enforced fisheries regulations in the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska. They also provided a command and control platform capable of embarking a helicopter, thus providing search and rescue coverage to those operating in the Bering Sea.

Sherman has a storied history including being the last remaining US Warship in the Coast Guard or Navy to have sunk an enemy vessel. It is also one of only two cutters to hold the Vietnam Service Award and the only cutter to hold the Combat Action Ribbon for action in the Vietnam War.

In 2001 it became the first cutter to circumnavigate the world, after conducting UN sanctions enforcement duty in the Persian Gulf and goodwill projects in Madagascar, South Africa and Cape Verde.

Adding to Sherman’s history, in March of 2007, a boarding team dispatched from the cutter discovered 17 metric tons of cocaine on the Panamanian-flagged freighter, Gatun. This seizure remains the largest drug bust in US history with an estimated street value of $600 million. As the record holder, Sherman proudly wears the Golden Snowflake.

“As Sherman and her crew return home from this final patrol, it is humbling to look back on the history and the accomplishments of this crew and the previous,” said Capt. Steve Wittrock, commanding officer of Sherman. “This final patrol has been significant in that the Bering Sea mission is one of the most demanding and historically important in the Coast Guard and I am very proud of the way that the crew has performed throughout the last two challenging months.”

Sherman is one of the Coast Guard’s four remaining 378-foot high endurance cutters still in operation. The 1950s era fleet of cutters is presently being replaced by the national security cutters, which will soon serve as the Coast Guard’s primary, long-range asset. Honolulu will serve as a homeport to two of the national security cutters, replacing Sherman and the already decommissioned Morgenthau.

(Naval Today)

TNI AD Akan Bangun Batalyon Komposit di Morotai

29 Januari 2018

Lahan yang disiapkan untuk pembangunan Batalyon Komposit (photo : IndoTimur)

DARUBA, OT- Program Mabes TNI untuk kesiapan pulau-pulau terluar sebagai basis pertahanan menjaga keutuhan dan kedaulatan NKRI serta dijadikan kapal Induk Indonesia, maka di Kabupaten Pulau Morotai Provinsi Maluku Utara (Malut) akan dibangun Batalyon Komposit TNI AD.

Untuk memulai persiapan pembangunan, Kamis (25/1/2018) siang tadi, Dandim 1508/Tobelo Letkol Arh Herwin Budi S, Kasilog Korem 152/Babullah Mayor Inf Davit S Sirait,  Pasi Komsos Korem 152/Babullah Kapten Inf Rusmin N, Anggota DPRD Pulau Morotai Ajudin Tanimbar dan Kabag Pemerintahan Setda Pulau Morotai Basri Hamaya, meninjau lahan pembangunan Yon Komposit TNI AD di desa Dehegila kecamatan Morotai Selatan seluas 12 hektar.

Selain itu, Dandim beserta rombongan menuju ke desa Sangowo kecamatan Morotai Timur untuk mengecek lahan seluas 70 hektar yang rencananya akan dibangun Mayon, 1 Rai Arhanud, 2 kompi Infanteri, dan 1 kompi Zeni tempur.

Dandim 1508/Tobelo Letkol Arh Herwin Budi Saputra  mengatakan, kegiatan yang dilaksanakan  hari ini adalah pihaknya bersama Pemda Morotai untuk menyiapkan segera lahan yang akan digunakan untuk pembangunan Batlyon Komposit TNI AD di Morotai, karena akan dilaporkan ke Komando atas guna kesiapan pembangunannya.

Kata dia, Batalyon Komposit adalah program Mabes TNI yang menginginkan kesiapan pulau-pulau terluar sebagai basis pertahanan untuk menjaga keutuhan dan kedaulatan NKRI dengan memanfaatkan pulau terluar untuk dijadikan kapal Induk di Indonesia.

“Apabila Yon Komposit sudah berdiri di Morotai diharapkan dapat meningkatkan perekonomian masyarakat di sekitar Yon Komposit, dan perkonomian di Morotai pada umumnya,” harapnya.

(IndoTimur)

Australian DoD with the USAF to Investigate the Growler Incident at Nellis AFB

29 Januari 2018

RAAF Growler jet catches fire at US base (photo : (News)

RAAF jet catches fire at US air base following aborted takeoff

An Australian air force EA-18G Growler plane has been forced to abort a take off and caught on fire during military exercises in the United States.

“At approximately 10:45am this morning, a military aircraft experienced an incident during takeoff on the Nellis Air Force Base flight line,” the Nellis air force Base Public Affairs department said.

“The aircraft was required to abort its takeoff and subsequently caught fire. However all personnel are safe.”

The department said that emergency services are on the scene, there are no serious injuries and the incident is now the subject of an investigation.

“The cause of the incident is unknown and is under investigation.”

US media outlet The War Zone reported that the plane skidded off the runway and burst into flames at 10.45am on Saturday (5.45am AEDT).

The $300 million aircraft was severely damaged in the incident.

Pictures circulated on the internet showed what appeared to be burned panels on the aircraft’s wings and damage to the underwing special pods containing the electronic warfare equipment.

The aircraft is a variant of the F/A-18 Super Hornet and designed to suppress the enemies communications and electronic systems.

The Australian Defence department also confirmed there had been an “incident” at the Nellis Air Base in southern Nevada during ongoing Red Flag military exercises.

“Royal Australian Air Force personnel are safe and no serious injuries have been sustained. Defence is currently working with the United States air force to investigate and will provide an update with further details once known.”

Defence announced last week that 340 Royal Australian Air Force personnel had been deployed to Nevada to train in “the world’s most complex air combat environment” during Exercise Red Flag.

Defence said last week the personnel would be deployed from January 29 until February 16.

Along with four EA-18G Growlers, the air force also sent a AP-3C Orion, an E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft as well as a Control and Reporting Centre from 41 Wing “to support airborne personnel and aircraft” to the exercise.

(The Australian)

Melihat Latihan Infiltrasi Yontaifib Marinir TNI AL

27 Januari 2018

Latihan infiltrasi jalur udara dan laut prajurit Yontaifib 2 (photos : TNI AL)

Tingkatkan Profesionalisme Yontaifib-2 Marinir Latihan Infiltrasi

Dalam rangka menjaga profesionalisme prajurit, Batalyon Intai Amfibi-2 Marinir (Yontaifib-2 Mar) melaksanakan latihan infiltrasi bertempat di perairan Tanjung Balai Karimun Kepulauan Riau, Kamis (25/01/2018).

Latihan infiltrasi jalur udara (photo : TNI AL)

Latihan yang dilaksanakan sejak tanggal 24 Januari tersebut diikuti 63 personel dan dipimpin langsung oleh Danyontaifib-2 Mar Mayor Mar Mahfud Dwi Hafinanto.

Latihan infiltrasi jalur udara (photo : industry)

Pada latihan kali ini di skenariokan Prajurit  Yontaifib-2 Mar mendapatkan tugas untuk melaksanakan infiltrasi kedaerah musuh. Dalam pelaksanaannya Tim 1 melaksanakan infiltrasi dengan terjun tempur dari pesawat udara TNI AL Cassa U-611, Tim 2 di tugaskan infiltrasi dengan RDO (Rubberduck Operation)  dan Tim 3 diinfiltrasikan dengan cast dari kapal cepat KRI KURAU 856.

Dalam pernyataannya Danyon Taifib-2 Mar menyampaikan bahwa latihan kali ini digelar dalam rangka latihan Triwulan IV Pasmar-2 Tahun 2017, selain itu latihan ini juga untuk menyiapkan personelnya dalam menghadapi tugas kedepan yang semakin berat serta untuk melatih kemampuan sebagai prajurit trimedia yaitu darat, laut dan udara. (TNI AL)

Latihan infiltrasi jalur udara (photo : TNI AL)

Yontaifib-1 Mar Latihan Infiltrasi via Laut

Surabaya (beritajatim.com)--Dalam rangka memelihara serta meningkatkan kemampuan dan profesionalisme prajurit,  Batalyon Intai Amfibi-1 Marinir (Yontaifib-1 Mar) di dermaga sandar kapal selam Koarmatim, Surabaya, Kamis (18/1/2018). 

Latihan tersebut diikuti sebanyak tiga tim (21 personel) dipimpin Wakil Komandan Batalyon Intai Amfibi-1 Marinir, Mayor Marinir Muhammad Abdilah, menggunakan KRI Nanggala 402 Koarmatim Surabaya.

Latihan infiltrasi jalur bawah laut prajurit Yontaifib 1 (photos : BeritaJatim)

Tujuan latihan untuk memelihara serta meningkatkan kemampuan dan profesionalisme prajurit Yontaifib-1 Marinir guna melaksanakan fungsi dan tugasnya sebagai pasukan khusus TNI Angkatan Laut.

Wakil Komandan Batalyon Intai Amfibi-1 Marinir mengatakan, selam tempur merupakan salah satu sarana infiltrasi untuk mendekat ke daerah musuh melalui media air atau laut yang harus dikuasai prajurit Tri Media sebagai pasukan khusus Korps Marinir TNI Angkatan Laut, agar mampu melaksanakan tugas-tugas khusus dengan infiltrasi melalui media air.

"Adapun materi latihan yang dilatihkan kali ini mengacu pada materi selam tempur dengan menggunakan alut kapal selam, di mana para penyelam akan diluncurkan melalui lubang torpedo kapal selam,” ujarnya.

Dengan diadakannya latihan ini, diharapkan dapat mencapai hasil latihan maksimal secara efektif dan efisien dengan selalu mengutamakan faktor keamanan (zero accident). (BeritaJatim)

Progress Pembangunan Kapal di PT PAL Ditinjau KaBappenas

27 Januari 2018

Upgrade Kapal Korvet KRI Malahayati 362 TNI AL (photo : Antara)

KABAPPENAS Meninjau Progress Pembangunan PT PAL Untuk Kemandirian Industri Maritim

Menteri Perencanaan Pembangunan Nasional (Bappenas) Bambang Brodjonegoro melakukan kunjungan ke PT PAL INDONESIA (Persero), Kamis Siang (25/01). Diterima langsung Deputi PISM Kem BUMN, Direktur Utama beserta jajaran Direksi PT PAL INDONESIA (Persero) dan Katimlak KKIP, di Bengkel Kapal Selam dengan kehangatan. Ka BAPPENAS berkunjung ke PT PAL INDONESIA (Persero) dalam rangka melihat secara langsung progress pembangunan produksi Insan PAL INDONESIA. Ini merupakan Kunjungan Kerja kali pertama Menteri Bappenas dalam melihat Fasilitas dan Kemampuan PT PAL INDONESIA (Persero).

Direktur Utama PT PAL INDONESIA (Persero) Budiman Saleh melaporkan Produk yang dihasilkan sangat mengutamakan kualitas dan kecepatan produksi. “Sumber Daya Manusia  sangat komitmen dan berkompeten dalam menghasilkan produk-produk yang tepat mutu dan tepat guna” ujarnya. Budiman menambahkan produk-produk itu pun pada proses pengerjaannya juga sangat efisien dan efektif. Pembutana produk itu sepenuhnya dikontrol dan diawasi oleh pihak Standarisasi Internal, Biro Klasifikasi maupun owner surveyor selaku Perwakilan Pelanggan.

Upgrade Kapal Korvet KRI Malahayati 362 TNI AL (photo : Antara)

Menteri Perencanaan Pembangunan Nasional (Bappenas) Bambang Brodjonegoro menuturkan kunjungannya ini untuk melihat sejauh mana kemampuan dan fasilitas PT PAL INDONESIA (Persero) dalam menunjang program-program Pemerintah. “Kemampuan dan Kapasitas PT PAL INDONESIA (Persero) terus berkembang dan berinovasi” tuturnya. Bambang berharap pasar Luar Negeri dapat diperoleh PT PT PAL INDONESIA (Persero) terutama untuk Kapal dan Rekayasa Umum.

Kapabilitas dan Kompetensi PT PAL INDONESIA (Persero) sudah terakui dengan diserahterimakan Kapal Perang pesanan Kementerian Pertahanan Filipina tepat waktu dan kualitas. Sementara untuk Kapal Niaga, PT PAL INDONESIA (Persero) lebih dulu menyerahkan ke Jerman, Turki, Hongkong. Saat ini PT PAL INDONESIA (Persero) mengerjakan produksi Kapal Perang untuk TNI Angkatan Laut dan Proyek Energi dan Kelistrikan. Di tahun ini, potensi Pasar Luar negeri akan menambah progress kinerja PT PT PAL INDONESIA (Persero) dalam meningkatkan perekonomian dan pembangunan nasional. (PAL)

Pembangunan Kapal Landing Platform Dock TNI AL (photo : Antara)

PT PAL Sudah Mampu Lakukan Pemeliharaan Kapal Selam

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID,  SURABAYA -- Menteri Perencanaan Pembangunan Nasional/Kepala Bappenas Bambang Brodjonegoro mengapresiasi PT PAL Indonesia (Persero), yang tidak saja mampu mebuat kapal selam, tapi juga mampu melakukan pemeliharaannya. Menurutnya, kemampuan pemeliharaan tersebut adalah bagian terpenting dalam industri kapal di Indonesia, mengingat biasanya pemeliharaan harus dilakukan di luar negeri.

"Dengan kemampuan PT PAL meningkatkan kemampuan pemeliharaan kapal, maka sebagian pemeliharaan bisa dilakukan di PT PAL. Artinya ini menjadi pemasukan bagi PT PAL sekaligus mengurangi devisa yang keluar untuk kita menitipkan pemeliharaan kapal di luar negeri," kata Bambang saat melakukan kunjungan ke PT PAL, Kamis (25/1).

Pembangunan Kapal Landing Platform Dock TNI AL (photo : Antara)

Bambang menjelaskan, sebelumnya ketika ingin melakukan pemeliharaan kapal selam harus dilakukan di luar negeri. Biaya yang dihabiskan pun tidak sedikit. Seperti cintoh, salah satu kapal selam yang dilimiki Indonesia, yang usianya sudah sekitar 20 tahun, pemeliharaannya bisa menghabiskan 40 juta dolar Amerika Serikat.

"Itu pun maintenance yang sifanya hanya maintenance standar, atau lima tahunan. Itu sekali maintenance bisa 40 juta dolar AS. Jadi daripada kita keluarin 40 juta dolar AS ke luar negeri, mending kita mengalihkan ke PT PAP yang juga biayanya tidak sampai 40 juta doalr AS," ujar Bambang.

Pembangunan Kapal Cepat Rudal KCR-60 TNI AL (photo : Antara)

Bambang pun berharap,ke depan PT PAL tidak hanya melakukan pemeliharaan kapal-kapal selam milik Indonesia. Tapi juga mampu melakukan pemeliharaan kapal selam sejenis yang dimiliki negara-negara Asean.

"Sekarang misalkan ada di Asean saja dulu. Buat mereka itu memudahkan karena dekat, dan buat Indonesia itu menjadi penerimaan termasuk untuk PT PAL," kata Bambang.

KRI Nenggala 402 ketika dioverhaul oleh DSME (photo : Hiu Kencana)

Bambang juga mengapresiasi PT PAL yang perkembangan untuk membuat kapal selamnya sudah sangat baik. Sehingga dia berharap Indonesia kedepannya bisa meningkatkan kapasitas dalam pembuatan kapal selam dan tidak hanya bergantung untuk sepenuhnya membeli kapal selam dari negara lain.

"Saat ini makin banyak juga minat dari luar negeri untuk membeli produk kapal di PT PAL dan kami melihat kemampuan mendelivery baik dari segi kualitas dan waktu itu bisa dipenuhi. Artinya kita punya optimisme bahwa PT PAL nanti akan bisa menjadi backbone untuk industri pertahanan di Indonesia," ujar Bambang. (Republika)

RAAF Commissions New Hawk 127 LIFCAP Simulators

27 Januari 2018

The CAE LIFCAP simulator at RAAF Pearce. (photo : Aus DoD)

The Royal Australian Air Force has commenced training on its new CAE-built Hawk 127 simulators at RAAF Bases Pearce and Williamtown.

The new devices were delivered as part of the Project AIR 5438 Hawk Lead In Fighter Capability Assurance Program – LIFCAP – which has seen the key fast jet training capability upgraded in order to better prepare the next generation of RAAF air combat pilots.

“The program is running in lockstep with the LIFCAP upgrade,” Phil Randerson, CAE Australia’s training solutions manager said.

“One of the decisions that was made was to procure a training system that was going to continue to improve the training of pilots through the key introductory fighter course.”

The project acquired three simulators, two of which are located in a new dedicated Hawk 127 training facility adjacent to the RAAF’s 76SQN headquarters at Williamtown, and the other at RAAF Pearce where 79SQN is based.

A CAE desk operator monitoring a LIFCAP simulator session at RAAF Williamtown. (photo : Australian Aviation)

After being awarded their ‘wings’ with 2FTS at Pearce on the Pilatus PC-9, those pilots streamed onto fast jets complete a Hawk conversion with 79SQN, before moving to 76SQN to learn combat and weapons tactics on the Hawk. From 76SQN, pilots are posted to an operational conversion course on the Hornet, Super Hornet or Growler.

The Hawk 127 entered service in 2001 and the LIFCAP program has seen several key upgrades made to the jet, which should ensure it achieves its planned life-of-type in the late 2020s.

These include new mission computers and operational flight program (OFP) software; a traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS); mission simulated datalinks including radar, weapons, chaff/flares and radar warning receiver; the ability to carry an ACMI pod; a new IFF system; a new joint mission planning system (JMPS); a comms/audio management unit (CAMU); the three new simulators and associated synthetic devices; and the associated technical publications and documentation.

To date, about 20 of the 33 Hawk 127s in RAAF service have undergone the LIFCAP upgrade. Each upgrade takes about 15 weeks to complete, and prime contractor BAE Systems Australia is also taking the opportunity to address any fatigue or structural issues with the jets while they undergo the LIFCAP upgrade. All aircraft should have completed their upgrades by the end of this year.

The new simulators are operated by CAE Australia staff. While training on the devices commenced at 79SQN in mid-2017, 76SQN started its training and achieved an initial operating capability with its simulators in early January.

(Australian Aviation)

Indonesia Selects Communication, Sonar Suite from Wärtsilä ELAC Nautik for Nagapasa Submarines

27 Januari 2018

Wärtsilä ELAC KaleidoScope submarine sonar suite (image : Wärtsilä ELAC Nautik)

Indonesia has selected the Wärtsilä ELAC KaleidoScope submarine sonar suite for its Nagapasa class. Suite provides platform with all-round underwater surveillance capabilities including detection, classification, and tracking of contacts. 

Indonesia’s Nagapasa (Type 209/1400)-class submarines have been, or are being equipped with the ELAC KaleidoScope integrated submarine sonar suite from Wärtsilä ELAC Nautik, an official from the company has confirmed with Jane’s .

The setup, which is similar across all three ships in the class, consists of a cylindrical array sonar (CAS) for medium-range surveillance, a flank array sonar (FAS) for long-range surveillance, an acoustic intercept sonar (AIS) for detection and tracking of contacts, and an own ship noise measurement (ONM) equipment to monitor the noises generated by the boat.

(Jane's)

PAF Evaluate HAL Rudra Light Attack Helicopter Acquisition

27 Januari 2018

HAL Rudra Attack Helicopter (photo : Andras Kisgergely)

With the Philippine Air Force Attack Helicopter acquisition project already moving and the PAF’s TWG already evaluating possible candidates, it appears that we missed one that was also looked into by the said TWG team – the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. Rudra light combat helicopter.

Together with the Airbus H145M, MD Helicopters MD601 Explorer and Leonardo AW109, the HAL Rudra may be another candidate that would need a second look, considering its development was more into being an armed helicopter right from the start, compared to the other candidates that are general purpose military helicopter designs.

HAL Rudra (ALH WSI) Attack Helicopter

HAL Rudra Light Attack Helicopter is an attack helicopter manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), for the Indian Army. It is the Weapon System Integrated (WSI) Mk-IV variant of the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). Rudra is the first armed helicopter being produced indigenously in India.

The HAL Rudra helicopter can be deployed in wide range of missions, including reconnaissance, troop transport, anti-tank warfare and close air support.

HAL was contracted to deliver about 76 Rudra ALH Mk-IV helicopters for the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. The Indian Army plans to equip its Army Aviation Corps with 60 helicopters, forming six squadrons. HAL handed over the first HAL Rudra Light Attack Helicopter to the Indian Army in February 2013.

It also appears that, based on our information, the Indian government may have already made some feelers with the AFP, as they are supporting HAL in marketing its products to the Philippine market.

(Update)