Len Industri Kembangkan Radar Militer Daya Jangkau 200 Km

31 Oktober 2018

PT Len Industri radar militer S-200 (photos : Antara, Indomiliter) 

BANDUNG - PT Len Industri (Persero) berhasil mengembangkan sistem radar militer Len S-200 dengan kemampuan mendeteksi target hingga 200 kilometer (km) pada ketinggian 10.000 kaki. Radar ini menjadi produk radar yang berhasil dikeluarkan Len Industri. 

Direktur Utama PT Len Industri Zakky Gamal Yasin mengatakan, produk ini adalah radar dua dimensi yang ditujukan untuk pengawasan wilayah udara. Untuk mempertahankan performanya, radar ini menggunakan teknologi solid state dibagian modulnya serta mengunakan pita frekwensi S. 

“Kelebihan radar ini yaitu tak hanya memiliki primary surveillance radar, tetapi juga dilengkapi secondary surveillance radar, sehingga mampu mendeteksi target udara dan melakukan fungsi identifikasi. Sedangkan untuk TNI, radar dilengkapi sistem yang mampu memberikan situasi taktik,” kata dia pada acara Excelen: Inovasi Untuk Negeri di Pelataran Kawasan PT Len Industri, Jalan Soekarno Hatta, Kota Bandung, Rabu (31/10/2018).

Selain radar, Len juga merilis produk terbaru hasil karya anak negeri, Lensolar. Produk tersebut jawaban Len Industri terhadap rencana pemerintah mengubah 23% pasokan energi menjadi energi terbarukan.

Zakky Gamal Yasin mengatakan, inovasi Lensolar menggunakan sistem solar PV yang ditujukan bagi perumahan dan perkantoran. Produk ini cenderung lebih terjangkau dan mampu dibeli masyarakat luas. 

“Untuk produk solar, kami buat sendiri.  Bahan baku yang masih impor hanya solar sel saja. Sisanya menggunakan bahan baku dalam negeri. Ini sejalan upaya kami sebagai BUMN menjadi pelopor produk dalam negeri untuk mengurangi impor,” kata Zakky.

Menurut dia, Lensolar dibuat dalam tiga tipe, yaitu 1,5KW, 3KW, dan 5KW. Lensolar didesain mampu melakukan skema impor dan ekspor listrik dari dan ke jaringan listrik PLN. Produk ini juga diklaim dapat menghemat listrik hingga 30% dan dijual dengan harga kompetitif. 

Tak hanya produk komersial, Len juga membuat produk bernama Len Rescue. Sebuah peralatan fast emergency responder yang dapat menyediakan sumber energi dan perlengkapan darurat. Produk ini dipakai dalam misi bencana alam dan kemanusiaan. 

“Kami juga meluncurkan sistem traksi Len Dynatron. Sistem elektrik ini diaplikasikan pada lokomotif, LRT, elektrik bus, dan sepeda motor listrik. Kami juga merilis produk pertahanan, yaitu Radar Len-S200 dan radio militer,” tuturnya.

(SindoNews)

T-90S Vietnam Tanks Have Appeared on Russian Blogs

31 Oktober 2018

Vietnamese T-90S tanks (all photos : Alexey Khlopotov)

Alexey Khlopotov, the military spokesman for the T-90s, was assembled in the Uralvagonzavod plant. Some shots show that Vietnamese soldiers are beginning to familiarize themselves with the use of the T-90S main tank on Russia's factory-level training.

While many tanks were assembled, the first vehicles were used to train Vietnamese crews at one of the Russian driver training centers (undisclosed). But the tank "Vietnam" is distinguished by color camouflage Russian car characteristics, very similar to the camouflage pattern Russian car previous car now Russia only paint a monochromatic blue.

According to military expert Alexey Khlopotov, the tanks for Vietnam were no different than the T-90S tanks in the armament of the Russian armor.

These tanks are exactly the same as the cars that the Uralvagonzavod plant supplies to Peru in 2013. On the outside, there are only minor changes, the Shtora 1M square box infrared light, air conditioning and Night vision protection armor. Experts are also uncertain, but it appears that the car was fitted with an improved automatic loading system, the AZ, designed for use with the Svinets-1 and 2 high-torped S-Type. sold to Vietnam this type of ammunition.

A few years ago, the T-90S was tested in the southern hemisphere. According to reports from sources in Latin America, the tanks are highly effective combat vehicles. The source said the guns hit the target on long distances with almost 100% accuracy.

In terms of bad weather, rain and fog, using thermal imaging glasses, the T-90s shot down targets at distances of up to 2,500 meters in Latin America.

According to expert Khlopotov, during the trial operation of the moving system, the T-90 S tank exceeded the steep slope very well and has never drifted or killed the machine or other failures.

In the past, Peruvian riders used the T-55, claiming that the T-90 was easy to drive, lightweight and very flexible. The Peruvian tanks wanted to completely replace their tanks with the T-90 but at this time, financial conditions were not yet available.

Armored forces in Vietnam are still using old T-55 tanks. Equipped with the T-90S, the combat qualities of the combat unit will be significantly enhanced during combat attack.

(VietPlus)

STS Young Endeavour Provides a Stepping Stone to Service

31 Oktober 2018

During the voyage, Royal Australian Navy crew taught the skills required to sail a brigantine, including how to navigate, keep watch, cook in the galley, take the helm and climb the 30-metre mast to work aloft, setting and furling sails. (photo : melbourneosaka)

Youth develop new skills on Young Endeavour

STS Young Endeavour and her world class youth development program were on show today when Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester met with the youth crew in Sydney Harbour.

Mr Chester boarded the square-rigged tall ship during her 11-day voyage and spoke with the 20 young Australians from five different states and territories who had sailed from Newcastle to Sydney. 

“More than 13,500 young Australians have benefitted from Young Endeavour’s 30-year track record of delivering a world class youth development program,” Mr Chester said.
“I was impressed to hear first-hand the valuable life skills the participants have developed on this voyage.

“Not only have they faced personal challenges and set individual goals, they have worked collectively to develop leadership and communication skills.”

STS Young Endeavour (photo : the advocate)

During the voyage, Royal Australian Navy crew taught 16–23 year olds the skills required to sail a brigantine, including how to navigate, keep watch, cook in the galley, take the helm and climb the 30 metre mast to work aloft, setting and furling sails.

Olivia Alves, a 17 year old Batehaven High School student, said the program has encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone.

“Young Endeavour has pushed my limits.  I’m not used to leading other people, but learning how to step up has been a really good thing,” Olivia said.

Nicholas Muscat, a 19 year old youth officer from Bowen Mountain said he really valued the camaraderie and support from both the Navy staff and fellow youth crew.

“Everyone on board supports each other really well and I’ve been amazed how quickly we’ve bonded and become friends,” Nicholas said.

“I’ll definitely take skills like teamwork and leadership that I’m learning back to my job.”

(Aus DoD)

Modernization Program Going Well; Submarine Project to Take Time -- AFP

31 Oktober 2018

DSME 1400 submarine at ADAS 2018 (photo : maxdefense)

MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program is progressing well due to the attention and support provided by President Rodrigo Duterte but the decision to acquire diesel-electric submarines is still being deliberated upon.

This was emphasized by AFP deputy chief-of-staff for plans Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla when asked for an update on the matter and the Philippine Navy (PN)'s plans to acquire diesel-electric submarines.

"First off the AFP Modernization (Program) is progressing very well, we are very fortunate to have a Commander-in-Chief, who himself is the one strongly and hastily trying to advocate for strengthening the Armed Forces through an hastened AFP Modernization and hence the commitment of the President has been proven by his instructions to the Cabinet, their commitment has been solidified with the PHP25 billion pesos guaranteed inclusion (on) the GAA (General Appropriation Acts) of every year up to the end of his term to ensure that the major projects in the AFP modernization will push through," the military official added. 

Padilla also mentioned that the AFP modernization, which is a three-horizon capability build-up, is already on the Second Horizon or the starting point for completing all the requirements to meet internal security challenges and start meeting external security ones. 

"So this why you may have heard recently that the keel-laying ceremony for our frigate that was ordered from South Korea has been announced and that in essence by 2020 if I'm not mistaken, the delivery of the first working frigate of the PN will be in the offing. As to the submarine capability buildup this is very long term development, it is not something that we can get off the shelf, it is a capability that needs to be slowly, deliberately and in consultation with our allies, the United States included," he added. 

With this, decision on whether to acquire submarines will be made in due time, Padilla stressed. 

(PNA)

Sinergi BUMN, Pupuk Kaltim-Dahana Bangun Pabrik Bahan Peledak Ammonium Nitrat

31 Oktober 2018

PT Dahana saat ini masih mengimpor Amonium Nitrat antara 75-100 ribu ton per tahun (photo : Dahana)

Bontang, Kaltim (ANTARA News) - PT Pupuk Kaltim dan PT Dahana (Persero) akan bekerja sama membangun pabrik ammonium nitrate dengan kapasitas produksi 75.000 ton per tahun. 

“Pabrik ini dibangun bekerja sama dengan sesama BUMN, yaitu PT Dahana untuk memproduksi 75.000 ammonium nitrate atau bahan peledak per tahunnya,” kata Direktur Utama PT Pupuk Indonesia Aas Asikin Idat dalam konferensi pers di Bontang, Kaltim, Sabtu. 

Aas mengatakan pembangunan pabrik tersebut merupakan salah satu pengembangan produk baru nonpupuk, selain NPK. 

Ia menyebutkan pemenang tender kontraktor adalah dari BUMN, yaitu PT Wijaya Karya. 

“Ini betul-betul sinergi BUMN antara Pupuk Kaltim, Dahana dan kontraktornya Wika lagi,” katanya. 

Kebutuhan investasi pabrik yang akan dibangun di Bontang, Kalimantan Timur itu adalah Rp958 miliar. 

Dalam kesempatan sama, Direktur Utama PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur Bakir Pasaman mengatakan dengan adanya kerja sama ini, PT Dahana tidak perlu lagi impor untuk memasok bahan baku yang sudah ada di Pupuk Kaltim.

“Dahana itu kan impor sekitar 75.000-100.000 ton, nah yang tadinya impor sekarang tidak impor lagi untuk apa kan sudah punya pabrik sendiri, makannya memenuhi kebutuhan dalam negeri yang tadinya impor Dahana dia bangun sendiri,” katanya. 

Dengan begitu, diharapkan harga yang dipatok nantinya akan lebih murah. 

“Ya, pokoknya kan kita jual ke Dahana dengan harga bagus, Dahana juga jual ke lokal harganya bagus. Ya saya kira baguslah,” katanya. 

Dalam satu bulan ke depan ini akan dilakukan penandatangan kontrak dengan PT Wika sebagai kontraktor.

(Antara)

OPV-2 was Prepared for Launching

30 Oktober 2018

OPV-2 during construction (photos : TDN)

On 18 October 2018 at Mahidol Adulyadej Naval Shipyard, Sattahip, Chonburi Admiral Kittipong Nakornsuk as Naval Shipyard welcoming Admiral Chatchai Chaisri, Chief of Naval Operations on the way to the meeting, follow up on the progress of the project to build a offshore patrol vessel and prepare for the launching ceremony. We also visited the progress of the construction of Thai OPV 2.

For the construction of the offshore patrol vessel 2 (OPV 2), the project is approved by the Navy for the Ministry of Defense. Continue up from the Navy's official fleet, by guiding and adhering to self-sufficiency in the sufficiency economy. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was in charge of the Navy in April 15, 2002, saying, "The Navy should use the right size boats and build their own. When building a offshore patrol vessel the 91m Series, it should be enlarged to accommodate larger ships and build more "

Implementation of the project to build a offshore patrol vessel 2. The project duration is 4 years, from 2015 to 2018. It is divided into 2 phases: Phase 1 is to provide only one ship system, consisting of model and package to build ships. The second phase is the supply of command and control systems and weapons systems, all of which have been built at the Royal Navy Naval Academy. That said the Navy has used the potential and expertise of the Navy. The installation of the test is full of pride, although the use of foreign ships, however, it is considered to build large ships with self-reliance. 

The Navy's Naval Shipyard Mahidol Adulyadej It is a very large shipyard in Southeast Asia. It can provide maintenance service for ships of all sizes.

See full article Thai Defense News

PMC will Receive 16 New Boats

30 Oktober 2018

New boat have technical specification : length 11-12 meters and max speed at least 45 knots (photo : Swiftships)

PHL Marines getting 16 new fiberglass reinforced speedboats

The Philippine Marines will be receiving sixteen units of brand new fiberglass reinforced plastic watercraft (speedboat) through an acquisition project spearheaded by the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) for the Philippine Navy.

The acquisition project has an Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) of PHP340,632,603.36 which translates to around PHP21,289,537.71 per unit.

The Submission and Opening of Bids will be held on November 23 at 5/F Conference Room, NDC Building, 116 Tordesillas Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City.

Delivery will be at Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, Bagong Calarian, Zamboanga City and Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

There are two tranches of deliveries. 1st tranche(8 units) will be within ninety (90) calendar days from the issuance of Notice to Produce. The 2nd tranche (8 units) will be within Ninety (90) calendar days from due date of the 1st tranche.

(Mintfo)

Saab Sub Upgrade a Blueprint for Extending Collins Life

30 Oktober 2018

Collins class submarine (photo : ABC)

The Swedish submarine HSwMS Gotland started sea trials at the Saab shipyard in Karlskrona, following a comprehensive mid-life upgrade (MLU) to ensure operational capability beyond 2025. 

HSwMS Gotland is the first of two submarines being upgraded with the mid-life modifications, which consist of upgrades of onboard systems and technology, sustaining the submarine’s operational capability to meet future naval challenges.

Gunnar Wieslander, senior vice president, head of business area Kockums at Saab, said, "The sea trials mark an important phase in the MLU project. This is the first time the crew will be able to operate the new systems in the true environment. After extensive training in the land based training facility, they will now be able to see the true potential of their submarine."

The process includes upgrades for many important systems, such as upgrading the Stirling air-independent propulsion (AIP) for longer duration underwater and the combat system. This also saw significant structural modifications with an expansion of the existing hull structure by two metres, adding enhanced cooling systems to increase the operating area profile, from both arctic to the tropics.

IP systems allow conventional submarines to recharge their batteries without surfacing for air. This enables the submarine to remain underwater for extended periods of time, limiting their surface exposure and vulnerability to detection.

Kockums submarine diagram (image : Saab)

There are three main variants of AIP found in diesel-electric submarines, these include: 

-Closed cycle steam turbines: Used largely on French-build submarines, close cycle steam turbines mimic the energy production process found on nuclear submarines (where a nuclear reactor provides heat that turns water into steam) by mixing oxygen and ethanol. This system, dubbed MESMA by the French is complex, generates vast quantities of power, but suffers from efficiency issues compared with other alternatives.

-Stirling cycle: Uses diesel to heat a fluid permanently contained in the engine, which in turn drives a piston and generates electricity. The exhaust is then released into the seawater. The Stirling system is slightly more efficient, and somewhat less complicated than its French counterpart, and is used on Japanese, Swedish and Chinese submarines.

-Fuel cell: Is currently considered state-of-the art in AIP technology. A fuel cell uses hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, with minimal moving parts. Fuel cell AIP systems generate large amounts of energy with minimal waste production and acoustic performance. German-built submarines are world leaders in this space, with the French, Russians and Indians moving toward introducing the capability.

Even the traditional optical periscope is replaced with a new optronic mast for enhanced surveillance. Additionally, the upgrade also saw improvements to sensors and improved crew quarters to ensure improved crew readiness and comfort.

Collins class diagram (image : The Lead)

More than 20 systems on-board the upgraded Gotland Class will be implemented in the new A26 submarine for Sweden. The Gotland Class MLU therefore contributes to the test and qualification of some of the innovative solutions to be implemented in the future Swedish A26 submarines. Following the completion of these tests and verifications, the submarine will be delivered back to the Swedish Navy.

"The relaunch of Gotland is an important milestone in the evolutionary development of Swedish submarines. After a comprehensive upgrade, integrating the latest generation of important systems such as the Stirling engine, modern sensors and new management functions, Gotland is almost a new submarine, ready to take on missions around the world," Wieslander said. 

Australia's Collins Class submarines are based upon enlarged Vastergotland Class submarines, designed by Kockums, which served as the basis for the Gotland Class submarines. The Swedish Navy currently operates both classes of submarines following a series of mid-life upgrades aimed at improving the capability of the platforms.   

The MLU program for the Gotland Class highlights that modernisation and upgrade programs can extend the operational life and deterrence capability of platforms like the Collins Class.

(Defence Connect)

Latihan Bersama AMX Camar Indopura TNI AU Dan RSAF

30 Oktober 2018

Latihan bersama AMX Camar Indopura 25/18 TNI AU Indonesia-Singapura (photo : TribunNews)

Kubu Raya,BorneOneTV-TNI Angkatan Udara (TNI AU) dan Republic Of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) menggelar Latihan Barsama (Latma) dengan sandi Air Maneuver Exercise (AMX) Latma Camar Indopura 25/18 yang dilaksanakan di Pangkalan TNI AU (Lanud) Supadio, Senin (29/10).

Latma ini secara resmi dibuka oleh Direktur Latihan (Dirlat) TNI AU Kolonel Pnb Reka Budiarsa didampingi Dirlat RSAF Colonel Zakir Hamid di Aula Mako Wing 7 Lanud Supadio.

Pembukaan latihan ditandai pemasangan badge Latma Camar Indopura 25/18 oleh kedua Direktur Latihan kepada masing-masing perwakilan dari TNI AU dan RSAF.

Dirlat TNI AU Kolonel Pnb Reka Budiarsa mengatakan bahwa tujuan dari latihan ini untuk berbagi pengalaman dan pengetahuan antara dua skadron udara di masing-masing negara. Selain itu untuk memperkuat kerjasama hubungan antara TNI AU dan RSAF.

“Selama berlangsungnya latihan bersama ini tentunya secara bertahap akan saling mengenal satu sama lainnya sehingga kita dapat membahas secara komprehensif mengenai tugas masing-masing,” kata Kolonel Pnb Reka Budiarsa yang kesehariannya menjabat Kepala Dinas Operasi (Kadisops) Lanud Supadio.

Fokker 50 RSAF dapat dipersenjatai dengan rudal anti kapal Harpoon (photo : Terence Au)

Latihan bersama ini, lanjut Kolonel Pnb Reka, harus dilakukan dengan serius dan sempurna karena kita membutuhkan output dari latihan ini untuk meningkatkan kemampuan masing-masing peserta latihan dan yang terpenting menerapkan sistem management keselamatan terbang dan kerja selama latihan.

Sementara itu, Dirlat RSAF Colonel Zakir Hamid mengucapkan terima kasih kepada TNI AU pada umumnya dan Lanud Supadio khususnya yang telah berkenan menjadi tuan rumah dalam latihan bersama ini.

“Latma ini juga mempererat persahabatan dan meningkatkan hubungan TNI AU dengan RSAF yang telah terjalin dengan baik. Selama berlangsungnya Latihan bersama ini kita dapat membangun dan meningkatan hubungan baik dan saya sepakat dalam latihan ini faktor keamanan adalah prioritas,” pungkas Colonel Zakir Hamid yang menjabat Air Combat Command, Transport Group.

Latihan bersama ini akan berlangsung hingga tanggal 1 Nopember 2018 mendatang, dengan melibatkan puluhan personel baik dari TNI AU dan RSAF, serta menggunakan alutsista satu pesawat Boeing 737 dari Skadron Udara 5 Lanud Sultan Hasanuddin Makassar dan satu pesawat F-50 MPA dari 121 st Sqn RSAF.

(BorneoTV)

Leonardo’s Oto Marlin 40 Selected for Australian Project SEA 1180 Phase 1 OPVs

29 Oktober 2018

First public appearance of Leonardo's Marlin 40 turret at Dimdex 2018 in Qatar. (photo : Navy Recognition)

The Australian arm of German shipbuilder Lürssen has selected Leonardo’s Oto Marlin 40 mm gun mount to equip the offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) being built for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) under the Project SEA 1180 Phase 1.

“Leonardo has been selected as preferred bidder for arming the new OPVs with our Oto Marlin 40 mm gun system. We are currently engaged in negotiations, being confident to sign a contract by year end,” Marco Buratti, Leonardo’s international marketing and strategic campaigns director, told Jane's during the Euronaval 2018 exhibition in Paris.

A model of Lürssen Australia’s OPV was exhibited at Lürssen’s stand during the show featuring the new gun mount from Leonardo’s defence system division.

(Jane's)

Vietnam Produces Special Equipment for Su-30MK2

29 Oktober 2018

The Su-30MK2 pre-flight data and flight equipment was built by the PK-KQ Academy for the training and education of the institute (photo : (PK KQ)

This initiative was conducted by the staff of the Air-Defense Academy to research, design, manufacture, serve effectively the training at the academy.

On the Su-30MK2 , there is a communications unit used to perform telephone and code radio communications, between aircraft and aircraft and between ground and ground operations; Voice communication between pilot with pilot and pilot with ground staff.

The pre-flight data loading and pre-flight checklist, manufactured in the Russian Federation, is now being fitted to the Air Force's Air Defense Corps (PK- KQ).

The device has the function of charging, checking data, checking the working capacity of the Su-30MK2. However, this device has not been equipped for PK-KQ Academy, while the academy is tasked to promote the deployment of teaching new weapons, weapons and improvements.

Based on this fact, staff of PK-KQ Research Institute has researched, designed the data loading device and pre-flight test VN-12-DLA, which functions as a replacement for actual equipment, use to teach the practice to aviation engineers at the academy.

In addition to the equivalent of equipment from your country, the equipment built by the PK-KQ Institute is capable of teaching, learning and practicing all the work of ground technicians. During data loading flight for the Su-30MK2.

In addition, this device has several advantages such as: compact structure; Modular design, convenient for maintenance, upgrades, repairs; high reliability; works in wide source range; Equipped with standard USB port for working with computer simulator.

This is the initiative of Lieutenant Ha Van Le, lecturer of Aircraft Engineering Faculty (PK-KQ Academy), was awarded 3rd prize in 2017.

(Soha)

Philippine's First New Frigate will Arrive in Early 2020

29 Oktober 2018

HHI HDF 2500 frigate for Philippine Navy (photo : MaxDefense)

Progress steady in construction of PH Navy's first missile frigate

MANILA -- The Philippine Navy said the construction of the country's first missile-armed frigate is steadily progressing.

"(The construction of) our (first) frigate is moving forward. It will arrive in February (or) March of 2020. All systems go and we should be happy for our country," Navy flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, said during an interview with reporters late Monday.

The keel-laying for the frigate took place in Ulsan, South Korea last October 16.

The Philippines and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) signed a PHP16 billion contract for two missile-armed frigates, with another PHP2 billion set aside for its weapon systems and munition.

The projected delivery date for the first frigate is in 2020 and the second in 2021.

“The ceremony was conducted at Building Dock No. 6 of the Special and Naval Shipbuilding Division of HHI. Three blocks of the first PN frigate (with HHI Project No. 159) was installed on the dock,” Capt. Sergio Bartolome, the Navy officer supervising the project, earlier said.

Keel-laying signals the start of the ship's construction and is among the four highlights of a vessel's life, the other three being the launch, commissioning and decommissioning.

The keel is considered the backbone of any ship and breaking or destroying it will result in the destruction and sinking of any water craft. The steel-cutting for the first frigate took place last April. 

(PNA)

RAN Comissions HMAS Brisbane

29 Oktober 2018

HMAS Brisbane DDG-41 (photo : AusAWD)

The Royal Australian Navy welcomed a new ship into the fleet today, with the commissioning of the guided missile destroyer, HMAS Brisbane (III).

In the ceremony at the Garden Island Naval Base in Sydney, the Brisbane officially became one of Her Majesty’s Australian Ships.

Before an audience of dignitaries, family and friends, the Commander of the Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead, AM, RAN, welcomed Brisbane to the fleet.

During the ceremony the Governor-General of Australia, inspected the Brisbane’s crew and HMAS Brisbane received a blessing. The Australian White Ensign was hoisted signifying completion of the commissioning. The crew marched onboard for the first time, where they cheered ship, as a mark of honour.

The Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Scott Morrison, MP and Minister for Defence, the Honourable Christopher Pyne, MP attended the ceremony, and noted the importance of the occasion for both Australia’s national security and domestic shipbuilding capability. The commissioning marks a major milestone in the life of the ship, and the Government’s multi-decade commitment to enhance the Navy’s capabilities to protect our maritime interests.

AWD equipped with 48-cell Mark 41 Vertical Launch System (image : jeffhead)

The second of three Hobart class guided missile destroyers, Brisbane is the third ship to carry the name. Her motto, ‘Aim At Higher Things’, encompasses Navy’s core objectives of being a fighting Navy and a thinking Navy.

Brisbane’s Commanding Officer, Commander Josh Wilson, RAN, is proud to lead the ship’s company as she joins the Australian Navy surface fleet.

“My crew and I are honoured to continue the name and proud history of Brisbane in the Royal Australian Navy and excited to be given the opportunity to realise the incredible capability she represents,” CMDR Wilson said.

Brisbane will now undergo her test and evaluation period where she will integrate into the fleet and Navy personnel will train to operate the warship.

Brisbane will provide air defence for accompanying ships, in addition to land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas, and for self-protection against missiles and aircraft.

(RAN)

China, ASEAN Conclude Maritime Exercise

28 Oktober 2018

The first Asean-China Maritime Field Training Exercise (photo : Sing Mindef)

GUANGZHOU (Xinhua) -- China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday concluded a two-day maritime exercise off the coast of south China's Guangdong Province.

The exercise highlighted undocking and leaving port in formation, fleet communication and maneuvers, and maritime rescue.

"The exercise laid a solid foundation for China and ASEAN naval forces to carry out joint maritime rescue missions," said Peng Guliang, a Chinese naval commander participating in the drill.

The exercise featured the setting up of a joint command post. "It manifests the enhanced mutual trust between our naval forces," Peng said.

ASEAN groups 10 Southeast Asian countries including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

China has strengthened maritime rescue cooperation with ASEAN members in recent years. Last November a joint rescue drill was held near Guangdong. (Xinhua)

A look at some ships involved in the joint China-Asean naval exercises

The China-Asean Maritime Exercise got under way in Zhanjiang in southern China’s Guangdong province on Monday and over the course of six days included personnel from all 11 nations.

Six of them – China, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines – also sent warships to take part in the drills:

Guangzhou (168) seen here with Wuhan (169) - Type 052B Luyang I a 6.500 class destroyer (photo : wenlc)

China

Guangzhou
The multi-missile destroyer Guangzhou has a displacement of 6,000 tonnes. Commissioned in 2004, it incorporates a hull form and superstructure designed to reduce the ship’s radar profile. It was the first destroyer from China’s home-grown series Type 052B, built for air defence.

Its anti-aircraft capabilities include the short-range (20 nautical miles) Russian SA-N-12 surface-to-air missile and a rotating 3D radar for primary air-search radar. To guard against submarines, it is equipped with two triple-tube torpedo launchers, and short-range (1,000 metre) rockets. The ship also has a helicopter deck. However, according to “China’s Evolving Surface Fleet”, a report by the US Naval War College last year, Guangzhou’s “war-fighting capabilities were outdated the day it was commissioned”.

Huangshan (570) Type 054A Jiangkai II class 4.000 tonnes frigate (photo : RT)

Huangshan
China has also deployed Huangshan, one of its largest and most modern multi-mission frigates. The type 054A-class frigate was derived from the Type 054 (identified by Nato as the Jiangkai-II Class). It has a length of 134 meters (440 feet) and beam of 16 meters, with a displacement of 4,000 tonnes and a maximum speed of 27 knots.

The stealth frigate was locally built and has been in service since March 2008.

China once offered to sell three Type 054A frigates to Thailand in 2013, but lost out to South Korea, which offered its modified Gwanggaeto the Great-class destroyers.

In 2015, the cost of building and fitting out a Type 054A was estimated at US$348 million a vessel, according to an analysis in The Diplomat by Gabe Collins, a research fellow in the US Naval War College’s Maritime Studies Institute.

Junshanhu 961 repenishment tanker (photo : china defense)

Junshanhu
The replenishment ship Junshanhu type 961 joined the Chinese navy in July 2015. According to the Shanghai-based online news outlet Thepaper.cn, it has a displacement of more than 10,000 tonnes, and runs at 22 knots. It was identified as a comprehensive supply ship. It has five supply stations, but lacks a helicopter deck.

RSS Stalwart (72) (photo : shipphotos)

Singapore

Singapore has sent its RSS Stalwart – equipped with anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Designed by the French shipbuilder DCN, it is a modernised version of the French navy’s La Fayette-class frigate.

Singapore’s contract with DCN included a technology transfer programme: the first frigate was constructed in France, then the subsequent five, including the Stalwart, were built locally in Singapore.

With a displacement of 3,200 tonnes, the frigate is armed with a main gun – Oto Melara 76mm / 62 Super Rapid gun – which fires 6kg (13lb) shells to a range of 16km (10 miles) at a firing rate of up to 120 rounds a minute. The Harpoon surface-to-surface anti-ship missile on the vehicle also has a range of 130km and uses active radar guidance.

In anti-missile mode the Aster 15 has a range of 15km. Aster also provides protection against manned and unmanned aircraft to a range of 30km, according to Indian Defence Review.

KDB Daruttaqwa (09) (photo : Agustin Alapont Castilla)

Brunei

Daruttaqwa OPV-09 – Brunei’s most modern armed vessel – is an offshore patrol boat, the fourth Darussalam-class vessel to join the relatively small Royal Brunei Navy. All four Darussalam-class vessels were built in Germany by Lurssen Werft in Bremen-Vegesack.

The OPV-09 was commissioned in August 2014.

With a length of 80 meters and a beam of 13 meters, it has a displacement of 1,625 tonnes. It also features two 20mm (0.8 inch) Oerlikon guns while carrying four Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missiles.

HTMS Taksin (422) (photo : davids world)

Thailand

The frigate HTMS Taksin (FFG 422) is a product of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation in Shanghai.

After an upgrade in 2016, it now has a displacement of 2,980 tonnes, and is armed with 127mm gun turret. Other equipment includes a Mark 41 Vertical Launching System that provides a rapid-fire launch capability against hostile threats.

The frigate just finished a cooperative deployment in the East China Sea with the US guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) and Royal Thai Navy ships HTMS Krabi (OPV 551) earlier this month.

HQ-015 Tran Hung Dao (photo : vnexpress)

Vietnam

The 015 Tran Hung Dao, a Gepard 3.9 class frigate, is among the Vietnamese navy’s most advanced warships and only launched in February. It was named after General Tran Hung Dao, revered in Vietnamese history for his role in the victory over Mongol invaders in the 13th century.

Built in Russia, the frigate has a displacement of 2,100 tonnes and a length of 102 metres. It is equipped with four 533mm torpedo tubes and two SS-N-25 anti-submarine rocket launchers.

Before this exercise, the warship also made port calls in Japan and South Korea as part of a 9,300km journey beginning last month. The voyage was the longest that any Vietnamese naval has undertaken.

BRP Dagupan City LC-551 (photo : JerryE)

The Philippines

Logistics support vessel BRP Dagupan City (LC-551) was commissioned in the 1990s and built in the US. It is 83 meters long and has a displacement of 4,265 tonnes at full load, with a draft of 3.7 metres and a top speed of 12 knots.

The Philippine navy spokesman Commander Jonathan Zata told the Philippine News Agency that the vessel was “well suited and well tested” to serve this drill’s mission requirement of humanitarian support and disaster relief. (SCMP)