New Zealand Announces Major Increase in Defence Spending

31 Mei 2019

Government announces spending increase to support New Zealand Defence Force acquisition objectives. Budget in line with 2018 defence policy to modernize NZDF in light of emerging strategic threats (image : NZDF)

New Zealand has announced a major increase in its defence budget for fiscal year 2019-20 to support military recapitalisation efforts.

The expenditure, announced by the government on 30 May, provides NZD5.06 billion (USD3.29 billion) to defence, which represents a 23% increase over the budgeted 2018-19 defence allocation of NZD4.11 billion.

New Zealand's defence funding is calculated from two allocations administered by the Minister of Defence.

The 'Vote Defence Force' allocation covers salaries, training costs, and military preparedness, and the 'Vote Defence' allocation includes funding for the "purchase, modification, or refurbishment of major items of defence equipment for the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)".

In the 2019-20 defence budget, Vote Defence Force received NZD4.29 billion, 18% more than in 2018-19, while Vote Defence received NZD766 million, which is a 63% increase over the NZD470 million budgeted for 2018-19.

Vote Defence Force contains NZD916 million for the army, NZD907 million for the air force, and NZD493 million for the navy. The vote also contains NZD1.3 billion for capital expenditures, a 74% increase over 2018-19, for the "purchase or development of assets", according to budgetary documents.

Vote Defence spending for 2019-20 receives funding for several procurement priorities, most notably New Zealand's procurement of four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). New Zealand confirmed this deal in July 2018 at a cost of NZD2.34 billion, with payments spread over fiscal years until 2026.

In the 2019-20 budget the P-8A procurement receives NZD108 million.

(Jane's)

Malaysia More Inclined Towards Indian HAL Tejas Over Pakistani JF-17 Thunder – Reports

31 Mei 2019

Tejas and Su-30MKI (photo : Uttar Pradesh)

Will Malaysia eventually purchase the Indian HAL Tejas over other competitors including Pakistani/Chinese JF-17 Thunder? According to the key sources, the Malaysian Government is quite keen on evaluating the HAL Tejas and is making a lot of enquiries which are being promptly answered.

India will get a strong foothold in South East Asia, in case Malaysia decided to buy the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’ manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Speaking to Financial Express on condition of anonymity, a top official has said that “There are various dimensions to the export of the LCA Tejas to Malaysia. In fact, the whole LCA programme will receive the much-needed boost, and HAL will get international recognition for its design capability and validation for its product.”

The product in itself would stand out from the competition as a technically superior product, said the source cited above. According to the source, the Malaysian export order will open up an array of opportunities for other platforms such as SU-30 and Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) `Hawk’ which are being operated by other Southeast Asian countries.

Also, the helicopter market in these countries too is largely untapped. If LCA gets foreign recognition other HAL made products too will attract the attention sending positive signals in defence manufacturing in India, he adds.

Earlier this year, HAL had sent in two fighters to participate in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2019 in Malaysia for the first time. These were ferried with the help of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and had participated in the flight displays along with Indonesia’s Jupiter Aerobatic Team and the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

JF-17 and F-16 (photo : PAF)

The South Asian country is in the process of assessing fighter aircraft from various vendors as it is planning to buy 36 light combat aircraft (LCA) in an effort to add on to its existing fleets in its air force.

Sources indicated the government of Malaysia is keen on the Indian LCA, and during the LIMA, the HAL stand had received several queries from the government of that country.

Besides India, Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) which is looking for a low-cost light fighter jet has invited proposals from competitors including M-346FA Fighter Attack aircraft variant developed by Leonardo, Yak-130 combat trainer aircraft developed by United Aircraft Corporation of Russia and FA-50 light attack aircraft developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).

The first time `Tejas’ had an international exposure was during the Bahrain International Air Show in 2016. The LCA which is considered to be the world’s lightest supersonic fighter has already joined the IAF and has received the Final Operational Clearance on Feb 20, this year.

The IAF has inducted the Tejas into its Number 45 Squadron — Flying Daggers in July 2016. This squadron is flying the MiG-21 Bison fighters, one of which shot down a much-advanced F-16 of the Pakistani Air Force on Feb 27, 2019.

The Made in India LCA with the first advance Fly-by-wire (FBW) fighter designed, developed and manufactured by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and HAL will replace the MiG-21s in the IAF fleet. This aircraft has a glass cockpit with Satellite aided Inertial Navigation System and is a 4 + generation fighter. This aircraft has a capability to fire Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, bombs and precision-guided munitions.

It can also be refuelled mid-air which will increase its combat radius. The IAF is already keenly waiting for the newer version of the aircraft Tejas MK 2, the Medium Weight Fighter (MWF), currently under development.

(EurasianTimes)

China Unveils Anti-Aircraft Gun to Destroy Cruise Missiles

31 Mei 2019

A new self-propelled anti-aircraft gun is used during a comprehensive exercise conducted by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Army Academy of Artillery and Air Defense, which started on May 17 and is due to end on Friday (photo: PLA's Weibo)

China revealed a new self-propelled anti-aircraft gun on Sunday, as military experts said on Monday that the artillery is highly mobile and could eliminate threats from precision weapons such as drones and cruise missiles.

The anti-aircraft gun seems to be based on an eight-wheeled armored vehicle, featuring a single 35 millimeter cannon as its main means of attack, Chinese military analysts said on Monday, citing a photo released by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Daily on its Sina Weibo account on Sunday evening.

It was deployed in a comprehensive exercise conducted by the PLA Army Academy of Artillery and Air Defense, which started on May 17 and is due to end on Friday, according to the PLA Daily report.

Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military analyst, told the Global Times on Monday that the appearance of the weapon in a PLA Daily report indicates the technology has now matured and the weapon might have already been commissioned into the Chinese military.

One of the highlights of the weapon are its wheels, which enable the new self-propelled anti-aircraft gun to have higher mobility compared to those that are already in the PLA service and use tracks, and are more suitable for off-road operations, Wei said.

High mobility also means the weapon could cover a wider range of airspace, is more difficult to detect and better able to survive enemy attacks, analysts noted.

The report did not elaborate on the weapon, nor did it give the weapon's designation.

The gun is likely equipped with an electro-optical aiming system that can send 35 millimeter shells to accurately intercept targets in the air, including drones and cruise missiles, Wei predicted.

Objects in the air might not be the only targets of the new weapon, Wei said, noting if aimed horizontally, the gun could also serve as a very powerful weapon against ground targets like light armored vehicles and fortifications.

(Global Times)

Defense Chief Favors Austal’s Proposal to Build Navy Ships in PHL

30 Mei 2019

Austal OPV (image : Austal)

National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said during an interview with GMA News Digital on May 28 that he likes Australian shipbuilder Austal’s offshore patrol vessel (OPV) proposal for the Philippine Navy.

“As far as I’m concerned, I like it because it [will] be built in the Philippines using Filipino laborers,” Secretary Lorenzana said. Austal has a shipyard in Balamban, Cebu.

“It’s good to develop relationship with our neighbors. The Australians are willing to help us,” he noted.


According to Austal’s proposal, the OPVs will be built in the Philippines by Filipinos.

It can be recalled that Austal unveiled in September 2018 its OPV proposal. The overall length of the OPV will be 81.7 meters, beam (moulded) will be 13.3 meters, and hull draft (maximum) will be 4 meters.


“The OPV is arranged with a starboard boat deck and stern well for the safe and rapid launch and recovery of RHIBs. The vessel is fitted with a mission bay and aft storage area to facilitate the embarkation of containerised mission modules,” Austal said at that time.

“The proposed design incorporates 20 years of product improvement and evolution beginning with the ‘Bay Class’ first delivered in 1999,” Austal added. “The Philippine Navy OPV is a steel hulled vessel featuring an aviation deck enabling helicopter and unmanned aeronautical systems missions.”


Austal said among the capabilities of the OPV are: Execute ISR operations; Conduct Search and Rescue operations; Execute anti-piracy, anti-terrorism, anti-smuggling, anti-human trafficking and anti-drug operations; Provide critical infrastructure protection; Support special forces operations; and Provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

(Mintfo)

Panglima Kolinlamil Pimpin Pendaratan ke Pulau Edam

30 Mei 2019

Latihan pendaratan dengan metode beaching dan operasi pindah (all photos : Kolinlamil)

JAKARTA - “Pada Mei 201E Komando Tugas Gabungan Pendaratan Administrasi (Kogasgabratmin) setelah melewati tahapan embarkasi personel dan meterial di pangkalan Jakarta - lintas laut menuju daerah serbuan amfibi, akhirnya berhasil mendaratkan pasukan Komando Tugas Darat Gabungan (Kogasratgab) di Pantai Pulau Edam yang masih dikuasai musuh dengan metode beaching dan operasi pindah.” demikian skenario latihan yang mengantar pelaksanaan manuver lapangan (Manlap) Latihan Operasi Pandaratan Administrasi TA 2019 yang resmi dibuka oleh Panglima Kolinlamil pada senin 27 mei lalu.

Onboard pada LCVP KRI BAC 593, Pangkolinlamil Laksda TNI Heru Kusmanto, S.E., M.M. memimpin dan mengendalikan secara langsung manuver lapangan latopsratmin TA 2019 guna meyakinkan pelaksanaan latihan berjalan sesuai rencana.

Tiba di titik atur 1 unsur-unsur Kogasgabratmin terdiri dari KRI ABN 503 dan KRI BAC 593 siap melaksanakan debarkasi personel dan material tempur. KRI ABN 503 melaksanakan beaching (memantai) untuk menurunkan personel dan material tempur pasukan Kogasratgab, sedangkan KRI BAC 593 melaksanakan operasi pindah menurunkan personel dengan menggunakan LCU dan LCVP.

Pasukan yang turun dari kapal akan dijemput oleh regu aju menuju Daerah Berkumpul (DB), yakin seluruh personel dan material kogasratgab telah berada di DB alihkodal dari Pangkogasgabratmin kepada Pangkogasgabfib. Selanjutnya Pasrat akan memandu pasukan Kogasratgab melaksanakan operasi pelintasan menuju daerah persiapan (DP) sebelum alih kodal dari Pangkogasgabfib kepada Pangkogasratgab. Latihan Operasi pendaratan administrasi ini akan berlangsung selama 5 hari sejak tanggal 27 hingga 31 mei 2019.

(Kolinlamil)

Bisalloy Armour Steel Passes for Boxer CRV

30 Mei 2019

Bisalloy Armour Steel have passed an initial series of trials for Boxer CRV (photo : Bisalloy)

Bisalloy Armour Steel Passes Critical Land 400 Program Milestone

Bisalloy Steels is pleased to announce the company’s specialised grades of BISALLOY® Armour Steel have passed an initial series of trials for application on the BOXER 8 x 8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) to be supplied by Rheinmetall Defence Australia 
under the Commonwealth of Australia’s Land 400 Phase 2 program. 

Bisalloy has developed a new grade of armour steel 
in order to meet the protection levels required for the BOXER 8 x 8 CRV. The Company is pleased to confirm this specialised armour steel has passed blast box trials at Rheinmetall’s testing facilities in Germany. 

Bisalloy’s armour steel is now ready to start the German Government qualification process with the BAAINBw (German Government testing authority). Rheinmetall is delivering 211 BOXER 8 x 8 CRV’s to the Australian Army under the Land 400 Phase 2 program. 

Bisalloy is also working closely with Rheinmetall as part of the company’s response to the Commonwealth of Australia’s Land 400 Phase 3 Request for Tender. This tender is for the supply of 400 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) to the ADF under a program estimated to cost approximately $10 billion. 

Justin Suwart, Bisalloy Steels’ Business Manager – Armour, welcomed the announcement of the latest milestone.

“Achieving German Government qualification will reconfirm Bisalloy’s emergence as a world class supplier of armour grade steel,” Mr Suwart said. 

“Apart from ensuring supply to the LAND 400 Phase 2 vehicles, it will also qualify Bisalloy to work globally with Rheinmetall on future projects, including Land 400 Phase 3 and other offshore defence programs.”

Australia’s only manufacturer of impact resistant, armour and protection grade steels, Bisalloy has a long history of collaboration with the ADF. Developed in the 1980s for use in the hulls of the Royal Australian Navy’s Adelaide Class Frigate, BISALLOY® Armour steel has since been used in several other local defence projects, including the Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles.

(Bisalloy)

Vibrant 01 : New CMS for Lekiu-class Frigate

30 Mei 2019

Software and hardware elements of the Lekiu-class frigates upgrade on display on T7 Global stand at LIMA 2018. Left: Hardened multifunction console. Center: Table for cooperative mission planning and navigation. Right: The optional COTS variant of the console (all photos : NavalNews)

Marine Crest Technology Indigenous CMS For Malaysian Lekiu-Class Frigates

Marine Crest Technology, a strategic technology partner to Malaysia’s T7 Global (a group specialized in Oil & Gas), was showcasing for the first time the “Vibrant 01” Combat Management System (CMS) at LIMA 2019. LIMA 2019 was the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition held last month in Malaysia.

MCT was awarded a contract in April 2018 for the replacement of the entire combat management system (software + consoles in the CIC) fitted aboard one of the two Lekiu-class frigates of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN). The “Vibrant 01” system is replacing the existing “Nautis F” system (of BAE Systems origins) which has become obsolete after almost 25 years of operational service.

The “Vibrant 01” suite is composed of 8 multifunction consoles, a large horizontal tactical table for cooperative mission planning and navigation and two server racks. A touch screen version of the table is under development and available as an option for future upgrades. The models on display at LIMA 2019 did not feature the “touch screen” function.

The core software part, of Indian origin, is developed by C2C DB Systems, based in Bangalore. According to a company representative attending LIMA, this software has been selected to equip the future Vikrant aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy. This CMS is meant to be modular because it can be suited and integrated to all sizes of ships. Marine Crest Technologies’ vision is to eventually equip the entire RMN fleet, from the next batches of the LMS to the MRSS.

While the CMS selected for the Lekiu-class frigate upgrade are fully military specs compliance, MCT also presented at LIMA a marine standard based on “Commercial off the shelf” (COTS) components which will “effectively be much cheaper than the MILSPEC model” said Admiral (Ret.) Kamarul, the former Chief of Navy, who is the Group Advisor of T7 Global.

The consoles are currently being installed aboard the Malaysian frigate KD Jebat (FFG29) in Lumut Naval Base. The entire system is set to be 100% qualified and operational with the RMN by August 2019. The frigate is also receiving a number of sensor upgrades: FCEO and FCRO and EOSS by Chess Dynamics. MCT is responsible for all the integration with the new systems supported by their technology partner and OEMs.  

The Royal Malaysian Navy “15 to 5” Transformation Program initiated by Admiral Kamarul (and which the new Chief of Navy, Admiral Reza, told us he would keep) is more than just platform procurement for LMS, LCS and MRSS. Behind it, there is a wide range of sub-programs and sub-systems for which the shipbuilding industry will be a source of proposals, especially the local, Malaysian, industry with local jobs. MCT’s indigenous combat system is a perfect example.

Admiral (Ret.) Kamarul, Group Advisor of T7 Global :

The RMN has produce many engineers (that are still serving or retired) who have vast experience in the development of CMS, in particular the Nautis.  MCT leverages on these very dedicated and passionate pool of Navy veterans. Couple with that MCT received excellent support from the Navy which has provided operational specialist as well as engineers that work hand in hand in the development of the CMS in Malaysia.  It is a win-win innovative collaboration and establish a higher level of trust, confidence as well as opportunity for both RMN and MCT.  In return, MCT provides many flexibility in term of changes and Variation Orders that the Navy requested.  Based on the typical previous CMS with foreign OEMs, changes and VO may contribute to delays and costs escalation due to commercial and contractual elements.  We are very confident that given the opportunity by the users and support by the Government, we can contribute to the national agenda and aspiration of the leadership and at the same time saves the Navy and government huge costs but still maintaining quality and capability.  

(Naval News)

PH Navy to Get 25-30 More Warships: Empedrad

29 Mei 2019

Jose Rizal class frigates (photo : GMA)

BUSAN, South Korea — The Philippine Navy (PN) is planning to acquire 25 to 30 warships of various types within the next five to 10 years as part of its efforts to augment its fleet.

“We have plans to acquire 25 to 30 in the next five to 10 years. (This) includes corvettes, OPVs (offshore patrol vessels), and even submarines,” PN flag officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad told reporters shortly after the keel-laying ceremony for the second missile frigate, BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), at Dock 4 of Hyundai Heavy Industries’ (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea on Thursday.

The BRP Antonio Luna is the sister ship of the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), the PN’s missile frigate, which was formally launched in the same facility also on Thursday.

Empedrad said these projects are open to all shipbuilding firms with naval construction capabilities worldwide.

“I think there is a need to beef up the PN because we have vast maritime (territories) and we need to protect it,” the PN chief said.

The BRP Jose Rizal, which is scheduled for delivery in 2020, and the BRP Antonio Luna, which will be delivered in 2021, will be armed with an Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid main gun, an Aselsan SMASH 30mm remote-controlled secondary cannon, anti-submarine torpedoes and anti-air and ship missiles along with sensors and surveillance systems capable of detecting and neutralizing air, surface, and sub-surface threats.

The BRP Jose Rizal is also equipped with Hanwha Systems’ Naval Shield combat management system (CMS), which integrates all shipboard sensors and weapons and decides on the ideal way to deal with any incoming threat.

It can also detect and track about 4,000 targets and is used in various configurations by the Republic of Korea Navy, the Royal Malaysian Navy, and the Indonesian Navy.

Pohang class corvette (photo : PN)

Encrypted tactical data systems

Hanwha Systems also developed a tactical data link system for the two ships called “Link P”, which will be exclusively used by the two missile frigates.

This was bared by Hanwha Systems Overseas Business Support manager Samsoo Kim after a tour of their facility early this week.

He added that it can communicate with other similar tactical data link systems and has a 32-digit key code encryption to ensure data security.

“There is 32-digit key code for encrypting (‘Link P’) and we will give this freedom (to the PN) to change the key code. Normally the password has 10 digits. Hacking of this password takes a million years. That’s the theory. Thirty-two digits is a very long password (the) PH Navy can randomly put in this system,” Kim said.

The Philippines and HHI signed a PHP16-billion contract for two missile-armed frigates. A total of PHP2 billion was also set aside for its weapon systems and munition in October 2016.

PN spokesperson Capt. Jonathan Zata earlier said these frigates will help secure the country’s maritime chokepoints or primary sea routes used for trade, logistics, and naval operations for all forms of threats.

Steel-cutting for BRP Jose Rizal took place in April 1, 2018 while the same ceremony for BRP Antonio Luna transpired in November the same year.

This event officially signified the start of the actual construction of the frigates.

Meanwhile, the keel-laying ceremony for BRP Jose Rizal took place last October as the formal recognition of the start of the ship’s construction.

Keel-laying refers to the official start of the construction of any ship and is considered among the four highlights of any surface vessel with the other three being steel-cutting, commissioning, and decommissioning.

“These frigates are built based on the Incheon/FFX-I/HDF-3000-type multi-purpose frigate of the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN), which offers increased operational performance and enhanced survivability,” Zata said.

The ship measures 351 feet long and 46 feet wide and has a maximum speed of 25 knots. It can travel up to 4,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots and can sustain operational presence for 30 days. It is also capable of withstanding rough sea conditions up to Sea State 7, which means waves of up to six to nine meters high.

“Each frigate has a complement of more than 100 officers and crew. It has a flight deck located at the stern with the ability to handle one maritime helicopter weighing up to 12 tons. Two rigid-hulled inflatable boats will be carried to conduct military and emergency operations at sea,” Zata added.

(PNA)

More F-35A Aircraft Touch Down

29 Mei 2019

RAAF 13th and 14th F-35A aircraft (all photos : Brandon Thetford)

Australia’s 13th and 14th F-35A aircraft have been accepted from Lockheed Martin and ferried to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, US, where they will form part of the international fleet of aircraft at the Pilot Training Centre (PTC) and be used to train F-35A pilots from Partner Nations across the globe. 

Before leaving Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Final Assembly and Check Out facility at Fort Worth, Texas, A35-013 and A35-014 were assigned as chase aircraft, providing quality assurance and safety as part of the global F-35 Program. 

Air Vehicle Engineer Namita Jose, of the Joint Strike Fighter Division, said chase operations involved a cooperative aircraft flying at specified flight conditions and profiles, while using its radar and other equipment to test another aircraft’s performance. 

“A chase aircraft is required to monitor an aircraft just off the production line to ensure it is operating as expected, by observing its flying characteristics like airspeed, altitudes and limits, as well as checking whether the weapons bay is operating as expected,” Ms Jose said.

“The chase aircraft must ensure it maintains safe deconfliction with the test aircraft and conduct different manoeuvres as required. The chase aircraft will continue to fly with the test aircraft until the test aircraft is signed off as serviceable for use.” 

F-16 aircraft have traditionally fulfilled the chase role; however, with the ramp up in production as part of the F-35 Program, more F-35 aircraft are now conducting chase activities. 

Squadron Leader (SQNLDR) Keith McGrath works in the F-35 Production Execution team at the US F-35 Joint Program Office and said the availability of aircraft to conduct chase operations was vital for timely production acceptance and delivery of F-35 aircraft worldwide. 

“To meet increased demand, the F-35 Program has requested new Partner Nation aircraft to be used as chase aircraft before delivery to each partner,” SQNLDR McGrath said. 

“Partner obligation for each year is based on the number of partner aircraft being produced within that production lot.” 

A35-013 and A35-014 will remain at the international PTC with eight other Australian F-35A aircraft (A35-001 – A35-008) until the end of 2020, when they will be ferried across the Pacific to join the fleet of F-35A aircraft in Australia. 

(Aus DoD)

Tank-tank Leopard Kostrad Latihan Menyerang Asembagus

29 Mei 2019

Sebanyak sembilan Tank Leopard dari Batalyon Kavaleri (Yonkav) 8 Divisi Infanteri (Divif) 2 Komando Strategis TNI AD (Kostrad), melakukan latihan di Asembagus, Situbondo (all photos : TNI AD)

SITUBONDO - Kendaraan tempur berat dari Batalyon Kavaleri (Yonkav) 8 Divisi Infanteri (Divif) 2 Komando Strategis TNI AD (Kostrad), melakukan penyerangan di Asembagus.

Sebanyak sembilan tank jenis Leopard 2A4, dan satu kendaraan tempur ARV, melakukan penyerbuan di kawasan yang masuk dalam wilayah Kabupaten Situbondo, Jawa Timur, untuk melaksanakan latihan taktis tingkat pleton.

Latihan ini digelar selama 20 hari lamanya. Yakni pada 11-31 Mei 2019. Berupa latihan secara bertahap, bertingkat dan berlanjut, guna memelihara dan meningkatkan kemampuan teknik dan taktik bertempur dalam hubungan peleton Kavaleri, di dalam operasi militer perang (OMP).

Komandan Yonkas 8 Divif 2 Kostrad, Letkol Kav. Suntara Wisnu Budi Hidayanta mengungkapkan, latihan taktis tingkat pleton ini selain untuk memelihara dan meningkatkan kemampuan prajurit, juga guna dapat mengetahui dan mengukur kesiapan satuan. Harapannya, latihan ini dapat dipahami, dimengerti dan dilaksanakan dengan baik.

"Sebagai satuan yang mempunyai alutsista canggih dan modern, Yonkav 8 Kostrad memiliki tanggung jawab besar, terutama dalam mewujudkan profesionalisme prajurit yang merupakan kewajiban utama, sekaligus pertanggung jawaban kepada Bangsa dan Negara," tambahnya.

Latihan taktis tingkat pleton ini diawali dengan latihan taktis tanpa pasukan, dengan metode latihan peta, model, dan medan. Selanjutnya dilaksanakan latihan taktis dengan pasukan menggunakan metode drill teknis dan drill taktis.

Rangkaian kegiatan latihan di Pusat Latihan tempur (Puslatpur) Marinir Asembagus, Situbondo, diakhiri dengan kegiatan pembinaan teritorial yang meliputi memberikan bantuan materiil ke Mushola Al-Ikhlas, dan memberikan bantuan sosial kepada masyarakat di sekitar daerah latihan guna memupuk kemanunggalan TNI dengan Rakyat.

(SindoNews)

RAAF C-17A Played Key Role in Exercise Diamond Storm

28 Mei 2019

RAAF C-17A from no 36 squadron (photos : AUs DoD)

C-17A assault landings at Bradshaw Field Training Area

No. 36 Squadron's C-17A Globemaster III has played a key role in the early stages of Exercise Diamond Storm in the Northern Territory by facilitating training integration of Air Mobility Group assets for the Air Warfare Instructor Course (AWIC). 

Recently the C-17A has flown into austere environments including Bradshaw Field Training Area and Nackeroo for exercise tasking, as well as to provide much needed resupply and support to deployed personnel in these remote areas.

The C-17A Detachment Commander, Flight Lieutentant (FLTLT) Tim Smith, commented on how this is not a typical role of the C-17A when flying from the aircraft’s home base in Amberley, QLD.

“It’s a different day in the office to land the massive C-17 at Bradshaw, and we will be doing this a lot throughout the exercise; to deliver necessary logistics, personnel and to achieve exercise objectives,” FLTLT Smith said.

“We are landing on dirt strips that Airfield Engineers from No. 65 Squadron have prepared for us, at 3,500 feet in length it is right on the minimum prescribed for C-17A operations.”

“We rarely get to land on dirt runways, and as a robust a versatile airlifter, the C-17 is capable of doing this without too much effort; and it’s unreal to land such a big aircraft in Top End’s red dirt.”

Exercise Diamond Storm is the culmination of three phases of training over six months for high skilled and purposely selected aircrew and operator personnel.

(RAAF)

Boustead Feels The Heat

28 Mei 2019

First Littoral Combat Ship at BHIC (photo : Malaysian Defence)

Jane’s reported that Boustead Heavy Industry Corp (BHIC) is feeling the heat from MINDEF’s ministry wide scrutiny exercise as reflected in its Q1 2019 financial results.

The Government has decided that all of the Keris-class Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) are to be build in China instead of the original plan to build two at Boustead Naval Shipyard’s facility in Malaysia. The move has resulted significant reduction to the LMS’ overall procurement cost.

The Maharajalela class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) now faces delay as it had not received ‘equipment from the United States’ which pushed the ship’s service entry date to two years. To further add salt to the wound, the much anticipated contract signing of French-made Mica VLS surface to air missile system did not take place during the recent Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA) 2019 show last March. This was partly due to an unannounced quasi boycott on French made defence product following the country’s leading role on imposing ban on palm oil product from Malaysia and Indonesia.

First Littoral Mission Ship in Wuchang Shipbuilding Industrial Group, Wuhan, China (photo : Naval News)

Being a significant beneficiary of many defence deals related to France, the effect of so called Sawit War on the company is visible and real.

Last August 2018, MINDEF revealed that Boustead Naval Shipyard has been awarded with RM18 billion worth of contracts involving naval shipbuilding and repairs. A total of RM6. 7 billion was paid for the supply of 6 Kedah class New Generation Patrol Vessel (NGPV) delivered 4 years late than the early plan.

RM9. 1 billion was spent for the Maharajalela class LCS, also suffering from delays. The Minister of Defence also reported that the company was awarded with the Keris class LMS, valued back then at RM1. 17 billion.

Since 2000, the company has been awarded contracts to maintain Swedish made CB-90 combat boats worth RM1. 06 billion.

LMS equipped with stern ramp launch and recovery technology (photo : Sohu)

BHIC AeroServices which specialises in MRO service provider of Airbus Helicopters product has been tasked to maintain French-made helicopters operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and Royal Malaysian Police (RMP). Having said that, many new maintenance contracts of these French made helicopters have been given to other companies.

The strong foothold of Italian Leonardo Helicopters have broke the long standing domination of AS332/EC-225 Super Puma helicopters in Malaysia. MHS Aviation, a subsidiary of BHIC is a significant operator of Super Puma helicopters in this country. More Government agencies have adopted the much more popular Leonardo AW139 helicopter family.

The rise of Russian Helicopters and recent endorsement by the Prime Minister also mean that French helicopters’ market share in Malaysia are declining fast.

No love lost for a company that was initially tasked to build 27 offshore patrol vessels (OPV) for the RMN. Rather than updating the OPV’s design blue print take could be developed into other variants, the decision was made to Go French and adopted Naval Group’s Gowind class corvette design.

(MFH)

New Generation Military Transport of the Vietnam People's Army

28 Mei 2019

Zil-130 truck of the VPA (photo : SputnikNews)

In the last few years, we can see that the military transport forces of the Vietnam People's Army began to make big changes when continuously equipped with many new generation of high-mobility, capable military vehicles. Large transport capacity to replace old transport vehicles.

Although sometimes we still see a military convoy of our soldiers marching on the road with the Zil-130, Zil-157 - the cars that were put into use dozens of years ago, even the life of some of them is greater than the lifespan of the combatants, but gradually the situation is different.

KZKT tank tranporter (photo : Rob Lee)

In fact, during combat drills or training in most recent army troops, we see a growing presence of new, modern generation of transport vehicles originating from developed countries are among the top in the world.

This is a quiet but clear development step, creating a great change in quality for the automobile transport force. Having this result is due to the timely attention of the higher level to the transport units, especially transport units of strategic level, campaign when prioritizing to buy some new cars.

We can see the famous brand cars such as Kamaz, Hyundai, KZKT tank transporter appear more and more. It is possible to look at a few new generation trucks that have just been put into operation recently.

Truck Hyundai HD170 of the 971 Brigade (photo : SputnikNews)

Hyundai HD170

This is a new series of cars manufactured by Korea's leading Hyundai firm with modern, dynamic design, sturdy chassis with large load capacity and spacious, comfortable cabin and equipped with powerful public engines. Productivity up to 290 horsepower combined with optimized designed drive system, for excellent operating performance with low operating costs.

Hyundai HD170 8.5 ton has a steel-bearing body with the most advanced metallurgical technology, to avoid metal expansion on iron, engineers have designed the holes arranged in a very scientific way. learn. Another outstanding feature that is only available on Hyundai cars is the bridge behind the car that is designed to be large, capable of high load capacity, and traction on all terrain.

Kamaz 43253 truck (photo : Kamaz)

Kamaz-43253

It is known that this is a new generation of cars built by leading Russian truck manufacturer Kamaz, they possess outstanding features such as durability, reliability, reasonable price and especially the ability to cross country quite well. .

The car is equipped with a 4-stroke V8 turbocharged engine, KAMAZ-740.31-240, which uses diesel fuel, a 10.85 liter cylinder capacity for a peak power of 240 hp and a maximum torque of 932 Nm in Tassel 1,400.

This powerful engine meets Euro-2 emission standards, which is enough to "push" the car with a total weight of 14,590kg to reach a maximum speed of 100km / h. The maximum permissible load is 7.5 tons of the top type among cars in the same segment.

The car is particularly suitable to operate on many types of terrain, especially plain roads. With a reserve of up to 1,000km, every time the fuel is filled, the car is capable of running in a row from Hanoi to Quang Ngai.

Although Kamaz-43253 is only a 4x2 wheeled version of the truck, the rear wheel drive is capable of overcoming relatively well-stocked terrain, only inferior to all-wheel drive vehicles.

(SputnikNews)

Pendapatan Len 2019 Terbesar di antara BUMNIS

28 Mei 2019

Len menampilkan sistem rudal pertahanan udara Starstreak pada pameran Indodefence 2018 (photo : jakartagreater)

BANDUNG, suaramerdeka.com - PT Len Industri (Persero) membukukan pendapatan terbesar di antara BUMN klaster National Defence and Hightech Industry (NDHI). Nilainya sebesar Rp.5,3 triliun atau meningkat 25,5 persen dibanding tahun sebelumnya.

Jumat (10/5), Len menggelar Rapat Umum Pemegang Saham (RUPS) Tahun Buku 2018 bersama lima BUMN strategis lainnya yakni PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero), PT Pindad (Persero), PT Dahana (Persero), PT INTI (Persero), dan PT Industri Nuklir Indonesia (Persero) di Jakarta.

"Untuk NPM (Net Profit Margin) mencapai angka 2,5 persen, atau Rp133 Milyar. Laba bersih ini meningkat sebesar 117 persen dari tahun 2017 yang sejumlah Rp 61 miliar, atau 12,55 persen lebih tinggi dari target," kata Dirut Zakky Gamal Yasin dalam keterangannya.

Selain itu, Len Industri bersama Dahana dan Pindad juga memberikan dividen bagi pemegang saham. RUPS memutuskan Len memberikan dividen kepada negara sebesar Rp 12 miliar atau 9,01 persen dari laba bersih. Angka ini terbesar dari yang pernah diberikan Len Industri kepada pemegang saham.

Menurut Zakky, lini bisnis sistem transportasi tetP menjadi yang paling dominan menyumbangkan pendapatan perseroan dengan porsi 68,68 persen. Kemudian lini Bisnis ICT sebesar 13,9 persen, elektronika pertahanan sebesar 9,82 persen, renewable energy sebesar 6,01 persen, serta sistem navigasi sebesar 1,4 persen.

“Kontribusi pendapatan konsolidasian tahun 2018 berasal dari proyek-proyek multiyears tahun sebelumnya serta proyek-proyek baru, terutama dari pembangunan Skytrain, Light Rail Transit (LRT), Sistem Pertahanan Udara Starstreak, dan pembangunan Papala Ring Paket Tengah,” imbuh Zakky.

Selain itu adalah proyek keroyokan bersama BUMN lainnya seperti LRT Sumatera Selatan dan Skytrain Bandara Internasional Soekarno Hatta, LRT Jakarta, dan LRT Jabodebek. Mereka juga melakukan penetrasi ke pasar luar negeri di Asia dan Afrika untuk lini bisnis transportasi perkeretaapian dan energi.

(Suara Merdeka)

All PAF OV-10s Bronco Grounded

27 Mei 2019

PAF OV-10 Bronco (photo : Ariel J Solomon)

Air Force OV-10s grounded following crash

MANILA -- All of the North American Rockwell OV-10 strike aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) have been grounded following the crash of one of the bombers while about to land at the Sangley Point Airport in Cavite last May 24.

"(Grounding of the remaining OV-10 aircraft is) part of our safety procedure, the aircraft will be grounded," said PAF spokesperson Major Aristides Galang on Monday.

Around five to six OV-10s are still being operated by the PAF.

If needed, the South Korean-made FA-50PH fighter aircraft and McDonnell Douglas MG-520 "Defender" attack helicopters can be deployed for missions.

"Depending on the type of missions, we can use the MG-520s or FA-50s if necessary," Galang said.

There is no order yet as to when the grounding order for the OV-10s would be lifted.

Last May 24, PAF OV-10 with tail number 402 and belonging to the 15th Strike Wing, crashed while turning crosswind for landing on runway 25 of Sangley Point Airport during the scheduled proficiency flight.

The two pilots safely ejected and were recovered by local fishermen in the area 2.5 kilometers from the shoreline of Rosario, Cavite.

The personnel were immediately picked-up by a civilian fishing boat and brought to Major Danilo Atienza Air Base Hospital.

"The investigation team was already activated to conduct a thorough investigation of the mishap," Galang said. 

(PNA)