Australia Flexes Canberra Class’ Amphibious Capabilities with First-Ever M1A1 Embark

31 Juli 2019

An LCM-1E landing craft embarked with an Australian Army M1A1 main battle tank, leaving the well dock of HMAS Canberra (photo : RANf of Navy Australia)

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has conducted the first-ever embark of an Australian Army M1A1 main battle tank (MBT) onboard its Canberra-class landing helicopter dock (LHD) vessel.

Images and information released via the official social media account of the RAN’s chief, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, indicate that the embark was carried out on HMAS Canberra (L 02) on 25 July.

As part of the operation, an M1A1 tank was transported from Canberra to the beach via an LCM-1E mechanised landing craft bearing the pennant number L4408. “Our amphibious capability stands ready to defend Australia and our national interests”, said Vice Adm Noonan in his post.

Canberra is one of two LHDs in service with the RAN, with the other being HMAS Adelaide (L 01). The ship has an overall length of 230 m, an overall beam of 32 m, and a hull draught of 7 m. Its flight deck is 202 m long and features six helicopter landing spots, but the vessel can accommodate up to 18 aircraft.

The vessel’s well dock is 69.3 m long and 16.8 m wide, and can accommodate up to four LCM-1E vessels, in addition to four rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), although the latter is typically carried only when mission requirements call for it.

The vessel can carry up to 150 land vehicles, including MBTs on two decks, and can embark up to 1046 troopers.

(Jane's)

Thai Navy Pushing Cabinet for a Second Chinese Submarine

31 Juli 2019

Yuan modified class submarine (photo : defence.pk)

The Royal Thai Navy say they want to purchase a second submarine valued at 12 billion baht from China. Under the NCPO military government the cabinet agreed with the navy’s plan in 2016 to buy three submarines from China valued at 36 billion baht. The purchases would be spread over 11 years.

The navy says they’re now waiting for the new parliament to approve the government’s 2020 budget before the purchase of a second submarine can be approved.

Construction began in China on the first submarine for Thailand in September last year and is expected to be delivered to the navy in 2023.

The Navy has struggled to get interest from previous Thai Cabinets but the military government since 2014 was a lot more sympathetic to their requests. The Navy told Cabinet that there have been no submarine purchases for 60 years and the Thai Navy needs submarines to protect the countries marine and coastal interests “including the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand” (we’re not sure what other waters it would be protecting??).

In 2011 the navy wanted to buy six German-made second-hand submarines at a cost of 7.7 billion baht but requests were rejected by the Yingluck Shinawatra government at the time. Since then there has been a political veer to the east and an increase in military spending with China.

(ThaiTiger)

PTDI Targetkan Kontrak Pesawat dan Helikopter Senilai US$ 283,04 Juta di 2019

31 Juli 2019

Helikopter H225M/EC-725 TNI AU (photo : Skadron Udara 8)

KONTAN.CO.ID - JAKARTA. PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) menargetkan perolehan nilai kontrak pembelian pesawat dan helikopter senilai US$ 283,04 juta di sepanjang tahun 2019.

Menurut Direktur Niaga PTDI Ade Yuyu Wahyuna, kontrak pembelian pesawat dan helikopter yang dikejar terdiri atas lima kontrak, dari dalam negeri maupun luar negeri. Untuk dalam negeri, PTDI tengah mengejar satu kontrak dua unit Helikopter H225M VIP dari TNI Angkatan Udara (AU).

Untuk target luar negeri, PTDI sedang mengejar empat kontrak pembelian dengan rincian; satu unit pesawat CN235 Military Transport untuk Nepali Army, enam unit pesawat NC212i Military Transport untuk Department of National Defense Philippines, pesawat CN235 Military Transport untuk Royal Thai Police, dan Helikopter Bell 412 EPI untuk Philippines Fire Fighting.

Selain mengejar lima kontrak tersebut, PTDI juga berencana membidik pasar Afrika, di antaranya yakni Pantai Gading dan Senegal, serta Timor Leste.

Untuk mengejar target ini, PTDI akan melakukan sejumlah upaya seperti untuk menggaet pelanggan baru, menyediakan skema buyer’s credit untuk target pasar di luar negeri, meningkatkan kepuasan customer, serta melakukan perbaikan internal.

Dalam menggaet customer baru, PTDI telah melakukan kerja sama dengan Kedutaan Besar Indonesia dan Atase Pertahanan di berbagai negara yang meliputi negara-negara di wilayah Amerika Latin, Afrika dan Asia Pasifik guna mempromosikan produk-produk PTDI.

Dalam menyediakan skema buyer’s credit, PTDI menjalin kerja sama dengan Lembaga Pembiayaan Ekspor Indonesia (LPEI) guna meningkatkan volume ekspor ke negara-negara yang dibidik.

Untuk diketahui, total pendapatan yang diperoleh PTDI bersumber dari beberapa lini bisnis, di antaranya yakni bisnis penjualan pesawat dan helikopter (aircraft), engineering services, aircraft services, bisnis aerostructure, serta berasal dari anak perusahaan.

Sebelumnya, PTDI secara keseluruhan telah mencatatkan nilai perolehan kontrak sebesar US$ 79,6 juta di semester I 2019. Nilai ini bertumbuh sebesar 119,88% apabila dibandingkan dengan nilai perolehan kontrak semester I 2018 yang mencapai US$ 36,2 juta.

Kontrak ini terdiri dari kontrak pembelian pesawat terbang dan helikopter, serta kontrak untuk portofolio aerostructure, engineering services, aircraft services, dan anak perusahaan.

Direktur Niaga PTDI Ade Yuyu Wahyuna mengatakan, pertumbuhan nilai perolehan kontrak pada semester I 2019 didorong pertumbuhan yang signifikan untuk perolehan kontrak aircraft services sebesar 114%, anak perusahaan sebesar 40%, serta engineering services sebesar 14%.

Lebih rinci, Ade menyebutkan, kontribusi terbesar pendapatan PTDI di semester I 2019 bersumber dari bisnis penjualan pesawat dan helikopter dengan kontribusi sebesar 63,41%, serta aircraft services sebesar 20%. Adapun pendapatan sebanyak 16,59% sisanya diperoleh dari bisnis aerostructure, engineering services, dan lain-lain.

(Kontan)

India to Supply Refurbished ‘Kilo’-Class Submarine to Myanmar

31 Juli 2019

The INS Sindhuvir will be used by the Myanmar Navy which is looking at acquiring its own submarine fleet in the coming years for training purposes (photo : Jerry E)

India readies submarine for Myanmar 

NEW DELHI: India is set to hand over Myanmar its first ever submarine, with a Kilo class boat likely to be sent across this year after being refitted indigenously. 

The INS Sindhuvir will be used by the Myanmar Navy — which is looking at acquiring its own submarine fleet in the coming years — for training purposes. 

The Kilo class submarine, bought from Russia in the 1980s, is currently being modernised by the Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Vizag with sources saying that is likely be completed before the end of this year. 

Sources have told ET that requisite permissions have been taken from Russia that is the original manufacturer of the submarine and that it will be fitted with indigenous systems to train the Myanmar Navy. 

There have been a series of high level exchanges and meetings between the two nations in recent months, with the Myanmar Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (CDS) Senior General Min Aung Hlaing currently on an official visit to India. 

The Indian Defence Ministry has said that that talks with the Senior General were aimed to “enhance defence co-operation, review joint exercises and training provided to Myanmar Defence Services, strengthen maritime security by joint surveillance and capacity building…and developing new infrastructure”. 

(Economic Times)

Resmi Dibentuk, Pasukan Super Elite Dipimpin Petinggi BAIS TNI

30 Juli 2019

Panglima TNI Marsekal TNI Hadi Tjahjanto saat meresmikan Koopsus TNI di Mabes TNI Cilangkap, Jakarta pada Selasa, 30 Juli 2019 (photo : Anadolu Agency)

Panglima TNI Marsekal TNI Hadi Tjahjanto meresmikan Komando Operasi Khusus Tentara Nasional Indonesia (Koopssus TNI) di Mabes TNI Cilangkap, Jakarta pada Selasa.

Hadi Tjahjanto menunjuk Brigjen TNI Rochadi yang sebelumnya menjabat Dir A Bais TNI sebagai Komandan Koopsus TNI.

Pembentukan Koopssus TNI ini berdasarkan Peraturan Panglima (Perpang) TNI Nomor 19 Tahun 2019 tanggal 19 Juli 2019 tentang Organisasi dan Tugas Komando Operasi Khusus Tentara Nasional Indonesia.

Panglima TNI Marsekal TNI Hadi Tjahjanto mengatakan Koopsus TNI merupakan pasukan gabungan pasukan elite dari tiga matra TNI, yakni TNI Angkatan Darat, TNI Angkatan Udara, dan TNI Angkatan Laut.

"Mereka memiliki kualifikasi untuk melakukan berbagai jenis operasi khusus di dalam maupun di luar negeri yang menuntut kecepatan dan keberhasilan yang tinggi," ujar Hadi saat upacara peresmian Koopsus TNI.

Meski Koopsus TNI dibentuk, Hadi mengaku tidak akan meninggalkan pasukan khusus dari ketiga matra yang ada.

"Justru saya ingin mendirikan pelaksanaan tugas TNI secara gabungan sebagaimana doktrin TNI matra terpadu yaitu Tri Dharma Eka Karma," tegas dia. (Anadolu)

Panglima TNI: 80 persen tugas Koopsus mengintai teroris

Panglima TNI Marsekal TNI Hadi Tjahjanto menyatakan Komando Operasi Khusus TNI (Koopsus TNI) bertugas untuk mengatasi aksi terorisme di dalam dan luar negeri.

Hadi mengatakan Koopsus TNI mengedepankan kecepatan dan keberhasilan tinggi dalam melaksanakan tugasnya mengatasi ancaman terorisme.

Dia menambahkan secara struktural Koopsus TNI berada di bawah Panglima TNI dan akan digunakan berdasarkan perintah Presiden RI Joko Widodo.

"Pasukan khusus dari 3 matra AD, AL, AU standby di mabes TNI dan sewaktu-waktu bisa digunakan oleh Panglima TNI atas perintah presiden," ujar Hadi di Cilangkap, Jakarta Timur, pada Selasa.

Hadi juga mengatakan bahwa Koopsus akan fokus dalam tiga hal mengatasi ancaman terorisme yakni penangkalan, penindakan serta pemulihan.

"Penangkal adalah surveillance yang di dalamnya intlijen sebanyak 80 persen kita laksanakan surveillance atau observasi jarak dekat dan 20 persen baru penindakan," kata Hadi.

Pasukan super elite itu kata Hadi melaksanakan tugasnya berdasarkan UU Nomor 5 tahun 2018 tentang Tindak Pidana Terorisme dan Perpres Nomor 42 tahun 2019.

Hadi juga menegaskan bahwa Koopsus TNI akan berkoordinasi dengan Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Terorisme (BNPT) dan Detasemen Khusus Anti Teror Polri.

Panglima TNI Marsekal TNI Hadi Tjahjanto meresmikan Komando Operasi Khusus Tentara Nasional Indonesia (Koopssus TNI) di Mabes TNI Cilangkap, Jakarta pada Selasa.

Hadi Tjahjanto menunjuk Brigjen TNI Rochadi yang sebelumnya menjabat Direktur A Bais TNI sebagai Komandan Koopsus TNI.

Pembentukan Koopssus TNI ini berdasarkan Peraturan Panglima (Perpang) TNI Nomor 19 Tahun 2019 tanggal 19 Juli 2019 tentang Organisasi dan Tugas Komando Operasi Khusus Tentara Nasional Indonesia.

Panglima TNI Marsekal TNI Hadi Tjahjanto mengatakan Koopsus TNI merupakan pasukan gabungan pasukan elite dari tiga matra TNI, yakni TNI Angkatan Darat, TNI Angkatan Udara, dan TNI Angkatan Laut. (Anadolu)

ST Engineering Land Systems Unveils Unmanned NGAFV Variant

30 Juli 2019

A screen capture of the unmanned NGAFV performing manoeuvres and a teaming assault on a mock target during a company demonstration for Singapore's defence minister (photo : Sing Mindef)

The Land Systems division of Singapore defence prime ST Engineering has revealed an unmanned ground combat vehicle development based on its 29-tonne tracked Next-Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle (NGAFV) platform.

The prototype vehicle was unveiled in a July video documenting Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen's visit to ST Engineering Land Systems' facility in western Singapore, which featured the unmanned NGAFV manoeuvring with an armed 4×4 unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) and quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Several visual distinctions between the baseline manned NGAFV- which was earlier commissioned into service on 11 June as the Hunter AFV following a 10-year development programme by the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), ST Engineering, and the Singapore Army - and the unmanned platform can be clearly seen in the video, including a revised exhaust placement to the rear of the hull as opposed to the front, a GPS/GNSS antenna and positioning and orientation sensor package behind the turret, as well as a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor on either side of the glacis plate.

(Jane's)

PHL Air Force Team Starts Training for 2 Donated Cobra Attack Helicopters

30 Juli 2019

Jordan AH-1S Cobra attack helicopter (photo : Marco Djikshoon)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) team has started their training in Jordan for the donated 2 AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters.

“A team from the Philippine Air Force has started their training in Jordan recently in preparation for the upcoming 2 Bell AH-1S Tzefas Cobra attack helicopters donated by Jordan (which in turn are former Israeli units donated to Jordan in 2014),” MaxDefense Philippines said in a social media post.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the transfer of AH-1S Cobra Attack helicopters donated by the Kingdom of Jordan on June 3.

The SARO has an amount of PHP 158,204,428.00 “to cover the requirements for the transfer and acceptance of two (2) units AH-1S Cobra Attack Helicopters from the Kingdom of Jordan under the Revised AFP Modernization Program.”

Last year, President Rodrigo Duterte announced that the Kingdom of Jordan is donating 2 Cobra attack helicopters. The attack helicopters are expected to be transferred this year.

(Mintfo)

Dua Su-30MK TNI AU Kembali dari Pemeliharaan Berat

30 Juli 2109

Kedatangan kembali 2 pesawat Su-30MK TNI AU (all photos : TNI AU)

Dua pesawat tempur TNI AU jenis Sukhoi Su-30MK tiba kembali di Indonesia selesai menjalani pemeliharaan tingkat berat di Belarusia. Pemeliharan tingkat berat ini dilakukan di  OJSC 558 ARZ, Baranovichi, Republik Belarusia yang merupakan perusahaan berlisensi Rusia untuk melakukan perbaikan dan upgrade pesawat tempur.

Kedua pesawat ini datang dengan pesawat angkut raksasa An-124-100.Ruslan yang mendarat di lanud Sultan Hasanuddin Makassar sebagai home base Skadron Udara 11. Dengan kedatangan 2 pesawat tempur TS-3001 dan TS-3002 ini maka kesiapan operasi Skadron Udara 11 akan naik. Skadron ini mengoperasikan pesawat varian Su-27 dan Su-30.

(Defense Studies)

Panglima TNI: Pulau Nipah Butuh Radar dan Kamera Pengawas

29 Juli 2019

Panglima TNI meninjau peralatan AIS (photo : TangOL)

Antisipasi Penyelundupan, Panglima TNI Tambah Radar Canggih di Pulau Nipah

Batam - Panglima TNI Marsekal Hadi Tjahjanto dan Kapolri Jendral Tito Karnavian meninjau Pulau Nipah, Batam, Sabtu (27/7/2019) siang. Pulau terdepan yang berbatasan dengan Singapura ini akan dilengkapi radar canggih.

“Karena Pulau Nipah adalah tempat yang sangat strategis untuk mengawasi daerah perairan, khususnya Selat Malaka,” ujar Hadi Tjahjanto, dijumpai wartawan usai kegiatan di Mapolda Kepri.

Hadi meninjau perlatan-peralatan untuk mengontrol radar dan peralatan Automatic Identification Sistem (AIS) termasuk kamera pengawas.

“Saya kira ini akan menjadi bahan evaluasi di Mabes TNI, untuk memperkuat peralatan tersebut khususnya kapasitasnya. Sehingga kami mampu untuk memonitor lalu lintas kapal yang ada di sana, baik berangkat dari negara-negara lain yang hanya melintas saja, atau berangkat dari negara tetangga,” ucap Hadi.

Peralatan militer di Nipah (photo : Antara)

Menurutnya peralatan canggih dibutuhkan memperkuat peralatan yang ada. Seandainya ada kapal yang bisa menembus sistem AIS, setidaknya masih ada peralatan yang bisa melihat pergerakan dengan jelas.

“Kalau mereka mematikan AIS kan bisa jadi melakukan yang tidak baik. Terutama yang tidak kami harapkan adalah penyelundupan minuman keras,” katanya.

Oleh sebab itu dirinya juga mengajak Kapolri untuk ikut ke Nipah dalam wacana tugas pengamanan terkait peredaran narkoba.

Sedangkan persenjataan untuk melindungi wilayah perbatasan tersebut, Hadi menjelaskan cukup baik.

“Tapi itu (persenjataan) tidak masalah, karena kami mempermasalahkan peralatan-peralatan yang ada di sana (perlu di tambah teknologinya),” katanya lagi.

(BatamNews)

Mahathir Mohamad's Agenda on Defense Industry in Turkey

29 Juli 2019

Aircraft are seen when Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Malaysian delegates visit the Turkish Aerospace Industries at the outskirts of Ankara July 25, 2019 (photo : Bernama)

Dr M: Turkey willing to go all-in to aid Malaysia's foray into defence industry

ISTANBUL,  — Turkey has pledged to offer Malaysia whatever it needs in order to develop a defence industry, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad revealed yesterday amid his official visit here. 

Speaking at a hi-tea event with the Malaysian diaspora here, the prime minister however said that Putrajaya still needs to consider the jump into the field as it would cost money. 

“Not many countries are willing to transfer technologies to us,” he told the audience. 

“But Turkey has promised to give whatever we want when it comes to technology, manufacturing, and so on.

“Turkey is ready to collaborate,” he added.

Hurkus trainer aircraft (photo : Ahaber)

A Malaysian engineer with a defence firm here had asked the prime minister if Putrajaya had discussed the purchase of Turkey’s planned fifth-generation multi-role fighter jet TF-X.

The Malaysian delegation had visited the jet’s manufacturer Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) on Thursday. 

Dr Mahathir said Malaysia will never be sovereign as long as it needs to depend on foreign powers for its military supplies.

But while that may currently be difficult, Malaysian can kick start its efforts through a technological transfer with Turkey.

“That is why we are studying for a collaboration with Turkey, and finally we would be able to manufacture our own defence

“But it needs some time, because we need money,” he added.

On Thursday, the Malaysian delegates were given a tour of the sprawling TAI complex, before an air show featuring its T129 Atak attack and reconnaissance helicopter, Hurkus trainer combat aircraft, and the Anka medium-altitude long endurance unmanned aerial vehicle.

Erdogan and Mahathir tour facilities of Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles manufacturer Baykar (photo : Anadolu)

Other crafts on display included the TF multirole fighter jet, and Hurjet, a trainer and light attack aircraft.

The show will likely whet Putrajaya’s appetite, as Malaysia looks for more affordable choices for aerial defence following spending cuts.

This comes amid Turkish’s growing ambition to ramp up its defence industry and exports, with UAV production reportedly a key focus of its plan.

TAI’s majority shareholder is the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, and was established under its Ministry of Industry and Technology in a bid to reduce foreign dependency in its defence industry. (MalayMail)

Malaysian premier visits Turkish engine maker TUSAS

Malaysia's prime minister paid a visit to Turkish engine maker TUSAS on Thursday as part of his official visit to Turkey.

Mahathir Mohamad was accompanied by Turkey's Industry and Technology Minister Mustafa Varank during his visit.

The Malaysian prime minister got information about Turkish defense industry and toured the facilities of TUSAS, also known as Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).

Anka UAV. Hurkus trainer aircraft and T129 attack helicopter (photo : Anadolu)

Mahathir also watched an airshow of unmanned air vehicles (Anka), helicopters (Atak) and planes (Hurkus) at TUSAS on the last leg of the visit.

Varank said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Mahathir will discuss issues related to the defense industry later in the day, and that there are many areas of cooperation between Turkey and Malaysia.

Mahathir arrived in Turkey at the invitation of Turkey's president and he will stay in the country until July 27.

Bilateral relations between Turkey and Malaysia will be discussed during the talks, which are expected to begin on Thursday, according to a statement released by Turkey’s Presidential Communications Directorate.

The statement underlined that defense industry relations would be high on the agenda of the meeting between Erdogan and Mahathir.

Regional and international issues of common concern and cooperation opportunities between the two countries will also be discussed during the meeting.

Mahathir is also expected to hold meetings with Turkish business representatives.

(Anadolu)

Cooperation with Thailand, Ukraine Opens Production Line for BTR-3KSH

29 Juli 2019

BTR-3Ksh command vehicle (all photos : UkrOboronProm)

"Ukroboronprom" send to Thailand the first BTR-3Ksh vehicle for the licensed assembly in this country. This was announced by the General Director of the Concern Pavlo Bukin.

"We consider this export supply as a marker for deepening our cooperation with Thailand, a strategic partner of Ukraine in Southeast Asia, Ukraine has serious prospects in this direction and should use them in their national interests," said P. Bukin.

According to him, a few years ago a framework agreement was signed with the authorized agency of the Ministry of Defense of Thailand for the production of BTR-3E1, various modifications and machines on its base, as well as for the provision of service in the kingdom.

"The BTR-3Ksh command-and-staff vehicle on the basis of BTR-3 is a joint project of KBTZ, which is part of Ukroboronprom, other Concern companies and private companies, developed by the order of the Royal Thailand Army in cooperation with the Institute of Defense Technologies Insitute (DTI) of the Defense Ministry of Thailand," - the head of the Concern informed.

In his opinion, in the current conditions, expansion of export supplies is the only opportunity to provide innovative development of enterprises Ukroboronprom. "Cooperation with Thailand allowed Ukraine to expand the line of BTR-3 and launch mass production of an entirely new world-class combat vehicle," said the general director.

(UkrOboronProm)

Thales Buys Insolvent Hawkei Engine Manufacturer

28 Juli 2019

Steyr engine for Thales Hawkey (photo : Steyr)

Thales has bought bankrupt Hawkei engine manufacturer Steyr Motors, it has emerged.

The Austrian company went into receivership in February, threatening the supply of engines to the Hawkei progam and the jobs of 150 Thales workers in Bendigo.

The news saw some vehicles slated for Initial Operational Capability delayed, although Final Operational Capability is set to occur as scheduled. Army has procured engines for the vehicles scheduled under low rate initial production and has an order for the subsequent 1,000 engines.

According to Austrian news outlets, four bidders, some under tender groups, were in the race to buy Steyr, with Thales only entering the bidding process two weeks ago. Negotiations reportedly concluded late Wednesday night local time. The purchase price is unclear.

"It was one of my [most] costly procedures so far, since there were economic, technical and legal problems," liquidator Norbert Mooseder said.

“Thales is fully committed to delivering the world-class Hawkei to the ADF," a Thales spokesperson said to ADM.

“After a deep-dive analysis of the Steyr Motors situation, Thales has committed to support the company to ensure long term sustainability and assure engine supply.

“Thales has been working closely with Steyr Motors for several years and we know the quality of its products so this decision has been made with an excellent understanding of the context.

“Thales will continue to work closely with the Commonwealth to deliver Hawkei to the ADF.”

“Thales have kept us closely in the loop. They’ve leant forward very heavily to support Steyr Motors,” MAJGEN Bottrell told ADM earlier this year. “The advice we’ve had back through the administrator is that had Thales not done that, then Steyr Motors may not have continued to operate."

Thales is contracted to deliver 138 Hawkei vehicles for IOC. All are set to be delivered towards the end of the year.

(ADM)

Eksesais Linud Malindo Perkukuh Hubungan

28 Juli 2019

Eksesais Linud Malindo 2019 (photos : Utusan)

KOTA BHARU - Eksesais Linud Malindo yang melibatkan Batalion Kelapan Rejimen Renjer Diraja (8 RRD) (Para), Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) dan Batalion Infantri Pararider 501/Bajra Yudha, Tentera Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Darat (TNI-AD) telah berakhir hari ini.

Eksesais yang bermula sejak Ahad lalu dilaksanakan untuk kedua-dua kumpulan bertukar strategi peperangan.

Pegawai Perisikan 8 RRD Para, Leftenan Suhanraj Rajasegaran berkata,  eksesais berkenaan bertujuan mengasah kemahiran mengenai latihan peperangan konvensional.

Menurutnya, latihan itu melibatkan 38 pegawai dan 486 anggota dari ATM dan empat pegawai dan 36 anggota negara jiran.

"Eksesais ini berkonsepkan latihan operasi payung terjun yang memfokuskan kepada terjun 'jatuhan besar-besaran', guguran udara dan latihan peperangan konvensional.

"Simulasi peperangan selama tiga hari ini bermula dengan sekumpulan pasukan perisikan membuat peninjauan lokasi yang sesuai untuk menerjunkan anggota tentera di dalam kawasan musuh ," katanya kepada pemberita selepas Majlis Penutup Eksesais Linud Malindo 2019 di Pantai Irama di sini, hari ini.

Majlis penutup berkenaan dirasmikan oleh Pengarah Latih Markas Tentera Darat (OPLAT), Kolonel Asri Shukor.

Yang turut hadir, Asisten Operasi Kostrad, TNI-AD Kol. Inf. Elkines. Villando Dewangga dan Pemangku Panglima 10 Briged, Lt. Kol. Ahmad Fitri Othman. 

Suhanraj berkata, simulasi berkenaan membabitkan sejauh kira-kira 40 kilometer bermula di Cherang Ruku, Pasir Puteh sehingga ke Pantai Irama di sini.

"Dalam tempoh 72 jam itu, peserta hanya dibekalkan dengan rangsum (ration), senjata dan amunisi untuk keperluan dalam tempoh tersebut.

"Mereka perlu berjalan kaki dan akan berperang dengan musuh untuk mencapai objektif yang ditetapkan," katanya

Tambahnya, latihan kali ini memberi peluang kepada peserta untuk menajamkan kemahiran mereka dalam situasi peperangan dalam hutan dan serangan bandar.

(Utusan)

US Approves Sale of 60 Stryker to Thailand

28 Juli 2019

Stryker infantry carrier vehicle (photo : Denice Lopez)

WASHINGTON - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Thailand of 60 Stryker infantry carrier vehicles with equipment and support for an estimated cost of $175 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on July 26, 2019.

The Government of Thailand has requested to buy sixty (60) Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicles (ICV); and sixty (60) M2 Flex .50 cal machine guns. Also included are spare parts, Basic Issue Items (BII), Components of End Items (COEI), Additional Authorized List (AAL) (specific items for operations and maintenance), Special Tools and Test Equipment (STTE), technical manuals, OCONUS Deprocessing Service, M6 smoke grenade launchers (4 per vehicle) and associated spares, AN/VAS-5 Driver's Vision Enhancer (DVE), AN/VIC-3 vehicle intercommunications system, contractor provided training and Field Service Representatives (FSR), and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated program cost is $175 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve security of a Major Non-NATO ally in INDO-PACOM, which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the region.

The Stryker vehicles will increase Thailand's capability to defend its sovereign territory against traditional and non-traditional threats by filling the capability void between light infantry soldiers and heavy mechanized units. Thailand will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor for the Stryker vehicle is General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, MI. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any permanent additional U.S. Government or Contractor representatives to Thailand.

(DSCA)

Pelatihan M3I Amphibious Ponton TNI AD

27 Juli 2019

M3I amphibious ponton TNI AD (all photos : Zeni TNI AD)

Tidak lama lagi Satuan Zeni Tempur TNI AD mempunyai alutsista Amphibi yang dapat mendukung keperluan taktis militer dalam pertempuran sebagai perakitan jembatan dengan panjang 100 m (8 unit) dalam waktu 10 menit dan sebagai ferry untuk mobilitas penyeberangan mengangkut kendaraan personil/logistik dan kendaraan tempur salah satunya adalah MBT (Main Battle Tank) Leopard 2A4 yang berkapasitas 60 ton. 

Amphibious ponton mempunyai daya angkut max 85 ton kendaraan beroda rantai dan 132 ton beroda ban.

Kelebihan Kendaraan M3I Amphibious Ponton dapat difungsikan di darat dengan kecepatan 80 km/jam dan di air 14 km/jam sebagai kapal ferry penyeberangan, kendaraan ini cukup besar dengan panjang 13,3 meter, lebar 3,35 meter dengan self deployable by road penggerak 4×4 dengan berat total 26 ton berbahan bakar solar.

M3 I Amphibious Ponton digunakan sejak tahun 1999 produksi negara Jerman dan manufaktur alutsistanya dari negara Cekoslowakia yang mendapat lisensi dari General Dynamics European Land Systems.

Pengadaan M3I Amphibious Ponton dari Kementerian Pertahanan dengan item sebagai berikut : M3 18 unit, Rantis pokko 3 unit, Ran trackway 5 unit, Recovery Vehicle 2 unit.

Sesuai rencana, pengiriman 5 tahap sampai batas akhir tahun 2020 dimana tahap awal pengiriman pertama 4 unit pada tahun 2019.

Saat ini pelatihan sebagai operator dan mekanis maintenance dalam proses pelatihan di negara Jerman di Cekoslowakia sebanyak 60 personil Zeni AD dari satuan Batalion Zipur 9/K, Batalion Zipur 10/K, Bengpuszi Ditziad dan Pusdikzi dengan periode waktu 29 April sampai dengan 30 Agustus 2019.

(TNI AD)

Ruang Udara Sabah Medan Latihan TUDM selama 19 Hari

27 Juli 2019

F/A-18D Hornet TUDM (photo : SNT)

KOTA KINABALU: Orang ramai dinasihatkan agar tidak cemas dan risau sekiranya melihat pesawat-pesawat Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM) terbang rendah dan mendengar bunyi letupan di beberapa kawasan sekitar ruang udara Sabah.

Ini disebabkan TUDM sedang menjalankan Latihan Tembakan Misil Udara ke Udara dan Tembakan Udara Ke Bumi di Lapang Sasar Udara Kota Belud selama 19 hari bermula 23 Julai.

Sepanjang latihan tersebut ruang udara Sabah dan perairan disekitarnya akan digunakan oleh jet-jet pejuang TUDM.

Pesawat TUDM yang terlibat dalam latihan tembakan ini termasuklah pesawat pejuang jenis SU-30MKM dan F/A-18D Hornet.

Pesawat B200T dari No 16 Skn akan  melaksanakan range clearance. Sementara pesawat A400M dan C130H pula berfungsi sebagai ‘transup‘.

SU-30MKM TUDM (photo : SNT)

Air-to-Air Refuelling akan menggunakan pesawat A400M sepenuhnya.

Dalam kenyataan yang dikeluarkan oleh Bahagian Perhubungan Awam TUDM hari ini, latihan kali ini juga turut melibatkan bantuan dari kapal laut milik Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM) setta juga Agensi Penguatkuasa Maritim Malaysia (APMM).

TLDM dan APMM akan membantu melaksanakan surface clearance (memastikan kawasan tembakan selamat untuk beroperasi).

Latihan yang berakhir pada 10 Ogos ini bertujuan menguji kecekapan dan keupayaan para juruterbang TUDM dalam mengendalikan pesawat pejuang dan melancarkan pelbagai persenjataan tepat ke sasaran.

Selain itu, ianya juga bagi memastikan kesiagaan aset-aset dan persenjataan TUDM sentiasa berada pada tahap terbaik khususnya di dalam melindungi kedaulatan ruang udara negara.

(SabahNewsToday)