30 September 2019
Mi-17 helicopter (photo: Rostec)
THE Armed Forces is reportedly set to procure 16 units of Mi-17 medium-lift helicopters with a total worth of P12.5 billion as it beefs up its air capability in the first official acquisition from Russia.
The Russian choppers, worth $14.7 million for every unit, are being acquired under the second phase of the military’s modernization program. Additional assets and equipment will be bought, including helicopters for a wide variety of missions, for this phase.
The procurement is expected to be officially signed during President Duterte’s visit to Russia on Tuesday. He is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that a number of agreements will be signed.
While Russia has been considered by the military among its possible sources in its continuing effort to strengthen its capability through an ambitious modernization program, the procurement of Mi-17 helicopters would be the first from Moscow.
During the 72nd anniversary of the Philippine Air Force in July, Duterte vowed to strengthen the unit by equipping it with much-needed air assets. It is the second biggest beneficiary of the modernization program for now, after the Philippine Navy.
“I am hoping and praying that before my remaining three years expire, all of these things, especially the labeled ‘Horizon Projects’ of yours, will be completed during my term,” Duterte said then at the anniversary rites.
The second modernization phase, dubbed the “Horizon,” involves the acquisition of various land, air and sea assets for the military’s major armed services, with the allotment of a total P139 billion, which Duterte has signed.
The Mi-17 is being marketed by Rosoboronexport, the marketing arm of the Russian Defense Industry, which has reportedly offered to give one additional helicopter for free as a “sweetener” for the 16 units of Russian helicopters.
There had never been any public discussion about the planned acquisition of the choppers in the AFP or in the Air Force, unlike the other big-ticket procurement projects of the military.
At the launching of the office of the Russian defense attache in Manila three weeks ago, Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev told military reporters that he and a Rosonboron official went to Malacañang and offered Russia’s assistance.
The assistance include the selling of state-of-the-art armaments, which Khovaev pointed out as new—compared to the equipment being offered and sold to the country by other sources.
(Business Mirror)
30 September 2019
15-meter patrol crafts granted from Japan (photo : MaxDefense)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is expected to receive 2 units 15-meter patrol craft granted by the Japanese government. MaxDefense Philippines has shared photo of the first patrol craft.
According to MaxDefense, the first unit is expected to be delivered soon.
The Japanese government has granted the Philippines 600 million yen aid for the improvement of PCG capabilities. Thirteen 7-meter rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) were already provided to PCG as part of the said grant.
Aside from grant aids, the Japanese government also provided soft loans for PCG’s Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs).
(Mintfo)
30 September 2019
HMAS Hobart leads HMA Ships Stuart and Parramatta out of Sydney Harbour for their East Asia Deployment (photos : Aus DoD)
Asia beckons for Navy’s largest Task Group
The Royal Australian Navy has begun its largest deployment of the year with more than a thousand sailors and officers bound for engagements across North and South East Asia.
Departing today from Sydney, the lead element of a nine ship Task Group will participate in bilateral and multi-national activities over the next four months.
The deployment is focused on strengthening Australia’s regional defence engagement through practical cooperation activities with key partners.
It will include high-end warfare exercises, port visits as well as cultural engagements, demonstrating Australia’s long-standing commitment to its partners, and to regional security.
The deployment marks the first overseas deployment for the new Aegis Destroyer, HMAS Hobart, which will lead the first Task Group element to Japan for an International Fleet Review.
Hobart will be accompanied in Japan by Anzac Frigates HMA Ships Parramatta and Stuart as well as a Navy submarine.
HMAS Stuart will later join the Armidale Class patrol boat HMAS Ararat, the replenishment ship HMAS Sirius, and the Hydrographic Survey ship HMAS Leeuwin during their deployment to South East Asia.
The Anzac Frigate HMAS Arunta will then join Sirius in exercises with a range of regional partners including Malaysia and Indonesia.
Navy Mine Hunters HMAS Gascoyne and HMAS Diamantina will participate in international exercises for the final element of the Task Group.
Commander of the Task Group, Captain Andrew Quinn, said the deployment demonstrated Navy’s ability to send concurrent task groups across throughout the region to engage with partner nations.
“Practical training with regional partners not only up-skills our own officers and sailors but also builds our ability to work with other Navies, underpinning stability in the region.”
“We have been operating in task groups for some time, refining the concept towards being able to conduct sustained operations like this over the next several years.”
Captain Quinn said the units involved were ready having been thoroughly tested.
“HMAS Hobart has proven her readiness as the first of her class and she is an outstanding platform to function as a centrepiece for this maritime task group,” Captain Quinn said.
“Meanwhile smaller ships like Leeuwin, Diamantina and Gascoyne have deployed further from the Australian station than ever before over the past year and we know they are up to the task ahead.”
Ships in the task group are home ported at establishments around Australia and will return home in December.
(RAN)
30 September 2019
Three Tor 91 offshore patrol boat (all photo : SpringNews)
On September 26, 2019 Admiral Nopadon Suphakorn, Commander of the Naval Operations Division presided over the decommisssioned ceremony and honored with the "Father's Boat", an offshore patrol boat Tor. 91, Tor 94, and Tor 95, who have served in the Navy for a long time. Fulfilling many sea missions, including over a century.
With Rear Admiral Jirapon Wongwit, Commander of the Coast Guard as commander in control brought the commander and the ship's crew, as well as all three former commanders, participated in a ceremony held in honor among the warships of the Royal Thai Navy at Laem Thian Pier Sattahip Naval Base, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province.
Decommissioning of the ship according to approval Ministry of Defense since all 3 ships have been in government service for a long time and have deteriorated according to service life. Not worth the maintenance and there is a risk to the civil service therefore ordered by the Navy to retire from October 1, 2019 onwards.
For the torpedo boat set T. 91, it received the royal grace from His Majesty the King Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, with royal grants in royal initiative and royal decisions shipbuilding for the self-reliance of the navy from the construction of 9 offshore patrol boat the T-91 set to T-99, between 1967-1987, which is a project of the Royal Thai Navy according to His Majesty's initiative Until Somya, this boat set, "Father's Boat"
The Tor 91 served for the first time on 12 August 1968 and the second on 15 April 35, a total of 52 years in service. The Tor 94 in the first service on 16 September 1981, total 38 years of service, and Tor. 95, first commissioned on 27 Dec 1982 total 37 years of service. All 3 ships were built by the Naval Department. It's the navy's self-reliance.
Admiral Noppadon Supakon said that over the long period that all 3 ships have served in the sea for over a century. Has created a great contribution to the navy, for example, by providing maritime safety to Royal, protecting national sovereignty, preserving national interests at sea helping the victims and public participation In the development of coastal communities.
Therefore, in order to commemorate the benevolence of His Majesty the King Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great has graciously honored His Highness with the Navy, therefore held a ceremony to honor Patrol boat set Tor 91 and farewell the operation of all 3 ships with honor to be an inscription to be remembered for Warriors of the Royal Thai Navy forever.
(SpringNews)
29 September 2019
KF-X prototype will begin production in October 2019 and scheduled to come out in April 2021 (image : Choi Jong Yun)
New and old information about KF-X unveiled after the recent Critical Design Review (CDR) session.
1) 9,300 pages out of 12,000 pages of detailed blueprints have been completed, accounting for about 78% of detailed design process.
2) Although exact specification is classified, KF-X's Radar Cross Section (RCS) is said to be around 0.5㎡. According to Global Security, F/A-18E/F and Rafale have approximate RCS of 1㎡. F-15 has 25㎡while F-35 has 0.005㎡, respectively.
3) KF-X was designed with further development in mind. There is space reserved for internal weapons bay and KF-X, in theory, could be developed into a fully-fledged 5th gen fighter.
4) Around 65% of components for KF-X Block 0/1 is developed in South Korea. This is probably a similar percentage as the Swedish Gripen, which also employs a healthy mix of indigenous and foreign components.
Hanwha Systems KF-X AESA radar prototype undergoing testing (photo : news.joins)
5) When South Korea decided to purchase F-35A in 2015, Lockheed Martin promised transfer of 25 categories of technology. However, US government refused transfer of 4 categories: AESA radar, IRST, EOTGP, and integrated EW suite.
6) KF-X's AESA multi-function radar, which is being developed by Hanwha Systems, has 1,088 modules with 110km range against unspecificed RCS target. F-35's radar has 1,200 modules for comparison.
7) A single set of 16-radar-modules for KF-X's radar costs around $45,000. Imported module costs $80,000.
8. KF-X radar prototype already completed ground and air-based testing in Israel in cooperation with ELTA systems. It will begin testing in Korea this November and will be installed on KF-X prototype aircraft in 2023.
9) KF-X's exterior design underwent 9 major changes since the first design was chosen by ADD. KF-X initially weighted 12.1 tons, but had to decrease the weight by 500kg.
10) A total of 230,000 individual components had to be meticulously designed. A standard automobile has around 20~30,000 components.
11) 1,250 engineers are working on the KF-X project. First prototype is expected to be rolled out in April 2021. First 8 production models will be delivered to the Air Force in 2026, but there could be delays since most countries conduct testing for 5~8 years.
(RoKArmed Forces)
28 September 2019
Medium tank Harimau buatan Pindad (photo : Pindad)
Tertarik Medium Tank, Delegasi Filipina Kunjungi Pindad
Bandung - Delegasi Filipina yang dipimpin oleh Commanding General of Philippines Army, Letjen Macairog S. Alberto, AFP melaksanakan kunjungan ke PT Pindad (Persero) dalam rangka meninjau secara langsung Medium Tank Harimau, berbagai produk lainnya serta fasilitas produksi yang dimiliki PT Pindad (27/9). Acara tersebut juga dihadiri oleh Philippines Presidential Advisers on Military Affairs, Letjen Arthur I. Tabaquero (Retd.), Dirjen Pothan Kemhan, Bondan Tiara Sofyan, Direktur Utama, Abraham Mose, jajaran Direksi dan Komisaris Pindad.
"Kami mengucapkan selamat datang kepada seluruh Delegasi Terhormat Filipina serta Dirjen Pothan Republik Indonesia. Hari ini kita akan menyaksikan secara langsung Harimau Medium Tank sebagai tindak lanjut dari pertemuan dan pengujian yang telah dilakukan sebelumnya. Kami harap anda dapat mendapatkan pengalaman menyeluruh mengenai produk andalan kami" jelas Direktur Utama PT Pindad (Persero), Abraham Mose dalam sambutannya.
Bondan Tiara Sofyan optimis dengan kemampuan Pindad sebagai industri pertahanan terkuat dan mampu mengembangkan inovasi dan kemampuannnya. "Kami dari Kementerian Pertahanan percaya terhadap kemampuan Pindad dan mendukung penuh Pindad untuk berinovasi dalam bidang pertahanan serta penyediaan alutsista". Bondan juga mengungkapkan rasa bangga atas relasi baik yang telah terjalin antara Indonesia dan Filipina serta mengharapkan kerja sama yang lebih baik ke depannya.
Senapan runduk produksi Pindad (photo : Pindad)
Delegasi Filipina mengapresiasi sambutan hangat dari jajaran Pindad. Macairog S. Alberto menyampaikan ketertarikan terhadap berbagai produk terutama kendaraan tempur yang diproduksi oleh Pindad, baik yang beroda ban maupun roda rantai. Disebutkan pula dalam paparan Abraham Mose, bahwa berbagai kendaraan tempur telah lolos dalam berbagai pengujian hingga memenuhi seluruh persyaratan dan kebutuhan Kendaraan Tempur untuk Militer Filipina. "Kami tertarik dengan produk kendaraan tempur terutama Harimau. Kedepannya kami akan mendiskusikan dengan lebih lanjut mengenai potensi kerja sama terkait dengan pengadaan hingga pengembangan kompetensi Harimau" jelas Alberto. Delegasi militer Filipina juga mengakui ketertarikan terhadap salah satu produk industrial andalan PT Pindad, yaitu Excava Amphibious.
Kegiatan kemudian dilanjutkan dengan melaksanakan plant tour dan meninjau langsung berbagai produk, fasilitas produksi serta proses produksi kendaraan khusus. Kunjungan ke fasilitas produksi divisi kendaraan khusus direspon secara antusias oleh Delegasi Filipina terutama pada saat menyaksikan parade berbagai ranpur dan rantis buatan Pindad meliputi : Komodo, Anoa, Panser 8x8 dan Medium Tank Harimau. Perwakilan Delegasi Filipina juga mencoba langsung mengemudikan Medium Tank Harimau.
ILSV VVIP produksi PT Jala Berikat Nusantara Perkasa (photo : Puspen TNI)
Selanjutnya, Delegasi Filipina meninjau berbagai produk senjata dan diakhiri dengan kegiatan menembak dengan berbagai senjata buatan Pindad, yaitu senapan SS2 V4, Pistol Mag4 dan Pistol G2. (Pindad)
Kunjungan ke PT Jala Berikat Nusantara Perkasa dan PT Rido Agung Mitra Abadi
indopos.co.id – Kementerian Pertahanan (Kemenhan) mengapresiasi kemajuan industri pertahanan dalam negeri. Salah satunya, Indonesia mulai memasok alutsista di sejumlah negara di ASEAN dan Afrika.
Kasubdit Promosi dan Kerjasama Kemenhan Kolonel Iskandar mengungkap, industri pertahanan dalam negeri mulai memberikan kemajuan.
“Terbukti, sejumlah pasar di luar negeri mulai melirik produk alutsista di Indonesia. Salah satunya Philipina,” kata Iskandar kepada wartawan di Jakarta, Jumat (27/9/2019).
ILSV Armored Vehicle (photo : KKIP)
Sekarang kita saksikan, lanjut Iskandar, bahwa KSAD Phlilipina beserta penasehat Presidennya datang untuk melihat dan membeli produk industri dalam negeri.
Direncakan, terang Iskandar, bahwa Philipina akan membeli sejumlah alutsista dari Indonesia.
“Selain mobil ILSV Armored Vichicle dan ILSV VVIP, negara revolusi hijau itu juga memesan sejumlah jaket atau rompi, dan helm antipeluru,” tutur Iskandar.
Selain itu, Iskandar memastikan, pemerintah akan terus mendukung upaya penguatan industri pertahanan dalam negeri. “Hingga kini, sudah ada seratus lebih perusahaan yang bergerak di bidang industri pertahanan,” terang Iskandar.
Untuk menjualnya, kata Iskandar, pihaknya akan terus mengikutsertakan industri alutsista buatan Indonesia ke kancah internasional. (Indopos)
28 September 2019
APKWS II precision-guided munitions (image : Akela Freedom)
BAE Systems, Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc., Hudson, New Hampshire, is awarded a $2,684,650,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II full rate production Lots 8-12.
This award procures WGU-59/B units to upgrade the current 2.75-inch rocket system to a semi-active laser guided precision weapon to support Navy, Army, Air Force, and foreign military sales requirements to include the governments of Iraq, Lebanon, Netherlands, Jordan, Afghanistan, United Kingdom, Tunisia, Philippines and Australia.
PN AW109E Power will be arming with APKWS II (photo : PN)
Work will be performed in Hudson, New Hampshire (54%); and Austin, Texas (46%), and is expected to be completed in December 2025.
No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual delivery orders as they are issued.
This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00019-19-D-0026).
(US DoD)
28 September 2019
M3 Amphibious Pontoon TNI AD (photos : Kostrad)
Prajurit Yonzipur 9 Kostrad patut berbangga pasalnya telah datang tiga unit Alutsista kebanggan Korps Zeni Angkatan Darat, yaitu M3 Amphibious Pontoon. M3 Amphibious Pontoon merupakan Alutsista baru milik Korps Zeni TNI AD yang berasal dari Negara Jerman. Ujung Berung, Bandung, Kamis (26/9).
M3 Amphibious Pontoon, memiliki bobot sebesar 68 Ton sehingga dalam pergerakannya memerlukan dukungan khusus untuk mobilitasnya. Alat ini diangkut menggunakan trailer dalam pergerakannya.
M3 Amphibious Pontoon tiba di Indonesia pada hari Senin Tanggal 23 September 2019, kemudian diarahkan ke Direktorat Zeni TNI AD untuk melaksanakan pengecekan administrasi secara terpusat. Kemudian alat tersebut bergerak menuju Pindad dan kemudian sampai di Batalyon Zipur 9.
Sebelum dimasukkan ke garasi khusus yang sudah disediakan oleh Yonzipur 9 Kostrad, M3 Amphibious Pontoon diuji coba terlebih dahulu seluruh fungsinya, seperti transmisi, mesin dan sebagainya.
M3 adalah jembatan ponton yang mampu dilalui tank Leopard II (photo : GDELS)
M3 Amphibious Pontoon diharapkan bisa menjadi alutsista baru andalan Korps Zeni TNI AD yang mampu mendukung gerak maju pasukan kawan dalam keadaan apapun.
(Kostrad)
27 September 2019
Changwon adalah cluster industri pertahanan terbesar di Korea Selatan dengan banyak perusahaan pertahanan yang menghasilkan tank, mesin pesawat dan kapal, serta pemasok besar suku cadang (photo : Alutsista TNI)
JAKARTA, investor.id - Walikota Changwon, Huh Sung-mu, bersama dengan Presiden KOTRA, Kwon Pyeong-oh) mengirim delegasi perdagangan ke Indonesia 18-22 September, untuk membuka pasar-pasar strategis di luar negeri, yaitu di kawasan ASEAN yang sedang berkembang dan memperluaskan ekspor produk industri pertahanan UKM.
Delegasi Perdagangan telah menandatangani 65 kontrak ekspor dengan nilai US$ 130 juta, telah terealisasi sebesar US$ 11,8 juta (14 miliar won), 7 Perjanjian Kerja. Pihak Penanggungjawab pembelian senjata melalui dua kali pertukaran pertemuan perusahaan jembatan ekspor dan pertukaran mitra kerjasama ekonomi dan lain-lain telah menuaikan hasil.
Pertemuan konsultasi ekspor yang diadakan pada 20 September itu dihadiri oleh 40 perusahaan yang terdiri dari 100 orang sebagai pembeli. Pertemuan konsultasi ekspor ini menarik perhatian pers. Nilai kontrak ekspor perusahaan-perusahaan adalah sebagai berikut: T-IC co LTD sebesar US$ 4,8 juta, Daemyung co.LTD sebesar US$ 4,5 juta, Changwon Tech Precision Corp sebesar US$ 1,5 juta. Khusus Bumhan Industri co. LTD kali ini nilai kontrak ekspornya adalah sebesar US$ 1 juta, akhir tahun ini kontrak ekspornya dengan PT Professtama International akan mencapai US$ 10 juta.
Delegasi Perdagangan Industri Pertahanan, yang terdiri dari 15 perusahaan anggota Dewan Usaha Kecil Industri Pertahanan Changwon, yang diketuai oleh Oh Byung-hu dan diselenggarakan oleh Kota Changwon sebagai bagian dari Proyek Pendukung Ekspor Industri SME di Indonesia. Hal ini dipromosikan oleh Kelompok Pendukung KOTRA dan Pusat Perdagangan Jakarta.
Perusahaan yang terlibat dalam misi dagang ini adalah Changwon Tech Precision (Tulk Drone, K9 Parts), Ispec (EMI / EMP Filter), T-Ci (Suku Cadang Mobil seperti Transmisi Kendaraan Militer), Daemyung (Training Parachute), Shin Seung Co. Presisi (CTIS untuk kendaraan militer), Nokwon (pipa hidrolik untuk kendaraan pertahanan), solusi usia (peralatan hidrolik K9), HIMC (silinder hidrolik distribusi), Korea T (perbaikan dan pemeliharaan suku cadang), nonaktif (pertahanan / penerbangan) Bergulir bantalan), orang-orang dan teknologi (sensor busur untuk kapal perang), Beomhan Industri (tekanan tinggi, ekstraktor pneumatik, bahan bakar listrik) untuk pertahanan, LEO (pengurang debit dan gearbox), Jinyoung TBX (kapal / kapal) Turbine Blade) adalah perusahaan kecil dan menengah yang memproduksi produk pertahanan utama di Changwon.
Walikota Changwon, Huh Sung-moo, yang memimpin misi perdagangan Indonesia, mengatakan delegasi Perdagangan Industri Pertahanan Changwon telah bertukar dengan pejabat pertahanan, termasuk konsultasi ekspor, pertemuan pertukaran dengan pejabat senior pemerintah termasuk Laksamana TNI AL Sriyanto, Kedutaan Besar Indonesia dan Kamar Dagang Indonesia (Kadin), Asosiasi Perdagangan Korea Dunia (OKTA Dunia), dan perusahaan milik negara Indonesia. Acara pertukaran ini di luar kerja sama ekonomi, juga termasuk pertemuan pertukaran bisnis global dengan PT Pindad, Kamar Dagang dan Industri Korea, dan Asosiasi Indonesia Korea.
Dimulai dengan misi perdagangan ini, strategi ekspor pertahanan telah menjadi langkah utama dalam menargetkan pasar negara berkembang dalam menanggapi kenaikan biaya pertahanan global dan kerja sama ekonomi dengan Indonesia, salah satu dari tiga eksportir senjata terbesar Korea. Di antara negara-negara ASEAN, perdagangan meningkat sebesar 25% pada paruh pertama tahun ini.
Huh Sung menambahkan dalam kerja sama dengan Badan Promosi Industri Changwon, pihaknya terus mendukung teknologi canggih dan produk-produk UKM industri pertahanan di pasar luar negeri yang sedang berkembang, bahkan dalam suasana kekacauan domestik dan luar negeri sekalipun. "Sebab Itu adalah peluang untuk merealisasikan kemungkinan ekspor," ungkap Huh Sung dalam keterangan pers.
Sementara itu, pada November, Huh Sung mengatakan pihaknya berencana untuk mengundang perusahaan-perusahaan pertahanan di Indonesia dan Asia Tenggara untuk melakukan “Rapat Konsultasi Undangan Pinpoint” untuk terus mengembangkan dan mengekspor produk industri UKM bidang pertahanan.
(Investor Daily)
27 September 2019
VPAF C-295M (photo : VietDefense)
Air Force technical personnel receive training on familiarization with the CASA C-295M transport.
CASA C-295M transport in service with the Vietnam People's Air Force.
With the VPAF's entire airfleet of Antonov An-26 transports no longer operating after years of service, the C-295M is now Vietnam's primary transport.
Right now the VPAF only operates three of these aircraft, though more could be obtained in the future.
(VietDefense)
27 September 2019
Xtek Wasp UAV (photo : business insider)
Canberra-based company XTEK Ltd has been awarded a contract to provide repairs, maintenance and support services for the Australian Defence Force’s growing fleet of Wasp All Environment (AE) small unmanned aerial systems.
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP said this impressive capability allows Australian soldiers to obtain a faster and better understanding of the battlefield, without exposing them to unnecessary risks.
“The Wasp AE small unmanned aerial system is small enough to be carried, assembled and used by one person allowing the soldier to see over the hill, around the corner and down the road,” Minister Price said.
Xtek Wasp UAV (photo : Xtek)
”This new contract is for an initial term of three years with options to extend through to 2026, with an anticipated value of up to $5 million per year.
“It will directly assure up to 10 jobs in addition to supporting other jobs in the supply chain.”
The contract support services include procurement of spare parts, training, maintenance and repairs – including electronics and composite repairs – with work to be carried out at XTEK’s recently completed small unmanned aerial systems repair and maintenance facility in Canberra.
59 Wasp AE small unmanned aerial systems have been delivered to date, with a further 20 scheduled to arrive in 2020.
(Aus DoD)
27 September 2019
An artist impression of the KF-X fighter aircraft. DAPA announced on 26 September that the critical design phase of the aircraft has been completed (image : DAPA)
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is expected to complete construction of the first KF-X fighter aircraft prototype by the first half of 2021 and conduct the first test flight of the platform a year later, South Korea's Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) confirmed in a 26 September statement.
DAPA said that the critical design phase of the aircraft has now been completed, allowing the KF-X/IF-X project, which stands for Korean Fighter eXperimental/Indonesian Fighter eXperimental, to move on to the next phase: prototype construction.
Development of the single-seat, twin-engined, multirole aircraft began in January 2016, with the preliminary design of the KF-X being finalised in June 2018. Production work on the first prototype began in February 2018, with KAI announcing at the time that it had started manufacturing the aircraft's bulk head.
As Jane's reported, the KF-X development programme envisages the production of six prototypes, followed by four years of trials and the completion of development by mid-2026. Serial production of the aircraft will take place during 2026-32, with an initial 120 units intended to replace the Republic of Korea Air Force's (RoKAF's) ageing fleets of F-4E Phantom and F-5E Tiger II aircraft.
Total production is expected to exceed 350 units, including a quota for exports.
Indonesia is currently renegotiating its involvement in the programme, although Jakarta remains committed to honouring its payment obligations set out under a 2015 financial agreement.
Under this original agreement, which is now subject to renegotiation, Indonesia committed to paying for 20% of the total development costs, which are estimated at about USD8 billion. The South Korean government would pay for 60% of the development programme, with prime contractor KAI covering the remaining 20%.
KAI's industry partner on the project is PT Dirgantara Indonesia.
(Jane's)
26 September 2019
Fifth Type 055 Renhai class destroyer (photo : QQ)
The fifth Type 055 (Renhai-class) destroyer on order for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has been launched at the Jiangnan Changxingdao shipyard near Shanghai.
Type 055 mast (photo : kan.china)
Work is now continuing in the fitting-out basin, as shown in commercial satellite imagery captured on 18 September.
Type 055 destroyer (photo : zing)
The launch was not covered by official Chinese media but the satellite imagery shows that it occurred between 7 and 18 September, with some Chinese social media sites claiming that it took place on 12 September.
Type 055 destroyer with 112 cells VLS (image : navalnews)
Displacing more than 10,000 tonnes, the Type 055 is the largest destroyer built for the PLAN. Its vertical launch system (VLS) comprises 112 cells from which surface-to-air, anti-ship, anti-submarine, and land-attack missiles can be launched.
(Jane's)
26 September 2019
PMC KAAV7 (photo : Presidential Communications)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy hopes to get additional amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) and multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC) in a bid to further enhance its modernization efforts.
Navy chief Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad said they would need 16 more AAVs as it aimed to acquire two more strategic sealift vessels in addition to its two existing units.
The two landing platform docks have a budget of around P5-billion. Bidding for the project is scheduled for Tuesday in Camp Aguinaldo.
“With the force mix of six AAVs per strategic sealift vessel, we need additional 16 AAVs since we will acquire two more strategic sealift vessels,” Empedrad said in his speech at the ceremonial blessing of four new AAVs and 3 MPACs at the Navy headquarters in Manila.
The four newly-commissioned AAVs are part of the eight new AAVs from Hanwha Defense. The other four were earlier commissioned in June.
“The versatile AAVs not only enhance by large ship-to-shore capabilities of the Philippine Marine Corps but can also provide combat firepower in different types of terrain as well as protection of Marine warriors,” he said.
PMC KAAV7 (photo : Stars and Stripes)
During the blessing ceremony, Hanwha Defense also donated P20 million-worth of mission essential equipment for the AAVs.
12 more MPAC
Empedrad said they have also programmed the acquisition of 12 MPAC for the second phase of the modernization program.
“We also programmed to acquire 12 more MPAC in the second horizon until we reach our desired force mix of 42 MPAC,” he said.
The three newly-acquired MPAC are in addition to the three missile-fitted fast attack craft of the Philippine Navy.
The new fast attack craft will be placed under the 4th Boat Attack Division of the Philippine Fleet activated last Sept. 12.
(Inquirer)
26 Agustus 2019
Dadali drone pengangkut manusia (photo : Lapan)
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Kepala Lembaga Penerbangan dan Antariksa Nasional (LAPAN) Thomas Djamaluddin meresmikan peluncuran Dadali, suatu drone atau pesawat tanpa awak untuk pengangkut manusia (urban transporter). Drone ini diciptakan PT Aeroterrascan dan PT Chroma International.
"Ini adalah salah satu karya bangsa yang perlu kita apresiasi, dan Lapan mendorong industri kedirgantaraan salah satunya drone Dadali," kata Thomas saat membuka peluncuran drone Dadali di sela-sela acara AeroSummit 2019, Jakarta Selatan, Selasa (24/9).
Drone untuk pengangkut manusia ini dilengkapi 16 baling-baling. Dadali dapat bermanuver hingga ketinggian 40 meter di atas permukaan air laut. Bersifat tanpa awak, penggunaanya hanya perlu menentukan tujuan lokasi dan Dadali akan bergerak sendiri sampai ke lokasi.
Drone pengangkut manusia itu dapat menampung beban hingga 120 kilogram, yang mana 50 kilogramnya merupakan beban barang bawaan di luar berat badan penumpang. Drone ini dapat mengangkut satu penumpang karena hanya memiliki satu tempat duduk.
Saat ini, pihak PT Aeroterrascan dan PT Chroma sedang mengembangkan drone yang dibutuhkan untuk pengiriman kargo dan logistik sehingga bisa dipakai untuk mengatasi pengiriman barang ke pulau-pulau terluar dan mampu melintasi perairan Indonesia. "Drone ini akan menjadi pengangkut barang antar pulau dengan medan yang sulit dan tidak terjangkau kendaraan. Drone ini jadi solusi," kataThomas Djamaluddin.
Sementara, drone untuk kargo dan pengiriman logistik sedang dikembangkan untuk mampu mengangkut barang logistik hingga 120 kilogram. Setelah mengembangkan drone untuk kargo, perusahaan tersebut akan melangkah lagi dengan pengembangan drone untuk keperluan kesehatan.
Tujuan pengembangannya, yakni mengangkut seorang pasien misalnya yang terjebak bencana atau kemacetan. Selain seorang pasien, drone ini dapat membawa hingga 50 kilogram peralatan pendukung kehidupan pasien.
(Republika)
26 September 2019
Boeing AH-6i light attack reconnaissance helicopters (photo : defense arab)
WASHINGTON - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Thailand of eight (8) AH-6i light attack reconnaissance helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $400 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Government of Thailand has requested to buy eight (8) AH-6i light attack reconnaissance helicopters; fifty (50) AGM-114R Hellfire missiles; and two-hundred (200) Advance Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) Rockets. Also included are ten (10) M134 Mini Guns, ten (10) M260 Rocket Launchers; ten (1) M299 Longbow Hellfire Launcher; ten (10) AN/APN-209 Radar Altimeter; eight (8) AN/APR-39(V)(4) four (4) GAU-19/B .50 Cal Machine Gun; five-hundred (500) Hydra 70 Rockets; twenty (20) AN/AVS-6 Night Vision Goggles; eight (8) WESCAM MX-10Di Cameras; ten (10) AN/APX-123 IFF; ten (10) AN/ARC 201E-VHF-FM; ten (10) AN/ARC-231 w/ MX-4027; ten (10) LN-251 Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System (EGI); Aircrew Trainer (ACT); Pilot Desktop Trainer (PDT); Virtual Maintenance Trainer (VMT;, contractor provided pilot and maintainer training peculiar ground support equipment; spares; publications; integrated product support; technical assistance; quality assurance team; transportation; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated program cost is $400 million.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO ally in INDO-PACOM. Thailand is a strategic partner committed to contributing to regional security.
The proposed sale of the AH-6i helicopter will improve the Royal Thai Army’s (RTA) light attack capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats. These AH-6i helicopters will replace the RTA’s aging fleet of seven AH-IF Cobra helicopters. As part of a broader military modernization effort, these AH-6i helicopters will provide light attack reconnaissance for close air support to special operations forces, Stryker infantry soldiers and border guard 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 AH-6i is Boeing Company, Mesa, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
(DSCA)
25 September 2019
Under its ambit, the US has rotationally deployed fighter aircraft for exercises, refuelling and maintenance, and Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and P-8 Poseidon aircraft to Singapore since 2013 and 2015 respectively (photos : USNI)
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President of the United States of America Donald Trump signed the Protocol of Amendment to the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding ("1990 MOU") Regarding United States Use of Facilities in Singapore ("2019 AMOU") today. The 2019 AMOU renews the 1990 MOU by extending it for another 15 years.
The 1990 MOU, signed by our founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and then-United States (US) Vice President Dan Quayle, has underpinned the US' security presence in the region for almost 30 years. The agreement facilitates US' forces access to Singapore's air and naval bases, and provides logistic support for their transiting personnel, aircraft and vessels. Under its ambit, the US has rotationally deployed fighter aircraft for exercises, refuelling and maintenance, and Littoral Combat Ships and P-8 Poseidon aircraft to Singapore since 2013 and 2015 respectively. The renewal of this document underscores the support for US' presence in our region which remains vital for regional peace, stability and prosperity.
Earlier today, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen spoke with US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper over the phone. Acknowledging the milestone renewal of the 1990 MOU, Dr Ng and Secretary Esper reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral defence relationship, as well as the importance of the US' continued engagement of the region. Secretary Esper expressed appreciation for Singapore's enduring support for the US' regional presence. During the phone call, both sides also discussed the good progress of key ongoing initiatives, particularly in defence technology and military-to-military cooperation. Dr Ng also thanked Secretary Esper for the US' continuing support for the Singapore Armed Forces' overseas training in the US.
The 1990 MOU is one of several milestone bilateral defence agreements with the US. In 2005, the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) elevated bilateral defence relations, uniquely recognising Singapore as a Major Security Cooperation Partner of the US. Under the 2005 SFA, then-Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean and then-US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld also signed the 2005 Protocol of Amendment to the 1990 MOU and the 2005 Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), which provided for new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation. In 2015, Singapore and the US concluded the enhanced DCA, which built on the 2005 SFA to deepen cooperation in non-conventional and emerging security areas.
Dr Ng is in New York from 22 to 26 September 2019 (Singapore time), as part of Prime Minister Lee's delegation. Prime Minister Lee is in New York from 21 to 28 September 2019 (Singapore time) to attend the United Nations General Assembly.
(Sing Mindef)
