30 April 2020
Indonesia Navy rescheduled next three submarines cause of covid-19 (photo : PAL)
Indonesia has cut its 2020 defence budget by nearly IDR9 trillion (USD588 million) in response to Covid-19.
The reduction was included in a recently formalised presidential regulation that requires several ministries to help fund a government economic stimulus package valued at IDR436 trillion.
According to Presidential Regulation No. 54/2020, the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) budget for 2020 will fall from IDR131.2 trillion to IDR122.4 trillion. The IDR8.8 trillion cut is equal to a fall of nearly 7%.
However, the new 2020 defence allocation still represents a strong increase of around 13% compared with the 2019 defence budget of IDR108 trillion.
(Jane's)
30 April 2020
PT-76 of the Vietnamese Army (all photos : QPVN)
Military site Voennye Materialy of Russia said that the maintenance, maintenance and use of PT-76 tanks in Vietnam is very good, keeping these half-century-old tanks always' new. edge'.
The amphibious tanks praised by the Russian media are the PT-76s - light tanks that have been used by Vietnam since the resistance war against the US.
Up to now, there are still hundreds of amphibious tanks of the Vietnam Army on the payroll of the Vietnam Army , all of which are well preserved and ready to maneuver at any time.
Unlike flying vehicles, most ground vehicles do not have a service life - that is, without good maintenance, good storage of vehicles, these tanks can be used for a longer period of time. until there is a replacement candidate.
Russian Voennye Materialy also said that PT-76 was a Soviet-funded tank to Vietnam in the past, these light tanks were used by Vietnam in the war against the US.
After the war with the Americans ended, PT-76 tanks continued to be used by Vietnam to fight on Cambodian soil in the 1980s, directly fighting against "Khmer Rouge clones".
Since the war in Cambodia up to now, Vietnam's PT-76 tanks have continued to be used in large numbers, even upgraded many details, increasing the effectiveness of the vehicle.
The Russian newspaper called Soviet tanks on Vietnam's in service "armored veterans" and affirmed that under the care of the Vietnamese army, these "veterans" would still serve. persisted for a long time.
PT-76 was produced by the Soviet Union from 1951 until 1969, a total of about 12,000 units of various versions were born during this time in both the Soviet Union and China.
This type of amphibious armored vehicle is equipped with the thickest armor of only 25mm in the turret, the fire consisting of a 76.2mm cannon with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.
Vehicles using 240 horsepower engines, pulling power reaches 16.4 horsepower per ton, capable of moving at a maximum speed of 44 km / h when traveling on flat roads and wading with speeds up to 10.2 km /h.
Currently in the world, there are still dozens of countries that continue to use this type of tanks in service. In which Vietnam is the country with the largest use of PT-76, the maximum can be up to 300 units still in service.
PT-76 amphibious tanks of Vietnam when fighting on the Cambodian battlefield against Khmer Rouge reaction forces.
PT-76 amphibious tanks were used by the Soviet army as a means of landing in the past.
(Kien Thuc)
29 April 2020
The JV originally to provide MRO in U-Tapao Airport, 150 kilometres east of Bangkok (photo : The Star)
Airbus has pulled out of a joint venture (JV) with Thai Airways, the country’s national airline, to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services at a civil-military airport near the country’s eastern seaboard.
Speaking at a press conference on 27 April officials from Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) office said in comments reported by the state-owned Thai News Agency (TNA) that Airbus’ decision was prompted by the economic impact of Covid-19.
A spokesperson from Airbus told Jane’s , “We are in discussions with our partners in Thailand regarding the most suitable way forward for all parties. The content of discussions with partners and customers alike, remain confidential.”
(Jane's)
29 April 2020
Elbit All in Small protection suite. It comprises of a in-cockpit processor/controller and external equipment including decoy dispensers, Missile Approach and Warning System (MAWS), laser warning systems, and Radar Warning Receivers (RWR) (photo : Elbit)
Israel’s Elbit Systems has awarded a contract valued at approximately US$103 million to supply comprehensive Electronic Warfare (EW) suites for an Air Force of an Asian country. The contract will be performed over a three-year period and includes long-term integrated logistic support.
Under the contract, Elbit Systems will fit the customer’s helicopters with complete EW suites, including countermeasure systems. Elbit says the EW suites will provide the helicopters with advanced protection to achieve the customer’s operational requirements.
Edgar Maimon, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Elbit Systems EW and SIGINT–Elisra, said that the company is well-positioned to address the rising needs from potential customers for aircraft protection systems.
“Demand for combat-proven EW systems is getting stronger as the electro-magnetic spectrum becomes increasingly contested and the threat to aircraft gets more acute. I believe that Elbit Systems is well positioned to address this rising need.”
As is often the case, the Elbit announcement contains no details about who the customer is, what or how many systems have been ordered and what platform it is for. However, DRA believes that the end user in this case is Singapore, which has outstanding orders for (officially) undisclosed numbers of Boeing CH-47F Chinooks and Airbus H225M transport helicopters.
Singapore has order 16 CH-47F (photo : Picuki)
DRA has been told by an industry source Singapore has 16 CH-47Fs on order, which tallies with the appearance in mid-February of a similar number of CH-47Fs on the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) civilian aircraft registry.
The helicopters were placed on the FAA registry by Boeing, the manufacturer of the Chinook and is usually a precursor for newly-built aircraft to fly in U.S. airspace for flight and other testing.
Military platforms appearing on the FAA registry is usually a sign that the aircraft are destined for a Direct Commercial Sale (DCS) customer, as opposed to a government-to-government Foreign Military Sale (FMS) aircraft which receive U.S. military registration.
As far as we are aware, Singapore is the only DCS customer for the CH-47F with outstanding aircraft, with the other known DCS Chinook customer India having its 15 helicopters already on the FAA’s registry.
Boeing had earlier declined to comment on DRA’s queries about the 16 new Chinooks on the FAA registry, which have been given the U.S. civilian registrations N271GG to N286GG in running order, while Singapore’s defence ministry issued a generic statement about Singapore’s CH-47F acquisition without addressing the question directly.
Singapore and Israel have close defence relations stretching back decades, both countries’ secretive posture with regards to defence acquisitions and other related matters dovetailing perfectly with one another.
However, Elbit’s All-in-Small aircraft self-protection system has been seen on the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s CH-47SD Chinooks and AH-64D Apaches, with a number of the helicopters in both fleets having been upgraded. The All-in-Small has also been integrated onto India’s recently-delivered CH-47Fs.
(DefenceReviewAsia)
28 April 2020
PAL's design for MRSS (photo : Defense Studies)
The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has outlined its procurement priorities for the next five years, which include prospective orders for multi-role support ships and anti-submarine helicopters.
It is not yet clear, however, whether the government has already approved funding for the RMN's procurement list or whether the navy will face budget cuts as Putrajaya has been diverting funds to stem the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus in the country and ease the economic fallout of the pandemic.
Military funds were among the first to be cut by the Malaysian government when it faced economic crises in 1998 and 2008.
Speaking on 27 April to mark the 86th anniversary of the founding of the RMN, Chief of Navy Admiral Reza Mohd Sany outlined the service's procurement priorities for the 2021 to 2026 period under the 12th Malaysian Plan: the government's five-year procurement cycle.
(Jane's)
28 April 2020
JEDS to continue the development of its radar electronic support system. If successful, this innovative technology has the potential to provide the Navy with a cost-effective system to automate warnings and determine the type and location of radar signals (photo : Aus DoD)
The Morrison Government is continuing to invest in Australian defence industries to ensure they are in a strong place to deliver new innovations in the post COVID-19 era.
Cutting-edge space technologies and radar systems are among eight new projects being developed by Australian industry through the Government’s $640m Defence Innovation Hub.
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP, said the new Defence Innovation Hub contracts announced today are worth more than $14.6 million.
“The latest tranche of investments includes seven contracts awarded to small businesses from across Australia and a contract with University of Technology Sydney,” Minister Price said.
“These contracts will support the development of a range of technologies that span areas such as space, electronic warfare, and power generation to build a more advanced and capable Defence Force.”
“More than $3 million has been awarded to NSW’s Jenkins Engineering Defence Systems to continue the development of its radar electronic support system.
“This technology has the potential to provide the Navy with a cost-effective system to automate warnings and determine the type and location of radar signals.
“South Australian based DEWC Systems has been awarded a $3.1 million contract to develop a sovereign, space tactical sensor system.”
The Defence Innovation Hub has awarded over $200 million in innovation contracts, with more than 80 per cent of this investment flowing to small Australian businesses.
Contracts announced today under the Defence Innovation Hub.
(Aus DoD)
28 April 2020
Helikopter AH-64E Apache Guardian TNI AD (photo : Sasan)
Helikopter Tempur TNI AD Tercanggih di Asia Tenggara, Singapura Lewat
VIVA – TNI Angkatan Darat (TNI AD) saat ini telah memiliki delapan unit Helikopter Apache Guardian AH-64E buatan Amerika Serikat (AS). Helikopter yang di desain oleh perusahaan Boeing khusus menyerang itu, kini berada di Skadron 11/Serbu Semarang.
Apache Guardian menjadi salah satu alat utama sistem pertahanan (Alutsista) milik TNI AD yang diandalkan untuk menghadapi berbagai pertempuran.
Di kawasan Asia Tenggara, Indonesia adalah negara kedua yang memiliki helikopter serang canggih itu. Sebelum Indonesia, Singapura sudah lebih dulu memiliki Apache sebanyak 20 unit.
Namun, kita tidak usah berkecil hati. Sebab, Helikopter Apache milik Singapura yang dibeli tahun 2006 dari Negeri Paman Sam itu memiliki beberapa perbedaan dibandingkan dengan Apache yang datang pada akhir tahun 2017 lalu ke Indonesia.
Helikopter yang dimiliki oleh Singapura adalah Apache seri AH-64D Longbow Block III yang telah dirilis oleh Boeing pada tahun 2003. Dikutip dari situs resmi Boeing, Apache seri AH-64E Guardian secara resmi dirilis pada tahun 2012.
Helikopter AH-64E Apache Guardian TNI AD (photo : Penerbad)
Apache AH-64E Guardian adalah hasil pengembangan terbaru dari jenis Apache sebelumnya, AH-64D. Perbedaan menonjol yang dimiliki Apache AH-64E Guardian milik Indonesia dengan Apache AH-64D longbow block terdapat pada mesinnya.
Apache Guardian dalam pengembangannya memiliki mesin yang lebih besar dari sebelumnya, yaitu T700-GE-701D dari General Electric. Transmisi pun diubah menjadi coupe dengan tenaga ekstra. Helikopter Apache AH-64E dapat memacu kecepatan maksimum 300 km per jam, sementara AH-64D kecepatan maksimumnya 293 km per jam.
Selain itu, Apache AH-64E juga telah memiliki teknologi terbaru yaitu sistem datalink MUM-TX L-3 Communications yang memungkinkan awak helikopter untuk mengendalikan drone (UAV).
Tidak hanya itu, Helikopter AH-64E juga dilengkapi dengan beberapa fitur khusus untuk menunjang kemampuannya dalam melaksanakan misi tempur.
RSAF AH-64D Apache II (photo : Sing Mindef)
Fitur–fitur itu di antaranya sistem radar penjejak target dan kendali penembakan Longbow, sistem deteksi target M-TADS, peluru kendali atau rudal udara ke darat AGM 114 Hellfire dengan daya jangkau efektif 8 kilometer, roket Hydra kaliber 70 milimeter, pylon peluncur rudal udara ke udara yang dapat dipersenjatai dengan rudal AIM-9 Sidewinder, Stinger, Mistral dan atau Sidearm.
Apache AH-64E juga dilengkapi kanon M230 kaliber 30 milimeter yang mampu menembakkan sebanyak 625 butir peluru per menit nya.
Untuk menunjang sistem deteksi target M-TADS, serta radar penjejak target dan kendali penembakan Longbow, helikopter serang ini juga dilengkapi perangkat Forward Looking Infra Red atau FLIR yang dapat digunakan untuk mencari sasaran dengan menggunakan gelombang infra merah. Sehingga Apache dapat mendeteksi sasaran dalam keadaan gelap gulita sekalipun.
Dengan demikian, Helikopter serang Apache AH-64E Guardian ini memang didesain khusus untuk menyerang dalam situasi dan kondisi cuaca apapun. Kita berharap, TNI dapat menambah jumlah helikopter tempur ini untuk memperkuat pertahanan NKRI dari serbuan asing. Sebab, "Negara yang kuat harus didukung dengan sistem pertahanan yang kuat."
(Viva)
27 April 20220
Twin-seat FTC-2000G light attack aircraft (photo : FlightGlobal)
Speculation is swirling around the global aviation industry that points to Cambodia as the first buyer of the Chinese-made FTC-2000G multi-role aircraft.
This week, Global Times, an English language daily newspaper in China, reported that the aircraft, which is manufactured by the Guizhou Aircraft Industry Corp (GAIC), is selling the aircraft to a yet unnamed Southeast Asian country.
The report did not divulge the cost or the number of units sold. It only mentioned that the deal was signed in January of this year and that deliveries will start in early 2021 and completed after two years.
Recent Myanmar Air Force (MAF) acquisitions and orders discount the possibility that Myanmar is the buyer. Other countries in the region including the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore are engaged in territorial disputes or have frayed relations with the Asian giant, thus making them unlikely buyers of Chinese hardware at this time.
This leaves Cambodia as the “most likely” buyer of the Chinese aircraft.
In October last year, the Prime Minister said that Cambodia will purchase four more L-39s from the Czech Republic.
Defence experts said it would be logical for Cambodia to choose China as an aircraft supplier.
Chinese military hardware, it was noted, is far cheaper than comparable Western-made equipment. The possibility that they can be obtained at a bargain price or with Chinese loans make them all the more attractive to emerging economy buyers, including Cambodia. Unlike the United States or other Western countries, China also sells weapons abroad with little to no strings attached.
An upgraded version of the Guizhou JL-9 advanced jet trainer, the twin-seat FTC-2000G flew for the first time in September 2018. The aircraft can be used for light attack duties or for training pilots. With seven external hardpoints, the aircraft can carry bombs, gun pods, rockets and short- to medium-range air-to-air missiles such as the SD-10.
It has a maximum speed of 1.2 Mach and comes equipped with a modern radar, fire control systems and navigational equipment. The Chinese have trumpeted it as “one of the cheapest” on the market.
See full article Khmer Times
27 April 2020
Pengiriman produk bahan peledak ke perusahaan Johnex Explosives Australia (all photos : Dahana)
Liputan6.com, Jakarta Usai sukses dalam dua kali pengiriman sebelumnya, perusahaan bahan peledak dalam negeri, PT Dahana (Persero) kembali mengirim produk bahan peledak ke perusahaan asal Negeri Kanguru Johnex Explosives Australia pada 23 April 2020.
Sebanyak 215 Ton Megadrive Cartridge Emulsion 32mm x 700mm dalam 20 kontainer diberangkatkan dari Kawasan Energetic Material Center (EMC) Dahana, Subang pada Kamis, 23 April 2020.
Pengiriman menggunakan truck trailer menuju pelabuhan Tanjung Priok Jakarta yang selanjutnya dikirim ke Australia dengan kapal. Setelah tiba di Pelabuhan tujuan, produk Dahana tersebut akan didistribusikan langsung ke gudang-gudang end user Johnex Explosives di Australia.
Direktur Operasi Dahana Bambang Agung menyebutkan, ekspor ini merupakan salah satu upaya perusahaan untuk terus mempertahankan kinerja positif perusahaan di tengah hantaman pandemi Covid-19 secara global.
“Alhamdulillah dalam kondisi pandemi covid-19 ini Dahana masih membuktikan untuk tetap eksis melaksanakan proses ekspor bahan peledak ke salah satu konsumen kita di Australia (Johnex). Ini membuktikan bahwa Dahana mampu menjawab kepercayaan yang diberikan konsumen di luar negeri dengan komitmen dan konsisten,” tutur Bambang Agung dalam keterangan tertulis, Kamis (23/4/2020).
Meski kondisi bisnis sedang lesu akibat pandemi covid-19, keberlanjutan ekspor bahan peledak ke Australia juga membuktikan bahwa industri bahan peledak dalam negeri mampu bersaing di pentas global.
Kualitas dan dan kemampuan Dahana akan semakin teruji untuk melakukan lompatan-lompatan bisnis dan akhirnya dapat diperhitungkan oleh pasar lebih luas, tak terbatas pada pasar Australia.
Cargo ekspor Johnex ini sebelumnya telah melewati prosedur ketat. Hal ini disampaikan oleh Senior Manager Operasi Divisi Tambang Umum 2 PT Dahana (Persero) Dadan Munawar. Menurutnya, beberapa tahapan pengiriman ini meliputi pembuatan bahan peledak di pabrik, pengecekan quality control langsung oleh pihak Johnex Explosives, fumigasi dan Cleaning kontainer kargo, dan memberlakukan Protokol Pencegahan Covid-19 yang diterapkan Dahana kepada seluruh personil pihak angkutan yang akan mengangkut bahan peledak di dalam gudang Dahana, serta pengiriman sesuai standard requirement Australian Inspector.
“Selain itu sebagai salah satu syarat utama dalam pengiriman cargo sesuai standar australia juga, semua kontainer cargo Johnex ini sebelumnya sudah dilakukan proses fumigasi oleh fumigator yang sudah terstandarisasi dan diakui sertifikasinya oleh pihak otoritas di Australia. Sertifikasi fumigasi ini adalah syarat utama saat dilakukan pemeriksaan oleh pihak cargo inspector saat tiba di pelabuhan Australia, seperti diketahui bersama Australia memiliki standard yang tinggi dalam proses pengiriman ekspor-impor,” ujar Dadan Munawar.
Shipment ekspor ketiga ini dipercaya Dadan akan meningkatkan kerjasama dan kepercayaan antara Dahana dan pihak Johnex Australia, baik untuk suplai bahan peledak ke Australia, ataupun kemungkinan kerjasama services di underground blasting ke depannya yang sedang dijajaki oleh Dahana saat ini.
Sebagaimana diketahui, PT Dahana (Persero) merupakan BUMN yang bergerak di bidang bahan peledak untuk sektor pertambangan umum, kuari dan konstruksi, minyak dan gas serta pertahanan.
Produk-produk bahan peledaknya selain digunakan secara domestik juga telah diekspor ke mancanegara. Untuk ekspor bahan peledak ke Australia sendiri telah dimulai sejak Maret 2019 dengan 37,5 ton dalam 3 kontainer.
Ekspor kedua ke Australia dilaksanakan pada September 2019 dengan jumlah 86 Ton dalam 8 kontainer. Dan Ekspor ketiga ke Australia hari ini dengan jumlah 215 Ton dalam 20 kontainer.
(Liputan6)
27 April 2020
Three Khamronsin class Corvette (HTMS Kamronsin FS 531, HTMS Thayanchon FS 532, HTMS Longlom FS 533) will receive MSI 30mm machine gun (photo : cmano-db)
Naval Ordnance Department, Royal Thai Navy announced to acquire three British MSI Defence Systems 30mm naval guns for fitting on Khamronsin-class corvette.
Procurement and price information center of the Royal Thai Navy issued on April 23, 2020, for the purchase of the 30mm MSI machine gun system with the installation letter for the Khamronsin-class anti submarine corvette by the Naval Ordnance Department, with a credit limit of 170,1111,358 baht ($ 5,242,503) from MSI-Defense Systems Ltd, United Kingdom, which is understood to be the MSI-DS SEAHAWK family of guns.
The MSI DS30M has been installed as the main guns and secondary guns of many ships stationed in the Royal Thai Navy, such as fast attack Tor 991 class, Tor 994 class, Laemsing gunboat, 2 Krabi class OPV, 2 Naresuan class frigate, Bhumibol Adulyadej frigate, Ang Thong landing platform dock.
MSI 30mm Seahawk family (photo : Jane's)
With the Naval Ordnance Department intends to purchase 30mm machine gun system, MSI letter, 3 systems including technical service (for design, installation, connection, testing, firing, trial, firing, testing), cables, signal cables with related equipment, support for maintenance with spare parts, tools, documents and information, training, deliveries, and other related issues.
By installing in the stern area of the boat, in the HTMS Kamronsin series and connected to the Thales Mirador fire control system, which the navy has used today (1 system/ship) to allow the HTMS Kamronsin has the capability to fully conduct surface water and air defense operations. Project budget amount 175,000 baht ($ 5,238,910), for 3-year project implementation, fiscal year 2020-2022, features and capabilities of the 30mm machine gun system.
(AAG)
26 April 2020
The Netherlands has ordered Leonardo 127/64 LW-Vulcano 127 mm guns for the RNLN's four LCFs (photo : Leonardo)
The Dutch Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) ordered 127 mm guns for the four Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) De Zeven Provinciën-class air defence and command frigates (LCFs) on 21 April, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on its website later that same day. Leonardo has contracted Thales Nederland to install the former's 127/64 LW-Vulcano system by 2026, the ministry said.
The MoD said that the medium gun system would be used mainly for surface fire and naval gunfire support, as well as for air defence.
De Zeven Provinciën-class frigates (photo : Naval Technology)
Leonardo's website lists the system's four subsystems as the 127/64 LW Gun assembly, a modular automated ammunition handling system, the Naval Fire Control Support mission planning system, and the Vulcano ammunition family. The 127/64 LW-Vulcano has a modular feeding system composed of four drums with 14 ready-to-fire rounds each that can be reloaded during firing, and that can be selected independently from their position in the drums. The gun can fire standard 127 mm rounds and precision-guided munitions, the latter with a range of up to 100 km, according to the MoD.
The Naval Fire Control Support system supports the combat management system (CMS) by defining possible firing solutions, ammunition selection, trajectory, and the best course of the ship.
(Jane's)
25 April 2020
U.S. Navy Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), left, sails with Royal Australian Navy guided-missile frigate HMAS Parramatta (FFH 154), Arleigh-Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) and Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) (photo : C7F)
SOUTH CHINA SEA – The U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy came together for operations in the South China Sea starting April 13.
HMAS Parramatta (FFG 154) began sailing with Ticonderoga-class guided missile-cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) then rendezvoused with amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and Arleigh-Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) April 18. Their combined operations started with force integration training and maneuvering exercises between Parramatta and Bunker Hill.
“It is great to be operating with the Australians again,” said Captain Kurt Sellerberg, Commanding officer of the USS Bunker Hill. “Every time I have deployed to this region, and to the Middle East, I have had the good fortune to operate with the Royal Australian Navy.”
Operations with USS America started with a precision maneuvers that included Barry in the South China Sea.
“We look forward to every opportunity we get to work with our stalwart Australian allies at sea,” said Rear Adm. Fred Kacher, commander of the America Expeditionary Strike Group. “To bring this much combat capability together here in the South China Sea truly signals to our allies and partners in the region that we are deeply committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Operations with Parramatta have included integrated live fire exercises, coordinated helicopter operations, small boat force protection drills, command and control integration, and maneuvering interoperability.
“San Diego [HM-60] ‘Romeo’ pilots have a long flying history with Australian pilots,” said Lt. Cmdr Jacob “Shaky” Norgaard, “it’s a great opportunity to strengthen our relationship and practice joint tactics, techniques and procedures.”
The events gave both navies the opportunity to integrate all warfare areas, and further strengthen the bond between both countries.
"I was super pumped to participate in cross-deck operations with the Royal Australian Navy,” said Lt. Rachael “Janet” Davis, “we are stronger together, and this type of integration promotes our commitment to maritime security as well as increases our presence here.”
The U.S. and Australia share a long history of integrated military exercises. Over 3,000 U.S. Sailors and Marines had the opportunity to observe or participate in the combined exercise.
“They have the same interest in ensuring freedom of navigation and observance of internationally accepted norms and customs pertaining to the law of the sea,” said Sellerberg. “The Aussies are true professionals in every sense of the word, and our current combined deployment exemplifies a shared commitment to our historically strong and enduring relationship.”
U.S. 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests in the Indo-Pacific area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet, 7th Fleet interacts with 35 other maritime nations to build partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability, and prevent conflict.
(Commander 7th Fleet)
25 April 2020
Peluncur rudal Nasams TNI AU akan menggunakan platform truk Mercedes Actros 8x8 (photo : TUTNews)
MATA INDONESIA, JAKARTA – Jika tidak ada aral melintang langit Ibu Kota Jakarta akan dijaga sistem persenjataan baru tahun ini. Itu berdasarkan Kontrak pengadaan peluncur rudal pertahanan udara jarak sedang NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile/NASAMS) untuk Detasemen Pertahanan Udara (Denhanud) Paskhas TNI AU yang kabarnya ditandatangani Juni 2017.
Untuk membiayai pembelian NASAMS, Indonesia juga dikabarkan telah memperoleh kredit dari Bank Exim Norwegia senilai lebih dari 100 juta dolar AS. Perihal pembelian itu juga sudah resmi dirilis 31 Oktober 2017 seperti dilansir indomiliter.com.
Melalui siaran persnya, Konsberg menyebutkan paket pembelian NASAMS untuk Indonesia mencakup command posts, radar, launcher, radio and integration, serta training and logistics support.
Keseluruhan nilai kontrak yang disepakati 77 juta dolar AS. Hal yang menarik perhatian kontrak pengadaan itu belum termasuk rudal. Seperti diketahui sistem NASAMS menggunakan basis rudal AIM-120 AMRAAM buatan Raytheon.
Nasams TNI AU dikabarkan sudah tiba dan ditempatkan di Satuan Rudal TNI AU di Teluk Naga Tangerang (photo : Lightning II chan)
Dalam siaran pers disebutkan kontrak AMRAAM akan dilakukann terpisah antara pemerintah Indonesia dan Amerika Serikat.
Hal yang membuat NASAMS unggul salah satunya sudah mengadopsi network centric, seperti yang digadang jet tempur Saab Gripen NG. Dengan network centric itu, NASAMS yang menurut airspace-review akan ditempatkan di kawasan Teluk Naga, Tangerang itu, dapat memindai 72 sasaran sekaligus dalam mode aktif dan pasif.
Selain itu artileri pertahanan udara untuk melindungi Jakarta dari serangan terbuka mampu membuat sistem pertahanan terintegrasi dan lebih tahan dari perang elektronika.
NASAMS sekarang juga sudah digunakan Washington DC untuk melindungi obyek vital di sana termasuk Gedung Putih.
Bila dipasangi AIM-120C AMRAAM, peluncur NASAMS itu bisa menjangkau sasaran tembak sekitar 50 – 70 km. Jangkauan tembak AIM-20C jika diluncurkan dari platform darat memang lebih pendek dari jangkauan “asli”-nya yaitu dari pesawat tempur yang bisa menjangkau sasaran sekitar 90 – 120 km.
Jika mengacu pada kontrak tersebut seharusnya tahun ini peluncur itu sudah tiba di Indonesia dan bisa menjadi efek penggentar.
(Mata Indonesia)
24 April 2020
A Stryker armoured vehicle is displayed at the Royal Thai Army on Wednesday after the army received a batch of 10 of the 60 vehicles acquired from the US (photo : Bangkok Post)
Thai Army Defers Carrier Deal
The army will delay its 4.5 billion baht procurement of a second batch of 50 US-made Stryker armoured infantry carriers to the next fiscal year as part of the Defence Ministry’s 18 billion baht budget cut to help the Covid-19 outbreak fight.
The move was confirmed by army chief Apirat Kongsompong on Wednesday. Gen Apirat was responding to media reports citing an announcement by the army’s Ordnance Department regarding the planned purchase of 50 armoured vehicles.
It sparked criticism over the army’s spending at a time when the country is struggling to cope with the economic impact of the virus outbreak.
On Monday, the army’s Ordnance Department published a detailed plan to buy 50 armoured vehicles with weapons and a technical service package by means of foreign military sales (FMS) at a cost of 4.5 billion baht.
The Thai-US FMS procurement scheme, in which the Thai army will receive about 130 armoured vehicles, was endorsed and set to be approved by parliament this fiscal year.
However, the army has decided to defer the scheme to thenext fiscal year and give the money to the government to help it fight Covid-19 first, said Gen Apirat.
Under this contract, the US Army would give about 80 armoured vehicles to the Thai army for free, he said.
The Defence Ministry has slashed its budget for fiscal year 2020 by 18 billion baht, more than half from the army’s budget, and returned the funds to the government, army spokesman Col Winthai Suvaree said.
The budget cut has resulted in several weapons and military hardware procurement projects being shelved and the tie-over budget this fiscal year being trimmed, said Col Winthai.
Earlier last year, the army struck a deal to buy the first batch of 37 “refurbished” US-made Strykers for 80 million baht each (2.9 billion baht in total), but under the contract, the US Army would give 23 more Strykers to the Thai army for free, bringing the number to 60 in total, said an army source.
Stryker 8x8 of the Royal Thai Army (photo : Sompong Nondhasa)
These Strykers came in mixed models — namely M1126, M1127 and M1129 — and with a training package and maintenance to be carried out in Thailand, plus Stryker training for Thai soldiers in the US, said the source.
The 18 billion baht budget cut has resulted in four major projects, including the planned purchases of tanks, artillery and military radar systems, as well as 26 other smaller projects being delayed, said Col Winthai.
Those projects in which contracts have already been signed now face a 50% budget cut, he said.
The 900 million baht tied-over budget originally to be paid out this fiscal year in connection with the purchase of the first batch of Strykers, for instance, was halved to 450 million baht, Col Winthai said.
Reports about the speculated new purchase of Strykers contained errors, which possibly stemmed from incomplete information obtained by some media outlets, he said.
This procurement project was secured thanks to the good relations between the Thai and US armies, he said.
Most recently, the US Army provided for free various types of bullets worth US$600,000 million and flown Thai students left stranded in the US back home last week free of charge as well, he said.
Gen Apirat admitted the budget cut would inevitably affect the army’s human resources development.
But the army would try its best to make the best out the limited resources, deputy army spokeswoman Col Sirichan Ngathong said on Wednesday.
Gen Apirat also warned those Facebook pages publishing false information about the army’s affairs to correct their reports because the army doesn’t want to take legal action at the moment, said Col Sirichan.
Opposition Pheu Thai Party spokesman Anusorn Iamsa-ard, asked why the army has to continue buying weapons, especially while the country was hurting from the Covid-19 outbreak.
He urged the army to prioritise its procurement projects and put the money to better use.
(Bangkok Post)
24 April 2020
Production line of Hawkei by Thales Australia at Bendigo Manufacturing Group, Victoria (photo : Thales)
French defence group Thales is ramping up production of the Hawkei light armoured vehicle at the company’s protected vehicles manufacturing facility in Bendigo.
Production of the seven tonne, 4×4 vehicle has been doubled this week as the company races to fill an order from defence for 1,100 vehicles and over 1,000 trailers.
Hawkei is protected by ballistic armour and a V-hull design to resist improvised explosives devices.
Thales company’s home-grown technology was proven in Afghanistan with its heavier sibling, the Thales Bushmaster.
Delivery of Hawkei began in 2017 and is supported by Thales facilities in Brisbane and Townsville.
Suppliers to the vehicle include Boeing Australia and composites manufacturer, Quickstep.
(AuManufacturing)
24 April 2020
Program pengembangan pesawat transpor Lapan (image : Lapan)
10 Proyek Berpotensi Keluar dari PSN, Termasuk Pesawat Habibie
Jakarta - Menteri Koordinator Kemaritiman dan Investasi Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan dan Menko Perekonomian Airlangga Hartarto baru saja melakukan rapat membahas soal proyek strategis nasional (PSN). Dalam rapat tersebut pemerintah sepakat untuk menyeleksi beberapa proyek untuk keluar dari PSN.
Airlangga memaparkan setidaknya akan ada 10 program dalam daftar PSN yang berpotensi akan dikeluarkan. Kebanyakan proyek ini penyelesaiannya melebihi tahun 2024.
"Berdasarkan evaluasi pelaksanaan PSN, terdapat 9 PSN dan 1 Program yang penyelesaiannya melebihi 2024 sehingga dikeluarkan dari daftar PSN," papar Airlangga seperti dikutip dari keterangan tertulis yang diterbitkan pihak Luhut, Kamis (16/4/2020).
Juru Bicara Menko Kemaritiman dan Investasi menjelaskan proyek-proyek yang dikeluarkan dari PSN, mulai dari pengembangan tol Palembang-Tanjung Api-api hingga pengembangan industri pesawat.
"Jadi semua proyek ini nantinya berpotensi akan dikeluarkan dari PSN, tapi belum diputuskan. Masalahnya, proyek-proyek ini kemungkinan akan selesai melebihi tahun 2024," jelas Jodi kepada detikcom.
Beberapa proyek tersebut adalah, pembangunan Jalan Tol Palembang-Tanjung Api-api, Tol Batu Ampar-Muka Kuning-Hang Nadim, Pelabuhan Sorong-Seget, juga Penyediaan Air Minum di wilayah (Mamminasata Makassar, Maros, Sungguminasa, dan Takalar).
Kemudian ada juga Bendungan Kolhua NTT, Bendungan Rokan Kiri Riau, Bendungan Jenelata Sulsel, Bendungan Matenggeng di Jateng dan dua program pengembangan industri pesawat yaitu N245 dan R80.
Jodi menjelaskan bahwa peninjauan ulang untuk proyek PSN bukan didasarkan kepada pembiayaan APBN. Tetapi kepada evaluasi atas kemungkinan proyek-proyek tersebut bisa diselesaikan sebelum 2024 atau tidak.
"Selain itu, ada juga PSN yang disponsori oleh sektor swasta yang diusulkan untuk dikeluarkan karena kesulitan pendanaan yang dialami oleh pihak sponsor. Jadi tidak ada revisi pembiayaan PSN," jelas Jodi. (Detik)
RI Rancang Pesawat Baling-baling Komersial Terbesar di Dunia
28 November 2014
Bogor - Pengembangan pesawat terbang di Indonesia kembali bergairah pasca tertidur lama. Industri pesawat terbang nasional sempat mati suri pasca dihentikannya program pesawat baling-baling N250 dan pesawat mesin jet N2130 saat krisis ekonomi 1998.
Kemudian pada tahun 2000-an muncul ide mengembangkan pesawat perintis bermesin turboprop N219. Pengembangan pesawat ternyata tidak berhenti di N219.
Kali ini, Lembaga Penerbangan dan Antariksa Nasional (LAPAN) mengusulkan pengembangan pesawat komersial atau penumpang baling-baling (propeller) terbesar di dunia. Pesawat yang bernama N2140 ini, nantinya mampu membawa 144 penumpang.
"Kita dapat ide dari pesawat A400 M yang memiliki baling-baling besar. Ini nggak masuk ke pasar jet. Kita kembangkan pesawat yang cocok dengan kondisi Indonesia," kata Kepala Program Pesawat Terbang LAPAN Agus Aribowo kepada detikFinance di Pusat Teknologi Penerbangan LAPAN, Bogor, Jawa Barat, Jumat (28/11/2014).
A400 M merupakan pesawat angkut militer atau cargo berbadan lebar yang diciptakan oleh Airbus Military. Pengembangan N2140 nantinya akan memakai mesin EuroProp. Ini merupakan mesin terbaru, setelah turboprop, untuk kelas propeller.
Meski bukan mesin jet, EuroProp memiliki kemampuan layaknya mesin pesawat jet. Daya jangkau pesawat ini menyerupai daya jelajah pesawat sekelas Boeing 737 hingga Airbus A320.
"EuroProp bisa masuk transonic. Kalau Boeing (Boeing 737) kecepatan 0,78 mach (kecepatan suara), kalau EuroProp 0,7 mach. Ini nggak beda jauh," jelasnya.
Keunggulan pesawat N2140 daripada pesawat bermesin jet sekelas Airbus 320 dan Boeing 737 ialah konsumsi bahan bakar. Pesawat baling-baling ini hemat dalam pemakaian BBM sekitar 20-25% daripada pesawat jet.
Keunggulan sangat bermanfaat bagi maskapai komersial karena selama ini menerima hantaman tingginya biaya avtur. Harga avtur sendiri menyumbang komposisi sekitar 60% dari biaya di industri penerbangan.
Baling-baling pesawat A400M (photo : scalemodelnews)
Selain hemat BBM, pesawat N2140 bisa mendarat atau terbang di landasan lebih pendek daripada pesawat jet dengan ukuran serupa. Selain itu, LAPAN merancang kondisi suara atau tingkat kebisingan di dalam kabin pesawat yang sangat rendah meskipun pesawat tidak memakai mesin jet.
"Ini pakai noise active control. Jadi suara engine dikombinasikan dengan suara di dalam cabin agar bisa menghilangkan resonansi sehingga tingkat kebisingan menjadi lemah,” papar Agus.
Pengembangan N2140 merupakan bagian dari loncatan program N219. Konsep awal setelah N219, LAPAN dan PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) akan mengembangkan pesawat N245 dan N270.
Khusus program N270, pengembangannya diubah karena ada program pengembangan pesawat R80 atau pesawat berpenumpang 80 orang yang memiliki pasar sejenis. Ahasil LAPAN mencari jalan keluar sehingga lahirnya konsep pesawat propeller angkutan penumpang berbadan lebar terbesar pertama di dunia.
Pesaing pesawat tipe propeller, ATR, sama sekali belum memiliki rencana untuk mengembangkan pesawat baling-baling penerbangan sipil di atas 100 penumpang.
"Kita nggak masuk di kelas jet. Kita main propeller yang terbaru dan belum ada yang masuk. Kalau ATR nggak main ke sana,' ujarnya.
Program N2140 nantinya akan diusulkan kepada pemerintah untuk memperoleh dukungan pendanaan. Pesawat N2140 akan masuk program 15 tahun atau jangka panjang dari LAPAN. Setidaknya untuk membiayai program pengembangan hingga proses sertifikasi N2140, diperlukan dukungan pendanaan di atas Rp 1 triliun.
"Kita planning 15 tahun sehingga bisa diproduksi rencananya tahun 2030 atau pemerintah ingin 10 tahun. Ini juga bisa karena sudah dibuktikan oleh PT DI yang sanggup 10 tahun waktu pengembangan N250," kata Agus. (Detik)
