Drone ScanEagle Laksanakan Latihan Pra Tugas Bersama Marinir

31 Maret 2023

Drone ScanEagle Puspenerbal TNI AL (all photos : Puspenerbal)

TNI AL, Puspenerbal -- Guna mengasah kemampuan, keterampilan, dan kerjasama antar satuan, Drone ScanEagle yang dioperasikan oleh Skuadron Udara 700 Wing Udara 2 melaksanakan latihan bersama dengan Marinir untuk persiapan tugas Pengamanan Perbatasan Indonesia-Papua Nugini.

Latihan yang digelar di Purboyo, Kabupaten Malang ini melibatkan personil Skuadron Udara 700 dengan Drone ScanEagle ditinjau langsung oleh Wakil Komandan Wing Udara 2, Letkol Laut (P) Zuchri dan Komandan Skuadron Udara 700, Mayor Laut (P) Agus Bakharudin.

Selain mempersiapkan untuk latihan pra tugas untuk Satuan Tugas Pengamanan Perbatasan Indonesia - Papua, hal ini juga membuktikan bahwa drone ScanEagle cukup efektif untuk mendukung operasi-operasi yang dilaksanakan oleh TNI Angkatan Laut.

Wing Udara 2/Puspenerbal merupakan satuan kerja (Satker) pelaksana Puspenerbal yang mempunyai markas komando yang berada di Sidoarjo, Jawa Timur. Saat ini Wing Udara 2/Puspenerbal membawahi 4 Skadron yaitu: Skadron 100/Anti Kapal Selam, Skadron 200/Latih Terbang, Skadron 700/Pesawat Udara Tanpa Awak, dan Skadron 800/Intai Udara Maritim.

(Korps Marinir)

PH, Sweden Finalizing Framework for Defense Materiel Acquisition

31 Maret 2023

SAAB JAS-39 Gripen (photo : SAAB)

MANILA – The Philippines and Sweden are looking forward to concluding a framework for defense materiel acquisition.

This came after Department of National Defense (DND) chief Carlito Galvez Jr. met with Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines, Annika Thunborg last March 24.

"The officials discussed updates on the Philippines' defense modernization efforts, particularly on the priorities of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to boost its surveillance and interdiction capabilities," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement Thursday.

Andolong said relationships between the Philippines and Sweden are good as both countries have partnered for peace works.

With growing defense ties between the two countries, Galvez and Thunborg are looking forward to the negotiation and conclusion of a framework on defense materiel acquisition.

"Both sides also explored the possibility of visits of delegations in the future," Andolong added.

Earlier, Sweden's offer to supply Saab-made JAS-39 "Gripen" multi-role fighters (MRF) to the Philippines was among the key topics discussed by then DND officer in charge Jose Faustino Jr. during a meeting with Thunborg last Dec. 21.

The two officials discussed "mutual interests in the field of defense". The JAS-39 "Gripen" is one of the two jet fighters eyed by PAF to fulfill its MRF requirement.

"The OIC, DND and the Swedish Ambassador discussed the PAF MRF acquisition project and the offer of Swedish defense and aerospace company Saab AB of Gripen aircraft, which has been on the PAF's shortlist," Andolong then said.

Another contender in the PAF's MRF acquisition program is the Lockheed Martin F-16V "Viper" jet fighter.

The MRFs are expected to backstop the military's existing fleet of 12 South Korean-made Mach 1.5 capable FA-50PH light jet fighters.

The requirements for the MRF project stipulate that the offered aircraft must be "fourth generation or higher."

The project also requires 12 MRFs at least capable of patrolling the country's protected waters and airspace.

The MRF project is supposed to be part of Horizon 2 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program slated for 2018 to 2022, which aims to acquire more equipment for external defense.

Any aircraft that will be selected must be able to integrate with existing radar systems that have a range of about 250 nautical miles. 

(PNA)

Dua Combat Boat CB-90 TLDM Selesai Menjalani RPP

31 Maret 2023

Combat Boat FCB 212 dan 214 kembali bertugas (all photos : Armada Timur TLDM)

Giliran FCB 90HEX 214 pula kembali beraksi! 

Selepas penerimaan FCB 90HEX212, FCB 90HEX 214 pula diterima setelah selesai menjalani Rutin Pasang Pulih dan Repowering (RPP) dengan kelengkapan sistem kuasa gerak yang lebih berkuasa ditambah dengan rupacara celoreng baharu, memastikan ia kekal digeruni dan lebih berupaya mengawasi kedaulatan perairan negara di Wilayah Armada Timur. 

Majlis Penerimaan RPP FCB 90HEX 214 telah disempurnakan oleh Ybhg Kept Ahmad Azrul bin Maridan TLDM, Timbalan Panglima Logistik Timur di Sandakan Jaya Teknik Sdn Bhd (SJTSB) pada 15 Mac 23. Projek RPP FCB 90HEX 214 diketuai oleh Pengurus Projek, Kdr Ir. Dr. Arman bin Ariffin TLDM dengan Lt Mohd Idzhar bin Anuar TLDM selaku Ketua Pengawas Pembaikan (KPP) dan dibantu oleh bintara projek.

Berwajah baharu ! 

Fast Combat Boat 90 HEX 212 selesai menjalani Program Rutin Pasang Pulih & Repowering di Kinabalu North Shipyard Sdn Bhd (KNSM), kini berwajah baharu dengan corak celoreng juga dilengkapi dengan jentera utama yang lebih berkuasa tinggi. Dengan rupacara penyamaran baharu ini, FCB 90HEX 212 bakal meneruskan fungsinya mengawasi perairan negara dengan lebih cemerlang di Armada Timur nanti.

Majlis Penerimaan FCB 90HEX 212 telah dilaksanakan di KNSM pada 14 Mac 23 dan disempurnakan oleh Laksma Azizi bin Hj. Ahmad Sarkawi, Panglima Logistik Timur. Tim Projek UPS TLDM Timur yang diketuai oleh Kdr. Ir. Dr. Arman bin Ariffin TLDM selaku Ketua Projek dan Lt Dya Syeril Norsyuhada bt Suhaimi TLDM selaku Ketua Pengawas Pembaikan (KPP) bagi projek tersebut serta dibantu oleh bintara dan laskar projek.

(Armada Timur TLDM)

Puspenerbal Adakan Alih Bina Pesawat dan Helikopter ke Wing Udara 3 di Biak

30 Maret 2023

Helikopter Bell 412EP noreg HU-4207 (photo : Puspenerbal)

Wing Udara 2 Serahterimakan Pesawat Dan Helikopter Ke Wing Udara 3 Puspenerbal

TNI AL, Puspenerbal. Komandan Puspenerbal Laksamana Muda TNI Imam Musani , S.E., M.Si., M.Tr.Opsla., CIQnR., CIQaR., CRMP. Memimpin Upacara Alih Bina Unsur Serah Terima Satu Unit Pesud Casa NC-212 dan Satu Unit Helikopter Bell-412EP dari Wing Udara 2 Ke Wing Udara 3 Puspenerbal di Apron Hanggar Fasharkan Pesud, Selasa, 28/03/2023.

Seiring dengan pengembangan validasi organisasi Puspenerbal maka telah dibentuk Satuan Wing Udara 3 di Biak, Hal ini tentunya diharapkan akan memperkuat dan mempermudah pelaksanaan kegiatan operasi di wilayah Papua. Seperti kita ketahui bahwa di wilayah Papua merupakan salah satu area trouble spot yang harus kita amankan untuk tetap tegaknya Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia. Salah satu upaya yaitu dengan dilaksanakannya alih bina pesawat udara yang dimiliki Puspenerbal sesuai pengembangan validasi Organisasi yang ada. Pelaksanaan alih bina yang dilaksanakan tentunya menyesuaikan dengan kekuatan dan kondisi Alutsista yang dimiliki oleh Puspenerbal. Untuk saat ini dua Pesud yang dialihbinakan yaitu satu unit Pesud casa NC-212/ U-6205 dan satu unit Helikopter Bell-412EP/ HU-4207 dari Wing Udara 2 kepada Wing Udara 3.

Pesawat udara Casa NC-212 noreg U-6205 (photo : Puspenerbal)

Bagi Pusat Penerbangan TNI Angkatan Laut, acara penyerahan ini merupakan suatu peristiwa penting, mengingat jumlah pesawat udara yang dimiliki TNI Angkatan Laut saat ini masih sangat terbatas, jika dibandingkan dengan beban tugas yang harus diemban dalam mengamankan dan mempertahankan seluruh wilayah perairan Indonesia, Oleh karena itu Puspenerbal telah melaksanakan evaluasi terhadap pendispersian kekuatan pesawat udara di wilayah timur untuk ditata kembali agar memiliki perimbangan, sehingga mampu mendukung operasi yang digelar oleh TNI, TNI AL maupun tugas-tugas khusus lainnya.

Perimbangan kekuatan pesawat udara di wilayah barat dan timur akan terus dilaksanakan secara bertahap seiring dengan kebijakan pembangunan TNI AL. Gelar kekuatan pesawat udara diharapkan dapat terpenuhi hingga tahun 2024 di seluruh pangkalan Udara TNI AL (Lanudal) di wilayah barat dan timur. Alih bina Pesud Casa NC-212 dan Helikopter Bell-412EP dari Wing Udara 2 ke Wing Udara 3 merupakan upaya untuk memenuhi tuntutan.

(Puspenerbal)

Two Cyclone-class Patrol Vessels Formally Transfered to the Philippine Navy

30 Maret 2023

USS Chinook PC-9 (photo : USS Chinook)

U.S. Navy Decommissions Last Patrol Craft Stationed in Bahrain

MANAMA, Bahrain  - The U.S. Navy decommissioned the last two Cyclone-class patrol coastal ships stationed at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, March 28, during a pierside ceremony attended by U.S. 5th Fleet officials.

Leaders and crewmembers of USS Monsoon (PC 4) and USS Chinook (PC 9) marked the end of nearly three decades of U.S. naval service.

“I’m honored to be a part of the legacy on this waterfront,” said Lt. Cmdr. Dre Johnson, during the ceremony. “PC Sailors are a unique bunch, and only they can understand the amount of work they’ve done and the pride they have in what they’ve accomplished.”

Johnson is Monsoon’s last commanding officer. The U.S. Navy initially commissioned the ship in 1994 and then recommissioned it in 2008 after Monsoon served four years in the U.S. Coast Guard. Chinook was commissioned in 1995.

“With 28 years of crew covering multiple generations, each one was dedicated to the mission, adapting to rapidly changing mission sets, and working together as a team to accomplish whatever obstacle that came their way,” said Lt. Cmdr. David Hartmann, Chinook’s commanding officer.

Monsoon and Chinook are the last of a group of 10 ships designed for shallow-water operations that were stationed in Bahrain. The Middle East region includes 5,000 miles of coastline from the northern Arabian Gulf, around the Arabian Peninsula, through the Red Sea and Suez Canal.

USS Monsoon PC4 (photo : USS Monsoon)

Last year, the U.S. Navy decommissioned and transferred five patrol craft to the Royal Bahrain Naval Force: former ships USS Tempest (PC 2), USS Typhoon (PC 5), USS Squall (PC 7), USS Firebolt (PC 10) and USS Whirlwind (PC 11). Additionally, the U.S. Navy decommissioned and transferred former ships USS Hurricane (PC 3), USS Sirocco (PC 6) and USS Thunderbolt (PC 12) to the Egyptian Navy last week during a formal ceremony in Alexandria, Egypt.

Transfered to the Philippine Navy

Monsoon and Chinook are slated for transfer to the Philippine Navy. Officials from the Philippines attended the ceremony.

“I’m proud of our crews for reaching this milestone and representing our nation and Navy with utmost pride and professionalism,” said Capt. Anthony Webber, commander of Task Force 55, which oversees operations for U.S. 5th Fleet’s surface forces. “I’m also proud that we are turning over great ships to our Philippine partners.”

Bahrain, Egypt and the Philippines are members of the largest multinational naval partnership in the world called Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). Led by the United States, forces from the organization’s 38 nations operate across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international water space in the Middle East. The partnership ensures maritime security and stability in some of the world's most important shipping lanes.

(USNavy)

Malaysia Mengeluarkan Tender Rudal Anti-tank

30 Maret 2023

ATGM baru akan menggantikan sistem ATGM Metis-M yang dipasang pada Mercedes G-Wagen 4x4 pembawa senjata milik TDM (photo : KLSReview)

Kementerian Pertahanan Malaysia (MINDEF) telah meminta penawaran untuk pasokan 18 sistem peluru kendali anti-tank (ATGM) jarak menengah.

Dalam dokumen penawaran, MINDEF mengatakan ada persyaratan untuk peleton anti-tank dari batalion infanteri untuk dilengkapi dengan ATGM jarak menengah, yang dapat menyerang dan menghancurkan lapis baja musuh pada jarak antara 2.000 dan 4.000 m.

Menurut MINDEF, sistem ATGM mencakup tabung/tabung peluncuran, rudal, unit observasi dan peluncuran (OLU), tripod, dan wadah rudal.

Tabung peluncuran harus menerima dan bereaksi terhadap perintah tugas dari OLU untuk menyalakan motor ejeksi dan mengeluarkan rudal, kata MINDEF. “Rudal tidak boleh melebihi panjang 1.200 mm dan diameter 130 mm.”

Rudal tersebut harus dilengkapi dengan kemampuan untuk mengalahkan Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) dan pelat baja utama minimal 900 mm rolled homogeneous armor (RHA), tambah MINDEF. Selain itu, MINDEF mengatakan rudal harus menghasilkan energi sisa yang cukup untuk efek lapis baja belakangbehind armour effect (BAE) untuk menimbulkan korban pada awak dan kendaraan.

Menurut dokumen penawaran, probabilitas serangan ATGM tidak boleh kurang dari 90% dan harus memiliki mode serangan teratas dan langsung. “Jarak mempersenjatai rudal harus setidaknya 80 m dan harus dilengkapi dengan panduan pelacak pencitraan inframerah (IIR) dengan sistem berpendingin atau tidak berpendingin untuk memberikan citra yang lebih baik. Selain itu, ia harus melengkapi sistem panduan fire-and-forget automatic command line-of-sight (ACLOS), ”kata dokumen penawaran itu.

(Jane's)

Philippines Frigates Tested Their Newly-Acquired Bullfighter Chaff Decoys

29 Maret 2023

Bullfighter countermeasure decoy in action (photos : PN)

PH Navy test-fires anti-ship missile decoys off Zambales

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) on Tuesday announced that it had test-fired its newly acquired "Bullfighter" chaff anti-missile decoys in Zambales waters last March 24.

These defensive weaponry were fitted aboard the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151).

"The 'Bullfighter' is a new generation of 130mm decoys for super rapid blooming offboard chaff (SRBOC) and other 130mm launcher systems to protect naval vessels up to the size of frigates against anti-ship missiles," PN spokesperson Captain Benjo Negranza said in a statement.

He said the chaff were tested and fired by the Offshore Patrol Force aboard the two missile frigates.

"The payload of the chaff is effective against missiles with modern and sophisticated seekers and electronic protection measure(s)," Negranza added.

Observers said chaff works by distracting radar guided missiles from their targets by spreading or dispensing a small cloud of aluminum, metalized glass fiber or plastic which appears as a cluster of targets in radar screens.

The acquisition of the chaff countermeasure capability is part of the PN' 2nd Horizon modernization program to capacitate the country's warships to defend against modern naval warfare threats.

The BRP Jose Rizal and its sister ship BRP Antonio Luna are modern warships capable of surface, sub-surface, air and electronic warfare using state-of-the-art electronic sensors, long-range missiles, acoustic guided torpedoes and embarked anti-submarine helicopters.

The BRP Jose Rizal was delivered to the Philippines in May 2020 and commissioned in July of the same year while the BRP Antonio Luna was commissioned on March 19, 2021.

The contract for the two ships was placed at PHP16 billion with another PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.

BRP Antonio Luna first PN ship to fire chaff 

Meanwhile, BRP Antonio Luna in a Facebook Tuesday afternoon, announced that she was the first ship in PN history to fire chaff successfully.

"As insights, one of the unique identities of chaff and decoys as countermeasures against modern naval warfare threats is to confuse radar guided or infrared guided missiles fired so that they could be diverted. BRP Antonio Luna, as a guided missile frigate has launchers with each tube set at a slightly different angles so at least one is covering every position of the ship. Once fired, they create a new fake 'ship' for the incoming missile, confusing it, and improving the defender's odds of survival," it added.

The recently conducted chaff firing is jibed during the conduct of joint gunnery exercise of ships under Offshore Combat Force namely BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17). 

(PNA)

The Royal Thai Navy's Prachuap Khiri Khan Successfully Fired the Harpoon Block 1C Missile in the Andaman Sea

29 Maret 2023

Royal Thai Navy (RTN)'s OPV-552 HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan, the second Krabi-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) has successfully live fire Boeing Harpoon Block 1C anti-ship missile at 55miles off coast Cape Panwa, Phuket Province, Andaman sea. during Naval Exercise Fiscal Year 2023 on 28 March 2023 (all photos : 3rd NAC)

Training firing of the Boeing RGM-84D Harpoon Block 1C anti-ship surface-to-surface missile conducted from the Krabi-class Offshore Patrol Vessels, HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan in the annual naval training 2023 at the Andaman Sea, 55nmi from Cape Panwa, Phuket Province.

On March 28, 2023, was an important event for the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and it is a boat built in Thailand that fired a missile launcher.

The firing of the Harpoon Block 1C anti-ship surface-to-surface missile weapon follows the annual naval training schedule planning. In the 3rd Naval Area Command (3rd NAC), which currently HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan is deployed at Phang Nga Naval Base, Phang Nga Province.

Frigate Royal Thai Navy Bhumibol Adulyadej was designated as a backup launcher in the Harpoon guided missile training, this time was planned for Training firing of the Boeing RGM-84L Harpoon Block 2 anti-ship surface-to-surface missile at the next naval exercise.

Observation of the Harpoon Block 1C missile firing from HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan by the Commander of the Navy, the Commander in Chief of the Army, the Commander of the Army, the Deputy Commander of the Air Force, and the Commander of the Royal Thai Police on a helicopter carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet has shown that the flying deck of HTMS Chakri Naruebet The surface has been repaired and repainted, including the first HTMS Rattanakosin corvette. The Royal Thai Navy armed with Harpoon-guided missiles joins the fleet parade as well.

(AAG)

Prototipe KF-21 Berhasil Melakukan Uji Terbang Membawa Persenjataan Yang Pertama

29 Maret 2023

KF-21 Boramae berhasil melakukan uji penerbangan pelepasan persenjataan terpisah pertama mereka, tes dirancang untuk memeriksa apakah rudal uji Meteor jarak menengah udara-ke-udara dapat dilepaskan dari jet tanpa masalah dan menguji pemberondongan sekitar 100 peluru (all photos : Yonhap)

SEOUL (Yonhap) -- Korea Selatan berhasil melakukan uji persenjataan pertama pada dua prototipe pesawat tempur KF-21 buatan dalam negeri pada Selasa, kata badan pengadaan senjata negara, sebagai langkah untuk memeriksa kemampuan tempurnya.

Prototipe itu menjalani tes terpisah di atas perairan lepas pantai selatan negara itu setelah mereka lepas landas dari Wing Pelatihan Terbang ke-3 Angkatan Udara Korea di Sacheon, 300 kilometer selatan Seoul, demikian menurut Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

Prototipe KF-21 kedua dan ketiga dimobilisasi untuk pengujian. Saat ini, empat prototipe telah terlibat dalam uji terbang di bawah rencana untuk menggunakan total enam unit untuk skema pengujian keseluruhan yang akan berjalan hingga 2026.

Tes pada prototipe kedua dirancang untuk memeriksa apakah rudal uji Meteor jarak menengah udara-ke-udara dapat dilepaskan dari jet tanpa masalah. Tes di sisi lain melibatkan penembakan sekitar 100 peluru dari senapan mesin yang dipasang pada prototipe ketiga.

DAPA mengatakan tes memeriksa kemungkinan perubahan pada struktur, mesin, dan fitur aerodinamis pesawat selama operasi senjata untuk memastikan stabilitas dan keamanan operasionalnya.

Dengan tes terbaru, DAPA mengatakan KF-21 telah mengambil "langkah lain" untuk menjadi "jet tempur lengkap" untuk melindungi wilayah udara negara tersebut.

Diluncurkan pada tahun 2015, proyek KF-21 senilai 8,8 triliun won (US$6,8 miliar) ditujukan untuk mengembangkan pesawat tempur supersonik untuk menggantikan armada jet F-4 dan F-5 Korea Selatan yang sudah tua.

Korea Selatan sejauh ini telah melakukan lebih dari 150 uji terbang dengan empat prototipe KF-21 sejak penerbangan perdananya pada Juli tahun lalu. Badan tersebut berencana untuk memulai uji terbang untuk dua prototipe lagi pada paruh pertama tahun ini di bawah rencana untuk melakukan total sekitar 2.000 penerbangan pada Februari 2026.

DAPA berencana untuk melakukan tes di semua area penerbangan, seperti di ketinggian rendah dan tinggi serta pada kecepatan rendah, dan lebih banyak tes senjata, yang melibatkan rudal udara-ke-udara jarak pendek.

Dalam jangka menengah hingga jangka panjang, pihaknya juga berencana untuk mengoperasikan pesawat dengan senjata buatan dalam negeri.

(Yonhap)

PT Merpati Maintenance Facility Peroleh Sertifikasi dari Kemhan

28 Maret 2023

PT MMF merupakan Leader perawatan pesawat pada skala “Lower Segment MRO” yang terdiri dari jenis pesawat Light to Medium Jet (Fokker series, ATR42/72, MA-60, DHC-6, Embraer 135/145, Cessna 172, Caravan 208B), Light to Medium Military Trans. (CN235, CASA 212, dan C-295), Rotary Wing Fleet (BELL 412,407; AW139,101; dan MI17), Medium (B737-200/300/400/500) yang penggunanya merupakan operator sipil & militer baik dalam negeri maupun luar negeri (photo : MMF)

Penandatanganan dan penyerahan Sertifikat Kelaikan Pertahanan dan Penyerahan Sertifikat Kelaikan Pertahanan Fasilitas Pertahanan (AMARS) PT. Merpati Maintenance Facility

Jakarta, Marsma TNI Mohammad Yani Rudiansyah, S.T., S.I.P. selaku Kapuslaik Kemhan melaksanakan penandatanganan dan penyerahan Sertifikat Kelaikan Pertahanan Fasilitas Pemeliharaan (AMARS) kepada Bapak Aries Reynold selaku Direktur Utama PT. Merpati Maintenance Facility. Kegiatan tersebut dilaksanakan pada hari Rabu tanggal 4 Januari 2023 pukul 14.30 WIB bertempat di Ruang Kerja Kapuslaik Kemhan yang berada Lantai 10 Gedung Jenderal A.H. Nasution kantor Kementerian Pertahanan RI Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No. 13 – 14 Jakarta Pusat.

PT MMF juga mampu merambah ke perawatan pesawat pada bagian irisan antara “Lower dengan Upper Segment MRO” seperti B737-800/900 dan Airbus A-320 milik penerbangan komersial baik di dalam dan luar negeri. Dalam tahun ini PT MMF juga akan menggarap inspeksi pesawat milter C-295 milik Philippines Air Force, painting A-320 dan basic inspection B737-300 di Afrika dan Bangladesh (photo : MMF)

Pada kegiatan penandatanganan dan penyerahan Sertifikat Kelaikan Pertahanan tersebut, Kapuslaik Kemhan didampingi oleh Kabid Laik Udara Kolonel Tek Andi Solihin selaku Ketua IDAA (Indonesian Defence Airworthiness Authority) dan Kasubbid Laik Prodhar Bidlaikudara Puslaik Kemhan Letkol Tek Sugiri, S.T. Kegiatan berjalan lancar dengan selalu memperhatikan Protokol Kesehatan dan Pencegahan Covid-19.

(Puslaik Kemhan)

DSTA Partners SAAB to Co-Develop Next-Generation Combat Vessels

28 Maret 2023

Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV) (image : DSTA)

Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and Sweden’s Saab have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the sidelines of the Singapore Defence Technology Summit1 on 22 March 2023.

The partnership will see the two organisations jointly implement initiatives in the three domains of long-term supportability, people development and smart technologies. Under the MOU, DSTA and Saab will co-develop and design the Republic of Singapore Navy’s new Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV), harnessing technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to realise the MRCV’s concept as a highly digital ship.

Through this collaborative agreement, DSTA also aims to nurture local talent in surface ships design, naval and digital technology. Through work attachment and internships with Saab, DSTA engineers and scholars will get opportunities to deepen their technical competencies and better facilitate the build-up of in-country capabilities in the industry to undertake repair of composite structures for ships and radar overhaul in the future.

DSTA’s Chief Executive, Mr Mervyn Tan, said, “This marks the beginning of an exciting partnership with Saab. Besides setting the stage to jointly deliver an advanced, digitalised and data-driven Multi-Role Combat Vessel, the partnership will help accelerate the growth of knowledge not only in ship design but also in technologies of strategic significance such as AI and data analytics. To this end, it will lead to a more robust in-country talent pipeline of defence engineers and technologists with real-world experience.”

Mr Mats Wicksell, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s Business Area Kockums, said, “This agreement is the result of many years of cooperation between Saab and DSTA and a recognition of our competitive edge in technology areas that are crucial for the future. We look forward to a deeper collaboration that will surely benefit both parties.”

(DSTA)

Two RNZN Frigates have been Fitted with SeaCeptor Missile

28 Maret 20231

MBDA SeaCeptor medium surface-to-air missile (image : RNZN)

The MBDA SeaCeptor surface-to-air missile system has been fitted to HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana as part of their frigate systems upgrade.

This is what it offers:

➡️ It's designed to respond to sophisticated missile and aircraft attacks

➡️ The missile travels at Mach 3 (3,704kph)

➡️ It has an effective range of between 1 - 25kms

➡️ The missile is 3.2 metres long and is fitted with a 10kg warhead.

Representatives from MBDA, Chilean Navy, Royal Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal Canadian Navy and Brazilian Navy attend this event (photo : RNZN)

Representatives of navies that use the SeaCeptor met at the Devonport Naval Base this week to sign an MOU on the sharing of information on the weapon system.

This level of cooperation is critical to improve the system’s operational effectiveness, and achieve long-term reductions in cost of ownership and support through a community of interest.

(RNZN)

PN would Still Chase for the Transfer of Another 3 Cyclone-class?

27 Maret 2023

USS Chinook PC-9 of the US Navy (photo : Wiki)

Latest Update Acquisition of 5 decommissioned Cyclone-class patrol boats of the US for the PN

The Philippine Navy confirmed that plan to acquire additional Cyclone class Littoral Patrol Vessels that are being gradually decommissioned by US Navy.

While the Philippine Navy plan together listed five decommissioned Cyclone class Patrol Vessels, this would all depend on PN Joint Inspection Team for the valuation of the ship's seaworthiness and efficiency.

So far the Philippine Navy confirmed in 2022 that they inspected the USS Monsoon (PC-4) and USS Chinook (PC-9) in Bahrain. 

USS Monsoon PC-4 of the US Navy (photo : Navysite)

If the Philippine Navy is slow in securing these remaining ships, chances are it would end up with nothing. Bahrain, which already has 5 Cyclone-class ships, and Egypt are close by and could be interested in taking the remaining ones.

The US Government transferred 3 Cyclone-class patrol vessels to the Egyptian Navy on 21 March 2023 during formal ceremonies held at Alexandria, Egypt.

We received confirmation from Philippine Navy sources that the PN Inspection Team sent to Manama, Bahrain 2 weeks ago to inspect two Cyclone-class patrol boats of the US Navy's 5th Fleet.

The boats, the USS Monsoon (PC-4) and USS Chinook (PC-9) are both still active with the US Navy, but are scheduled for retirement soon.

BRP General Mariano Alvarez (PS-38) is the lone ship of the Cyclone class of coastal patrol ships in service with the Philippine Navy (photo : Modernize the PN)

These boats are sisterships of the Philippine Navy's BRP Gen. Mariano Alvarez (PS-38), which was formerly the USS Cyclone (PC-1) of the US Navy.

It remains to be seen if the PN Inspection Team found the ships to be acceptable for transfer to the Philippine Navy. 

It also remains to be seen if the PN would still chase for the transfer of another 3 Cyclone-class patrol boats to reach the 5 ships that they were hoping to get to equip 2 Patrol Boat divisions of 3 boats each.

(Update PH)

Puslaik Kemhan Berikan Sertifikasi Baterai Kapal Selam kepada EXIDE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH Germany

27 Maret 2023

Sejak 1920-an, Exide Technologies Industrial Energy telah memperoleh pengalaman dalam pengembangan, produksi, dan pemasaran baterai kapal selam mereka yang sangat andal. Baterai kapal selam ini telah dijual di seluruh dunia dengan nama merek yang berbeda (CEAC, Hagen, Sonnak, Tudor), dan ditemukan aplikasinya di berbagai kelas kapal selam, termasuk Type 205, 206, 209, 212; Dolphin, Scorpene, Walrus, Kobben, Näcken, Västergötland, Gotland, UIa, TR 1700, Agosta, Daphne, Redoutable, Rubis dan Triomphant (photo : Naval Technology)

Penandatanganan dan Penyerahan Sertifikat Kelaikan Laut Pertahanan Baterai Kapal Selam  Exide Technologies GmbH Germany

Jakarta, Marsma TNI Mohammad Yani Rudiansyah, S.T., S.I.P. selaku Kapuslaik Kemhan Melaksanakan Penandatanganan dan Penyerahan Sertifikat Kelaikan Laut Pertahanan Baterai Kapal Selam kepada Bapak Ardian selaku Manager Marketing Exide Technologies Gmbh Germany. Kegiatan tersebut dilaksanakan pada hari Jumat tanggal 6 Januari 2023 Pukul 13.00 WIB bertempat di Ruang Kerja Kapuslaik Kemhan Lantai 10 Gedung Jenderal A.H. Nasution.

Baterai kapal selam kelas Type-209 (photo : Naval Technology)

Pada kegiatan penandatanganan dan penyerahan Sertifikat Kelaikan Laut Pertahanan tersebut, Kapuslaik Kemhan didampingi oleh Kabid Laik Laut Kolonel Laut (T) Ir. Nono Suwarno, M.Si. selaku Ketua IDSA (Indonesian Defence Seaworthiness Authority) dan Kabag TU Puslaik Kemhan Kolonel Tek Suparman, S.T., M.Tr (Han) serta Kasubbidlaik Ranbang Bidlaiklaut Puslaik Kemhan Letkol Laut (T) Deni Susanto, S.E. Kegiatan berjalan lancar dengan selalu memperhatikan Protokol Kesehatan dan Pencegahan Covid-19.

(Kemhan)

RMAF Sukhois can Fly for 20 More Years, Says Maintenance Contractor

27 Maret 2023

RMAF Su-30MKM seen from top and bottom (photo : Wiki)

PETALING JAYA: The Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets are capable of remaining airworthy for about two more decades, the primary contractor maintaining the Russian-made aircraft said.

Aerospace Technology Systems Corporation Sdn Bhd (ATSC) CEO Lt Col (Rtd) Fadzar Suhada said the company was capable of ensuring the 16-year-old fighter jets – the country’s most advanced and sophisticated – were maintained until 2035, subject to the availability of parts.

He also said the company could completely overhaul the Su-30MKM in Malaysia – which they had done since 2007 – at half the cost, compared with if they were to be sent to Russia for the purpose.

It is understood that each Su-30 requires a sum of US$27 million to be completely overhauled for every 1,500 hours of flight or 10 years of operation.

“At least 70% of our maintenance crew are retired RMAF technicians and engineers, who have been hired owing to their vast expertise in handling the jets,” Fadzar said.

Malaysia is among the pioneer Southeast Asian users of Russian fighter jets, having acquired 18 MiG-29N Fulcrum in 1995, followed by 18 Su-30MKM in 2007.

With this procurement, Malaysia dropped its traditional dependence on either Britain, Europe or the United States for fighter aircraft.

The aged MiG-29N were decommissioned from the RMAF in 2015.

Malaysia recently announced plans to procure 18 Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50 light combat aircraft by 2026 under a US$920 million deal.

(FMT)

Balitbang Kemhan Uji Prototipe Senapan serbu IFAR 22 Buatan Swasta Nasional

26 Maret 2023

Balitbang Kemhan melakukan Uji Fungsi Prototipe Senapan serbu IFAR 22 Kaliber 5,56 mm buatan swasta nasional PT Republik Armamen Industri, anak perusahaan dari PT Republik Korpora Indonesia (photo : Tempo)

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Badan Penelitian dan Pengembangan Kementerian Pertahanan RI (Balitbang Kemhan) menguji coba Prototipe Senapan serbu IFAR 22 Kaliber 5,56 mm. Senapan Serbu ini buatan swasta nasional bisa memecah ketergantungan terhadap produk senapan impor. 

Balitbang Kemhanmelakukan Uji Fungsi Prototipe Senapan serbu IFAR 22 Kaliber 5,56 mm, di Laboratorium Litbang Angkatan Darat, Batu Jajar, Bandung.

IFAR 22 merupakan senapan serbu bullpup pertama buatan swasta nasional PT Republik Armamen Industri, anak perusahaan dari PT Republik Korpora Indonesia. IFAR 22 yang memiliki sistem operasi gas piston tersebut memiliki berat kosong 3,6 kg (menggunakan laras 16 inchi) dan 3,7 kg (menggunakan laras 20).

Uji Fungsi Prototipe Senapan serbu IFAR 22 (photo : Balitbang Kemhan)

Direktur PT Republik Armamen Industri Baskoro Gondokusumo menjelaskan, industri pertahanan Indonesia semakin berkembang dengan banyaknya kerjasama-kerjasama yang dilakukan pemerintah dengan pihak swasta.

Penguatan industri tersebut dilakukan untuk terpenuhinya kebutuhan alat utama sistem senjata (alutsista) TNI guna tercapainya Minimum Essential Force (MEF) pada tahun 2024 serta tercapainya kemandirian dalam pengadaan alutsista di tahun 2029.

Saat ini pengadaan alutsista dalam rangka memenuhi MEF, sebagian besar masih sangat tergantung dari impor luar negeri dikarenakan belum optimalnya peran industri pertahanan dalam negeri.

“Uji coba IFAR 22 ini sebagai salah satu momentum awal kita untuk bisa mandiri dari sisi ketahanan dan pertahanan nasional. Dan prototipe ini adalah titik awal yang sangat bagus untuk bangsa kita dalam memproduksi alutsista ke depannya,” tuturnya di dikutip dari keterangan tertulis, Jumat (24/3/2023).

Uji Fungsi Prototipe Senapan serbu IFAR 22 (photo : Balitbang Kemhan)

Jenis Pengujian

Tim Balitbang Kemhan RI yang terdiri dari para ahli dan teknisi militer melakukan uji fungsi secara intensif dan teliti. Selama proses uji fungsi, tim Balitbang Kemhan RI sendiri memastikan bahwa senapan serbu IFAR 22 Kaliber 5,56 mm berfungsi dengan baik dan sesuai dengan spesifikasi yang telah ditetapkan.

Beberapa pengujian yang dilakukan berupa Uji Akurasi 100 meter dengan diameter hasil perkenaan 9cm, uji akurasi 300 meter dengan diameter hasil perkenaan 15cm, Uji jarak efektif 400 meter, uji tembak baja jarak 300 meter dengan hasil tembus, dan uji (Konskap) konstruksi kelengkapan dan mekanisme, serta mengukur kekuatan.

Selain itu, tim Balitbang Kemhan melakukan pengujian protipe produk IFAR 22 dengan uji debu, pasir, lumpur, air asin dan juga air tawar.

Uji Fungsi Prototipe Senapan serbu IFAR 22 (photo : Balitbang Kemhan)

Pengujian Selanjutnya

Kegiatan ini merupakan akhir dari rangkaian sertifikasi prototipe senapan serbu kaliber 5.56 mm yang dilakukan oleh Balitbang Kemhan.

Setelah uji fungsi prototipe ini selesai, selanjutnya akan dilakukan sertifikasi dari bidang kelaikan untuk dapat diproduksi secara massal produk IFAR 22.

“Untuk membangun industri pertahanan tanah air, dibutuhkan perusahaan yang punya komitmen tinggi. Tidak perlu yang terbaik atau terlama berdirinya, yang penting ada kesungguhan dalam membangun bersama. Ini yang ingin kami tumbuhkan agar bisa berkontribusi lebih luas lagi bagi industri ini di Indonesia,” tutupnya.

(Liputan6)

Singapore, Thailand and the United States Participate in COPE TIGER 2023 Trilateral Air Exercise

26 Maret 2023

The Cope Tiger combined 12 types of aircraft from 3 countries and 3 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) systems including F-16A/B, JAS-39C/D, F-5E/F, A-Jet, DA-42MNG, C-130H, SAAB-340AEW and Aerostar-BP from Royal Thai Air Force F-15SG, F-16 C /D/D+, G550-AEW, A330MRTT and HERON 1 from the Singapore Air Force and F-16C/D from the US Air Force (photo : Sing Mindef)

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the trilateral Exercise Cope Tiger (XCT) 2023, alongside the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) at Korat Air Base in Thailand. Held from 14 to 30 March 2023, this year's edition marks the 27th iteration of the large force employment exercise which involves about 70 assets and more than 2000 personnel across the three nations.

A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport conducting air-to-air refuelling to RSAF, RTAF and USAF fighter aircraft (photo : RTAF)

The RSAF has deployed eight F-15SG, four F-16C/D and eight F-16D+ fighter aircraft, one G550 Airborne Early Warning aircraft, one A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport, one CH-47SD and one CH-47F helicopters, two Heron 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, nine Ground-Based Air Defence systems and about 700 personnel to participate in the exercise. This is the CH-47F's inaugural participation in the exercise. Exercise participants will engage in large-scale air defence and strike missions in a realistic and challenging environment, allowing them to hone and sharpen their operational competencies.

An RSAF CH-47F Chinook preparing for take off at Korat Air Base (photo : Sing Mindef)

Commenting on the significance of this exercise, RSAF Exercise Director, Colonel Maxmillion Goh said, "XCT provides an excellent opportunity for us to train alongside our counterparts from Thailand and the United States. The successful conduct of this exercise over the years has enhanced our mutual cooperation and understanding, and bears testament to the long-standing and close defence relationships we have with our Thailand and United States air force counterparts. The regular conduct of this large-scale trilateral air combat exercise offers excellent training opportunities for our airmen and women. It hones our ability to plan and execute realistic large-scale air combat operations for both air defence and strike missions, so that we remain operationally ready and capable of safeguarding Singapore's skies 24/7."

RSAF G550 AEW (photo : RTAF)

In addition to these training activities, personnel and assets from the three air forces put up an XCT Open Day static display for members of the local community. Exercise participants will also participate in joint socio-civic programmes to engage the local schools and communities in the vicinity of Korat Air Base and Chandy Range.

RTAF Gripen participated in XCT 2023 (photo : RTAF)

Singapore's Chief of Air Force, Major-General Kelvin Khong, Commander-in-Chief of the RTAF Air Chief Marshal Alongkorn Vannarot and Mobilisation Assistant to the Commander of the Pacific Air Forces Major-General Erich Novak will officiate at the closing ceremony on 31 March.

COPE TIGER 2023 Trilateral Air Exercise (photo : RTAF)

Conducted since 1994, XCT seeks to enhance the professionalism and cooperation among participating forces, and promote closer rapport and mutual understanding among their personnel.

(Sing Mindef)