PAF 960th Air and Missile Defense Group Deployed SPYDER Philippines Air Defense System

30 November 2023

SPYDER Philippines Air Defense System  (all photos : DWDD)

The Philippine Air Force's 960th Air and Missile Defense Group deployed the SPYDER Philippines Air Defense System (SPADS) as part of AFP Joint Exercise Dagat Langit Lupa 2023 (AJEX DAGIT-PA).

It would be noticed that the missile launchers are still empty as it was since their delivery, which means the missile rounds have not yet been delivered.

These are expected to be delivered together with the last batch of deliveries which will include the 3rd SPADS Battery and other associated components.

The Philippine Air Force ordered 3 batteries of Ground Based Air Defense System from Israel under the Horizon 2 Phased of the Revised AFP Modernization Program.

(Da-Real)

The RSAF's ASTER 30 Surface-to-Air Missile System Is Fully Operational

30 November 2023

RSAF Aster 30 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (photos : Sing Mindef)

Senior Minister of State for Defence, Mr Heng Chee How officiated at a ceremony to mark the attainment of Full Operational Capability (FOC) status by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s Aster 30 Medium-range Surface-to-Air Missile (MSAM) system. The ceremony was held this morning at 163 Squadron at the RSAF's Air Defence and Operations Command, at Lim Chu Kang Camp II. Mr Heng received a brief on the capabilities of the Aster 30 missile system, unveiled a commemorative plaque for the system's attainment of FOC, and thanked the personnel from the RSAF, the Defence Technology Community (DTC) and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) for their dedication and commitment to Singapore's defence.

The Aster 30 missile system is an all-weather, next generation MSAM and is an integral part of the wider Island Air Defence (IAD) system that protects Singapore 24/7. The Aster 30 missile system is tightly integrated with other advanced sensors, shooters, and command and control systems in the IAD system to provide a multi-layered, networked, and intelligent air defence for Singapore round the clock. In addition, the missile system can draw on information from other sensors in the IAD network to counter air threats effectively and timely, and is also capable of engaging multiple air threats simultaneously at a longer range and with greater precision.

Speaking at the event, Mr Heng expressed confidence in the RSAF's operational readiness and capability to safeguard Singapore's skies against a wide spectrum of air threats. He said, "As Singapore lacks geographical depth, the use of the Aster 30 missile system is particularly apt. The system is able to intercept, at a further distance than the I-HAWK, a wider range of modern air threats, and this includes fighter aircraft, helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and even precision-guided munitions... The RSAF is charged with the critical mission of defending our skies. It did so valiantly every moment of these past 55 years. I have every confidence that it will live up to the trust that Singapore and Singaporeans repose in it, as it builds and keeps strong for the challenging times ahead."

To recognise the strong teamwork and integration between the RSAF and the Defence Technology Community to fully operationalise the Aster 30 missile system and integrate it into the IAD system, Mr Heng also said, "Bringing a complex and technologically advanced system to full working order calls for tight and effective ops-tech teamwork. It is therefore also important to recognise the valuable contributions from the 9 Air Engineering and Logistics Group, the Defence Technology Community and the Defence Science and Technology Agency for their superb partnership with the 163 Squadron in this joint endeavour."

Mr Heng was accompanied by Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Heng Kee, Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) Mr Melvyn Ong, Chief of Air Force Major-General Kelvin Khong, Commander Air Defence and Operations Command Brigadier-General Koh Ee Wen, and other senior officers from the RSAF.

(Mindef)

Anggaran Belanja Alutsista dari Pinjaman Luar Negeri Naik, Mahfud: Pasti Sudah Dihitung

30 November 2023

Pesawat F-15 EX termasuk alutista yang akan segera direalisir (photo : USAF)

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Menteri Koordinator Bidang Politik, Hukum dan Keamanan (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD mengatakan, kesepakatan menaikkan anggaran belanja alat utama sistem persenjataan (alutsista) dari dana pinjaman sudah dihitung oleh pemerintah. 

Menurutnya, alutsista yang akan dibeli pun sudah dibahas bersama. 

"Enggak apa-apa, kan kalau keputusan rapat sudah boleh," ujar Mahfud di Istana Kepresidenan, Jakarta, Rabu (29/11/2023). 

"Ya pasti sudah dihitung, waktu dan jumlahnya pasti sudah dihitung. Kan ada Menteri Keuangan yang paham itu. Sudah, (alutsista) sudah dibahas," katanya lagi. 

Adapun kenaikan anggaran belanja alutsista ini terungkap saat Menteri Keuangan (Menkeu) Sri Mulyani Indrawati memberikan penjelasan soal pembahasan yang dilakukan oleh Presiden Joko Widodo (Jokowi) dengan Menteri Pertahanan (Menhan) Prabowo Subianto di Istana Kepresidenan Bogor pada Selasa (28/11/2023) sore. 

Sri Mulyani ikut hadir dalam rapat tersebut. Menurutnya, rapat menyepakati kenaikan anggaran belanja alutsista yang bersumber dari pinjaman luar negeri. 

"Pertemuan dengan Menhan membahas belanja alutsista dari pinjaman luar negeri. Diketahui Kemenhan (Kementerian Pertahanan (anggarannya adalah anggaran di dalam daftar isian pelaksanaan anggaran (DIPA) seperti hari ini. Namun, Kemenhan ini ada alokasi yang cukup signifikan dari pinjaman luar negeri," kata Sri Mulyani, di Istana Kepresidenan, Jakarta, Rabu. 

"Untuk tahun 2020 - 2024 waktu itu sudah disetujui Bapak Presiden 20,75 miliar dolar Amerika Serikat (AS) untuk periode 2020-2024. Nah, kemarin karena ada perubahan maka alokasi untuk 2024 menjadi 25 miliar dolar AS," ujarnya lagi.

Sri Mulyani lalu menjelaskan alasan disepakatinya kenaikan anggaran belanja alutsista oleh pemerintah. 

Menurutnya, kenaikan karena kondisi alutsista yang dimiliki Indonesia dan potensi ancaman, serta peningkatan dinamika geopolitik. 

"Kebutuhannya memang disampaikan Kementerian Pertahanan, menganggap kebutuhan sesuai kondisi alutsista. Dan kemudian ancaman serta peningkatan dinamika geopolitik dan geosecurity," katanya. 

"Dan di sisi lain masih sesuai dengan rencana kita dari sisi perencanaan penganggaran jangka panjang," ujar Sri Mulyani melanjutkan. (Kompas)

Kapal selam juga termasuk alutsista yang akan direalisasikan (photo : Subs Hub)

Sri Mulyani: Pinjaman Luar Negeri Kementerian Prabowo Tembus Rp385 Triliun

Bisnis.com, JAKARTA – Menteri Keuangan Sri Mulyani Indrawati mengungkapkan hasil dari rapat bersama Menteri Pertahanan (Menhan) Prabowo Subianto terkait belanja alat utama sistem pertahanan (alutsista) dari pinjaman luar negeri yang naik cukup signifikan.  

Sri Mulyani menjelaskan, di luar anggaran yang telah diberikan pemerintah dari Anggaran Pendapatan dan Belanja Negara (APBN), Kemenhan juga melakukan belanja alutsista dari pinjaman luar negeri untuk periode 2020-2024 sejumlah US$25 miliar setara Rp385 triliun (kurs Rp15.400 per dolar AS). 

“Terjadi kenaikan yang cukup signifikan dari US$20,75 miliar ke US$25 miliar. Itu yang kemarin disepakati,” ujarnya kepada awak media usai Penyerahan DIPA dan Daftar Alokasi TKD TA 2024 di Istana Kepresidenan, Rabu (29/11/2923).  

Sebagaimana diketahui, belanja dari kemeterian yang dipimipin oleh Prabowo Subianto tersebut termasuk salah satu anggaran jumbo dalam APBN. 

Pada 2023, Kemenhan menerima anggaran pertahanan dan keamanan senilai Rp316 triliun. Sementara dalam APBN 2024, Sri Mulyani menyisihkan Rp331,9 triliun untuk hukum dan hankam, termasuk di dalamnya untuk pengamanan Pemilu 2024.  

Sri Mulyani juga mengungkapkan bahwa kenaikan anggaran baik dari sisi DIPA maupun pinjaman luar negeri seiring dengan kondisi geopolitik yang tengah memanas.

“Kemenhan menganggap kebutuhan sesuai kondisi alutsista dan kemudian ancaman serta peningkatan dinamika geopolitik dan geosecurity dan di sisi lain masih sesuai dengan rencana kita dari sisi perancanaan penganggaran jangka panjang,” jelasnya.  

Selain itu, Mantan Direktur Pelaksana Bank Dunia tersebut menyebutkan bahwa hingga 2034 mendatang, Jokowi telah menyutujui tiga rencana strategis di Kemenhan yang membutuhkan pinjaman luar negeri sejumlah US$55 miliar.  

“Keputusan Bapak Presiden sebelumnya yaitu US$55 miliar untuk memenuhi berbagai belanja alutsista dari pinjaman LN selama 3 renstra. Jadi dalam hal ini 2024 - 2029 nanti kemudian 2029 – 2034,” ungkapnya.  

Adapun, pada pagi ini Sri Mulyani bersama Presiden Joko Widodo (Jokowi) menyerahkan Daftar Isian Pelaksanaan Anggaran (DIPA) dan Daftar Alokasi Transfer ke Daerah (TKD) Tahun Anggaran (TA) 2024. Di mana anggaran hukum dan hankam menjadi salah satu dari lima anggaran prioritas terbesar.

(Bisnis)

Heavy Duty Offroad Military Trucks from UK Now Bound for the Philippine Army

29 November 2023

WFEL Dry Support Bridges for the Philippines Army (all photos : Junsupreme)

Seen in the UK, specifically Southampton Docks are the WFEL Dry Support Bridges mounted on Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicle (RMMV) HX45M 10x10 heavy-duty offroad military trucks.

These are said to be bound for the Philippines, which were acquired as part of the Philippine Army's Combat Engineering Equipment - Dry Support Bridges Acquisition Project.

This project is a Horizon 2 phase project under the RAFPMP and awarded to UK's WFEL as part of G2G deal between the Philippines DND and UK MOD.

(Da-Real)

MBDA and KAI to Integration of New MBDA Weapons Onto KF-21 Fighter

29 November 2023

SPEAR, ASRAAM, and Brimstone are to be integrated onto KF-21 and FA-50 fighters (image : KAI)

MBDA and Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) have signed an agreement to deepen cooperation. The agreement will see the companies explore new opportunities for the integration of new MBDA weapons onto KAI platforms and the export of both together via a joint marketing approach.

SPEAR precision surface attack (image : MBDA)

The agreement was signed on Monday 20th November by Chris Allam, Managing Director of MBDA UK, and Kang Goo-young, CEO of KAI, in London during a Korean State visit to the UK.

Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, said:

“The combination of MBDA’s world leading weapon products and technologies with KAI’s proven record of new aircraft development and rapid delivery is an exciting prospect for the world defence market, reflecting the shared values and interests of both parties.”

Brimstone precision attack weapon (photo : MBDA)

Kang Goo-young declared: 

“Recently, there has been growing global demand for various armaments. We will work with MBDA to propose enhanced domestic fighter aircraft to our customers.”

MBDA is already committed to working together with KAI to complete successfully the integration of MBDA’s Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile on the KAI-led KF-21 Boromae fighter aircraft.

ASRAAM within visual range air-to-air missile (photo : MBDA)

Examples of new areas of co-operation being explored under the new agreement include the integration of new MBDA weapons such as SPEAR, ASRAAM, and Brimstone onto KAI platforms such as KF-21 and FA-50, and the export of the above platforms and missiles.

(MBDA)

Malaysia Prefers Turkish Option for LMS Batch II Program

29 November 2023

The chosen Turkish shipyard for LMS Batch II will be announced later (photo : DagangNews)

Malaysian Minister of Defence YB Mohammad Hassan stated that Turkiye was chosen for the LMS Batch II corvette procurement program.

The program aims for a corvette capable of conducting anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare, and patrol missions. Three ships will be procured in the initial phase, with eight vessels planned for the final phase.

The Minister added that several shipyards in Turkiye have been identified as capable of meeting the program requirements. As LMS Batch II is in Government-to-Government format, the chosen shipyard will be announced later. 

STM, ASFAT, TAIS, and Dearsan from Turkiye are known to be in the evaluation phase of the program. A memorandum of collaboration was signed between STM and Malaysian TDA, an agency under the Ministry of Finance Malaysia, during LIMA.

Other competitors in the program were the Republic of Korea’s HHI’s (Hyundai Heavy Industries) HDF-2600 and Dutch Damen’s SIGMA designs.

(TurDef)

F-16 TNI AU dan RSAF Berlatih Air To Air Refueling

28 November 2023

Air to Air Refueling adalah bagian dari Elang Ausindo 2023 (all photos : TNI AU) 

Dalam rangkaian Latihan Bersama Elang Indopura 2023, TNI AU (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara) dan RSAF (Republic Singapore Air Force) sukses melaksanakan Latihan Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) di langit Pekanbaru, 21 s.d. 24 November 2023.

Latihan ini melibatkan pesawat MRTT A330 milik RSAF sebagai pesawat tanker dan pesawat F-16 milik TNI AU dan RSAF sebagai pesawat yang melaksanakan air refueling. F-16 TNI AU yang terlibat adalah lima pesawat Skadron Udara 3, lima pesawat Skadron Udara 14, dan enam pesawat Skadron Udara 16.

Komandan Skadron Udara 16, Mayor Pnb Bambang "Sphinx" Aulia Yudhistira mengatakan bahwa tantangan terberat dalam latihan AAR ini adalah cuaca karena Pekanbaru saat ini telah memasuki musim penghujan.

Selain fokus pada latihan AAR, Skadron Udara 14 dan Skadron Udara 16 bersama 140SQN RSAF juga melaksanakan berbagai latihan seperti Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM), Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM), dan Air Combat Tactics (ACT).

Latihan ini menunjukkan kerjasama yang erat antara TNI AU dan RSAF dalam meningkatkan kemampuan operasional dan interoperabilitas di udara, sekaligus memperkuat hubungan bilateral antara kedua negara.

(TNI AU)

PT DI Capai Kesepakatan Final Assembly Line N219 di China

28 November 2023

Penanda-tanganan kesepakatan final assembly line N219 di China (photos : PT DI)

Xinjiang, China --- PTDI tanda tangani kesepakatan dengan para mitranya untuk membangun jalur produksi di China, dengan melakukan peningkatan kemampuan Final Assembly Line untuk pesawat N219.

Kesepakatan tersebut ditandai dengan penandatanganan MoU di Xinjiang Kunlun Hotel, antara PTDI, Pemerintah Kota Aksu Daerah Otonomi Uygur Xinjiang Republik Rakyat China, Xinjiang Institute of Intelligent Equipment Technology, sebuah lembaga penelitian di China dan Avitra Aerospace Technologies.

N219 Final Assembly Line ini kemudian dapat berkontribusi terhadap tujuan PTDI dalam mempeluas target segmentasinya menjadi tujuan komersial dan ekspor, termasuk rencana pengembangan rantai pasok pesawat N219 di Cina untuk mencapai lokalisasi keberlanjutan untuk rantai pasok pesawat N219 di China.

Bagi PTDI, China tidak hanya menjadi pasar, namun China merupakan partner yang sangat baik terutama dari segi teknologi, kemampuan manufacturing dan ada potensi pasar yang besar. Dengan adanya kerja sama ini, PTDI dapat memperluas jejak industrinya, termasuk kemampuan perakitan, pengembangan dan perakitan pesawat terbang, guna mematangkan semua elemen yang diperlukan untuk sistem kedirgantaraan terintegrasi di negara China.

(PT DI)

Prospects of the South Korean KF-21 Fighter Jet for the Royal Thai Air Force

27 November 2023

KF-21 Boramae at Defense & Security 2023 exhibition (photo : AAG)

According to the fact that the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has a project to procure 12 new strike fighters to replace the Lockheed Martin F-16A/B Block 15 OCU and F-16A/B ADF Fighting Falcon, Squadron 103, Wing 1, Korat. But the United States has refused to sell its fifth-generation fighter aircraft, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), to Thailand for the reason that the Royal Thai Air Force is not yet ready and it takes time to prepare. The same is true for the new Thai government after the election in 2018. 2023, the Thai Ministry of Defense has asked the Royal Thai Air Force to postpone the establishment of its fighter aircraft procurement project to the fiscal year 2025.

However, at the Defense & Security 2023 defense equipment exhibition at Challenger Hall 9-12, Impact Exhibition Center, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand from 6-9 November 2023, we saw a warm-up of the aircraft acquisition project. The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Phanpakdee Pattanakul, and the Minister of Defense of Thailand, Mr. Suthin Klangsaeng, along with a group of senior officers of the Royal Thai Air Force and officials from the Ministry of Defense of Thailand, attended the Defense & Security 2023 is Korea Aerospace Industries(KAI), Republic of Korea who came to showcase their products are looking to presenting its KF-21 Boramae fighter jet to the Royal Thai Air Force, which has reportedly established a committee to study the selection of a new attack aircraft design.

KF-21 Boramae at Defense & Security 2023 exhibition (photo : AAG)

So far, KAI has built six prototypes of the KF-21, including single-seat units numbered 001, 002, 003, and 005, and twin-seat units numbered 004 and 006, which have been used in various tests. The Republic of Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) gave details of the KF-21 fighter jet project, saying initial mass production would begin by 2024 and the first phase of development would be completed in 2026. The Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) will receive the first KF-21 Block I fighter jets from mass production in 2026, and a total of 40 aircraft in 2028, and will receive fighter jets, another 80 KF-21 Block II, for a total of 120 by 2032.

A representative of KAI, Republic of Korea, told the author that The company is able to offer the KF-21 fighter jet to the Royal Thai Air Force at a flyaway cost of approximately $65 million (it is understood that it may use the aircraft from the production line for the Korean military as well as the FA-50 of Poland.

New Emblem of 102nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Wing 1 Korat, Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) was seen in 2022, shown what appear likely be silhouette of F-35 and also some similar to KF-21 (photo : RTAF)

However, when compared to other competitors that appear to be likely options in the project to procure a new attack aircraft to replace F16A/B, Wing 1, Royal Thai Air Force. The KF-21 is the only aircraft currently in development with only prototypes. While other previously listed options include the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet, which although the US company Boeing has never attended the Defense & Security event in Thailand, the Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 70/72  fighter and Swedish Saab Gripen E/F fighter jets. These are all machines that have been developed and are ready for production. While other options such as the Dassault Rafale fighter jet, France has never come to work in Thailand. Chinese J-10CE fighter jets and FC-31 fighter jets whose systems are not compatible with the Royal Thai Air Force and Russia, which is banned from participating, also doesn't have compatible systems.

However, the KF-21 can still be seen as a good option to replace the F-16A/B ADF fighters of Squadron 102, Wing 1, before transferring to Squadron 103. As it is a Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (FIS) that focuses mainly on air-to-air combat, limited air-to-air combat capability with the Meteor air-to-air missile that the Royal Thai Air Force plans to procure in the future and can use the IRIS-T air-to-air missile, which may include the AIM-120C air-to-air missile that the Royal Thai Air Force already uses. As well as the M61A2 20mm air cannon, which is already an in-house weapon of the F-16A/B, the KAI representative also said that his company is also able to offer customization and technology transfer according to the needs of the Royal Thai Air Force same as the 2nd Battalion T-50TH Golden Eagle.

(AAG)

Yontaifib 1 Marinir dan Marsoc Latihan Menembak Malam

27 November 2023

Prajurit Marinir TNI AL berama Marine Special Operations Command USMC berlatih bersama (all photos : Korps Marinir)

Melihat kondisi politik dunia serta ancaman yang terus berkembang, persenjataan dan teknologi musuh membuat cara pandang berperang kita semakin global dan universal. Prajurit Batalyon Intai Amfibi 1 Marinir (Yontaifib 1 Mar) dan Marine Special Operations Command (Marsoc) yang tergabung dalam Latihan Bersama (Latma) Military to Mil itary Connection (M2MC) Torchlight 2023 melaksanakan latihan menembak malam menggunakan NOD and Laser di Lapangan Tembak PMPP Sentul Bogor, Sabtu ( 25/11/2023).

Pada latihan menembak malam tersebut dengan jarak 5 meter hingga 100 meter menggunakan perangkat  NOD and Laser yang dipasang di senapannya untuk memindai pergerakan musuh selama operasi malam dengan tujuan untuk memelihara kemampuan masing-masing personel dan juga menambah keterampilan personel dalam mengoprasikan almatsus yang nantinya mereka gunakan pada saat penugasan baik itu infil/exfil serta eksploitasi.

Komandan Batalyon Intai Amfibi 1 Marinir (Danyontaifib 1 Mar) Mayor Marinir Laili Nugroho, M. Tr.Opsla., selaku Dansatgas Latma M2MC Torchlight mengatakan NOD and Laser adalah perangkat yang dapat digunakan untuk mengamati,mengkonfirmasi dan eksploitasi musuh di malam hari, dalam kegelapan total, dan dalam kondisi ekstrem seperti asap, kabut, hujan.

Diharapkan setiap prajurit harus memiliki kemampuan menembak khususnya menembak di malam hari serta dapat memanfaatkan alat optik agar memberikan hasil optimal dalam menembak malam, dengan demikian harapanya dapat menjawab setiap tugas pokok dan tugas khusus yang diemban oleh setiap prajurit," ungkap Danyon Taifib 1 Marinir.

(Korps Marinir)

PH, Australia Launch Maritime Cooperative Activity

27 November 2023

Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Toowoomba, BRP Davao Del Sur and BRP Gregorio del Pilar (photo : PN)

Philippines-Australia Maritime Cooperative Activity

Australia and the Philippines are close friends and strategic partners.

In September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President of the Philippines HE Ferdinand R Marcos Jr signed a Strategic Partnership between our two countries, which establishes an enduring framework for closer cooperation.

From 25-27 November, our armed forces will conduct the inaugural Maritime Cooperative Activity in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines. This represents the practical implementation of our Strategic Partnership.

The Maritime Cooperative Activity will include Philippine Navy vessels BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Davao Del Sur, Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Toowoomba, five Philippine Air Force surveillance aircraft, and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A maritime surveillance aircraft.

The Maritime Cooperative Activity highlights our shared commitment to exercising freedom of navigation and overflight consistent with international law, in support of a peaceful, secure and stable Indo-Pacific.

Australia and the Philippines both support the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and reaffirm the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award as final and legally binding on both parties.​ (DND)

AFP, Aussie Defence Force conduct joint air patrol in WPS

 

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) performed a joint air patrol in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during the weekend, part of the two countries’ inaugural Maritime Cooperative Activity.

The Philippine Air Force's A29B Super Tucano and N-22 Nomad, Philippine Navy's BNI2A aircraft, and ADF's P-8 Poseidon Maritime Surveillance aircraft took part in the activity.

The aircrafts took off from the Antonio Bautista Air Base ramp in the City of Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

On Saturday, Philippine Navy vessels BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Davao Del Sur, and Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Toowoomba patrolled in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, along with two A29 Super Tucanos.

The AFP-ADF activity aims to enhance maritime interoperability and deepen strategic partnership as signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sept. 8.

RAAF P8A Poseidon Maritime Surveillance aircraft (photo : RAAF)

“We endeavor to enhance bilateral interoperability in maritime security and domain awareness; test doctrines, existing protocols, and enhance efficiency; and foster closer cooperation between our countries' armed forces,” Marcos said during the signing.

“This inaugural Maritime Cooperative Activity and those that may follow are a practical manifestation of the growing and deepening strategic and defense partnership between our countries.”

In August, the AFP and the ADF held their first amphibious exercise in the city of Darwin under the Indo-Pacific Endeavor activities.

Filipino and Australian troopers also conducted special training for jungle and urban warfare at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal in May as part of the Army-to-Army Exercise “Kasangga” 23-2. 

(PNA)

Debut Viettel Secara Internasional Dimulai di Thailand

27 November 2023

Viettel perusahaan Vietnam dalam pameran Defense and Security 2023 di Bangkok, Thailand (all photos : TAF)

Viettel High Technology Industries Corporation, sebuah perusahaan negara raksasa di bidang telekomunikasi dan militer, bergabung dalam pameran peralatan luar negeri pertama pada Defense and Security 2023 di Thailand, siap menunjukkan potensinya dalam penelitian, pengembangan, dan penjualan peralatan dan sistem komunikasi di seluruh 7 daerah, mengungkapkan ekspor sudah ke 11 negara, tentara dan kementerian pertahanan Vietnam mendukung dengan sekuat tenaga.

Nguyen Hai Dong, Kepala Pemodelan dan Simulasi Viettel, mengatakan kepada TAF: "Ini adalah pertama kalinya kami berpartisipasi dalam pameran di luar negeri. Viettel berada di bawah kendali Kementerian Pertahanan Vietnam dan Viettel High Technology Corporation adalah unit penelitian utama dan unit pengembangan Grup Viettel. Kami memiliki tujuh lini produk: radar, peralatan komunikasi militer; Peralatan peperangan elektronik, Optronik, Sistem komando dan kontrol kendaraan udara tak berawak, Sistem simulasi strategi dan Jaringan 5G"

Semua produk dirancang, dikembangkan dan diproduksi di Vietnam. dan telah cukup sukses dalam menjual ke pelanggan asing. Secara khusus, sistem jaringan 5G telah dijual ke 11 negara, sementara beberapa sistem persenjataan sudah mulai diekspor ke negara tetangga seperti Laos atau Kamboja. Selain itu, perusahaan juga memiliki hubungan baik dengan produsen dan pemilik teknologi di luar negeri yang siap bekerja sama dalam pengembangan produk.

“Kami memiliki perusahaan asing yang bekerja sama dalam pembangunan, seperti perusahaan di Singapura atau Amerika Serikat, dan kami juga mencari peluang untuk mengekspor dan bekerja sama dengan perusahaan di Thailand.”

Tuan Nguyen Hai Dong juga menambahkan bahwa semua produk yang dipamerkan sudah digunakan oleh militer Vietnam. Dan perusahaan tersebut memiliki pengalaman lebih dari 15 tahun dalam penelitian dan pengembangan teknologi militer.

“Tentara Vietnam akan mengkomunikasikan kebutuhannya kepada perusahaan pengembang sampai mereka memiliki prototipe. Tentara Vietnam akan menguji dan mengevaluasi sampai mereka puas dan melakukan pemesanan, yang dianggap sebagai faktor yang sangat penting dalam pengembangan peralatan militer".

Pada pameran Defense and Security 2023, Viettel memamerkan produknya seperti Sistem radar pengawasan pantai jarak menengah, Sistem radar pengawasan 3D, Radio HF, Radar pertahanan udara jarak menengah 3D, Sistem kamera termal jarak jauh di udara dan di laut, dll.

​(TAF)

TUDM dan US PACAF Latihan Bersama di Malaysia

26 November 2023

Eksesais Cope Taufan 2023 melibatkan pesawat Hawk, F/A-18D, Su-30MKM dan A-400M dari TUDM serta pesawat F-16CM dari US PACAF (all photos : TUDM)

Latihan bersama pesawat pejuang antara TUDM dan US PACAF tunjang Eksesais Cope Taufan 2023 (EKS CT23)

BUTTERWORTH – Latihan pesawat pejuang merupakan tunjang utama dalam Eksesais COPE TAUFAN 2023 (Eks CT23) bagi kedua-dua angkatan udara dalam meningkatkan tahap kesiagaan skuadron masing-masing. Pesawat pejuang yang terlibat adalah F-16CM Fighting Falcon daripada US PACAF manakala pesawat pejuang TUDM yang terlibat ialah Hawk, F/A-18D Hornet dan Sukhoi Su-30MKM.

Latihan turut melibatkan pesawat pengangkut TUDM, Airbus A400M sebagai elemen bantuan bagi latihan pengisian minyak di udara. Antara latihan yang dijalankan adalah Air to Air Refueling (AAR), High Value Airborne Asset Protection (HVAAP), Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) dan Dissimilar Basic Fighter Manoeuvre (DBFM).

Latihan bersama ini juga memberi peluang dan pengalaman berharga kepada para juruterbang dalam menjalankan misi bersama pesawat pejuang angkatan udara luar negara. Selain daripada itu, latihan ini juga dapat meningkatkan kecekapan juruterbang mengendalikan pesawat pejuang dan menerokai potensi pesawat serta menguji kemampuan pesawat semaksimumnya.

Aerial Photex menjadi bukti kebolehoperasian antara dua angkatan udara dalam Eksesais Cope Taufan 2023 (EKS CT23)

BUTTERWORTH – Aerial Photo Exercise (PHOTEX) atau latihan bergambar di udara melibatkan pesawat adalah menjadi penanda aras tahap kerjasama dan komitmen pelbagai pihak terlibat.

Hal ini adalah kerana perancangan rapi dan koordinasi secara teliti perlu dilakukan sebelum, semasa dan selepas sesuatu latihan itu dijalankan.

Latihan kali ini menyaksikan penampilan gabungan pesawat pengangkut Airbus A400M, pesawat pejuang Sukhoi Su-30MKM, F/A-18D Hornet dan Hawk daripada TUDM serta pesawat pejuang F-16CM Fighting Falcon daripada United States Pacific Air Forces (US PACAF).

Gabungan pesawat tersebut berjaya membentuk formasi diamond dengan formasi diketuai oleh pesawat pengangkut Airbus A400M diikuti dengan pesawat pejuang Sukhoi Su-30MKM, F/A-18D Hornet, Hawk serta pesawat pejuang F-16CM Fighting Falcon.

(TUDM)

Austal Gets HOA for Landing Craft Medium and Two Additional Cape Class Patrol Boats

26 November 2023

LAND 8710 Landing Craft - Medium (image : Birdon)

Heads of Agreement and Pilot Program for Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement with Commonwealth for Shipbuilding in Western Australia

Austal Limited (“Austal”) is pleased to announce that it has signed a Heads of Agreement (“HoA”) with the Commonwealth of Australia (“CoA” or “the Commonwealth”) to establish a Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (“SSA”) between Austal and the Commonwealth. If ultimately signed, a Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement would see Austal selected as the Commonwealth’s strategic shipbuilder at Henderson, Western Australia.

As part of a pilot program under the SSA HoA, it is proposed that Austal will construct and deliver the Birdon-designed Landing Craft (Medium) capability to the Australian Army under the Commonwealth’s LAND 8710 project.

In addition, the Commonwealth has also ordered two additional Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats at an acquisition cost of $157 million, an important order for Defence to optimise its surface fleet and for Austal to ensure workforce stability.

LAND 8710 Landing Craft - Medium

As part of a pilot project to be undertaken under the SSA, the Commonwealth has nominated Austal to work to construct and deliver the Birdon-designed LAND8710 Landing Craft - Medium capability for the Australian Army.

The Commonwealth is now working with Birdon to undertake further design maturation to prepare the Landing Craft - Medium design for the construction of these vessels at Henderson.

Cape class Patrol Boat (photo : Austal)

Subject to the program’s performance and conclusion of the SSA, Austal understands the Government also intends to build the Landing Craft – Heavy capability through Austal under the framework of the SSA.

Austal will continue to work with Defence to understand key matters regarding number of vessels, pricing and delivery timeframes for the LAND 8710 project (including the Landing Craft (Heavy) elements) and will provide further details to shareholders as commercial negotiations progress.

Additional Cape Class Vessels

The two additional Cape Class vessels for $157 million sought by the Government from Austal adds to the 18 vessels previously ordered by the CoA.

Based on the original 58 metre aluminium monohull design, the Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats include several enhancements that further extend the capability of the vessel and the fleet. With a crew capacity of total 32 and enhanced quality-of-life provisions the new vessels have connectivity to the outside world, regardless of the operating environment.

Following the Commonwealth’s announcement of the procurement today, the award of the contract is subject to the finalisation of contractual and commercial details.

“The additional two vessels are a timely boost for the company’s Australian workforce and should provide an important element of a continuous shipbuilding program in Henderson. This will assist Austal in retaining its highly specialised workforce employment stability while adding to the capability of Australia’s surface fleet,” Mr Gregg said.

See full article Austal

Kapal LCS: Dapat Tambahan RM2 bilion untuk Pembelian Misil

26 November 2023

Kapal LCS dapat tambahan RM 2 bilion untuk pembelian misil (photo : Airtimes)

Projek LCS: Pertambahan RM2 bilion untuk beli misil – Tok Mat

KUALA LUMPUR – Pertambahan peruntukan tambahan RM2 bilion bagi projek Kapal Tempur Pesisir (Littoral Combat Ships, LCS) adalah bagi pembelian misil untuk 5 buah kapal terbabit.

Menteri Pertahanan, Datuk Seri Mohamad berkata, ia kerana pembelian misil berkenaan tidak dimasukkan dalam kos reka bentuk asal kapal tersebut.

Menurutnya, penambahan kos itu juga bukan kos tambahan kerana kelewatan projek, tetapi tambahan dana untuk aset pertahanan dengan kos peluru berpandu sebanyak RM1.029 bilion.

“Berkenaan untuk pertambahan RM2 bilion, pertambahan tersebut bukannya melibatkan kos ‘over-run’. Ianya adalah pertambahan untuk kita membeli aset kompeten,

“Pihak Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM) telah mengenal pasti barangan. Dalam Laporan Jawatankuasa Kira-kira Wang (PAC) juga dinyatakan dengan jelas RM1 bilion itu adalah membabitkan kos kadar faedah, insurans termasuk bayaran pengurusan,

“RM2 bilion ini secara jelas bukan kos terlebih masa, tetapi ketika kita membuat projek ini waktu itu kita belum kenal pasti misil yang mahu digunakan, jadi itu saja membabitkan kos RM1.029 bilion yang mana semuanya membabitkan pembayaran ‘one off’ atau sekali bayar saja,” katanya di Dewan Rakyat pada sesi penggulungan Rang Undang-undang (RUU) Perbekalan 2024 bagi Kementerian Pertahanan, semalam.

Laporan PAC (Public Accounts Committee) pada Oktober 2023 tentang projek LCS (image : PAC)

Mohamad turut menjelaskan, pengekalan pembinaan 5 buah kapal berbanding 6 buah pada asalnya adalah kerana projek itu telah membeli 5 set kelengkapan seperti lima set enjin, generator, gear box dan propeler.

“Kalau kita nak buat 6, maka akan ada pertambahan kos kerana kita perlu membeli lagi segala barangan. Begitu juga dengan mengapa kita meneruskan kontrak dengan Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS). Ini diputuskan 3 kali oleh kerajaan terdahulu supaya kita teruskan dengan syarikat yang sama,

“Kita tidak boleh menukar syarikat dan buat tender baharu. Ianya akan menelan belanja yang lebih besar. Itu sebabnya syarikat ini diteruskan untuk meneruskan projek LCS ini,

“Mereka buat kerja baik. Mereka turut menggajikan anak-anak tempatan. Tiada sebarang masalah cuma ianya terpaksa diberhentikan dahulu disebabkan kajian semula dan 2 tahun setengah diberhentikan kerana COVID-19. Itu sahaja masalahnya, dan sekarang tiada lagi kelewatan,” katanya lagi.

Pada awal Oktober lalu, Naib Pengerusi PAC, Wong Shu Qi mendedahkan, 5 kapal itu dijangka siap pada 2029.

Beliau berkata, tempoh masa pembinaan LCS dilanjutkan lagi kepada 83 bulan dan TLDM hanya akan dapat memperoleh kelima-lima LCS pada 2029 berbanding kontrak asal di mana 5 kapal LCS itu sepatutnya diserahkan pada 2022. 

(AirTimes)