27 Mei 2015
JMSDF is planning to retire Lockheed P-3 "Orion" within a few years time, meanwhile PN require long range maritime patrol aircraft (photo : kenta kondo)
MANILA (PNA) --- While well aware of the excellent capabilities of the Lockheed P-3 "Orion," which the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) is planning to retire within a few years time, Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus Millan said that acquiring and operating such aircraft is within the exclusive purview of the Air Force.
In a message to the PNA, the PN chief said that the P-3 is a long range aircraft that requires huge support systems and such capabilities make it ideal for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
"The P-3 is well suited) for future PAF (long range patrol) requirements," he added.
The JMSDF is operating 70 units of the P-3. It is planning to replace the former its homemade Kawasaki Heavy P-1 patrol aircraft which has twice the range of the "Orion"over the next five years.
The Orion is a four-engine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft developed for the United States Navy and introduced in the 1960s.
Lockheed based it on the L-188 Electra commercial airliner.
The aircraft is easily recognizable by its distinctive tail stinger or "Mad Boom," used for the magnetic detection of submarines.
It has a range of 2,380 nautical miles and a maximum speed of 311 knots.
While the Kawasaki P-1 is a Japanese maritime patrol aircraft which intends to replace the P-3.
Japan took delivery of the first two P-1s last March 26, 2013.
It has a range of 4,320 nautical miles and top speed of 450 knots.
"We will just maintain light to medium-lift fixed aircraft to support (the) extended range) of our fleet," he added.
Millan also stressed that the PN and the rest of the Armed Forces is still waiting for guidance from the national leadership on the outcome of their discussions on what help the JMSDF can extend to them.
(PNA)
26 Mei 2015
BRP Ang Pangulo (AT-25), (photo : Mark M Amielanczyk)
MANILA (PNA) -- BRP Ang Pangulo (AT-25), the presidential yacht, has been allocated the sum of Php5,759,320 for her "deploy, sustain, repair and training" (DSRT) cycle.
Winning bidders are required to deliver the items within 15 calendar days.
BRP Ang Pangulo was acquired by the Philippine government in 1959.
The yacht was first used by President Carlos P. Garcia for entertaining.
She was built in Japan as part of that country’s war reparations to the Philippines.
(PNA)
26 Mei 2015
The RSN's RSS Valiant (left) and RSS Intrepid (right) participating in a manoeuvring exercise with the PLA(N)'s Yulin (middle). (Photo Courtesy of PLA[N]) (photo : Sing Mindef)
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the People's Liberation Army (Navy) (PLA[N]) concluded the inaugural Exercise Maritime Cooperation, a new bilateral naval exercise series, earlier today. The four-day exercise, which took place on 20 May and 23 to 25 May 2015, involved the RSN's Formidable-class frigate (RSS Intrepid) and Victory-class missile corvette (RSS Valiant), as well as the PLA(N)'s Jiangkai II-class frigate (Yulin). The exercise comprised conventional naval warfare serials such as gunnery firings and manoeuvring drills. Personnel from the two navies also engaged in exercise planning and combined simulator training ashore.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on 20 May 2015, RSN Fleet Commander Colonel (COL) Lew Chuen Hong highlighted the growth in professional interactions between the two navies. He said "[both navies can] learn from each other and deepen professional knowledge to strengthen mutual trust and understanding." The ceremony was co-officiated by COL Lew and PLA(N) Commander South Sea Fleet Rear Admiral (RADM) Shen Jinlong. RADM Shen added, "Exercise Maritime Cooperation reflects our common goals and beliefs, and is a new achievement of the exchanges and interactions between both our navies."
A PLA(N) officer (right) observing the conduct of the Air Defence exercise in the Combat Information Centre onboard RSS Intrepid. (photo : Sing Mindef)
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Singapore-China diplomatic ties. Exercise Maritime Cooperation is a milestone in the bilateral defence relationship, and maintains the positive momentum achieved under the Four-Point Consensus agreed between Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and Chinese Minister of National Defense General Chang Wanquan during Dr Ng's visit to China in November 2014. The introduction of this new bilateral naval exercise series underscores the warm and growing ties between the two countries. Such exercises promote mutual trust, enhance the interoperability between the RSN and PLA(N), and also provide good opportunities to deepen people-to-people ties and friendship.
(Sing Mindef)
25 Mei 2015
Blocks (111 and 415) for ship 3 were accepted by AWD lead shipbuilder ASC (photo : BAE Systems)
Williamstown, Victoria - A further two Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) blocks manufactured at BAE Systems’ Williamstown shipyard have been sent to Osborne, South Australia.
BAE Systems Director of Maritime Bill Saltzer said: “Our AWD Project team has again delivered a quality product, on schedule. Both blocks (111 and 415) for ship 3 were accepted by AWD lead shipbuilder ASC following inspections at the Williamstown shipyard prior to dispatch.
“Our shipbuilders deserve recognition for the very high quality and productivity they have achieved on for ship 2 and ship 3 blocks. We have made significant investments in improving our shipbuilding capability and this is benefitting our customer. On AWD blocks that we have produced for more than one ship, we have consistently achieved productivity improvements from one block to the next which demonstrates the benefits that can be achieved with continuous production.”
Work is continuing on the remaining eight blocks for ship 3 which will be completed early next year.
(BAE Systems)
25 Mei 2015
Attack version of AW-109 Power (photo : Fabrizio Capenti)
MANILA (PNA) -- The armament packages for the Philippine Navy's last two AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" naval helicopters are now being processed and subjected to a technical inspection and acceptance committee.
This was disclosed by Philippine Navy (PN) public affairs office chief Cmdr. Lued Lincuna in an message to the PNA on Friday.
"The armament packages are now (undergoing processing) by the technical inspection and acceptance committee. Hopefully, within a month or so, the weapons will be given to the Navy for installation at the AW-109s," he added.
Weapon systems of the AW-109s consist of rocket and machine gun mounts which arrived in the second week of May.
The last two AW-109 airframes arrived in the Philippines last December.
This is part of the five-helicopter deal, worth Php1.33-billion, signed by the Philippines with AgustaWestland in early 2013.
Three of the AW-109s were delivered and commissioned in Dec. 22, 2013.
The armed versions of the AW-109s will be armed with machine guns, 20mm cannons and possibly, with air-to-ground rockets.
The AW-109 "Power" helicopter is a three-ton class eight seat helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.
The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.
The aircraft’s safety features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.
The AW-109 has established itself as the world’s best selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions.
It's superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective maritime helicopter in its class.
For shipboard operations, the aircraft has a reinforced-wheeled landing gear and deck mooring points as well as extensive corrosion protection measures.
The ability to operate from small ships in high sea state enables the AW-109 to perform its mission when many others helicopters would be confined to the ship’s hangar.
Over 550 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 light utility helicopters have been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military applications by customers in almost 50 countries.
(PNA)
25 Mei 2015
Saab Gripen NG (photo : Saab)
KUALA LUMPUR – Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM) masih menilai tawaran syarikat penerbangan Sweden, SAAB berhubung pembelian 16 buah pesawat pejuang Gripen NG sebagai aset tambahan kepada unit pertahanan udara negara.
Timbalan Presiden SAAB, Thomas Lindén berkata, perkembangan kerjasama masih di peringkat awal dan TUDM sedang menilai tawaran bersama-sama DRB-Hicom, selaku rakan kongsi tempatan.
“Dengan perkembangan semasa Malaysia berhubung pembentangan Rancangan Malaysia Ke-11 (RMK-11), kami berharap urusan jual beli antara SAAB dengan TUDM dapat direalisasikan melalui peruntukan dalam aset ketenteraan bagi Kementerian Pertahanan.
“Pesawat pejuang Gripen NG yang sebelum ini pernah mengambil bahagian dalam Pameran Udara dan Maritim Antarabangsa Langkawi (LIMA) telah menerima maklum balas positif dan mewujudkan minat di semua peringkat,” katanya kepada selepas menghadiri seminar Sistem Pertempuran Udara di sini hari ini.
Seminar yang berlangsung selama dua jam tersebut disampaikan Ketua Jurutera dan Pengurus Produk SAAB, Knut Övrebö di Dewan Bestari, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) itu turut dihadiri Naib Canselor UPNM, Jeneral Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin.
Gripen NG dilengkapi sistem pertempuran dan pelancar peluru yang canggih dan boleh ditempah mengikut spesifikasi dikehendaki serta merupakan antara pesawat terawal yang memberi fokus kepada pertempuran di medan udara.
Sementara itu, Duta Sweden ke Malaysia, Bengt Carlsson berkata, syarikat Sweden telah banyak menyumbang kepada pertumbuhan ekonomi Malaysia dan berharap kerjasama dengan negara ini dapat ditingkatkan dalam bidang pertahanan pula pada masa akan datang.
(Utusan)
25 Mei 2015
RNZAF C130H Hercules (photo : hottail)
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand's budget for 2015/16 will include NZ $3.07 billion (US $2.24 billion) for the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), down $10 million from last year.
Almost $1.99 billion is going to the three armed services: The Army's budget rises 2.3 percent to $742 million, the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) receives 2 percent more with $759 million, and the Royal New Zealand Navy's budget increases 3.8 percent to $492 million.
Budget estimates reveal that all three services underspent last year; the Army by $11 million, the Air Force by $10 million and the Navy by $7 million.
The Ministry of Defence's budget for appropriations, however, has been substantially cut, from $414 million to $239 million. However, Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee says the ministry will receive new operating funding of $27 million over the next four years.
Programs include $105 million to upgrade the Navy's two frigates, $40 million for Kaman SH-2G(I) Seasprite helicopters, $7.4 million for new digital radios for the NZDF and $7 million on pilot training.
There is also $25.4 million budgeted for the two-year "Building Partner Capacity" mission to help train the Iraqi Defence Force.
Over the next four years, the Security Intelligence Service and the Government Communications Security Bureau will each gain $20 million, although for the coming year the intelligence service receives $5 million more and the security bureau $5 million less than last year.
"The extra funding will ensure New Zealand buys equipment that is fit for its needs, and acquires it on time, to budget, and to the specifications the government has agreed," Brownlee said.
However, Brownlee acknowledges that the government has to replace "billions of dollars" worth of equipment over the next 15 years.
Independent defense analyst Gordon Crane told Defense News that later this year, the next five-year defense white paper is due to be published and will likely provide details of intentions to replace major platforms, including the Navy's 27-year-old tanker and two Anzac-class frigates, commissioned in 1997 and 1999.
Also due to be replaced are the Air Force's fleet of five C-130H Hercules — one of which recently celebrated 50 years of operations — together with the six P-3K2 Orions, in service since 1966.
"They all are significantly expensive platforms to replace individually, only they are all coming to the end of their operational lives within a few years of one another," Crane said. "There was noticeable opposition to buying the Anzac frigates originally and the government of the day may face similar protests should it propose replacing the two frigates with three combat ships."
(DefenseNews)
