17 November 2014
PAF C-130 Hercules (photo : Faridz Yunus)
Philippine Air Force is applying the sum of PhP35,634,408 for the maintenance and needed spare-parts of one PAF C-130 Hercules in a bid make sure its current assets are airworthy.
“The Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that it is allocating Php35,634,408 for the acquisition of spare parts and maintenance of the communication/navigation system of one of its three Lockheed C-130 “Hercules” cargo aircraft,” the state news agency said.
PAF has three C-130s being used to transport equipment and military troops. While on times of disaster C-130s are utilized for relief operations.
While the military still needs additional transport aircraft, US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has approved earlier this year the sale of two C-130s to Philippine Government.
“This proposed sale would contribute to U.S. security and foreign policy goals by building the Philippines’ maritime domain security capacity and deepening our overall strategic partnership with the Philippines,” US DSCA said in a certification sent to US Congress.
(AngMalaya)
17 November 2014
Australia’s future military training helicopter, the EC135T2+ (image : Airbus)
Nowra, NEW SOUTH WALES - Boeing [NYSE: BA] will train Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army helicopter pilots for the next 25 years through a $A600 million contract that broadens the company’s partnership with Australia’s armed forces.
For the JP 9000 Phase 7-Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) effort, Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) teamed with Thales to develop a low-risk solution around the Airbus EC135, one of the world’s most proven helicopters. Airbus and Turbomeca are also part of the BDA-led team.
“This reinforces Boeing as a leading provider of military aviation training in Australia,” said Kim Gillis, BDA’s managing director and vice president. “We will meet the needs of the Australian Defence Force through a balanced program that makes the most of its cadre of instructors supported by flight simulators and computer-based instruction and training aircraft.”
Boeing has provided the Australian Army with helicopter pilot, aircrew, and technician training since 2007, meeting or exceeding all the training and maintenance requirements. In addition to training and support, Australia also uses Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets, C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, and Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft, among other systems.
“This contract will introduce a modern helicopter training system that will support the next generation of Army and Navy aircrew transitioning to our modern combat helicopter," said Head of Helicopters, Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems and Guided Weapons Division with the Defence Materiel Organisation RADM Tony Dalton.
“This is another very positive demonstration of how industry is partnering to provide the most comprehensive support for the Australian Defence Force,” said Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins.
“Thales Australia is looking forward to a long and productive relationship with Boeing and the Department of Defence in developing and training the next generation of helicopter pilots.”
Thales is a global leader in the Aerospace, Transportation and Defence & Security Markets. In 2013, the company generated revenues of €14.2 billion with 65,000 employees in 56 countries. With 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners.
Thales Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is also present in commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management and ground transport systems to security systems and services. Employing around 3,200 people in 35 sites across the country, Thales Australia recorded revenues of AUD $1 billion in 2013.
(Boeing)
11 November 2014
Two more Gepard class ASW frigates will be received by Vietnamese Navy by 2016 (photo : Kienthuc)
Vietnam will receive the second pair of the Russian-made frigates with antisubmarine weapons in late 2016, Russian news agency TASS has reported.
“A couple of such frigates were built for Vietnam earlier, now the second pair is being built that differs in the weapons and military equipment. The delivery deadline is late 2016,” TASS quoted Yevgeny Matveyev, chief engineer of the Zelenodolsk Design Bureau, as saying Thursday.
A Gepard-class frigate built by Russia's Gorky Zelenodolsk Plant. Photo credit: Gorky Zelenodolsk Plant
“To date, there are no factors for non-fulfilment of the obligations, the shipbuilding is going on schedule,” Matveye said.
A.M. Gorky Zelenodolsk Plant delivered two Gepard-class frigates to the Vietnamese navy in 2011 under a US$350 million contract. These vessels were named after King Dinh Tien Hoang (924-979) and King Ly Thai To (974-1028).
The new pair of frigates differs from the previous ships by antisubmarine weapons and advanced high-performance propulsion system, TASS reported.
Earlier this week, the Dinh Tien Hoang and Ly Thai To frigates left Cam Ranh Port in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa for port visits to Southeast Asian countries.
They will call on Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines as part of a series of friendly exchanges.
(Thanh Nien)
10 November 2014
TCOM’s Operational Class Aerostat System, equipped with radar and EOIR payloads can provide Malaysian security forces with actionable information to achieve total domain awareness and early detection of potential threats in a contested region of Borneo. (photo : TCOM)
TCOM & Bintang Kencana Signs MOU to Provide Aerostat Systems for Improved Maritime Security and Enhanced Safety for Malaysian Citizens
Columbia, MD –TCOM, L.P., the global leader in persistent surveillance solutions announced that its President, Ron Bendlin has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bintang Kencana during the U.S. – Malaysia Business Forum in New York City that was witnessed by the Malaysian Prime Minister The Honourable Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Hj Abdul Razak while in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. The MoU signifies TCOM’s desire to provide the Malaysian government with aerostat systems for maritime domain awareness over the contested Sabah territory of the island of Borneo. TCOM was one of only six U.S. companies in attendance at the forum, and is the only defense systems provider among the group.
TCOM’s persistent surveillance aerostat systems can provide Malaysian security forces with comprehensive maritime surveillance, operating around the clock, solving critical domain awareness challenges in an area where armed incursions into Sabah are common.
“We are honored to be invited to attend this Business Forum as we seek to provide a cost-effective and reliable solution to enhance security and improve safety for Malaysia and its citizens,” stated Ron Bendlin, TCOM President. “We are fully committed to working as trusted partners with our strong allies in Malaysia.”
The Sabah region of northern Borneo is Malaysian territory, though Malaysia’s claim to the area is disputed by a group of citizens from the Southern Philippines.This dispute creates a real and pervasive threat to the safety of Malaysian citizens. These aggressors typically use small wooden boats to travel stealthily into Sabah from the Southern Philippines. These craft often pass undetected by conventional ground-based radar, and move completely unseen under the cover of darkness. TCOM’s elevated surveillance solutions can monitor these waterways around the clock, day or night.
TCOM operational class aerostat systems are the ideal solution for Malaysian security forces’ surveillance challenges. The systems are optimized for the maritime domain, and are equipped with advanced sensor payloads including radar and Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) day/night cameras that relay accurate, actionable data to decision makers. Security forces will be able to detect threats that would have previously gone unseen. Further, forces will be able to detect threats more quickly, which enables more time to evaluate, engage and neutralize the threat.
“TCOM’s aerostat systems can empower Malaysian security forces to have complete domain awareness, 24/7,” added Bendlin. “Leaders will have actionable intelligence to guide more effective decisions, keep citizens safe and territory secure.”
The MoU is the first step in the procurement and delivery of TCOM’s aerostat system, which will be provided through TCOM’s local Malaysian partner, Kencana Defence an entity under Bintang Kencana Group of Companies, that will manage deployment, operation and maintenance of the system. TCOM President Ron Bendlin presented Prime Minister, The Honourable Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Hj AbdulRazak with a scale model of an aerostat as a symbol of appreciation of the company’s commitment and long-term partnership.
(TCOM)
08 November 2014
Bay Class boat (photo : ACS)
KUANTAN: Two used patrol boats, to be handed over by the Australian Government to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in March, will be stationed in the Straits of Malacca to detect human trafficking.
MMEA director-general Maritime Admiral Datuk Mohd Amdan Kurish said currently, MMEA personnel set to take positions on board the boats were preparing to undergo training before sailing them home next year.
“The ‘Bay Class’ boats are expected to arrive latest by March, before the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition takes place, as they are also taking part in the exhibition,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after attending a passing-out parade at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Maritime Academy here today.
Meanwhile, Mohd Amdan said six, 43-metre long patrol ships worth RM385 million were being built at a local dockyard and expected to be ready by early 2017, to strengthen MMEA’s operations
He said the six patrol ships were replacement for six of MMEA’s 30 ships which would be decommissioned in stages until 2022.
On the YTC M5 tug boat which sank after colliding with a merchant ship, about 16.5km from Tanjung Gelang on Oct 30, Mohd Amdan said MMEA was waiting for the boat to be floated before continuing the search for three more crew members.
(New Straits Times)
08 November 2014
Rudal RBS 70 adalah sebuah sistem pertahanan udara portabel jarak pendek berpemandu laser yang dirancang untuk bisa beroperasi di segala cuaca (photo : Defense Studies)
Liputan6.com, Jakarta - PT Pindad melakukan kerjasama dengan produsen senjata internasional, yakni pabrikan peluru kendali (rudal) asal Swedia, SAAB Dynamic AB. PT Pindad adalah pembuat kendaraan dan alat tempur yang digunakan oleh TNI maupun Polri.
Kerjasama PT Pindad dan SAAB Dynamic ini dilihat langsung oleh Menteri Pertahanan, Ryamizard Ryacudu di area Indo Defence 2014, Kemayoran, Jakarta pada 06 November kemarin.
Perjanjian kerjasama tersebut meliputi pengembangan dan peremajaan sistem pertahanan udara berbasis darat RBS 70 Mk2 TNI Angkatan Darat. Selain itu, turut dibicarakan kerjasama jangka panjang terkait pemberian transfer of technology (ToT) sistem dan rudal RBS 70 Mk2 sesuai Undang Undang Nomor 16 Tahun 2012 tentang Industri Pertahanan.
"Pasti kami mengikuti UU Nomor 16 Tahun 2012, kami akan mengikuti arah kebijakan industri pertahanan Indonesia. Saya yakin SAAB akan melihat ini mulai dari fase-fase teknologi mulai pemeliharaan hingga pembangunan roket nasional. SAAB akan membantu teknologi Indonesia," Ucap Michael Hoglund, Deputy Head of Marketing & Sales-Missile Systems SAAB Dynamics dalam Media Gathering di Jakarta, Kamis (06/11/2014).
Di tempat yang sama, PT Pindad sangat berterima kasih kepada SAAB Dynamic karena membantu kemandirian industri pertahanan Indonesia. Program ToT ini diharapkan dapat membantu kemajuan teknologi sistem pertahanan udara nasional.
"Sementara ini teknologi roket belum kita kuasai apalagi teknologi optiknya, kontrolnya, stabilitasnya. Roket indonesia baru sampai roket meluncur saja nanti ke sana akan kita kuasai. Nanti bisa meliputi misil RBS 70 Mk2, New Batteries of RBS 70 Mk2, serta integrasi misil dengan sub sistem kendaraan tempur. Untuk detailnya nanti akan dirumuskan dalam perjanjian selanjutnya," ungkapnya.
Dalam kolaborasi ini, PT Pindad menjadi kontraktor utama dan SAAB Dynamic AB menjadi sub-kontraktor. PT Pindad yakin pangsa pasar RBS 70 Mk2 masih ada, untuk itu mereka akan giat mempelajari teknologi ini.
"Masih (pangsa pasar), nanti kalau kita sudah kuasai teknologi itu pangsanya sudah ada tidak hanya di Indonesia kan, masih banyak di negara lain Asia bisa juga," harap Pria berkaca mata ini.
Rudal RBS 70 adalah sebuah sistem pertahanan udara portabel jarak pendek atau MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defence System) buatan Swedia yang dirancang untuk bisa beroperasi di segala cuaca. Untuk jarak jangkau, RBS 70 Mk2 bisa mencapai 8 kilometer dan melesat hingga ketinggian 4.000 meter. Kecepatan RBS 70 Mk2 yakni 2 Mach dengan sistem pemandu laser.
Selain TNI, tentara negara lain seperti dari Argentina, Brazil, Jerman, Singapura, Thailand, dan masih banyak negara lain menggunakan RBS 70 untuk menjaga pertahanan udara mereka.
(Liputan6)
08 November 2014
KD Lekir corvette (photo : Rentaka)
Lumut – The successful completion of the Service Life Extension Programme (SLEP) for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Kasturi Class Corvettes was celebrated at the Acceptance and Delivery of KD Lekir. The SLEP and Refit project for KD LEKIR commenced on October 6, 2011 and the ship was delivered in accordance with the agreed schedule. The acceptance ceremony of KD LEKIR was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS).
The Kasturi Class Corvettes KD Kasturi and KD Lekir, were launched in Germany in May, 1983 and August 1984 respectively. Both have been in commission for over 26 years. In August 2009, the Malaysian Government awarded a RM703.8m contract to BNS for the modernisation of two corvettes under SLEP which will extend their service life for another 15 years. KD Kasturi was delivered by BNS to RMN in November 2013.
The SLEP contract involves the renewal, upgrading, overhaul, refurbishment, redesign, outfitting, tests and trials of equipment and systems for the RMN corvettes. A total of 29 equipment has undergone the MRO and upgrading process. Among the systems refurbished are the Integrated Control and Monitoring Systems (ICAMS) for propulsion, the Combat Management Systems (CMS), the Integrated Weapons System (IWS), and the Integrated Navigation System (INS). 15 OEMs and 70 local vendors (subcontractors) were involved in this programme.
First Admiral YBhg. Datuk Ir. Yahya b. Hashim, Director of Operations BNS said: “What makes us so proud about this programme is that it is uses a very high percentage of local expertise, and quality of service is on par with what is offered at foreign shipyards.”
(Rentaka)
