19 Oktober 2025

Singapore and Malaysia Navies Strengthen Bilateral Defence Relations with the Conclusion of Exercise Malapura

19 Oktober 2025

Exercise Malapura 2025 between the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) (photos: Sing Mindef)

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) conducted the 33rd edition of bilateral Exercise Malapura from 7 to 17 October 2025. The RSN deployed a Formidable-class frigate, RSS Steadfast, with an S-70B naval helicopter embarked; a Victory-class missile corvette, RSS Vigour; and an Independence-class littoral mission vessel, RSS Fearless. The RMN deployed a Lekiu-class frigate, KD Lekiu; a Kedah-class offshore patrol vessel, KD Terengganu; and a Handalan-class fast attack craft, KD Perkasa. Two Royal Malaysian Air Force Su-30 MKM fighter aircraft also took part in the exercise. 

During the shore phase held at Lumut Naval Base, Malaysia, from 7 to 10 October, sailors from both navies conducted professional exchanges, exercise planning, and sports activities. The sea phase of the exercise took place in the Malacca Strait from 11 to 14 October, where both navies conducted air defence exercise, gunnery firings, helicopter cross-deck landings of the S-70B on KD Lekiu and the Super Lynx helicopter on RSS Steadfast, maritime security drills, as well as communications and manoeuvring serials. The exercise concluded on 17 October with a closing ceremony at RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base.


Speaking at the closing ceremony, RSN Fleet Commander, Rear-Admiral (RADM) Kwan Hon Chuong highlighted the importance of the exercise in deepening the professionalism and friendship between both navies. He said, “This marks the 33rd time our navies have come together since 1984, a clear sign of how far we have progressed as partners. Exercise Malapura remains the hallmark exercise between both our countries, showcasing the deep trust, mutual respect, and unwavering commitment that truly define the relationship between the RMN and RSN.” 

CAPT Jamhari bin Katimin, Director Readiness, Western Fleet, added that Exercise Malapura had developed into a mutually beneficial annual interaction for both navies. “The conduct of Exercise Malapura is a significant event for all of us. These continuing initiatives have guided us in our journey to enhance and strengthen our cooperation and will be a benchmark for future engagement.” he said.


First held in 1984, Exercise Malapura highlights the warm and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia. The RSN and RMN interact regularly across a wide range of activities, including bilateral exchanges and cross-attendance of courses and multilateral activities under the ambit of the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)/ADMM-Plus. The two navies also work alongside to reinforce maritime security through the Malacca Straits Patrol. Most recently, the RSN and RMN signed the Arrangement for Mutual Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation, which establishes a framework for mutual support and assistance in the event of a submarine incident. Together, these activities continue to enhance the practical cooperation and professional ties between both navies.

Kratos Unveils Revolutionary Low-Cost Cruise Missile System, “Ragnarök”

19 Oktober 2025

Ragnarök LCCM attached to the wing of the XQ-58 Valkyrie (photo: Kratos)

SAN DIEGO (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., a technology company in defense, national security, and global markets, today unveiled its innovative “Ragnarök” Low-Cost Cruise Missile (LCCM) system, representing a significant advancement in tactical strike capabilities.

The Ragnarök LCCM features an optimized design that enables exceptional performance metrics for a system in its class. This strike-focused platform offers an impressive 500 nautical mile range while carrying an 80-pound payload, making it ideal for precision engagement missions across a variety of operational scenarios.

“The Ragnarök LCCM represents our commitment to developing high-performance strike systems, for Valkyrie, that meet the evolving needs of today’s warfighter in conjunction with the budget realities that dictate what systems ultimately make it to the field,” said Steve Fendley, President of Kratos Unmanned Systems. “Its modular design delivers maximum combat capability for carriage and launch options. With complementary capability to the Northrop Grumman’s Lumberjack that’s recently been in the news, weapons in this new class which support unmanned and manned applications are coming to the forefront demonstrating their performance value per cost.”

Ragnarök LCCM securely stowed in the bomb bay of the XQ-58 Valkyrie (photo: Kratos)

Superior Performance Specifications
The Ragnarök LCCM delivers impressive performance, including:
-500 nautical mile operational range
-High-altitude capability up to 35,000 feet
-Cruise speed of greater than Mach 0.7

Advanced Engineering Features
The Ragnarök LCCM incorporates several technological innovations, such as:
-Carbon composite fuselage and empennage components
-Enhanced propulsion system optimized for strike missions
-Innovative wing-folding mechanism for compact storage and transport
-Compatibility with standard 14-inch rack systems
-Suitable for internal carriage, external carriage, and pallet carriage

Kratos’ engineering team has overcome significant design challenges to create a strike platform that maximizes performance while maintaining affordability. The Ragnarök LCCM demonstrates Kratos’ ability to rapidly develop and deploy advanced unmanned systems to meet emerging threats.

The XQ-58 Valkyrie, CA is a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)/ Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) with the Ragnarök LCCM in an under-wing configuration and stowed in the bomb bay (photo: Kratos)

By leveraging Kratos’ expertise in affordable, high-performance unmanned systems, Kratos has created a strike platform that has been engineered with manufacturability and affordability in mind and delivers maximum capability at minimum cost. With estimated production costs of approximately $150,000 per unit in quantities of 100, the system presents an exceptional value proposition for defense applications requiring advanced strike capabilities at competitive costs and exemplifies Kratos’ commitment to providing warfighters with the advanced tools they need at a price point that enables widespread deployment.

Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, said, “Kratos Ragnarök LCCM is a recent example of Kratos making the internally funded investment, moving fast, and rapidly developing a relevant, ready-for-high-quantity-production weapon system. Kratos is the industry leader in bringing affordable unmanned aerial drones, hypersonic, strike, missile and propulsion systems to the warfighter. At Kratos, it’s products not PowerPoints, and we’re ready to manufacture affordably and in mass quantities today.”

The Ragnarök LCCM design has completed initial development phases and is ready for production. Kratos is currently engaging with defense partners to explore deployment opportunities across multiple mission scenarios

Kasdivif 1 Kostrad Tinjau Latbakjatrat Terpadu Artileri Medan di Puslatpur Baturaja

19 Oktober 2025

Latihan Menembak Senjata Berat Terpadu (Latbakjatrat) Artileri Medan 2025 (photos: Kostrad)

Baturaja – Kepala Staf Divisi Infanteri 1 Kostrad Brigjen TNI Vivin Alivianto meninjau langsung pelaksanaan Latihan Menembak Senjata Berat Terpadu (Latbakjatrat) Artileri Medan yang digelar di Pusat Latihan Tempur (Puslatpur) Baturaja, Selasa (14/10/2025).


Latihan tersebut melibatkan satuan jajaran Resimen Armed 1/Sthira Yudha, yaitu Yonarmed 9/Pasopati, Yonarmed 10/Bradjamusti, dan Yonarmed 13/Nanggala. Kegiatan ini bertujuan meningkatkan kemampuan tempur prajurit dalam mengoperasikan Alutsista Artileri Medan serta memperkuat koordinasi dan integrasi antar satuan dalam mendukung tugas pokok Divisi Infanteri 1 Kostrad.


Dalam peninjauannya, Brigjen TNI Vivin Alivianto menekankan pentingnya profesionalisme, ketelitian, dan keselamatan prajurit selama latihan berlangsung. Ia juga mengapresiasi semangat serta kesiapan personel di lapangan yang menunjukkan dedikasi tinggi terhadap tugas dan tanggung jawabnya.


“Latihan ini merupakan bagian dari upaya berkelanjutan untuk memelihara dan meningkatkan kesiapan tempur satuan Armed. Dengan latihan terpadu seperti ini, diharapkan kemampuan dan naluri tempur prajurit semakin terasah,” ujar Brigjen TNI Vivin.


Kegiatan Latbakjatrat Terpadu ini berlangsung dengan aman dan lancar serta menjadi momentum penting dalam pembinaan profesionalisme prajurit Kostrad guna menghadapi tantangan tugas di masa mendatang. 

18 Oktober 2025

Philippine Navy Successfully Concludes Participation in MTA PHILINDO 2025

18 Oktober 2025

BRP Artemio Ricarte PS37 and KRI Lumba-Lumba 881 participated in the 4th Maritime Training Activity (MTA) PHILINDO 2025 (photos: PN)

The Philippine Navy, through Naval Task Group (NTG) 80.5 aboard BRP Artemio Ricarte PS37 - PF, successfully concluded its participation in the 4th Maritime Training Activity (MTA) PHILINDO 2025, held from September 28 to October 5, 2025 at Bitung and Manado in Indonesia.


From friendly sports matches to high-stakes at-sea exercises such as Maneuvering Exercise (MANEX), Replenishment-at-Sea Approach (RASAP), Small Arms Firing at Sea (SAFAS), Flashing Exercise (FLASHEX), Night Steaming in Company (NSIC), Combined High-Risk Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (CHRVBSS), Gunnery Exercise (GUNNEX), Flag Hoisting, Screening Exercise (SCREENEX), and Publication Exercise (PUBEX) Gunnery, Night Steaming, and Combined Boarding Operations, PN personnel strengthened teamwork, skills, and cooperation with the TNI Angkatan Laut. 


The Philippine Navy’s participation in MTA PHILINDO 2025 demonstrates its steadfast commitment to regional cooperation, maritime interoperability, and the strengthening of the longstanding partnership with the Indonesian Navy.


Through continuous engagement and shared learning, the Philippine Navy continues to promote peace, stability, and security across Southeast Asia’s maritime domain.

(PN)

Commissioning of New Landing Ship for Tonga

18 Oktober 2025

VOEA Late new landing ship of Tonga (photos: Australia in Tonga)

Supporting a safe and strong Tonga
Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil, will travel to the Kingdom of Tonga today to represent the Australian Government at the commissioning ceremony for His Majesty’s Armed Forces’ new landing craft, VOEA Late, at the Masefield Naval Base. 

Delivered under the Albanese Government’s Pacific Maritime Security Program,  will strengthen Tonga’s ability to deliver humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during times of need, as well as its ability to deter, detect and disrupt illegal maritime activities across the region.

His Majesty King Tupou VI will formally commission the vessel, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for His Majesty’s Armed Forces, will also attend the ceremony.


Australia will continue to support the Tongan Royal Navy via a through-life maintenance and sustainment package, along with training for crew members to ensure the vessel’s operational readiness. 

The commissioning of VOEA Late is the latest demonstration of the enduring strength of the Australia and Tonga bilateral relationship and follows the recent signing of a Statement of Intent announcing a shared commitment to elevate ties between our two nations under the proposed ‘Kaume’a ‘Ofi’ (close trusted friendship) Partnership Agreement.

Today’s ceremony marks the vessel’s official entry into service, following its delivery and handover at Masefield Naval Base on 29 August 2025.


Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:
“It’s an honour to attend VOEA Late’s commissioning by His Majesty King Tupou VI, and see the vessel officially transition into active service.

“Australia is proud to partner with Tonga on maritime security and disaster preparedness so we can further the close relationship between our defence forces.

“Our Pacific Maritime Security Program is a 30-year commitment to invest in maritime security partnerships throughout the Pacific and reinforce Australia’s role as the security partner of choice for our Pacific neighbours. 

“Now more than ever, we remain focused on supporting the maritime security needs of our partners in the region.” 

Penerbang dan Gunner Helikopter Caracal TNI AU Jalani Attack Training Mission di AWR Salatri

18 Oktober 2025

Latihan manuver Close Air Support (CAS) helikopter H225M Caracal di AWR Salatri, Cianjur (photos: TNI AU)

TNI Angkatan Udara terus meningkatkan kemampuan tempur dan profesionalisme prajuritnya melalui Attack Training Mission (ATM) di Air Weapon Range (AWR) Salatri, Kabupaten Cianjur, Rabu (8/10/2025). Latihan ini melibatkan helikopter H225M Caracal dari Skadron Udara 8 dengan melaksanakan manuver dan penembakan dalam simulasi Close Air Support (CAS).


Dalam latihan tersebut, para penerbang dan gunner mengasah kemampuan manuver tempur serta meningkatkan ketepatan tembak terhadap sasaran di darat.


TNI AU juga menggandeng instruktur berpengalaman dari Defense Conseil International (DCI) Prancis untuk memberikan pendampingan langsung kepada para penerbang dan gunner Skadron Udara 8.


Attack Training Mission tidak hanya menitikberatkan pada aspek teknis penerbangan dan penembakan, tetapi juga membentuk disiplin, ketangguhan, serta kemampuan melaksanakan misi dukungan udara jarak dekat secara efektif.


Kegiatan ini menjadi bukti komitmen TNI AU dalam mewujudkan kekuatan udara yang Adaptif, Modern, Profesional, Unggul, dan Humanis (AMPUH), sekaligus memperkuat kesiapsiagaan operasional dalam menjaga kedaulatan udara NKRI. (TNI AU)

Latihan penembakan Close Air Support (CAS) helikopter H225M Caracal di AWR Salatri, Cianjur (photos: TNI AU)

Penerbang Helikopter EC-725 Caracal TNI AU Asah Kemampuan Menembak Roket di AWR Salatri

Penerbang helikopter EC-725 Caracal Skadron Udara 8 mengasah kemampuan menembak roket melalui latihan Weapon Delivery (WD) di Air Weapon Range (AWR) Salatri, Kabupaten Cianjur, Kamis (9/10/2025).


Dalam pelaksanaannya, penerbang berlatih menembak roket dengan mempertimbangkan faktor jarak, sudut serang, dan kondisi medan. Setiap manuver dilakukan secara terukur untuk mencapai akurasi tembakan sekaligus menjamin keselamatan penerbangan.


Latihan ini juga menuntut koordinasi yang baik antara penerbang dan kru helikopter. Dengan kerja sama yang solid, seluruh tahapan dapat berlangsung aman dan efisien sesuai prosedur.


Latihan Weapon Delivery merupakan bagian dari pembinaan kemampuan tempur yang rutin dilaksanakan TNI Angkatan Udara. Melalui kegiatan ini, penerbang helikopter terus mempertajam keterampilan dalam melaksanakan serangan udara ke permukaan menggunakan persenjataan roket.


Pembinaan berkelanjutan diharapkan dapat meningkatkan kemampuan tempur dan kesiapsiagaan satuan, sehingga TNI Angkatan Udara senantiasa siap melaksanakan setiap tugas operasi secara efektif, aman, dan tepat sasaran. (TNI AU)

17 Oktober 2025

SARO Baru untuk Peningkatan Persenjataan OPV Baru Angkatan Laut Filipina

17 Oktober 2025

SARO untuk sistem senjata dan sensor OPV Rajah Sulayman class (infographic: NGP)

Departemen Anggaran dan Manajemen (DBM) secara resmi merilis SARO (Special Allotment Release Order), salah satunya SARO dengan kode SARO-BMB-D-25-0015752 pada tanggal 14 Oktober 2025, dengan nilai ₱240 juta.

Tujuan diterbitkannya SARO ini adalah "Untuk menutupi persyaratan pendanaan untuk Peningkatan Sistem Senjata dan Sensor untuk Proyek Akuisisi Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Angkatan Laut Filipina di bawah Program Modernisasi AFP. "

Ini dapat diterjemahkan, SARO mengonfirmasikan bahwa dana diberikan sekarang untuk meningkatkan sistem senjata dan sensor OPV. Namun, tidak ada Pemberitahuan Penghargaan atau kontrak pemasok yang diposting secara publik di PhilGEPS atau halaman pembelian Angkatan Laut -- yang berarti pelaksanaan kemungkinan masih dalam tahap awal atau pra-pengadaan.

OPV BRP Rajah Sulayman dengan bobot benaman 2,400-ton (photo: HHI)

Ini mengikuti SARO multi-miliar peso sebelumnya yang mendanai pembelian enam OPV baru dari HD Hyundai Heavy Industry.

Atau dapat diartikan bahwa DBM merilis ₱240 M SARO (14 Oktober 2025) untuk Peningkatan Sistem Senjata & Sensor - Proyek OPV Angkatan Laut Filipina dan Pengadaan atau penghargaan kontrak masih tertunda berdasarkan data publik terbaru. 

(NGP)