PHP600 billion (11,94 bio USD) Allocated for Horizon 2 Modernization Program

30 Juli 2021

South Korea offered HDC-3100 to accompany the HDF-2600 class frigates (image : HHI)

DND doubles down on push for AFP modernization, more reforms

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he will continue to push for the military's modernization and measures to improve its personnel management in the remaining months of the Duterte administration.

"In the remaining 11 months in this administration, we will push for the continued modernization of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), enactment of laws to improve the personnel management of the AFP and focus on the other priorities we set for ourselves when we assumed our posts back in 2016," Lorenzana said in a statement late Monday night.

Inspired by the overwhelming support from the President, Lorenzana said his agency will spare no effort in fulfilling its mandate to secure the country and contribute to national development.

"At the DND, we are grateful for the enduring support of the President for the improvement of the welfare and capabilities of the AFP when he increased the salaries of the soldiers. We are thankful for his leadership and direction to end the local communist insurgency, the provision of benefits for rebel returnees, and the enactment of the Bangsamoro Basic Law that would address the grievances of our Muslim brothers," Lorenzana said.

While taking pride in accomplishments during the past five years, the DND chief said that there is still a lot of work to be done before Duterte's term ends.

"In this year's State of the Nation Address (SONA), we at the DND were reminded once again that everything we do is for the benefit of the Filipino people. Speaking from the heart in his own, simple and inimitable way, the President showed that even as we aim and work for grandiose goals for our country, at the core of it all is protecting and upholding the dignity of every Filipino from all walks of life," Lorenzana added.

In his final SONA at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, Duterte said strengthening the capability of the country's military and police has always been a priority under his administration.

In 2018, Duterte said the salaries of military and uniformed policemen and personnel were raised to a level that is "commensurate to the critical role they play in upholding national security and maintaining order".

Under his term, the country's defense capability also got a boost with the acquisition of two missile frigates -- the BRP Jose Rizal and the BRP Antonio Luna.

Jose Rizal class HDF-2600 class frigates (photo : PN)

AFP modernization entering Horizon 2

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is now transitioning from Horizon 1 to Horizon 2 of its modernization program.

In a Laging Handa briefing on Tuesday, AFP public affairs office chief Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata, said around PHP600 billion is allocated for projects for this period.

"Tayo po ay magta-transition na from Horizon 1 to Horizon 2 at meron po tayong mga nakalaan na PHP600 billion para po sa mga proyektong ito. Nasa 107 na 'yung mga projects na yan ay naisakatuparan na (sa ilalim ng Horizon 1) (We are now transitioning from Horizon 1 to Horizon 2 and around PHP600 billion are allocated for projects under it. Some 107 projects are already completed so far under Horizon 1)," he added.

The AFP Modernization Program has three horizons -- Horizon 1 which started in 2013 and ended in 2017, Horizon 2 from 2018 to 2022, and Horizon 3 from 2023 to 2028.

However, the AFP said unforeseeable circumstances were among the reasons for the delay in the implementation of some of its modernization projects.

This is in response to a Commission on Audit (COA) report saying 22 AFP modernization projects remain unfinished as of June 30 this year.

The equipment delivered for Horizon 1, Zata said, includes the six A-29B "Super Tucano" close-air support aircraft, S-70i "Black Hawk" helicopters, of which 10 are already delivered and five more for delivery this year, and the two brand-new missile frigates BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna.

Also in various stages of completion are the force protection equipment of the Philippine Army, Zata said.

"The AFP has always been grateful for the direction and support of the Commander-in-Chief (President Rodrigo Duterte) in continuously improving its capabilities,” he earlier said.

He added that these capabilities improved the conduct of military operations against terrorists both on land and sea and persistent monitoring to protect the country's interests in the West Philippine Sea.

"Many more lives and communities are saved during HADR (humanitarian assistance disaster relief) operations since most equipment needed during these instances are further improved. While more work is still needed, these capabilities are likewise forthcoming," Zata said. 

(PNA)

ARTEM has signed a Contract for the Production of R-27 Missile : for India or Indonesia ?

29 Juli 2021

Indonesian Su-30 fighter with R-27 and R73 missile (photo : TNI AU)

The Ukrainian manufacturer of missile weapons, the State Joint Stock Holding Company (JSC) "Artem" has received a contract for the production of air-to-air missiles R-27. This is stated in a statement by the president of the company, Vladimir Zimin, on the website of the Artem State Holding Company.

Ukrainian R-27 modification (all images : UkrMilitary)

The manufacturer received an advance payment, which made it possible to start the implementation of "the largest contract for the last 10-15 years for the supply of R-27 missiles worth over $ 200 million," said Vladimir Zimin. The customer of the batch of missiles has not been disclosed, but experts believe that it is about one of the Asian countries - Indonesia or India. Considering that the missile is compatible with a large number of Soviet Russian aircraft (Su-27, Su-33, Su-34, Su-35, MiG-29), the circle of potential customers may turn out to be wider.

Let us remind you that the Soviet guided missile R-27 was developed by specialists of the Vympel Moscow plant in the mid-1970s. Already in 1984, the serial production of the R-27 was organized, and since 1987 the missile has been in service. The guided missile is designed to destroy air targets at any time of the day - at target speeds up to 3500 km/h, and overload up to 8g. The missile layout provides for modularity, which facilitates modernization. Modifications of the R-27 are in service with the air forces of 29 countries.

Now SJSC "Artem" produces four modifications of R-27 (R-27ER1, R-27R1, R-27ET1, R-27T1). The most advanced R-27ER1 has a launch range of 95 km. A universal warhead weighing 29 kg is used to defeat targets. The R-27ER1 version is equipped with a semi-active radar head with radio correction. It is worth noting that in 2019 representatives of the Artem State Holding Company announced work on a new modification of the R-27 and new GOS - including active ones. Tests of promising samples are scheduled for 2021.

(AviaPort)

The Vietnam Engineers Team is Determined to Change the Color of the Medal

29 Juli 2021

Vietnam's Engineer Team training for the Army Games 2021 (all photos : QDND)

People's  Army Online - The Vietnam Engineers team is one of the teams that always competed with enthusiasm, spirit and bravery at two times participating in the Army Games and won bronze medals. Being present to watch the last days of the team's practice at the 229th Engineer Brigade (Bac Ninh) training ground, we clearly felt the determination, steel spirit and professionalism and meticulousness in each exercise of the athletes and coaching staff of the team.

The People's Army Electronic Newspaper would like to send you some training photos of the Engineers Team before the day of departure to compete at the Army Games 2021.

The competition content of the Engineer Team called "Safe route" includes the following sections: Shock Engineer Squadron, TMM-3M Hard Bridge Battalion, IMR Obstacle Demolition Crew.

In the "Shock Engineer Battalion" competition, the athletes performed landings from helicopter models, crossed suspension bridges, net walls, 2-storey houses and cleaned anti-tank mines.

The squad with the motto of being faster must be faster, so the whole team actively practiced to increase their performance every day.

All equipment and specialized support tools for athletes must be worn and maneuvered as quickly as possible.

At the Army Games 2020, the Vietnam Engineers Team won the "Best Shockwave Engineer Battalion" award.

After overcoming many obstacles, the squad cleared the anti-tank minefield and cleared the way for BTP vehicles to approach.

The test is completed when the unit successfully opens the bridgehead for the latter.

The TTM Hard Bridge Battalion has a difference that this year's competition regulations are more difficult, the length of the anti-tank trench is more than 60m.

The content of competition time is an important factor in determining the team's score, so the athletes all try their best to accelerate the team's achievements.

Since the first days of training, the team has registered and signed an emulation contract with the determination to successfully complete the contents and goals of the peak emulation phase to implement the "three best", that is: Work best preparation; participate in the competition to get the best results; good unity, strictest discipline.

The competition content of the crew breaking the IMR obstacle, the contest using the IMR vehicle to pick up wooden poles and level the anti-tank moat is also a difficult content, consuming a lot of time for the competing teams, so it requires very good crews. expertise and ingenuity to complete the shortest test.

The IMR crew performed the fire-extinguishing competition.

With the bravery and tradition of "Opening the way to victory", we believe that the Vietnam Engineers Army will shine in the international arena.

To be faster every second is the great sweat of athletes in practice and competition.

With careful psychological and technical preparation, the Vietnam People's Army Engineers Team is determined to change the medal color at the Army Games 2021.

(QDND)

Silentium Secures Contract to Deliver Passive Radar Systems for Army

29 Juli 2021

The Maverick M-series passive radar system from Silentium Defence (photo: Silentium Defence)

ADELAIDE, SA – Silentium Defence has secured a (AU) $7.4 million contract from the Department of Defence to supply its MAVERICK M-series passive radar system to the Australian Army for capability development and evaluation activities.

Silentium’s MAVERICK M-series is the first high-performance, low-power, soldier-portable, covert radar system for air defence, land, and maritime surveillance. It provides critical sovereign capability for the ADF and its allies and an undeniable advantage in the air, land, and maritime domains – the ability to see without being seen.

Dr James Palmer, CEO Silentium Defence said, “the battlespace continues to evolve, and we see greater penetration of new, unmanned aerial systems alongside traditional threats that put our troops, operations, and assets in harm’s way.

“Comprehensive situational awareness with sufficient time to act has never been more critical.

“Our MAVERICK M-series passive radar system, designed in collaboration with Defence provides that awareness without compromise. This is true world class technology, developed right here in Australia.”

A complementary or replacement technology to traditional surveillance systems, MAVERICK M-series passive radars use existing energy in the environment (e.g. broadcast television signals) as their transmission source. As it does not emit, it does not highlight the user’s presence or create a radiation hazard, making it quick, safe, and easy to deploy, even in densely populated environments.

Unlike traditional active radar systems, passive radar does not require spectrum allocation to operate which makes it more cost effective to deploy in a world where spectrum is increasingly expensive and elusive to secure.

MAVERICK M-series is part of Silentium Defence’s broader passive surveillance product suite that includes other high-performance sensor systems for critical Space Domain Awareness and Air Traffic Management and addresses a combined $19bn global market opportunity.

(Silentium)

Rantis P6 ATAV V3 Raih Sertifikat Kelaikan Militer

28 Juli 2021

Kendaraan taktis P6 ATAV V3 (photo : SSE)

Penandatanganan dan Penyerahan Sertifikat Kelaikan Militer Rantis P6 ATAV V3 All Terrain Assault Vehicle Produksi PT SSE Surya Sentra Ekajaya

Penandatanganan serta penyerahan Sertifikat Kelaikan Militer Rantis P6 ATAV V3 (All Terrain Assault Vehicle) pengadaan Kemhan guna Korpaskhas TNI-AU oleh Kapuslaik Kemhan Laksma TNI Teguh Sugiono S.E., M.M kepada bapak Billy selaku perwakilan PT. Surya Sentra Ekajaya sebagai produsen Rantis P6 ATAV V3 tersebut dilaksanakan di Ruang Kerja Kapuslaik Lt 10 Gd. AH Nasution Kemhan RI. 

Penandatanganan dan penyerahan Sertifikat Kelaikan Militer dilaksanakan setelah seluruh proses kegiatan sertifikasi kelaikan yang meliputi kegiatan aplikasi, verifikasi dokumen/review documen, pemeriksaan kesesuaian/conformity inpection serta pengujian fungsi/functional test sudah sesuai dan memenuhi syarat kelaikan. Kegiatan tersebut berlangsung aman dan lancar serta mematuhi Protokol Kesehatan Covid-19.

Rantis P6 ATAV V3 produksi PT. Surya Sentra Ekajaya yang memiliki fungsi sebagai kendaraan serbu reaksi cepat, P6 V3 cocok digunakan dalam pertempuran hutan maupun perkotaan yang dilengkapi dengan perlindungan kaca maupun body tahan terhadap tembakan Level 1-Stanag dan dilengkapi RCWS serta Gunshot Detection System. Kendaraan maupun peralatan tersebut akan di gunakan oleh Satuan Bravo Korpaskhas TNI-AU dalam tugas khusus.

(Kemhan)

Vietnamese Frigates are Beautiful and Sparkling during the Military Parade in Vladivostok

28 Juli 2021

HQ-015 and HQ-016 during parade in Vladivostok (all photos : VL, KienThuc)

Two Gepard 3.9 frigates of the Vietnamese Navy were lavishly decorated to participate in the naval parade in Vladivostok, Russia.

Two frigates, Quang Trung 016 and Tran Hung Dao of the Vietnam People's Navy, were lavishly decorated when participating in the naval parade held in the Far East, Russia.

The naval parade is held annually by Russia, to celebrate the birth of the country's navy, and also an opportunity to show off its military might in the Pacific region.

This parade is often held with the participation of many foreign guests, including Vietnam. This is not the first time that Vietnamese frigates appear in this parade.

During the official ceremony yesterday, July 25 local time, Russian President Putin stated that Russia has the ability to launch destructive attacks, with any which opponent.

Putin stressed that the Russian military has enough strength to deal with threats in the air, on the water, under the water or on land, and will not tolerate any target.

Previously, two ships Quang Trung and Tran Hung Dao of the Vietnam People's Navy were present in Vladivostok on July 22, ready to participate in the parade.

Due to the complicated situation of the COVID-19 epidemic around the world, the number of warships participating in the naval parade in Russia this year was not as rich as in previous years.

Two Vietnamese frigates will also participate in the Army Games 2021 tournament in the Sea Cup category. This will also be the first time, we participate in a competition at sea.

Two frigates Tran Hung Dao and Quang Trung, we ordered from Russia in the second phase, after owning two ships Dinh Tien Hoang 011 and Ly Thai To 012 in the service.

The ship Tran Hung Dao 016 was launched from April 2016, and officially joined the force of Region 4 of Vietnam Navy in February 2018.

Meanwhile, the Quang Trung 016 ship, although launched a month later than the Tran Hung Dao ship, was also commissioned at the same time as the 015.

Compared with the original design of these two corvettes, the Vietnamese navy has creatively designed an additional aircraft compartment on the rear deck, in order to facilitate good preservation of weapons and vehicles.

Russia's Gepard 3.9 frigates are specially designed, with a hull structure that allows to minimize radar emissions, the ship has 10 completely separate watertight compartments with dual rudders, for high stability when traveling work.

In addition to Vietnam, currently the Russian Navy is also using two frigates of this type in the fleet of the Caspian Sea.

(Kien Thuc)

Thai Navy Outlines Submarine Plan but Procurement Faces Funding Hurdles

28 Juli 2021

Janes Defence Budgets forecasts that Thailand's military expenditure will grow strongly from around 2023 (infographic : Jane's)

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has reproposed a plan to procure two additional submarines from China for THB22.5 billion (USD685 million).

The plan has been shelved since April 2020 due to fiscal constraints linked to the Covid-19 pandemic, although the RTN confirmed on 18 July that it has proposed that initial funding for the procurement is sourced from Thailand's defence budget for fiscal year 2022, which starts October 2021.

However, the annual military expenditure is not yet approved, and government officials have indicated a possible move to block the submarine funding in light of Thailand's worsening Covid-19 outbreak. Janes understands that the RTN may also postpone the procurement by another year due to political pressure.

The RTN reaffirmed the procurement plan on 17 July in a press conference in Bangkok. RTN spokesperson Admiral Chettha Jaipiam said the procurement was part of a “package deal” with China, following the RTN's order of a first-in-class S26T diesel-electric submarine from the China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company (CSOC) in 2017.

Admiral Chettha added that the RTN had also renegotiated with China the procurement repayment terms through which costs will reduce in the first year of the acquisition by one-third. The RTN is aiming to procure the two additional submarines over seven years, with the initial payment from fiscal year 2022.

Thailand's 2022 defence budget was announced in May at THB203.28 billion (USD6.5 billion) but has yet to be approved by the House of Representatives, which meets this month to discuss the allocation. A senior House official quoted by the official media in Thailand said that both the opposition and the government opposed the submarine procurement during the pandemic.

(Jane's)