Papua New Guinea Returns to Pitch Black

05 Agustus 2026

PNG Defence Force and Australian Air Force Pilotfly the PAC-750 PNG Aircraft to RAAF Base Tindal during Exercise Pitch Black 2026 (photos: Aus DoD)

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) has returned to Exercise Pitch Black with the PAC-750 delivering tactical airlift in the Royal Australian Air Force’s premier international air combat activity. 

Participating for the second time, the PNGDF has deployed a dedicated team of aircrew and support personnel, building stronger regional ties through one of the largest and most complex air combat exercises in the Indo-Pacific.

The deployment has enabled PNGDF personnel to engage more broadly across the exercise, working alongside counterparts from 20 participating nations both in the air and on the ground, and providing a vital airbridge across the exercise. 

Through these interactions, the contingent is enhancing its understanding of multinational operations while fostering the professional relationships that contribute to regional security and cooperation.

Lieutenant Colonel Doug Vavar, Commanding Officer of the PNGDF Air Transport Wing, said he was eager to be a part of the exercise and emphasised that integration remains his key focus. 

“When we first participated in 2024, our contingent consisted of aircrew and maintainers,” Lieutenant Colonel Vavar said. 

“This year we have brought additional support staff who will help strengthen our integration with partner nations throughout Pitch Black 2026.”

The PNGDF has deployed two PAC-750 aircraft, versatile single-engine platforms that fill a niche transportation role within the exercise. 

PNGDF PAC-750 PNG Aircraft (photos: PNGDF)

Renowned for their ability to operate in challenging and remote environments, the aircraft support the movement of personnel and equipment, providing a unique capability among the diverse range of aircraft taking part in Exercise Pitch Black.

“The PAC-750 gives us the ability to conduct short take-offs and landings, allowing us to deliver aid and support to communities and provinces that may otherwise be difficult to access,” Lieutenant Colonel Vavar said.

The exercise has also enabled closer collaboration between the PNGDF and RAAF personnel, with members working side by side across flying, maintenance and operational roles. 

These opportunities allow both forces to share expertise, develop a deeper understanding of each other’s capabilities and strengthen the enduring partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia.

(Aus DoD)

Thai Navy and Malaysian Navy Hold Joint Thai-Malaysian Patrol

05 Agustus 2026

HTMS Thayan Chon (FS-532) (photo: RTN)

The Royal Thai Navy Area 2 dispatched HTMS Thayan Chon to participate in a joint Thai-Malaysian patrol to enhance maritime border security.

HTMS Thayan Chon (FS-532) joined a joint patrol between the Royal Thai Navy and the Royal Malaysian Navy in the maritime border area between Narathiwat and Kelantan. The Royal Malaysian Navy also participated with KD Sri Sabah (46). This operation falls under the ongoing cooperation framework between the two navies to strengthen security, safety, and good relations along the maritime border.

KD Sri Sabah 46, patrol vessel (photo: RMN)

The objectives of this joint patrol were to enhance security and safety in the maritime border area, prevent and suppress illegal maritime activities, and develop cooperation in security, information exchange, and coordination between the two navies. The patrol also included training exercises such as a Communication Exercise (COMEX), a Maneuvering Exercise (MANEX), and a Plotting Exercise (PLOTEX) to improve readiness, familiarity with procedures, and enhance the effectiveness of joint operations between the two navies. 

The Thai-Malaysian joint patrol is a crucial mechanism for strengthening maritime security cooperation. This reflects the commitment of both countries to jointly maintain peace and order, protect maritime interests, and create stability in maritime border areas for the mutual benefit of their people and the sustainable security of the region.

(Royal Thai Navy)

The First Flight of the Second Prototype of the Yak-130M Aircraft

05 Agustus 2026

The second prototype of the modernized Yak-130M combat trainer (photos: PJSC Yakovlev)

The Yak-130M  replaces the basic Yak-130, not only for the Russian Aerospace Forces but  also for foreign customers: Iran, Vietnam, Algeria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Myanmar, Laos, and Ethiopia (photos: PJSC Yakovlev)

On August 1, 2026, the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, a branch of PJSC Yakovlev (part of PJSC United Aircraft Corporation, part of the Rostec State Corporation), reportedly held the maiden flight of the second prototype of the modernized Yak-130M combat trainer (serial number 1301400002, tail number "002"). 

The aircraft was piloted by a crew consisting of 1st class test pilot Alexander Guskov and honored test pilot Andrey Voropayev. The second prototype of the modernized Yak-130M combat trainer (serial number 1301400002, tail number "002") before its maiden flight. Irkutsk, 01.08.2026 (c) PAO Yakovlev. 

The first flight of the first Yak-130M aircraft prototype (serial number 1301400001, subsequently assigned the tail number "001"), built at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant (IAP), took place in Irkutsk under the control of the same crew on June 25, 2026. 

UAC announced the completion of the second Yak-130M prototype on October 23, 2025. At the same time, UAC indicated that the Yak-130M prototype series should include a total of three aircraft. 

The Yak-130M is a modernized combat trainer with expanded combat capabilities, a further development of the Yak-130. The Yak-130M aircraft features an expanded avionics suite, including the BRLS-130R airborne radar developed by Radar MMS Research and Production Enterprise, the SOLT-130K optical-laser thermal television system, the President-S130 airborne defense system, and the KSS-130 communications suite. 

Vietnam for the launch customer?

Unconfirmed reports indicate that Vietnam may be the first customer for the Yak-130M. Vitaly Yelagin, IAP Production Director, stated during a visit to the plant by Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 24, 2026, that the first deliveries of the Yak-130M aircraft would begin in 2028. 

(BMPD)

Filipina Pensiunkan Helikopter Serang AH-1S Cobra

04 Agustus 2026

Helikopter serang AH-1S Cobra PAF (photos: PAF)

Angkatan Udara Filipina (Philippine Air Force) mempensiunkan helikopter serang AH-1S Cobra pada Desember 2024 setelah masa pakai yang singkat, hanya lima tahun. Armada tersebut hanya terdiri dari dua unit yang dioperasikan oleh Wing Serang ke-15 (15th Strike Wing).

Diperoleh sebagai unit surplus (awalnya dari Yordania) yang berfungsi sebagai helikopter serang khusus pertama angkatan udara. Memberikan dukungan udara jarak dekat dan daya tembak presisi yang vital untuk misi kontra-pemberontakan dan kontra-terorisme.

Bertindak sebagai jembatan pelatihan vital dan pengisi kesenjangan kemampuan sebelum diperkenalkannya platform modern seperti T129 ATAK.

Secara resmi dinonaktifkan pada 28 Desember 2024, dalam sebuah upacara di Pangkalan Udara Mayor Dan Fernandez di Cavite bersamaan dengan pensiun terakhir armada OV-10 Bronco.

(PAFU II)

Fincantieri akan Memasok Peralatan Tambahan untuk Kapal Selam U212 NFS Italia

04 Juli 2026

Fincantieri akan memasang anti-torpedo countermeasure system kemungkinan WASS C303/S untuk kapal selam U212 NFS (images: WASS)

Fincantieri telah menandatangani amandemen kontrak kedelapan dengan Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) untuk peralatan tambahan bagi program Kapal Selam Masa Depan (NFS) U212 Italia, demikian pernyataan perusahaan dalam siaran pers pada 23 Juni 2026.

Senilai EUR317 juta (USD361 juta), amandemen tersebut akan membuat anak perusahaan Fincantieri, WASS, mengintegrasikan sistem penanggulangan torpedo (torpedo countermeasure systems) yang tidak ditentukan pada empat kapal selam U212 NFS.

Fincantieri juga akan mengintegrasikan antarmuka penyelamatan (rescue interfaces), sistem Bantuan, Ventilasi & Penyelamatan Kapal Selam (SAVER) baru Angkatan Laut Italia, dan prosedur intervensi yang dibantu kendaraan yang dioperasikan dari jarak jauh (ROV).

Amandemen tersebut akan memungkinkan pengiriman kapal selam keempat program tersebut dimajukan dua tahun, dari tahun 2034 menjadi 2032. Ini berarti Angkatan Laut Italia dijadwalkan akan mendapatkan satu kapal selam baru setiap tahun mulai tahun 2029, kata Fincantieri. Amandemen ini mencakup dukungan logistik untuk ketersediaan operasional jangka panjang kapal-kapal tersebut.

Perusahaan tersebut mengatakan bahwa dibandingkan dengan kapal selam kelas U212A sebelumnya, kapal selam U212 NFS memiliki desain yang lebih matang, dan lebih banyak komponen buatan Italia seperti baterai propulsi lithium-ion dan sistem manajemen tempur Italia yang baru.

(Jane's)

Thailand Tawarkan 36 Kendaraan Tempur Amfibi untuk Korps Marinir Indonesia

04 Agustus 2026

AWAV 8x8 Korps Marinir Thailand (photos: Reddit)

KONTAN.CO.ID - JAKARTA. Pemerintah Thailand menawarkan pasokan 36 kendaraan tempur amfibi beroda (Amphibious Wheeled Armoured Vehicle/AWAV) untuk memperkuat alutsista Korps Marinir Indonesia. 

Tawaran tersebut menjadi salah satu usulan kerja sama yang disampaikan Perdana Menteri Thailand Anutin Charnvirakul dalam pertemuan bilateral dengan Presiden Prabowo Subianto di Istana Merdeka, Jakarta, Senin (3/8/2026). 

Menurut Anutin, kerja sama pertahanan antara Indonesia dan Thailand perlu diperluas, tidak hanya dalam bentuk latihan militer bersama, tetapi juga melalui pengembangan industri pertahanan. 

“Saya mengusulkan agar kita memperluas kerja sama di bidang industri pertahanan. Thailand siap memasok 36 kendaraan tempur amfibi beroda (AWAV) untuk Korps Marinir Indonesia,” ujar Anutin. 

AWAV 8x8 Korps Marinir Thailand (photos: Chaiseri)

Ia mengatakan kendaraan tempur tersebut saat ini telah digunakan secara aktif oleh Korps Marinir Kerajaan Thailand sehingga dinilai memiliki kemampuan operasional yang telah teruji.

“Model ini saat ini digunakan secara aktif oleh Korps Marinir Kerajaan Thailand. Saya sangat berterima kasih karena Anda telah memberikan kesempatan bagi produk kami untuk digunakan di negara Anda,” katanya. 

Selain menawarkan kendaraan tempur, Anutin juga mengundang Indonesia untuk berpartisipasi dalam Defence and Security Expo yang akan diselenggarakan di Thailand pada November tahun depan. Pameran tersebut diharapkan menjadi ajang memperluas kerja sama industri pertahanan kedua negara. 

Di bidang pertahanan, Anutin mengatakan hubungan militer Indonesia dan Thailand selama ini telah berjalan erat. Menurutnya, kedua negara akan terus melanjutkan latihan militer bersama secara berkala, pertukaran informasi, serta memperkuat kerja sama keamanan maritim. 

AWAV 8x8 Korps Marinir Thailand (photos: Chaiseri)

Ia juga mengungkapkan bahwa sebelum berkunjung ke Indonesia, para pejabat tinggi militer Thailand menyampaikan bahwa Prabowo merupakan sosok yang sangat dihormati di kalangan militer Thailand.

“Banyak jenderal muda kami mengagumi perjalanan dan kiprah Anda. Mereka semua ingin ikut bersama rombongan saya untuk bertemu langsung dengan Anda hari ini,” ujar Anutin. 

Sebagai bentuk penghormatan, Anutin mengatakan dirinya membawa tanda jasa dari Angkatan Darat Thailand yang akan dianugerahkan kepada Prabowo. 

“Karena itu, saya membawa beberapa medali yang dengan sepenuh hati ingin diberikan oleh Angkatan Darat kami kepada Anda, karena Anda adalah tokoh militer yang sangat mereka hormati,” katanya. 

AWAV 8x8 Korps Marinir Thailand (photos: Chaiseri)

Anutin berharap penguatan kerja sama di bidang pertahanan, termasuk peluang penggunaan produk industri pertahanan Thailand oleh Indonesia, dapat semakin mempererat hubungan strategis kedua negara yang telah ditingkatkan menjadi kemitraan strategis sejak tahun lalu. 

Sementara itu, Presiden Prabowo Subianto mengatakan mengusulkan peningkatan kerja sama melalui penambahan frekuensi maupun kualitas latihan militer bersama antara angkatan bersenjata Indonesia dan Thailand. Selain itu, ia juga mendorong peningkatan program pertukaran perwira untuk pendidikan dan pelatihan. 

“Kita harus memperkuat kerja sama pertahanan dan keamanan. Kita juga perlu meningkatkan jumlah dan tingkat latihan bersama antara angkatan bersenjata kedua negara, serta memperbanyak pertukaran perwira dalam pendidikan dan pelatihan,” katanya. 

Tak hanya itu, Prabowo juga menilai peluang kerja sama ekonomi perlu terus diperluas, khususnya melalui perdagangan, investasi, ketahanan pangan, dan ketahanan energi.

AWAV 8x8 Korps Marinir Thailand (photos: MGRonline)

Selain kerja sama ekonomi, Presiden juga menekankan pentingnya kolaborasi di bidang teknologi digital. Menurutnya, perkembangan teknologi digital akan menjadi salah satu faktor penentu masa depan dunia sehingga Indonesia dan Thailand perlu memperkuat sinergi di sektor tersebut. 

Di sisi lain, Prabowo juga menggarisbawahi pentingnya mempererat konektivitas dan hubungan antarmasyarakat (people-to-people ties) sebagai bagian dari upaya memperkuat hubungan bilateral. 

Prabowo optimistis penguatan kerja sama di berbagai bidang tersebut tidak hanya akan semakin mempererat hubungan Indonesia dan Thailand, tetapi juga berkontribusi terhadap terciptanya perdamaian, stabilitas, dan kemakmuran di kawasan Asia Tenggara. 

“Kita dapat memperkuat kemitraan bilateral sekaligus memberikan kontribusi bagi perdamaian, stabilitas, dan kemakmuran kawasan,” tutup Prabowo.

(Kontan)

Vietnam Held Advanced Technical Training Course on VRS-SRS Radar and VEE-LRA Electro-optical Radar

03 Agustus 2026

Advanced Technical Training Course on new radar and electro-optical radar (photos: QDND)

On July 27th, at the Viettel Academy, the Military Technical Department (General Department of Logistics and Technical Services) collaborated with the Military Industry and Telecommunications Group (Viettel) to organize the opening of a technical training course on advanced VRS-SRS radar and VEE-LRA electro-optical radar systems for technical officers and staff of various units.

Colonel Huynh Van Dong, Deputy Director of the Military Technical Department, presided over the opening ceremony of the training course.

The training course was attended by 34 officers and technical staff directly involved in the management, operation, use, and technical maintenance of VRS-SRS radar stations and VEE-LRA electro-optical stations from units throughout the military. The training course took place from July 27 to August 7, 2026.

The VRS-SRS (also known as VRS-S54S) made by Vietnam's Viettel Group is used for short-range tactical air cover, detecting low-flying targets, and has a range of 100 kilometers and an altitude of up to 10 kilometers (photo: QDND)

During the training, trainees were introduced to an overview of radar, interrogators, and electro-optical stations; methods for identifying the causes and troubleshooting system malfunctions; system configuration and installation; and maintenance, routine servicing, and minor repairs. Trainees received theoretical instruction and hands-on practice on the equipment under the guidance of Viettel's experienced team of experts.

The VRS-SRS radar and VEE-LRA electro-optical radar are new-generation equipment researched and manufactured by Viettel  , and have been deployed to several military regions and corps, serving low-altitude surveillance missions and contributing to building a solid air defense posture. These systems have complex structures, integrate many modern technologies, and operate frequently in harsh environmental conditions and for continuous working hours, placing high demands on management, maintenance, and repair.

The VEE-LRA made by Viettel Vietnam is a multi-channel optical-electronic system (often referred to as an electro-optical radar or long-range thermal camera) that functions to detect and track air targets with a range of up to 25 kilometers (photo: QDND)

In his opening remarks, Colonel Huynh Van Dong emphasized that the training course is of practical significance in consolidating and improving the professional skills and practical abilities of officers and technical staff directly managing, operating, and maintaining new generation radar and electro-optical equipment. This contributes to maintaining technical efficiency, improving equipment utilization, and meeting the training and combat readiness requirements of the units.

The Deputy Director of the Military Engineering Department requested the Organizing Committee to strictly adhere to the program and plan; the instructors should focus on practical guidance, linking the teaching content with the handling of real-world technical situations. Trainees should uphold a high sense of responsibility, strictly comply with regulations, actively study and practice, and thoroughly understand methods of maintenance, repair, and minor repairs; after training, they should effectively apply the acquired knowledge and skills to practice, and disseminate and replicate them within their units.

(QDND)