Australian Army Farewells ARH Tiger Helicopters

28 September 2026

Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH Tiger) of the Australian Army (photos: 1st Australian Regiment)

The Australian Army will shortly conclude Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH Tiger) flying operations in Darwin, marking a significant milestone in the transition to the new AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter capability.

In recognition, the 1st Aviation Regiment will mark the occasion with an open day for members and their families, a formal dinner and a flyover of Darwin.

Commander Army Aviation, Major General David Hafner AM CSC, said the ARH Tiger had provided Army with an armed reconnaissance capability for two decades.

"The end of ARH Tiger flying operations is a significant moment for the 1st Aviation Regiment, but it also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we continue our relocation to Townsville and further build Australia's attack helicopter capability around the AH-64E Apache," Major General Hafner said.

"Our soldiers, aircrew and maintainers have achieved an extraordinary transition from the ARH Tiger to the Apache, while continuing to deliver training and operational outputs.

“Their dedication has ensured Army remains ready for the future."

When introduced into Australian service, the ARH Tiger combined the capabilities of the unarmed Kiowa reconnaissance helicopter and the Bushranger armed version of the Iroquois utility helicopter, into a single platform that integrated intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare and strike effects.

ARH Tiger when commissioned in 15/12/2004 (photo: Aus DoD)

The retirement of the ARH Tiger reflects its planned 20-year service life and Australia’s need to operate in an evolving threat environment, where advanced air defence systems, precision weapons and uncrewed platforms present challenges better suited to the capabilities of next generation battlefield helicopters such as the AH-64E Apache.

The Apache is replacing the ARH Tiger within the 1st Aviation Regiment and will deliver enhanced firepower, networking and interoperability capabilities to support future Army operations.

This successful transition was demonstrated in July 2026, when Australian Army AH-64E Apache crews conducted their first live-fire activities in Townsville.

Six Apaches have been delivered to Australia, with all 29 helicopters expected to be delivered by the end of 2029. 

(Aus DoD)

Philippine Army Receives New Combat Engineer Equipment

28 September 2026

New Combat Engineer equipment equipped Philippine Army (photos: 525th Combat Engineer Batt)

525CEB Welcomes Army Commanding General during equipment turn-over

The 525th Combat Engineer "Forerunner" Battalion welcomed Lt. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, Commanding General, Philippine Army, during the Ceremonial Turn-Over of Combat Engineer Equipment held at the Forerunner Training Area, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Brig. Gen. Ricnon U. Carolasan, Commander, Combat Engineer Regiment, received the turned-over equipment together with Lt. Col. Lester T. Sinlao, Commanding Officer, 525CEB. The equipment turned over included:

*Six (6) units of Armored Combat Earthmover (ACE) – A highly mobile, armored tracked vehicle designed to provide combat engineer support to front-line forces. Its capabilities include obstacle reduction, road and supply route maintenance, and construction of fighting positions.

*One hunderd four (104) units of Mini Mine Detector (MMD) – A portable combat engineering device used by individual soldiers to locate buried or concealed mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by detecting the presence of metallic components.

*Four (4) units of M113A3 Engineer Squad Vehicle – An armored tracked vehicle that complements the ACE by providing protected mobility, command, and escort support to combat engineering elements.

The activity highlights the Philippine Army's continued efforts to strengthen its combat engineering capabilities, operational readiness, and mission effectiveness, in support of its mandate to serve the Filipino people and protect the nation.

(Philippine Army)

Thailand Orders Indra's Lanza 3D Long Range Radar for Phuket Air Base

28 September 2026

Lanza 3D new long-range radar will be deployed at Phuket Air Base (photo: Indra)

Indra to Strengthen Thailand’s Air Surveillance with a New Long-range LANZA 3D Radar

Indra will strengthen Thailand’s air surveillance and control capabilities with the deployment of a new long-range Lanza 3D radar at Phuket Air Base.

Located opposite one of the most important maritime routes between the Indian Ocean and the Strait of Malacca, this base occupies a position of significant strategic value. Indra’s radar will help reinforce airspace surveillance and control operations in an environment that is key to regional security.

With this contract, Indra consolidates its position as a trusted technology partner of the Royal Thai Air Force and the country’s Armed Forces, which already operate several types of systems supplied by the company. It is also the third long-range LANZA 3D radar contracted from Indra by the Thai Air Force, reflecting the customer’s confidence in a solution that has already been operationally proven.

This new award gives continuity to Thailand’s air surveillance capability modernization program and reinforces Indra’s role as a long-term partner.

The new contract was recently signed at Indra’s headquarters in Madrid, during a visit by Thai authorities who travelled to see the facilities where the company develops some of the most advanced defence technologies, which are set to shape the future of the sector in the coming years, as well as the systems to be delivered under this agreement.

The Lanza 3D LRR radar offers a high long-range detection capability against different types of threats, from small, slow-moving drones to stealth aircraft, projectiles and different types of missiles. These systems are specifically designed to operate in adverse atmospheric environments and high-humidity conditions thanks to their operation in the L band. They also provide a high capacity to operate in saturated scenarios and withstand interference. The new award confirms international confidence in the Lanza radar family, a mature and proven technology used by countries around the world and by organizations such as NATO in some of the most demanding scenarios.

The contract also includes command and control capabilities based on Indra’s AIRDEF system, expanding the operational capabilities of the solution and reinforcing its integrated nature.

Indra is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of military and civil radars and a leader in the development of this technology. Its knowledge and experience have enabled it to develop a broad range of systems tailored to the specific needs of each situation, operating environment and end user. All its systems are also characterized by their high level of digitalization and ability to interoperate and integrate as part of other systems to ensure maximum protection. Air surveillance capabilities have become one of the main assets for the defence of any country in recent years, especially with the emergence of drones and saturation attacks that require the simultaneous detection and neutralization of a large number of targets.

(IndraGroup)

Hanwha dan KAI Mengintegrasikan Rudal Udara-ke-udara Jarak Jauh pada KF-21 Boramae

27 September 2026

KF-21 Boramae pertama yang telah bertugas di AU Korea Selatan (photo: KAI)

Hanwha Aerospace dan Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) akan memperkuat kerja sama untuk mengintegrasikan rudal udara-ke-udara jarak jauh yang dikembangkan secara domestik ke dalam pesawat KF-21 Boramae.

Pada tanggal 23, Hanwha Aerospace dan KAI mengumumkan penandatanganan nota kesepahaman (MOU) mengenai kerja sama untuk menyukseskan program pengembangan sistem rudal udara-ke-udara jarak jauh. Kedua perusahaan berencana mendukung pengembangan senjata yang diluncurkan dari udara (air-launched weapons) buatan dalam negeri serta pengerahan operasional KF-21 melalui kerja sama dalam pengembangan rudal udara-ke-udara jarak jauh dan integrasinya dengan pesawat serta sistem persenjataan.

Sejak Februari tahun ini, kedua perusahaan telah memperluas cakupan kerja sama di bidang pesawat terbang dan senjata udara buatan dalam negeri. Di Seoul, mereka menandatangani perjanjian kerja sama untuk program-program inti masa depan guna memperkuat daya saing global "K-defense" (industri pertahanan Korea), serta sepakat untuk melakukan pemasaran bersama secara internasional bagi pesawat buatan dalam negeri dan berbagi rantai pasokan komponen. Pada bulan yang sama, di ajang World Defense Show (WDS) yang diselenggarakan di Riyadh, Arab Saudi, mereka juga menandatangani perjanjian bisnis terkait integrasi pesawat dan persenjataan serta pemasaran bersama untuk tujuan ekspor.

Detail rudal udara-ke udara jarak jauh (image: Naver)

Hanwha juga telah memasok berbagai komponen utama untuk KF-21, yang telah menyelesaikan tahap pengembangan sistem pada bulan Juni lalu. Hanwha Aerospace bertanggung jawab atas mesin pesawat, roda pendarat (landing gear), dan sistem kendali penerbangan. Sementara itu, Hanwha Systems memasok radar AESA (active electronically scanned array), peralatan pelacakan target (EO-TGP, IRST), dan komputer misi (MC).

Hanwha Aerospace juga tengah menguasai teknologi yang diperlukan untuk berpartisipasi dalam program pengembangan sistem rudal udara-ke-udara jarak jauh. Perusahaan ini terlibat dalam program pengembangan yang dipimpin pemerintah untuk "teknologi desain interoperabilitas antar-rudal udara-ke-udara demi integrasi pesawat" dan menargetkan untuk menguasai teknologi terkait pada paruh pertama tahun depan. Di bidang propulsi, sejak tahun 2021 perusahaan telah melaksanakan lima dari enam tugas terkait mesin *solid ducted ramjet* yang diaplikasikan pada rudal udara-ke-udara jarak jauh. Tugas-tugas tersebut mencakup pekerjaan yang berkaitan dengan rudal udara-ke-udara supersonik dan *drone* target jelajah supersonik.

Hanwha Aerospace telah mengumpulkan pengalaman teknologi selama lebih dari 20 tahun dalam bidang propulsi *solid ducted ramjet* dan komponen sistem rudal, serta lebih dari 40 tahun dalam teknologi propulsi berbahan bakar padat. Menurut perusahaan, mereka adalah satu-satunya perusahaan di Korea yang mampu melaksanakan seluruh proses secara mandiri, mulai dari sintesis bahan baku propelan hingga manufaktur komponen-komponen utama.

Seorang pejabat Hanwha Aerospace menyatakan, "Sebagai perusahaan terkemuka di Korea dalam pengembangan dan produksi rudal berpemandu berbahan bakar padat, kami akan mengerahkan upaya seluruh perusahaan untuk berhasil melokalisasi rudal udara-ke-udara jarak jauh, yang berkaitan erat dengan daya saing inti jet tempur dalam negeri." Ia menambahkan, "Melalui kerja sama yang berkelanjutan antarperusahaan, kami juga akan turut memperkuat daya saing senjata yang diluncurkan dari udara buatan dalam negeri."

(Chosun)

18 Pesawat Tempur Rafale Baru Tahun 2027

27 September 2026

Pesawat tempur Rafale TNI AU (photos: Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace)

TNI AU kedatangan pesawat tempur Rafale baru tahun depan

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Wakil Kepala Staf TNI AU Marsekal Madya TNI  Tedi Rizalihadi memastikan pesawat tempur Rafale pesanan Indonesia akan kembali datang tahun 2027.

"Di tahun depan, kita akan kedatangan lagi 18 secara bertahap, ya. Secara bertahap sampai dengan diperkirakan di tahun 2029," kata Tedi saat dijumpai awak media di Lanud Halim Perdanakusuma, Jakarta Timur, Rabu.

Kendati demikian, Tedi tidak menjelaskan secara rinci kapan gelombang ketiga kedatangan Rafale akan terjadi.

Dia hanya memastikan bahwa sejauh ini TNI AU sudah mempersiapkan fasilitas yang layak untuk pengoperasian dan perawatan pesawat tempur Rafale.

Hal tersebut, lanjut dia, terlihat dari pengoperasian pesawat tempur Rafale yang telah berjalan dengan baik di Skadron 12 Lanud Roesmin Nurjadin, Pekanbaru, Riau.

Sebelumnya, Indonesia tercatat sebagai salah satu pelanggan pesawat tempur jenis Rafale yang diproduksi Dassault Aviation, Prancis.

Tercatat Kementerian Pertahanan telah memborong sebanyak 42 jet tempur Rafale buatan Dassault Aviation Prancis setelah kontrak pembelian tahap ketiga untuk 18 unit terakhir efektif.

Kepala Biro Hubungan Masyarakat Sekretariat Jenderal Kementerian Pertahanan yang kala itu dijabat Brigadir Jenderal TNI Edwin Adrian Sumantha menyampaikan kontrak efektif itu menjadi dasar Dassault Aviation mulai memproduksi 18 unit terakhir jet tempur Rafale pesanan Indonesia.

"Kemenhan RI sebelumnya telah mengefektifkan kontrak pengadaan tahap pertama dengan Dassault Aviation pada September 2022 sejumlah enam unit dan Agustus 2023 sejumlah 18 unit. Totalnya pengadaan pesawat tempur Rafale oleh Kementerian Pertahanan RI berjumlah 42 unit," kata Edwin.

Sejauh ini, TNI AU baru menerima enam pesawat tempur Rafale. Tiga pesawat pertama datang pada gelombang kedatangan pertama yakni pada awal 2026 lalu.

Sisanya datang pada gelombang ke dua pada Mei 2026 dan diterima langsung oleh TNI Presiden Prabowo Subianto di Lanud Halim Perdanakusuma, Jakarta Timur.

(AntaraNews)

DND Chief Says PH Needs 'Expeditionary Navy'

27 September 2026

An expeditionary navy is a naval force designed to deploy, fight, and sustain military operations in foreign, distant, or contested coastal and littoral (near-shore) environments without relying on permanent local bases (photo: PN)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday said the Philippines needs to have an "expeditionary navy" capable of protecting Filipino merchant ships and its crews while sailing in the high seas.

"We need an expeditionary navy to be able to protect Filipino seafarers and Filipino vessels in the high seas alongside like-minded countries," he said during the 3rd Balangay Forum held in Makati City as part of the country's celebration of this year's Maritime Archipelagic Awareness Nation Month (MANAMo).

An expeditionary navy is defined as a naval force capable of operating well out from its home shores and sustain operations in remote areas.

The Defense chief said this capability is needed as the Philippines starts to develop and expand its merchant shipping fleet.

"It's not only a question of pure profitability, but one of reserves and one of reserve capacity, which no country can afford to lose, as we saw in the pandemic," he pointed out.

Teodoro stressed that there is no "entitlement in the world, no governance" that can exist without some backbone, referring to a credible defense force.

"And that backbone at the end of the day is the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Your reputational risk as a country, political calculations in the ability of the country to protect human and other forms of capital, both domestic and foreign, which enter into the investment calculus, are measured by the ability of a government to be able to enforce its own laws and regulations fairly, evenly, and with certainty," he said.

Enforcement means the ability of the government to compel behavior in accordance with its norms, he said.

"Absent (of) that capability, particularly with a more competitive and more volatile world, it would be an exercise in near futility," he said.

This is why the Philippines is developing the capacity of the AFP to enforce, in coordination with law enforcement agencies, in a sustainable and logistically secure and sound manner Philippine law and the norms that we have agreed to in international treaties, he added.

"The Philippines cannot be a mere signatory to treaties and espousing norms that (at) the end of the day are our principal weaknesses. We cannot continue to be a voice without muscle," he said. 

(PNA)

Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo Visits SAF’s Artillery Live-Firing Exercise in the United States

26 September 2026

Exercise Daring Warrior in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, United States (photos: Sing Mindef)

Minister of State (MOS) for Defence Desmond Choo visited Exercise Daring Warrior in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, United States (US) yesterday (Singapore time) to witness the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) and the US Army’s combined live-firing exercise.

Held from 29 August to 28 September 2026, the exercise involved about 110 SAF and 50 US Army personnel, as well as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) operated by the Singapore Army’s 23rd Battalion, Singapore Artillery, and the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) operated by the US Army’s 75th Field Artillery Brigade.

During his visit, MOS Choo received a brief on the conduct of the exercise and witnessed the precision strike capabilities of the HIMARS and MLRS. He also engaged the exercise participants and thanked them for their dedication and commitment to defence. Speaking after his visit, MOS Choo expressed confidence in the SAF’s operational capabilities and highlighted the importance of overseas training opportunities for the SAF.

 

He said, “Exercise Daring Warrior is an extremely important exercise for the SAF. It allows us to train in realistic conditions beyond land-constrained Singapore, and allows our servicemen and servicewomen to be able to improve their professional skills by training with our US counterparts. NS60 is coming next year, and it is important for us to recognise and appreciate the work of our national servicemen and their contributions to building up competencies that have allowed us to be an effective fighting force.”

First held in 2010, this 11th edition of Exercise Daring Warrior underscores the long-standing and mutually beneficial defence relations between Singapore and the US. The SAF’s training in the US provides opportunities for professional exchanges that have strengthened cooperation and deepened understanding between personnel from both armed forces. The vast training space in the US also allows the SAF to conduct realistic training to sharpen its operational competencies and enhance operational readiness.

(Sing Mindef)