24 Oktober 2018
HMPNGS Rabaul (photo : aje162000)
Pacific Patrol Boat former HMPNGS Rabaul completes final voyage
Yesterday marked the end of an era for former HMPNGS Rabaul, which has completed its final voyage to Port Macquarie from Lombrum Naval Base on Manus Island, after 31 years of service with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.
The patrol boat was gifted to Papua New Guinea in May 1987 under the Pacific Patrol Boat Program, which ultimately delivered 22 vessels to Pacific Island nations.
Papua New Guinea received four Pacific Patrol Boats, which have been the bedrock of successful Australia-Papua New Guinea maritime security cooperation for over 30 years.
The Commanding Officer of the Pacific Patrol Boat handed the keys to the Commonwealth in Port Macquarie yesterday, to enable environmentally responsible disposal of the vessel. The crew will travel to the Defence International Training Centre and then to Western Australia for training before receiving the first of their four Guardian-class replacement vessels in late November 2018. The new patrol boat will be named after Brigadier General Ted Diro (retired), the first Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.
The replacement vessels are being delivered under the Pacific Maritime Security Program, which builds upon the success of the Pacific Patrol Boat Program and continues Australia’s enduring security commitment to the South Pacific.
Under the Program, Australia will gift 19 Guardian-class Patrol Boats to 12 Pacific Island nations. The Program also includes a region-wide aerial maritime surveillance capability, enhancements to regional coordination, sustainment and training support, and the continuation of Australia’s in‑country maritime adviser network. Timor-Leste will also receive two Guardian-class vessels.
The new Guardian-class Patrol Boats, being built in Western Australia by shipbuilder Austal, will offer enhanced capability to broaden and strengthen the region’s maritime security, fisheries protection and response to transnational crime.
(Aus DoD)
24 Oktober 2018
LMS of the Royal Malaysia Navy (image : TLDM)
WUHAN (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday started building the second littoral mission ship (LMS) for Malaysia in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province.
The new LMS is contracted by Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group under China Shipbuilding Industry Co. and is being built at its Shuangliu base in Wuhan.
The first ship China made for Malaysia entered the building phase on July 31 this year.
According to the contract, China will design and build four LMS for the Royal Malaysian Navy. These ships will be used for patrol, anti-terrorism, rescue, and protection of fishery activities.
The contract is the first large military equipment order between China and Malaysia.
(Xinhua)
23 Oktober 2018
Rheinmetall’s new agreement with Australia’s Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group could leverage autonomous capabilities such as remote-controlled driving systems featured in the Boxer JODAA test and demonstration vehicle, which is pictured here. (photo: Rheinmetall Defence)
Rheinmetall Defence Australia (RDA) and Australia's Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group - the research and development arm of the Department of Defence (DoD) - have signed an agreement to collaborate on land systems technologies.
The accord, announced on 19 October, will focus on the research and development of land-based autonomous vehicle systems including capabilities that can support the 8×8 Boxer armoured vehicles that Rheinmetall is contracted to supply the Australian Army, said official statements.
The new agreement will run for five years and expands the technology partnership between the two sides. The DoD said the RDA and the DST Group have undertaken joint research in simulation and augmented reality technologies over several years. As part of this collaboration, the DoD announced a partnership with RDA in September to develop a new army tactical training system.
The DoD also said the accord is the 17th that the DST Group has signed with industry partners. The agency was previously known as the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) until its name change in 2015.
RDA indicated in its statement that the new agreement could leverage existing capabilities such as the Boxer JODAA (joint operational demonstrator for advanced applications), which was developed by Rheinmetall for the German Army to carry out research and development studies - including remote-controlled driving supported by camera systems.
It added that the partnership would also "introduce future academic and commercial partners into the autonomous vehicles programme".
RDA said the agreement is one of several that it is planning in Australia to "build the company's research and development footprint in [the country] and establish a sovereign military vehicle capability in Australia".
(Jane's)
23 Oktober 2018
Pembangunan Puslatpur Amborawang (photo : Prokal)
PROKAL.CO, BALIKPAPAN - Kodam VI Mulawarman (Kodam VI/Mlw) saat ini tengah membangun tempat latihan tempur yang letaknya di Kelurahan Amborawang, Kecamatan Samboja, Kabupaten Kutai Kartanegara (Kukar).
Tempat ini tak asing lagi bagi warga Kaltim, apalagi warga sekitar karena sejak 1977, wilayah hutan ini sudah ditetapkan milik Kodam VI Mulawarman yang dulu Kodam VI Tanjungpura.
Areal latihan tempur Amborawang modern dirancang matang merupakan agenda grand strategi TNI AD.
Untuk mewujudkan tempat latihan modern, Pangdam VI Mulawarman Mayjen TNI Subiyanto menunjuk Komandan Satuan Tugas Latihan Tempur (Dansatgaslatpur) Kolonel Inf Muhammad Yasin SSos MAp guna melakukan penataan areal hutan tersebut.
"Belum lama ini, bulan September, diselenggarakan latihan tempur dari Raider 600. Dari latihan tersebut, kami sudah melakukan evaluasi yang kami laporkan kepada Pangdam," ujar M Yasin didampingi Kepala Penerangan Kodam (Kapendam) VI Mulawarman Kolonel Kav Dino Martino saat mengajak media ini melihat langsung areal latihan tempur Amborawang, Kamis (16/10).
M Yasin yang juga didampingi Wakapendam Letkol Inf M Iqbal dan Kepala Topografi Kodam (Katopdam) VI Mulawarman Letkol Ctp Sugiyantoro menjelaskan, dalam rangka mewujudkan tempat latihan tempur modern, saat ini dilakukan pembenahan-pembenahan di antaranya melebarkan jalan yang nantinya bisa untuk lintasan alat tempur berat tank, membenahi titik-titik batas wilayah yang sebagian tidak terbaca dan hilang.
Serbuan dengan tank Leopard (photo : Kostrad)
"Dalam penataan ulang areal latihan tempur Amborawang, kami sudah melakukan sosialisasi dengan masyarakat. Babinsa kami kerahkan untuk menginformasikan tentang kegiatan di tempat latihan tempur Amborawang kepada warga sekitar. Kalau ada lahan, rumah atau kebun yang terkena, kami data dan akan diberi ganti rugi. Kalau ada latihan, warga juga kami beritahu agar jangan masuk karena latihan menggunakan amunisi tajam. Peringatan juga kami tulis besar di pintu masuk areal latihan tempur Amborawang. Karena Pangdam mewanti-wanti, kegiatan di tempat latihan tempur jangan merugikan masyarakat," jelas M Yasin yang sangat berpengalaman bidang tempur darat.
Ditambahkan M Yasin, tempat latihan tempur modern diagendakan terwujud paling tidak 5 tahun ke depan. Tidak hanya modern, tempat latihan tempur Amborawang cukup luas, 724 ha, sangat pas untuk latihan perang. Rencana pembangunan daerah latihan tempur Kodam VI Mulawarman di Amborawang akan dilengkapi sarana prasarana latihan yang mampu meningkatkan profesionalisme prajurit karena dilengkapi sarana daerah latihan tempur untuk perang hutan, perang di daerah pemukiman (urban terain), anti teror dan lainnya.
"Konturnya sangat mendukung adanya bukit, hutan dan jalan yang naik dan turun. Dengan areal seluas itu bisa digunakan latihan tempur menggunakan persenjataan berat tank kavaleri, meriam artileri dan lain-lain", ujar Kapendam Dino menambahkan.
Dijelaskan lagi oleh Kapendam, dengan arel seluas itu bisa menjadi daerah latihan tempur untuk taktik bertempur antar kecabangan yang berdiri sendiri maupun yang bersifat kerjasama antarkecabangan baik infanteri, kavaleri dan artileri yang menggunakan alutsista dengan kaliber diatas 100 mm. Baik itu kanon tank maupun meriam artileri yang dimiliki satuan jajaran Kodam VI Mulawarman yang rutin dilaksanakan setiap tahun di daerah Amborawang dalam bentuk BTP (Batalyon Tim Pertempuran).
Howitzer Caesar TNI AD (photo : Kostrad)
Dansatgaslatpur M Yasin dan Kapendam Dino Martono juga mengajak media ini naik tank AMX 13 APC buatan Perancis mencoba jalan yang sedang dilebarkan yang juga untuk lintasan tank. "Jalan ini dilebarkan supaya bisa untuk manuver tank, " ujarnya lagi.
Areal latihan tempur. Amborawang modern, jelas M Yasin, nantinya dilengkapi banyak fasilitas pendukung yang juga digunakan pasukan North Atlantic Treaty Organizatio (NATO), Australia, Jepang, Korsel.
"Rencana areal latihan tempur Amborawang modern sudah kami rancang, nanti kami persentasikan di hadapan Pangdam. Memang diperlukan biaya yang besar, " kata M Yasin dengan nada optimis.
Adapun, kelengkapan sarana dan prasaarana di tempat latihan tempur Amborawang Modern adalah
1. Fire Arms Training System (FATS) 300 mil Immersive Virtual Training System
2. Multiple Integrate Laser Engagement System (MILES)
3. Digital Multi Purpose Ranger Complex (DMPRC).
Di tempat itulah, nantinya latihan tempur mirip sesungguhnya menggunakan alutsista modern, lempar granat sesungguhnya dan tembak menembak menggunakan amunisi tajam.
Dalam perjalanan keliling areal latihan tempur Amborawang, tampak banyak halang rintang di antara semak belukar untuk menggembleng kemampuan tempur prajurit TNI AD. "Ndan, halang rintangnya kok gak dibersihin, " celetuk salah satu awak media.
Penyerbuan dengan helikopter (photo : spiritnews)
M Yasin pun sigap menjawab sambil tertawa. "Kok dibersihin, memangnya untuk outbond. Ya harus seperti ini, semak belukar dan pepohonan untuk latihan di medan perang sesungguhnya. Inilah fungsi lain tempat latihan tempur Amborawang, pepohonan di dalamnya dijaga dan dilestarikan, " ujarnya.
Meski di tengah hutan, di areal lain juga tersedia tempat latihan pertempuran di kota dan pembebasan sandera.
Perwira melati 3 ramah yang hobi ngetrail ini mengakui, dalam areal latihan tempur Amborawang ada yang rusak, yakni ada belasan titik danau bekas penambang batu bara liar. Bahkan, salah satu kolam kubangan bekas tambang, mencelakai dua prajurit Raider 600 yang sedang berlatih pertempuran malam hari.
"Penunjuk arah latihan tempur, prajurit berpedoman peta dan kompas. Ketika pergeseran pasukan di malam hari, dua prajurit terjerembab masuk kubangan bekas galian tambang batu bara. Untung secepatnya ditarik temannya. Kalau tidak, bisa makan korban jiwa prajurit. Bayangkan, tengah malam yang gelap, prajurit berjalan tiba-tiba masuk kubangan air besar bekas galian tambang batu bara. Maka dari itu, kami juga menertibkan penambang liar yang ada di areal Puslatpur. Ini semata-mata demi keamanan dan keselamatan warga. Jangan sampai nanti pas ada latihan, ada yang terkena ledakan atau tembakan amunisi tajam. Areal latihan harus clear dari aktivitas warga, " jelas M Yasin.
(ProKal)
23 Oktober 2018
Activation of 6th MID (photo : MID)
MANILA – The Mechanized Infantry Division (MID) on Monday formally activated its 6th Mechanized Infantry Battalion (Provisional).
Major Gen. Gilbert Gapay served as presiding officer and keynote speaker during the event held at Camp O'Donnell, Capas, Tarlac.
Gapay urged officers and enlisted personnel of the new unit to enhance their individual competencies, level-up capabilities, and adhere to the highest degree of professionalism.
MID spokesperson, Maj. Emman Adriano, said the activation of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Battalion is in line with Gapay's vision of becoming more capable, more responsive and relevant armor force.
The 6th Mechanized Infantry Battalion is commanded by Lt. Col. Ferdinand L. Dela Cruz.
MID operates the M113A2 vehicle (photo : DND)
Also, the unit's activation is part of the goal of Army chief, Major Gen. Macairog Alberto, of turning the PA into a more agile, highly maneuverable, and more effective force.
Based with the past experiences in campaigns in Marawi, Zamboanga and other operations against various threat groups, it is but fitting to have a rapid deployment force from the MID that could provide superior firepower, speed, shock action, and armor-protected maneuver unit which can operate in all types of environment.
He said the unit is MID’s immediate contribution to the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the execution of ground operations against security threats to accelerate resolution of armed conflicts.
The unit, Adriano said, is also capable preparing non-traditional military role such as support to law enforcement and disaster response operations nationwide.
(PNA)
23 Oktober 2018
Anggaran Rp 1,2 triliun sebanyak Rp 500 miliar akan digunakan untuk belanja kebutuhan yang mendesak (photo : JAAS)
TRIBUNNEWS.COM, JAKARTA - Menteri Pertahanan Ryamizard Ryacudu mengungkapkan Kementerian Pertahanan (Kemhan) RI mendapat tambahan anggaran dari Kementerian Keuangan dan telah disetujui oleh Komisi I DPR.
“Baru separuh dari kebutuhan kita Rp 200 Triliun, yang diberikan cuma Rp 106 triliun, memang kita harus tahu ya ini untuk tentara, rakyat harus menyesuaikan,” ujar Ryamizard usai rapat dengan Komisi I DPR di komplek Parlemen Senayan, Jakarta Pusat, Senin (22/10/2018).
Sebelumnya, Ryamizard meminta tambahan anggaran sebesar Rp 29 triliun, namun yang dikabulkan hanya Rp 1,2 triliun.
“Ini ditanggung dari kementerian dan dari RPJPM ya,” terangnya.
Dana itu menurut Ryamizard akan digunakan untuk mencukupi kebutuhan TNI, baik Operasi Militer Perang (OMP) maupun Operasi Militer Selain Perang (OMSP).
“Itu Rp 1,2 triliun, Rp 500 miliar untuk kebutuhan belanja yang mendesak, kemudian pendidikan Rp 500 miliar, tambahan itu untuk kesehatan Rp 200 miliar,” ucap Ryamizard.
Adanya permintaan penambahan anggaran tersebut dikarenakan anggaran sebelumnya belum bisa mencukupi untuk biaya belanja Kemhan di 2019.
Dana itu menurut Ryamizard akan digunakan untuk mencukupi kebutuhan TNI, baik Operasi Militer Perang (OMP) maupun Operasi Militer Selain Perang (OMSP).
“Itu Rp 1,2 triliun, Rp 500 miliar untuk kebutuhan belanja yang mendesak, kemudian pendidikan Rp 500 miliar, tambahan itu untuk kesehatan Rp 200 miliar,” ucap Ryamizard.
Adanya permintaan penambahan anggaran tersebut dikarenakan anggaran sebelumnya belum bisa mencukupi untuk biaya belanja Kemhan di 2019.
Seperti yang diketahui sebelumnya, dana anggaran belanja Kementerian Pertahanan yang sebelumnya sudah disetujui oleh pihak DPR yakni Rp 106,1 triliun.
Meskipun dana tambahannya hanya disetujui sebesar Rp 1,2 Triliun, namun Ryamizard legowo dengan anggaran yang disetujui DPR.
"Baru separuh dari kita Rp 200 triliun cuma seratus. Kalau dibilang cukup belum cukup, tapi cukup-cukupin ajalah," pungkasnya.
(TribunNews)
23 Okober 2018
Tenth F-35A for RAAF (photo : RAAF)
The tenth F-35A Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) to be delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has arrived at US Air Force Luke Air Force Base (AFB) in Arizona, joining Australia’s other JSF aircraft on the flightline.
Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP and the Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP said the delivery of Australia’s tenth JSF was an important milestone in the Australian JSF Project.
“Our tenth JSF was delivered to RAAF’s No. 3 Squadron at Luke AFB last week following a range of acceptance testing activities authorising delivery,” Minister Pyne said.
“This is a key milestone in our acquisition of the JSF, which is the most advanced, affordable fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighter to meet Australia’s need to defeat emerging threats well into the future”.
In a significant achievement for the Australian JSF Project, our ninth and tenth aircraft will operate on the Australian Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) which performs maintenance management, fault diagnostics, supply support, mission planning and training management across the F-35A fleet.
“Until now, all aircraft deliveries went to the F-35 International Pilot Training Centre, which required RAAF maintainers to perform ALIS-related tasks using the American system,” Minister Pyne said.
“Operating on Australian ALIS is an important achievement before the JSFs arrive in Australia in December this year.”
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP, said Australian industry was critical in the establishment of the Australian ALIS.
“Lockheed Martin ALIS administrators and maintenance technicians have been directly supporting the RAAF’s operations at Luke AFB,” Minister Ciobo said.
“Effective collaboration between Defence and industry is essential to the Australian F-35A Project and it is pleasing to see continued success in this area.”
“More than 50 Australian companies have directly shared in more than $1 billion in global JSF production contracts to date.”
(Aus DoD)
