Philippine Marines, JGSDF Conduct Amphibious Operation in Abulug, Cagayan

01 Mei 2026

Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 (photos: PMC)

ABULUG, CAGAYAN — As part of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026, the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) successfully conducted a full-scale amphibious operation at Barangay Bagu, Abulug, Cagayan on April 28, 2026.

The operation was carried out through the collective efforts of the 10th Marine Rifle Battalion, alongside the 3rd Marine Rifle Battalion, 66th Force Reconnaissance Company, Combat Engineer Battalion, and Philippine Air Force elements, with naval and specialized assets working in full coordination to ensure seamless integration across air, land, and sea domains.

The activity demonstrated strong interoperability, operational readiness, and the enduring “Shoulder-to-Shoulder” spirit of Balikatan, reinforcing defense cooperation and commitment to regional security.

Balikatan 41-2026 is the 41st iteration of the annual "Balikatan" military exercise taking place from April 20 to May 8, 2026 across the Philippines.

(PMC)

LCS 1 Conducted Sea Trial

01 Mei 2026

KD Maharaja Lela 2501 conducted sea trial (photos: LUNAS)

LCS 1 conducted her first sea trial yesterday as part of her performance validation and readiness assessment programme prior to sea acceptance trials with the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).

The trial marks an important step in evaluating her systems and operational capabilities under real sea conditions.

(LUNAS)

Steel Cutting Ceremony for Third and Fourth Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCVs)

01 Mei 2026

The steel cutting ceremony at ST Engineering Marine (photos: RSN)

Head of Naval Engineering and Logistics (HNEL) ME7 Khoo Koh Giok officiated the Steel Cutting Ceremony for our third and fourth Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCVs). The ceremony was attended by senior officials and representatives from the RSN and DSTA Defence Science and Technology Agency at ST Engineering Marine Ltd.

MRCV Victory, the first of class, was launched in October 2025, and we look forward to the launch of MRCV #2 in the second half of this year.

The MRCV is designed to function as a “mothership” for unmanned aerial, surface and underwater systems for the conduct of naval operations.

(RSN)

Australia Procures 268 Upgraded Bushmaster in AU$750 Mio Contract

30 April 2026

Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles (photo: ABC)

The Albanese Government is investing $750 million to deliver a pipeline of Bushmasters for the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) fleet of protected mobility vehicles in regional Victoria, supporting around 300 local jobs for the next seven years. 

Thales Australia will build 268 new Bushmasters for the ADF at its Bendigo facility, continuing over 20 years of production of this world-leading capability and providing certainty to the workforce and region that depends on it.

The delivery of these additional Bushmasters will significantly boost the ADF’s combat capability and force projection, as part of a modernised protected mobility fleet able to operate in our immediate region. Bushmasters are critical to the integrated force – including littoral manoeuvre, long range fires and the amphibious capable combined arms land system.

As the protected mobility vehicle of choice for nine countries, the Bushmaster is an Australian defence industry success story and a priority capability for the Australian Defence Strategic Sales Office.

In response to a request, the Albanese Government has also agreed for recently delivered Bushmasters to be sold to the Netherlands. This export provides further certainty to the Bendigo workforce, with Thales to replace these vehicles for the ADF in their next production round at no cost and in addition to this new order for the Army.

The manufacture of these Bushmasters adds to the vehicles already being built to replace those gifted to Ukraine – to support its fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion – and 59 vehicles being acquired under LAND 8113. 

The Albanese Government is also investing $450 million towards upgrades of the Thales Hawkei protected mobility vehicles, and the Rheinmetall Medium/Heavy Truck Capability as part of the 2026 Integrated Investment Program’s protected mobility vehicle modernisation program. 

The modernisation of the Hawkei vehicles will be conducted by Thales in Brisbane, supporting 150 local jobs, and many more across the supply chain in Australia. 

Through these projects, the Albanese Government is investing $1.2 billion in uplifting ADF’s fleet of protected mobility vehicles. 

This work will further strengthen Australia’s sovereign defence industry, as well as deliver significant benefits for the local workforce in both Bendigo and Brisbane. 

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles: 

“The Australian-built Bushmaster and Hawkei are recognised as world-leading protected mobility vehicles. 

“Through this investment the Albanese Government is sustaining Australian jobs, strengthening our national defence industry and delivering a capability that protects the lives of Australian Defence Force personnel.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy: 

“Built in Bendigo, Bushmasters are an iconic Australian vehicle that delivers world-leading protection to the Australian Defence Force. 

“We’re building close to 300 new Bushmasters, securing around 300 local jobs and delivering long-term certainty to the industry, workers and region that depends on this critical capability.”

(Aus DoD)

Thailand to Procure Additional AWAVs 8x8 Amphibious Vehicle

30 April 2026

Currently, RTMC operates 7 AWAVs (photos: RTMC)

The Royal Thai Navy is strengthening its amphibious warfare capabilities by preparing to acquire Thai-made AWAV 8x8 armored vehicles, supporting the defense industry and self-reliance.

Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyapan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, explained the necessity of acquiring additional AWAV 8x8 amphibious wheeled armored vehicles from Chaiyaseri Metal and Rubber Co., Ltd., stating that it is a continuous effort to enhance the Royal Thai Navy's capabilities in line with the current security situation along the eastern border, the protection of maritime sovereignty, and the response to new forms of threats, as well as emergency assistance missions for the public.

The AWAV 8x8 armored vehicle was designed by a team of Thai engineers and manufactured using domestic labor and machinery, reflecting the tangible potential of Thailand's defense industry. At least 40% of the production value is made from domestically sourced materials, supporting the domestic industrial chain, reducing reliance on imports, and creating long-term industrial stability.

The vehicle has an 8x8 drive system, making it highly mobile and capable of operating in all terrains. It can effectively support joint operations with the Royal Thai Navy's Amphibious Landing Ships (LPDs).

In terms of defense and firepower, the AWAV meets STANAG bullet and explosion protection standards, and is equipped with a machine gun and control system. It also features a communication system capable of fully connecting to the Royal Thai Navy's military communication network. The armored vehicle also meets MIL-STD environmental durability standards, an international military standard, reflecting its readiness for operation in all combat environments, both at sea and on land.

The Royal Thai Navy has already acquired 7 AWAVs for service, and operational results show that they can perform missions effectively, possess high combat readiness, and respond to mission requirements precisely as needed by operational units. Therefore, there is a need for additional procurement to adequately support force deployment and future operational plans.

This acquisition of additional AWAVs not only enhances the capabilities of the Royal Thai Navy but also concretely drives Thailand's defense industry development policy and strengthens the capabilities of Thai personnel to achieve long-term self-reliance, leading to national security in both military and economic dimensions.

(RTN)

Pangkormar Pimpin Pengenalan dan Uji Coba Senapan Serbu DSAR-15P 14.5" Kaliber 5,56x45 mm Produksi Korsel

30 April 2026

(Pengenalan senapan Dasan DSAR-15P photos: Korps Marinir)

Dispen Kormar TNI Angkatan Laut (Jakarta).* Panglima Korps Marinir (Pangkormar) Letnan Jenderal TNI (Mar) Dr. Endi Supardi, S.E., M.M., M.Tr.Opsla., CHRMP., CRMP., memimpin kegiatan pengenalan dan uji coba penembakan senapan serbu DSAR-15P kaliber 5,56x45 mm produksi Dasan Machineries, Korea Selatan, yang dihadirkan oleh PT. Dwi Jaya Perkasa. Kegiatan berlangsung di Lapangan Tembak Jusman Puger, Kesatrian Marinir Hartono, Cilandak, Jakarta Selatan, Senin (27/04/2026).

Kegiatan diawali dengan paparan dan sesi tanya jawab terkait spesifikasi serta keunggulan senapan DSAR-15P di ruang VIP Lapangan Tembak MSC, kemudian dilanjutkan dengan uji coba penembakan pada jarak 100 meter oleh Pangkormar beserta pejabat terkait. Acara ditutup dengan sesi foto bersama dan ramah tamah.

DSAR-15P merupakan senapan serbu modern kaliber 5,56×45 mm NATO yang dirancang untuk kebutuhan militer, termasuk pasukan khusus. Senjata ini menggunakan sistem short-stroke gas piston yang memberikan keunggulan dalam keandalan, ketahanan panas, serta kemudahan perawatan dibandingkan sistem konvensional.

Dari sisi desain, DSAR-15P memiliki ergonomi yang baik dengan kontrol ambidextrous serta dilengkapi rel Picatinny yang memungkinkan pemasangan berbagai aksesoris seperti optik, laser inframerah, lampu senjata, dan peredam suara. Dengan bobot sekitar 3,3 kg dan material aluminium 7075, senjata ini juga memiliki tingkat modularitas tinggi yang mendukung berbagai kebutuhan operasi.

Senapan serbu Dasan DSAR-15P (photo: Dasan)

Pangkormar menyampaikan apresiasi kepada PT. Dwi Jaya Perkasa atas kontribusinya dalam memperkenalkan teknologi persenjataan modern. Kegiatan ini diharapkan dapat menjadi referensi dalam meningkatkan kemampuan dan profesionalisme prajurit Korps Marinir serta mendukung kesiapan tempur yang adaptif terhadap perkembangan teknologi militer.

(Korps Marinir)

Kemhan dan ALIT Bahas Kerjasama Pertahanan dan Transfer of Technology

29 April 2026

Media asing menyebutkan bahwa fokus kerjasama dengan ALIT ditekankan pada drone, rudal dan pertahanan udara. ALIT adalah anak perusahaan dari CASC yang memproduksi drone CH-4B berikut AR-1 rudal anti tank dan masih menyodorkan sistem rudal permukaan-ke-udara (SAM) seperti keluarga LY-80 atau rudal seri FT (bom berpemandu presisi) (photo: China Defense)

Wamenhan RI Terima Audiensi CEO Aerospace Long-March International (ALIT), Bahas Penguatan Sistem Teknologi Pertahanan

Jakarta – Wakil Menteri Pertahanan (Wamenhan) RI Donny Ermawan menerima kunjungan CEO Aerospace Long-March International, Mr. Li Dong (Chairman of CGWIC & ALIT) di Ruang Kerja Wamenhan RI, Jakarta, pada Kamis (23/4/2026). Audiensi ini bertujuan untuk mempererat kerja sama strategis dalam penyediaan dan pengembangan teknologi pertahanan.

Fokus utama dalam diskusi ini mencakup pengembangan sistem pertahanan yang komprehensif dan terintegrasi, dengan penekanan pada pemanfaatan teknologi kedirgantaraan serta luar angkasa. Kedua belah pihak menyoroti pentingnya solusi pertahanan sistemik untuk melindungi kedaulatan, mengingat kondisi geografis Indonesia yang sangat luas sebagai negara kepulauan.

Lebih lanjut, pertemuan ini juga menekankan urgensi kemandirian industri pertahanan dalam negeri melalui skema Transfer of Technology (ToT). Kolaborasi ini diharapkan dapat mendorong riset dan pengembangan teknologi mutakhir yang melibatkan industri pertahanan lokal, guna memperkuat kapasitas keamanan nasional Indonesia dalam menghadapi dinamika strategis global di masa depan. dalam pertemuan tersebut, Wamenhan didampingi Sesbatekhan Kemhan, Kapusalpalhan Baloghan Kemhan dan Kapus Wahanaudara Batekhan Kemhan.

(Kemhan)