Australia Advances Undersea Warfare Capabilities

21 Oktober 2026

Australia has disclosed that Ghost Shark can be armed with advanced heavyweight and lightweight torpedoes to autonomously attack vessels and submarines as well as seamines and light strike drones (photos: Aus DoD)

The Albanese Government will this week mark a major milestone in the development and testing of advanced undersea warfare capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) at Maritime Big Play Pacific – an AUKUS Pillar II exercise – in San Diego.

For the first time, the Government is today unveiling the development and integration of payloads into the Ghost Shark and Speartooth Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles and BlueBottle. Some of these payloads will take part in Exercise Maritime Big Play Pacific.

The modular design of these platforms allows them to operate a range of different payloads, customised to the required mission. Payload examples include the remote delivery of supply caches, sea mines and uncrewed aerial vehicles.

These technologies directly deliver on the Royal Australian Navy’s mission requirements and will contribute to enhanced undersea warfare capabilities, seabed operations, sea denial and the protection of critical undersea infrastructure.

This latest milestone builds on the testing of payloads and enabling systems with Australia’s AUKUS partners at previous iterations of Exercise Maritime Big Play over the past three years.

It also complements the announcement by AUKUS Defence Ministers in May of the first Pillar II Signature Project: developing cutting-edge payloads and enabling systems for AUKUS partners’ uncrewed undersea vehicles.  

Through the 2026 National Defence Strategy (NDS) and Integrated Investment Program (IIP), the Albanese Government is investing up to $5.8 billion over the decade for autonomous and uncrewed undersea warfare capabilities, including $1.7 billion to acquire a new fleet of Australian­‑designed and built Ghost Shark platforms for the Royal Australian Navy.

Today’s announcement, at Anduril’s facility in New South Wales, demonstrates Australia’s growing leadership in autonomous undersea technologies and ability to translate cutting‑edge innovation into operational capability.

The advancement and design of payloads and enabling systems is a collaboration between the Royal Australian Navy, Defence Science and Technology Group, Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator and defence industry.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“In an increasingly complex strategic environment, the Albanese Government is committed to delivering practical outcomes that strengthen Australia's defence capability and build our sovereign defence industry.

“The development of advanced, cutting‑edge payloads under AUKUS Pillar II is a critical part of our work alongside the United States and the United Kingdom.

“Australia will again have the opportunity to showcase its sovereign developments at Exercise Maritime Big Play Pacific this week, and our work behind the scenes means we can be more open about our work to deliver these important technologies.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy MP:

"Ghost Shark is a flagship Australian success story that showcases the ingenuity of our defence industry and the value of investing in sovereign capability. Our Government opened this factory less than a year ago and Ghost Sharks capable of a range of complex missions operating far from our shores are now rolling off the line at an increasing rate into the hands of the Australian Navy.

"This announcement is yet another landmark moment that underscores Australia is a world leader in the development of autonomous undersea capabilities. It also underscores the Albanese Government’s commitment to supporting our sovereign defence industry and a future made in Australia.

“The Albanese Government is committed to building a strong sovereign industrial base that delivers advanced capability for Defence while creating highly skilled jobs for Australians."

(Aus DoD)

Launch of Two River Tugs for the Vietnamese Engineer Corps

21 Oktober 2026

Launch of the first TK300-class tugboat, featuring a 300-horsepower engine, for the Engineer Corps (photos: QDND)

QDND – On October 15, in Hai Phong, the Department of Military and Service Branch Technical Affairs (under the General Department of Logistics and Technical Affairs) held a launch ceremony for two 300-horsepower river tugs intended for the Engineer Corps. The vessels were newly constructed by Hong Ha Shipbuilding Company Limited (under the General Department of Defense Industry). Major General Do Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the General Department of Logistics and Technical Affairs, presided over the ceremony.

The two 300-horsepower river tugs were commissioned by the Department of Military and Service Branch Technical Affairs, following approval from higher authorities for their construction and subsequent assignment to the Engineer Corps.

Speaking at the ceremony, Colonel Huynh Van Dong, Deputy Director of the Department of Military and Service Branch Technical Affairs, commended the efforts of the staff and workers at Hong Ha Shipbuilding Company Limited. He also highlighted the close coordination among design consultants, supervisory consultants, and the registry authority throughout the construction, inspection, monitoring, and technical acceptance phases—all of which were completed on schedule and in compliance with technical requirements.

Colonel Huynh Van Dong instructed the construction unit to finalize the remaining components and to coordinate with relevant agencies and units to conduct inspections and formal acceptance, ensuring that the project meets all quality standards, timelines, and regulatory requirements.

Once completed and put into service, the two tugs will perform towing, pushing, and maneuvering tasks for ferries. They will also support riverine mobility operations at key locations along the Red River, the Duong River, and other waterways in Northern Vietnam. The two newly built vessels (design designation TK300) have an overall length of 17.26m, a maximum beam of 5.95m, and a full-load displacement of 74.9 tons. Each is equipped with a main engine with a power output of 257kW, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 9.5 knots, and is operated by a crew of five.

The construction of these two vessels is of significant importance, serving to incrementally enhance technical support capabilities and meet the requirements for training, combat readiness, flood and storm prevention, search and rescue operations, and other ad-hoc missions undertaken by the Engineer Corps.

(QDND)

PT Len Targetkan Instalasi 13 Radar GCI Rampung Pada 2027

21 Oktober 2026

Radar GCI GM 400 TNI AU (photos: LEN)

Bandung (ANTARA) - PT Len Industri (Persero) menargetkan instalasi 13 unit radar ground control intercept (GCI) yang akan digunakan untuk mendukung sistem pertahanan udara nasional, selesai pada 2027.

“Khusus radar sedang berjalan … [targetnya] tahun depan,” kata Direktur Bisnis dan Kerja Sama PT Len Industri Dwi Sulistiani di Bandung, Jawa Barat, Selasa.

Ia menjelaskan sejauh ini instalasi radar telah rampung di dua lokasi. “Ini memang mendukung pertahanan di kawasan timur, khususnya, yang notabene ini menjadi fokus dari Kementerian Pertahanan,” kata dia.

Menurut dia, tantangan aktivasi radar tidak hanya berkaitan dengan perangkat dan teknologi, tetapi juga kesiapan infrastruktur pendukung meliputi fasilitas operasional bagi prajurit, tempat tinggal, fasilitas pemantauan, serta ruang kendali operasi.

Namun Dwi menilai bahwa dalam pelaksanaannya, holding industri pertahanan Indonesia (Defend ID) itu mendapat dukungan Kementerian Pertahanan serta pemangku kepentingan lain, termasuk pemerintah daerah.

“Di dalam aktivasi radar ini tentunya harus bisa komunikasi, minimal di lingkup matra udara itu sudah. Tantangannya memang kita harus menuntaskan dengan matra yang lain, salah satunya laut,” ujarnya.

Radar GCI merupakan kerja sama antara pemerintah Indonesia dan Perancis. GCI tercatat menjadi radar dengan jangkauan terjauh di Indonesia, yakni lebih dari 400 kilometer.

Radar itu disebut memiliki kemampuan mendeteksi, mengukur jarak, dan mengidentifikasi objek pesawat dengan keakuratan tinggi serta dilengkapi kemampuan mengidentifikasi objek yang menjadi kawan maupun lawan/musuh atau identification friend or foe (IFF).

Pada Juli lalu, PT Len memperkenalkan implementasi radar GCI generasi terkini pertama di Indonesia yang dipasang di Banjarbaru, Kalimantan Selatan. Kemampuan deteksi jarak jauh tercatat mencapai radius 515 kilometer.

(AntaraNews)

G7 Aerospace Paparkan Konsep Malaysian Tactical Data Link (M-Link)

20 Oktober 2026

Presentasi M-Link oleh G7 Aerospace kepada ATM (photos: BPP ATM)

Persembahan Taklimat Pembangunan Sistem Indigeneous Malaysia Tactical Data Link kepada Angkatan Tentera Malaysia dan Lawatan Fasiliti G7 Aerospace Sdn Bhd

SEPANG – Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) telah menerima satu sesi persembahan daripada Syarikat G7 Aerospace Sdn. Bhd. (G7A) berkaitan cadangan pembangunan Indigenous Malaysian Tactical Data Link (M-Link) bagi meningkatkan keupayaan perkongsian maklumat taktikal serta kesalingoperasian antara pelbagai platform ATM. Sesi tersebut telah dipengerusikan oleh Mej Jen Omar bin Hj Dawami TUDM, Ketua Pengarah Perancang Pembangunan, MK ATM – BPP.

Sesi tersebut memberikan gambaran umum berkaitan konsep M-Link sebagai sistem Tactical Data Link (TDL) tempatan yang bertujuan mewujudkan format dan protokol data taktikal yang seragam bagi menyokong perkongsian maklumat antara pelbagai platform ATM.

Cadangan pembangunan turut menekankan usaha membangunkan ekosistem teknologi tempatan secara berperingkat bagi menyokong keperluan dan pembangunan keupayaan TDL ATM. Sesi ini turut dihadiri oleh wakil daripada perkhidmatan dan bahagian ATM, iaitu TDM, TLDM, TUDM, BGSP dan STRIDE.

Sesi tersebut turut disusuli dengan lawatan ke fasiliti G7A bagi memberi pendedahan kepada pihak ATM berhubung kemudahan, teknologi dan keupayaan yang dimiliki oleh syarikat. Secara keseluruhannya, sesi ini menjadi platform kepada ATM untuk mendapatkan maklumat awal serta meneliti potensi keupayaan G7A dalam menyokong pembangunan National Tactical Data Link (NTDL) ATM pada masa hadapan.

(BPP-ATM)

Air Force Officers School Conducts Live-Fire and Bombing Exercises for Pilots, Instructors, and Cadets Using Yak-130 and L-39NG Aircraft

20 Oktober 2026

Aviation technical personnel from the 940th Regiment conduct pre-flight preparations for Yak-130 aircraft (photo: PK-KQ)

On September 29, at the TB-2 firing range, the Air Force Officers School—under the Air Force and Air Defense Service—conducted live-fire and bombing exercises for pilots, instructors, and cadets using Yak-130 and L-39NG aircraft.

Aviation technical personnel from the 910th Regiment conduct pre-flight preparations for L-39NG aircraft (photo: PK-KQ)

The exercises were observed and directed by Senior Lieutenant General Pham Truong Son, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army; Lieutenant General Vu Hong Son, member of the Party Central Committee, member of the Central Military Commission, and Commander of the Air Force and Air Defense Service; Major General Bui Thien Thau, Deputy Commander of the Air Force and Air Defense Service; Major General Ta Quang Thao, Deputy Director of the Department of Military Training (General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army); along with representatives from various functional agencies of the General Staff and the Air Force and Air Defense Service.

Aviation technical personnel from Regiment 940 load a P-100 bomb onto an Yak-130 aircraft (photo: PK-KQ)

This marks the first time the Air Force Officers School has organized live-fire and bombing exercises for pilot cadets prior to their graduation, utilizing L-39NG aircraft.

Aviation technical personnel from the 940th Regiment load rockets onto Yak-130 aircraft (photo: PK-KQ)

During this exercise, pilots, instructors, and personnel from the 940th Regiment executed various sorties, including combat-style bombing and rocket launches against simple, mobile ground targets; training-focused bombing and rocket launches against simple, mobile ground targets; and complex combat-maneuver bombing and rocket launches against mobile ground targets.

Aviation technical personnel from Regiment 910 load a bomb onto an L-39NG aircraft (photo: PK-KQ)

For the 910th Regiment, instructor pilots conducted training sorties involving the delivery of practice bombs against simple, mobile ground targets.

Yak-130 aircraft from Regiment 940 takes off for its mission (photo: PK-KQ)

Thanks to meticulous preparation, rigorous training and practice, and well-coordinated operations, the instructor pilots and cadets from the Air Force Officer School participating in the exercise demonstrated steady composure and a stable mindset. They executed the required techniques and maneuvers with precision, successfully striking their targets on the very first pass. The mission was completed with excellence and absolute safety.

L-39NG aircraft from Regiment 910 takes off for its mission (photo: PK-KQ)

Notably, many young pilot cadets—participating in live-fire and live-bombing exercises for the first time—remained calm and confident. They struck their targets with great success, achieving "good" and "excellent" ratings. This underscores the professional growth of the cadets and the high quality of training provided by the Air Force Officer School. In total, 100% of the attack sorties hit their targets accurately.

Yak-130 aircraft from Regiment 940 conducting to drop the bomb (photo: PK-KQ)

This live-fire and live-bombing exercise was designed to enhance the command, coordination, and operational management capabilities of officers at all levels within the Air Force Officer School—specifically regarding the management of mixed-aircraft flight operations. 

Yak-130 aircraft from Regiment 940 fires a rocket (photo: PK-KQ)

It also served to test support systems, including aviation maintenance, airfield logistics, communications, and radar infrastructure, in the context of both combat training and actual combat operations.

L-39NG aircraft from Regiment 910 conducting to drop the bomb (photo: PK-KQ)

The exercise aimed to evaluate training outcomes, piloting proficiency, navigation skills, combat application, and the use of weaponry against ground targets (under daytime, clear-weather conditions) for the instructors and cadets of the 940th Regiment.

The bomb strikes the target (photo: PK-KQ)

Furthermore, it served to test the L-39NG aircraft’s aerial weapon systems for ground-attack missions and to assess the progress of the 910th Regiment’s transition training program for L-39NG pilots. ...serving as a basis for evaluating the quality of the school’s training and instruction, as well as the proficiency in employing aerial weaponry, to meet current operational requirements.

(PK-KQ)

Angkatan Darat Filipina Mencantumkan 7 Proyek untuk Aktivasi Brigade Tank pada Rencana 2027

20 Oktober 2026

1 Brigade Tank secara umum terdiri dari 3 sampai 4 batalyon tank, sedangkan di Filipina sendiri belum pernah ada sebelumnya (photo: Inquirer)

MANILA, Filipina — Angkatan Darat Filipina telah mencantumkan tujuh proyek pengadaan senilai P2,67 juta untuk pengaktifan Brigade Tank dalam rencana pengadaan indikatif tahun 2027, meskipun entri tersebut tidak menentukan barang atau jasa yang akan diperoleh.

Proyek-proyek tersebut diperkirakan menelan biaya P2.666.313 dan digambarkan sebagai mencakup kebutuhan operasional dan administratif unit yang baru diaktifkan, menurut Rencana Pengadaan Tahunan Indikatif/Indicative Annual Procurement Plan (IAPP) Angkatan Darat tahun 2027.

Ketujuh entri tersebut memiliki judul proyek "Pengaktifan Brigade Tank" dan mengidentifikasi HPAG 3 sebagai pengguna akhir. Anggaran masing-masing berkisar dari P5.800 hingga P976.355.

Alokasi terbesar adalah P976.355, diikuti oleh P601.000 dan P486.660. Proyek-proyek lainnya bernilai P299.830, P168.000, P128.668, dan Rp5.800.

Entri-entri tersebut mengidentifikasi pengadaan bernilai kecil sebagai metode pengadaan dan Program Pengeluaran Nasional/National Expenditure Program 2027 yang diusulkan sebagai sumber pendanaan.

Rencana tersebut menjadwalkan kegiatan pengadaan untuk bulan Oktober hingga Desember 2026. Namun, sebagai dokumen indikatif, dokumen ini tidak menetapkan bahwa pengeluaran yang diusulkan telah disetujui, bahwa kontrak telah diberikan, atau bahwa brigade tersebut telah diaktifkan.

Batalyon Tank 1 'Masikan' AD Filipina diaktifkan kembali pada April 2022, dan telah dipesankan sebanyak 18 tank roda rantai Sabrah, 10 tank roda ban 8x8, 1 kendaraan komando serta 1 kendaraan ARV (photo: Wiki)

Ketujuh entri tersebut tidak mengidentifikasi peralatan, kendaraan, atau barang lain yang spesifik yang akan dibeli, juga tidak menetapkan komposisi brigade yang direncanakan, tanggal aktivasi, atau kebutuhan pendanaan secara keseluruhan.

Brigade yang diusulkan akan mewakili pengembangan organisasi untuk pasukan lapis baja Angkatan Darat, yang saat ini diorganisasikan di bawah Divisi Lapis Baja.

Angkatan Darat mengaktifkan kembali Batalyon Tank ke-1 pada 21 April 2022, di Camp O’Donnell di Capas, Tarlac. Batalyon tersebut mengoperasikan tank ringan Sabrah yang diperoleh di bawah program modernisasi militer.

Entri pengadaan saja tidak menetapkan apakah Brigade Tank yang diusulkan akan menerima tank tambahan atau aset lapis baja lainnya, atau apakah unit dan peralatan yang ada akan menjadi bagian darinya. dari organisasinya.

Angkatan Darat belum mengumumkan secara publik pengaktifan brigade tersebut.

Manila Times telah meminta komentar dari Angkatan Darat mengenai komposisi brigade yang diusulkan, jadwal pengaktifan, dan persyaratan peralatan. Tanggapan mereka belum segera tersedia.

(Manila Times)

The 416th Armored Brigade: Enhancing Combat Power to Firmly Defend a Strategic Region

19 Oktober 2026

The 416th Armored Brigade is an armored military unit under Military Region 9 of the Vietnam People's Army, operating combat vehicles such as PT-76 amphibious light tanks and BRDM-2 reconnaissance vehicles (all photos: QDND)

Upholding its heroic traditions, the 416th Armored Brigade (Military Region 9) has consistently improved its overall quality and combat power in recent years, making a significant contribution to the firm defense of the Mekong Delta—a vital strategic region.

From September 24 to October 8, the 416th Armored Brigade conducted assessments to evaluate the results of its 2026 training program. Throughout the testing process, crew members demonstrated steady composure, high proficiency in operating their weapons and equipment, and seamless coordination among the members of each vehicle crew.

The assessment results accurately reflected the troops' competence in mastering their equipment and their overall operational readiness. In the exercise involving firing at intermittent targets while maneuvering in PT-76 tanks, 100% of the crews met the requirements, with 91.3% achieving "good" or "excellent" ratings.

In the exercise involving firing at intermittent targets while on the move (conducted both day and night), 100% of the crews performed well, earning an "excellent" rating for the module. Furthermore, in the comprehensive driving test—which required navigating obstacles over complex terrain (both day and night)—100% of the crews achieved "good" or "excellent" ratings, while ensuring absolute safety for both personnel and equipment. In the amphibious driving test, 100% of the vehicle crews met the requirements, with over 80% achieving "good" or "excellent" ratings.

The success of this evaluation serves as a vivid testament to the spirit of solidarity and the firm determination—encapsulated by the motto "Master your weapons and equipment; excel in driving and marksmanship"—demonstrated by the officers and soldiers of the 416th Armored Brigade. This establishes a solid foundation for the Brigade to continue building a unit that is comprehensively strong, "exemplary and outstanding," and fully prepared to undertake and successfully complete any assigned mission.

To achieve these results, the Brigade’s Party Committee and Command provided close, comprehensive leadership and direction for all training activities from the very beginning of the year. Specialized staff sections proactively and effectively advised on the development of training plans, as well as the organized and rigorous execution of training programs.

Party committees and commanders at all levels took the initiative to tailor training content, ensuring comprehensive and in-depth instruction for both individual crew members and the crews as a whole. This enabled the personnel to master their individual skills while honing their ability to coordinate and operate seamlessly as a cohesive combat unit. 

(QDND)