Ujian Penerbangan Pertama ANKA-THS di Pangkalan Udara Labuan

06 April 2026

Penerbangan pertama ANKA-THS TUDM (photo: MMR)

LABUAN – Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM) melalui No 11 Skuadron telah melakar sejarah baru dalam pemodenan TUDM dimana ujian penerbangan pertama pesawat ANKA-THS telah berjaya dilaksanakan di Pangkalan Udara Labuan pada petang semalam.

Ujian penerbangan selama 3 jam tersebut merupakan sebahagian daripada persediaan sebelum penyerahan aset baharu kepada pihak TUDM. Kejayaan penerbangan sulung pesawat ANKA-THS ini adalah hasil kerjasama dan koordinasi yang jitu antara Markas Pemerintahan Operasi Udara (MPOU), Markas Wilayah Udara 2 (MAWILUD 2), MTU-Perancangan & Pembangunan, Pangkalan Udara Labuan serta agensi lain seperti Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), Bahagian Geospatial Pertahanan (BGSP), Suruhanjaya Komunikasi dan Multimedia Malaysia (SKMM) dan Jabatan Kaji Cuaca Malaysia (MET Malaysia).

Penerbangan pertama ANKA-THS TUDM (photo: TUDM)

Sistem pesawat ANKA-THS yang dibangunkan oleh Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) bakal memperkukuh keupayaan Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) TUDM dalam melaksanakan pemantauan strategik di Wilayah Timur serta kawasan kepentingan negara seperti Laut China Selatan.

Pesawat ANKA-THS ini mampu melaksanakan pemantauan secara tepat dalam pelbagai keadaan cuaca, siang dan malam dengan keupayaan durasi penerbangan melebihi 20 jam. Pesawat ini merupakan sebahagian daripada Fasa 1 Pelan Perolehan Strategik Pertahanan Negara (PSPN) di bawah Rancangan Malaysia Ke-12 (RMK12) serta selari dengan pelan pembangunan keupayaan TUDM melalui CAP55.

Penerbangan pertama ANKA-THS TUDM (photo: TUDM)

Perolehan aset baharu ini juga secara langsung akan meningkatkan keupayaan TUDM dan Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) dalam melaksanakan operasi pemantauan strategik, pengawasan maritim serta pengumpulan maklumat perisikan, sekali gus memperkukuh kesiapsiagaan pertahanan dan kedaulatan negara.

(TUDM)

Rheinmetall and Boeing Defence Australia Partner on German MQ-28 Ghost Bat

05 April 2026

MQ-28 Ghost Bat will make a significant contribution to the operational capability of the German Air Force (photo: Aus DoD)

Rheinmetall and Boeing Australia have entered into a strategic partnership to offer the MQ-28 Ghost Bat as a mature solution for the Bundeswehr’s procurement of collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) into Germany by 2029. 

Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat has completed more than 150 flights and has been designed, developed and manufactured in Australia for the Royal Australian Air Force and other allied nations.  

A proven autonomous CCA, it will act as a force multiplier, teaming with manned platforms to provide critical combat mass in highly contested airspace. Its modular design and autonomous behaviours support a broad range of mission capabilities, including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and the integration of weapons systems.  

Under the partnership, Rheinmetall, with its experience in 5th-generation fighter aircraft and unmanned systems and its strong industrial base, will be the system manager for MQ-28 in Germany, overseeing system integration into existing and future command and weapon systems of the Bundeswehr, adaptation to national requirements and ensuring operational, maintenance, and logistical support.  

“With Boeing Defence Australia as a partner, we are laying the groundwork to optimally tailor the MQ-28 to the Bundeswehr’s requirements,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. “As a system integrator, we ensure that integration, operation, and further development come from a single source while simultaneously strengthening industrial value creation in the form of an industrial hub in Germany and Europe. We see revenue potential for Rheinmetall in the range of three-digit millions of euros.”  

The strategic partnership ensures a high level of national and sovereign value creation and supply security in Germany. 

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat’s open, modular system architecture allows for continuous upgrades and rapid capability growth. Rheinmetall will support a dedicated digital environment in country, where engineers from both Germany and Australia contribute, test and validate new software and hardware innovations. 

“This is not just a partnership between our companies but between two great countries, Germany and Australia, who share a similar strategy for integrating collaborative combat aircraft into their air forces,” said Dr. Brendan Nelson, president of Boeing Global. “Our partnership will see Germany’s industrial base leverage years of Australian innovation and investment to field and evolve MQ-28 for the Bundeswehr.” 

The collaboration supports joint development, testing and the systematic growth of German content on the Australian-developed platform and offers the Bundeswehr considerable time savings in the deployment of a CCA capability by 2029.

(Rheinmetall)

ST Engineering Secures ADSB Sub-Contract for Kuwait’s New Missile Gun Boat Fleet

05 April 2026

Falaj 3 Missile Gun Boat (image: ADSB)

Singapore – ST Engineering’s Marine Business has secured a six-year sub-contract valued at about S$600 million from Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) to design and supply the platform systems for a fleet of eight Missile Gun Boats that ADSB is constructing for the Kuwait Naval Force. In addition to delivering the full suite of platform design, integration and technical expertise, ST Engineering will build three of the vessels at its Singapore shipyard. 

This contract follows an earlier award in 2021 by ADSB for four similar Offshore Patrol Vessels for the UAE Navy. This win highlights the strong partnership with ADSB, as well as the Group’s deep naval engineering capabilities and its proven track record in delivering complex naval platforms. 

“This win strengthens ST Engineering’s growing momentum in international defence markets, underscoring the Group’s ability to deliver sophisticated naval platforms and capture rising demand for advanced maritime security solutions in the Middle East,” said Tan Leong Peng, President of the Marine business at ST Engineering.

“We are honoured that the Kuwait Naval Force has chosen our Fearless-class design for their new Missile Gun Boat. The growing acceptance of our design across the Middle East, in Oman, UAE and now Kuwait, reflects customer confidence in its robust operational performance and adaptability”, he added.

Fearless Patrol Vessel (infographic: ST Engineering)

The Missile Gun Boats will be based on ST Engineering’s proprietary Fearless-class patrol vessel, purpose-built for versatility and reliability which is well suited for operations in the Middle East. 

The design features high redundancy for critical systems to maximise mission readiness and supports continuous operations. The vessels will also incorporate advanced platform systems that enhance navigation precision, manoeuvrability, enabling high performance in littoral and blue water deployments, prolonged patrols and naval duties across challenging maritime environments. 

Drawing on over 50 years of expertise in naval vessel design and engineering, ST Engineering is a leading provider of turnkey naval shipbuilding. Its Marine business continues to invest in smart technologies, enabling the constructing of advanced, mission-ready platforms for modern naval forces.

(STEngineering)

RIA Novosti: Indonesia would Like to Purchase Russian Submarines in the Future

05 April 2026

Petropavlovsk Kamchatsky B-274 submarine (photo: IDM)

JAKARTA – RIA Novosti. The Indonesian Navy would like to acquire Russian submarines and other Russian equipment in the future, Indonesian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Muhammad Ali told RIA Novosti.

On Tuesday, the head of the Indonesian Navy visited ships of the Russian Pacific Fleet, which are in Jakarta on a business visit. Specifically, Muhammad Ali inspected the submarine "Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky," which is part of the detachment.

"In fact, the Indonesian Navy has long used Soviet equipment, dating back to Soviet times—not only ships, but also aircraft and submarines. And in the future, we would like to once again acquire Russian equipment, including submarines, especially the modernized Project 636 Varshavyanka submarines," stated Muhammad Ali.

He also signed the book of honorary visitors to the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky submarine, noting that cooperation between the Indonesian and Russian navies is important for regional stability.

The Russian and Indonesian sides exchanged commemorative gifts. The head of the Indonesian Navy informed the Pacific Fleet detachment commander , Yevgeny Myasoedov, that he would like to visit Vladivostok and also invited the Russian sailors to visit the island of Bali.

It was previously reported that a detachment of ships from the Russian Pacific Fleet made a business call at the port of Tanjung Priok in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. Russia and Indonesia later plan to conduct joint maneuvers and communications training.

(RIA Novosti)

US Approved Sale of 45 M30A2 GMLRS-Alternative Warhead

04 April 2026

GMLRS-AW multiple launch rocket system ammunition (photo: Lockheed Martin)

The U.S. Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Singapore to buy Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System-Alternative Warhead and related equipment. The estimated total cost is $83.14 million.

The Government of Singapore has requested to buy forty-five (45) M30A2 guided multiple launch rocket system-alternative warhead pods.  The following non-major defense equipment items will also be included:  telemetry kits; engineering services; technical assistance; and other related elements of logistics and program support.  

This proposed sale will enhance the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a strategic partner that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Asia.

The proposed sale will improve Singapore’s defensive capability to shield the allies who train and operate within their borders, improve its ability to meet current and future threats, and increase regional stability.  Singapore will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin, located in Bethesda, Maryland.

(US DoS)

Exercise Kakadu Makes History in the Harbour

04 April 2026

Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review (KFR) 2026 (photos: Aus DoD)

Vessels from 19 nations sailed into Sydney Harbour on March 21 for the Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review (KFR), commemorating 125 years since the foundation of Australia’s Navy.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn reviewed the vessels from on board Navy’s survey vessel, HMAS Leeuwin.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond and a constellation of admirals, including participating nations’ chiefs of navy, accompanied Ms Mostyn.

KRI Martadinata 331 from Indonesia (photo: Aus DoD)

The review was part of the wider Exercise Kakadu, the Royal Australian Navy’s premier multinational maritime engagement exercise, conducted biennially to strengthen maritime security cooperation, enhance interoperability and build partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.

Mr Marles highlighted the historic scale of the KFR.

“Last week marked the largest naval review in Sydney Harbour in more than a decade, with 18 partner nations joining Australia and an unprecedented range of vessels on display,” Mr Marles said.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Mogami Class Frigate JS Kumano (photo: Aus DoD)

“Partners from across the Indo Pacific were represented, including the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and India, along with South-East Asian nations such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

“For the first time, Exercise Kakadu included a Vietnamese ship, alongside the largest gathering of Guardian-class patrol vessels and a Japanese Mogami class vessel.”

Over the course of the day, 31 naval vessels entered Sydney Harbour for the review.

USS Fitzgerald 62 of the US Navy (photo: Aus DoD)

"This is an ideal place to commemorate all of that service, all of the servicemen and women who have stood the watch before us, and to pay a nod to those who will serve in the future fleet.”

Navy’s flagship HMAS Canberra led the main division at dawn and passed the hallowed mast of HMAS Sydney I at Bradley’s Head as personnel hoisted the Australian white ensign in a poignant ceremonial colours ceremony.

Vice Admiral Hammond spoke about the significance of the KFR and of celebrating in Sydney.

BRP Diego Silang 07 of the Philippines Navy (photo: Aus DoD)

“This is the first time we’ve brought Kakadu participants here to Sydney Harbour,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.

“And the entry this morning was pretty spectacular.”

The final division of ships entered the Harbour mid-afternoon, led by HMAS Stuart, passing and saluting Leeuwin as multiple Navy and Air Force aerial displays flew overhead.

KD Lekir 26 of the Royal Malaysian Navy (photo: Aus DoD)

Then Leeuwin, ferrying the Governor-General and her constellation of admirals, reviewed the gathered ships, taking a salute and a cheer ship from each.

Vice Admiral Hammond also spoke to the 125th anniversary.

“One hundred and 25 years of naval service commenced in March of 1901 with the establishment of the Commonwealth Naval Force,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.

Royal Thai Navy ship HTMS Naresuan 421 (photo: Aus DoD)

“In 1911, we were conferred with the title Royal Australian Navy from His Majesty the King, and then in 1913 we witnessed the arrival of the first fleet unit here in Sydney Harbour.

“So, this is an ideal place to commemorate all of that service, all of the servicemen and women who have stood the watch before us, and to pay a nod to those who will serve in the future fleet.”

Following the KFR, vessels remained alongside Garden Island Defence Precinct for several days.

RSS Intrepid 69 of the Republic of Singapore Navy (photo: Aus DoD)

Ship’s companies explored Sydney and surrounds and engaged in a multi-national sports day before the main Kakadu exercise commenced off the east coast of Australia.

“What the participants are particularly looking forward to is the opportunity to exercise everything from disaster relief and constabulary operations, right up to the higher end of warfighting skills that we need to practise with our allies and partners,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.

VPN Quang Trung 016 of the Vietnamese People's Navy (photo: Aus DoD)

“The Fleet Review highlights the depth of our partnerships across the region, demonstrating the strength of the relationships and the importance of working together to ensure a secure maritime domain.

“For 125 years, Australia’s Navy has defended our nation, protected our maritime approaches, and supported regional stability, but we have never done it alone. Our partners and allies have played a critical role in our 125-year history.”

(Aus DoD)

Indonesia-Singapura Selesaikan Latma Joint Minex Pandu 2026

04 April 2026

Latma Joint Minex Pandu 2026 (photos: TNI AL, RSN)

Jakarta -- Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Laut (TNI AL) sukses melaksanakan Latihan Bersama (Latma) Joint Minex Pandu 2026 yang berlangsung pada 25 Maret hingga 1 April 2026. Latihan ini digelar di tiga lokasi strategis, yakni Changi Naval Base, Singapura pada fase pelabuhan (harbour phase), perairan Bintan pada fase laut (sea phase), serta Kodaeral IV Batam pada fase penutup (post exercise phase).

Dalam latihan tersebut, TNI AL mengerahkan sejumlah unsur, di antaranya KRI Pulau Fani-731 dan KRI Pulau Rangsang - 727, Komando Pasukan Katak (Kopaska). Sementara itu, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) turut berpartisipasi dengan menghadirkan RSS Punggol dan RSS Bedok.

Rangkaian kegiatan latihan yang dibuka melalui opening ceremony yang dihadiri oleh Danguskamla Koarmada l Laksma TNI Dedi Komarudin, diawali dengan harbour phase pada 25 hingga 27 Maret 2026, yang diisi dengan berbagai aktivitas seperti upacara pembukaan, olahraga bersama, interaksi antar pelaut, kunjungan kapal (cross platform visit), perencanaan latihan, Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), serta pengecekan sistem dan komunikasi.

Selanjutnya, pada fase laut yang berlangsung 28 hingga 30 Maret 2026, para peserta melaksanakan berbagai manuver dan latihan taktis, antara lain manoeuvre exercise (Manex), flaghoist, breakthrough, penanaman ranjau (laying of mine shape), exploratory hunting, hingga latihan penembakan senjata ringan dan meriam (small arm firing dan gun exercise). Selain itu, dilakukan pula latihan transfer personel (PXP transfer), flash exercise, dan photo exercise.

Memasuki fase penutup pada 31 Maret hingga 1 April 2026 di Batam, kegiatan difokuskan pada evaluasi menyeluruh melalui hot washup, penyusunan laporan, courtesy call, exercise debrief, serta upacara penutupan.

(TNI AL)