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)

The Ministry of Defense Orders the Decommissioning of 10 Navy Ships

26 September 2026

Royal Thai Navy Tapi Class Anti-Submarine Corvette, HTMS Khirirat (FF-432) (photo: Defensopedia)

On September 24, 2026, the Ministry of Defence issued an order to decommission ships that are no longer cost-effective. This follows the signing of an order by Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defence, on September 23, 2026, to retire several Royal Thai Navy vessels from active service, effective October 1, 2026. This decision was made because some ships have been in service for a long time, are in dilapidated condition, and require high maintenance costs compared to the benefits of continued use

.

The released list includes: HTMS Khirirat (frigate), HTMS Similan (large supply ship), HTMS Suk and HTMS Chanthra (large survey ships), Patrol Boats T.81, T.82, and T.83 (coastal patrol vessels), Patrol Boat T.243 (coastal patrol vessel), and River Patrol Boats L.K.15 and L.141, totaling 10 vessels.

HTMS Similian (AOE 871) replenishment oiler (photo: GlobalSecurity)

HTMS Khirirat (hull number 432) is the longest-serving ship in its class, having been commissioned on August 10, 1974, after being built by a US company. It is currently approximately 52 years old, and the 1st Frigate Squadron has announced plans to decommission it on September 28, 2026, marking the end of a warship's service after more than half a century.

As for HTMS Similan, it is a large supply ship, not a vessel over 50 years old as some reports suggest. According to publicly available information from the Royal Thai Navy, it was commissioned on August 12, 1996, making it approximately 30 years old. Therefore, this decommissioning reflects an assessment of the ship's condition and cost-effectiveness for maintenance on a case-by-case basis, not solely based on age.

HTMS Suk 812 large survey vessels (photo: murphygodzilla)

While HTMS Suk and HTMS Chanthra are large survey vessels tasked with maritime exploration, HTMS T.81, T.82, T.83, and T.243 are patrol vessels used for security and surveillance in coastal areas. HTMS L.K.15 and L.141 are smaller river patrol vessels. Therefore, the decommissioning encompasses both large vessels and those supporting specific area missions.

The primary reason, according to the Ministry of Defense's order, was the deteriorated condition of the ships due to prolonged official service. Repairs were expensive and not cost-effective for continued use. Therefore, the approach was changed from using budget funds to repair old ships to managing naval forces in accordance with available missions and resources.

HTMS Chanthara 811 large survey vessels (photo Teachers)

After decommissioning, the Royal Thai Navy plans to follow the regulations of the Ministry of Finance by auctioning the ships. If they cannot be sold, they may be dismantled and their parts sold, with the proceeds returned to the treasury. For any unsold wreckage, the Royal Thai Navy may consider donating it to government agencies, such as for the construction of artificial reefs, subject to the relevant procedures and regulations.

This decommissioning, therefore, does not mean the end of all naval missions, but rather the gradual removal of older vessels or those that are no longer cost-effective to repair. The Royal Thai Navy must manage its force structure and support vessels to align with future missions, especially under budgetary constraints and the high cost of maintaining older ships.

Tor T.81 patrol vessel (photo: ThaiSeaFearer)

For HTMS Khirirat, which has a service history spanning over five decades, its decommissioning on October 1st will mark a significant turning point for the Royal Thai Navy's older frigates. The subsequent procedures for managing government assets will then follow.

(ChiangMaiNews)

Pangkormar Tinjau Ranpur AAV, Perkuat Kesiapan Kekuatan Amfibi Korps Marinir

26 Mei 2026

Pangkormar meninjau ranpur AAV ke Pasmar 1 (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., memastikan kesiapan awal 12 unit Ranpur Amfibi AAV M-35 gelombang pertama yang telah tiba di Garase Menkav 1 Marinir, Kesatrian Marinir Hartono, Cilandak, Jakarta Selatan, Rabu (23/09/2026). Kehadiran kendaraan tempur tersebut merupakan bagian dari pemenuhan 35 unit AAV untuk memperkuat kemampuan operasi amfibi Korps Marinir TNI Angkatan Laut.

Didampingi Pejabat Utama Korps Marinir, Pangkormar meninjau langsung kondisi 12 unit AAV M-35 yang sehari sebelumnya tiba melalui Terminal Tanjung Priok, Jakarta Utara. Hadir dalam kegiatan tersebut Kas Kormar Mayjen TNI (Mar) Suherlan, Danpasmar 1 Mayjen TNI (Mar) Ili Dasili, S.E., para Asisten Pangkormar, Sahli A Bid Ops Pangkormar, perwakilan US Marines, perwakilan Kementerian Pertahanan RI, perwakilan Disadal, para Dankolak, serta Dansatlak Resimen Kavaleri Korps Marinir.

Kehadiran AAV M-35 memperkuat kemampuan pasukan pendarat dalam melaksanakan pergerakan dari laut menuju darat. Dengan kemampuan membawa personel dan perlengkapan tempur serta mobilitas di medan perairan dan daratan, AAV menjadi salah satu unsur penting dalam meningkatkan kemampuan operasi amfibi Korps Marinir melalui Resimen Kavaleri Korps Marinir.

Setelah kedatangan 12 unit gelombang pertama, pemenuhan AAV akan dilanjutkan secara bertahap hingga mencapai 35 unit. Kehadiran kendaraan tempur amfibi tersebut menjadi langkah nyata Korps Marinir TNI Angkatan Laut dalam memperkuat kekuatan pendarat yang modern, memiliki mobilitas tinggi, dan siap melaksanakan operasi dari laut menuju sasaran di darat.

(Korps Marinir)

AMX Pegase 2026, TNI AU dan FASF Perkuat Interoperabilitas Kekuatan Udara

25 September 2026

Latihan AMX Pegase 2026 FASF bersama TNI AU (photos: TNI AU)

TNI AU. TNI Angkatan Udara bersama French Air and Space Force (FASF) memperkuat interoperabilitas kekuatan udara melalui pelaksanaan Air Maneuver Exercise (AMX) Pegase Tahun Anggaran 2026 di Terminal Selatan Lanud Halim Perdanakusuma, Jakarta, Senin (21/9/2026).

Latihan diawali dengan penerjunan 10 personel dari Denmatra 1 Brigade Parako 1 Pasgat menggunakan pesawat Airbus A 400 M TNI AU. Rangkaian latihan kemudian dilanjutkan dengan simulasi Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) yang melibatkan pesawat Airbus A 330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), dua pesawat Rafale FASF, serta dua pesawat Rafale TNI AU.

Komandan Skadron Udara 12 Letkol Pnb Arie Prasetyo menjelaskan bahwa simulasi AAR merupakan salah satu materi latihan untuk meningkatkan interoperabilitas antarkekuatan udara sekaligus memperluas jangkauan operasional pesawat.

“Dalam latihan ini, kita mencoba simulasi air refueling untuk meningkatkan kemampuan interoperabilitas sekaligus menambah jangkauan pesawat,” ujarnya.

Pelaksanaan AMX Pegase 2026 menjadi bagian dari kerja sama pertahanan antara TNI AU dan FASF melalui latihan bersama yang melibatkan berbagai unsur kekuatan udara. Kegiatan tersebut juga menjadi sarana untuk meningkatkan kemampuan personel dalam melaksanakan operasi udara secara terintegrasi.

Melalui latihan bersama tersebut, TNI AU dan FASF terus memperkuat kemampuan interoperabilitas, kesiapan operasional, serta pemahaman prosedur dalam pelaksanaan operasi udara bersama.

(TNI AU)

MQ-4C Triton and MC-55A Peregrine Achieved Initial Operational Capability

25 September 2026

A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft representing No. 11, No. 12, and No. 292 Squadrons (centre), an MQ-4C Triton from No. 9 Squadron (left), and an MC-55A Peregrine from No. 10 Squadron representing the Air "ISR Family" of jets in No. 92 Wing at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia (photo: Aus DoD)

Major milestones for Australia's air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities

The Albanese Government is delivering a major uplift to Australia’s air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, with three key Royal Australian Air Force platforms reaching significant milestones within six months.

Together, these milestones represent a significant strengthening of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) ability to monitor and understand activity across Australia’s region and respond to emerging threats.

Consistent with the 2026 National Defence Strategy, these investments are delivering a complementary mix of crewed and uncrewed aircraft able to provide persistent surveillance, intelligence collection, maritime patrol and electronic warfare effects across Australia’s primary area of military interest.

A Royal Australian Air Force MQ-4C Triton taxies at RAAF Base Tindal (photo: Aus DoD)

MQ-4C Triton: Initial Operational Capability

The MQ-4C Triton has achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC), following extensive operational testing and evaluation.

Operating from RAAF Bases Tindal and Edinburgh and supported by Northrop Grumman Australia, the MQ-4C Triton fleet is now providing a powerful new contribution to Australia’s long-range surveillance capability.

With the MQ-4C Triton now at IOC, Air Force has significantly strengthened its ability to deliver persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance effects across Australia’s primary area of military interest. 

The MQ-4C Triton is based at RAAF Base Tindal and operated by Air Force’s Number 9 Squadron, located at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia.

A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon Aircraft (A47-008) at Clark Air Base, Philippines during a Maritime Domain Awareness Activity (photo: Aus DoD)

P-8A Poseidon: Completion of the fleet, arrival of the first enhanced aircraft and commencement of the first domestic modification of the aircraft

The 14th and final P-8A Poseidon aircraft arrived in Australia in May, completing delivery of the P-8A Poseidon fleet and strengthening the ADF’s maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare capabilities. 

The first of two P-8A Poseidon aircraft upgraded with Increment 3 Block 2 enhancements has also arrived in Australia, providing enhanced operational capability while maintaining interoperability with the United States Navy.

The remaining 12 P-8A Poseidon fleet will undergo these upgrades in Australia, supported by Boeing Defence Australia and local industry partners at the recently opened $200 million Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

This work will build sovereign capacity to maintain and upgrade this critical capability in Australia while creating further opportunities for Australian defence industry.

Australia operates 14 P-8A Poseidon aircraft, based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia, and operated by Numbers 11, 12 and 292 Squadrons.

The third Royal Australian Air Force MC-55A Peregrine lands for the first time at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia (photo: Aus DoD)

MC-55A Peregrine: Initial Operational Capability and upcoming arrival of the fourth and final aircraft 

The MC-55A Peregrine has achieved IOC, following extensive operational testing and evaluation.

The first three MC-55A Peregrine aircraft have now been delivered, with the fourth and final aircraft due to arrive later this year.

This will further expand Air Force’s ability to deliver integrated intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare effects in support of Defence operations.

The MC-55A Peregrine is based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia and operated by Air Force’s Number 10 Squadron.

These milestones also reinforce South Australia’s growing importance to Australia’s national defence.

RAAF Base Edinburgh is at the centre of Australia’s air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance enterprise, supporting advanced Defence capabilities, highly skilled jobs and an increasingly sophisticated sovereign defence industry.

South Australia’s defence industry generated a record $2 billion in economic activity last financial year.

Quotes attributable to the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“These significant air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance milestones demonstrate the Albanese Government’s commitment to our air intelligence, surveillance end reconnaissance.

“South Australia is central to this effort. RAAF Base Edinburgh is becoming one of the most important hubs for advanced Defence capability in the country, supporting our national security and highly skilled Australian jobs.

“The Albanese Government is investing approximately $5.5 billion over the decade to continue to enhance the ADF’s air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and maritime patrol and response capabilities that will create additional opportunities for Australian industry well into the future.”

Quotes attributable to the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell DSC, CSC, OAM:

“Our people have been at the heart of delivering the air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability for Australia, demonstrating exceptional skill, professionalism and dedication in bringing these complex systems into service.

“I congratulate our whole Air Domain team, from across industry, the public service and Air Force for their exceptional work to deliver these cutting edge capabilities for Australia. 

“The achievements announced today mark a significant step forward in Air Force capability, delivering persistent, long-range maritime surveillance that strengthens our ability to protect Australia’s interests and deliver highly effective air power as part of the integrated, focused force.”

(Aus DoD)

TNI AL Harap Kapal Induk Dilengkapi Pesawat Yang Bisa "Take Off" Vertikal

25 September 2026

Pesawat tempur F-35B dan Sea Harrier AL Italia (photo: Marina Militare)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Kepala Staf TNI AL (KSAL) Laksamana TNI Muhammad Ali berharap pihaknya bisa mendapatkan pesawat tempur yang memiliki kemampuan take off atau lepas landas secara vertikal untuk melengkapi kekuatan KRI Sriwijaya-100.

"Ya harapannya sih seperti itu. Kalau Angkatan Laut maunya seperti itu. Tapi tergantung kondisi anggaran dan lain-lain ya," kata Ali saat ditanya wartawan soal rencana mengincar pesawat tempur Harrier untuk kapal induk di Pelabuhan Tanjung Priok, Jakarta Utara, Kamis.

Menurut Ali, landasan pesawat yang ada di deck KRI Sriwijaya-100 memungkinkan untuk dipakai pesawat tempur lepas landas.

"Kapal ini mampu untuk didaratkan dan melepaslandaskan pesawat tempur. Dulu (saat masih digunakan AL Italia) digunakan untuk Sea Harrier dan F35B ya," kata Ali.

ITS Garibaldi ketika masih membawa pesawat Sea Harrier (photo: Marina Militare)

Kendati demikian, Ali menilai kehadiran pesawat tempur belum terlalu dibutuhkan karena kapal induk ini difokuskan untuk menjalankan misi kemanusiaan atau operasi militer selain perang (OMSP).

Ali lebih memfokuskan untuk menempatkan banyak helikopter dan pesawat tanpa awak atau drone di atas kapal.

Dengan demikian, helikopter yang ada di atas kapal induk bisa dikerahkan untuk membawa logistik dari kapal induk ke lokasi-lokasi bencana atau operasi OMSP lainnya.

"Semua jenis helikopter dan helikopter Angkatan Laut, Angkatan Darat dan Angkatan Udara bisa take off dan landing dari kapal ini," kata Ali. (Antara)

KRI Sriwijaya-100 (photo: Aktualita)

KRI Sriwijaya-100 Resmi Perkuat TNI AL

KRI Sriwijaya (SWJ)-100 resmi memperkuat jajaran TNI Angkatan Laut setelah diresmikan Panglima TNI Jenderal TNI Agus Subiyanto di Tanjung Priok, Jakarta Utara, Kamis (24/9). Peresmian turut dirangkaikan dengan pengukuhan Komandan KRI Sriwijaya-100.

Kapal yang sebelumnya bernama ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi ini menjadi kapal induk pertama TNI AL sekaligus bagian dari modernisasi kekuatan pertahanan nasional. Kehadiran KRI Sriwijaya-100 memperkuat kemampuan sebagai pusat komando operasi laut, sarana diplomasi pertahanan, dan dukungan misi kemanusiaan.

Momentum ini menandai langkah strategis Indonesia membangun kekuatan maritim yang modern dan berdaya tangkal untuk menjaga kedaulatan serta memperkuat peran Indonesia di tingkat regional dan global. (Kemhan)