Visionary Machines and Hanwha Defence Australia Advance Joint Counter-Drone Capability Assessment for Redback IFV

04 Oktober 2026

HDA’s AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle used in the joint development activity (photo: HDA)

Australian counter-drone technology company, Visionary Machines, and Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) have entered into a new phase of joint development, assessing counter-drone sensing capability on HDA’s Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) using Visionary Machines’ Pandion™ Sentinel drone detection and tracking technology.

Uncrewed aerial systems have become one of the most persistent threats facing land forces, changing how armies plan, move and fight on the modern battlefield. Global demand for counter-drone capability reflects that shift. For Visionary Machines and HDA, that growth curve represents a significant opportunity to assess sovereign Australian sensing technology integrated to a combat platform with a heritage proven on the international stage.

The joint development activity is focused on exploring how Pandion™ Sentinel autonomous sensing capabilities could support force protection and situational awareness for land combat vehicles operating in increasingly complex environments.

This work builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Visionary Machines, HDA and Hanwha Systems at the Avalon International Airshow in March 2025, which established a framework for identifying and developing opportunities that bring together Australian innovation and leading defence platforms. Through this relationship, the companies have been working together to assess how sovereign technologies can contribute to future defence capability outcomes.

The activity reflects a shared commitment to advancing solutions that address emerging global threats, while supporting the continued growth of Australia’s sovereign defence industry. By combining Visionary Machines’ drone detection expertise with HDA’s Redback IFV, the companies are working to demonstrate the potential for enhanced counter-drone awareness in land combat environments.

The collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to local capability, industry partnership, and the development of advanced technologies within Australia’s defence ecosystem.

Visionary Machines and HDA will be represented at the Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition, running from 6 to 8 October 2026 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“Drones now pose one of the most persistent threats to land forces anywhere in the world and this collaboration with Hanwha Defence Australia is about making sure Australia stays at the forefront of this innovation.”

“For Visionary Machines, it’s a chance to demonstrate how sovereign Australian technology can be matched with a platform already proven on the international stage, and we’re pleased to be continuing that work with HDA.”

(Visionary Machines)

Hunter AFV Takes Part in Exercise Wallaby 2026 (XWB) in Australia and Exercise Panzer Strike (XPS) in Germany

04 Oktober 2026

Hunter AFV during XWB and XPS 2026 (photos: The Singapore Army)

Exercise Wallaby 2026 (XWB) in Australia

In September 26, our soldiers from 42 SAR made history by completing the first-ever Hunter Battalion Army Training Evaluation Centre (ATEC) evaluation at Exercise Wallaby 2026 (XWB).

Across the vast terrain of Shoalwater Bay Training Area, our soldiers put the Hunter’s capabilities to the test, integrating digital battle planning, armoured manoeuvre and combined-arms operations in a demanding training environment.

This milestone was made possible by the commitment of every soldier and supporting entity who trained, fought and pushed together. (The Singapore Army)

Exercise Panzer Strike (XPS) in Germany

Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing visited Exercise Panzer Strike (XPS) at the Oberlausitz Military Training Area (OMTA) in Germany yesterday, where he engaged our soldiers and received briefs on the training conducted by the School of Armour.

During his visit, Mr Chan experienced the Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) first-hand by firing live rounds from the platform. He also observed our Tankees from the Tank Commander Wing (TCW) conducting their Tank Platoon Armour Live Firing System (ALFS) on the Leopard 2SG (L2SG), putting their skills and platoon coordination to the test.

Throughout XPS, cadets from the School of Armour have been undergoing both Hunter and Tank ALFS, sharpening their competencies as future Armoured Infantry and Tank commanders through demanding live-firing training.

This year marks the 17th edition of XPS and 10 years of SAF training at OMTA. At approximately a quarter the size of Singapore, the expansive training area allows our Armour forces to train on a larger scale and execute more complex missions.

Whether Armoured Infantry or Tank, our cadets train with the same purpose — to build the confidence, competence and readiness to lead our Armour forces. (The Singapore Army)

PCG Commissioned New Vessel Donated from Taiwan

04 Oktober 2026

BRP Sarangani (6177) (photos: PTV, PCG)

Former Taiwan Coast Guard vessel Kinmen (CG123) has been commissioned by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as BRP Sarangani (6177).

The fully refurbished 61-meter-long vessel was acquired by the We Protect Our Seas (WPS) Foundation and donated to the PCG “at no cost.”

“Our objective was straightforward: if we could bring a capable vessel to the Philippine Coast Guard without asking Filipino taxpayers to foot the bill, we should find a way to make it happen,” said Dr. Jeffrey Ordaniel, President and CEO of the WPS Foundation, in a statement today, Oct. 2. 

The WPS Foundation also thanked its partners in Taiwan, including the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, for their assistance in facilitating the transfer.

(PTV)

Kapal MPMS 1 Diluncurkan di Turkiye

04 Oktober 2026

Kapal MPMS 1 diluncurkan di Desan Shipyard, Turkiye (photos: APMM)

TURKIYE – Usaha pemodenan armada Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia (Maritim Malaysia) mencatat satu lagi pencapaian penting menerusi pelancaran Kapal Misi Pelbagai Guna Pertama (Multi Purpose Mission Ship – MPMS 1) di Desan Shipyard, Türkiye, semalam.

Majlis pelancaran tersebut disempurnakan Menteri Dalam Negeri Malaysia, Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail bersama Menteri Dalam Negeri Türkiye, His Excellency Mustafa Çiftçi dan Menteri Industri dan Teknologi Türkiye, His Excellency Mehmet Fatih Kacır serta delegasi kedua-dua negara.

Pelancaran ini menandakan kemajuan pembinaan aset strategik yang akan memperluas jangkauan operasi dan memperkukuh kehadiran Maritim Malaysia di laut. Sebagai platform pelbagai misi, MPMS 1 direka untuk melaksanakan pengawasan dan penguatkuasaan maritim, Operasi Mencari dan Menyelamat (CARILAMAT), bantuan kemanusiaan, tindak balas bencana serta pelbagai keperluan operasi lain.

Ketua Pengarah Maritim Malaysia, Laksamana Maritim Datuk Haji Mohd Rosli bin Abdullah berkata, MPMS 1 merupakan pengganda keupayaan yang akan meningkatkan daya tahan operasi Maritim Malaysia dalam menghadapi cabaran keselamatan maritim yang semakin kompleks.

“Keupayaan MPMS 1 untuk beroperasi lebih lama di laut membolehkan Maritim Malaysia memperkukuh pengawasan dan penguatkuasaan secara lebih berterusan, khususnya di kawasan berkepentingan strategik.

“Bagi rakyat, keupayaan ini bermakna perlindungan yang lebih berkesan terhadap sumber maritim, tindakan yang lebih menyeluruh terhadap jenayah di laut serta kesiapsiagaan yang lebih baik untuk membantu mereka yang memerlukan,” katanya.

Beliau berkata, kapal tersebut akan menyokong usaha menangani pencerobohan vesel asing, aktiviti perikanan haram, penyeludupan dan jenayah rentas sempadan, di samping memperkukuh pelaksanaan CARILAMAT.

“Pemodenan aset perlu diterjemahkan kepada keberkesanan operasi. Tumpuan kita adalah memastikan keupayaan baharu ini dapat dimanfaatkan sepenuhnya untuk menjaga keselamatan, kedaulatan dan kepentingan negara di Zon Maritim Malaysia,” katanya.

Pembinaan MPMS 1 kini mencapai kira-kira 85 peratus dan mendahului jadual yang dirancang. Sementara itu, pembinaan MPMS 2 mencapai 34.05 peratus berbanding 32 peratus yang dirancang, menunjukkan kemajuan positif dalam usaha memperkukuh keupayaan armada Maritim Malaysia secara berperingkat.

MPMS 1 dijangka dibawa pulang ke Malaysia pada awal 2027 dan dirancang menyertai Pameran Antarabangsa Maritim dan Aeroangkasa Langkawi (LIMA) 2027 bagi memperkenalkan keupayaan baharu agensi kepada masyarakat serta komuniti maritim antarabangsa.

Projek MPMS turut mencerminkan hubungan strategik Malaysia–Türkiye dalam industri maritim, selain membuka ruang kerjasama lebih luas antara Maritim Malaysia dan Turkish Coast Guard dalam bidang latihan, pembangunan kapasiti, CARILAMAT, perkongsian maklumat serta eksesais bersama.

Turut hadir ialah Timbalan Ketua Pengarah Logistik Maritim Malaysia, Laksamana Madya Maritim Datuk Saiful Lizan bin Ibrahim, pegawai-pegawai kanan Kementerian Dalam Negeri, Maritim Malaysia dan Kementerian Ekonomi, Duta Besar Malaysia ke Republik Türkiye serta Konsul Jeneral Malaysia di Istanbul selain wakil-wakil agensi dan pihak berkepentingan yang terlibat secara langsung dalam projek pembinaan kapal berkenaan. Majlis turut disertai wakil Kerajaan Republik Turkiye dan pihak pengurusan Desan Shipyard.

Pelancaran MPMS 1 merupakan langkah nyata ke arah pembentukan armada Maritim Malaysia yang lebih moden, berdaya tahan dan responsif untuk melindungi rakyat, memelihara sumber maritim serta mempertahankan kepentingan negara, selaras dengan amanah Mengawal, Melindung dan Menyelamat.

(APMM)

Offshore Patrol Vessels to be Homeported in Cairns: Supporting Jobs and Industry in North Queensland

03 Oktober 2026

HMAS Arafura OPV (photo: Aus DoD)

At least two Royal Australian Navy Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) will be homeported at HMAS Cairns, strengthening defence industry and regional security in Northern Australia.

The first, HMAS Arafura, is scheduled to be homeported in Cairns in early 2027.

This decision builds on the Albanese Government's significant investment in the region and recognises the important role HMAS Cairns plays in supporting national security and sovereign defence industry. 

Homeporting Arafura Class OPVs in Cairns will enhance Navy's ability to operate and sustain capability in the north and support engagements across the region. 

It will further bolster the established maritime sustainment sector in Cairns, supporting the local economy and jobs and providing further confidence for North Queensland industry to invest in workforce capability and skills.

HMAS Cairns at Queensland (photo: The Cairns Post)

The Arafura Class OPVs are designed to conduct maritime patrol, surveillance and response tasks and will work closely with Australian Border Force and regional partners.

This announcement builds on the Albanese Government's $250 million investment in HMAS Cairns, including expanded berthing capacity and enhanced supporting wharf and landside facilities.

Built for resilience, the wharf has been elevated above surrounding infrastructure to withstand rising king tide levels and ensure it continues to meet Navy operational requirements for decades to come.

Through this project, more than 770 people worked onsite, with $67.7 million awarded to local businesses within 125 kilometres of Cairns.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“Northern Australia is central to our Defence strategy and Cairns is an increasingly important hub for Navy operations, sustainment and maritime security.

HMAS Cairns at Queensland (image: GoogleMaps)

“Cairns has developed one of Australia's most capable maritime sustainment and maintenance sectors, making it a natural location to support the future offshore patrol vessel fleet.

“This decision strengthens sovereign industrial capability while creating opportunities for local businesses to support one of Navy's newest classes of vessels.”

Quotes attributable to Matt Smith MP, Member for Leichhardt:

“Since the release of the National Defence Strategy I have been advocating for the capacity of the Far North.

“The $250 million expanded wharf at HMAS Cairns will see more jobs, more growth, and more security for our region.

“The home porting of at least two Arafura Class OPV’s is an acknowledgement of the capacity of Cairns and the importance of the Far North more broadly.

“Today is a proud day for Cairns as we continue to flex on the national stage."

(Aus DoD)

The Launching Ceremony of New Tugboat of the Royal Thai Navy

03 Oktober 2026

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) held launching ceremony of the new Tug boat "Sattahip Commercial Port-RTN 26" at Asian Marine Service PCL (ASIMAR) shipyard in Samut Prakan Province (photos: Royal Thai Navy)

The Royal Thai Navy launched its new tugboat, HTMS-RTN.26, at the shipyard of Asian Marine Services PCL (ASIMAR) in Laem Fa Pha Subdistrict, Phra Samut Chedi District, Samut Prakan Province on September 24, 2026. 

This is another example of the Royal Thai Navy's continued support of the domestic shipbuilding industry by Thai private sector companies.

The ceremony was presided over by Admiral Pairoj Fuengchan, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, along with Mrs. Ariya Fuengchan, President of the Royal Thai Navy Wives Association, and other dignitaries. The keel-laying ceremony for the tugboat, HTMS-RTN.26, measuring 31.5m in length, 12.6m in width, with a draft of 5.49m and a displacement of 35 tonnes, took place at the ASIMAR shipyard in Thailand on November 21, 2025. 

The new tugboat, model HTMS-RTN.26, has a minimum power of 3,000 horsepower, a maximum speed of 12.1 knots, and an operational range of at least 1,000 nautical miles at 8 knots at full displacement. It is also capable of withstanding sea conditions up to Sea State 3. This new vessel is intended for use at Sattahip Commercial Port, Royal Thai Navy, as part of the port's modernization development.

(AAG)

Metal Shark Awarded Ccontract for 13 Patrol Boats for Vietnam

03 Oktober 2026

13 patrol boat will be built for Vietnam (photo: Metal Shark)

Louisiana-based boatbuilder Metal Shark has been awarded a U.S. Government contract to build 13 patrol boats for Vietnam, with options for additional vessels.

The contract expands Metal Shark’s presence in Asia and builds on the company’s successful delivery of 24 purpose-built 45 Defiant military patrol boats to the Vietnam Coast Guard between 2017 and 2020. The 45-foot welded-aluminum vessels enhanced Vietnam’s maritime security and law-enforcement capabilities while supporting the growing security partnership between the United States and Vietnam following the lifting of the decades-long U.S. arms embargo in 2016.

The 13 new Defiant-class patrol boats will be built at Metal Shark’s production facility in Jeanerette, Louisiana, and will share a common platform with vessels already operating with U.S. and partner-nation military forces worldwide. This platform commonality will support operational readiness by streamlining training, maintenance, logistics, and lifecycle support while promoting interoperability and closer coordination among participating maritime forces.

“This contract award is a clear demonstration of Metal Shark’s growing presence in Asia and, more importantly, our long-term commitment to Vietnam,” said Henry Irizarry, Metal Shark’s Senior Vice President of International Business Development. “As we continue to expand our footprint in the country, we are proud to build on our successful partnership with the Vietnam Coast Guard and support additional Vietnamese law enforcement agencies.”

The new vessels will be configured to support a wide range of coastal-security missions, including patrol, interdiction, search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement. Designed to deliver high-speed performance, responsive maneuverability, and all-weather crew protection, the boats will provide the speed, durability, and mission flexibility required for sustained operations in demanding maritime environments.

“These vessels are based on a proven platform, with more than 500 units delivered to date, and will provide Vietnam with a trusted, operationally effective capability,” said Chris Allard, CEO of Metal Shark. “The use of a common vessel platform will enhance interoperability between U.S. and Vietnamese maritime forces, strengthening opportunities for future cooperation, joint operations, and broader bilateral engagement.”

The new award reflects continued cooperation between the United States and Vietnam in support of maritime domain awareness, coastal security, law enforcement, and regional stability. It also extends Metal Shark’s role in supplying proven, mission-ready patrol-vessel platforms to U.S. agencies and partner nations worldwide.

Metal Shark is a leading designer and builder of high-performance vessels for militaries and first responders. For more than two decades, the company has delivered mission-ready platforms to customers across the United States and to military forces in more than 70 U.S. partner nations worldwide. Headquartered in Louisiana, Metal Shark operates multiple shipbuilding facilities and has delivered well over 2,000 vessels to date. The company is recognized for its innovative designs, robust engineering, and commitment to quality.

(Metal Shark)