Albanese Government to Commence Collins Class Life of Type Extension

23 Mei 2026

HMAS Rankin conducts helicopter transfers in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia, as part of Rankin's training assessments (photo: AUs DoD)

The Albanese Government is enhancing Australia’s fleet of Collins class submarines, through a life of type extension that will reduce risk, enhance capability and maximise availability for the Royal Australian Navy as Australia transitions to a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet. 

The life of type extension will commence with HMAS Farncomb at the end of the month, the first of six submarines to receive an extension. ASC, as the Government’s sovereign submarine sustainment partner, will continue to be responsible for delivering the program. 

Informed by independent expert advice, detailed planning and industry engagement Defence will undertake a conditions-based sustainment approach across the life of type extension program. This will see Defence and ASC retain and restore base components, while continuing to upgrade critical weapons and systems. 

This will reduce engineering and schedule risks and ensure the Collins class remains a formidable deterrent for years to come. 

As one of the oldest boats in the Collins class fleet with the highest number of sea days and distance travelled, HMAS Farncomb’s life of type extension will also include a detailed engineering assessment period to tailor its life of type extension upgrades and inform work required across the class. 

The program will also accelerate and prioritise sustainment work on the fleet’s youngest submarines, commencing with HMAS Rankin. 

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP inspects a cutaway model of the Collins class submarine during his visit to the Osborne Naval Shipyard (photo: Aus DoD)

Safety will not be compromised and the Collins class will be supported by increased investment of up to $11 billion over the next decade for sustainment, including life of type extension maintenance and the skilled workforce and infrastructure required to maintain this capability. 

In 2024, the Government listed the Collins class submarine capability as a Product of Concern to increase ministerial oversight and management of the capability. This is now driving improvements in process and productivity across Defence and industry. 

Defence industry will continue to play a central role, with both Osborne in South Australia and Henderson in Western Australia remaining integral to sustaining the Collins class fleet. 

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles: 

“These decisions reaffirm the Albanese Government’s commitment to keeping the Collins class a potent and highly capable strike and deterrent capability today, and for years to come. 

“Extending the life of all six Collins class submarines is critical to maintaining that edge as we transition the Navy from conventional to nuclear-powered submarines.” 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy: 

“The Collins life of type extension is a critical capability decision and a major investment in Australia’s sovereign defence industrial base and submarine supply chain. 

“Strong collaboration with Defence industry partners will be essential to keeping the Collins class fleet available as we move towards a nuclear-powered submarine capability.” 

(Aus DoD)

Berkat “Offset” Rafale, Kemampuan Link PT Len Meningkat karena Bisa Terhubung Antarpesawat Tempur TNI AU

23 Mei 2026

Link ID dari PT Len (infographic: Len)

Jakarta, IDM – Kemampuan PT Len Industri (Persero) dalam hal interoperabilitas meningkat berkat pengadaan 42 unit jet tempur Rafale dari Dassault Aviation, Prancis.

Interoperabilitas merupakan kemampuan berbagai sistem, perangkat, atau aplikasi yang berbeda untuk berkomunikasi, bertukar data, dan menggunakan informasi tersebut dalam militer.

Sebelumnya, kemampuan link dari PT Len hanya difokuskan untuk komunikasi antarkapal perang dan pesawat surveillance atau patroli.

Setelah ini, interoperabilitas Link ID yang dimiliki PT Len bisa terhubung ke komunikasi antarpesawat tempur TNI Angkatan Udara.

Pesawat tempur Rafale TNI AU (photo: Raphael Savry)

“Kemampuan Link ID yang dimiliki Len sebelumnya difokuskan untuk komunikasi antarkapal perang dan pesawat surveillance. Ke depan, kemampuan tersebut akan berkembang hingga mampu mendukung komunikasi data link antarpesawat tempur, sehingga memperkuat integrasi sistem pertahanan udara nasional secara lebih menyeluruh,” tulis siaran pers PT Len, dikutip Rabu (20/5).

Peningkatan kemampuan interoperabilitas ini merupakan bagian dari program training offset jet tempur Rafale.

Offset merupakan kewajiban produsen senjata asing, dalam hal ini Dassault Aviation, untuk memberikan kompensasi atau investasi timbal balik seperti alih teknologi, produksi lokal suku cadang, atau pelatihan kepada negara pembeli.

“Momentum ini juga menegaskan peran strategis PT Len Industri (Persero) sebagai induk holding industri pertahanan DEFEND ID dalam mendorong kemandirian industri pertahanan nasional melalui penguasaan teknologi dan penguatan interoperabilitas antarsistem pertahanan,” kata Direktur Utama PT Len Industri (Persero) Joga Dharma Setiawan dalam keterangannya. 

(IDM)

The Royal Thai Air Force Orders Two Airbus C295 Tactical Transport Aircraft

23 Mei 2026

Thailand already has three C295s operated by the Royal Thai Army since 2016 (image: Airbus)

Getafe, Spain — The Royal Thai Air Force has acquired two Airbus C295 in tactical transport configuration, which will enhance Thailand’s defence capabilities. The two C295s will be operated by the 46th Wing Division of the Royal Thai Air Force from the Phitsanulok air base.

Thailand already has three C295s operated by the Royal Thai Army, performing cargo and troop transport missions since 2016.

The aircraft will be assembled at the Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Seville, Spain, with the first delivery scheduled in the first half of 2029.

The C295s in transport configuration have the capacity to carry 70 troops or 49 paratroopers, take off and land on unprepared runways, perform cargo and paratrooper drops, as well as undertake medical evacuation. 

Airbus contributes to the Thai defence industry through a partnership with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) for their support in the maintenance of the C295 fleet through advanced training means.

 

Thailand is one of the seven countries in the Asia-Pacific region that operates the C295. As the global leader in its segment, the C295 holds 85% of the market share with a total of 333 orders from 39 countries across four continents. To date, the global C295 fleet has achieved 750,000 flight hours. 

(Airbus)

NZ Army Platoon Trains with Republic of Korea Marine Corps in Landing Operation

22 Mei 2026

Landing platform helicopter ship ROKS Marado (LPH-6112) (photo: RoKN)

It’s the first time NZ Army soldiers had been attached to a ROK MC landing battalion in support of maritime operations, and continues New Zealand’s longstanding commitment to efforts to maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula. 

The training formed part of a biannual Republic of Korea-led exercise involving approximately 3,200 personnel from South Korea’s Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. 

The exercise culminated with an assault on Doksok-ri Beach, where combined forces conducted a landing operation and seized a coastal objective. The operation involved high-speed landing craft and Korean Amphibious Assault Vehicles (KAAV) moving troops ashore under simulated naval gunfire and air support, before transitioning into ground operations inland.

MUH-1 Marineon marine utility helicopter (photo: RoKMC)

The exercise formed part of New Zealand’s current three-month deployment to South Korea. In March 2026, the NZ Army sent a 33-strong infantry platoon and four personnel to provide a contingent headquarters.

Last year marked the first time New Zealand had deployed a combat-ready infantry platoon to train under the Republic of Korea Army and United States 2nd Infantry Division, in Korea.

Captain Matt Peri, the Platoon Officer Commanding, says this deployment supports training with South Korean and United States forces across urban, littoral and close-country environments, with activities taking place in Seoul, Pohang and several training areas, including the Korean Combat Training Centre. 

Landing operation exercise (photos: NZDF)

“During the training, Kiwi soldiers worked alongside Republic of Korea Marine Corps personnel on urban operations, live-fire drills, landing rehearsals and KAAV embarkation and disembarkation procedures,” said Captain Peri. 

“The platoon also integrated into combined planning and command activities throughout the exercise. 

“The professional environment established by the ROK MC made this an outstanding experience for learning new skills and sharing our own expertise with our partners."

About 20 naval vessels supported the task group, including the landing platform helicopter ship ROKS Marado (LPH-6112). Other assets involved included MUH-1 Marineon marine utility helicopter, P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, KF-16 fighter jets, AH-64E attack helicopters and unmanned aerial systems. 

The deployment also continues New Zealand’s longstanding commitment to the Korean Peninsula through the United Nations Command (UNC), building on the legacy of the New Zealand “K-Force” deployment during the Korean War. The New Zealand Defence Force has deployed personnel to UNC and the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission since 1998, to help keep the peace between North and South Korea.

This current training reinforced interoperability between New Zealand and Republic of Korea forces and reflected a shared commitment through the UNC, to regional stability security on the Korean Peninsula and in the wider Indo-Pacific.

(NZDF)

RTAF Received a Third Batch of "KGGB" Guided Missile Systems

22 Mei 2026

KGGB guided missile systems (photos: RTAF via Wild Chronicles)

RTAF Received a Third Batch of 10 High-precision "KGGB" Guided Missile Systems from South Korea. These systems were used in combat for the first time, mounted on 500-pound Mk 82 multi-purpose bombs, enabling them to strike long-range targets during clashes with Cambodian forces in July 2025.

South Korean media reported that during recent clashes on the Thai-Cambodian border, RTAF F-16 fighter jets used the KGGB, a GPS-guided bomb system developed by South Korea's LIG Nex1, to attack Cambodian military targets along the disputed border. The airstrikes destroyed several command posts, ammunition depots, and at least two BM-21 Grad rocket systems.

Royal Thai Air Force officials stated that the attack was part of a larger military operation in response to Cambodia's incursions into Thai territory. The fighting began on July 24, 2025, and spread to several districts in Surin and Trat provinces in the east.

Thai military sources confirmed that the use of guided bombs was aimed at intercepting Cambodian artillery units and preventing further attacks on Thai positions. The use of high-precision weapons was a carefully planned measure to increase accuracy and minimize civilian damage along the border.

In June 2022, the Government Procurement System website of the Comptroller General's Department published a document showing the allocated budget and details of expenses for non-construction procurement, dated June 13, 2022, for the project to purchase 10 sets of Guidance-Extended Range Kits for 500-pound multi-purpose bombs, along with supporting equipment. The project owner was the Air Force Ordnance Department, Royal Thai Air Force, which was first announced on May 5, 2022, with an allocated budget of 48 million baht ($1.3 million). Source of the median price. (Reference price) There is only one supplier, LIG ​​Nex1 Co., Ltd., Republic of Korea, which indicates that this project will be the purchase of Korean GPS Guided Bomb (KGGB) sets for the Royal Thai Air Force, followed by another 10 sets with supporting equipment, at a cost of 54 million baht ($1.4 million) on November 11, 2022.

Subsequently, in November 2023, the Royal Thai Air Force received the first set of GPS guided bombs and conducted its first training exercise using the KGGB. In this test, the KGGB bomb was loaded and launched from a Royal Thai Air Force F-16 fighter jet at an undisclosed training location in Thailand. The Royal Thai Air Force also fitted the KGGB set with 500-pound RWM Mk. 82 multi-purpose bombs, manufactured in Thailand by the Royal Thai Air Force Ordnance Department.

And on September 11, 2025, the Royal Thai Air Force Ordnance Department... The Directorate of Armament, Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), has released an update on its procurement plan for fiscal year 2025 for the project to acquire "Guided and Range Extended Missile Equipment, Code KGGB, 10 sets." The project owner is the Air Force Ordnance Department (M68090015239), dated September 11, 2025.

The procurement plan code is P68090021176, with a project budget of 46,414,500.00 baht (forty-six million four hundred fourteen thousand five hundred baht). The procurement announcement is expected within September 2025. This purchase is the "third lot," and just a few days ago, in May 2026, LIG ​​Nex1 of South Korea confirmed the delivery of the third lot of 10 KGGB sets to the RTAF.

Global Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Guidance System (INS) guided bombs are precision-guided munitions (PGMs) that can be used in all weather conditions and do not require a targeting system. The Royal Thai Air Force does not have JDAMs, but has a comparable weapon: the Korean GPS Guided Bomb (KGGB).

A key feature of the KGGB glide bomb is that it can be installed and used without modifying the aircraft structure or adding additional command sets. Mission data is pre-programmed into a Pilot Display Unit (PDU), which the pilot carries in the cockpit of the KGGB aircraft. It can be mounted on the weapon position of a fighter aircraft at a stronghold supporting the Mk. 82 bomb. The pilot flies the aircraft to a position at a distance from the designated target. The PDU wirelessly communicates data with the wing assembly, and the pilot manually releases the glide bomb to the target. This allows several types of Royal Thai Air Force aircraft, such as the T-50TH fighter and training jets, the F-16 AM/BM Block 15 eMLU fighter jets, and the F-5E/F TH fighter jets, to use the KGGB glide-guided bomb system with the Thai-made Mk. 82 bomb produced by the Royal Thai Air Force Ordnance Department without further modifications.

(TheWildChronicles)

PT PAL Indonesia Percepat Penyelesaian Frigate Merah Putih Pertama

22 Mei 2026

kRI Balaputradewa-322 (photo: PAL)

KRI Balaputradewa-322, sebagai bagian dari komitmen mendukung visi pertahanan maritim modern dan mandiri di era Presiden Prabowo Subianto. Setelah resmi diluncurkan pada 18 Desember 2025, kapal tempur multirole ini kini memasuki tahap penyelesaian instalasi equipment dan uji fungsi sebelum siap berlayar memperkuat armada TNI AL.

Dengan panjang 140 meter, kecepatan hingga 28 knot, serta kemampuan Multi-Mission untuk Anti Air Warfare, Anti Surface Warfare, dan Anti Submarine Warfare, KRI Balaputradewa-322 hadir sebagai simbol kekuatan industri pertahanan nasional karya anak bangsa. PT PAL Indonesia terus berkomitmen menghadirkan Alutsista unggulan untuk menjaga setiap jengkal kedaulatan NKRI.

(PT PAL)

PAF Bolster Tactical Helilift Capability with Blessing of Two New Bell 412EPX Helicopters

21 Mei 2026

 Two new Bell 412EPX helicopters (photos: PAF)

The Philippine Air Force formally held the Formal Blessing Ceremony for two (2) newly acquired/ accepted Bell 412EPX Utility Helicopters on May 19, 2026, at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, marking another significant milestone in the ongoing modernization and capability enhancement efforts of the PAF.

The two aircraft arrived in the country on February 27, 2026, representing the first batch delivery under the Additional Utility Helicopter Acquisition Project, which involves the procurement of eight Bell 412EPX helicopters from Bell Textron Inc. The completion of all deliveries is expected by 2027.

These helicopters will be operated by the 205ᵗʰ Tactical Helicopter Wing and are expected to significantly enhance the PAF’s tactical helilift and multi-mission operational capabilities. The aircraft will primarily support troop transport for counterinsurgency and internal security operations, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance missions during calamities such as typhoons and earthquakes, as well as medical evacuation and logistics support in geographically isolated and remote areas.

With the addition of these new aircraft, the PAF now operates a total fleet of 16 Bell 412 helicopters, further strengthening its capability to conduct rapid deployment and sustain critical operations nationwide.

In his message during the ceremony, the Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force, Lieutenant General Arthur M Cordura PAF, highlighted the strategic importance of the newly acquired helicopters in advancing mission readiness and operational effectiveness.

“The arrival of these Bell 412EPX helicopters represents a clear and tangible investment in our ability to respond, to sustain, and to prevail. These aircraft will carry our troops into mission areas, bring relief to communities in times of disaster, and extend the reach of the PAF wherever it is needed most,” LtGen Cordura stated.

The acquisition reflects the PAF’s continuing commitment to build a more capable, more responsive, and more resilient Air Force that is prepared to address the evolving demands of national security and humanitarian operations. More than symbols of modernization, these aircraft serve as vital instruments of public service, reinforcing the PAF’s dedication to protecting the Filipino people and supporting national development efforts. 

(PAF)