Latihan Gladi Tugas Tempur Skuadron Udara 700 Wing Udara 2 Sukses Digelar

04 April 2025

Latihan Gladi Tugas Tempur Skuadron Udara 700 Wing Udara 2 dengan Smart Eagle UAV (all photos: Puspenerbal)

TNl AL-Dispen Puspenerbal -- Skuadron Udara 700 Wing Udara 2 Puspenerbal Juanda sukses menggelar Latihan Gladi Tugas Tempur (Glagaspur) Tingkat 1/U1 TA. 2025 yang beralangaubg selama sepekan dan dirutup pada Senin (24/3/2925).

Komandan Skuadron Udara 700 Wing Udara 2 Puspenerbal, Mayor Laut (P) Bani Safangat mengatakan bahwa Latihan Galgaspur Tingkat 1/U1 TA. 2025 ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan dan kesiapan personil dalam melaksanakan tugas-tugas operasional.

"Latihan ini sangat penting untuk meningkatkan kemampuan personil dalam mengoperasikan UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) dan melaksanakan tugas-tugas operasional," terangnya.

Latihan ini lanjutnya, juga bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan personil dalam mengoperasikan UAV dan melaksanakan tugas-tugas operasional.

Kami juga ingin meningkatkan kemampuan personil dalam mengenali dan memahami target, serta meningkatkan kemampuan dalam melaksanakan pengawasan dan pengintaian," ungkapnya.

Sementara itu, Komandan Wing Udara 2 Puspenerbal, Kolonel Laut (P) Adam Firmansyah, menambahkan bahwa latihan ini juga bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan personil dalam melaksanakan tugas-tugas operasional yang lebih kompleks.

Skuadron Udara 700 Puspenerbal sekarang ini mengoperasikan UAV jenis Scan Eagle dan Campopter S-100 (photo:  Skuadron Udara 700)

"Latihan ini tidak hanya bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan personil dalam mengoperasikan UAV, tetapi juga untuk meningkatkan kemampuan personil dalam melaksanakan tugas-tugas operasional yang lebih kompleks, seperti pengawasan dan pengintaian," kata Kolonel Laut (P) Adam Firmansyah.

Skuadron Udara 700 Puspenerbal sebentar lagi akan mengoperasikan VTOL UAV H10 dan H12 Poseidon buatan Swarmly, Siprus (photo: Swarmly)

Dalam latihan ini, personil Skuadron Udara 700 Wing Udara 2 melaksanakan berbagai kegiatan, seperti pengoperasian UAV, pengenalan dan pemahaman target, serta pengawasan dan pengintaian.

Latihan ini diharapkan dapat meningkatkan kemampuan dan kesiapan personil Skuadron Udara 700 Wing Udara 2 dalam melaksanakan tugas-tugas operasional.

(Puspenerbal)

GDELS-Steyr Shows New Air Defense Variant of the PANDUR EVO at AUSA Global Force

04 April 2025

Pandur 6x6 EVO M-SHORAD variant (photos: GDELS)

General Dynamics European Land Systems–Steyr will present a new variant of the PANDUR 6x6 EVO at AUSA Global Force in Huntsville, Alabama from March 25 to 27. The new Maneuver Short Range Air Defense, or M-SHORAD, variant is equipped with Moog's unmanned RIwP turret (Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform), a proven, modular, and scalable weapons platform for air defense, anti-tank or fire support with a medium-caliber cannon and missile effectors.

The PANDUR with integrated RlwP is a further proof of the high flexibility and modularity of this family of vehicles. Based on the proven PANDUR platform, the system is equipped with a 30 x 113 mm caliber XM914 cannon and 2 x 4 launchers for Stinger anti-aircraft missiles. The cannon is able to fire ammunition with proximity fuse. A software-defined cognitive Ku-band, 4D medium-range pulse-Doppler radar of the next generation Echodyne EchoShield is used to monitor the airspace at close range and for target tracking. Two control consoles for the weapon system and the fire control computers are located inside the vehicle. The M-SHORAD PANDUR is particularly capable of providing highly mobile force protection against manned and unmanned airborne threats.

The current centerpiece of the U.S. Army's mobile air defense are the STRYKER-based SGT STOUT (M-SHORAD Inc 1) and the C-UAS program M-LIDS (Mobile Low slow small-unmanned aircraft Integrated Defeat System), both also using the RIwP turret. A total of 100 PANDUR 6x6 EVO will shortly be in service with the Austrian Armed Forces. In February 2024, the Austrian MoD has ordered a further 225 vehicles in twelve different mission variants.

The three-day AUSA Global Force Symposium & Exposition 2025 is expected to attract more than 6000 attendees. The event highlights how the U.S. Army will modernize and transform into a multi-domain capable force.

(GDELS)

Bodi Kapal OPV Angkatan Laut Filipina Telah Terlihat Nyata

04 April 2025

Progres kapal OPV pertama AL Filipina di galangan HD HHI di Ulsan (photos ssv: KBS News)

KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) lembaga penyiaran terbesar Korea Selatan yang berpusat di Seoul pada tanggal 2 April 2025 lalu membuat postingan tentang keberhasilan industri kapal Korea Selatan membangun kapal untuk Angkatan Laut Korea Selatan maupun untuk ekspor.

Diantara keberhasilan ekspor itu adalah perolehan kontrak 10 kapal perang permukaan (surface combatant) untuk Angkatan Laut Filipina sejak tahun 2016 lalu yang terdiri dari 2 fregat, 2 korvet, dan 6 kapal patroli lepas pantai (offshore patrol vessel).

Progres kapal OPV ini kemudian dilakukan unggahan oleh akun Eyorio pada hari yang sama. Terlihat bahwa bodi kapal pertama OPV tipe HDP-2200 yang dibangun di galangan kapal HD HHI di Ulsan, Korea Selatan telah tampak terlihat nyata. Apabila dilihat dari cerobong asap kembar dan pintu rampa untuk RHIB di bagian belakang terlihat bahwa itu sama dengan desain HDP-2200. 

Peluncuran OPV pertama diperkirakan akan dilakukan pada tahun 2025 ini juga, mungkin pada pertengahan kuartal kedua atau ketiga, ini sesuatu yang mengejutkan karena keel laying baru dilakukan pada 5 Februari 2025 lalu. Desain HDP-2200 memang juga dibangun untuk Angkatan Laut Peru, namun pembangunannya dilakukan di galangan SIMA di Peru, dan keel laying dilakukan pada Januari 2025 lalu atau sebulan lebih dulu dibandingkan dengan OPV Filipina, sedangkan liputan KBS adalah pembangunan di galangan Korea Selatan.

DSTA and Thales Announce AI-Driven Co-Lab to Strengthen Singapore’s Defence Systems

03 April 2025

Focus joint lab on solutions for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) and Advanced Sensing applications, both parties have co-developed advanced AI algorithms that enable combat systems to efficiently handle fast-evolving drone threats (photo: Thales)

At the 2025 Singapore Defence Technology Summit (Tech Summit), a joint team from DSTA and Thales showcased its recent collaboration on counter-drone technologies, with tangible outcomes that can potentially be integrated into systems currently in-use with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Over the last five months, engineers from both organisations co-developed Machine-Learning (ML)-enabled software modules that reduce the rate of false alarms in drone detection. By enhancing a radar’s sensor performance with the help of AI, the algorithms offer operators and end-users heightened situational awareness that enable faster and more accurate drone detection and classification.

Through this demonstration of a new Concept of Operations (CONOPs) in enhanced radar performance in drones, the team leveraged physics-, knowledge- and data-based AI, bringing together DSTA’s deep domain knowledge of the drone ecosystem and the technical and AI skills of Thales researchers and engineers. The announcement of the Co-Lab represents the next step in the strategic cooperation between DSTA and Thales, underscoring both parties’ ambitions to support the SAF in dealing with emerging and asymmetric threats.

"The DSTA-Thales Joint Lab marks a strategic step in advancing next-generation defence technologies. By harnessing AI and advanced sensing technologies, we are adopting a more agile approach to capability development, enabling us to tackle evolving threats. This collaboration reinforces DSTA's commitment to working with global partners to co-develop advanced capabilities, ensuring our defence systems remain robust, adaptive, and future-ready," said Mr Roy Chan, Deputy Chief Executive (Operations), DSTA.

Thales holds deep expertise and technological mastery in radars, with air traffic management radars used by the majority of civil aviation authorities in the region, as well as operating a Radar Centre of Excellence in Singapore. As a key partner to the SAF for over 50 years, Thales also operates a Defence Hub for services in Singapore, with skilled local expertise on-hand to support DSTA and Mindef for support and maintenance of systems currently in use with the armed forces.

(Thales)

NZ Army Combat Team Locked and Loaded for Major Waiouru Exercise

03 April 2025

From blowing up bridges to soldiers engaged in trench warfare, anti-tank javelin missiles and combat vehicles in full flight, Exercise Sangro is set to test Army’s range of capabilities and pack quite the punch (photos: NZArmy)

“It’s the first time various units have come together for this kind of live fire exercise and at this scale in a while, so it’s incredibly important for us,” said Lieutenant Colonel Caleb Berry, Commanding Officer of the Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifled (QAMR) armoured regiment.

Over the course of the next week and a half, close to 200 soldiers of Ngāti Tūmatauenga, the New Zealand Army, will descend on the Argo Valley in the Waiouru Military Training Area, to conduct a series of high intensity exercises.

These will see elements of armour, infantry, artillery, engineers, signals and logistics from across the 1st (NZ) Brigade, operating as an integrated Combat Team.

“The combat team will be tasked to advance and clear a route with known enemy positions, as well as unknown enemy positions,” said Lieutenant Colonel Berry.

“They will come under fire from enemy positions and conduct either troop or combat team level quick and deliberate attacks.”

The exercise will test commanders’ abilities to make the right decisions under pressure in the midst of a very realistic scenario, and show the effectiveness of the NZ Army’s combat units as they attack, dominate and win various encounters.

Beyond the Army’s combat capability, Exercise Sangro will also test our units’ agility when responding to fast-paced, evolving situations.

Included in the combat team are the latest protected vehicle in the NZ Army’s arsenal, the Bushmaster – an armoured vehicle that provides a high level of protection and mobility to soldiers.

“This exercise is crucial to our journey of bringing the Bushmaster up to full operational readiness."

The Bushmaster, which has a mounted machine gun for protection, will be supporting the NZ Army’s primary combat vehicle, the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV), with its 25mm cannon capable of engaging with the enemy at ranges up to 2400m. 

Exercise Sangro will ultimately conclude with the LAV Motorised Infantry capability being certified at the Combat Team level. This means it can integrate seamlessly within an Australian Battlegroup, on coalition warfighting operations.

“Our big exercises coming up later this year are Diamond Strike, with 7th Australian Brigade in June, and Talisman Sabre held in Australia in July, and the Combat Team that we’re testing here in Waiouru this week is the one that will be crossing the ditch in a couple of months – so getting this exercise right is crucial for our interoperability with Aussie counterparts, which plays a significant role in our shared focus on the security and stability of our wider region.”

Exercise Sangro will run from March 24 through to April 4.

(NZDF)

Tentera Darat Malaysia Rancang Tambah Jangka Hayat PT-91M Pendekar Untuk 15 Tahun Lagi

03 April 2025

Malaysia dalam kurun 2007-2009 menerima kiriman 48 unit PT-91M MBT, 6 unit ARV, 3 unit Engineering Vehicle dan 5 tank jembatan dari pabrikan Bumar Labedy, Polandia (photo: AirTimes)

Kereta kebal utama (MBT) PT-91M PENDEKAR Tentera Darat Malaysia (TD) akan menjalani Program Pelanjutan Hayat (Life Extension Programme, LEP) pada tahun 2027. MBT ini akan mencapai tahap usia pada tahun yang sama. 

Perkara tersebut dinyatakan oleh Menteri Pertahanan, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin dalam satu jawapan bertulis di Parlimen. 

"Bagi memastikan kelangsungan MBT PENDEKAR dalam perkhidmatan ATM, pihak TD telah merancang untuk melaksanakan LEP MBT ini melalui Rolling Plan Ke-2 (RP), Rancangan Malaysia ke-13 (RMKe-13) tahun 2027," kata Menteri Pertahanan.

Menurut beliau, pelaksanaan LEP ini akan dapat memanjangkan hayat MBT tersebut hingga 15 tahun dengan kos yang lebih rendah berbanding perolehan baharu yang memerlukan kos yang tinggi.

Khaled menjawab pertanyaan Ahli Parlimen Tanah Merah, Dato' Sri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz yang meminta Kementerian Pertahanan menjelaskan rancangan masa hadapan kelangsungan PT-91M PENDEKAR.

See full article AirTimes

Menhan Tinjau Persiapan Pembentukan Skadron Tempur Baru di Lanud Soewondo Medan

02 April 2025

Paparan pembentukan skadron tempur baru TNI AU di lanud Soewondo, Medan (photos: TNI AU)

Menhan RI Tinjau Shelter Lanud Soewondo dalam Rangka Revitalisasi dan Penguatan Operasi Udara TNI AU

Menteri Pertahanan Republik Indonesia Letjen TNI (Purn.) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, M.B.A. meninjau langsung shelter dan infrastruktur Lanud Soewondo, Medan, dalam rangka revitalisasi fasilitas pendukung operasi udara TNI AU, Selasa (26/3/2025). Kunjungan ini merupakan bagian dari persiapan pembentukan Skadron Udara baru, yang akan memperkuat daya operasional TNI AU di wilayah Sumatera Utara dan sekitarnya.

Komandan Lanud Soewondo Kolonel Nav Sonni Benny Simanjuntak, M.Si. (Han). menekankan bahwa revitalisasi ini memiliki peran strategis dalam meningkatkan kesiapan Lanud Soewondo sebagai pangkalan udara yang lebih modern dan mampu menjawab kebutuhan pertahanan udara nasional. Pembangunan shelter yang lebih kokoh serta fasilitas pendukung yang lebih canggih diharapkan dapat mempercepat respons operasional dalam menjaga kedaulatan wilayah udara NKRI. Upaya ini sejalan dengan komitmen TNI AU untuk terus berkembang menjadi kekuatan udara yang AMPUH (adaptif, modern, profesional, unggul, dan humanis) sebagaimana ditekankan oleh Kasau Marsekal TNI M. Tonny Harjono, S.E., M.M.

Menhan RI menegaskan bahwa penguatan infrastruktur ini sejalan dengan rencana strategis pengembangan Alutsista TNI AU, khususnya dalam mendukung penggelaran pesawat tempur dan pesawat angkut strategis di wilayah barat Indonesia. Revitalisasi ini juga akan meningkatkan kemampuan operasi udara gabungan dan interoperabilitas dengan satuan lain dalam rangka pengamanan perbatasan dan dukungan operasi militer selain perang (OMSP).

Selain meninjau shelter, Menhan RI juga menggelar diskusi dengan jajaran TNI AU dan Kementerian Pertahanan terkait langkah-langkah percepatan pembangunan fasilitas pendukung. Kehadiran Skadron Udara baru di Lanud Soewondo diharapkan dapat meningkatkan daya cegah dan daya tangkal udara nasional, serta memperkokoh kehadiran TNI AU di wilayah Sumatera Utara sebagai bagian dari pertahanan udara nasional yang adaptif dan modern.

Turut mendampingi Menhan RI dalam kegiatan ini Wakasad Letjen TNI Tandyo Budi Revita, Kabaranahan Kemhan Marsdya TNI Yusuf Jauhari, M.Eng., Asops Kasau Marsda TNI Minggit Tribowo, S.I.P., Aslog Kasau Marsda TNI Dr. T.B.H. Age Wiraksono, S.I.P., M.A., Pangdam I/BB Mayjen TNI Rio Firdianto, S.H., Kadis BTBAU Marsma TNI Easter Hariyanto, Dankosek I Medan Marsma TNI Toto Ginanto, S.T., M.A.P., M.Han., Danwing III Kopasgat Kolonel Pas Robert J. Manalu, S.E., M.M., serta para pejabat utama Lanud Soewondo.

(TNI AU)

US Approved Sale of Countermeasures, Chaff, and Impulse Cartridges to Australia

02 April 2025

Australia has requested to buy MJU-61 decoy flares; MJU-64 decoy flares; MJU-66 flare countermeasures; MJU-76 flare countermeasures; RR-198A/L chaff cartridges; CCU-145/A impulse cartridges; other support equipment (MK-3 pallet) estimated total cost is $165 million (photo: USAF)

WASHINGTON - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of Countermeasures, Chaff, and Impulse Cartridges and related equipment for an estimated cost of $165 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Australia has requested to buy MJU-61 decoy flares; MJU-64 decoy flares; MJU-66 flare countermeasures; MJU-76 flare countermeasures; RR-198A/L chaff cartridges; CCU-145/A impulse cartridges; other support equipment (MK-3 pallet); U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $165 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the Western Pacific. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.

Aircraft decoys (image: Chemring)

The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats by protecting and increasing aircraft survivability. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be Kilgore Flares Company, LLC, located in Toone, TN; Armtec Countermeasures Company, located in Coachella, CA; Alloy Surface Company, Inc, located in Aston, PA; and CCI Capco LLC, located in Grand Junction, CO. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

(DSCA)

US Government Approved Sale of 20 F-16 C/D Block 70/72 to the Philippines

02 April 2025

F-16 C/D Block 70/72 for the Philippines (image: Lockheed Martin)

WASHINGTON - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of F-16 Aircraft for an estimated cost of $5.58 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of the Philippines has requested to buy sixteen (16) F-16 C Block 70/72 aircraft; four (4) F-16 D Block 70/72 aircraft; twenty-four (24) F110-GE-129D or F100-PW-229 Engines (20 installed, 4 spares); twenty-two (22) Improved Programmable Display Generators (iPDG) (20 installed, 2 spares); twenty-two (22) AN/APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Scalable Agile Beam Radars (SABR) (20 installed, 2 spares); twenty-two (22) Modular Mission Computers 7000AH (or available mission computer) (20 installed, 2 spares); twenty-two (22) Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) (EGI) with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) or M-Code capability and Precise Positioning Service (PPS) (20 installed, 2 spares); eighty-eight (88) LAU-129 guided missile launchers; twenty-two (22) M61A1 anti-aircraft guns (20 installed, 2 spares); twelve (12) AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP); twenty-four (24) Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS-JTRS); one hundred twelve (112) Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) Air Intercept Missile (AIM)-120C-8 or equivalent missiles; four (4) AMRAAM guidance sections; thirty-six (36) Guided Bomb Unit (GBU)-39/B Small Diameter Bombs Increment 1 (SDB-1); two (2) GBU-39(T-1)/B SDB-1 Guided Test Vehicles; forty (40) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles; thirty-two (32) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs); four (4) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder guidance units; three (3) AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missile (CATM) guidance units; sixty (60) MK-82 500-lb general purpose bombs; sixty (60) MK-84 2,000-lb general purpose bombs; thirty (30) Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) KMU-572 tail kits for GBU-38 or Laser JDAM GBU-54; sixty (60) FMU-152 fuze systems; thirty (30) MAU-210 enhanced computer control groups (ECCG) for GBU-50 Enhanced Paveway II (EP II); and thirty-two (32) MXU-651 air foil groups (AFG) for GBU-50 EP II.

Comparison of F-16 FMS Proposal on 2021 and 2025 (infographic: MaxDefense)

The following non-MDE items will also be included: AN/ALQ-254 Viper Shield (VS) electronic warfare (EW) or equivalent systems; AMRAAM CATMs; AIM-9X Sidewinder training missiles and active optical target detectors (AOTD); Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems; Air Combat Maneuvering Instrument (ACMI) range systems; FMU-139 Joint Programmable Fuzes (JPFs); missile containers; AN/ARC-238 radios; AN/APX-127 or equivalent Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) Combined Interrogator Transponders (CIT) with Mode 5; KY-58 and KIV-78 cryptographic devices; AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders (SKLs); KGV-250X cryptographic devices; Scorpion Hybrid Optical-based Inertial Trackers (HObIT) or Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems II (JHMCS II) helmet mounted displays; night vision devices (NVDs); spare image intensifier tubes; AN/ALE-47 Airborne Countermeasures Dispenser Systems (CMDS); AN/ALE-47 countermeasure processors; AN/ALE-47 sequencer switching units; AN/ALE-47 Control Display Units (CDUs); precision navigation; Joint Mission Planning Systems (JMPS); GPS Antenna System (GAS-1) antenna electronics; Sniper pod pylons; ADU-890 and ADU-891 adapter units, LAU-117 and LAU-88 Maverick launchers, impulse cartridges, chaff, flares, ammunition, and other bomb components; BRU-57 bomb racks; BRU-61 munitions carriage assemblies; MAU-12 bomb racks and TER-9A triple ejection racks; Common Munitions Built-in-Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); Rackmount Improved Avionics Intermediate Shop (RIAIS); Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD); targeting systems; aircraft refurbishment after maintenance training; spare and repair parts, consumables and accessories; repair and return support; aircraft, engine, ground, and pilot life support equipment; classified and unclassified computer program identification number (CPIN) systems; pylons, launcher adapters, weapon interfaces, and bomb and ejection racks; fuel tanks; Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL) and calibration support; National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) maps and mapping data; ferry and fuel support; classified and unclassified software and software support; classified and unclassified publications, manuals, and technical documentation; facilities and construction support; simulators and training devices; personnel training and training equipment; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $5.58 billion.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in Southeast Asia.

The proposed sale will enhance the Philippine Air Force’s ability to conduct maritime domain awareness and close air support missions and enhance its suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) and aerial interdiction capabilities. This sale will also increase the ability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to protect vital interests and territory, as well as expand interoperability with the U.S. forces. The Philippines will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin, located in Greenville, SC. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

(DSCA)

Contract Signed to Establish Australia's First Missile Factory

01 April 2025

Australia will manufacture Joint Strike Missile (JSM) and Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to start in 2027 (photos: Aus DoD)

Defence has signed a contract with Kongsberg Defence Australia to establish Australia’s first guided weapons production factory in Newcastle, NSW. This is the next step towards implementing the announcement made by the Australian Government on 22 August 2024.

The world-class factory, to be built at the Newcastle Airport precinct, will manufacture and service the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile for the ADF and international partners.

Missile production at the factory is anticipated to start in 2027. Based on current schedules, the new Australian facility will be the first outside of Norway to manufacture and maintain both the Naval Strike Missile and the Joint Strike Missile.

The project reflects ongoing investment outlined in the Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Plan, underpinned by a commitment in the Defence Integrated Investment Program of $16 to $21 billion over the next decade.

Defence continues to deliver on the rapid establishment of domestic missile manufacturing and accelerated acquisition of long-range strike capability, advancing Australia’s national security.

Quotes attributable to Chief of Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance, Air Marshal Leon Phillips OAM:

“This world-class factory is an Australian-first and, based on current schedules, will be the first outside of Norway to manufacture and maintain both the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile.

“It will supply missiles for both the ADF and international partners, enhancing regional security and contributing to stronger and more assured global supply chain for guided weapons.

“This would not be possible without Australia’s strong relationships with the Norwegian Government, Kongsberg Defence Australia and its parent company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.”

(Aus DoD)

Tiga Stasiun Pengawasan Laut (Swasla) Baru APMM Dipasang di Sarawak

01 April 2025

Mobile station unit radar akan ditempatkan di Lundu, Bintulu, dan Miri (photo: AMCOP)

Peruntuk RM200 juta bina stesen SWASLA di Lundu, Bintulu, Miri

PETRA JAYA: Tiga stesen Sistem Pengawasan Laut (SWASLA) yang menempatkan radar-radar stesen akan dibina dengan peruntukan RM200 juta di tiga lokasi strategik, iaitu Canada Hill, Miri, Bukit Nyabau, Bintulu dan Tanjung Datu, Lundu.

Ketua Pengarah Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia (APMM) Laksamana Maritim Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah, berkata keselamatan perairan Sarawak akan diperkasa menerusi beberapa projek pembangunan maritim, termasuk pembangunan SWASLA, penambahan aset kapal, serta pemanjangan jeti.

“Projek ini penting bagi memantapkan pengawasan laut bagi mengekang aktiviti-aktiviti yang tidak diingini khususnya dalam memastikan kedaulatan perairan,” katanya selepas mengadakan kunjungan hormat kepada Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, di Wisma Bapa Malaysia, di sini, hari ini.

Dalam usaha menambah baik infrastruktur maritim, jelasnya, kerajaan telah meluluskan peruntukan sebanyak RM79 juta bagi pemanjangan Jeti Muara Tebas sejauh 80 meter.

Ini termasuk pembinaan ‘jetty head’ sepanjang 100 meter bagi membolehkan kapal maritim baharu KM Tun Fatimah (kapal peronda baharu sepanjang 83 meter) untuk berlabuh dengan selamat.

“Kita telah menghantar aset-aset baharu ke Sarawak, termasuk KM Tun Fatimah.

“Bagaimanapun, disebabkan keadaaan jeti yang pendek dan perairan yang cetek, pemanjangan jeti perlu dilaksanakan bagi memastikan kapal ini dapat beroperasi dengan lebih berkesan,” jelasnya.

OPV 1 KM Fatimah dapat berlabuh di Muara Tebas (photo: JPMal)

MPMS dari Desan Shipyard akan ditempatkan di Sarawak

Selain itu, Mohd Rosli memberitahu, sebuah ‘Mothership’ (kapal induk), Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) sepanjang 99 meter yang akan berfungsi sebagai pusat operasi bergerak dengan keupayaan membawa empat bot laju untuk melakukan rondaan serta operasi menyelamat juga akan ditempatkan di Sarawak.

“Kapal ini akan menjadi aset penting dalam operasi penguatkuasaan di Sarawak, membolehkan pemantauan dijalankan dengan lebih efisien di kawasan perairan yang luas,” jelasnya.

Dalam konteks kawalan perairan, APMM menurutnya juga bekerjasama rapat dengan Sarawak Coastguard bagi memastikan rondaan dilakukan secara bersepadu dan berkesan.

“Langkah ini telah membuahkan hasil apabila statistik terkini menunjukkan pencerobohan bot nelayan asing dari Vietnam telah mencatatkan kadar sifar,” tambah beliau lagi.

APMM juga merancang untuk menambah keanggotaan di Sarawak, yang kini berjumlah 648 anggota, bagi memastikan semua aset baharu dapat dikendalikan dengan baik.

“Penambahan aset ini memerlukan lebih ramai anggota untuk mengoperasikan sistem pengawasan, kapal serta bot laju dengan cekap,” ujarnya.

Turut hadir ialah Timbalan Ketua Pengarah APMM Laksamana Madya (M) Datuk Saiful Lizan Ibrahim, Pengarah Perisikan APMM Laksamana Pertama (M) Datuk Md Fauzi Othman, Pengarah Carilamat APMM Laksamana Pertama (M) Kamal Ariffin Jusoh dan Pengarah Maritim Negeri Sarawak Laksamana Pertama (M) Mohd Khairi Abd Aziz.

(Utusan Sarawak)

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to Deliver 3,200-ton Miguel Malvar-class of the Philippine 5 Months Early

01 April 2025

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries delivered the 3,200-ton Philippine corvette No. 1, 'Miguel Malvar', five months ahead of schedule on the 31st of last month (photo: HHI)

Hyundai Heavy Industries announced on the 31st of last month that it had delivered the 3,200-ton Philippine corvette, the first ship, the Miguel Malvar, five months ahead of schedule.

Following the early delivery of the 2,600-ton Philippine frigate 'Jose Rizal' one month earlier in 2021, Hyundai Heavy Industries has once again demonstrated its global shipbuilding competitiveness by delivering a total of three Philippine ships early.

BRP Miguel Malvar FFG-06 departed HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea (photo: GunBung Lee)

In particular, the Miguel Malvar is equipped with two propeller blades that were used by the Chungju (Philippine name Conrado Yap), which was transferred from the Korean Navy to the Philippine Navy in 2019, and is expected to be a meaningful case symbolizing friendly cooperation between the Korean and Philippine navies. 

(Ulsan Press)