18 April 2025
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PT PAL Indonesia Modernizes Philippine Navy Warship BRP Tarlac 601
Fincantieri and Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Partner for Philippines Submarines Project
18 April 2025
N212 NFS submarine has 59 meters in length and 1.600 tonnes displacement (photo: TechnoThunder)
Fincantieri and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems have signed an Industrial Cooperation Agreement as part of a broader strategic partnership to provide the Philippine’s Navy with advanced submarine capabilities solutions.
As part of the Horizon III military modernization initiative, the Philippine Navy aims to enhance its archipelagic defense by acquiring cutting-edge weapon systems. In particular, the introduction of submarines would be a game-changer in securing territorial waters, especially in the South China Sea.
The collaboration between thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Fincantieri brings together their extensive expertise and cutting-edge technologies to deliver the most efficient and competitive solution for the U212 NFS class submarines, which Fincantieri is currently building for the Italian Navy at its shipyards in Italy. The partnership also aims to strengthen local infrastructure and expand the operational capabilities of the Philippine Navy’s fleet.
The cooperation between the Italian and German Navies on the U212A submarines dates back to 1996. Building on their longstanding partnership, Fincantieri and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems extended their cooperation to include potential joint export projects.
Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, stated: “Building on our successful cooperation within the Italian submarine program, this Industrial Cooperation Agreement provides an excellent foundation for further joint projects in the underwater domain.”
Industrial cooperation agreement between Fincantieri and TKMS (photo: Fincantieri)The U212 NFS is an evolution of the HDW Class U212A submarine, featuring low acoustic, magnetic, and visual signature characteristics and making it exceptionally stealthy. It meets the highest quality standards and the most stringent rules and requirements, with thyssenkrupp Marine Systems supplying essential key technologies and components.
The Philippine Navy would gain a significant strategic advantage through the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, first introduced on the U212A, and now integrated into the U212 NFS. Additionally, the use of Amanox non-magnetic steel, combined with other key technical features and new stealth technology, makes the U212 NFS virtually undetectable.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, added: "With decades of experience in submarine construction, Fincantieri has developed a solid expertise in delivering high-performance naval solutions. This cooperation is a key milestone in promoting our international export strategy, leveraging the latest cutting-edge Italian and German technologies and quality."
A distinguishing factor of the U212 NFS offering is the operational support provided by the Italian Navy, ensuring the Philippine Navy benefits from an unparalleled level of training, doctrine, and logistics. The package also includes specialized industrial and operational training, allowing the Philippine Navy to rapidly build a well-structured and highly skilled submarine crew.
Furthermore, as part of the Philippine’s “Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act”, the partnership will support the Philippine Navy in developing a new naval base. This will be achieved by leveraging the design expertise of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Fincantieri, drawing on their decades of shipbuilding experience and long-standing cooperation with navies worldwide.
17 April 2025
Lanud Soewondo Medan Jadi Tuan Rumah Latihan Air to Air Refueling, Pesawat Tempur Hawk 100/200 Skadron Udara 12
17 April 2025
Latihan Air-to-air Refueling pesawat tempur Hawk 100/200 TNI AU (all photos: TNI AU)Sejumlah pesawat tempur Hawk 100/200 Skadron Udara 12 Lanud Roesmin Nurjadin tiba di Pangkalan TNI AU Soewondo, Medan, Senin (14/4/2025), untuk melaksanakan latihan air-to-air refueling serta latihan lokal.
Kegiatan ini bagian dari upaya TNI AU dalam meningkatkan kemampuan operasional, khususnya pengisian bahan bakar di udara, sekaligus memperkuat koordinasi antarsatuan dalam mendukung misi tempur yang semakin kompleks.
Dalam pelaksanaannya, pesawat Hawk 100/200 beroperasi bersama pesawat tanker KC-130 Hercules dari Skadron Udara 32 Lanud Abdulrachman Saleh.
Komandan Lanud Soewondo, Kolonel Nav Sonni Benny Simanjuntak, M.Si (Han)., menegaskan bahwa latihan tersebut tidak hanya bertujuan mengasah keterampilan teknis para penerbang dalam manuver pengisian bahan bakar di udara, tetapi juga menjadi sarana untuk memperkuat sinergi antarsatuan dan meningkatkan interoperabilitas.
“Latihan seperti ini sangat krusial untuk menjaga kesiapsiagaan operasional TNI AU, memperkuat kerja sama lintas satuan, serta meningkatkan keandalan dalam melaksanakan misi di berbagai kondisi,” ujarnya.
Selain melibatkan pesawat tempur dan pesawat angkut, latihan juga didukung penuh oleh personel Skadron Udara 32 yang berperan dalam aspek logistik maupun teknis pengisian bahan bakar selama latihan berlangsung.
Turut hadir dalam kesempatan tersebut, Pangdam I/BB Mayjen TNI Rio Firdianto, Danlantamal I/Belawan Brigjen TNI (Mar) Jasiman Purba, S.E., CHRMP., 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 Kodam I/BB dan Lanud Soewondo.
Latihan tersebut selaras dengan tekad Kepala Staf Angkatan Udara (Kasau) Marsekal TNI M. Tonny Harjono, S.E., M.M., dalam mewujudkan TNI Angkatan Udara yang AMPUH (Adaptif, Modern, Profesional, Unggul, dan Humanis) dalam menghadapi tantangan pertahanan udara masa kini dan masa depan.
BAE Systems and Boeing Sign MQ-28 Ghost Bat Agreement to Deliver Autonomous Vehicle Management System
17 April 2025
MQ-28 Ghost Bat loyal wingman (photo: Boeing)
Strategic partnership with Boeing to deliver autonomous Vehicle Management System
BAE Systems Australia has entered into a 10-year Head Agreement with Boeing Defence Australia to deliver the company’s sovereign Vehicle Management System (VMS) into the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, driving forward the future of uncrewed air capability.
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is the first Australian combat aircraft designed, manufactured and flown in Australia in over 50 years. BAE Systems has been a strategic partner on the MQ-28 Program since 2017, leveraging more than 40 years of autonomous vehicle management systems development to become an invaluable partner on the pioneering program.
BAE Systems provides ongoing product and capability development of the vehicle management software, enabling the aircraft to fly autonomously. The VMS provides control of the air vehicle, with the company also providing elements of the Ground Control Station and the Independent Flight Termination System. The function of these flight control systems are vital for the safe operation of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat.
The Head Agreement contracting framework boosts BAE Systems and Boeing’s relationship and enhances a long-term strategic direction to provide opportunities to retain and engage in further capability delivery areas.
“BAE Systems is proud to be a strategic partner on this innovative sovereign program,” said Kisa Christensen, Director of Red Ochre Autonomy and Sensors at BAE Systems Australia.
“We are excited to be at the forefront of future autonomous air capability to ensure Australia and its allies can generate the force required to continually meet their operational needs well into the future.”
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is an uncrewed teaming aircraft designed to be a force multiplier in support of advanced multi-mission air combat operations. Its maiden flight was achieved in February 2021 and the test program is continuing to accelerate and evolve with further flight trials later this year.
“BAE Systems Australia has been an important capability partner for our Australian industry team,” said Glen Ferguson, Boeing MQ-28 Global Program Director.
Acquisition of 12 Additional FA-50s Possible -- AFP Chief Brawner
17 April 2025
PAF FA-50PH light combat aircraft (photo: PAF)
MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Monday expressed confidence that the acquisition for the additional 12 FA-50 fighter jets will proceed as planned.
"Yung pagdagdag natin ng mga FA-50s, (yun) 12 na FA-50s na jet fighters ay medyo mas posible na yun dahil nasa pipeline na po (the additional FA-50s, the other 12 FA-50 fighter jets, it's acquisition is more possible as it is now on the pipeline)," he said when asked for update on the ongoing AFP modernization during a chance interview with reporters.
Earlier, the Philippine Air Force said it has submitted a recommendation to the Department of National Defense to acquire 12 more FA-50s as part of the AFP's Rehorizon 3, which seeks to boost the military's intelligence, area denial and deterrence capabilities.
These additional 12 FA-50s will beef up the existing fleet of 11 FA-50PHs which were acquired from the Korea Aerospace Industries from 2015 to 2017 from PHP18.9 billion.
However, when asked whether the government has already determined which multi-role fighter (MRF) is planning to acquire to further beef up the defensive capabilities of the PAF, Brawner said, they are still in the process of selecting one which is affordable and can best serve the country.
"But as to the MRFs, we're still in the process of determining which one we can get according to our fiscal space, according to how we can afford these platforms," he said.
The AFP chief also expressed hope that these assets will be acquired soon considering their importance to Philippine defense.
The MRFs are expected to augment the existing fleet of FA-50PHs now in Philippine service.
"Whether these are the F-16s (Vipers) or Gripen (Sweden JAS-39s) or whatever other MRFs, pinag-aaralan po natin yan (we are still studying about that)," Brawner said.
Brawner further said they are happy with the news that the US Defense Security and Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on April 1 announced that the State Department has made a "determination approving a possible" foreign military sale of 20 Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines for an estimated cost of USD5.58 billion.
But he said the Philippines is still to make a final decision on this matter.
Aside from the airframes, the contract includes spare parts, weapon systems, munitions, sensors and targeting systems, and training.
(PNA)
16 April 2025
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15 April 2025
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Tim Sathar 11 Laksanakan Bantuan Pemeliharaan Lapangan di Lanud Suryadarma Kalijati Subang
15 April 2025
Pesawat Cessna T-41D TNI AU di Lanud Suryadarma, Subang, Jawa Barat digunakan untuk menarik glider (photo: Famioedin)Bandung, Jumat 11 April 2025 Tim teknisi Sathar 11 berhasil dan sukses dalam pelaksanaan perbaikan fuel indicator pesawat T-41 D Cessna No Reg. R-395 di Lanud Suryadarma Kalijati Subang.
Komandan Sathar 11 Letkol Tek Ardi Ardian P.S menyampaikan giat antuan Pemeliharaan Lapangan (Banharlap) ini merupakan bagian dari pemeliharaan yang berkelanjutan dalam menjaga kesiapan alutsista.
Dengan personil yang profesional di bidangnya membuat misi ini berjalan sukses dan aman sesuai prosedur pemeliharaan.
Diharapkan setelah perbaikan ini pesawat Cessna R-395 dapat segera beroperasi kembali dalam mendukung kesiapan tugas pokok dan operasional di Lanud Suryadarma Kalijati Subang.
Indonesia Pertimbangkan Opsi Setelah Rusia Minta Akses ke Lanud Manuhua, Biak
14 April 2025
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PCG, OCEA Sign Vessel Maintenance Contract
14 April 2025
Signing of maintenance contract between PCG-OCEA (photo: PCG)The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) formally signed a maintenance contract with the French shipbuilding company OCEA at Ambassadors Residence, North Forbes Park, Makati City, yesterday, 11 April 2025.
The Commandant of the PCG, Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, and the OCEA representative, Monsieur Jacques Briand led the contract signing ceremony which strengthens the operational readiness and sustainability of the PCG’s fleet of French-built patrol vessels.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in the PCG’s continued commitment to maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. Under the agreement, OCEA will provide technical support, regular maintenance services, and a steady supply of essential spare parts for the PCG’s OCEA-built vessel, the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301).
BRP Gabriela Silang, 84-meter OPV of PCG (photo: PCG)
In consideration of the sum of One Hundred Thirty Million Pesos (Php 130,000,000.00)—or such other amounts as may be subsequently determined, OCEA S.A. Philippines Branch agrees to the supply and delivery of services and parts for a one-year Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) intended for BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301).
Additionally, for the amount of Fifty Million Pesos (PhP50,000,000.00), or such other sums as may be ascertained, OCEA S.A. Philippines Branch agrees to the supply and delivery of services and parts for an additional three-month Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) intended for the four (4) 24-meter Fast Patrol Boats, in accordance with its request for quotation.
On 14 December 2022, the OCEA pledged a 1.5 billion shipyard in the Philippines that will possibly offer 500 to 600 direct and indirect jobs in the country as it aims to build 15 to 120-meter boats intended for maritime safety and security, transportation and fisheries.
OCEA initially made the investment pledge for a shipyard project in the Philippines during the 9th Philippine-France Joint Economic Committee (JEC) meeting held in July 2021.
Baracay class, 24-meter patrol boat of PCG (photo: PCG)The commitment was formalized through a letter of intent sent to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regarding the creation of OCEA Shipbuilding Philippines Inc.
The maintenance contract aims to ensure the long-term performance, efficiency, and seaworthiness of the said vessel, which play a crucial role in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.
The PCG expressed its appreciation to OCEA for the enduring partnership and reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing maritime capabilities through reliable international collaborations.
Said event was also graced by French Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Mr. Laurent Saint-Martin and the Department of Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon, who served as honored witnesses to the historic partnership.
(PCG)
PT PAL Dorong Peningkatan Komponen Lokal Hingga 50 Persen
13 April 2025
Four RNZAF C-130H Hercules Aircraft Sold to US Aerial Firefighting Company
13 April 2025
C-130H of the RNZAF (photo: NZDF)The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has finalised a sale of the four remaining C-130H Hercules aircraft to Coulson Aviation (USA).
The aircraft will be prepared for flight and flown to Coulson’s Maintenance Base in Thermal, California by a commercial crew over the next few months.
Wayne Coulson, president and chief executive of Coulson Group, says they are looking forward to integrating these aircraft into their existing fleet of six C-130H Hercules.
“Coulson is honoured to acquire the NZDF’s four C-130H’s, solidifying Coulson’s position as the largest non-government C-130H operator worldwide.
Coulson's C-130H fleet (photo: Coulson)“This acquisition strengthens our commitment to providing world-class aerial firefighting solutions and expanding our operational capabilities globally. We look forward to continuing our mission of protecting communities and natural resources with these proven, versatile aircraft.”
Following a substantial upgrade and conversion programme the aircraft will be deployed around the world as fire-fighting tankers.
Having served the NZDF for 60 years, the five-strong RNZAF fleet of Hercules clocked up more than 155,000 accident-free flying hours and nearly 100,000 landings at home and around the world.
The C-130H Hercules aircraft operated from Europe to the southwest Pacific, from Afghanistan to Antarctica. They left a legacy of providing support to New Zealanders and our neighbours in all kinds of environments.
One aircraft has already been delivered to the Air Force Museum in Christchurch where it will go on public display.
(NZDF)
New ADF Pistol Unveiled
13 April 2025
F9 sidearm weapon system (F9 SWS) based on the SIG Sauer 9mm P320 X-Carry Pro (photos: Aus DoD)
With the new F9 sidearm weapon system (F9 SWS) in hand, personnel have begun pulling the trigger on a new chapter in close combat.
The system is based on the SIG Sauer 9mm P320 X-Carry Pro, featuring a red-dot sight, torch and holster.
It replaces the legacy 9mm Browning Mk3 pistol and is also supported by non-lethal training kit and Defence’s Weapon Training Simulation System (WTSS).
Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Mark Biviano, of the Combined Arms Training Centre, said it was more than just a pistol.
“The first thing you notice is that you are employing a system as opposed to simply a weapon,” WO2 Biviano said.
“You receive all of the components of the system, and then you use all the components throughout your lessons.”
Rollout of the F9 began last year and will continue through to 2026 under Project Land 300.
For Army, rollout started this year at 7th Brigade and will continue throughout 2025.
“It’s not just a weapon upgrade – it’s a complete shift in how we build deployable capability,” WO2 Biviano said.
The system is provided by Queensland-based NIOA Group, supported by Victorian suppliers Aquaterro and Platatac.
The F9 is part of equipment being acquired under Land 300, which includes fighting knives, new sniper rifles and sniper surveillance system.
F9 training includes web-based ADELE lessons, hands-on drills, WTSS and train the battle shot live fire – integrating combat mindset, shooting techniques and qualifications on all equipment in one course.
Students must demonstrate accuracy and weapon handling across multiple distances, replacing the outdated “10 rounds and done” approach.
In early March, a week-long train-the-trainer course was held at Amberley, where participants learned to qualify others on the F9 SWS.
One of those was Air Force Warrant Officer Brett Moy, Combat Support Group lead for the F9 rollout and training to RAAF, who said it was hands-on, practical and empowering.
“You don’t just fire 10 rounds and tick a box anymore – you’ve got to display through application you can apply the skills required to achieve the grouping and alignment standards,” Warrant Officer Moy said.
The WTSS is now a key part of the training, allowing participants to progress through theory, drills and simulation before live-fire.
“There is a lot of application and reinforcement before you actually go on to the range,” Warrant Officer Moy said.
(Aus DoD)