KRI Brawijaya-320 Uji Interoperabilitas Heli Traversing System Bersama Heli Panther

08 Maret 2026

Uji Interoperabilitas Heli Traversing System (HTS) (photos: Koarmada 2)

TNI AL. Koarmada II - Dalam rangka meningkatkan kesiapan operasional unsur laut dan udara, KRI Brawijaya-320 unsur Satuan Kapal Eskorta Koarmada II, melaksanakan uji interoperabilitas Heli Traversing System (HTS) dengan Heli Panther AS565 MBe dari Skuadron Udara 100, Wing Udara 2 Puspenerbal. Kegiatan ini dilaksanakan dalam rangkaian program Pembinaan Operasi dan Latihan (Binopslat) Triwulan I Tahun Anggaran 2026.

Pada kegiatan tersebut dilaksanakan uji coba pengoperasian peralatan Mantis RAM (Remote Aircraft Mover) yang merupakan bagian dari sistem Heli Traversing System (HTS) milik KRI Brawijaya-320. Sistem ini berfungsi untuk membantu proses penarikan, pemindahan, serta penempatan helikopter di area geladak kapal secara aman dan presisi, khususnya saat kondisi kapal berada di laut.

Uji interoperabilitas ini bertujuan untuk memastikan bahwa sistem peralatan yang dimiliki KRI Brawijaya-320 dapat terintegrasi secara optimal dengan unsur udara TNI Angkatan Laut, khususnya Heli Panther AS565 MBe sebagai salah satu unsur udara yang mendukung berbagai operasi maritim.

Melalui kegiatan ini, prajurit TNI AL tidak hanya menguji kesiapan peralatan, tetapi juga menyelaraskan prosedur tetap (SOP) serta meningkatkan kemampuan koordinasi antara unsur kapal perang dan helikopter. Dengan demikian, diharapkan seluruh sistem dapat bekerja secara efektif dalam mendukung pelaksanaan tugas operasi di laut.

Latihan ini merupakan implementasi perintah Pangkoarmada II Laksda TNI I G. P. Alit Jaya, S.H., M.Si., yang menekankan kepada setiap unsur KRI agar senantiasa menjaga kesiapsiagaan dan profesionalisme prajurit, khususnya dalam meningkatkan profesionalisme prajurit serta kesiapan alutsista guna mendukung tugas pokok menjaga kedaulatan dan keamanan wilayah laut Indonesia.

(Koarmada 2)

Austal Contracts Damen as Partner for Local Construction of LST 100 Vessels for the Australian Army

08 Maret 2026

Damen Landing Ship Transport (LST) 100 (image: Damen)

On Friday, 20 February, Austal Defence Australia and Damen Shipyards Group signed a contract supporting the local construction of Landing Ship Transport (LST) 100 vessels for the Australian Defence Force. Under the agreement, Damen will provide the design and associated licences, enabling Austal to build the vessels at its Henderson shipyard in Western Australia.

The signing ceremony took place at the Australian Marine Complex Common User Facility (AMC CUF) in Henderson and was attended by representatives from industry and government, reflecting the importance of the programme for Australia’s defence and industrial capability.

The contract follows the Commonwealth of Australia’s announcement in November 2024 selecting the LST 100 as the preferred design for the Australian Defence Force’s Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) programme, following a competitive tender process.

Proven and trusted design

The LST 100 design was selected based on its proven operational credentials and successful service history. An earlier model has already been constructed and delivered, and its performance has contributed to further international adoption, including selection by NAVSEA for the United States Navy.

In recent years, defence organisations have increasingly adopted proven and in-service vessel designs as a means of reducing programme risk and accelerating delivery schedules. By building on established platforms with a demonstrated operational track record, defence organisations are able to minimise technical uncertainties, shorten development timelines, and focus on rapid capability deployment.

For Australia, the vessels will be built by Austal as part of the company’s fifteen-year Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement with the Commonwealth of Australia. A total of eight Landing Craft Heavy vessels will be delivered over a twelve-year period, with construction scheduled to commence later this year.

The vessels will be constructed in Henderson using Austal facilities and the AMC CUF, located 23 kilometres south of Perth. The complex, which already plays an important role in supporting the local economy, is undergoing major upgrades in order to be able to facilitate large-scale defence shipbuilding projects in the coming years.

Damen representatives at Henderson Shipyard, Western Australia before The Land 8710 Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) contract signing ceremony (photo: Aus DoD)

Strengthening littoral capabilities

The Landing Craft Heavy program supports the Australian Army’s contribution to the 2024 National Defence Strategy, which includes enhancing the Army’s ability to conduct agile, distributed and littoral operations as part of an integrated force. The new vessels will help enable Army to project, sustain and support land forces across Australia’s northern approaches and wider region, contributing to a more responsive and resilient national defence posture. 

Damen is proud to bring our expertise and craftsmanship to this Australian shipbuilding project, which will enhance capability, support sustainability, drive regional development, and strengthen the Australian Defence Force’s littoral capabilities. 

Wide-ranging operational role

Each vessel, measuring 100 metres by 16 metres, will be capable of transporting more than 500 tonnes of military vehicles and equipment. In addition to supporting amphibious operations, the ships will enable deployment, sustainment, logistics movements, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief missions.

Building a strong partnership

Damen Regional Director Oceania Rabien Bahadoer said: “It has been a pleasure to work closely with Austal throughout this process. By maintaining an open, transparent, and constructive partnership, we have been able to establish a strong basis for a programme that delivers lasting value for Western Australia and Australia’s defence capability.”

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Damen Area Director Asia Pacific Michiel Hendrikx added: “We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Austal and our Australian partners on this important programme. Around the world, we actively seek long-term cooperation with strong local shipbuilders and industrial partners, combining shared expertise, mutual respect, and a commitment to quality. This approach allows us to contribute to sustainable national shipbuilding ecosystems while learning from our partners and growing together. We are confident that this collaboration will support the Australian Army’s operational needs for many years to come, and we are proud to be part of Australia’s shipbuilding future.”

(Damen)

Prajurit Kapa 2 Marinir Latihan Mengangkut Meriam

08 Maret 2026

Kendaraan K-61 ketika membawa howitzer 105mm (all photos: PasMar 2)

Dispen Kormar TNI AngkatanLaut (Surabaya) -- Di tengah tengah bulan suci Ramadan, seluruh Prajurit Batalyon Kapa 2 Marinir melaksanakan Latihan Perorangan Kesenjataan (LPK) TW I Tahun 2026 materi Pelayanan Meriam Dinas Batrai (PMDB) di Daerah Latihan Kolam Rampa Kesatrian Marinir Sutedi Senaputra, Karangpilang. Jumat (27/02/26). (PasMar 2)

Kendaraan taktis KAPA K-61 (Kendaraan Amfibi Pengangkut Artileri) adalah kendaraan taktis tempur legendaris milik Korps Marinir TNI AL asal Uni Soviet. Rantis ini berfungsi utama mengangkut artileri dan personel dari LST/LPD ke daratan, beroperasi di laut/sungai, dengan kapasitas angkut 3 ton (darat) hingga 5 ton (air).

Desain kendaraan ini dirancang oleh biro desain di bawah pimpinan A.F. Kravtsev di Komite Teknis Pasukan Teknik (Engineering Forces) Uni Soviet. K-61 kemudian diproduksi oleh pabrik Kryukov Railway Car Building Works (atau dalam bahasa Rusia: Kryukovskiy Vagonostroitelniy Zavod - KVZ) yang berlokasi di Kremenchuk, Ukraina (saat itu masih bagian dari Uni Soviet).

Adapun asal usul nama K-61 jika dirunut, nama "K" identik dengan biro desain A.F. Kravtsev sedangkan angka "61" adalah nomor seri proyek atau tahun saat kendaraan tersebut mulai dikembangkan/diuji coba secara intensif hingga diadopsi secara resmi. Jika melihat klasifikasi resminya, kendaraan ini disebut sebagai GPT (Gusenichnyy Plavayushchiy Transportyer) yang artinya kendaraan pengangkut amfibi.

Di Korps Marinir TNI AL, KAPA digunakan untuk membawa meriam/howitzer tarik. Howitzer LG-1 MK II adalah meriam artileri medan ringan 105 mm andalan Resimen Artileri (Menart) Korps Marinir TNI AL, yang digunakan sejak 1994-1995. Meriam buatan Nexter (dulu GIAT) Prancis ini terkenal tangguh, ringan (1.520 kg), memiliki akurasi tinggi, serta mampu menembakkan 12 proyektil per menit dengan jangkauan 11,5 - 17,5 km. 

Pasukan Marinir TNI AL selain mengoperasikan KAPA K61 juga mengandalkan PTS-10. PTS-10 merupakan singkatan dari Plavayushchij Transportyer Sryednyj (Kendaraan Angkut Amfibi Medium). Angka "10" merujuk pada kapasitas angkutnya yang mencapai 10 ton di air. Kendaraan ini juga dirancang oleh Kravtsev dan juga dikembangkan di KVZ, namun karena kebutuhan produksi yang lebih besar, produksinya kemudian melibatkan pabrik lain yaitu Luhanskteplovoz di Ukraina.

ST Engineering Wins $372m Qatar Land Forces MRO Contract

07 Maret 2026

Qatar is now one of the most well-equipped military forces in the Middle East;  PzH 2000 155mm SPH, Leopard 2A7+ MBT, Dingo 2 HD armored vehicle and Fennek 4x4 reconnaissance armored vehicle (photo: Abdulmoiz1990)

ST Engineering Enters Qatar Defence Market with Multi-Year MRO Contract

Singapore – ST Engineering on February 27, 2026 announced its breakthrough in Qatar’s defence market through a five-year contract secured by its Land Systems business from Barzan Maintenance Shield to support the Qatar Emiri Land Forces (QELF). The €315m (about S$470m) contract covers maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for military land platforms, workshop equipment and technical experts, alongside the implementation of digitalised MRO processes and inventory management practices. Work will commence in 2Q2026 in Qatar. 

“This contract win marks ST Engineering’s breakthrough into the Qatar defence market. We are encouraged by the trust and confidence placed in us by Barzan and the Qatar Emiri Land Forces to maintain its land platforms to ensure operational readiness at all times,” said Lim Kok Ann, President of Land Systems, ST Engineering.

“We are committed to working closely with Barzan Maintenance Shield and the Qatar Emiri Land Forces to deliver dependable, long-term MRO support. We are combining our engineering expertise, digital processes and on-the-ground execution to enhance the lifecycle management of the Qatar Emiri Land Forces’ operational platforms,” he added. 

In addition to comprehensive maintenance of the QELF’s fleets of vehicles, ST Engineering will enhance MRO operations through the digitisation of maintenance workflows, anomaly detection and fleet analytics to achieve greater effectiveness and efficiency. The work will also strengthen inventory management by refining processes, optimising inventory planning and applying data-driven spares provisioning. 

This win demonstrates that the Middle East, including Qatar, is a key market focus for ST Engineering, as the Group continues to secure programmes that build on its core capabilities and strengthen long-term partnerships with defence customers in the region. 

(ST Engineering)

Detail Pesanan Enam Kapal Selam Mini DGK dan Kendaraan Pengiriman Penyelam SDV DS8 untuk Indonesia

07 Maret 2026

Drass asal Italia akan segera memulai pembangunan kapal selam mini/kompak generasi baru DGK 2+4 untuk Indonesia (image: Drass)

Indonesia akan menjadi pelanggan pertama untuk kapal selam baru yang dikembangkan oleh Drass dan akan menjadi dorongan besar bagi perusahaan di pasar internasional.

Dengan panjang dan tinggi keseluruhan masing-masing 34 dan 7 meter, diameter lambung (sama dengan lebar keseluruhan) sekitar 3,5 meter dan bobot permukaan 219 ton (sekitar 270 ton saat terendam), kapal selam kompak generasi baru DGK ini mewakili “pergeseran paradigma dalam peperangan bawah laut, menggabungkan kemampuan yang dibutuhkan di perairan pesisir, seperti pengawasan dan dukungan pasukan khusus, sambil mempertahankan nilai pencegahan yang signifikan di perairan laut lepas, karena dilengkapi dengan sistem senjata, komando dan kontrol, serta sensor yang setara dengan kapal selam konvensional, namun kurang terdeteksi oleh sonar berkat ukurannya yang lebih kecil,” klaim Drass. Meskipun kapal ini tidak dirancang untuk penyeberangan samudra jarak jauh, keterbatasan ini diperkirakan tidak akan menjadi masalah mengingat konfigurasi kepulauan Indonesia yang luas, menurut sumber yang dekat dengan program tersebut.

Dengan panjang 34 meter dan bobot permukaan 219 ton, DGK yang dikembangkan oleh Drass mampu mengangkut hingga 6+1 operator pasukan khusus dan sebuah SDV DS8 yang juga buatan Drass (image: Drass)

Dimensi yang kompak dan keheningan yang luar biasa dari DGK menjadikannya target bawah air yang tangguh, klaim Drass, menghindari deteksi bahkan oleh platform anti-kapal selam canggih. Kapal ini dapat beroperasi dengan aman di bawah permukaan air laut sedalam 20 meter, semakin meningkatkan kemampuannya, dan mencapai kedalaman operasional lebih dari 200 meter. Dengan menggabungkan nilai parameter L/D (Panjang/Diameter) yang sangat baik dan konfigurasi kemudi X untuk hidroplan buritan, kapal ini memiliki kemampuan manuver yang optimal, bersama dengan diffuser pusaran poros baling-baling dan fitur-fitur utama lainnya untuk meminimalkan jejak akustik, yang sangat penting untuk operasi di perairan pesisir dan perairan terbatas. Area sirkulasi bebas buritan dari lambung hidrodinamik memungkinkan penempatan dua tangki pemberat belakang, yang dirancang untuk menjamin daya apung jika terjadi kerusakan.

Dengan sistem tenaga dan listrik yang sepenuhnya redundan, dilengkapi dengan genset andal dan baterai lithium-ion, kapal selam kompak baru ini memiliki kecepatan jelajah maksimum di bawah permukaan, di permukaan, dan di bawah air masing-masing 15, 9, dan 4 knot, jangkauan jelajah (snorkeling/di bawah air) lebih dari 2.000 mil laut, dan jangkauan di bawah air (dengan baterai) hampir 100 mil laut.

Kapal selam kompak DGK dilengkapi dengan dua peluncur torpedo yang dipasang di haluan untuk senjata berat, mast dengan lima menara, dan sistem manajemen komando yang dikembangkan oleh (image: Drass)

Ditandai dengan ruang muatan yang dapat dikonfigurasi ulang, dan ruang dek untuk peralatan pasukan khusus tambahan, DGK memiliki ruang evakuasi untuk pengerahan pasukan khusus dan tangki yang dapat dikonfigurasi ulang untuk misi yang lebih panjang. Kapal selam ini dapat mengangkut hingga 6+1 operator pasukan khusus selain kru berjumlah 9 orang, kendaraan pengiriman penyelam DS8 (SDV) buatan perusahaan yang sama di dek di belakang anjungan, dan berbagai muatan misi termasuk kontainer peralatan penyelam, AUV atau ROV, dengan total 5 ton peralatan.

Dilengkapi dengan sistem manajemen platform terintegrasi dan sistem manajemen komando yang sedang dikembangkan oleh Drass sendiri dengan kerja sama pemasok khusus, DGK memiliki mast dengan lima menara serta komando dan kendali dengan lima konsol operator yang mengelola rangkaian sensor dan navigasi lengkap termasuk sonar pasif array konformal, sonar pandangan ke depan, sonar intersepsi (opsional), rangkaian peperangan elektronik dengan penerima peringatan radar dan pengukuran dukungan elektronik (ESM) pencari arah (opsional), rangkaian komunikasi dengan HF, UHF/VHF dan SATCOM bawah air (opsional), sistem jaringan suara/data interkom, dan rangkaian navigasi dengan INS, log kecepatan doppler, echo sounder, dan profiler kecepatan suara.

Drass mengumumkan telah mengirimkan dua kendaraan pengiriman penyelam DS8 pertama ke Indonesia (photo: Drass)

Paket persenjataan mencakup dua peluncur torpedo yang dipasang di haluan dengan torpedo berat berpemandu kawat yang siap ditembakkan, dan dua peluncur tambahan sebagai pilihan yang dipasang di luar untuk senjata dan sistem yang sama atau berbeda. Kapal ini juga dapat membawa rak hingga enam ranjau yang mengapung netral.

Dikonfigurasi dalam beberapa bagian tanpa mengorbankan integritas struktural, DGK dapat diangkut secara diam-diam melalui jalan darat, sehingga memudahkan pemeliharaan dan perbaikan sistem di atas kapal.

DGK, seperti yang diantisipasi, dapat membawa SDV DS8 yang dikembangkan dan dibangun juga oleh Drass, yang dua di antaranya baru-baru ini dikirim ke Angkatan Laut Indonesia, dari jumlah yang direncanakan sebanyak enam, menurut informasi yang dikumpulkan oleh Naval News, yang selanjutnya meningkatkan kemampuan pasukan khusus dan peperangan bawah lautnya di perairan pesisir yang diperebutkan.

(NavalNews)

Philippine and Indonesian Navies Conduct 1st Leg of CORPAT PHILINDO-40-2026 Along PH-ID Borders

07 Maret 2026

BRP Tubbataha (MRRV4401), BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS37), KRI Selar (879), and a Beechcraft King Air C90 (NV392) (photos: PN)

The Philippine Navy, through the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), conducted the 1st Leg of the Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) PHILINDO-40-2026 along the Philippine–Indonesia maritime border on March 4, 2026, in cooperation with the Indonesian Navy and with the participation of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The participating units from the Philippine Navy were BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS37) and a Beechcraft King Air C90 (NV392); KRI Selar (879) from the Indonesian Navy; and BRP Tubbataha (MRRV4401) from the Philippine Coast Guard.

The coordinated patrol is a quarterly bilateral activity between the Philippines and Indonesia aimed at enhancing maritime security, strengthening operational coordination, and preventing illegal activities within the shared maritime boundaries of the two nations.

Moreover, it highlights the continuing commitment of the Philippine Navy, Indonesian Navy, and Philippine Coast Guard to safeguard their maritime borders, enhance mutual understanding, and promote peace, stability, and security in the region.

During the coordinated patrol, participating units carried out several at-sea serials designed to improve communication, coordination, and interoperability between the maritime forces of both countries. These included Communication Exercise (COMMEX), Semaphore Exercise (SEMAPHOREX), Replenishment at Sea Approach (RASAP), and Maneuvering Exercises (MANNEX). These activities allowed participating vessels and aircraft to practice tactical maneuvers and communication procedures essential for effective maritime operations.

Through sustained collaborative efforts, such as CORPAT PHILINDO, both nations reaffirm their shared responsibility for maintaining safe and secure seas while strengthening the longstanding partnership between maritime forces.

(PN)

C-130J Simulator Nears Next Development Milestone

06 Maret 2026

Systems power up, visuals are in place and the engine roars in the new C-130J Hercules simulator, installed at Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Auckland (photo: NZDF)

While there is still important work ahead before it can be used for training, the project has reached several significant milestones.

Named Perseus after the mythical Greek demi-God, the simulator arrived on base in August in 58 crates weighing 49 tonnes, on two flights in one of the world’s largest aircraft, the C-5M Super Galaxy.

A hero famed for lopping off Medusa’s head, Perseus was Hercules’ half-brother and his great-grandfather.

Now fully constructed and beginning full-motion and systems testing, the simulator is designed to replicate the C-130J cockpit and flight environment with high realism. It will allow crews to rehearse a wide range of scenarios - from emergency procedures to poor weather conditions – all within a controlled, safe environment. 

The team was making “steady, deliberate progress”, C‑130J Synthetic Training Centre manager Flight Sergeant Tony Strugnell said.

“There’s still a bit of work and testing ahead of us but we’re tracking towards a mid-year handover from Lockheed Martin to the New Zealand Defence Force. Every week we tick off another important piece of the set-up.”

Perseus, the new C-130J Hercules simulator at RNZAF Base Auckland (photo: Aus DoD)

Once certified, No. 40 Squadron crews will be able to walk across the road for simulator training instead of jumping on a flight to Australia or the United States. 

“Being able to train here at home will save time and resources, and reduce the need to fly aircraft purely for training outcomes,” Flight Sergeant Strugnell said. 

“The efficiencies will be significant once we’re up and running.”

The visual database is based on one already used in other RNZAF aircraft simulators and has been upgraded specifically for Hercules operations. 

That includes adding Antarctic airfields and tactical training airstrips and drop zones in New Zealand, according to Squadron Leader Mel Fieldes from the Future Air Mobility Capability project team.   

“We’ve been upgrading the database so we can conduct a range of training scenarios such as short field, grass strip and high-density altitude work,” Squadron Leader Fieldes said.

“The database also has in-built infrared signatures so we can conduct effective training on Night Vision Goggles. 

“There are even full sound effects for different types of weather, such as hail and thunderstorms,” she said.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft (photo: NZDF)

It’s not just pilots who benefit from the simulator. Air loadmasters will be able to conduct weight‑and‑balance calculations the same as in the actual aircraft, and the simulator includes a Virtual Cargo Compartment and Virtual Aircraft Representation System which allows them to rehearse checklist actions both inside and outside the aircraft. Maintainers will also be able to use the system for engine-running training and fault replication. 

The project has been ongoing since 2019 and it was great to see this stage nearly at an end, Squadron Leader Fieldes said.

“We’re looking forward to continuing the work towards certification. It will be a real milestone once it’s ready for training.”

Flight Sergeant Strugnell said the multi-national build process had been substantial, with the simulator constructed and tested in the United States before being shipped and reassembled in New Zealand. 

“It’s been a long journey to get it to this point, and there’s still more to do. But seeing it come together has been hugely rewarding. It’ll be a great day when the first crew climbs in for training.”

(NZDF)