Philippines Signed Defence Deal with UAE and Japan

20 Januari 2026

MoU with UAE (infographic: DND)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which seeks to deepen cooperation on advanced defense technologies, and strengthen the security relations between the two countries.

The MOU, signed in Abu Dhabi during the President's working visit to the UAE on January 12-14, 2026, will serve as a platform for collaboration on unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare, and naval systems, in line with the ongoing capability development and modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Anchored on the already robust people-to-people ties between the Philippines and the UAE, the agreement is also expected to bolster defense and military relations, through education and training, intelligence and security sharing, and cooperation in the fields of anti-terrorism, maritime security, and peacekeeping operations.

Being the first formal defense agreement of the Philippines with a Gulf country, the MOU with the UAE is a testament to the Philippines' commitment to forging stronger partnerships to address matters of mutual interest. The Department of National Defense continues to work with like-minded partners in pursuit of regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity. (DND)

Agreement with UAE (infographic: DND)

Philippines and Japan Sign ACSA and Official Security Assistance for FY 2025

The Philippines and Japan marked a significant advancement in bilateral defense cooperation with the signing of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of Japan concerning Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services (“Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement", or ACSA) and the exchange of notes on Official Security Assistance (OSA) for Japanese Fiscal Year 2025.

The ACSA establishes a legal framework to facilitate the reciprocal provision of supplies and services between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Japan Self-Defense Forces SDF). The Agreement is intended to enhance military interoperability and readiness, and to enable the more efficient conduct of joint exercises, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, peacekeeping activities, and other mutually agreed engagements. The ACSA complements existing bilateral defense arrangements and contributes to deeper practical cooperation between the two countries.

On the same occasion, Japan confirmed the provision of Official Security Assistance Fiscal Year 2025, which will support the modernization and capacity-building efforts of the Philippine defense sector. This assistance includes infrastructure support under Japan's OSA framework, reinforcing the Philippines' ability to enhance maritime security and operational effectiveness. (DND)

Navy's New OPV Rajah Sulayman Arrives in PH

19 Januari 2026

BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20) was escorted by the guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) upon entering Philippine waters (photos: PN)

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) on Monday announced that one of the six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) it ordered from South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the prospective Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), arrived in the country on Jan. 17.

The vessel is scheduled for technical inspection and assessment before it is commissioned and officially accepted into service.

"The PN’s newest OPV, the future BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), has arrived in the country from South Korea, which marks another significant addition to the Navy’s growing modern fleet, on January 17, 2026," PN public affairs office chief Commander Marie Angelica Sisican said in a statement.

South Korean media earlier reported that the ship departed Ulsan on Jan. 13 for its voyage to the Philippines. Upon entering Philippine waters, the vessel was met off the coast of Zambales by the country’s first guided-missile frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), in accordance with standard naval protocols.

"After completing coordination and meeting procedures at sea, the future BRP Rajah Sulayman will begin post-delivery activities and technical checks," Sisican said.

She added that BRP Rajah Sulayman is scheduled to undergo acceptance and pre-commissioning processes before its formal entry into active service.

"(This) underscores the PN’s commitment to strengthening its maritime defense and law enforcement capabilities through a modern, multi-domain, and self-reliant force," Sisican said.

BRP Rajah Sulayman was launched on June 11, 2025, at the HD HHI shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea.

AThe BRP Rajah Sulayman is the first of the six OPVs ordered from shipbuilder HD HHI, worth around PHP30 billion in 2022. 

(PNA)

Mantan Komodor Udara Pakistan Menjelaskan Mengapa Jet Tempur JF-17 Diminati

19 Januari 2026

Dengan payload persenjataan 3.700 kg JF-17 rak persenjataan dapat diisi dengan rudal anti kapal, rudal udara ke darat, serta rudal udara ke udara jarak pendek maupun BVR jenis PL-12 dan PL-15 buatan China (photo: Pakdef)

Mantan Komodor Udara Abbas Petiwala, penerima penghargaan Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Militer) dan Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Militer), mengatakan bahwa rekam jejak tempur yang terbukti, kemampuan canggih, dan efektivitas biaya dari JF-17 Thunder telah menjadikan pesawat ini pilihan menarik bagi negara-negara yang mencari jet tempur modern.

Berbicara secara eksklusif kepada Business Recorder, Petiwala mengatakan faktor pertama yang dievaluasi oleh suatu negara sebelum membeli pesawat tempur adalah rekam jejak perangnya. “Rekam jejak perang JF-17 telah terbukti berulang kali,” katanya, merujuk pada bentrokan baru-baru ini dengan India di mana, menurutnya, pesawat tersebut menunjukkan efektivitas operasionalnya.

Berbicara kepada Business Recorder, Petiwala menyoroti evolusi pertempuran udara, mengingat pesawat tempur dari tahun 1960-an hingga 1980-an, seperti Sabre dan F-104 Starfighter. “Untuk menerbangkan pesawat-pesawat itu, Anda harus mendekati jet musuh. Kami menyebutnya dalam jarak pandang, yaitu dalam jarak 10 mil.”

JF-17 Block III telah menggunakan radar AESA KLJ-7 (photo: PakDefense)

Peperangan modern, katanya, telah bergeser ke arah pertempuran di luar jarak pandang/beyond-visual-range (BVR).

“Di negara-negara berkembang, kemampuan BVR terbatas sekitar 30-40 mil. Saat ini, dengan sistem radar canggih, Anda dapat mendeteksi pesawat musuh pada jarak 150-200 mil.”

“Semua kemampuan ini ada di JF-17.”

Dari perspektif defensif dan ofensif, katanya, pesawat ini dapat mengunci target dari jarak jauh dan menyerangnya secara efektif.

Ia berbagi bahwa pesawat-pesawat tempur sezaman dengan JF-17, termasuk jet tempur Amerika dan Eropa yang tersedia di pasaran, harganya berkisar antara $70 juta hingga $90 juta. “Sedangkan JF-17 harganya sekitar $25-30 juta per unit,” katanya.

Glass cockpit pesawat tempur JF-17. Sebelum menjelma menjadi Block III sebagai pesawat multirole air superiority fighter, Block I adalah jenis attack fighter dan kemudian Block II adalah air superiority fighter (photo: DCS World) 

Selain harga, Petiwala mengatakan negara-negara juga menilai kekuatan rantai pasokan dan ekosistem pelatihan pesawat. “Pakistan Air Force/Angkatan Udara Pakistan mandiri dalam hal pelatihan” dan juga telah memberikan pelatihan kepada beberapa angkatan udara asing, katanya.

Mencatat fondasi industri di balik pengembangan JF-17, Petiwala menunjuk pada pendirian Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) di Kamra pada tahun 1970-an.

“PAC awalnya berfokus pada perbaikan pesawat China dan Prancis, termasuk Mirage, A5, dan F7. Setelah mengembangkan keahlian, fasilitas perbaikan tersebut diubah menjadi fasilitas manufaktur, yang memungkinkan kami untuk meminimalkan biaya produksi,” katanya.

Kesepakatan pertahanan Pakistan

Beberapa negara telah menunjukkan minat untuk mengakuisisi jet tempur JF-17 yang terkenal, yang meningkatkan prestisenya setelah menunjukkan kemampuannya dalam perang Mei 2025 melawan rival tetangga. Pesawat tempur ringan ini dikembangkan bersama oleh Pakistan dan China dan diproduksi di Pakistan.

JF-17 menggunakan mesin turbofan tunggal RD-93 buatan Rusia, yang merupakan varian dari mesin Klimov RD-33 yang digunakan pada pesawat tempur MiG-29 (photo: Wiki)

Perlu disebutkan bahwa Pakistan dan Arab Saudi sedang dalam pembicaraan untuk mengkonversi sekitar $2 miliar pinjaman Saudi menjadi kesepakatan jet tempur JF-17, memperdalam kerja sama militer beberapa bulan setelah kedua negara menandatangani pakta pertahanan bersama tahun lalu.

Demikian pula, Pakistan juga mengadakan diskusi rinci dengan Bangladesh tentang potensi pengadaan jet tempur JF-17 dan pesawat latih Super Mushshak.

Pakistan juga telah mengamankan pakta senjata senilai $4 miliar dengan Tentara Nasional Libya.

Selain itu, delegasi pertahanan tingkat tinggi Indonesia bertemu dengan Kepala Angkatan Udara Pakistan untuk membahas kerja sama penerbangan strategis, termasuk jet tempur JF-17 Thunder.

(Business Recorder)

Saab–RTAF Held Offset Meeting for the Gripen Project

19 Januari 2026

Saab delegation with RTAF discussed offset for Gripen project (photos: RTAF)

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), represented by Air Chief Marshal Praphas Sonjaidee, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the RTAF and Chairman of the Offset Agreement Acceptance Committee, welcomed representatives from Saab of Sweden on January 12, 2026, for the Saab–RTAF Offset Meeting following the signing of a cooperation agreement. The meeting aimed to discuss concrete approaches to the Offset project, encompassing both personnel development and technology transfer.

The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the new personnel responsible for both sides, as well as to clarify and explain the details and conditions of the contract. The Saab delegation was led by Ms. Lena-Marie Ilestrand, Head of the Offset Business Unit for the Gripen project, along with Mr. Anders Håkansson, Director of Contracts, and Mr. Robert Björklund, Director of Marketing.

Key topics of discussion included:

• Establishing a standard mechanism for modifying contract details to ensure clarity and flexibility in project implementation.

• Adjusting the scholarship program format for more efficient management. The first phase of funding is expected to begin in 2027.

• Discussions were held on the transfer of Link-T system technology to RTAF personnel, including the establishment of a training framework and systematic certification of technology transfer results.

Both parties agreed to continue coordinating closely to prepare for the implementation steps and schedule follow-up meetings. The aim is for this cooperation to enhance the RTAF's capabilities and sustainably develop the potential of its personnel in aviation and advanced technology.

(RTAF)

Royal Australian Air Force Announces Changes to Heritage Fleet

18 Januari 2026

DH-115 Vampire T.35 (photo: RAAF)

The Royal Australian Air Force will withdraw eight heritage aircraft following a comprehensive review of technical and airworthiness factors to ensure 100 Squadron remains safe, sustainable, and connected to Air Force history.

Gloster Meteor F.8 (photo: RAAF)

Streamlining the fleet will allow 100 Squadron to maintain quality heritage displays, engage communities, and protect the long-term viability of Air Force’s heritage capability. 

Cessna A-37B Dragonfly (photo: RAAF)

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell DSC, CSC, OAM, said the review was essential to balancing heritage preservation with operational safety.

Ryan STM-S2 (photo: RAAF)

“Our heritage fleet holds deep significance to Air Force and the Australian public,” Air Marshal Chappell said. 

English Electric Canberra (photo: RAAF)

“While withdrawing aircraft is never easy, this step ensures we preserve aviation history responsibly. By transferring these aircraft to museums and heritage organisations, their stories of service and innovation will remain accessible for future generations.”

CT4A (photo: RAAF)

As aircraft age, upkeep becomes increasingly complex, especially for flying displays. Reducing the fleet will allow 100 Squadron to focus on operating a select group of historic aircraft for ceremonial duties and flying displays, maintaining a living connection to Air Force traditions.

RE8 (photo: RAAF)

The withdrawn aircraft – DH-115 Vampire T.35, Gloster Meteor F.8, Cessna A-37B Dragonfly, Ryan STM-S2, English Electric Canberra, CA-27 Sabre, CT4A, and RE8 – will be transitioned with dignity. Five aircraft originally transferred from Temora Aviation Museum will return there, while the remaining three will be considered for static display at approved institutions.

Air Force will continue to operate 11 heritage aircraft: the Mustang, Harvard, Winjeel, two Tiger Moths, Sopwith Pup, Hudson, Spitfire Mk8, Spitfire Mk16, Boomerang and Wirraway. 

Heritage operations will be reviewed over the next 12 months to ensure sustainability and continued public engagement.

(Aus DoD)

KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 Laksanakan Sea Trial Lanjutan

18 Januari 2026

Sea Trial Lanjutan digunakan untuk memastikan kesiapan operasional (photos: Koarmada 2)

TNI AL. Koarmada II -- KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 melaksanakan uji coba pelayaran lanjutan pada Rabu, 14 Januari 2026, sebagai bagian dari tahapan pengujian dan pemantapan kesiapan operasional kapal. Kegiatan ini dipimpin langsung oleh Komandan KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 Kolonel Laut (P) Kurniawan Koes Atmadja, dengan melibatkan seluruh unsur awak kapal sesuai bidang tugas masing-masing.

Uji coba pelayaran lanjutan ini meliputi percobaan sistem pendorongan, sistem kemudi, navigasi, serta pemantapan komunikasi antar pos tempur. Seluruh rangkaian kegiatan dilaksanakan secara bertahap dan terukur guna memastikan setiap sistem utama kapal berfungsi dengan optimal sesuai dengan standar operasional yang telah ditetapkan.

Selain pengujian sistem pelayaran, pada kesempatan tersebut juga dilaksanakan firing check sistem penembakan meriam 76 mm sovraponte dan meriam 127 mm. Kegiatan ini difokuskan pada pengecekan kesiapan awal sistem senjata dari aspek mekanis, elektrikal, serta prosedur keselamatan, tanpa pelaksanaan penembakan amunisi.

Melalui pelaksanaan uji coba pelayaran lanjutan ini, diharapkan seluruh awak kapal semakin memahami karakteristik dan performa KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 saat berlayar, sekaligus meningkatkan profesionalisme prajurit dalam mendukung kesiapan operasional satuan. 

Kegiatan ini merupakan wujud komitmen TNI Angkatan Laut dalam menjaga kesiapsiagaan alutsista guna mendukung pelaksanaan tugas pertahanan dan keamanan laut nasional.

(Koarmada 2)

Progress Meeting on the Loitering Munition System (LMS) Project

18 Januari 2026

Since DSA 2024 Malaysian local industry introduced Loitering Munition System (photo: MSP)

KAJANG – The Director General of the Institute of Institut Penyelidikan Sains dan Teknologi Pertahanan/Defence Science and Technology Research (STRIDE), YBrs. Tuan Nor Azlan Mohd Ramli, chaired the Loitering Munition System (LMS) Project Progress Meeting which took place at STRIDE, Kajang.

This meeting aimed to assess the latest developments in the implementation of the LMS project which was carried out in collaboration with the local defence industry, Tinjau Mahir Sdn. Bhd., in addition to discussing the next steps to ensure that this project meets the set scope, operational requirements and strategic targets of the national defence.

This meeting was also attended by the Manager of Tinjau Mahir Sdn. Bhd., senior STRIDE officers, representatives of Tinjau Mahir, and representatives of the Defence Industry Division.

The discussion focused on the technical and operational progress of the project, the challenges faced and the need for integrated coordination of research activities. The LMS project is a strategic initiative in strengthening the capabilities of local armed drone systems, thus reducing dependence on external technology.

This session reflects STRIDE's continued commitment with local industry partners in ensuring that the development of defence technology is implemented in a phased, systematic and sustainable manner, in line with the goal of strengthening national defence.

(STRIDE)