Viettel Distributes Aircraft Simulators and Pilots Training System in Indonesia

29 Desember 2025

Signing of agreement between Viettel Hight Tech and PT Bandara Praniagatama (photo: Viettel)

PANO - Viettel High Technology Industries Corporation (Viettel High Tech), an affiliate of the Military Industry-Telecoms Group (Viettel), and PT. Bandara Praniagatama of Indonesia have signed an agreement to distribute Viettel's aircraft simulators and pilots training system in Indonesia.

According to the agreement, PT. Bandara Praniagatama will be the sole distributor of Viettel's aircraft simulators and pilot training systems in the Indonesian market for two years and in other international markets where the Indonesian business is a service provider. This agreement is a significant milestone in the Vietnamese military business's efforts in expanding its export market for Viettel's aircraft simulators, with expected revenues reaching tens of millions of USD.

As the foremost pilot training company in Indonesia with many years of experience in cooperation with well-known international partners, PT. Bandara Praniagatama has been specifically assigned to seeking cooperation opportunities and providing training for the country's air force by the Indonesian Defense Ministry.

Viettel's flight training simulator system. (Viettel High Tech)

In Vietnam, Viettel is a trailblazer in applying simulation technology to military training, and the aircraft simulators and pilots training system developed by Viettel have approved to meet all requirements of training of the Vietnam People's Army and other militaries. Viettel has now mastered all aspects, ranging from research and design to manufacturing and core technologies. Through this agreement, Viettel expects to export its flight simulation products to the Indonesian market as well as other promising markets in the region.

General Director of Viettel High Tech Nguyen Vu Ha said that since Viettel masters core technology, it enables the military business to swiftly adapt and promptly address requests from users without depending on external partners. This will not interrupt the training process of air force, thus ensuring absolute safety for pilots and enhancing the combat readiness capability of the Indonesian air force.

Viettel's flight training simulator system. (Viettel High Tech)

Viettel's system boasts numerous advantages and is expected to be successful in the international market. Firstly, the system ensures pilot training in any weather conditions and terrains, from simple to complex scenarios in both day and night. Secondly, it operates effectively and saves costs. This simulation system can reduce costs by hundreds of times and minimize the number of operators by dozens of times in comparison to training on real aircraft.

In addition, by simulating real-life combat situations, it can help pilots effectively handle unexpected circumstances during flight. Moreover, the ability of connecting with the flight command crew training simulation system will facilitate the simultaneous training for both air force (pilots) and ground forces (flight commanders, navigation crews) in the same scenario.

Highlighting the cooperation with Viettel, General Director of PT. Bandara Praniagatama Rengga Dina Permana said that the partnership with Viettel, a leading high-tech company in Vietnam, will help the Indonesian business to fully meet the Indonesian market’s demand for simulation training system.

(QDND)

BRP Emilio Jacinto Conducts Patrols, Test Fires 76mm Gun Off Zambales

29 Desember 2025

BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35) first of five patrol vessels of the Peacock class, she was originally part of the Hong Kong Squadron of the Royal Navy (photos: PN)

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) announced that one of its offshore patrol vessels, BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35), conducted a maritime patrol off Los Frailes Island, Zambales, where it also successfully test-fired its 76mm main gun on Dec. 18.

BRP Emilio Jacinto is assigned to the PN's Northern Luzon Naval Command (NLNC) based in Naval Station Ernesto Ogbinar, Poro Point, San Fernando City, La Union.

"During the patrol, PS-35 maintained heightened maritime domain awareness while monitoring vessel movements and engaging in presence operations in key sea lanes, particularly in areas vulnerable to transnational maritime threats," the PN said in a statement Sunday night.

It added that the test firing of the ship's 76mm Oto Melara main gun was to ensure operability, accuracy, and effective operation of the weapon and "amplify the operator’s skill proficiency."

The PN added that all NLNC and its assets will continue to monitor the area and ensure the safety of Filipino fisherfolk within the West Philippine Sea.

In a related development, the Western Naval Command, based in Naval Station Carlito Cunanan, Barangay Macarascas, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, conducted an arrival and welcoming ceremony for the outgoing security personnel from Lawak and Patag Islands in the Kalayaan Island Group following their safe arrival at WNC headquarters last Dec. 17.

"The activity marked the successful completion of the rotation and resupply (RORE) mission and recognized the dedicated service of personnel deployed in forward areas," it added.

(PNA)

PT DI Berhasil Terbangkan Kembali CN-235 Nomor A-2305

29 Desember 2025

Pesawat angkut CN-235 nomor A-2305 (photo ssv: PT DI)

Melalui unggahan PT DI tanggal 25 Desember 2025 lalu, PT Dirgantara Indonesia berhasil menerbangkan kembali pesawat CN-235 dengan nomor registrasi A-2305 yang menjalani restorasi dengan kontrak efektif yang dimulai sejak Oktober 2022.

Dalam program restorasi ini disebutkan bahwa A-2305 mengalami modifikasi besar dan pemeliharaan komprehensif yang dilakukan untuk memulihkan dan meningkatkan kesiapan operasional armada pesawat TNI AU ini.

A-2305 merupakan pesawat CN-235-100 yang diserah-terimakan dari PT DI (dahulu PT IPTN) dan masuk di Skadron Udara 2 di Lanud Halim Perdanakusuma, Jakarta pada sekitar tahun 1995-1996.

Pesawat angkut CN-235 nomor A-2305 (photo ssv: PT DI)

PT DI mendapatkan kontrak untuk memproduksi 9 pesawat angkut taktis CN-235 versi 100 pada akhir 1980an. Pesawat pertama A-2301 diserahkan pada Januari 1993 dan pesawat terakhir A-2309 diserahkan pada Januari 1997, seluruh pesawat ini dioperasikan oleh Skadron Udara 2.

Saat ini di Skadron Udara 2 tercatat masih mempunyai beberapa pesawat CN-235 selain A-2306 dan A-2309 yang sudah berstatus written off (dihapus) karena kecelakaan yang dialaminya. Tercatat ada 5 pesawat CN-235 dengan nomor registrasi A-2301, A-2303, 

A-2305, A-2308 dan A-2321. Khusus A-2321 (diserahkan pada Maret 2021) dalam dinamika operasional TNI AU, meskipun pernah bertugas di Skadron Udara 27 (Biak), pesawat ini sering kali ditarik kembali atau disiagakan di Skadron Udara 2 (Halim) untuk mendukung kebutuhan angkut taktis di wilayah Barat atau sebagai unit cadangan strategis nasional karena statusnya sebagai salah satu unit CN235 yang paling muda secara usia pakai.

Pesawat angkut CN-235 nomor A-2305 (photo: Fahmi Imadudin)

Pesawat angkut taktis dengan nomor registrasi A-2302, A-2304, dan A-2307 serta pesawat dengan konfigurasi MPA dengan nomor A-2317 dan A-2318 telah dipindah-tugaskan ke Skadron Udara 27 di Biak, Papua. Adapun A-2317, A-2318 dan A-2321 merupakan pesawat CN-235 versi 200.

Pada tahun 2012 hingga 2014 TNI AU menerima 9 pesawat CN-295 yang seluruhnya dioperasikan di Skadron Udara 2 sebagai pesawat angkut sedang.

Belum jelas apakah A-2305 nantinya akan terus dioperasikan oleh Skadron Udara 2 di Lanud Halim Perdanakusuma, Jakarta bersama CN-295 ataukah akan dipindah tugaskan ke Skadron Udara 27 di Lanud Manuhua, Biak, Papua yang khusus mengoperasikan CN-235. 

TRUVELO Infantry Weapons Manufacturing Acquired by E-System Solutions

28 Desember 2025

Several Truvelo sniper rifles are used by the Indonesian military (all photos: Truvelo)

PT E-System Solutions Indonesia is pleased and blessed to have announce the successful closure of a major strategic transaction through which we have acquired a significant interest in TRUVELO SPECIALSED MANUFACTURING the legendary South African precision rifle and infantry arms manufacturer.

The transaction marks a major milestone for both organisations and establishes a strong platform for international expansion, advanced manufacturing, and long term collaboration in the global defence and security sector.

This acquisition represents a highly strategic investment for E-System Solutions. TRUVELO is globally recognized for its engineering excellence, precision manufacturing, and combat-proven products. By bringing together E-System Solutions advanced technology capabilities and international footprint with TRUVELO’s world class weapons design and manufacturing expertise, we are creating a powerful eco-system for growth, innovation, and sovereign manufacturing partnerships.

We plan to add to our capacities a production facility in the UAE and INDONESIA to reflect our shared vision of building resilient, regionalised manufacturing capabilities that support allied nations and meet growing global demand for high-quality, reliable defence equipment.

This critical acquisition, will allow now E-System Solutions to provide a complete production capability ranging from Loitering Munitions, FPV drones, Multi Purpose DART Rocket, Infantry Assault Rifle, Sniper Rifles, and 60/81mm Mortar support, 20mm Gun, weapons equipment and associated ammunition manufacturing.

Looking Ahead

Both Companies emphasized that TRUVELO will continue to operate under its established brand, maintaining its long heritage, engineering culture, and commitment to precision, while benefiting from E-System Solutions capital support, system technology integration, and access to new international markets.

TRUVELO’s legacy of precision and performance aligns and complement perfectly with our values. 

Together, we are well positioned to shape the future of specialized manufacturing in the global defence sector.

(ESS)

Australian Army Tests Counter-drone Technology

28 Desember 2025

Royal Australian Regiment, engages simulated drones with the Applied Virtual Simulation system at the Cultana Training Area, South Australia (photos: Aus DoD)

Army is delivering world-class counter-drone equipment to protect the Australian Defence Force from drone attacks.

Defence personnel and industry specialists gathered in South Australia early in December at the Cultana urban training facility to assess a number of counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (CUAS) during Exercise Southern Arrow.

Lieutenant Colonel Josh Mickle, of Land Capability Division, said drones posed the most fundamental threat to forces that militaries had seen in a long time.

“It is an asymmetric threat, the technology advances at an extremely fast rate, and the counter measures to those drones must keep up,” Lieutenant Colonel Mickle said.

The exercise culminated with a live-fire demonstration – the first iteration of the LAND 156 integrated CUAS acquisition, refresh and upgrade schedule (ICARUS) featuring a command and control system integrated with multiple sensors and effectors. 

This version includes the DART RF detection system and EchoGuard active radar, Vampire rocket launcher, R400 Slinger armed with an M134D mini-gun, and MAG-58 and M230LF mounted on Hawkeye vehicles.

“Countering drones is not an air defence problem, it is an everybody problem, and what we saw was the future of force protection,” Lieutenant Colonel Mickle said. 

'It is an asymmetric threat, the technology advances at an extremely fast rate, and the counter measures to those drones must keep up'

“This is a developmental project and we are moving extremely fast.

“ICARUS is a complex system and it has required a massive effort from the team, from both the Commonwealth and industry partners.

“To integrate advanced sensors and effectors into a combat management system to neutralise the drone threat that we just engaged is a pretty impressive undertaking.

“The team that has been able to pull this together in an extremely quick time is nothing short of remarkable.”

The ICARUS demonstration was the culmination of an intense period of testing and evaluation, which will continue in 2026.

“Over the past six to eight weeks the project has been conducting evaluations and assessments of the best dismounted systems in the world to find the best of the best, that we can introduce rapidly,” Lieutenant Colonel Mickle said.

“We’ve taken into account technical assessment, cyber assessment and soldier usability assessment, to identify the most suitable systems that we will acquire more of. We’ll be training the dismounted forces on these systems from early 2026.”

(Aus DoD)

The Philippines' DND Plans to Purchase New Frigates from the Republic of Korea

28 Desember 2025

BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) a Miguel Malvar HDC-3200 class frigate (photo: PN)

TSAMTO, --- The Philippine Department of National Defense is preparing to sign a contract with a South Korean company to supply the country's navy with two new frigates, the cost of which is estimated at 34 billion pesos (585 million dollars).

According to Naval News, citing anonymous sources, the contract award notification was sent to shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) on December 22. This follows the allocation of additional funds by the Philippines' Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the modernization of the Armed Forces. The new ships are expected to be delivered in 2029.

The contract adds to HD HHI's growing portfolio of projects for the Philippine Navy. Over the past five years, the South Korean shipbuilder has delivered four frigates to the Philippine Navy. The company is also building six Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), the first of which, the PS-20 Rajah Sulaiman, is scheduled for delivery in January 2026. Upon completion, HD HHI will deliver a total of 12 warships to the Philippine Navy.

BRP Antonio Luna FF-151 a Jose Rizal HDF-2600 class frigate (photo: PN)

In 2025, the Philippine Navy commissioned two modern HDC-3200-class frigates, built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries under a contract signed in December 2021. The procurement is valued at PHP 28 billion (US$551 million). The lead ship of the class, (FFG-06) Miguel Malvar, was commissioned on May 20, 2025. The commissioning of (FFG-07) Diego Silang took place on December 2, 2025.

According to sources, the additional frigates, which could cost approximately 42 billion pesos including weapons systems, will be built based on the Miguel Malvar-class (HDC-3200) design. A Ministry of National Defense report published in July described the planned frigate acquisition as "based on existing assets," suggesting a repeat order.

BRP Rajah Sulayman PS-20 a Miguel Malvar HDP-1500 Neo class Offshore Patrol Vessel (photo: PN)

The HDC-3200 project is an improved version of the HDF-2600 frigate, which has already been sold to the Philippine Navy and is in service under the name Jose Rizal.

The Miguel Malvar-class frigate is 118.4 meters long, 14.9 meters wide, and displaces 3,200 tons. It can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots, and has a cruising range of 4,500 nautical miles at 15 knots. Its armament includes a 76mm gun mount, an Aselsan 35mm Gokdeniz CIWS, a 16-container launcher for the VL-MICA air defense system, two four-container launchers with C-Star anti-ship missiles, and two triple-tube torpedo launchers with Blue Shark torpedoes.

(TSAMTO)

Fregat KRI Balaputradewa Menggunakan V-bracket Produksi Barata Indonesia

27 Desember 2025

V-bracket produksi Barata Indonesia (photo: Barata Indonesia)

PT Barata Indonesia (Persero) turut menghadiri kegiatan launching kapal frigate yang diselenggarakan oleh PT PAL Indonesia sebagai bagian dari penguatan industri pertahanan maritim nasional (18/12). Kehadiran Barata Indonesia dalam acara tersebut menegaskan peran aktif perusahaan sebagai salah satu perusahaan manufaktur nasional yang berkontribusi dalam pembangunan komponen kapal frigate buatan dalam negeri.

Sebagai BUMN yang bergerak di bidang manufaktur, Barata Indonesia berperan dalam penyediaan komponen kapal yakni V-bracket yang diproduksi dengan mengedepankan standar kualitas tinggi serta ketepatan spesifikasi teknis. Kontribusi ini merupakan bagian dari komitmen Barata Indonesia dalam mendukung pengembangan alutsista nasional melalui kemampuan produksi dan rekayasa manufaktur yang dimiliki perusahaan.

Keterlibatan Barata Indonesia dalam proyek kapal frigate PT PAL Indonesia mencerminkan sinergi antar perusahaan BUMN dalam memperkuat rantai pasok industri pertahanan dalam negeri. Kolaborasi ini juga berkontribusi pada peningkatan tingkat kandungan dalam negeri (TKDN) sekaligus memperkuat kemandirian industri manufaktur nasional, khususnya di sektor maritim dan pertahanan.

Melalui partisipasi dalam pembangunan komponen kapal frigate ini, Barata Indonesia menegaskan komitmennya untuk terus berkontribusi dalam proyek-proyek strategis nasional. Ke depan, Barata Indonesia akan terus mendorong inovasi, peningkatan kapasitas produksi, serta penguatan kolaborasi industri guna mendukung pengembangan industri pertahanan dan maritim Indonesia secara berkelanjutan.

(Barata Indonesia)