Qatar Umumkan Perjanjian Fregat Indonesia

21 Januari 2026

Fregat MİLGEM pertama, Istanbul (photo: USNI)

Kementerian Pertahanan Qatar (MoD) mengumumkan selama pameran DIMDEX 2026 yang diadakan di Doha pada 19 Januari bahwa perusahaan Barzan Holdings telah menandatangani perjanjian pembelian senilai USD1 miliar dengan Galangan Kapal TAIS Turki untuk dua fregat bagi pelanggan internasional yang tidak disebutkan identitasnya.

TAIS memposting di LinkedIn bahwa mereka telah menandatangani nota kesepahaman dengan Barzan Holdings terkait proyek fregat dengan nilai yang tidak ditentukan. TAIS menolak untuk berkomentar lebih lanjut ketika dimintai detail lebih lanjut oleh Janes.

Pada hari berikutnya, Barzan Holdings menggunakan akun Instagram-nya untuk mengidentifikasi Tentara Nasional Indonesia sebagai pelanggan untuk perjanjian pengadaan senilai USD1 miliar yang telah ditandatangani dengan TAIS tanpa menyebutkan apa yang tercakup di dalamnya.

Selama Indo Defence Expo pada Juni 2025, Barzan Holdings mengumumkan bahwa mereka telah menandatangani kontrak dan perjanjian untuk memasok senjata dan amunisi kepada Tentara Nasional Indonesia senilai QAR5 miliar (USD1,37 miliar).

Sekretariat Industri Pertahanan Turki (SSB) membuat pengumuman serupa selama pameran IDEF yang diadakan di Istanbul pada Juli 2025, dengan mengatakan bahwa Tais telah menandatangani kontrak dengan Kementerian Pertahanan Indonesia untuk dua fregat kelas MİLGEM İstif.

Fregat MİLGEM pertama, Istanbul, dibangun oleh Galangan Kapal Istanbul dan diresmikan oleh Angkatan Laut Turki pada Januari 2024. TAIS, sebuah konsorsium yang mencakup galangan kapal Anadolu, Sedef, dan Sefine, saat ini sedang membangun tiga fregat MİLGEM berikutnya untuk Angkatan Laut Turki.

Galangan kapal Indonesia PT PAL saat ini sedang membangun kapal fregat pertama dari dua kapal fregat yang jauh lebih besar berdasarkan desain Arrowhead 140 dari Babcock yang akan menggunakan sensor dan sistem Turki secara ekstensif.

(Jane's)

Singapore Request Sale of Four P-8A Poseidon and MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes

21 Januari 2026

P-8A Poseidon and MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes (photo: US Navy)

WASHINGTON - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Singapore of Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft P-8A and MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.316 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress.

The Government of Singapore has requested to buy up to four (4) P-8A patrol aircraft; seven (7) Guardian laser transmitter assemblies for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N system; seven (7) system processors for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N system with selective availability anti-spoofing modules; and eight (8) MK 54 MOD 0 lightweight torpedoes all up rounds. The following non-Major Defense Equipment items will also be included: tactical open mission software; electro-optical and infrared MX-20HD systems; missile warning sensors for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N; AN/AQQ-2(V) acoustic systems; AN/APY-10 radar systems (with Global Positioning System); ALQ-213 early warning management systems; KIV-78 cryptographic appliques; A/N APX-123A Identification Friend or Foe transmitters; AN/ALE-47 countermeasures dispenser system programmers; AN/PYQ-10 simple key loaders; aircraft spares; spare engines; support equipment; training devices; engineering support; training; classified and unclassified publications; classified and unclassified software; mission systems and other Government furnished equipment; classified and unclassified torpedo spare parts for the all up round and exercise torpedo configured MK 54 lightweight torpedoes; torpedo support equipment to include equipment and tools; classified software for test equipment; torpedo containers; recoverable exercise torpedoes; air launch accessories; torpedo support to include facility stand-up and test equipment support; classified and unclassified torpedo publications; other technical assistance to include technical support, technical program management, infrastructure support, test equipment sustainment, exercise firing assistance, and contract management; in-country torpedo training; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $2.316 billion.

This proposed sale will enhance the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a strategic partner that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Asia.

The proposed sale will improve Singapore's capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible maritime force capable of deterring adversaries and participating in U.S allied operations. The proposed sale will support Singapore’s goal of improving national and territorial defense as well as increasing interoperability with U.S. and allied forces. Singapore 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.

(DSCA)

Korea News: Indonesia will not Receive the KF-21 Boramae Fighter Prototype

21 Januari 2026

Prototype KF-21 005 (photos: Reddit)

TSAMTO --  According to a statement from the Defense Acquisition Program Agency (DAPA) of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Korea, Indonesia will not receive the prototype of the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet due to significant changes to the cooperation agreement between the two countries.

The decision stems from Indonesia's reduced financial participation in the program and the ongoing disputes that have accumulated over the past several years. The revised terms resulted in a reduction in Jakarta's contribution and the elimination of benefits.

In June 2025, Seoul and Jakarta renegotiated the terms of the joint project. Indonesia, initially responsible for a 1.6 trillion won share of the project, reduced its contribution to 600 billion won, of which the Indonesian government contributed 500 billion won last year.

As a result of the reduced participation, Indonesia lost previously agreed rights, including receiving the KF-21 005 prototype, which was planned to be transferred to the Indonesian Air Force for flight and weapons integration testing.

Jakarta's involvement in the KF-21 program was plagued by issues such as repeated payment delays, which forced the Republic of Korea to cover additional costs, as well as espionage attempts and misappropriation of intellectual property attributed to members of the Indonesian delegation. These episodes increased political and technical pressure to reconsider Indonesia's role in the development of the 4.5-generation fighter.

The cancellation of the Boramae fighter prototype delivery is considered a major blow to the Indonesian Air Force, which had hoped to use the KF-21 005 to accelerate pilot training, develop operational doctrine, and integrate domestic and foreign weapons.

Under the new terms, Indonesia will remain in the program, but with limited access to technology, prototypes, and critical development stages.

The Republic of Korea currently operates six KF-21 Boramae prototypes, which are undergoing flight testing, sensor evaluation, and air-to-air missile integration. Seoul aims to begin serial production in 2026 and achieve initial operational capability in 2028.

As previously reported by CAWAT, under the initial agreement signed by the two countries in 2015, Indonesia committed to paying 20% ​​of the fighter's total development costs, estimated at 8.1 trillion won (US$5.99 billion), by 2026. The South Korean government pledged to cover 60% of the costs, and KAI would cover the remaining 20%. In exchange for its investment, Indonesia was to receive one prototype, access to the developed technologies and know-how, and could also purchase up to 48 fighters.

In total, Indonesia was supposed to contribute approximately 1.6 trillion won. However, for various reasons, payments were irregular and occasionally suspended.

In May 2024, Jakarta initiated discussions to reduce its share of funding to 600 billion won and a corresponding reduction in the level of technology transfer. Earlier, in January 2024, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) detained Indonesian employees while attempting to remove several flash drives containing confidential KF-21 data from its Sacheon facility.

The Republic of Korea and Indonesia have finally agreed to reduce Jakarta's stake in the joint KF-21 fighter jet development project to 600 billion won ($443 million) in June 2025.

(TSAMTO)

Australia Segera Terima Pesawat ISREW MC-55A Peregrine

20 Januari 2026

Pesawat ISREW MC-55A Peregrine (photos: SR Planespotter)

Pesawat pertama dari empat pesawat intelijen, pengawasan, pengintaian, dan peperangan elektronik/intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare (ISREW) MC-55A Peregrine akan dikirimkan ke Angkatan Udara Kerajaan Australia sebelum akhir tahun, menurut kontraktor utama, L3Harris Technologies.

Kabar ini, yang disampaikan menjelang Pameran Dirgantara Internasional Australia di Avalon pada bulan Maret, tentu disambut baik oleh Departemen Pertahanan, setelah penundaan teknis yang signifikan pada program tersebut.

Keempat pesawat tersebut merupakan jet bisnis Gulfstream Aerospace 550 yang dimodifikasi secara besar-besaran, dan tantangan yang dihadapi dalam desain, rekayasa, dan sertifikasi bentuk badan pesawat – yang dikenal sebagai garis cetakan luar – telah memainkan peran utama dalam penundaan proyek RAAF.

“Saya senang mengumumkan bahwa uji terbang untuk Administrasi Penerbangan Federal AS telah selesai pada Juli 2024 dan pada kuartal keempat Gulfstream memperoleh Sertifikat Tipe Tambahan untuk platform MC-55A – sebuah tonggak penting dalam program ini,” kata presiden L3Harris Technologies ISR, Jason Lambert.

Lambert mengatakan bahwa sementara pengujian penerbangan aerodinamis sedang dilakukan, perusahaan sedang melengkapi pesawat kedua dengan sistem misi yang ditentukan oleh RAAF di fasilitasnya di Greenville, Texas, dan uji terbang fungsional pertama dilakukan pada Desember 2024.

“Semua ini memposisikan kami untuk memberikan kemampuan ini kepada RAAF pada tahun kalender ini, 2025,” tambah Lambert. “Selain pesawat, stasiun darat kini sedang dibangun di Greenville dan akan dikirimkan ke RAAF di Australia sebelum pengiriman pesawat pertama. Kami sangat senang dapat berbicara dengan pimpinan di negara ini dan dapat memberikan kemampuan ini – tidak hanya untuk ISR multi-misi dan peperangan elektronik, tetapi juga untuk dapat menyediakan hubungan komunikasi antara aset darat, ruang angkasa, dan laut di medan pertempuran.”

Pesawat Peregrine diperoleh di bawah Fase 1 Proyek AIR 555 Departemen Pertahanan dan akan memberikan kemampuan pengawasan elektronik dan peperangan elektronik yang belum pernah terjadi sebelumnya kepada RAAF. Setelah pengiriman ke Australia, kemungkinan pada awal tahun 2026 setelah pekerjaan penerimaan di AS, pesawat-pesawat tersebut akan berbasis di RAAF Edinburgh di Australia Selatan.

Kemampuan lengkap dari rangkaian sensor di dalam pesawat, tentu saja, dirahasiakan dan Lambert mengatakan bahwa AIR 555 adalah pertama kalinya sistem lengkap tersebut dipasang di pesawat berukuran jet bisnis.

“Saya tidak dapat berkomentar tentang kemampuan spesifiknya, selain fakta bahwa pesawat ini memiliki beberapa peralatan peperangan elektronik dan peralatan ISR strategis multi-misi,” katanya. “Kadang-kadang disebut multi-int, atau multi-intelijen, yang berarti ada beberapa sistem pengumpulan intelijen yang berbeda di pesawat tersebut.”

Sebagian besar peralatan ini, atau setidaknya versi serupa, telah digunakan pada pesawat pengumpul intelijen Boeing RC-135V/W Rivet Joint yang jauh lebih besar, yang sering terlihat di berita malam hari dicegat oleh pesawat tempur Tiongkok atau Rusia.

“Ada jet bisnis ‘bermisi’ lain yang dioperasikan negara lain, tetapi saya dapat mengatakan bahwa ini adalah pesawat pertama dari jenisnya dengan kemampuan dan paket sensor sebanyak ini pada jet bisnis,” tambah Lambert.

“Saya bahkan akan mengatakan lebih jauh bahwa, dari segi kemampuan ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) pada platform jet ini, tidak ada yang lain di dunia yang menandingi MC-55A Peregrine.

“Apa yang diberikannya dalam hal kemampuan strategis, komando dan kendali, serta kemampuan untuk menghubungkan aset bersama dan menjadi pengganda kekuatan untuk pasukan udara, laut, ruang angkasa, dan darat, benar-benar akan menjadi pengubah permainan bagi RAAF (Angkatan Udara Kerajaan Australia).”

(The Australian)

TNI AU Buka Pelatihan Electrical Instrument System untuk Teknisi T-50i

20 Januari 2026

Pelatihan calon teknisi T-50i TNI AU (photos: TNI AU)

Cetak Teknisi Andal T-50i, Depohar 80 Resmi Buka Latihan Kerja Electrical Instrument System Angkatan ke-23

TNI  AU. Dalam komitmen berkelanjutan untuk meningkatkan profesionalisme serta kesiapan teknis personel pemeliharaan alutsista, Depo Pemeliharaan 80 secara resmi membuka Latihan Kerja I Electrical Instrument System (EIS) Pesawat T-50i Golden Eagle Angkatan ke-23. Upacara pembukaan berlangsung khidmat di Hanggar Skadron Teknik 042, Magetan, Kamis (15/01/2025), sebagai langkah strategis menyiapkan teknisi andal pendukung kesiapan tempur TNI Angkatan Udara.

Latihan kerja ini diikuti oleh sepuluh personel calon teknisi yang telah menyelesaikan pendidikan kejuruan teknik di Skadik 302 Bandung. Kehadiran para pejabat utama Depohar 80, instruktur, serta unsur pendukung menegaskan keseriusan satuan dalam membangun sumber daya manusia pemeliharaan yang profesional, terstandar, dan berdaya saing tinggi.

Bertindak sebagai Inspektur Upacara mewakili Komandan Depohar 80, Kepala Dinas Perencanaan dan Pengendalian Pemeliharaan (Kadisrendalhar) Depohar 80 Letkol Tek Anselmus W.R., M.Han., membacakan amanat Dandepohar 80. Dalam amanat tersebut ditekankan bahwa sistem instrumen elektronik merupakan komponen vital yang menentukan keselamatan terbang dan kesiapan operasional pesawat tempur.

Dandepohar 80 menegaskan bahwa penguasaan mendalam terhadap sistem EIS menjadi keharusan mutlak bagi setiap teknisi. Keandalan sistem ini tidak hanya menjamin performa pesawat T-50i Golden Eagle, tetapi juga menjadi faktor penentu keberhasilan setiap misi operasi udara yang diemban TNI AU.

Pesawat T-50i TNI AU (photo: TNI AU)

“Latihan kerja ini merupakan langkah strategis untuk mewujudkan zero accident serta menjaga kesiapan operasional alutsista. Saya instruksikan kepada seluruh peserta agar menyerap ilmu secara maksimal dari para instruktur dan senantiasa mengutamakan safety dalam setiap prosedur pemeliharaan,” tegas Dandepohar 80 dalam amanat yang dibacakan Kadisrendalhar.

Latihan Kerja EIS Angkatan ke-23 ini dijadwalkan berlangsung selama empat bulan dengan kurikulum terpadu yang mengombinasikan pendalaman teori dan praktik lapangan secara intensif. Pembukaan Latker ini sekaligus menegaskan peran strategis Skatek 042 yang kini terintegrasi di bawah komando dan pembinaan teknis Depohar 80 Koharmatau, guna mewujudkan standar pemeliharaan pesawat tempur TNI AU yang semakin tangguh, profesional, dan terintegrasi.

(TNI AU)

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)