TAI Thailand Delivers Four M Solar-X UAV Production-grade Systems to Royal Thai Air Force

14 Juli 2025

M Solar-X UAV VTOL model to Royal Thai Air Force (all photos: RTAF)

Thai Aviation Industries Co., Ltd. (TAI) has delivered four of its M Solar-X UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) high-performance, low-altitude solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in its production line to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) at Wing 3, Watthana Nakhon, Sa Kaeo Province in July 2025.

The Royal Thai Air Force's Research and Development Center for Space and Aeronautical Science and Technology (RDC) revealed via its online social media on July 8, 2025.

The M Solar-X Solar Cell Energy Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or K-Series UAV is a research project of Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Thai Air Force Academy (NKRTAFA) and the Air Force Aerospace Science and Technology Research and Development Center.

The latest model was launched at the Dronetech Asia 2024 unmanned systems exhibition during November 25-27, 2024, with an agreement signed with Thai company TAI to begin mass production and deliver to Air Force Battalions in various air bases for flying to monitor the air base.

According to the details in the Royal Thai Air Force White Paper 2025, the latest M Solar-X UAV production project for base defense missions has completed research and development and will be produced and delivered to user units in 2025, 2026 and 2027, respectively.

The M Solar-X UAV system, in addition to the aircraft (Air Vehicle), also consists of a set of control stations and remote control antennas, as well as a catapult rail for the fixed wing UAV model, in addition to the VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing UAV) model that can take off and land by itself.

The M Solar-X UAV is designed for high performance in long endurance missions using advanced design technology that perfectly combines aerodynamic design, solar cell technology application and Lithium Ion Battery power source.

Which can meet the needs of both military and civilian missions, for example, applications in patrolling, surveillance, surveying border areas, monitoring forest fires and haze problems, and is also a research and development work that can be produced by Thailand itself.

The features of the fixed-wing M Solar-X UAV are a flight duration of 4-10 hours, a cruising speed of 54-62 km/h, a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 12 kg, a maximum payload of 2 kg, such as an EO/IR Thermal camera, and a wingspan of 4.2 m.

The M Solar-X UAV VTOL model features a flight time of 2-4 hours, a VTOL vertical takeoff and landing speed of 15-17 m/s, and a maximum takeoff weight of 16 kg MTOW. Both models are equipped with a Lithium Ion Battery and a high-efficiency thin and flexible Solar Cell.

(AAG)

TNI AU dan PAF Gelar SMEE Pemeliharaan Pesawat T-50i dan Super Tucano

14 Juli 2025

T-50i Golden Eagle TNI AU (photo: TNI AU)

TNI Angkatan Udara bersama Philippine Air Force (PAF) melaksanakan kegiatan Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) yang difokuskan pada pengoperasian dan pemeliharaan pesawat T-50i Golden Eagle dan EMB-314 Super Tucano. Kegiatan berlangsung di Skadron Udara 15 Lanud Iswahjudi, Madiun, Rabu (7/7/2025), sebagai bagian dari upaya mempererat kerja sama teknis dan meningkatkan interoperabilitas kedua angkatan udara.

FA-50PH Golden Eagle PAF (photo: PAF)

Delegasi PAF dipimpin oleh Lt Col. Nino Matalines dan terdiri dari lima personel teknis dan penerbang, sementara dari pihak TNI AU dipimpin oleh Mayor Pnb Kustaman D.P., dengan melibatkan unsur penerbang serta teknisi dari Skadron Udara 15 dan Skadron Udara 21. Dalam forum ini, kedua pihak berdiskusi serta bertukar pengalaman mengenai prosedur operasional, perawatan, dan pengelolaan kesiapan tempur pesawat.

A-29 Super Tucano PAF (photo: PQRAviation)

Selain diskusi teknis, delegasi PAF juga meninjau fasilitas operasional Skadron Udara 15 untuk memperoleh pemahaman langsung terkait proses pendukung dan kesiapan sistem senjata TNI AU. Kegiatan ini sekaligus menunjukkan komitmen TNI AU dalam mendorong kerja sama pertahanan berbasis keahlian serta diplomasi militer yang aplikatif.

Super Tucano TNI AU (photo: TNI AU)

Forum pertukaran ini menjadi bagian dari implementasi nilai-nilai TNI AU AMPUH (Adaptif, Modern, Profesional, Unggul dan Humanis) yang terus digelorakan oleh Kasau Marsekal TNI M. Tonny Harjono, S.E., M.M. Kegiatan SMEE ini memperkuat posisi TNI AU sebagai mitra regional yang aktif membangun stabilitas kawasan melalui pendekatan kolaboratif dan berbasis profesionalisme.

(TNI AU)

Philippine Navy Set to Recieve Additional TC-90 Aircraft from Japan

14 Juli 2025

Philippine Navy operates five ex JMSDF Beechcraft King Air TC-90s to boost the maritime patrol capability (photo: Scramble)

The Philippine Navy's plan to acquire additional TC90 aircraft from Japan is no longer just a possibility. It's been confirmed by no less than the Navy's top officer, Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Espela.

The Beechcraft TC90 is a twin engine turborop aircraft originally designed for training and light transport, but for the Philippine Navy, it's been more than that. 

Back in 2017, Japan made history by donating five TC90s to the Philippines, marking one of the first major defense equipment transfers under Japan's updated security laws. 

Since then, these humble aircraft have been the backbone of the Naval Air Wings maritime patrol missions, flying surveillance runs over our vast maritime territory from the West Philippine Sea to our southern borders. 

Lightweight and affordable to operate, the TC90s extend the Navy's eyes and ears where bigger aircraft can't always reach. However, five planes alone can only do so much, which is why this new confirmed deal for more TC90s is a huge step forward.

Speaking recently, Vice Admiral Esbala confirmed that talks with Japan now include both the Abukuma class destroyer escorts and additional TC90 aircraft.

According to him, inspections for these new TC90s may even happen at the same time as the inspections for the Abukuma class ships in the coming weeks. 

If all goes well, the next batch of TC90s could be delivered as early as next year. But these aren't just any ordinary trainer aircraft. 

The Philippine Navy wants these new units and some existing ones upgraded for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance or ISR missions. Upgrading these TC90s means turning them into viable maritime patrol platforms.

Beechcraft King Air TC-90 of the Philippine Naval Aviation (photo: Dirk Andrei Salcedo)

So, what does that look like in practice? These planes could be fitted with electrooptical infrared cameras to detect ships and vessels day or night, plus digital data link systems that send real-time intelligence back to command centers. This is similar to what the Philippine Air Force uses with their C208B Grand Caravan ISR planes. 

While they won't replace bigger, longer range patrol aircraft, the upgraded TC90s will be a crucial stop gap, strengthening maritime surveillance. 

While the Navy works to secure its own dedicated long range patrol aircraft in the future, technically the aircraft is expected to come as a grant or donation from the Japanese government, just like the first batch. 

However, the Philippine government still needs to cover the costs of upgrades, logistics, and crew training. In 2017, the Philippines allocated over PHP 155 million to cover these costs for the first five planes. So, expect similar or even higher costs this time, especially with the ISR modifications.

This move is part of Japan's broader strategy to help allies in the region enhance their maritime domain awareness while also boosting interoperability between the two countries navies.

In a time when maritime tensions remain high, especially in the West Philippine Sea, every additional patrol aircraft counts. More TC90s mean more frequent patrols, better coverage of our vast exclusive economic zone, and quicker response to any suspicious activity. 

It also means the Navy can stretch its assets further, freeing up bigger ships for other missions and ensuring we keep a close eye on our waters. 

Upgraded with modern ISR systems, these planes could detect and track vessels more accurately, giving the Philippines better real-time information to make informed decisions.

In the coming weeks, we'll see the critical inspections for the Abukuma class destroyer escorts and the additional TC90s.

If all goes according to plan, the Philippine Navy's Naval Aviation Group  will get a major boost in 2026.

With stronger surveillance, tighter maritime domain awareness and continued partnership with Japan, the Philippine Navy is steadily closing the gaps in our maritime defense. 

(The Mowst)

Gelar FGD Revisi Doktrin Amfibi, Langkah Strategis Koarmada III Menuju Operasi Laut Modern

13 Juli 2025

Suasana FGD konsep Ship to Objective Maneuver (photo: Koarmada III)

Kab. Sorong — Komando Armada (Koarmada) III menggelar Focus Group Discussion (FGD) dalam rangka revisi Doktrin Operasi Amfibi Tahun Anggaran 2025, bertempat di Lobi Mako Koarmada III. Kegiatan dibuka oleh Kepala Staf Koarmada III, Laksamana Pertama TNI Dr. Singgih Sugiarto, S.E., M.M., mewakili Panglima Koarmada III, Laksamana Muda TNI Hersan, S.H., M.Si.

Gambar 1 - Titik Penetrasi Litoral (LPP) dan Lokasi Penetrasi Litoral (image: USMC)

FGD ini bertujuan menghimpun masukan strategis dari para perwira dan pelaku lapangan guna mendukung penyempurnaan doktrin operasi amfibi yang adaptif terhadap perkembangan teknologi, dinamika ancaman, dan kebutuhan operasi modern.

Gambar 2 - Operasi amfibi sebelumnya (image: USMC)

Dalam sambutannya yang dibacakan oleh Kas Koarmada III, Pangkoarmada III menekankan pentingnya pembaruan doktrin sebagai langkah antisipatif menghadapi tantangan tugas ke depan. Doktrin baru diharapkan mendukung pengembangan kemampuan amfibi berbasis konsep Ship to Objective Maneuver (STOM), serta memperkuat kesiapan dan sinergi satuan operasi di wilayah strategis nasional.

Gambar 3 - Operasi Amfibi dengan STOM (photo: USMC)

Kegiatan FGD dihadiri oleh Kapoksahli Koarmada III Laksma TNI Heriyanto , para pejabat utama Koarmada III, Kasatker, Asops Pasmar 3, Danbrigif 3 Marinir, serta Lantamal, KRI dan Lanal jajaran Koarmada III melalui vicon

(Koarmada III)

FFG06 Commences the Conduct of Operational Readiness and Capability Tests (ORACT)

13 Juli 2025

BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG06) during ORACT (photos: PN)

SUBIC, ZAMBALES -- BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG06), the Philippine Navy’s newest guided missile frigate is currently undergoing a series of Operational Readiness and Capability Tests (ORACT) as a prerequisite for operational combat deployment.

  

Although formally commissioned into the naval service last 20 May 2025, FFG06 is still required to undergo several tests before it can be fully utilized for deployment. This is to ensure that the warfighting capability of both the vessel and its crew are in accordance with the expected requirements and have met the standards of the Philippine Navy. This is especially paramount given the complex nature of modern naval warfare which demands an understanding of its four dimensions, namely Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Anti-Air Warfare (AAW),  Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and Electronic Warfare (EW). The Philippine Fleet ORACT SOP serves as the system by which newly commissioned PN vessels are evaluated to ensure they are capable and operationally ready before their strategic deployment to the different Naval Operating Areas.

FFG06 ORACT is divided into four phases. The first phase involves the comprehensive testing of all onboard equipment, evaluation of crew qualification and systems integration. This is also where doctrines, tactics, and procedures are validated. The second phase involves the determination of gaps and errors in resources, and equipment, capability. These are determined through the constant conduct of shipboard drills and  warfare evolutions. 

Consequently, the next phase involves addressing the noted gaps and deficiencies. Material issues are addressed by the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) while procedural issues are addressed by concerned PN Support Units. Finally, the corrective measures are applied in a holistic and systematic approach to rectify the noted shortfalls with the aim of directly addressing their source and prevent recurring problems.

In practice, the ORACT is carried out through various means with the endstate of full mission warfare capabilities. In port activities comprise of material surveys to determine the current fill-up of shipboard equipment and training surveys to determine the availability of relevant doctrines, manuals, and shipboard procedures. While at sea, equipment and shipboard systems are tested to their designed optimum limits to fully determine the ship’s characteristics and capabilities. Various shipboard evolutions whether operational, emergency, or battle are also carried out to evaluate gaps in procedure and equipment as well as develop crew mastery and response. Moreover, during the duration of the ORACT, the ship may be directed to participate in various naval exercises and maritime cooperative activities. These exercises serve as opportunities for the vessel to not only test and hone its procedures but also develop its interoperability with friendly forces, the most crucial of which is the ASW helicopter integration training with the Naval Air Warfare Force, which is an integral component of the ship’s capabilities in conducting Shipboard Helicopter Operations for ASW and ASuW.

  

Given the scope and magnitude of the whole process, FFG06 ORACT is expected to take over the span of several months. This is to ensure that a thorough evaluation of all shipboard systems for both material and non-material aspects is carried out to ensure that the vessel is at the highest level of readiness to undertake its stated mission and deploy its designed capabilities. It is a systemic approach to address the readiness requirements of newly commissioned vessels of the Philippine Navy while also providing an opportunity for the crew to train as a unit, develop proficiency in their respective assigned duties, equipment, and systems, and gain confidence in their roles.

(FFG 06)

Dorong Kerja Sama Pertahanan, Wamenhan Filipina Tinjau Alpalhankam dan Fasilitas Produksi Pindad

13 Juli 2025

Socmed lokal malah mengaitkan kunjungan Wamenhan Filipina dengan keterlambatan pesanan tank dan kendaraan tempur dari Israel (image: NGP)

Wakil Menteri Pertahanan Filipina, Salvador Melchor B.Mison, Jr., bersama delegasi resmi Filipina melakukan kunjungan kerja ke fasilitas produksi PT Pindad di Bandung pada Rabu, 9 Juli 2025. Kunjungan ini diterima langsung oleh Direktur Komersial PT Pindad, Budhiarto; Direktur Produksi, Hera Rosmiati; Direktur Teknologi dan Pengembangan, Prima Kharisma beserta jajaran VP GM, sebagai bagian dari upaya memperkuat hubungan bilateral dan menjajaki peluang kerja sama strategis di sektor pertahanan.

Direktur Komersial PT Pindad, Budhiarto menyambut hangat kunjungan Wakil Menteri Pertahanan Filipina. Beliau kemudian menjelaskan secara singkat produk dan kapabilitas perusahaan. Budhiarto berharap pertemuan ini dapat berlanjut dan menjadi hubungan kemitraan strategis di masa mendatang. 

“Pertemuan hari ini merupakan momen istimewa karena PT Pindad berkontribusi memperkuat hubungan bilateral antara Indonesia dan Filipina terutama dalam sektor pertahanan. Berbagai produk alpalhankam telah kami kembangkan, terutama untuk produk Medium Tank Harimau telah mendapatkan berbagai peningkatan. Kami berharap pertemuan ini membuka jalan bagi kerja sama strategis ke depan.” Tutur Budhiarto dalam sambutannya.

Wakil Menteri Pertahanan Filipina menyampaikan maksud kunjungannya serta harapannya untuk kerja sama strategis antar negara di masa yang akan datang. “Terima kasih atas sambutan hangat yang diberikan, pertemuan hari ini dapat terlaksana melalui hubungan baik kedua negara terutama dengan Menteri Pertahanan RI, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. Kami hadir untuk meninjau alpalhankam dan fasilitas produksinya. Sebagai negara yang berhubungan baik dalam satu kawasan ASEAN, kami mengajak Indonesia untuk saling bekerja sama dan saling mendukung terutama dalam bidang pertahanan. Kami berharap pertemuan hari ini menjadi awal dari kolaborasi strategis.” Jelas Salvador Melchor B.Mison, Jr. 

Setelah mendengarkan penjelasan mengenai profil dan produk Pindad, Wakil Menteri Pertahanan Filipina, Salvador Melchor B.Mison, Jr., beserta jajaran meninjau fasilitas produksi kendaraan khusus. Dalam kunjungan tersebut, Wakil Menteri Pertahanan Filipina berkesempatan untuk menyaksikan defile kendaraan khusus produk PT Pindad, antara lain; Medium Tank Harimau, Ranpur Anoa 2 6x6, Ranpur Komodo 4x4, Rantis Maung MV1, Ranops Maung MV3 dan Pandu TEV. Kunjungan diakhiri dengan sesi menembak menggunakan senjata produksi Pindad yaitu DMR SPM1. 

Kunjungan Wakil Menteri Pertahanan Filipina ke PT Pindad menjadi momentum untuk memperkuat sinergi antara Indonesia dan Filipina dalam bidang pertahanan. PT Pindad menyambut positif peluang kerja sama ke depan dan berkomitmen untuk menghadirkan produk alpalhankam yang inovatif dan andal untuk memenuhi kebutuhan pasar global.

(Pindad)

Desan Shipyard Cuts First Steel of Multi-Purpose Mission Ship for Maritim Malaysia

13 Juli 2025

First steel cutting ceremony of multi-purose mission ship for Malaysian Coast Guard/Maritim Malaysia (photo: Desan)

We held the sheet metal cutting ceremony for the Multi-Purpose Coast Guard Ship we will build for the Malaysian Coast Guard, officially launching the construction process. Malaysian officials also attended the ceremony online. Cenk İsmail Kaptanoğlu, Chairman of the Board of DESAN Kaptanoğlu Shipyard, said, “We are proud that solutions developed in Turkey are preferred internationally and that we are contributing to this.”

99 meter Multi-Purpose Mission Ship for Maritim Malaysia (photo: Desan)

The 99-meter-long ship, to be delivered to the Malaysian Coast Guard in March 2027, will be the largest coast guard ship in the Malaysian inventory. The project, which will be certified by Türk Loydu, will integrate advanced technological components such as weapon systems, electronic and communication systems, and vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicles with contributions from leading Turkish defense industry companies such as ASELSAN and HAVELSAN.

(Desan Shipyard)