Samudra Laksamana: Together at Sea, Stronger in Partnership

15 September 2026

KD Gagah Samudera (271), INS Mysore (D60), dan KD Lekir (FSG26) (photos: TLDM)

From harbour to sea, Exercise SAMUDRA LAKSAMANA 4/26 moved into its Sea Phase as the Royal Malaysian Navy and Indian Navy put their coordination into action.

Throughout the day, both navies conducted FIAC, PHOTEX, RASAP, Surface Firing and BOARDEX with sea rider exchanges onboard, demonstrating seamless coordination and shared understanding at sea.

A final Sail Past brought the exercise to a close — a fitting salute before both navies parted ways, carrying forward the friendship and professional ties strengthened throughout the exercise. Fair wind and following sea INS Mysore.

(TLDM)

Latihan Harimau Shakti Kukuhkan Kerjasama Pertahanan Malaysia-India

04 Januari 2026

Latihan Harimau Shakti V di Rajasthan, India (photos: TDM)

KUALA LUMPUR: Edisi kelima latihan ketenteraan dua hala antara Malaysia dan India, Harimau Shakti, berjaya dilaksanakan di Lapang Sasar Mahajan (MFFR) di Rajasthan, India, sekali gus memperkukuh hubungan pertahanan yang akrab antara kedua-dua negara.

Latihan bersama yang berlangsung dari 5 hingga 18 Disember itu melibatkan seramai 65 anggota Tentera Darat Malaysia yang diterbangkan ke India dan menjalani modul latihan intensif, latih tubi taktikal, dan pertukaran profesional yang bertujuan meningkatkan keupayaan saling kendali serta persefahaman bersama.

Latihan kali ini memberi tumpuan kepada operasi sub-konvensional di bawah mandat Bab 7 Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (PBB), dengan penekanan khusus kepada operasi menangani keganasan, rondaan bersama, latih tubi serang hendap dan lawan serang hendap, operasi menggunakan helikopter, serta prosedur menangani peranti letupan buatan sendiri (IED).

Suruhanjaya Tinggi India di Malaysia dalam satu kenyataan berkata Latihan Harimau Shakti menyediakan platform berkesan bagi India dan Malaysia untuk berkongsi kepakaran operasi, meningkatkan koordinasi taktikal, serta memperteguh komitmen kedua-dua negara terhadap keselamatan serantau.

"Latihan tahunan ini menyerlahkan perkongsian pertahanan yang semakin mendalam antara India dan Malaysia serta menggariskan komitmen bersama kami terhadap keamanan dan kestabilan di rantau Indo-Pasifik," menurut kenyataan itu lagi.

Selain gerak latih tempur, peserta turut terlibat dalam demonstrasi Latihan Seni Bela Diri Tentera Darat (AMAR), menembak refleks tempur, pengendalian senjata, dan latihan fizikal bagi memupuk disiplin serta kesiapsiagaan menyeluruh.

Tentera Darat India turut mempamerkan sistem persenjataan generasi akan datang, memberi pendedahan kepada anggota tentera Malaysia mengenai teknologi pertahanan terkini selain memudahkan pertukaran pengetahuan profesional.

Latihan itu, yang dilaksanakan secara bergilir-gilir di India dan Malaysia, telah berkembang dari segi skop dan kekompleksan sejak dimulakan pada 2012. Edisi terdahulu masing-masing diadakan di Kluang, Johor (2022); Umroi, Assam, India (2023); dan Bentong, Pahang (2024).

Edisi seterusnya dijadualkan berlangsung di Malaysia pada 2026, meneruskan tradisi memperkukuh kerjasama pertahanan Malaysia-India serta menyokong keamanan dan kestabilan di rantau yang lebih luas.

(Bernama)

TNI AU-IAF Sepakati Pembentukan "Su-30 Forum" dan Pengembangan Program Air-to-Air Refueling

13 Oktober 2025

TNI AU dan IAF akan memperkuat interoperabilitas (photo: TNI AU)

TNI AU-Indian Air Force Sepakati Sejumlah Kerja Sama Strategis dalam 6th Air Staff Talks

TNI Angkatan Udara (TNI AU) dan Indian Air Force (IAF) menyepakati sejumlah kerja sama strategis dalam 6th Air Staff Talks yang diselenggarakan di Bali pada 7–10 Oktober 2025.

Forum tersebut dipimpin oleh Asisten Operasi Kepala Staf Angkatan Udara (Asops Kasau) Marsda TNI Suliono, S.Sos., dan diikuti oleh delegasi dari kedua angkatan udara.

Dalam pertemuan ini, kedua pihak menyepakati beberapa langkah kerja sama penting, antara lain pembentukan Su-30 Forum sebagai wadah koordinasi dan pelatihan bersama. 

Selain itu, TNI AU dan IAF akan mengembangkan program air-to-air refueling yang melibatkan pesawat tanker milik India dan pesawat tempur TNI AU. 

IAF menggunakan pesawat IL-78 MKI untuk misi air-to-air refuelling (photo: IAF)

Kedua angkatan udara juga berkomitmen memperkuat interoperabilitas serta meningkatkan kesiapan kedua angkatan udara. 

Air Staff Talks merupakan program rutin yang diselenggarakan oleh Paban III/Lat Sopsau sebagai sarana mempererat hubungan bilateral dan memperkuat kerja sama strategis di bidang pertahanan udara.

Melalui kegiatan ini, diharapkan hubungan bilateral antara TNI AU dan Indian Air Force semakin erat, serta meningkatkan kemampuan kedua angkatan udara dalam menghadapi berbagai tantangan di masa depan.

(TNI AU)

India Bantah Berminat terhadap Jet Tempur KF-21 Boramae

12 Agustus 2025

Ditengah kabar ketidak-tertarikan India, Korea berhasil mengajak Wakil Menteri Pertahanan UEA untuk melakukan uji terbang dengan pesawat tempur KF-21 Boramae pada 7 Agustus 2025 lalu (photo: KAI)

India saat ini tidak mempertimbangkan pesawat tempur KF-21 Boramae Korea Selatan sebagai bagian dari rencananya untuk mengakuisisi hingga 114 jet multiperan canggih guna menggantikan model-model lama, menurut media lokal.

Sumber melaporkan awal bulan ini bahwa KF-21 sedang dievaluasi oleh Angkatan Udara India sebagai bagian dari pencarian pesawat taktis generasi mendatang yang sedang berlangsung, dengan menyebutkan keterjangkauan sistem, potensi peningkatan, dan kompatibilitasnya dengan kebijakan industri pertahanan India sebagai nilai jual utama.

Menanggapi hal ini, militer mengklarifikasi dalam sebuah pernyataan kepada media berita Indian Defence Research Wing bahwa tidak ada penilaian semacam itu yang sedang dilakukan dan bahwa KF-21 belum ditawarkan kepada New Delhi.

"Belum ada komunikasi dengan otoritas pertahanan Korea atau KAI [Korea Aerospace Industries] mengenai KF-21, dan pesawat ini juga tidak masuk dalam daftar pendek platform yang dievaluasi [Angkatan Udara India]," kata seorang pejabat, seraya menyebut laporan tersebut "spekulatif dan tidak relevan dengan prioritas pengadaan saat ini."

Meskipun KF-21 merupakan pilihan modern bagi mitra militer yang menginginkan peningkatan armada yang hemat biaya, India mencatat bahwa pesawat ini kemungkinan besar tidak akan dipertimbangkan oleh angkatan udaranya saat ini.

Sikap ini mencerminkan pembaruan Bloomberg pada bulan Juli yang menyatakan bahwa India telah memberi tahu pejabat AS bahwa mereka tidak akan mengejar F-35, meskipun ada tawaran berulang dari Washington.

Fokus New Delhi tetap pada perluasan program pesawat tempur dalam negeri dan terus mengevaluasi platform yang lebih mapan dalam inisiatif 114 pesawat yang sedang berlangsung, menurut Sayap Riset Pertahanan India.

(TheDefensePost)

Singapore and Indian Navies Conclude Annual Maritime Bilateral Exercise

06 Agustus 2025

RSS Supreme-73 and RSS Vigilance-90 sailing in formation with INS Satpura F48 during SIMBEX’s sea phase (photos: Sing Mindef)

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indian Navy (IN) conducted the annual Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) from 28 July to 1 August 2025. This year’s exercise comprised a shore phase held at RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base, followed by a sea phase held in the southern reaches of South China Sea. The sea phase involved ships from both navies, and aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

The RSN deployed a Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme and a Victory-class missile corvette RSS Vigilance, supported by MV Mentor. The IN participated with a Shivalik-class frigate INS Satpura. An S70B naval helicopter, two Fokker-50 maritime patrol aircraft and two F-15SG fighter aircraft from the RSAF also participated in the exercise.

INS Satputra F48 a Shivalik-class frigate (photo: Swarajyamag)

During the shore phase, both navies participated in joint planning, simulator training, professional exchanges and sports. At the Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, both navies shared best practices related to Maritime Air Operations and Compliant Boarding Procedures. At sea, the participating forces conducted complex warfare serials including gunnery firing, air defence exercises and maritime security drills. The sea phase concluded with a sail-past of participating ships.

Air defence exercises, Precision targeting with surface & aerial platforms (photos: Indian Navy)

The successful conduct of SIMBEX 2025 underscores the enduring partnership between the IN and the RSN. Commanding Officer of RSS Supreme, Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Koh said, “SIMBEX is a testament to the long-standing bilateral ties between the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Indian Navy. Over the years, the exercise has served as a valuable platform for generations of sailors to hone operational competencies, enhance mutual understanding and build enduring people-to-people ties."

First held in 1994, SIMBEX marks the 32nd edition of the exercise, making it one of the RSN’s longest running bilateral maritime exercise and the longest continuous bilateral naval exercise that India has had with any other country. This iteration of SIMBEX takes place at a significant time as both countries commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Over the years, the complexity of SIMBEX has expanded to incorporate elements of maritime security and exercise serials in the air, surface and sub-surface domains. Apart from SIMBEX, the two navies also interact regularly through a range of activities, including professional exchanges, staff talks, and training courses. 

(Sing Mindef)

Singapore, India and Thailand Conclude Trilateral Maritime Exercise

17 November 2024

Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise SITMEX 2024: RSS Tenacious-71, INS Saryu-P54, INS Karmuk-P64, and HTMS Krabi-551 (photos: RSN, RTN)

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), Indian Navy (IN) and Royal Thai Navy (RTN) conducted the 4th Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise (SITMEX) from 8 to 11 November 2024.

This year’s edition of the exercise was hosted by the IN, with the shore phase of the exercise conducted at Port Blair, India. The RSN had deployed its Formidable-class frigate RSS Tenacious, with an embarked S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter. 

The IN deployed the Saryu-class offshore patrol vessel INS Saryu, the Kora-class corvette INS Karmuk and the Dornier-228 maritime patrol aircraft. The RTN participated with the Krabi-class offshore patrol vessel HTMS Krabi. During the exercise, the participating navies conducted a series of naval serials, including manoeuvring drills and live firing in the Andaman Sea.

Highlighting the value of the trilateral exercise, Commanding Officer of RSS Tenacious Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Chan said, “The successful conduct of SITMEX underscores the strong partnership amongst the participating navies in working together to keep the sea lines of communication open. It is important that like-minded navies keep up with interactions such as SITMEX to deepen mutual understanding and enhance interoperability.”

The exercise reaffirms the strong and long-standing defence relationships between Singapore, India and Thailand.

(Sing Mindef)

Australia, India, Japan, and U.S. have Completed the Second Phase of Exercise Malabar 2021

17 Oktober 2021

Exercise Malabar 2021 Phase II (photos : US Navy) 

BAY OF BENGAL - Maritime forces from Australia, India, Japan, and the United States began Phase II of Exercise MALABAR 2021 in the Bay of Bengal, Oct. 11.

The U.S. Navy hosted this year’s annual maritime exercise which includes a variety of high-end tactical training, including specific interactions that are designed to enhance interoperability between the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Indian Navy (IN), Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) and U.S. maritime forces.

The first phase of MALABAR, which began in August, included maritime operations, anti-submarine warfare operations, air warfare operations, live-fire gunnery events, replenishments-at-sea, cross-deck flight operations, and maritime interdiction operations in the Philippine Sea.

The current phase is being conducted in the Bay of Bengal.  Planning and executing multinational exercises in two phases allows participating nations to operate and train in two different regions of the Indo-Pacific.

The second phase will consist of surface and air expendable mobile anti-submarine warfare training target exercise (EMATTEX), cross-deck helicopter operations, surface gunnery exercise, and replenishments-at-sea. The intent is to enhance integrated maritime operations between the Quad countries within the Indian Ocean Region.

Elements of the Royal Australian, Indian, Japanese, and American maritime forces routinely operate together in the Indo-Pacific, fostering a cooperative approach toward regional security and stability.

"The participation of HMA Ships Ballarat and Sirius in MALABAR Phase II builds our collective ability to meet shared challenges in pursuit of an open, inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific," said Cmdr. Antony Pisani, commanding officer HMAS Ballarat. "Close cooperation with key partners with India, Japan, and the United States fosters our professional mariner relationships and enhance our interoperability."

U.S. Navy participants for phase two included Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, consisting of aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70); Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2; Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57); Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106); and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.

Representing the Indian Navy is Rajput-class guided-missile destroyer INS Ranvijay (D55), Shivalik-class multi-role stealth frigate INS Satpura (F48), and a P-8I maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.

JMSDF participants included Izumo-class multipurpose operation destroyer JS Kaga (DDH 184), Murasame-class destroyers JS Murasame (DD 101).

Royal Australian Navy participants included Anzac-class frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) and HMAS Sirius (O 266).

Under Commander, U. S. Pacific Fleet, 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

(US Navy)

Australia and India Reaffirm Their Commitment to Enhancing Naval Ties

23 Agustus 2021

Stealth frigate INS Sahyadri, missile corvette INS Karmuk and HMAS Howard AWD in joint exercise (photo : Indian Navy)

The Royal Australian Navy and Indian Navy have reaffirmed their strong ties and continued commitment to working closely together to ensure a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. 

Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, and Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, Admiral Karambir Singh have signed a new Joint Guidance for the Australia – India ‘Navy to Navy’ relationship.

“We are proud to sign a new shared vision for working even closer with the Indian Navy to promote peace, security, stability and prosperity in our region,” Vice Admiral Michael Noonan said.

“Our predecessors signed a Joint Guidance in New Delhi in 2007 and since then, our relationship has grown significantly in scope and sophistication.

“We look forward to even stronger ties between our two navies in the decades ahead,” Vice Admiral Noonan said.

The Joint Guidance outlines a shared intent to conduct regular talks, professional exchanges, and joint training.

It also outlines an intent to collaborate in efforts, including search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief where required.

The Joint Guidance aligns with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreed by Australia and India in 2020.

(Aus DoD)

India Berhasil Uji Tembak Rudal MICA dari Pesawat Su-30MKI

20 Agustus 2020

Pesawat Su-30MKI (photo : Wiki)

Sumber pertahanan mengatakan bahwa rudal multi target MICA anti-udara yang ditembakkan dari pesawat Sukhoi-30 MKI untuk pertama kalinya berhasil menghancurkan target udara berupa expendable aerial targets (EAT). Menjelang integrasi yang direncanakan dengan pesawat tempur multi-peran Rafale, IAF melakukan tes penembakan rudal udara-ke-udara Beyond Visual Range (BVR) MICA selama dua putaran pada hari Senin dan Selasa.

Pesawat tempur yang lepas landas dari pangkalan udara Kalaikunda di Benggala Barat dan menembakkan rudal, berhasil melumpuhkan drone target udara yang menyerupai pesawat musuh di ketinggian rendah. "Semua parameter misi telah terpenuhi karena target telah dihancurkan dengan memvalidasi peluncuran rudal. Rudal itu akan melengkapi jet tempur Sukhoi dan Rafale," kata seorang pejabat pertahanan.

Diakuisisi dari Prancis, MICA (Missile d’Interception, de Combat et d’Autodéfense) adalah sistem rudal segala cuaca yang tersedia dalam jarak pendek dan menengah. Rudal tipe 'fire and forget' ini dapat digunakan baik oleh platform udara maupun unit darat dan kapal.

Rudal anti-udara MICA (graphic : The New Indian Express)

Rudal sepanjang 3,1 meter dengan diameter 0,16 m ini memiliki berat sekitar 112 kg. Rudal ini dapat mengatasi target dalam jarak 500 meter hingga 60 km. Dua variannya dipandu oleh frekuensi radio (RF) dan inframerah (IR), MICA-RF memiliki seeker (pencari)  active radar homing dan MICA-IR yang mempunyai seeker imaging infra-red homing. Kedua seeker ini dirancang untuk menyaring tindakan balasan.

Pekan lalu, IAF telah melakukan uji coba dua dua kali atas rudal udara-ke-udara R-77 yang diperoleh dari Rusia. Rudal multiguna ini dapat digunakan melawan berbagai pesawat, baik taktis maupun strategis dan dari helikopter yang melakukan hovering hingga pesawat kecepatan tinggi di ketinggian yang berbeda. Rudal berpemandu udara-ke-udara jarak menengah R-77 memiliki panjang sekitar 3,6 meter dan diameter 200 mm. Beratnya sekitar 175 kg. Rudal ini memiliki jangkauan operasional 80 km hingga 100 km. Kedua misi tersebut dilakukan oleh IAF sementara DRDO memberikan dukungan logistik.

“IAF sedang dalam proses meningkatkan skuadronnya, dan juga dalam proses pengadaan rudal Meteor dari pembuat senjata Eropa MBDA. Rafale akan dilengkapi dengan MICA dan Meteor, ” tambah pejabat itu.

(The New Indian Express)

Why Su-30 MKI from India More Expensive than Russian-Made Su-30 ?

 09 Agustus 2020

Su-30 MKI with Brahmos missile (photo : Financial Express)

According to Eurasia Times, the Su-30MKI fighter aircraft was developed by Russian company Sukhoi and manufactured under license at India's Hindustan Airlines (HAL), much more expensive than Su -30 made in Russia or Su-30MKK of China.

The Indian government claims that the higher cost of the Su-30MKI compared to China's Su-30MKK and the Russian Su-30 is due to factors such as differences in specifications, small production scale. and India must pay for the technology transfer license fee.

However, the high cost of the Su-30MKI fighter , manufactured by Hindustan Airlines Limited (HAL), has also been suspected of being transferred by the Indian Parliament.

In response to these doubts, Subhash Bamley, an Indian Defense Ministry official said that the main reason for the higher cost of the Su-30MKI was due to the specifications of the Russian Su-30 and the Su-30MKI of India is not the same. The above comparison may not be appropriate.

HAL Aviation Company currently produces Su-30MKI, estimated cost per Su-30MKI is about 62 million USD. Meanwhile, the price of the Russian-made Su-30 is about 40 million USD, so the Su-30MKI is 22 million USD higher than the Russian Su-30.

Su-30MKI fires Astra BVR missile (photo : Economic Times)

In response to lawmakers' questions, Mr. Bamley stated that the Su-30MKI fighters manufactured in India had some modifications to enhance combat performance, to meet the requirements of No. Indian army.

Since the output of India's Su-30MKI is lower than that of the Russian Su-30, the advantage of size also causes the price of Indian fighter aircraft higher. Furthermore, the production of Su-30MKI in India also includes the payment of the license fee for Russia.

The Indian company HAL imports raw materials and special components from Russia and assembles them at the Su-30MKI manufacturing plant in Nashik, the Indian state of Maharashtra.

The Ministry of Defense also said that the manufacture of Su-30MKI in India also gives the country a very advanced technology, which is a step towards the localization of weapons and equipment.

Self-made domestically will reduce the production cost of fighter jets, reduce dependence on foreign equipment manufacturers and shorten delivery times, greatly supporting the Indian Air Force.

The Su-30MKI fighter started to be developed at the request of the Indian Air Force in 1995. Sukhoi and the Irkutsk Aircraft Manufacturing Association (now Irkutsk) are responsible for the design and manufacture of the aircraft. From 1995 to 1998, Sukhoi built two Su-30MKI prototypes for flight testing.

Su-30MKI fully loaded (photo : Reddit)

The first prototype flew in a test flight in July 1997, mass production of the Su-30MKI began at the Irkutsk plant in 2000. The mass-produced Su-30MKI completed its maiden flight in November 2000. In October 2000, India signed a memorandum of understanding with Russia to begin production of the Su-30MKI at a HAL factory in India.

The Indian version of Su-30MKI is equipped with Israel's more advanced electronic air and electronic coping systems, making it different from the standard Russian Su-30 or China's Su-30MKK. In addition, the Su-30MKI can also carry a variety of missiles, including the R73, R77 air-to-air missiles and Brahmos cruise missiles produced by the Russia-India joint venture.

In addition, the Indian-made Astra long-range air-to-air missile has expanded the combat range of the Su-30MKI, making it more dangerous than ever. Su-30MKI is also equipped with thrust vector engine, so it is more maneuverable than Su-30MKK of China.

The Indian Air Force currently has 260 Su-30MKIs and last month, amid border tensions with China, India ordered 12 more Su-30MKIs from Russia; and the number Su-30MKI is the backbone of the Indian Air Force.

Compared to the PLAAF's Su-30MKK, the Indian Su-30MKI is more maneuverable; compared to Russia's Su-30, India's Su-30MKI has better weapons. Therefore, it is easy to understand why India's Su-30MKI price is higher than that of Russia and China.

(KienThuc)

Indian Navy Seeks Third Aircraft Carrier To Counter China In The Indian Ocean Region

31 Juli 2020

INS Vikramaditya (283,5 meter and 45.400 tonnes) first aircraft carrier (photo : Naval News)

The Indian Navy is seeking a third aircraft carrier and two new fighter squadrons to counter Chinese threat in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). In recent months, Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean Region has increased and the Indian Navy believes that a third aircraft carrier will help India contain China.

As per reports from the Times of India, the Indian Navy remains keen to push for a third aircraft carrier and two new fighter squadrons to counter China’s increasing footprint in the IOR. The delivery of India’s second aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Navy is expected to push for a grant of ‘’acceptance of necessity’’(AoN) for the third carrier, the 65,000-tonne IAC-II (INS Vishal). Experts at EurAsian Times believe that the grant may actually pass this time since the government is fast-tracking pending defence projects amidst soaring tensions with neighbours.

To balance the cost of the third carrier, the Navy has also trimmed the number of fighter jets it requested to 36 (two squadrons) from 57. Since indigenous jets won’t be ready till 2032, the deal for fighter jets might include the like of Rafale’s, Grippen’s and F/A-18s and MiG-29Ks.

Artist's impression of INS Vikrant (262 meter and 44.000 tonnes)(image : Naval Recognition)

The delay of the INS Vikrant has landed a blow to the Indian Navy. According to experts, the delay puts India in danger of losing its decisive edge over China in the carrier strike group arena (CSG).

Beijing already has two function aircraft carriers and is frantically working on to two more. The Chinese Navy aims to have 10 aircraft carriers by 2050 and expects to deploy a CSG in the IOR within the next 5 years. India has one operational aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya.

Beijing aims to increase in its footprint in the IOR to break New Delhi’s sphere of influence over the region. For decades India has enjoyed cordial relations with countries in the IOR and formed a sphere of influence over the region.

As reported by EurAsian Times earlier, China aims to dominate the Indian Ocean Region by completing the ‘string of pearls’.The theory refers to the network of Chinese military and commercial facilities developed by China in countries in the IOR stretching from the Chinese mainland to the Middle East.

The Chinese government has vehemently denied that such a strategy exists but its actions say otherwise. Beijing has access to outposts in strategic locations in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Djibouti.

(EurasianTime)

India-Philippines Brahmos Deal Expected to be Signed in 2020

21 Mei 2020

Brahmos land based version (photo : DefenseStar)

Philippines explores options to buy BrahMos missile from India

India and the Phillipines are in talks for the purchase of a number of defence platforms from India including the Brahmos missile, India’s ambassador to the Phillipines Jaideep Majumdar has said.

“There are discussions going on a range of weapons systems between India and the Phillipines. Once travel becomes possible, the joint committee that looks at defence logistics will meet discuss these things," Majumdar said on Monday.

The Philippines and India have had price negotiation talks for the BrahMos cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia, with the aim of concluding a deal in 2020, two people familiar with the matter said separately.

The Phillipines is one among several countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam that has shown an interest in purchasing the land and sea-based versions of the supersonic cruise missile.

The cost of the system was a key factor in Manila’s decision to equip the Philippines Army’s first Land Based Missile System Battery, which was raised and activated in October, one of the people cited above said.

Though India has offered a $100 million line of credit to the Philippines for defence purchases, Manila is exploring the option of acquiring the BrahMos system with its own funds to be allocated in the next budget.

In recent years, the Philippines has concluded several deals with India for personal protective items or bulletproof gear and armour plating for military vehicles. An Indian firm has also bid for a recent Philippines tender for bulletproof gear.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Philippines in 2017, India and the Phillippines had signed an MoU on defence industry and logistics cooperation to provide a framework for strengthening cooperation and coordination in logistics support and services, and in the development, production and procurement of defence hardware.

Indonesia

India is also exploring the possibility of selling the BrahMos to Indonesia, and a team from the Indo-Russian joint venture that makes the system visited a state-run shipyard to assess the fitting of the missile on Indonesian warships.

India has also held talks with Vietnam for the sale of the BrahMos, which was developed by the Indo-Russian joint venture set up in 1998. The Indian Navy inducted the missile on its frontline warships in 2005 and the army began inducting the BrahMos from 2007 after a series of tests.

(LiveMint)

American F-21 or Russian MiG-35 to be Hot Favorites for $15 Bln Indian Fighter Jet Tender: Analysts

22 Desember 2019

LockheedMartin F-21 (image : LockheedMartin)

New Delhi (Sputnik): With the signing of the Industry Security Annex agreement between Indian and the US government on Thursday, the contest for the Indian Air Force’s $15 billion fighter jet tender has become more intriguing.

The signing of one of the most critical "foundational agreements" clears the way for Boeing and Lockheed Martin to compete in the forthcoming tender with the F/A-18E/F and F-21 respectively, says former squadron leader of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and prominent Defence Analyst Vijainder K. Thakur.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also expressed hope that the signing of the ISA will enable the smooth transfer of classified technology and information between private entities in the two countries.

The Industry Security Annex (ISA) is considered an essential agreement for any country seeking to receive high-end defence technology from the US.

Darwinian Law in Selection

Since the IAF is looking for a replacement for its Soviet-era MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-27 light-medium fighter jets, the government is expected to fill in the void created by these jets.

Some of the analysts put their weight behind the Rafale. They consider that French jet manufacturer Dassault may lower their quote price in the 114 jet tender since it has already amortised many of its costs after winning the tender for 36 Rafales.

Nevertheless, this October, Indian Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Bhadauria had toned down this argument, saying that to supply more Rafales, Dassault would have to win the tender.

"Our plan is to build 114 multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) in the Strategic Partner (SP) model, and that is currently being followed," said Bhadauria.

Former financial advisor to the Indian Defence Ministry Amit Cowshish said that going by the previous experience, "This time more than one aircraft is likely to meet the requirements, which implies that the choice may not be restricted to the US fighters".

Cowshish has conducted dozens of defence deals over the last decade.

The Elephant in the Room

Most Indian analysts unequivocally believe that cost will play the most crucial factor in the selection, considering the severe shortage of funds for the modernisation of the IAF.

In 2019-20, ending March 2020, the IAF received nearly a $5.1 billion budget for modernisation that included $3.5 billion for aircraft and aero engines.

MiG-35 (photo : reddit)

With the current state of the Indian economy, the budget may either go down or remain stagnant next year as well.

"There will, of course, be stiff competition among various manufacturers in offering technology transfers, not least because of the size of the order. But this may not be the deciding factor; I guess that, apart from the strategic considerations, finances will play a significant role in the decision-making process," ex- financial advisor Cowshish said.

Taking into account the costs and requirement of the IAF, Defence Analyst Vijainder K Thakur said: "F-21 and MiG-35 would be hot favourites. Their design is of a similar vintage. The MiG-35 probably has greater growth potential, but the F-21's long term costs are likely to be lower."

F-35: A Contender to be an IAF Jet?

The IAF has three choices as of now, for stealth fighters. First, the abandoned PAK FA stealth fighter programme with Russia, in which it has already invested in the preliminary phase of the project famously known as fifth-generation fighter aircraft; second, the home-grown Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, and third, the American F-35 jet.

Besides offering F-21s under the Narendra Modi Government's Make in India programme, Lockheed Martin has mentioned in the recent past, that it is indeed open to working with India on the AMCA, as well as the Light Combat Aircraft, the MK2.

Currently, Washington is exporting F-35 to its allies at a price of around $90 million per airframe.

New Delhi will have to remain rational while choosing fighter jets to replace MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27 light and medium fighters, he added.

Additionally, IAF Chief Bhadauria has been throwing his weight behind the Indian-made Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project since he took over the affairs of the 140,000 troops strong force.

"Just because we call AMCA the fifth generation, doesn't mean we limit the technology to the fifth generation, and technology could be fifth and even sixth generation…DRDO must make it happen. As not only our pride is at stake, but also that of the IAF," IAF Chief Bhadauria stated in October while addressing defence scientists of the DRDO in New Delhi.

Considering the past record of the DRDO in developing home-grown products, defence analysts, have opined that the AMCA is still several years away.

(SputnikNews)

India, Singapore, Thailand Naval Exercise Begins

18 September 2019

INS Ranvir D54 destroyer (photo :  Jerry E)

The aim is to bolster maritime relationships and contribute significantly to enhancing overall maritime security.

The maiden trilateral naval exercise involving India, Singapore and Thailand commenced at Port Blair on Monday. The exercise was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address at Shangri-La dialogue in June 2018.

RSS Tenacious 71 frigates (photo : dvids)

“The five-day exercise is aimed at bolstering the maritime inter-relationships amongst Singapore, Thailand and India, and contribute significantly to enhancing the overall maritime security in the region,” the Navy said in a statement. This would also strengthen interoperability and development of a common understanding of procedures, it added.

For the exercise, guided missile stealth frigate RSN Tenacious of Singapore, and Thailand Navy’s guided missile frigate HTMS Kraburi would join with INS Ranvir a guided missile destroyer, INS Kora a missile corvette and INS Sukanya an Offshore Patrol Vessel along with P8I long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

HTMS Kraburi 457 frigate (photo : ThaiPublica)

Harbour phase

During the harbour phase scheduled at Port Blair, professional exchanges, sports fixtures, and cross deck familiarisation visits would be organised, the Navy said. “The sea phase is scheduled from September 18 to 20, and a host of surface and air operations involving gunnery, force protection measures and communication drills would be conducted providing experience gaining and learning from each other’s best practices,” the statement added.

The Initial Planning Conference (IPC) to discuss the modalities of the exercise was held in May and the Final Planning Conference (FPC) was held in August. Malaysia has also evinced interest in joining the exercise.

(The Hindhu)

Record Number of Military Vessels to be Involved in this Year's Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise

11 November 2018

File photo of RSN and IN ships sailing in formation in 2017. This year's Simbex will feature about 30 participating air, sea and underwater assets from the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Indian Navy (photo : Sing Mindef)

SINGAPORE - A record number of military hardware - aircraft, ships and submarines - are participating in this year's maritime bilateral exercise between the Singapore and Indian navies, the Ministry of Defence said on Saturday (Nov 10).

Now in its 25th year, the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (Simbex) will feature about 30 participating air, sea and underwater assets from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indian Navy in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.

Submarines are stealthy and difficult to find. Out in the Andaman Sea, the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Indian Navy will deploy ships and aircraft like the S-70B naval helicopter and P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) to collectively track an enemy submarine using sonar. (image : Sing Mindef)

The exercise, which starts from Saturday until Nov 21, will see sailors from both navies train together in live firing exercises and naval warfare drills. Senior navy officers from Singapore and India will also make official calls to the other side.

The militaries of both countries have held joint exercises and training for many years, with a number of bilateral agreements signed.

As soon as enemy fighter aircraft or incoming missiles are detected in the skies, the Republic of Singapore Navy and Indian Navy warships will fire missiles to destroy the threats. In the Andaman Sea, a combined firing of Barak missiles will be fired from an RSN Missile Corvette (MCV) and an IN frigate. Subsequently in the Bay of Bengal, an Aster missile will be fired from an RSN frigate together with a Barak missile from an IN frigate. (photo : Sing Mindef)

The army agreement was last renewed in 2013, while the bilateral navy and air force agreements were exchanged last year (2017).

This year's Simbex will feature anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare exercise scenarios, growing in scope and complexity from the first Simbex in 1994, which focused on anti-submarine warfare, said Mindef.

Ships and naval aircraft will work together as an integrated team to target enemy ships. For example, the Republic of Singapore Navy's Fokker 50 MPA will search for enemy ships ahead of the force. The ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) will be deployed by the MCV to confirm the enemy’s identity, and ships will engage with long-range missiles and guns. (image : Sing Mindef)

It was in the exercise in 2003 when the RSN became the first South-east Asian navy to successfully fire a torpedo against a moving submarine.

"Since the first exercise in 1994, the RSN has enhanced its capability in anti-submarine warfare with the deployment of a range of assets with anti-submarine capabilities, such as the missile corvettes, anti-submarine patrol vessels, frigates, submarines, and naval air assets," said Mindef.

(Straits Times)

Lanud El Tari Kupang Jadi Lokasi Sukhoi Subjec Method Expert Exchange (SMEE)

22 Juli 2018

Sukhoi SU-30MKI Indian Air Force (photo : Tribun)

Pangkalan Udara (Lanud) El Tari Kupang menjadi tuan rumah Sukhoi Subject Method Expert Exchange (SMEE) antara angkatan udara Negara India (Indian Air Force/IAF) dengan Angkatan Udara Republik Indonesia (TNI AU) selama empat hari yang dimulai pada Jumat (20/7/2018).

Armada pertama angkatan udara India (IAF) tiba di Apron Lanud El Tari Kupang menggunakan sebuah pesawat angkut Indian Air Force dengan nomor penerbangan C-130 J pada Jumad (20/7/2018) sekira pukul 13.50 Wita.

Kemudian menyusul empat pesawat tempur canggih Sukhoi 30MKI milik IAF sekira satu jam sesudahnya. Pesawat tempur pertama Sukhoi 30MKI dengan nomor penerbangan SB 307 tiba dahulu pada pukul 15.00 Wita.

Kemudian berturut turut Sukhoi SB 323, Sukhoi SB 048 dan terakhir Sukhoi SB 184 tiba pada 15.30 Wita. Sedangkan sebuah pesawat pendukung lainnya milik IAF baru tiba di Lanud El Tari pada Jumad petang.

Komandan Lanud El Tari Kolonel (Pnb) Arif Hartono SH kepada wartawan usai menyambut rombongan tim penerbang Sukhoi Indian Air Force (IAF) di Apron Lanud El Tari Kupang, Jumad 920/7/2018) siang mengungkapkan, kedatangan tim penerbang IAF ke Lanud El Tari Kupang dalam rangka kerjasama dengan TNI Angkatan Udara untuk diskusi dan sharing bersama penerbang TNI AU.

Kegitan ini merupakan bagian kerjasama pelatihan bersama diantara angkatan udara Negara India dan Indonesia dalam bentuk Sukhoi Subjec Method Expert Exchange (SMEE).

"Kita banyak bekerjasama dengan Australia dan Singapura, tetapi sekarang kita join dengan India dalam SMEE, dimana yang expert dalam bidang penerbangan Sukhoi kemudian berdiskusi di Kupang (Lanud El Tari) untuk mendiskusikan tentang manufer, keselamatan terbang, dan segala macam hal (terkait penerbangan), sehingga dapat meningkatkan profesionalisme penerbang," ungkapnya.

Sukhoi SU-30MKI Indian Air Force (photo : defensenews alert)

Arif melanjutkan, dari kegiatan SMEE ini, Mabes AU mengharapkan kemampuan dari para penerbang di Squadron 11 Hasanudin dapat bertambah karena adanya diskusi dan sharing.

"Diharapkan oleh Mabes AU, penerbang dari Squadron 11 yaitu di Hasanudin ini kemampuannya bertambah karena ada diskusi dan sharing. Kemudian diharpakan juga ke depannya apabila personelnya hebat, maka tujuan pertahanan dan keamanan yaitu menjaga keamanan dirgantara akan semakin sukses," ungkapnya.

Makanya besok kita rencana akan diskusi, tukar pendapat, sharing, berbicara tentang taktikbertempur dan lain sebagainya sehingga kita bisa saling melengkapi, tujuannya dari diskusi itu adalah meningkatkan profesionalisme baik angkatan udara Indonesia maupun angkatan udara India

Komandan Squadron Sukhoi Indonesia / Squadron 11 Hasanudiin Makasar Letnan Kolonel (Pnb) Anton Palaguna yang menjadi komandan tim Sukhoi Indonesia dalam kegiatan ini mengungkapkan, dari hasil pertemuan dan diskusi ini, akan dilihat poin-point hasil yang dapat menjadi bahan kerjasama selanjutnya yang lebih advance untuk kedua angkatan.

"Dalam rangka Sukhoi SMEE ini, yang dianggapexpert dalam hal penerbangan khususnya penerbangan Sukhoi India dan Sukhoi Indonesia, kami akan melakukan pertemuan dan melaksanakan diskusi, bertukar pikiran sehingga dari sana akan dilihat apa saja poin-poin yang bisa ditingkatkan, karena ke depan kita akan tindaklanjuti kerjasama ini dengan yang lebihadvance," ungkapnya.

Pilihan lokasi kegiatan Sukhoi SMEE Indian Air Force dan Squadron 11 Hasanudin Makasar jatuh ke Kupang, karena pertama, ini (Lanud El Tari) adalah pangkalan acu yang strategis bagi mereka dan yang kedua, armada Sukhoi IAF menginginkan tukar pikiran dengan pilot-pilot Sukhoi Indonesia sebelum bertolak ke Darwin untuk melaksanakan latihan Internasional bersama 160 negara.

Kegiatan SMEE sendiri akan dilaksanakan selama empat hari sejak Jumad (20/7/2018) hingga Senin (23/7/2018).

Setelah SMEE, armada pasukan IAF akan melanjutkan perjalanan ke Darwin untuk latihan Internasional tersebut. Dalam armada yang terdiri dari 130 personel itu, terdapat airman, marshal ground serta team support IAF. (*)

(TribunNews)