Global Military Products Unveils Scorpion Medium 120mm Mobile Mortar System on Army’s Infantry Squad Vehicle

20 September 2026

Auto-lay 120mm mobile mortar system integrated on an Infantry Squad Vehicle-Utility (ISV-U) (photos: GMP)

TAMPA, Fla.  — Global Military Products is unveiling the first and only auto-lay 120mm mobile mortar system integrated on an Infantry Squad Vehicle-Utility (ISV-U) this week: the Scorpion Medium. The new system combines lightweight electric components from the Scorpion Light with components from the Scorpion Heavy, including the larger non-seating baseplate and mortar barrel. The all-new Scorpion Medium will be displayed with the 75th Ranger Regiment at the Army Maneuver Warfighter Conference at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Built with mobility in mind, the Scorpion Medium 120mm mobile mortar system is light enough for the Army’s ISV-U and still carries 16 mortar rounds. The all-electric system has the same architecture and upgrade capability of the Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar system, which streamlines training and logistics and capitalizes on Army investments in modernizing mortar technology. The Scorpion Medium is compatible with U.S. government fire control requirements and has more than 95% parts commonality with the Scorpion Light, currently on contract with the U.S. Army.

“There is an incredible amount of value to this system, and we’re excited to unveil the Scorpion Medium at Fort Benning this week. Operationally, it provides soldiers with a new capability – the first and only 120mm solution on an Army ISV that is all-electric and easy to operate,” said James Knight, director of Business Development, Global Military Products. “And because of the commonality with the Scorpion Light, which is already under contract, the Army can leverage architecture investments for quicker, less costly integration of U.S. fire control while securing a much-needed capability for light infantry units.”

A single button controls the emplacement and displacement of the Scorpion Medium 120mm mobile mortar system, taking roughly 10 seconds. The autonomous targeting and auto-lay capabilities and single-operator functions remain the same. Its patented non-seating baseplate allows it to fire from almost any surface – even concrete or paved ground.

Scorpion mobile mortar systems have unique characteristics that have already made them invaluable to Army soldiers. Designed to enhance expeditionary indirect fire capabilities, the next-generation Scorpion mobile mortar systems deliver a highly mobile, digitally enabled mortar platform capable of rapid emplacement, autonomous targeting and precision engagement in support of distributed operations. The integration of advanced fire control architecture significantly accelerates the sensor-to-shooter kill chain, enabling faster target acquisition, digital fire mission processing, and rapid engagement of multiple targets with reduced crew workload and increased survivability.

Over the past two years, the U.S. Army and Global Military Products have collaborated through Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) initiatives and Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) efforts to refine and test the Scorpion Light Mobile Mortar System and incorporate direct soldier feedback into its development. These iterative efforts have significantly advanced the platform’s mobility, lethality, survivability and operational effectiveness – and that investment directly benefits the Scorpion Medium 120mm mobile mortar system.

Global Military Products will also display the Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar system on the Army’s ISV-U at the Maneuver Warfighter Conference in booths 805 and 806. The company was recently awarded a $13 million contract from the Army for this system and has already begun shipping fully integrated systems for Army test and evaluation.

(Global Ordnance)

Rudal Mistral dan Stinger Siap Hadapi Target Udara di SGS 2026

11 September 2026

Latihan penembakanb sasaran udara dengan Manpads rudal Mistral (TNI AD) dan Stinger (US Army) dalam Super Garuda Shield 2026 (photos: TNI, DVIDS)

(Puspen TNI). Prajurit Artileri Pertahanan Udara (Arhanud) TNI Angkatan Darat bersama personel Air Defense US Army melaksanakan latihan penembakan sasaran udara menggunakan pesawat tanpa awak dalam rangka Latihan Gabungan Bersama Multinasional Super Garuda Shield (SGS) 2026 di *Lapangan Tembak Staling Armed* Puslatpur Kodiklat TNI AD, Martapura, Sumatera Selatan, Rabu (9/9/2026).

Dalam latihan tersebut, Batalyon Arhanud 10/Dam Jaya mengoperasikan Rudal Mistral, sedangkan US Army menggunakan Rudal Stinger untuk menguji kesiapan dan kemampuan unsur pertahanan udara menghadapi ancaman dari udara. 

Usai penembakan, kegiatan dilanjutkan dengan penyematan Brevet Air Defence Indonesia kepada personel US Army dan Brevet Air Defence US Army kepada prajurit TNI. Penyematan brevet menjadi bentuk penghargaan atas kemampuan, dedikasi, dan profesionalisme prajurit sekaligus simbol kualifikasi dalam bidang pertahanan udara.

Latihan dan penyematan brevet tersebut memperkuat interoperabilitas serta kesamaan prosedur TNI dan US Army. 

Melalui pertukaran pengalaman dan pengetahuan, kedua negara terus meningkatkan kemampuan serta profesionalisme prajurit dalam membangun kesiapan pertahanan udara guna mendukung keberhasilan SGS 2026.

(ТNI)

Super Garuda Shield: Joint Land Strike

08 September 2026

AH-64E Apache from TNI and US Army on Joint Land Strike during Super Garuda Shield 2026 (photos: Garuda Shield, Antara)

U.S. Army, Indonesian Air Force and Australian Terminal Attack Controllers conducted a multi-day, Joint Land Strike exercise during Super Garuda Shield 25 in Baturaja, Indonesia.

The Joint Land Strike underscores continued partnership and interoperability amongst the partner nation forces. (Garuda Shield)

TNI, US Army conduct night flight training

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Pilots from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the US Army conducted joint night flight training as part of the massive Super Garuda Shield 2026 exercises.

Operating side-by-side in Boeing AH-64 Apache combat helicopters, the TNI and US Army pilots executed complex tactical maneuvers and target engagements under cover of darkness at the Indonesian Army Training Center in Martapura, South Sumatra, on Wednesday (September 2).

According to a press statement released Friday by the TNI Headquarters Information Center, the nocturnal exercise targeted low-light combat proficiency and joint operational capability.

Military officials confirmed the flight drills were completed smoothly without incident, adhering strictly to international flight safety protocols.

The night flight training is aimed at honing individual pilot proficiencies while fostering technical cooperation and tactical knowledge exchange between the two armed forces.

The 2026 iteration of Super Garuda Shield involves 4,743 personnel from 21 participating and observing countries, aimed at testing operational readiness, strengthening defense diplomacy, and improving joint responses to regional security challenges.

Speaking earlier in Bandung, West Java, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto detailed the expanding international scope of the training program, which encompasses 12 specialized defense topics.

"Super Garuda Shield is held annually in Indonesia. This year, 21 countries participated... covering 12 topics,” Gen. Subiyanto stated.

The multi-week multinational exercise spans major strategic hubs across the archipelago, including training areas in Jakarta, Bandung, Lampung, North Kalimantan's Nunukan region, and the Baturaja combat center in South Sumatra.

Participating forces include troops and observers from Australia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Laos, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Timor-Leste, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vietnam, and host nation Indonesia.

Super Garuda Shield 2026 is scheduled to formally conclude in Jakarta on September 11.

(AntaraNews)

Australia dan AS Uji Kemampuan Komunikasi dan Wahana Bawah Laut Nirawak

15 Agustus 2026

ADV Guidance dalam RIMPAC 2026 (photos: dvids)

Australia dan Amerika Serikat bersama-sama menguji wahana maritim nirawak serta teknologi terkait—termasuk sistem komunikasi akustik—selama Latihan 'Rim of the Pacific' ('RIMPAC') 2026 yang berlangsung dari 24 Juni hingga 31 Juli di wilayah Kepulauan Hawaii dan sekitarnya.

Kegiatan tersebut merupakan bagian dari upaya untuk memajukan kemampuan peperangan bawah laut gabungan di bawah Pilar 2 kemitraan AUKUS yang melibatkan Australia, Inggris, dan AS, demikian disampaikan oleh Departemen Pertahanan (DoD) Australia pada 13 Agustus.

DoD menyatakan bahwa personel dari Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), Angkatan Laut Kerajaan Australia (RAN), dan Angkatan Laut Amerika Serikat (USN) bersama-sama mendemonstrasikan operasi wahana maritim nirawak dari kapal Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Guidance.

USV Seasats Lightfish (photo: Seasats)

Menurut DoD, kapal Guidance yang memiliki panjang 107 meter ini mendukung pengerahan dan pengujian platform bawah laut robotik dan otonom serta sistem pengawasan bawah laut. Kapal ini memiliki lebar 22 meter dan bobot benaman (displacement) sebesar 7.400 ton.

UUV Hugen Superior (photo: Kongsberg)

Sistem milik Australia yang diuji coba selama latihan tersebut meliputi wahana bawah laut nirawak (UUV) Kongsberg Hugin Superior, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) kelas kerja Schilling, wahana permukaan nirawak (USV) Seasats Lightfish, serta sistem relai komunikasi akustik bawah laut yang dapat dikerahkan, Rock Lobster.

ROV Schilling (photo: Schiling Robotics)

DoD menyebutkan bahwa Hugin Superior dan ROV Schilling dikerahkan secara bersamaan untuk melaksanakan misi navigasi dan pencarian bawah laut yang kompleks di dalam area latihan. Kegiatan ini menunjukkan bagaimana mitra AUKUS meningkatkan kemampuan mereka dalam mendeteksi, mencegah, dan merespons ancaman maritim.

(Jane's)

Kapal Selam SSN-AUKUS Akan Dilengkapi VLS

30 Maret 2026

Gambaran proporsional tentang ukuran SSN-AUKUS dibandingkan dengan bus London (photo: NavalNews)

Dalam pemberitahuan tentang kemungkinan Penjualan Militer Asing (FMS) yang diterbitkan oleh Departemen Luar Negeri AS, terungkap bahwa Inggris telah meminta bantuan AS dalam menghasilkan "tabung penyebaran vertikal/vertical deployment tube" umum dan sistem senjata terkait lainnya untuk digunakan bersama di seluruh program kapal selam SSN-AUKUS.

Selain pengembangan tabung penyebaran vertikal berbasis kapal selam khusus AUKUS (yang dapat diasumsikan sebagai sistem penyebaran rudal tipe Sel Peluncuran Vertikal/Vertical Launching System (VLS)), Royal Navy yang didukung AS akan merumuskan komponen tambahan untuk sistem terkait amunisi tambahan. Komponen utama tambahan dinyatakan sebagai, "peluncur senjata umum dan beberapa modul layanan pendukung tabung amunisi lengkap," dalam daftar Departemen Luar Negeri, yang kemungkinan merupakan pengembangan sebagian besar sistem senjata kapal selam.

Pengumuman FMS awalnya tercantum sebagai penjualan senilai $50 juta dolar, tetapi perkembangan biaya terus meroket, dengan nilai total membengkak menjadi lebih dari $1 miliar dolar, kemungkinan besar mencakup pengembangan berbagai subsistem beserta mekanisme peluncurannya sendiri. Untuk membantu upaya pengembangan, Departemen Luar Negeri mengatakan AS akan menyediakan personel industri AS yang ditempatkan di Inggris bersama dengan dukungan industri umum dari kontraktor pertahanan AS, yang mencakup "layanan dukungan teknik, teknis, dan logistik".

Konsep kapal selam SSNR Royal Navy dipahami memiliki tabung peluncuran vertikal dan ruang torpedo (image: NavalNews)

Sistem peluncuran vertikal/Vertical Launching System (VLS) dan sistem peluncuran senjata umum ditujukan untuk generasi berikutnya dari kapal selam serang nuklir/Submersible Ship Nuclear (SSN) yang ditujukan untuk layanan Royal Navy dan the Royal Australian Navy, kemungkinan akan memulai debutnya pada kelas kapal selam SSN-AUKUS yang saat ini sedang dikembangkan bersama oleh Australia dan Inggris.

AUKUS

AUKUS adalah kemitraan keamanan trilateral antara Australia, Amerika Serikat, dan Inggris, dengan tujuan utama untuk memungkinkan Australia memperoleh kapal selam nuklir dan teknologi terkaitnya, serta integrasi lebih lanjut infrastruktur pertahanan antara ketiga negara tersebut.

Kemitraan ini awalnya dirumuskan setelah Australia membatalkan pesanan kapal selam kelas Attack, yang seharusnya didasarkan pada kapal selam kelas Suffren Prancis yang sebagian dibangun di bawah lisensi di Australia, dengan propulsi konvensional dan bukan nuklir. Kapal selam kelas Attack pertama seharusnya dikirim pada awal tahun 2030-an, tetapi program tersebut dibatalkan pada tahun 2021 karena kekhawatiran Australia atas perubahan portofolio ancaman di Indo-Pasifik, dengan alasan kebutuhan akan kapal selam bertenaga nuklir yang menawarkan jangkauan, daya tahan, dan ukuran yang lebih besar.

Modul muatan kapal selam kelas Virginia (image: GDEB)

Di bawah rezim AUKUS saat ini, 3 kapal selam serang kelas Virginia akan dijual dari Amerika Serikat untuk diintegrasikan ke dalam layanan Australia sekitar tahun 2030-an, dengan opsi untuk akuisisi 2 kapal selam lagi. Kapal selam Virginia akan berfungsi sebagai solusi sementara sebelum diperkenalkannya SSN-AUKUS masa depan, berdasarkan program kapal selam masa depan/Submersible Ship Nuclear Replacement (SSNR) yang sudah ada di Inggris. Proyeksi menetapkan bahwa kapal selam kelas SSN-AUKUS pertama akan mencapai layanan Royal Australian Navy (RAN) pada awal tahun 2040-an.

Saat ini, kapal selam kelas Collins SSK Australia yang menua dengan cepat sedang menjalani perpanjangan masa pakai untuk menjaga kekuatan kapal selam Royal Australian Navy tetap beroperasi sebelum kapal selam Virginia diintegrasikan. Kapal-kapal ini akan memiliki masa pakai sekitar 34 tahun sebelum dipensiunkan pada tahun 2030-an, yang diperpanjang oleh pembatalan kelas Attack, dan penundaan yang terkait dengan pengenalan SSN ke dalam layanan Angkatan Laut Kerajaan Australia.

(NavalNews)

RNZAF, Australian and US C-130J Hercules Crews Train Together in South Island Exercise

29 Maret 2026

RNZAF C-130J Hercules (photo: NZDF)

C-130J Hercules crews from New Zealand, Australia and the United States are conducting precision air mobility training in the skies above the upper South Island over the coming days.

The aircraft will be flying across the upper South Island, as Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) crews train alongside Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and United States Air Force (USAF) counterparts during Exercise Mobility Astra 2026.

The 10-day exercise, which began on Monday at Marlborough’s RNZAF Base Woodbourne, brings together C-130J Hercules aircraft and crews from all three nations to conduct scenario-based training focused on low-level navigation and targeted load drops.

USAF C-130J Hercules (photo: NZDF)

Working as a combined force, crews plan and execute missions to deliver cargo accurately onto designated drop zones, often within tight timeframes and confined landing areas. 

Success relies on close coordination between pilots, loadmasters and ground teams, where timing, communication and precision are critical.

Detachment Commander, Squadron Leader Adam Palmer, said the exercise provided valuable opportunities to strengthen how crews operate together.

RAAF C-130J Hercules (photo: RAAF)

“Training alongside RAAF and USAF partners, all operating the same aircraft, allows our crews to align procedures, share expertise, and work together to achieve different mission sets confidently when required."

Operating from Base Woodbourne introduced a different training environment, with terrain, weather and unfamiliar airspace adding complexity to each mission.

“The complex terrain surrounding Woodbourne presents crews with challenges they must overcome during mission planning, and we’ve had great support from local landowners to use their properties as drop zones,” Squadron Leader Palmer said.

For those involved, the exercise reflects the realities of operational flying, where crews must make decisions quickly while working closely as a team. 

“As detachment commander, what stands out is the high level of skill and professionalism of personnel from across the wider New Zealand Defence Force supporting Mobility Astra to deliver high-tempo flying operations from a deployed location,” he said.

“Mobility Astra allows everyone deployed to refine their skills and test their readiness to ensure we respond immediately and effectively when called upon.”

(NZDF)

Counter Landing at Cobra Gold 2026

03 Maret 2026

Royal Thai Navy, US Marine Corps, South Korea, and the Philippines conducts Cobra Gold 2026 at Haad Yao Beach, Sattahip, Chonburi, Thailand (photos: RTN)

Air Defense and Coastal Guard Command Joins Forces with Allied Nations to Enhance Combat Readiness in a Real-World Situation.

On February 28, 2026, Rear Admiral Et Yuvanangkoon, Commander of the Air Defense and Coastal Guard Command, participated in an inspection of the Counter Landing exercise, part of the Cobra Gold 2026 joint/combined exercise, at Royal Thai Navy Training Ground No. 15, Haad Yao Beach, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province.

The inspection was presided over by the Deputy Director-General of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Operations, along with high-ranking commanders from various units, including the Marine Corps, and representatives from allied forces such as the US Marine Corps, South Korea, and the Philippines, who closely monitored the training situation.

The key missions of the inspection were:

• To receive a briefing on the training plan and cross-branch coordination.

• To observe the actual training at Haad Yao Beach and assess the readiness and capabilities of the personnel.

• To meet and encourage the soldiers participating in the training amidst intense simulated scenarios.

This training not only elevates tactics and combat readiness but also reinforces the strong cooperation between the Royal Thai Navy and allied forces. To enhance joint operations and future security.

(RTN-Air and Coastal Defence Command)

RAAF Deploys to Nevada for Exercises with United States and United Kingdom

07 Februari 2026

Six F-35A Lightning II deployed to the exercises (photo: Aus DoD)

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has deployed up to six F-35A Lightning II aircraft, an E-7A Wedgetail, and around 227 aviators to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada to participate in two of the world’s most advanced air combat training exercises. 

From 2 February 2026, Exercises Red Flag Nellis and Bamboo Eagle 26-1 will bring together aviators from Australia, the United States and United Kingdom in one of the most challenging and realistic air training environments available.

Wing Commander Matthew Deveson is leading the Australian contingent, which includes both aircraft and a Tactical Command and Control team.

“These exercises provide a highly realistic training environment where we can integrate different capabilities and strengthen our ability to operate with key allies and partners,” Wing Commander Deveson said.

“The RAAF’s F-35A Lightning remains at the cutting edge of air combat technology as a highly advanced, multi-role, supersonic stealth fighter, and our E-7A Wedgetail is one of the world’s premier airborne battle management platforms.”

An E-7A Wedgetail deployed to the exercises (photo: Aus DoD)

Established in 1975, Exercise Red Flag Nellis focuses on high-intensity air operations conducted throughout the Nevada Test and Training Range. Exercise Bamboo Eagle, introduced in 2024, expands this training to include long-range missions across both land and maritime environments in the western United States.

Both exercises simulate a broad range of modern threats including air, land and maritime capabilities as well as space and cyber-domain threats.

“These exercises involve large force employment missions with a high number of multinational aircraft in the air at the same time,” Wing Commander Deveson said.

“Each nation brings unique capabilities and experience, with no single aircraft or unit able to accomplish all the mission objectives on its own.”

Australia’s involvement in these exercises strengthens deterrence, contributes to regional security and stability, and reinforces long-standing partnerships. 

“Australia was the first non-NATO country to participate in Exercise Red Flag Nellis in 1980, and we have been part of Exercise Bamboo Eagle since its inception in 2024,” Wing Commander Deveson said.

“These exercises ensure we remain ready to operate seamlessly with two of our most important strategic partners, now and into the future.”

(Aus DoD)

‘Rapid Infiltration Capability" on Show at Exercise Kenney Strikes Back

10 Januari 2026

An Australian Army M142 HIMARS is prepared for loading onto a United States Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at RAAF Base Amberley (photos: Aus DoD)

The Australian Army, United States Army and United States Air Force demonstrated a new capability as part of Exercise Kenney Strikes Back.

Multiple high mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS) from 10th Brigade’s 14th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (14 Regt, RAA), were loaded onto USAF C-17 Globemaster IIIs, operated by 62nd Airlift Wing.  

The HIMARS, along with Australian Army Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles and US Army MRZR all-terrain vehicles, were transported from Royal Australian Air Force base Amberley to far-north Queensland and the south coast of NSW before rapidly establishing communications, simulating a fire mission and re-loading onto the C-17s for a quick exit.

Battery Sergeant Major of 14 Regt’s 54th Siege Battery, Warrant Officer Class Two Mick Krek, said it was a successful and educational exercise.

He said after deploying to RAAF Base Scherger and HMAS Albatross, they established forward positions to execute targets of opportunity with the launchers, denying avenues of approach to Australia.

“Working with our American counterparts is always a rewarding activity. They come with a lot of experience, which is helpful for us as we’re a new unit and we still have a lot to learn,” WO2 Krek said.

“At the same time, the USAF also learns a lot from the Australian call signs, and I feel our training has postured us perfectly to execute missions such as this to deny avenues of approach to the north.”

Working alongside 14 Regt were elements of the US Army’s 17th Field Artillery Battery (17th FAB).

17th FAB Battery Commander Captain Daniel Schell said the learning opportunities were mutual, and it was rewarding to demonstrate proof of concept for combined HIMARS rapid infiltration missions.

“We were able to receive a mission during our flight window and then store that information,” Captain Schell said.

“We hit the ground running and moved over to the firing point, then transferred the information from US forces to Australian forces, who then prosecuted the target.

“One of the great things about this exercise has been the chance to see some of the similarities we have with Australian forces, share lessons learned and work through some of the new things that we’re doing as part of coalition and joint training.”

(Aus DoD)

Pesawat EA-18G Membantu Melumpuhkan Pertahanan Udara Venezuela Selama Serangan AS

08 Januari 2026

Pesawat EA-18G Growler yang saat ini hanya dioperasikan 2 negara: Amerika dan Australia (photo: Navair)

Satu-satunya platform serangan elektronik udara/electronic attack (EA) militer AS, EA-18G Growler Angkatan Laut AS (USN), adalah bagian dari kekuatan yang membuka jalan bagi serangan AS pada 3 Januari terhadap Venezuela yang menyebabkan penangkapan dan penahanan Presiden Venezuela Nicolás Maduro dan istrinya, menurut Jenderal Dan Caine, ketua Kepala Staf Gabungan.

Growler adalah bagian dari “komponen udara gabungan yang mulai membongkar dan melumpuhkan sistem pertahanan udara di Venezuela, menggunakan senjata untuk memastikan jalur aman helikopter ke area target”, kata Jenderal Caine dalam pernyataan publiknya pada 3 Januari tentang misi militer yang disebut Operasi ‘Absolute Resolve’.

AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System (TJS) (image: FAS)

Berbicara kepada Janes tentang kekuatan Growler, analis pertahanan, serta sumber-sumber industri dan militer, baik yang lama maupun yang sekarang, yang familiar dengan pesawat tersebut, mencatat bahwa EA-18G yang kemungkinan besar digunakan untuk operasi tersebut diluncurkan dari kapal induk USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78), yang dialihkan ke wilayah tersebut dari Mediterania pada bulan Oktober.

Skuadron Serangan Elektronik Growler (VAQ)-142 ditempatkan di Ford, menurut pejabat Angkatan Laut AS. EA-18G yang berbasis di Ford dilengkapi dengan Sistem Pengacakan Taktis ALQ-99 (TJS), sebuah pod EA udara eksternal yang digunakan terhadap target radar dan komunikasi untuk menekan pertahanan udara terpadu musuh.

(Jane's)

Pesawat CN-235 Terlibat Operasi Rahasia AS Tangkap Maduro

05 Januari 2026

CN-235 Special Operations Squadron USAF (photo: Mark Bess)

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com - Amerika Serikat mengerahkan armada udara besar-besaran dalam operasi Absolute Resolve, misi rahasia yang berujung pada penangkapan Presiden Venezuela Nicolás Maduro. Lebih dari 150 pesawat dari berbagai jenis diterbangkan untuk memastikan dominasi udara penuh, membuka jalur masuk pasukan, hingga mengevakuasi target dari jantung Caracas.

“Operasi ini merupakan puncak dari berbulan-bulan perencanaan dan latihan, dilaksanakan secara presisi pada jam-jam paling gelap untuk menjaga kejutan taktis dan memastikan keselamatan seluruh personel,” ujar Ketua Kepala Staf Gabungan Militer Amerika Serikat, Jenderal Dan Caine, dalam ringkasan resmi operasi Absolute Resolve dikutip The Guardian, Minggu (4/1/2026).

Dalam daftar panjang pesawat tempur dan pendukung berteknologi tinggi, terdapat satu nama yang menarik perhatian pembaca Indonesia, yakni CN-235. Pesawat angkut ringan tersebut dikenal luas sebagai produk hasil kerja sama industri dirgantara Spanyol CASA dan PT Nurtanio, kini PT Dirgantara Indonesia, yang selama puluhan tahun identik dengan kekuatan udara Indonesia.

CN-235 Special Operations Squadron USAF (photo: FlightSim)

CN-235 digunakan Angkatan Bersenjata Amerika Serikat sebagai bagian dari elemen pendukung operasi. Pesawat ini berperan dalam misi logistik, mobilitas pasukan khusus, serta dukungan komunikasi dan pengawasan, melengkapi armada jet tempur dan pesawat intelijen berkelas strategis.

Penggunaan CN-235 dalam operasi berisiko tinggi ini menegaskan reputasi pesawat tersebut sebagai platform militer yang andal. Meski kerap diasosiasikan dengan TNI AU dan misi kemanusiaan di Indonesia, CN-235 ternyata dipercaya militer Amerika dalam operasi penangkapan kepala negara di wilayah asing.

Secara keseluruhan, paket udara dalam operasi Absolute Resolve mencakup pesawat tempur siluman F-22 Raptor dan F-35 Lightning II, pesawat serang F/A-18 Super Hornet, pembom strategis B-1B Lancer, hingga pesawat perang elektronik EA-18G Growler. Armada ini membentuk lapisan perlindungan berjenjang untuk memastikan helikopter pasukan khusus dapat masuk dan keluar Caracas dengan aman.

Peralatan Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) CN-235 Special Operations Squadron USAF (photo: Harry Boone via TWZ)

Pesawat pengintai dan komando juga dikerahkan, termasuk E-3 Sentry (AWACS), E-2D Hawkeye, serta RC-135 Rivet Joint, guna menjaga kesadaran situasional penuh selama operasi berlangsung. Di sisi lain, drone jarak jauh digunakan untuk pemantauan real-time dan dukungan tembakan presisi.

CN-235 berada dalam kelompok pesawat pendukung yang memastikan keberlangsungan operasi di tengah intensitas tempur tinggi. Perannya menjadi krusial dalam menjaga kelancaran pergerakan pasukan dan koordinasi lintas matra, terutama saat fase penarikan pasukan dari wilayah Venezuela.

Jenis-jenis pesawat udara yang dilibatkan dalam operasi Absolute Resolve (infograhic: Ian Ellis)

Dominasi udara inilah yang menjadi kunci keberhasilan operasi. Dengan sistem pertahanan udara lawan dilumpuhkan sejak awal, helikopter pasukan Delta Force dapat mencapai kompleks target, mengamankan Maduro, dan mengevakuasinya tanpa korban jiwa di pihak Amerika Serikat.

Bagi Indonesia, kemunculan CN-235 dalam operasi militer Amerika berskala global menjadi sorotan tersendiri. Pesawat yang lahir dari kolaborasi industri dirgantara Indonesia itu bukan hanya digunakan dalam misi domestik atau regional, tetapi juga dipercaya dalam salah satu operasi militer paling sensitif dan berisiko di dunia.

(Berita Satu)

Refueling Each Other in the Air

03 Januari 2026

A RAAF KC-30A refuelled F-15E and F-15EX then USAF KC-46A refuelled RAAF Wedgetail (photos: Aus DoD)

The Royal Australian Air Force conducted air-to-air refuelling clearance trials with the United States Air Force at USAF bases Eglin and Edwards, USA.

A RAAF KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport Australia refuelled the:

-USAF F-15EX Eagle II,

-USAF F-15E Strike Eagle.

A USAF KC-46A Pegasus US refuelled the:

- RAAF E-7A Wedgetail.

Two trials occurred over March and April, each aimed at increasing the interoperability between the two nations’ militaries and expanding the list of aircraft cleared for air-to-air refuelling.

(Aus DoD)

RAAF, JASDF and USAF Successfully Conducted Exercise Bushido Guardian 25

14 Oktober 2025

Australian, Japanese, and United States airmen gathered at Misawa Air Base, Japan, for Exercise Bushido Guardian 25 (photo: USAF)

Bushido Guardian builds trilateral strength

Exercise Bushido Guardian 25 has proved to be a huge trilateral success, as Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A Lightning IIs from 3 Squadron have concluded their flying with F-35A Lightning IIs from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and the United States Air Force (USAF).

Held in Misawa, Japan, from the end of September until October 10, Bushido Guardian was a trilateral air combat exercise centred on fifth-generation fighting that deepens interoperability between each of the participants.

RAAF, JASDF and USAF during Exercise Bushido Guardian 25 (photo: Aus DoD)

Bushido Guardian is more than just an exercise. It is a powerful symbol of the enduring partnership between Australia, Japan and the United States. In a region marked by rapid change and growing complexity, the ability for each nation’s fifth-generation air combat aviators to operate together – confidently, capably and cohesively – is essential.

Commanding Officer 3 Squadron Wing Commander Mark Biele commented on the exercise’s value to Air Force – and through it, Australia.

“Bushido Guardian 25 offers unique fifth-generation fighter integration and collaboration. Getting our F-35A Lightning II’s to work together helps us to understand how the Indo-Pacific looks in a fifth-generation environment,” Wing Commander Biele said.

“The very nature of the activity was integration. Bushido Guardian 25 is all about bringing our aviators together, on the ground and in the air, to make our assets work together to achieve a common aim – a free and open Pacific.”

The exercise could not have happened without the air-to-air refuelling support of a 33 Squadron KC-30A multi-role tanker transport. These unsung yet legendary enablers provided the capacity for the F-35A Lightning IIs to maintain in the exercise airspace so as to ensure their missions were successful. Refuelling USAF and JASDF F-35A Lightning IIs only increases interoperability outcomes.

“Exercise Bushido Guardian 25 has allowed us to operate in very real conditions over the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan,” Wing Commander Biele said.

“The F-35A Lightning II interoperability that is at the heart of the activity allowed all three nations to prove their operational capability.

 “The F-35A Lightning II’s performance at Bushido Guardian 25 is meeting or exceeding all our expectations.”

(Aus DoD)