Typhon Missile System Deployment for Exercises Legal –DND Chief

26 Desember 2024

Typhon missile system (photos, image: US Army)

MANILA – The deployment of the US-made Mid-Range Capability (MRC) "Typhon" Missile System in the Philippines in the context of joint exercises is completely "legitimate, legal, and beyond reproach”, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said on Tuesday.

In a statement, Teodoro said the Philippines is a sovereign state, not any country’s “doorstep.”

"Any deployment and procurement of assets related to the Philippines’ security and defense fall within its own sovereign prerogative and are not subject to any foreign veto," he said.

Teodoro issued this comment after China scored Philippine plans to procure "Typhon" and similar platforms as part of efforts to beef up its capabilities.

China also said the US deployment of the MRC "Typhon" to the Philippines is allowing a country outside the region to fuel tensions in the area.

The DND chief added that enhancement of the country's defense capabilities in accordance with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) is conducted based on the Philippines’ own national interest and by the country's independent foreign policy.

Teodoro also said this strategy is not aimed at countries but targeted against security risks, threats, and challenges.

"If the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is truly intent on reducing tensions and instability in the region, they should cease their saber rattling, stop their provocative actions, halt their interference in other countries' internal affairs, withdraw their illegal presence from the Philippines' EEZ (exclusive economic zone), and adhere to international law," he added.

While the CCP is criticizing the modest capability development of the Philippines, Teodoro finds it ironic that China is continuously building up its nuclear arsenal and ballistic missile capability, sponsoring criminal syndicates and subversive organizations beyond their shores, and is unwilling to uphold human rights in their own country. 

(PNA)

Vietnam Perkenalkan Prototipe Bom Latih Udara Produksi Lokal

26 Desember 2024

Prototipe bom latih FAB/OFAB produksi Vietnam (photo: Viet+Offensive)

Lee Ann Quann pada 23 Desember 2024 lalu memposting bahwa personel Tentara Rakyat Vietnam memamerkan prototipe bom inert produksi sendiri untuk latihan. Produk ini diklaim memiliki kandungan bahan dan teknologi dalam negeri yang tinggi.

Bom latihan ini dirancang oleh Academy of Military Science and Technology (AMST), kemungkinan akan diproduksi oleh Z115 Factory di bawah Industri Pertahanan Vietnam/Vietnam Defence Industry (VDI).

Saat ini, Angkatan Udara Vietnam diketahui menyimpan stok besar bom FAB/OFAB untuk melawan target darat untuk melengkapi persenjataan armada pesawat tempur Su-30MK2 miliknya.

Dalam mencari bom inert/latihan, Vietnam tahun lalu memperoleh sejumlah P-100P dari PT Sari Bahari (Indonesia). P-100P dapat dioperasikan dan berperilaku seperti FAB/OFAB sehingga personil angkatan udara akan terbiasa dengannya dalam waktu singkat.

Belum jelas kapan Vietnam akan mulai memproduksi sendiri bom latihnya tersebut. Namun Vietnam sangat berkeinginan untuk meminimalkan ketergantungan tentaranya pada pemasok asing sambil menciptakan lebih banyak lapangan kerja dan keuntungan bagi industri pertahanan nasional Vietnam dan menghidupkan jaringan pemasoknya.

Myanmar Navy Launches Domestically Built Frigate

26 Desember 2024

UMS King Thalun F19 frigate (photo: CINCDS)

SAC Chairman Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing joins the auspicious ceremony to name and commission 135-metre Frigate built by Tatmadaw (Navy)

At the ceremony to mark the 77th Anniversary of Tatmadaw (Navy) of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing attended the ceremony to name and commission a 135-metre Frigate built by the Tatmadaw (Navy) into service at the Naval Dockyard Command Headquarters in Thanlyin Station this morning.

UMS King Thalun F19 frigate (photo: GNLM)

Also present at the ceremony were retired commanders-inchief (Navy) and their wives, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Htein Win and his wife, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Tun Aung and his wife, union-level dignitaries and their wives, union ministers and their wives, the Yangon Region Chief Minister and his wife, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and their wives, the commander of Yangon Command, the commander of Naval Control Command, commander of naval region commands, war veterans organization members and guests.

On the agenda, Admiral Htein Win reported on construction of the frigate and facts about the vessel.

UMS King Thalun F19 frigate (photo: MWD)

At the ceremony to name the vessel, the Senior General read the naming of the vessel. He said that the Frigate was named “King Thalun” in honour of King Thalun for combatting internal enemies of the country, defending the external danger and adopting the standards and norms for development of the State.

As naval traditions, the 135- metre Frigate was commissioned  into service with the acts of the Senior General in breaking the bottle of Champagne at the auspicious time while the military band of the Tatmadaw (Navy) played music.

UMS King Thalun F19 frigate (photo: CINCDS)

The Commander-in-Chief (Navy) presented a scale model of the vessel and a  gold axe used in commissioning the vessel to the Senior General.

The Senior General cordially conversed with officers and other ranks who participated in building the vessel and presented a fruit basket. They then had documentary photos taken.

UMS King Thalun F19 frigate (photo: MWD)

The Senior General and party viewed launching the newlycommissioned 135-metre Frigate from the ship lift platform. The 135-metre Frigate King Thalun was built at the Naval Dockyard Command Headquarters in March 2017 under the guidance of the Senior General.

As it was a large volume, parts of the body were constructed separately, and then these were assembled. The Frigate is the largest vessel among other vessels built by the Tatmadaw (Navy). It is fully facilitated with the body structures, machines, electronics, weapons and weaponry systems.

UMS King Thalun F19 frigate (photo: MWD)

Efforts were made to develop inner parts of the vessel meeting the international war vessels. The vessel with 135 metres in length, 14.5  metres in breadth, nine metres in height and 4.1 metres in draught can withstand 3,500 tons of load, and it can drive 30 nautical miles per hour. 

The  vessel can possess the capabilities to serve the missions of the 21st Century navies. It has capability of defending  conventional and unconventional threats on the frontline of Myanmar sea, conduct patrol and surveillance, combat invasion of terrorist organizations, and protect the water territory as well as control the sea territorial area of the State and perform search and rescue operations for humanitarian measures. 

UMS King Thalun F19 frigate (photo: GNLM)

As the Frigate which can be used in multi-military operations was added into the Tatmadaw (Navy), it can more effectively protect the Myanmar sea which can bring marine benefits to the State.

Frigate King Thalun was commissioned into service from 9:00 am to 10:04 am. The vessel anchored at the jetty of Naval Dockyard Command Headquarters at 11:24 am.

(CINCDS)

Northrop Grumman Selected to Deliver US Navy’s E-130J Aircraft

25 Desember 2024

The Northrop Grumman-led industry team will deliver the E-130J for the U.S. Navy’s TACAMO mission (image: Northrop Grumman)

Northrop Grumman to Deliver US Navy’s E-130J Nuclear Command, Control and Communications Aircraft

MELBOURNE, Fla.  – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been selected as the prime contractor to deliver nuclear command, control and communications (NC3) aircraft for the U.S. Navy’s Take Charge And Move Out (TACAMO) mission. The Northrop Grumman-led industry team will deliver the E-130J to relieve the U.S. Navy’s current E-6B Mercury fleet of the TACAMO mission.​

The U.S. Navy’s TACAMO mission provides connectivity between the National Command Authority and U.S. nuclear forces. The Navy currently operates a fleet of E-6B Mercury aircraft to provide survivable, reliable and endurable airborne command, control and communications between the National Command Authority and U.S. forces. The E-130J will modernize this critical strategic deterrent mission.

Northrop Grumman’s E-130J TACAMO industry team of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works ®; Raytheon; Crescent Systems, Inc; and Long Wave Inc. has vast knowledge and expertise in delivering critical command and control and nuclear enterprise capabilities​ to meet the U.S. Navy’s E-130J TACAMO requirement.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our employees define possible every day.

(Northrop Grumman)

Viettel Turn a S-60 57mm Cannon Into an Anti-UAV Combat Vehicle

25 Desember 2024

The integrated system helps automate the operation of the 57mm anti-aircraft artillery system developed by Viettel (photo: QDND)

At the outdoor exhibition booth at the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024, one of the notable equipment brought to display by the Military Industry - Telecommunications Group (Viettel) is a set of equipment that helps automate the operations of S-60 57mm anti-aircraft artillery units.

The complex's radar system searches for and guides targets (photo: QDND)

The special feature of the complex is the integration of radar and optoelectronic detection and guidance systems to increase the overall combat effectiveness of the 57mm artillery complex called VPK-57. This is a significant improvement that helps improve the combat effectiveness of this anti-aircraft artillery in modern combat environments.

Optoelectronic guidance cluster of the complex (photo: QDND)

Below are some images of the integrated combat system for the 57mm cannon at the exhibition  recorded by a reporter from the People's Army Newspaper.

In air defense operations, the 57mm gun has an effective range of 4,300m, but with the support of the new equipment, the range and reaction speed of this air defense weapon are significantly increased (photo: QDND)

The system components are all mounted on a special chassis, which is highly maneuverable on all terrains (photo: QDND)

The system includes main components such as radar, optoelectronic system, integrated combat command system, battlefield management system, communications, power supply system and 57mm gun clusters (photo: QDND)

The integration is based on the old 57mm gun chassis in service (photo: QDND)

Electronic air transport clusters are integrated by Viettel (photo: QDND)

The system can operate in four modes: Radar guidance, electro-optical, combined and altitude indication (photo: QDND)

The 57mm artillery clusters are connected to the command vehicle and the guidance system via wired signal lines. The electric control of the artillery simplifies the control process. In automatic mode, each artillery cluster only requires members to load the artillery shells (photo: QDND)

VPK-57 is designed to protect targets from air attack objects, especially low-flying targets such as unmanned aerial vehicles - UAVs. The system can switch from automatic to manual combat with a regular gunner if necessary, components of the VPK-57 complex were researched and developed by Viettel (photo: Viettel)

(QDND)

Austal Australia Awarded Contract for Two Additional Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats for Australian Border Force

25 Desember 2024

Austal Australia has been awarded a contract extension for two additional Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats, to be delivered to the Australian Border Force (photo: Austal Australia)

Austal Limited (ASX:ASB) is pleased to announce that Austal Australia has been awarded a contract extension for the construction of two additional Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats, to be delivered to the Australian Border Force (ABF).

The A$137.02 million contract brings the total number of Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats to be constructed by Austal to 12, with eight delivered to date.

Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the two additional Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats for the ABF will further enhance the capabilities of Maritime Border Command and ‘Operation Sovereign Borders’, tasked with the ongoing protection of Australia’s maritime borders.

“The eight Evolved Capes delivered by Austal since 2020, operating with the Royal Australian Navy, are making a significant contribution to our maritime and border security. These additional vessels for the Australian Border Force will further enhance the capability for maritime surveillance and border patrols throughout Northern Australia.

“Austal previously delivered eight, original Cape-class Patrol Boat fleet to the Australian Border Force from 2012 to 2015; it’s a testament to the vessel’s capability and our team’s shipbuilding expertise that we’re now tasked with constructing two Evolved Capes for the ABF; their first Evolved Capes, to enhance their existing capabilities for this important mission,” Mr Gregg said.

The SEA1445-1 Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat (ECCPB) project, initially constructing six 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy from May 2020, was extended by two vessels in April 2022, and a further two vessels in February 2024. With the support of Austal’s proven supply chain partners and project teams from the Department of Defence and Royal Australian Navy, Austal has delivered eight ECCPB’s to date. Two vessels are currently under construction at Austal’s shipyard Henderson in Western Australia.

The eleventh and twelfth ECCPB’s will add to the Australian Border Force’s existing fleet of eight original Cape-class Patrol Boats, delivered by Austal from 2012 – 2015.

Designed and constructed by Austal Australia, the Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats feature larger amenities to accommodate up to 32 people, improved quality of life systems and advanced sustainment intelligence systems that further enhance capabilities at sea. The patrol boats are utilised for a wide variety of constabulary and naval missions and play a critical role in Australia’s national security, as a high-performing, reliable and effective maritime asset with both the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Border Force.

In-Service Support for the Cape, and Evolved Cape Patrol Boat fleets operated by the Australian Border Force, Royal Australian Navy is provided by Austal Australia through dedicated service centres located in Henderson, Western Australia; Cairns, Queensland; and Darwin, Northern Territory.

Austal Australia is also contracted to deliver 24 steel-hulled Guardian-class Patrol Boats to the Commonwealth of Australia under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA3036-1) and has delivered 22 vessels since 2018.

(Austal)

AresDifesa: Indonesia Interested in NORA B-52

25 Desember 2024

Since 2021 Indonesian Marine Korps have been seeking new 8x8 SPH to equip their troops (all photos: Yugoimport) 

Recently, Indonesia and Serbia have signed military cooperation agreements with several equipment and weapon systems manufactured by the Balkan country that are of interest to the Armed Forces of Jakarta.

Among these stands out the NORA B-52 wheeled self-propelled artillery gun with a 155/52 mm gun capable of employing all standard NATO 155 mm ammunition.

The NORA B-52 is equipped with an automatic gun loading system that allows a maximum rate of fire of 6 rounds per minute (normal 4 rounds/minute) and has a carrying capacity of 36 155 mm shells. 

The autoloader can handle up to 12 ready-to-fire bullets. 

The L 52 155 gun reaches a maximum range of 32 km with ordinary M107 ammunition and about 42 km with a rocket-assisted projectile (ERFB-BB) and has an elevation range of -3° to + 65°.

The NORA B-52 is equipped with a modern digital fire control and direction system with GPS positioning capability which significantly improves firing accuracy.

The NORA B-52 weighs approximately 28 tons, is equipped with a Mercedes Benz OM 501-LA diesel engine with a power of 360 hp which allows it to reach a maximum road speed of 90 km/h and a range of 600 km.

This artillery system, beyond the domestic market, has seen a fair amount of success in international sales to Cyprus, Algeria, Kenya, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Interestingly, Indonesia has ordered in two tranches, consisting of 37 and 18 units respectively, the CAESAR Mk 1 155/52 mm wheeled self-propelled artillery system produced by KNDS FR on Sherpa 5 chassis with 6×6 all-wheel drive.

(AresDifesa)