28 November 2015
US M109 Paladin (photo : Kentucky Guard)
SHAH ALAM: UNITED States has offered Malaysia up to 30 M109A5 Self Propelled Howitzer (SPH) under the Excess Defence Articles (EDA) programme. The M109s would be upgraded to the latest A5 standard before entering service with the Army, if the offer is taken up.
The upgrading could be done in the US or locally, industry sources told Malaysian Defence. It is likely around 20 SPH will be upgraded while the rest could be used as spares.
Malaysia has not been a keen EDA buyer previously as shown by the programme database, for reasons unknown. Therefore the likelihood that this offer being accepted remain low however even though bigger nations like Australia, Canada and even Singapore had used this route to get cheap spare parts for their assets.
Checks showed that the M109A5-standard uses the 39-caliber 155 mm M284 cannon in an M182 mount, which gave the variant a maximum range of 23,500 meters with unassisted projectiles and 30,000 meters with Rocket Assisted Projectiles (RAP Rounds).
The A5 variant can carry 36 complete rounds of ammunition and has a 440 hp engine instead of the standard 405 hp engine. The latest variant of the M109 in service with the US Army is the Paladin, referred to previously as the A6 or A7 variant.
It is also expected that SPH delivered will have upgraded fire control and other components under the deal, according to the industry sources. The deal is inclusive of in-service support which was the main reason the offer for the Mark V SOC was not taken up.
The EDA offer marked a big boost for the Army which had been wanting an SPH unit so it could stand up its first armoured brigade. On October 2, the 11 Kor Armor DiRaja – which operates the Pendekar MBTs and support tanks – were transferred to the Army’s Third Division. The unit was previously under the purview of the Army’s Field Command although it was stationed in the Third Division’s AOR. The transfer is seen as the first step towards the setting-up of the armoured brigade.
However, as reported previously by Malaysian Defence, the long-standing requirement for the SPH -either tracked or wheeled – will not be funded in the RMK11. As funds for SPH is not approved under RMK11, the EDA offer could be taken up under the Operating Expenditure (OE) budget in 2017 and 2018.
Industry sources told Malaysian Defence that despite this, the M109s faced a stiff competition, from another excess SPH, the PzH2000s, most likely from ex-German Army stocks. The PzH2000 is a more modern design than the M109s offered by the US. It is fitted with a L52 artillery gun, with a maximum range of 30 km with the standard L15A2 round,about 35 km with base bleed rounds, and at least 40 km with assisted projectiles.
However even used PzH2000s is more expensive than the M109s. It was reported that Croatia paid 41 million Euros (RM184 million) for twelve PZh2000 – modernised and overhauled with three used for spare parts together with a simulator and training and support trucks.
In 2011, Chile procured 12 M109A5s for some US$15.8 million (RM66.7 million) under the EDA programme, which covered the procurement, overhaul and upgrading as well as training and shipping costs. The Chilean already operated another 12 M109s procured separately from this deal.
(Malaysian Defence)
28 November 2015
Two FA-50 fighter jets arrive in Clark, Pampanga, on November 28, 2015. (photo : PH Air Force, Han Chia Ho)
MANILA, Philippines – The fighter jets have landed.
Two of a squadron of FA-50 Lead-In Fighter Trainers (LIFT) that the Philippines acquired from South Korea arrived Saturday morning, November 28, at the former US air base in Clark, Pampanga.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) flew S-211 trainer jets in a diamond formation to meet the FA-50s over Tarlac. A Water Cannon Salute – a ceremony where firefighting vehicles spray water on newly arrived aircrafts – was given to the jets while they were taxiing. Guests and the media witnessed the show.
The arrival of the fighter jets marks the return of the Philippine Air Force to the supersonic age.
The jets were flown to the Philippines by South Korean pilots and will only be formally turned over to the Philippine Air Force after a series of acceptance flights. Another ceremony is expected.
"All air without force" had been a long-running joke after the Air Force retired the last of its US-designed fighters in 2005.
Ten more FA-50s will arrive between 2016 and 2017 to complete the squadron that cost the government P18.9 billion ($401.6 million).
It is one of two big-ticket projects, along with the P18-billion frigates project, funded from the P85-billion ($1.806 billion) initial fund provided by the administration of President Benigno Aquino III under the Revised Modernization Program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The military modernization comes as the country faces the aggressiveness of China in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), where it has built artificial islands. (READ: PH to tribunal: China island building destroys seabed).
Strictly speaking, the FA-50 is a lead-in fighter trainer aircraft but it is also called a fighter jet because of its minimum fighter capabilities. The FA-50 design is derived largely from the US' F-16. This means it won't be a problem if the Philippines, in the future, gets the money to upgrade to the more expensive designs.
The KAI website describes the FA-50 as a "light combat derivative of the T-50 supersonic advanced jet trainer."
It can carry 4.5 tons of weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, machine guns, and precision guided bombers, among others. It is also equipped with Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS), Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), and the Counter Measure Dispenser System (CMDS).
The country used to have one of the most capable air forces in the region, and was the first to have fighter jets. The Philippine Air Force became famous in 1962 when its fighter jets – upon the request of the United Nations – helped secure the airspace of Congo, and deal with secessionists.
In 1963, the Air Force also sent its men to Bali, Indonesia, after the eruption of Mount Agung affected thousands.
The country hosted a US air base in Clark, Pampanga, until the Senate voted to evict the US bases in 1991. The Philippine Air Force has since deteriorated.
(Rappler)
28 November 2015
DCNS design for SEA 1000 (photo : Aviation Week)
DCNS today lodged its final deliverables to the Australian Government’s Competitive Evaluation Process to select an International Program partner for the SEA1000 Future Submarine Program.
The proposal includes a Government to Government Agreement from The French Ministère of Defence’s Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) to the Commonwealth of Australia’s Department of Defence and a binding written commitment on key aspects of the deliverables.
DCNS design for SEA 1000 (photo : gentleseas)
This milestone has been achieved on schedule and marks the beginning of the Commonwealth of Australia’s evaluation phase.
Mr Sean Costello, CEO DCNS Australia, said “DCNS acknowledges the dedication from hundreds of people in France and Australia to the development of the Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A and a sovereign industry in Australia.”
“We have worked as a team to create the best possible solution for Australia’s future.”
(DCNS)
27 November 2015
Skuadron Serbu 13 TNI AD berlokasi di Tanjung Redeb, Berau, Kalimantan Timur (photo : Kaskus Militer)
TANJUNG REDEB- Dibangun sejak beberapa tahun lalu, Skuadron Serbu 13 yang ditempatkan di Bandar Udara (Bandara) Kalimarau telah siap dioperasikan. Sesuai jadwal yang ditetapkan, pengoperasian dilaksanakan pada triwulan I tahun 2016 mendatang.
Keberadaan Skuadron Serbu 13 tersebut dipaparkan di depan Komandan Pusat Penerbangan Angkatan Darat (Danpus Penerbad) Brigjen TNI Benny Susianto dan Penjabat (Pj) Bupati Berau Syarifuddin. Berikut pejabat terkait di jajaran Pemkab Berau, bertempat di Ruang Kakaban Setkab Berau, Kamis (26/11).
Skuadron Serbu 13 yang dibangun di area eks terminal lama Bandara Kalimarau tersebut sudah dilengkapi Shelter 1 unit, apron 1 unit, markas komando (mako) 1 unit, hanggar 1 unit, gudang har 1 unit, barak siaga 1 unit, mes perwira 1 unit, rumah dinas komandan 1 unit dan rumah dinas wakil komandan 1 unit. Kesiapan personel pun sudah dilakukan, termasuk alutsista yang akan ditempatkan di skuadron serbu 13. Dalam presentasi Skuadron Serbu 13, juga disampaikan usulan untuk logo dari skuadron yang akan diambil dari daerah ini.
Komandan Pusat Penerbang Angkatan Darat (Penerbad) Brigjen TNI Benny Susianto mengatakan, pengembangan skuadron terus dilakukan dengan pemenuhan fasilitas. Keberadaan skuadron ini nantinya tak hanya untuk TNI, tetapi juga masyarakat dan pemerintah Kabupaten Berau. Beberapa event bisa digelar di skuadron ini. Saat ini menurut Benny, yang dipersiapkan adalah pembangunan asrama prajurit. Pihaknya sudah mendapat lokasi yang dinilai sangat strategis, baik untuk kawasan pemukiman maupun jarak tempuh menuju kawasan skuadron.
“Untuk itu, saya berharap mendapat dukungan dari Pemerintah Kabupaten Berau dalam rencana pengembangan ini. Kami menyampaikan terima kasih kepada Pemkab Berau yang telah mendukung pembangunan skuadron ini,” ungkapnya.
Sedangkan Pj Bupati Berau Syarifuddin, menyebutkan, Pemkab Berau memberikan dukungan penuh keberadaan Skuadron Serbu 13 yang dibangun di daerah ini. Menurutnya skuadron tempur ini sangat penting dan strategis. Tak hanya memberikan jaminan keamanan wilayah dan masyarakat, namun keberadaan Skuadron ini juga memberikan dampak terhadap pertumbuhan pada sektor sektor lain di Bumi Batiwakkal, termasuk sektor perekonomian.
“Pemerihtah Kabupatan Berau memberikan dukungan penuh dalam pembangunan Skuadron Serbu 13 di daerah ini,” ucapnya.
(Kaltim Post)
27 November 2015
First two of PAF F/A-50 fighter trainer aircraft (photos : KAI)
KAI makes first delivery of fighter jets to the Philippines
Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd., South Korea's sole aircraft manufacturer, said Friday that it has made the first delivery of its multi-mission jets to the Philippines, further solidifying its status as an aircraft exporter.
The two FA-50PH took off from Sacheon, 437 kilometers south of Seoul, to make the 2,482 kilometer "ferry flight" to the Philippines. The pair are expected to arrive at Clark Air Base on Saturday, KAI said.
The ferry flight involves the planes being directly flown to their destination and could involve making stops to refuel.
KAI said such delivery methods require careful planning because it has to take into consideration weather conditions and transit through airspace regulated by other countries.
The two planes are part of a $420 million government-to-government deal inked between Seoul and Manila that calls for the export of 12 FA-50PHs.
The two-seat supersonic jets are variants of the FA-50 light attack fighters in service with the South Korean Air Force. The planes that are derived from the T-50 advanced trainer can be armed with air-to-air heat seeking missiles, bombs and rockets, and have an automatic cannon.
KAI said that the first transfer adheres to pre-arranged delivery scheduled with the remaining 10 aircraft to be delivered by 2017. The 12 FA-50PHs will be the first supersonic jets used by the Philippines Air Force since they retired their fleet of F-5s.
"Meeting the delivery time will enhance the trust and confidence of customers," the aerospace company said. KAI was able to meet the delivery schedule when it sold 16 T-16 jets to Indonesia.
The company then said it is working to meet the delivery schedules for orders secured from Iraq and Thailand.
KAI has so far received 133 plane orders from Indonesia, Turkey, Peru, Iraq and Thailand for both the T-50 series jets and the KT-1 tandem, prop-driven basic trainers. These orders are worth some $3.3 billion.
The company said it is negotiating with Peru and Botswana to sell the T-50 jets, as well as seeking new customers in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America for the KT-1. (Korea Herald)
DND Plans to Base FA-50PHs in Pampanga, Zambales, Palawan
Manila (PNA) - The Department of National Defense (DND) is planning to base its brand-new South Korean-made FA-50PHs jet aircraft in air facilities in Pampanga, Zambales and Palawan.
This was revealed by DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin Thursday.
He added that this is possible due to the proximity of existing airbases in Subic Bay, Zambales and Pampanga.
Another possible base is Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
Gazmin did not give the reasons why these locations were being looked into as possible FA-50PH staging areas but military sources said this is due to provinces' proximity to the West Philippine Sea where the country is now engaged in a territorial dispute with China
Two FA-50PHs are scheduled to be delivered at Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga this coming Saturday.
The DND signed a Php18.9 billion contract deal with Korea Aerospace Industries last March 2014.
The contract is for 12 FA-50PH jet aircraft.
Gazmin said the maintenance of the planes is covered within the contract.
He added that three Philippine Air Force pilots have already completed FA-50PH training with KAI and will be helping to train new pilots to man the brand-new jet.
And upon arrival of the two jets Saturday, the DND chief said the aircraft will undergo a series of flight and acceptance tests before being commissioned into service.
Gazmin added that the FA-50PH is dual-capable meaning it can be utilized for training and fighter missions.
Another procurement program is now underway to equip the planes with weapons.
(PNA)
27 November 2015
RFP for Combat system integration was released to Raytheon and Lockheed Martin (photo : cotsjournal)
A limited request for proposal (RfP) for the role of combat systems integrator for Australia's Future Submarine programme was released to US contractors Raytheon and Lockheed Martin in early November and will close on 1 April 2016, sources told IHS Jane's on 26 November.
The sources said that both companies would be submitting information to the Sea 1000 programme office in two tranches.
The Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) Sea 1000 programme head Rear Admiral Greg Sammut told a briefing at the Pacific 2015 maritime defence and security exposition in Sydney in October that the choice of combat system integrator would be disclosed well ahead of the selection of an international partner to deliver a replacement programme for the RAN's six-strong Collins-class conventional submarine fleet.
(Jane's)
27 November 2015
Beechcraft TC-9, in JMSDF used for training (photo : contrailahoya)
Japan is considering offering training aircraft to the Philippines, which would mark the first time it has exported used defense equipment overseas.
If realized, the shipment of aircraft to the Philippines is seen as a way of strengthening Japan's ties with Southeast Asian nations through defense cooperation in light of China’s maritime advances.
The move comes in the wake of the Abe administration's decision last year to scrap the long-established “Three Principles on Arms Exports" and replace it with the "Three Principles for the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology," a rule that approves the export of arms under certain conditions.
The government is considering sending secondhand TC-90 twin-engine turboprop aircraft, which were used by the Maritime Self-Defense Force for training, to the Philippines. Tokyo has no idea how Manila will use the aircraft.
It is likely the TC-90s could be used for patrol missions over disputed waters in the South China Sea where Beijing has been constructing man-made islands.
(Asahi)
