Exercise Pelican 35/16 Deactivated

05 September 2016

KDB Darulehsan 07 (photo : Jerry E)

MUARA NAVAL BASE – At the closing ceremony today, Exercise PELICAN 35/16 was officially deactivated by Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Ng, Commanding Officer of RSS SUPREME and Deputy Commander Task Group. The bilateral flagship naval exercise between the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) was held from 24 to 31 August.

The Exercise PELICAN 35/16 was showcased to senior defence officials of both countries to mark the 40th anniversary of the defence relations. The exercise has continued to deepen the strong and long-standing relations between the RSN and RBN, and has continued to be the backbone of the professional bilateral interactions between both navies. On the whole, this year’s Exercise PELICAN has significantly boosted the level of interoperability and readiness between both navies. (BruMoD)

RSS Supreme 73 (photo : Lystseva Marina)

Singapore Minister for Defence Observed Exercise Pelican 35/16

As part of the 40th anniversary of defence relations between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, His Excellency Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister of Defence Republic of Singapore and delegation yesterday had the opportunity for a fly-out visit to KDB DARULEHSAN to observe the 35th series of Exercise Pelican, which has been ongoing since 24 August 2016.

Established in 1979, Exercise PELICAN enhances mutual understanding and confidence as well as raises the level of camaraderie of both Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

Accompanying the Minister were the Deputy Minister of Defence First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit; Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah; Permanent Secretary of Defence Datin Paduka Hjh Suriyah binte Haji Umar; and the Commander of Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), First Admiral Pg Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi bin Pg Haji Muhammad.

(Brunei Mindef)

Simulator Tank AMX-13 Operasional

05 September 2016

Simulator tank ringan AMX-13 (photos : IMF)

Beberapa simulator tank telah dimiliki TNI AD diantaranya adalah Leopard, Scorpion dan Stormer. Kali ini simulator tank ringan AMX-13 muncul dan telah dioperasikan oleh Pusdikkav TNI AD. Tahun lalu berita pembuatan simulator tank ini sudah muncul di media massa. Pelatihan awak tank menggunakan simulator diyakini lebih hemat biaya dari pada sistem pelatihan dengan metode langsung menggunakan kendaraan ini.

Untuk merancang simulator ini langsung dilakukan oleh Puslitbang TNI AD. Pembuatannya dilakukan oleh PT Technology and Engineering Simulation (TES), yang membutuhkan waktu 4 tahun untuk mewujudkan simulator tank AMX ini. 1 tahun pertama dipakai untuk mengembangkan konsepnya, sedangkan untuk produksinya diperlukan waktu 3 tahun. Dalam pembuatannya, pabrik asal Bandung ini membuat sendiri software, model matematik, koneksi antar software, dan visual database simulator ini.

Memang timbul pertanyaan, mengapa pembuatan simulator ini dilakukan sekarang pada saat tank ini sudah berumur 60 tahun. Sebagaimana diketahui, PT Pindad mendapatkan tugas untuk melakukan retrofit tank jenis ini, jumlah unitnya bertahap tergantung anggaran yang ada. Dengan pembangunan simulator ini berarti menjadi sinyal bahwa program retrofit tank AMX-13 ini akan diteruskan.

Tank ringan AMX-13 hasil retrofit (photo : JAAS)

Tahap pertama program retrofit dilakukan terhadap 23 unit tank ringan dari sekitar 400 unit tank jenis AMX-13 (kanon) dan AMX VCI (angkut pasukan). Oleh Pindad kanon tank retrofit ini diganti menggunakan kaliber 105 mm, sistem penembakan dari semula manual menjadi elektronik dan mesin sudah diganti dari semula bensin menjadi diesel.

Tank AMX-VCI hasil retrofit (photo : pr1v4t33r)

Tank AMX-13 hasil modifikasi ini memiliki berat 14 ton, Biaya untuk meretrofit tank ini sekitar Rp 7-10 milat, Tentu saja lebih murah dari pada beli tank baru yang paling tidak harganya Rp 30 miliar.

(Defense Studies)

Defensive Aids Subsystems (DASS) for Malaysian A400M

05 September 2016

DASS for RMAF A400M (photo : MMP)

As reported in MALAYSIANDEFENCE the fourth A400M for Malaysia will be arriving in January next year complete with the DASS high tech self-protection kit, air-to-air refueling (receiving and providing fuel) and the ability to deliver up to 25 tonnes of cargo.

The A400M has been specifically designed for low detectability and low vulnerability. 

First of all its low level flight capabilities allow the aircraft to perform tactical missions at very low level. Together with its
- high maneuverability, enhanced low level flight capability 
- steep descent and climb performance 
- short landing and take-off performance 
the aircraft is able to perform comparably agile over hostile terrain, being same time passively secured by 
- damage tolerant flight controls 
- armored cockpit and bullet-resistant windscreens
- the use of inerting gas in the fuel tanks and the on-board inert gas generating system
- segregated routing of hydraulics and wiring
- the cockpit and LMWS-armoring in combination with 12.7mm bullet-resistant glass
- no use of forward emitting sensors.

The EPI TP 400 turboprops deliver minimal infra-red signature. With highly responsive fly-by-wire flight controls, four independent control computers and damage tolerant controls the A400M is to be considered at a high level in self protection.

A400M advanced self-protection kit of defensive aids are enable it to carry out missions in demanding hostile environments. 

The Defensive Aids Subsystems (DASS) is the planned tool to protect the crew - consisting of different subsystems to act on a variety of threats: 

1. The missile warning system (MWS)
2. The radar warning receiver (RWR) 
3. Laser warning receiver (LWR)
4. Direct energy infra red counter measures
5. Towed Radar Decoy

The DASS mirrors for a high standard of self-protection and survivability. Protection measures can furthermore be enhanced by a programmable defensive aids computer, reacting on a fully automated mode. All the desribed tools shall be ready for use on a midterm scale. 

(MMP)

Government Confirms Hyundai Shipbuilder Building Frigates for Navy

03 September 2016

A scale model of an HHI HDF-3000 Frigate shown at the ADAS 2014 defence exhibition in Manila. HHI proposed modification design of HDF-3000 frigate. Refering the specification for tender, new frigate has displacement of 2.000 tonnes and 95 meters in length (photo : Roy Kabanlit)

Hyundai Heavy Industries wins DND's missile-armed frigate project

MANILA (PNA) --- The Department of National Defense (DND) has awarded its two missile-armed frigates project to Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

This was confirmed to the PNA Friday by DND public affairs service chief Arsenio Andolong.

"NOA was given to HHI as GRSE (Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd) was post-disqualified after it was determined that their Net Financial Capacity was insufficient and therefore not in compliance with Republic Act 9184 (Government Procurement Policy Board)," he added.

GRSE along with HHI was one of the six proponents in the DND's frigate program.

In the NOA, HHI offered PHP15,744,571,884 for the two frigates.

Andolong said there is still no schedule on when the actual contract will be awarded.

The DND has allocated the sum of PHP18 billion for the acquisition of two missile-capable frigates, with PHP16 billion going to the construction of the ships and PHP2 billion for its munitions.

The ships will be armed with a variety of sensors and weapons capable of detecting and neutralizing air, surface, and submarine threats.

It will be also capable of electronic warfare.

Aside from this, the frigates, according to their technical specifications, must be capable of performing of extended maritime patrol with an embarked naval helicopter and extended maritime surveillance capability through air-and-surface-search radar, and sound navigation and ranging (sonar) for sub-surface search.

It will be armed and fitted a variety of air-to-air, anti-ship, and anti-submarine weapons. (PNA)

Philippines acquiring 2 warships it can reproduce in future

Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea was reportedly awarded to build Philippine Navy’s 2 brand-new frigates under the Frigate Acquisition Program of the government. Contract for the said program is expected to be signed by the Philippine government and the South Korean shipbuilder within 2 weeks.

In a Supplemental Bid Bulletin informing prospective bidders of changes in the bidding documents including the Technical Specifications of the Frigate Acquisition Program released February 2 this year, the Department of National Defense stipulated that the government is acquiring frigates with design that the Philippine Navy can have ownership or license to manufacture/build in future.

The revised technical specification also showed that the frigates should be at least 95 meters long and have a displacement of at least 2000 tons.

The frigates should also able to “survive at Sea State 7”, previously “able to operate at Sea State 6”; with no degradation of anti-air, anti-surface, and electronic warfare capabilities at Sea State 5 and no degradation of anti-submarine warfare capability at Sea State 4.

It will be capable of accomodating a 12-ton helicopter (from 10-ton) at flight deck, and should also have a hangar for a 10-ton helicopter. (Update)

Panglima Armada Barat Inspeksi Dua KRI Yang Akan Laksanakan Penembakan Rudal

03 September 2016

KRI Clurit 641 dan KRI Kujang 642 akan menembakkan rudal C-705 dan C-802 dalam latihan Armada Jaya 2016 (photo : PosKota)

Pangarmabar Inspeksi KRI Yang Akan Laksanakan Penembakan Rudal C-705 Dan C-802 Dalam Rangka Latihan Armada Jaya XXXIV/2016

Jakarta --- Panglima Komando Armada RI Kawasan Barat (Pangarmabar) Laksamana Muda TNI Aan Kurnia S. Sos., melaksanakan Inspeksi ke KRI Clurit-641 dan KRI Kujang-642 dalam rangka persiapan penembakan Rudal pada Latihan Armada Jaya XXXIV/2016 di Dermaga Ujung, Surabaya, Kamis (1/9). Kedua KRI tersebut merupakan kapal perang di bawah pembinaan Satuan Kapal Cepat (Satkat) Koarmabar.

Dalam Inspeksi tersebut Pangarmabar mengecek kesiapan pernika, Pusat Informasi Tempur (PIT) dan dilaksanakn latihan simulasi peluncuran Rudal serta simulasi perang anti Kapal atas air.

Ruang kendali pertempuran KRI Kujang 642 (photo : TNI AL)

Selanjutnya Pangarmabar memberikan pengarahan kepada Komandan KRI Clurit-641 dan KRI Kujang-642 serta prajurit pengawak peluncuran Rudal agar dilaksanakan sebaik-baiknya sesuai dengan prosedur penembakan Rudal yang sudah di ajarkan juga jaga keselamatan personel dan materil (Zero Accident). Penembakan Rudal ini merupakan suatu kebanggaan bagi Komandan berserta prajurit  KRI Clurit-641 dan KRI Kujang-642.

Turut mendampingi dalam kegiatan tersebut Danguspurlaarmabar Laksamana Pertama TNI T.S.N.B. Hutabarat, M.M.S., Aslog Pangarmabar, Asops Pangarmabar, Dansatkorarmabar serta Asops Danguspurlaarmabar.

(TNI AL)

Australian Government Auditor Slams Tiger Attack Helicopter

02 September 2016

ADF Tiger ARH (photo : helicopassion)

The Australia National Audit Office (ANAO) has issued a report that is highly critical of the army’s fleet of 22 Airbus Helicopters Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH).

The 64-page report details a range of issues. It identifies 76 “capability deficiencies,” of which the Department of Defence (DoD) deems 60 to be “critical.”

“The Tiger helicopter fleet has not yet delivered the original capability expected by the Australian Government, and continues to experience higher than expected sustainment costs and lower than expected aircraft availability,” says the ANAO.

On the original acquisition of the type, it contends that the Tiger was still an immature platform when it was selected in December 2001, which exposed Canberra to programme risk.

On average, only 3.5 aircraft in the operational fleet of 16 helicopters were available on “any given day in 2015,” says ANAO. This is below targeted readiness of 12 aircraft.

It points out substantial delays in the Tiger’s meeting key milestones. For example, Initial Operational Release was 40 months late, and a highly-conditional Final Operational Capability arrived 82 months after originally planned.

One capability that still hasn’t arrived is the ability to operate from warships.

Sustainment costs are also an issue. Initially, between 2004 and 2019 these were pegged at A$571 million ($431 million). This amount was eclipsed in 2014, and costs mounted to A$921 million in 2016. The cost per flight hour in June 2016 was A$30,335, compared with a target of A$20,000.

It does not help that there are only 119 Tiger’s in service with four militaries globally, which means the supply chain is “limited.”

The ANAO contends that the original sustainment contract negotiations were rushed, resulting in a “flawed outcome.” The DoD also failed to enforce its contractual rights, thus weakening its negotiating position.

The Tiger’s capabilities as a combat platform also drew criticism. The helicopter is unable to communicate effectively with the army’s broader network, reducing its usefulness as a reconnaissance platform.

Weapons availability appears to be a challenge. In addition, there have been two incidents – one in Germany, one in Australia – where 70mm rocket pods were jettisoned with no command from the pilot. The cause of this problem has yet to be identified.

The Tiger’s Roof Mounted Sight (RFS) is also an issue. While the type’s Lockheed Martin AGM-114 Hellfire missile can engage targets out to 8km, per the original requirement, the RFS only has an effective range out to 4km.

“The Tiger may be within the effective range of enemy fire before the Tiger crew can positively identify and respond to the threat,” says the report.

In response, the DoD agrees with the ANAO, and says it has made “significant progress” in bringing the programme up to speed.

“Defence acknowledges the deficiencies of the Tiger capability highlighted in the report as areas which will require upgrade or modification to remain relevant within the future battle space,” it says.

Airbus Helicopters, for its part, acknowledges the challenges with the programme in Australia, and says that it has been “strongly engaged over the last two years” to help fix “all known issues.” It believes that the report fails to “appreciate the significant improvements which have been made in the past two years nor the positive trend of all support key performance indicators.”

In February, Canberra’s defence white paper and accompanying investment plan for the period up to 2026 indicated that the Tiger will be phased out in the mid-2020s, to be replaced by “manned or unmanned systems or a combination of both."

Three months later, in May, Airbus Helicopters defended the programme, stating that improvements to the Tiger mean it will be a viable replacement option to the current fleet.

(FlightGlobal)

10th Infantry Division to Receive Brand New Kia Trucks

02 September 2016

Kia KM450 truck (photo : timawa)

DAVAO CITY (PIA)- The Army’s 10th Infantry Division will receive around 80 brand new Kia KM450 ¼ ton military trucks.   

Capt. Rhyan Batchar spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division said the trucks have started arriving on Aug. 31 with the majority to arrive on September 2.   

“These trucks will be distributed to the battalions.” Batchar said.   The KM450 made by South Korean automobile firm Kia Motors is a light all-terrain military truck which can accommodate 12 to 13 troops.  

The truck is a  modern license-produced version of the US Army’s M715 truck. The KM450 is also used by the South Korean Army.   

The acquisition of the trucks is part of the Armed Forces modernization program, aside from providing mobility to troops in combat operations they can also be used in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations 

(PIA)