EPI Signs Support Contract for TP400 Engines Powering Malaysia’s A400M Military Aircraft

30 Maret 2017

Airbus A400M engines (photo : Curufinwe)

Europrop International GmbH (EPI) has signed an In-Service Support (ISS) agreement with the Malaysian government for the TP400 turboprop engines powering the Royal Malaysian Air Force's A400M military transport aircraft, at the 2017 Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA). The agreement was signed by Christophe Bruneau, President of EPI, and Dato' Sri Abdul Rahim Mohamad Radzi, Secretary General at the Malaysian Ministry of Defense.

This contract follows a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed on March 21 by EPI and Global Turbine Asia (GTA), a Malaysian joint venture with Safran that provides maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for helicopter and airplane engines.

EPI and GTA provide support services for the TP400 engines' fleet powering the Royal Malaysian Air Force's four A400M airlifters. The first phase of the contract runs until the end of October 2017, leading to the second phase, when GTA will become the prime contractor for these support services.

Under the terms of the agreement, EPI and GTA will provide local support services. GTA's Subang facility already deploys a Customer Support Representative (CSR), Field Support Representatives (FSR) and Logistics Support Representatives (LSR) to ensure that the Royal Malaysian Air Force continues to receive timely support for their engines.

 "We are delighted to continue to build a successful partnership with GTA, which enables us to provide local support for the TP400 engine fleet," said Christophe Bruneau, President of EPI.

EPI will support GTA to obtain Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) certification from EPI, as well as certifications from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA-Part145) and the Malaysian airworthiness authority DGTA.

(Safran)

7th, 8th FA-50PHs Arrive, 4 More Coming until May

29 Maret 2017

FA-50PH tail number 007 and 008 (photo : Hsinchu City)

The Philippine Air Force today received its 7th and 8th Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50PH Fighter/Surface Attack/Lead-in Fighter Trainer (F/SA/LIFT). PAF vice commander Major General Conrado V. Parra Jr. spearheaded the welcome ceremony at the Haribon Hangar, Air Force City, Clark Air Base in Pampanga.

Twelve ordered FA-50PHs are expected to be completed May 2017. FA-50PHs 009, 010 are scheduled to arrive in Aprile, while 011, 012 are expected to be delivered May.

“The FA-50 is a multirole fighter variant of KAI’s T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic advanced jet trainer. It is capable of carrying short range air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles with countermeasures such as chaffs and infrared flares,” PAF said. “With the arrival of the fourth batch of FA-50PH jets, the PAF now has eight jets in its inventory while the delivery of the rest of the jets will be completed within 2017.”

(Update)

Almost Certainly Vietnam Decided to Buy Yak-130 Aircraft

29 Maret 2017

Yak-130 aircraft (photo : Sputnik)

According to PK-KQ, almost certainly Yak-130 aircraft has been selected by the Vietnam Air Force as his new generation training aircraft.

In the article "Program renewal, the process of training military pilots is necessary" published in the Air Defense - Air Force, Colonel Nguyen Tien Hoc said:

"However, the newest of this program is that students do not graduate from L-39 but have to graduate on newer aircraft." According to the Department of Defense and the planes, The Yak-130 is a modern 4th generation aircraft and is compatible with the Su-27, Su-30.

Therefore, it is very convenient for the pilot after graduating from the Air Force School to transfer training at the Su-27, Su-30. " Vietnam has chosen but almost certainly Yak-130 has won the special attention of the Vietnam Air Force.

Previously, at the International Air and Marine Exhibition (LIMA-2017), the Vietnamese high-level military delegation had visited the site of the Yak-130 combat training ground. This is the type of aircraft that has been rumored by the Russian and international media that Vietnam is planning to buy.

Yak-130 aircraft (photo : The Aviaonist)

Speaking about the necessity of the Yak-130 aircraft to Vietnam, Sputnik news agency has analyzed the analysis of Russian military science doctor Makar Aksenenko has analyzed the need for this. Recently in Hanoi the conference was held exclusively for this, which announced plans to set up the Center for Training of Supersonic Pilots.

With the initial training facility, Vietnam is interested in modern-day Yak-130 speed trainers and the L-39NG of the Czech Republic. So what kind of aircraft should you choose: Russian or Czech? In the commentary for Sputnik, fighter plane expert, military science doctoral student Makar Aksenenko expressed the following opinion:

"For a time, it was the L-39 that took wing for future Soviet Air Force fighter pilots, then the Russian Air Force, and a whole host of other countries. The Czech plane was used not only as a training machine, but also as a light attack aircraft.

However, as time progresses, new avionics technologies have emerged, changing the training program of combat pilots and flying tactics. Therefore, the L-39, even the New Generation L-39NG, was the "yesterday".

The aircraft has an engine, avionics that does not have close interoperability with modern aircraft systems such as Su-30, Su-35, MiG-35. This does not allow the use of the L-39 as a transitional medium for the training of fighter pilots.

Yak-130 aircraft (photo : Philip B. Hosking)

The question is about the feasibility of Vietnam setting up a training center for supersonic pilots, controlling modern "Su" fighters. The clear aim is that young combat pilots need the best training when it comes to combat units, and can immediately fulfill their assigned tasks. Russian expert Makar Aksenenko assessed:

"I understand the interest of Vietnamese experts in training human resources for aviation, and they need a trainer with the same characteristics as possible with complex supersonic aircraft. However, the Russian Yak-130 (subsonic speed) aircraft can simulate the characteristics of the features, and especially the "Behavior" on "ultrasound".

These are the advantages of a combat training machine built on the basis of modern elements! Its capabilities are sufficient to train pilot pilots at supersonic speeds. Moreover, the "ultrasound" flight - the only combat mode available for use even on modern fighters. In addition, it should take into account ... economic factors: reduce costs, "- Russian expert noted.

Currently, in order to train pilots, the Vietnam Air Force has a series of specialized training aircraft including the L-39, a multi-purpose training aircraft developed in the Czech Republic. In addition to the L39 aircraft, as a training aircraft, Vietnam currently has a Yak-52 aircraft.

(BaoDatViet)

Kapal PKR Ke-2 akan Diserah-terimakan Oktober 2017

29 Maret 2017

KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai 332 (photo : Piet Sinke)

BUMN Ini Garap Kapal 'Perusak' Canggih Pesanan TNI AL

Jakarta - PT PAL Indonesia (Persero) tengah menyelesaikan kapal perang 'perusak' kedua jenis Guided Missile Frigate/Perusak Kawal Rudal (PKR). Kapal perusak kedua yang tengah dikerjakan BUMN asal Surabaya ini merupakan pesanan TNI AL.

Ini merupakan kapal perusak buatan PT PAL pertama kali untuk kebutuhan dalam negeri. Sebelumnya, kebutuhan kapal jenis PKR ini dipesan dari luar negeri.

"Untuk kita sendiri frigate itu buatan Indonesia pertama kali. Biasanya beli, tetapi ini untuk AL (TNI Angkatan Laut) kita sendiri, belum ekspor," jelas Direktur Utama PAL, Firmansyah Arifin, kepada detikFinance, Selasa (28/3/2017).

KRI Raden Eddy Martadinata 331 (photo : Jakarta Post)

Firmansyah menambahkan, sebelumnya PAL sudah menyerahkan kapal perusak ke TNI AL beberapa waktu lalu. Kemudian untuk pesanan kapal kedua akan dikirim pada Oktober 2017 mendatang.

"Ada dua unit, satu sudah serah terima. Kedua mungkin Oktober-November kita serahkan," tutur Firmansyah.

Kapal perusak ini memiliki panjang 105 meter dengan lebar 14 meter. Kapal ini bisa melesat dengan kecepatan 28 knots. Saat beroperasi, PKR bisa membawa 120 kru kapal.

Kapal perusak ini memiliki kemampuan perang antar permukaan. Dengan tembakan torpedo dan rudal, PKR bisa menenggelamkan kapal perang musuh.

KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai 332 dan KRI Raden Eddy Martadinata 331 (photo : defence.pk)

"Ini bisa untuk perang 4 matra sekaligus, perang permukaan sesama kapal perang, perang bawah air melawan kapal selam, perang dengan udara pesawat tempur, perang elektronika," kata Firmansyah.

Selanjutnya yang tidak kalah canggih adalah perang elektronika. Kapal perusak ini bisa membajak sistem persenjataan dan kendali dari kapal perang musuh.

"Perang elektronika itu misalnya mengarahkan rudal ke satu titik itu computerized. Kalau di perang elektronik itu di-jammer," tutur Firmansyah.

(Detik)

Japan, PH Now in Talks for Transfer of Helicopter Spare Parts

29 Maret 2017

JGSDF UH-1 Huey (photo : JGSDF)

Talks underway with Japan on helicopter spare parts transfer to PAF

To keep the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) fleet of UH-1H combat utility helicopters serviceable and mission-ready at all times, talks are underway with the Japan Ministry of Defense’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) regarding the transfer of “Huey” spare parts to the PAF.

This was confirmed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on the sidelines of the transfer ceremony for the two Beechcraft King Air TC-90 aircraft in Sangley Point, Cavite early this week.

“We are pleased to announce that the DND has already started discussions with ATLA regarding the possible transfer of UH-1H helicopter spare parts to the PAF,” he said when asked on whether the Philippines can expect more equipment aid from Japan.

The PAF is known to operate 40 to 60 units Huey helicopters in its fleet.

These spare parts, if the talks are formalized, will extend the service life of the UH-1H currently in PAF service.

The helicopter is being used for troop and supply transport, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and close air support missions.

“We are looking toward the actualization of this proposal,” Lorenzana stressed.


The DND chief also expressed his thanks and gratitude for the support being extended by the Japanese government to the Philippines.

(PNA)

India Bags Myanmar Torpedo Order Worth $38 Million

29 Maret 2017

India has agreed to supply lightweight torpedoes to Myanmar in a US$ 37.9 million-contract which is said to be evidence of a growing arms race between Myanmar and Bangladesh. The torpedoes will be manufactured by government-owned Bharat Dynamics and private company L&T. (photo : defence.pk)

New Delhi (Sputnik) — Earlier this month, the Indian Navy had accepted a proposal of the Myanmar Navy to train their personnel and set up meteorological facilities. "Export of the lightweight torpedoes would follow the earlier supply of sonars, acoustic domes and directing gear to Myanmar," said S. Christopher, chief of the Defense Research and Development Organization.

​In recent years, India successfully entered the Myanmar naval recapitalization bid which was dominated by China. India has supplied HMS-X hull-mounted sonar and radar for Myanmar's Kyan Sittha-class frigates. India also provides night-vision devices, bailey bridges, rocket launchers, mortars, rifles, communication and Inmarsat sets to the armed forces of Myanmar.

India shares a long maritime boundary with Myanmar in the strategically important Bay of Bengal. It will soon hand over the Sittwe port to Myanmar after completing the development process in the next few weeks. This port will be part of the transit corridor through which India expects larger trade share with East Asian countries.

(SputnikNews)

South Korea Donates 222 Military Vehicles to Cambodia

29 Maret 2017

South Korea on 23 March handed over 208 military trucks and 14 engineering vehicles to Cambodia as part of a military aid package. (photo : Cambodian MoD, KhmerTimesKh, CambodiaDaily)

Korea donates military vehicles

South Korea has given more than 200 military vehicles to Cambodia and nearly 200 more will arrive in July.

The first batch were handed over yesterday at a ceremony at the Techo Hun Sen Military Technical Institute in Kampong Speu province.

The trucks, light utility vehicles, excavators, bulldozers, buses, ambulances and cars were deployed in rows in the area where the ceremony took place.

General Chao Phirun, the director-general of the Defense Ministry’s materiel and technical services department, said it was the third time Cambodia had received military aid from South Korea.

He said the 222 vehicles included 208 vehicles of all kinds and 14 pieces of engineering machinery, along with spare parts.

Gen. Phirun said military aid amounting to 145 vehicles, including two patrol boats and eight pieces of engineering machinery, would arrive from South Korea in July.

“The South Korean government could give 30 to 50 more military trucks as well as some spare parts,” he said.

In 2010, Cambodia received 188 vehicles including military trucks, 66 pieces of engineering machinery and utility boats for the navy.

In 2012, a further 212 vehicles and 29 pieces of machinery were granted to Cambodia.

Last August, South Korean military attache to Cambodia Colonel Yung Yeong Chang and incoming attache Colonel Yoo Beom Gi promised to strengthen cooperation with the kingdom.

They met Neang Phat, a secretary of state at the Defense Ministry, and agreed to provide military equipment.

Speaking in the ceremony yesterday, South Korean Vice-Minister of National Defense Kang Byung Joo said 22 types of military vehicles and military engineering machinery had been granted to Cambodia since 2010.

“Following this handover, I believe that it will contribute to promoting the relationship of both countries, enhancing the security capacity of Cambodian military officers and improve military facilities,” he said.

Mr. Kang said Cambodia supports peace and security in his country and had joined the international community to speak out against North Korea’s nuclear test.

Last year, the Cambodian government called for North Korea to fully respect UN resolutions and urged North Korea to comply with all concerned parties to resolve tensions through peaceful negotiations.

Defense Minister Tea Banh said the military aid from South Korea helped the kingdom’s military bring more types of transport into its training.

He said the vehicles would be distributed to various ministry units to maintain social order and peace in Cambodia.

China is also a big donor of military aid to Cambodia. After the ceremony, Gen. Banh said there would be more military aid from other countries in response to Cambodia’s needs, but he did not name the countries.

(KhmerTimesKh)