03 Juli 2018
The Republic of Singapore Navy is developing a trainer suite to prepare its crew for the Type 218SG submarines. (image : Rheinmetall Electronics)
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is developing a submarine trainer suite (STS) that will be used to instruct crew members of its new Type 218SG air-independent propulsion (AIP)-equipped submarines.
The STS will comprise a command team trainer, steering and diving trainer, virtual procedural trainer, and maintenance trainer that are specific to the Type 218SG. “These trainer systems will enable the RSN to train and qualify submariners in realistic, simulated operations at sea,” said the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).
The RSN currently operates a fleet of four ex-Swedish Royal Navy Archer- and Challenger-class submarines that have been modernised to suit tropical operating conditions.
The service is anticipating delivery of four new Type 218SG submarines from German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). First-of-class on track for launch in 2019, with delivery scheduled for 2021.
(Jane's)
03 Juli 2018
F/A-50PH, OV-10, AW-109, MD-520MG, and SF-260TP (all photos : Update)
The participation of Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) FA-50PH Fighter/Surface Attack/Lead-in Fighter Trainer (F/SA/LIFT) supersonic aircraft and AgustaWestland AW109 attack helicopters in the Marawi City battle against terrorists was dubbed as ‘game changer’.
The game changed when “the roar of the after burns” of FA-50PHs was heard over Marawi City, Philippine aviation information provider Pinoy Aviators said in its Facebook page.
Pinoy Aviators said PAF 5th Fighter Wing’s (5FW) 7th Tactical Fighter ‘Bulldogs’ Squadron “successfully delivered their surgical air strike, flying their brand new FA-50 supersonic fighter aircraft against [the] local Islamist terror group in Marawi City.”
It added that 15th Strike Wing’s (15SW) 18th Attack ‘Falcons’ Squadron pilots with their AW109 attack helicopters “gave everything in providing reconnaissance and tactical close air support to our Army and Marines in the frontline to liberate Marawi City from the local Islamic State Terrorist group.”
The Marawi City siege started May 23 and on May 25 the 15th Strike Wing unleashed their attack pilots from the 17th Attack ‘Jaguars’ Squadron (SF260TP Light Attack Aircraft), 18th Attack ‘Falcons’ Squadron (AW-109E), 20th Attack ‘Firebirds’ Squadron (MD520 MG Defender), and 16th Attack Eagles’ Squadron (OV-10 Bronco), Pinoy Aviators said.
On May 31 the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) gave the green light to PAF to let the Bulldogs (FA-50PH) join the attack pilots of 15th Strike Wing.
Aside from these war birds manned by their attack pilots, several PAF aircraft which included the C-130 Hercules and C-295 of PAF’s 220th Airlift Wing; and UH-IH and Bell-412 combat utility helicopters were heavily utilized in transport, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation missions in support of Marawi’s liberation from terrorists.
(Update)
03 Juli 2018
Kendaraan taktis Komodo dan panser Anoa (photo : IMF)
Misi Dagang ke Maroko Catat Transaksi Potensial USD 10,96 Juta
hariansuara.com, Jakarta - Misi dagang Indonesia ke Maroko yang dipimpin Menteri Perdagangan Enggartiasto Lukita membukukan transaksi potensial sebesar USD 10,96 juta atau sekitar Rp153,50 miliar.
Misi dagang ini berlangsung pada 26-29 Juni 2018 dengan membawa 35 pelaku usaha dari 18 perusahaan dari berbagai sektor. "Misi dagang ke Maroko berhasil mencatatkan transaksi potensial sebesar USD 10,96 juta diperoleh dari one on one business matching. Produk-produk yang diminati adalah minyak kelapa sawit, kopi, minyak esensial, suku cadang kendaraan, rempah-rempah, ban kendaraan, dan fesyen," jelas Direktur Jenderal Pengembangan Ekspor Nasional Arlinda, Minggu (1/7).
Transaksi ini masih akan terus bertambah seiring dengan dicapainya kesepakatan-kesepakatan dagang yang saat ini masih dalam proses negosiasi. "Transaksi di atas belum termasuk potensi transaksi PT. PINDAD dengan produk panser Anoa dan Komodo, serta amunisi yang masih dalam perhitungan," imbuh Arlinda.
Sebelumnya, lanjut Arlinda, misi dagang ke Tunisia sukses mencatat transaksi potensial sebesar USD 2,74 juta atau sekitar Rp37,80 miliar. "Dengan demikian, total transaksi potensial yang tercatat pada misi dagang ke Tunisia dan Maroko yaitu sebesar USD 13,70 juta atau sekitar Rp 191,30 miliar,” jelas Arlinda.
Sama halnya dengan Tunisia, Maroko dapat menjadi pintu masuk (hub) bagi perdagangan Indonesia ke kawasan Afrika dan Eropa. Demikian juga dengan Indonesia yang dapat menjadi hub bagi perdagangan Maroko ke negara-negara ASEAN.
Produk-produk ekspor utama Indonesia ke Afrika yaitu minyak kelapa sawit, kertas, mesin, kendaraan bermotor, karet, serta makanan dan minuman. Sedangkan impor Indonesia dari Afrika yaitu minyak dan gas, kapas, pulp, serta besi dan baja.
(Harian Suara)
02 Juli 2018
DG-160 Shallow-water Attack Submarine, length: 32.24 m, displacememt: 141 tons surfaced, 169 tons submerged (image : DRASS)
The Italian company DRASS Tecnologie Sottomarine gave a briefing on the company's products to the Thai Navy : Midget Submarine DG-85, DG-120 and DG-160 and also Submarine Rescue System.
It is normal for companies from different countries to present their product information to the Royal Thai Navy for the benefit of further study. But that does not mean that the Thai Navy will have the option of supplying such weapons in any way.
In the submarine rescue system, it is imperative that the Navy seek information from several sources to prepare for the arrival of the S26T submarine from China in the future.
The 238 ST (Diving Rescue Support Vessel) is capable to perform Submarine Rescue Operations up to a depth of 650msw thanks to the moon pool launched Drass Deep Rescue Vehicle (DRV). (image DRASS)
For a small black ship, Royal Thai Navy Naval Research and Development Office have a project as reported. However, it is known that the research and development of the small submarine of the SAR has sent people to study in the United Kingdom.
Although the Royal Navy currently has only a submarine nuclear power station. But the British have a knowledge of the development of the submarine that has accumulated a long time ago.
In the description of submarine information DG-160 Italy is not involved in the development of the Royal Navy. But it is considered to be useful information in the development of knowledge in the submarine of Thailand in the future.
(AAG)
02 Juli 2018
F-35B, a candidate to replace F-16 fighter (photo : US Marine)
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is overhauling its arsenal, adding new warplanes, submarines and warships as it gears up for a future with fewer soldiers.
High on the agenda is the replacement for the ageing F-16 fighter jets, with Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen saying on Friday (Jun 29) that a decision will be made in the coming months.
“F-16s would face obsolescence beyond 2030,” Dr Ng said of the 30-year-old jets. “To plan for a replacement is not as if you are going to buy a new car, you actually need a lead time of eight to 10 years.”
For the past few years, speculation has swirled around potential replacements, with Lockheed Martin’s fifth-generation F-35 fighter emerging as top contender. As early as 2013, Dr Ng had told Parliament that the F-35 was one option.
But Singapore has consistently maintained that it would not be rushed into a decision.
“You need to know first of all what platform, what your needs are, how you are going to maintain. You also need to know how you are going to train your pilots, where you are going to train pilots, especially on such a small island,” Dr Ng said.
“We thought long and hard about it, taken our time to choose a replacement, and we would be making a definitive decision likely in the next few months.”
However, Dr Ng would not be drawn into details, saying only that the new jet should be cost-effective, easy to maintain and capable of working with other platforms across the SAF.
Airbus A330 MRTT KC-30A Republic Of Singapore Air Force (photo : Vincent Vannier)
“In the market you can only choose what is out there,” he added. “When air forces are choosing replacements, the usual suspects come up: Whether it’s the (European) Typhoons, F-35s, (Russian) Sukhois or Chinese-made stealth fighters.”
In addition to the fighter jets, Dr Ng announced various hardware replacements across the services, as the SAF prepares for a one-third manpower reduction by 2030. “For the SAF to be able to protect another generation, you have to do more with less,” he said, calling the manpower challenges a “significant disruptor”.
AIR FORCE
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will replace its heavy and medium lift helicopters with similar models that can carry more, fly farther and require less manpower. Starting 2020, the Chinook and Super Puma helicopters will be replaced by the CH-47F heavy lift and H225M medium lift helicopters, respectively.
The RSAF has also started replacing its KC-135R tanker aircraft with the A330 multi-role tanker transport, which carries 20 per cent more refuelling capacity. “It’s a petrol kiosk in the sky,” Dr Ng said of the plane, which will make its first public appearance at the RSAF50 parade on Sep 1.
RSAF MBDA Aster 30 SAMP/T medium- to long-range ground-based weapon mounted on a militarized MAN TG-series eight-wheel drive vehicle. (photo : Sing Mindef)
On the ground, the RSAF has begun switching out its I-HAWK surface-to-air missile system with the ASTER-30, which has both anti-aircraft and anti-missile capabilities. (The I-HAWK could only deal with aircraft.) The ASTER-30 also has a longer range of up to 70km.
“The fact that you have bigger planes, planes with longer endurance and ground defence systems with longer range also means that when you exercise, you actually need a bigger training area,” Dr Ng said. “That’s not possible for Singapore.”
To that end, Dr Ng revealed that the RSAF will launch next month a new facility to experiment, test, validate and operationalise new warfare concepts in a single set-up. The Air Warfare Centre will allow the RSAF to do all these “without the physical need for that space”, Dr Ng said. “That is a more important addition.”
ARMY
Moving on to the Army, Dr Ng said the proportion of manoeuvre units operating on track and on wheels will double by 2030. “The next-generation Army would be faster, heavier, more deadly,” he added.
The next-gen armoured fighting vehicle, to replace the ageing M113 vehicles starting next year, will certainly be deadlier. It requires 20 per cent less manpower and can fire on the move. “I think this would be the centrepiece of the next-generation Army,” Dr Ng said.
Next Generation AFV (photo : Cyberpioneer)
The next-gen Howitzer 155mm gun, to replace the current FH-2000 variant beyond 2020, will also cut manpower requirements by a third. The gun is fully automated, mounted on a vehicle and has a higher rate of fire. “Shoot and scoot, so you don’t face counter battery fire,” Dr Ng mused.
And then comes the soldiers themselves. While Dr Ng said he was not quite ready to announce how a next-gen infantry battalion would be like, he offered a description that would not look out of place in a science-fiction movie.
Beyond 2020, troops will fight in tandem with robots, using weaponised unmanned ground vehicles and palm-sized unmanned aerial vehicles that detect threats, clear rooms and follow like slaves.
“You can give voice activations: Move right, move left, tell me my danger; being able to communicate and see what other soldiers see,” Dr Ng said. “I think this is the next germination of the SAF. I don’t want to spell out programmes that are too experimental, but I would tell you that they are going on.”
NAVY
Vicory class corvettes, all will be replace (photo : Sing Mindef)
At sea, the SAF is ringing the changes too. From 2021, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) will get four German-made Type 218SG submarines to replace its Archer-class and Challenger-class submarines, which have been in operation for two decades.
It is the first time the RSN is acquiring new-build submarines, which means they would not have entered the water prior to launch. “Our new submarines would represent a quantum jump in subsurface capabilities,” Dr Ng said, pointing out that they have an increased endurance of 50 per cent.
Besides that, the submarines come with improved capabilities like modern combat systems and air independent propulsion systems. They can also carry a wider range of mission-specific equipment.
In addition to crew training in Germany, the RSN will develop a submarine trainer suite to train and qualify submariners in realistic and simulated operations at sea.
Beyond 2030, the RSN is also replacing its Victory-class missile corvettes and Endurance-class tank landing ships with multi-role combat vessels and joint multi mission ships, respectively.
Endurance 170 LHD (photo : Navy Recognition)
The multi-role combat vessel will act as a mothership for smaller, unmanned ships that can be equipped with weapons or modular payloads for different missions. “You can send out unmanned slaves on air, on surface or even sub-surface, to deal with mines for instance,” Dr Ng said. “It’s not a theoretical concept. We tested various modules.”
The joint multi mission ship will be even bigger than the current Landing Ship Tank, which is already the RSN’s largest ship. It also has two times more lift capacity and better command platform capabilities.
In addition, the joint multi mission ship will allow the RSN to conduct more types of operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts and counter-piracy operations.
PLANNING, SPENDING AND MAKING FRIENDS
Before deciding on these purchases, Dr Ng reiterated that the SAF had considered whether they would contribute to a leaner fighting force post-2030. “Because we are able to plan long term, we start with the planning perimeter that you have to either maintain the same capability or do more but with less,” he said.
SAF 2030 concept (image : Sing Mindef)
As for the costs, Dr Ng said even with these new acquisitions, defence spending will be kept steady for the next decade, in line with the budget assessment he made earlier this year. “If we have to provide security coverage – as we did for the Trump-Kim meeting – every week, all bets are off,” he joked.
And Dr Ng was asked if these new platforms would require the SAF to look for more overseas training opportunities given the constraints of space in Singapore.
“We have good friends who allow us to train in their countries,” Dr Ng said, pointing out that the expansion of training areas in Queensland, Australia, where Singapore troops frequently train in a space at least four times the size of Singapore, is “progressing well”.
Even then, Dr Ng added that Singapore is always on the lookout for more partnerships and training opportunities. “We are very thankful because we keep receiving offers. That spells a lot for the friendships we cultivated.”
(ChannelNewsASia)
02 Juli 2018
Barangay Catagupan, Balabac (image : GoogleMaps)
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the establishment of a 300-hectare Philippine Air Force (PAF) Base in Barangay Catagupan, Balabac town was signed by Governor Jose Chavez Alvarez and LtGen Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr. Commanding General of PAF, Wednesday.
“This is a significant and historic event giving us 300 hectares of precious land in southern Palawan, in a place where we’ll hopefully call later as the Balabac Air Base of the Philippine Air Force,” LtGen Kintanar, Jr. said.
Governor Alvarez said the setting aside of the government property is its contribution to the government’s efforts to secure the West Philippine Sea and the province’s southern border.
“Indeed, this is a big milestone for us, as we impart on securing the future of the West Philippine Sea including our southern borders. Rest assured that we have a government here that is ready anytime,” Alvarez said.
He also expressed hope that the presence of the military base will help spur economic growth in the southern corridor of the province.
(Palawan News)
02 Juli 2018
RMAF MiG-29N fighter aircraft (photo : Malaysian Wings)
THERE will be no budget cuts for the three branches of the armed forces despite the revision of mega-infrastructure projects.
Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government was focused on maximising its performance.
Mohamad said the ministry was in talks with the Finance Ministry over the budget allocation for the armed forces.
“The reduction will not affect the allocation for the navy and air force, as well as the army.
“We don’t want to compromise on our security and sovereignty.”
Mohamad said the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) multi-role capability was provided by the F/A-18D Hornets and Su30MKM Flankers.
“However, there is an urgent need to replace the ageing MiG29N Fulcrum, the BAE Systems’ Hawks and Aermacchi MB339CM, as they are nearing the end of their lifespans (obsolescence, ageing platform and expensive to sustain and maintain),” he told the New Straits Times Press yesterday.
He said about 40 per cent of RMAF assets had been in service for more than 20 years.
“There is a need to upgrade or replace the assets to ensure RMAF stays at the cutting edge, befitting its role as the pillar of national sovereignty.”
“We (the government) are studying the MRCA (multi-role combat aircraft) programme because it is important for the country’s maritime safety. For example, the South China Sea is becoming an economic zone, about 200km from our mainland.
“Hence, we need suitable aircraft to maintain our security in that area.
“We are looking into it seriously.”
He said RMAF was formulating a transformation plan known as Capability Development 2055 (CAP55), which included new procurement, enhancements and upgrading of RMAF assets.
Mohamad said the focus of CAP55 was to ensure RMAF stayed relevant by shaping its warfighting capability to ensure threats were deterred and contained as far as possible from Malaysian territory.
RMAF is looking to replace its MiG29Ns, Hawk 108/208 and MB339CMs with Light Combat Aircraft (photo : fmkorea)
“The issues of affordability and sustainability remain the primary considerations in this development plan.
“It would be ideal if all facets of the armed forces are modernised in tandem and concurrently, but realistically, this is impossible due to the aforementioned considerations.”
Mohamad said the RMAF development plan must be prioritised according to prevailing geo-strategic environment, without losing view of the capacities required by RMAF, with consideration given to financial constraints.
He said CAP55 was focused on eliminating issues, such as having excessive variants and types of air assets in small quantities, system obsolescence, escalation of maintenance costs due to ageing platform and providing sufficient air power assets to respond to national needs.
“Based on the CAP55 planning, RMAF is looking to replace its MiG29Ns, Hawks and MB339CMs with light combat aircraft (LCA), which provide capabilities relative to that of a MRCA but at a lower cost so that it would be possible to acquire and maintain a large number of the platforms with similar operating expenditures.”
Mohamad said the focus of the LCA acquisition had always been low cost, balanced by acceptable combat performance, allowing for greater numbers at similar budget and operating expenditure.
“The LCA will be able to conduct lead-in-fighter training but satisfy the spectrum of operational combat duties expected of RMAF.
“This allows cost savings on training duration, human resource planning and aircrew development, which can be channelled back for future asset upgrade.”
Mohamad said the ministry, via RMAF was reviewing proposals from aircraft manufacturers, and a decision was expected to be made between 2025 to 2030.
For the time being, he said the government’s main focus was maritime patrol aircraft.
(NST)
