02 Maret 2019
Aselsan ZOKA torpedos jammers and decoy (photos : Aselsan)
The first overseas order for ZOKA-Acoustic Torpedo Countermeasure Jammers and Decoys, which was developed nationally by ASELSAN and used in all submarines in our fleet, was taken from Indonesia. The system to be used in Type 209 class submarines in the Indonesian Naval Forces inventory and will be delivered in 2019
ZOKA jammers and decoys are effective against all torpedo threats that can operate in active, passive or combined mode with accoustic guidance. ZOKA jammers and decoys are used in HIZIR Torpedo Countermeasure System for Surface Ships and ZARGANA Submarine Torpedo Countermeasure System.
The ZOKA mixers transmit broadband high-level noise to cover the acoustic operating frequency range of torpedoes. In this way, while masking submaine noise against active torpedoes and reduce the detection distance of the signal reflected from the submarine. ZOKA deceptives mimic the acoustic and dynamics characteristic of the platform and mislead the torpedo. The decoys have the fuction of simultaneously producing ship noise and responding to the active broadcast of the torpedo while listening with the hydrophones drawn from behind.
(DefenceTurk)
02 Maret 2019
Leonardo and Northrop Grumman Australia have signed an agreement to jointly bid to supply the C-27J transport aircraft to New Zealand. The two companies are also partnered on supporting Australia’s fleet of C-27J aircraft. (photo : Aus DoD)
Leonardo and Northrop Grumman Australia have signed an agreement to partner on a bid to supply the Italian group's C-27J Spartan transport aircraft to the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).
The memorandum of understanding - signed on 27 February at the Avalon Airshow 2019 - is intended to meet New Zealand's requirement under its Future Air Mobility Capability (FAMC) programme.
Officials told Jane's that the agreement positions Northrop Grumman to provide through-life support services for the C-27J in service with the RNZAF. New Zealand is expected to issue a tender to support the procurement in the second half of 2019, they said.
The Leonardo-Northrop Grumman teaming will also look to leverage the existing partnership between the two companies to support the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) fleet of C-27Js, said officials.
The RAAF ordered 10 C-27Js in 2012 for AUD1.4 billion (USD1 billion). The fleet reached initial operating capability (IOC) in December 2016, and Northrop Grumman secured a AUD200 million contract to support the aircraft in November 2017, providing engineering and logistics services.
"Under this new agreement Northrop Grumman will provide support services to New Zealand in line with what they have been doing here in Australia," said one Leonardo official.
"We want to exploit the positive aspects of ongoing collaboration between Leonardo and Northrop Grumman, which may bring benefits for both New Zealand and Australia as they collaborate and undertake joint operations. A common team, supporting both countries, might be of interest to New Zealand."
He added that in supporting the C-27J in service with the RNZAF both Leonardo and Northrop Grumman would consider investing in New Zealand to develop maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capability in the country.
(Jane's)
02 Maret 2019
A Royal Australian Navy Bell 429 helicopter lands at Avalon Airport in preparation for the Australian International Airshow 2019 (photo : RAN)
The final bell as Avalon farewells Navy’s Bell 429 helicopters
The last Royal Australian Navy Bell 429 helicopter is making its final public appearance at the Australian International Airshow 2019 at Avalon, Victoria, this week.
Originally commissioned into service in 2012, Navy’s 723 Squadron operated the Bell 429s to maintain and develop the skills of junior helicopter aircrew.
“We trained junior aircrew in the Bell 429 to improve and maintain their skills,” said Pilot Training instructor Lieutenant Cliff Gaudie.
“The Bells were great little helicopters that enabled young naval Pilots and aircrew the chance to hone their skills before they started flying the MH-60R Seahawks or the MRH-90 helicopters.
“Leasing them from Raytheon has been a perfect arrangement to provide this vital capability in a cost effective model and the Raytheon guys have been very responsive to our needs.
The Bells have been extremely busy during their time in Navy service, flying more than 10,000 hours and training more than 100 aircrew.
They have travelled the length and breadth of the country, supporting everything from naval small boat work ups off the coast of Darwin to providing a flypast for an Aviation Warfare Officer Course graduation at East Sale, Victoria.
“We have provided support to some of the most senior Defence officers, including the Governor General during the 2012 Narrabri floods,” Lieutenant Gaudie said.
In addition to supporting operations, the Bells have made numerous public appearances at a diverse range of events including Anzac Day services and motor racing events like the Australian Formula One Grand Prix and V8 Supercars.
“It’s a little sad to see the last Bell go, but they’re being replaced by even more capable training helicopters, the EC-135T2+, parked right next to us here at Avalon,” Lieutenant Gaudie said.
The Australian International Airshow is being held at Avalon from 26 February to 3 March 2019.
(RAN)
01 Maret 2019
F-35 JSF (photo : USAF)
SINGAPORE: Singapore will place an initial order for four F-35 fighter jets for complete testing with the option of a subsequent eight, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced in his Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Committee of Supply debate speech on Friday (Mar 1).
Dr Ng said MINDEF will issue a Letter of Request (LOR) to the US regarding the purchase.
“Our LOR will request an initial acquisition of four F-35s, with the option of a subsequent eight if we decide to proceed,” he said. “As required by US law for foreign military sales, the US Congress must approve the sale of F-35s.”
The exact unit price of the jets has not been finalised, though Dr Ng did say the total cost of owning a fleet of F-35s, including maintenance across its lifespan, will be comparable to the F-15SG programme.
"The Defence Science and Technology Agency's (DSTA) assessment is that now is an opportune time to put in Singapore’s request," Dr Ng said, noting that the price of the F-35 has been "steadily falling" due to "healthy orders" from the US and 10 other countries.
“The current unit price of the F-35 ranges from US$90 million (S$122 million) to US$115 million per aircraft, comparable to what we have paid for our F-15SGs."
According to maker Lockheed Martin, the F-35B – the short take-off/vertical landing variant that Singapore is reportedly interested in – costs US$115.5 million.
S Rajaratnam School of International Studies war and military strategy expert Bernard Loo wrote in a 2009 commentary that the original contract for 12 F-15SGs cost US$1 billion, although this was likely a package deal including training, avionics and other combat systems.
“Nonetheless, MINDEF will continue to work with the US Department of Defense to optimise operating and maintenance costs,” Dr Ng added.
In January, MINDEF said it had identified the F-35 as the “most suitable replacement” for its ageing F-16s, following a technical evaluation lasting more than five years.
Dr Ng had said in a Facebook post then that MINDEF will discuss details with relevant parties in the US to “move the process forward”, a phase which might take nine to 12 months. Details to be discussed include price, variant and logistics.
The minister said Singapore has the endorsement of both the US Administration and the Department of Defense for its proposed purchase of the F-35s, which boast some of the latest stealth, networking and sensing capabilities.
“In fact, President Trump wrote to PM Lee last month welcoming Singapore’s plans to acquire the F-35,” he added.
“During my meeting with Acting Secretary of Defence Patrick Shanahan at the Munich Security Conference two weeks ago, he also said that the US was greatly appreciative of Singapore’s decision.”
(ChannelNewsAsia)
01 Maret 2019
PAF W-3A Sokol (photo : MaxDefense)
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) Bids and Awards Committee is now looking for bidders for acquisition of spare parts and maintenance of PAF W-3A “Sokol” helicopter with tail number 925.
Approved budget for contract is PHP71,518,000.
Submission of bids and opening is scheduled to be held at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City on March 5.
Prospective bidders should have an experience in similar projects within the past five years.
“The Philippine Air Force reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of Republic Act 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders,” said PAF Bids and Awards Committee chair Brigadier General Ferynl Buca.
(Mintfo)
01 Maret 2019
Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton image : RAAF)
Government Signs Historic Agreement to Benefit Australian Industry
The first Australian Industry Capability (AIC) Deed has been signed today, between the Department of Defence and Northrop Grumman, creating new opportunities for Australia’s defence industry.
The AIC Deed represents a commitment by Northrop Grumman to pursuing the use of Australian industry in their supply chain for any future Government-to-Government procurements.
Minister Ciobo witnessed the signing at the 2019 Avalon International Airshow.
“The viability, competitiveness and prosperity of Australia’s defence industry is essential to keeping us safe, and building the capability we need to protect our national interests,” he said.
“This is why the Liberal National Government is committed to growing the Australian defence industrial base.
“Traditionally, when we buy Defence capability from our allied governments, locking in opportunities for Australian companies is difficult. But our commitment to leveraging that investment to grow and strengthen our industrial base is unwavering.”
Minister Pyne said the AIC Deed is an unprecedented approach to securing work for Australian industry.
“This signing with Northrop Grumman highlights their commitment to partnering with the Government to maximise opportunities for Australian industry,” he said.
“The AIC Deed is another way in which the Liberal National Government is realising our commitments to strengthen the AIC Program. It is a blueprint for the future and we look forward to working with other Primes to enter into similar arrangements.”
(Aus DoD)
01 Maret 2019
The drone being used for the demonstration of BVLOS operations to PUB at Lower Seletar Reservoir in Singapore (photo : STEng)
Singapore – ST Engineering made further strides in developing advanced Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) solutions for applications in an urban environment when its Aerospace sector became the first in Singapore to receive authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) trials over the Lower Seletar reservoir. The BVLOS trial is for demonstrating ST Engineering’s latest UAS solution, DroNet.
Designed for autonomous operations in an urban environment, DroNet is an end-to-end solution that applies advanced unmanned technologies such as drones through a network system to carry out specific tasks or services. By harnessing the power of networking, video analytics and data sharing, DroNet is able to provide solutions for various applications including perimeter security, asset inspection and lightweight deliveries.
Mr Lim Serh Ghee, President of ST Engineering’s Aerospace sector, said, “As ST Engineering brings to market UAS technologies and capabilities to help in enhancing urban living, safe and secure flight operations is something that we focus a lot on. We are pleased to have obtained the first of such authorisation for BVLOS operations in Singapore, which attests to the leading position that ST Engineering enjoys in advancing UAS applications in a safe and robust way. This will help pave the way for drone applications to be conducted more effectively and with more use cases as compared to the traditional line of sight operations, thereby unlocking higher potential in drone operations for users.”
“We congratulate ST Engineering for conducting the first-ever BVLOS flight trials in Singapore. The ST Engineering team underwent a series of stringent safety evaluations to make this possible, opening up the possibility of more sophisticated UAS operations in Singapore. CAAS is committed to working with ST Engineering and other companies to support innovations for the use of UAS. We look forward to more successes from the ST Engineering team,” said Mr Kevin Shum, Director-General of CAAS.
Mr Michael Toh, Chief Information Officer, PUB, Singapore's National Water Agency, said, “PUB is working towards a smart water management system with the use of new technologies that will improve efficiency and strengthen our operational resilience. Remote-sensing technologies on unmanned vehicles such as drones have the potential to provide real-time monitoring of our assets and infrastructure. We are happy to work with ST Engineering to study the feasibility of incorporating such technologies into our existing operations and work processes.”
Leveraging its strong technology, engineering and development capabilities, ST Engineering has been providing value-added services that make use of the latest smart and unmanned technologies in its solutions for the aerospace segment. In addition, as a leading participant in the UAS industry, ST Engineering signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CAAS in early 2018 to facilitate the development of BVLOS UAS operations in Singapore’s urban environment. Under the MOU, ST Engineering is making use of its industrial knowledge and expertise to provide a suite of technical services for system integration and prototyping in identified areas of interest, and assist CAAS to enhance the regulatory requirements for BVLOS UAS operations in Singapore.
(STEng)
