Thailand to Upgrade Saab 340 AEW and Saab 340 SIGINT

26 Februari 2021

Saab 340 of 702 Squadron consist of two AEW and five SIGINT, COMINT, ELINT and transport aircraft (photo : Thai Defense News)

The Air Force currently operates seven aircraft in its 702 Squadron Wing 7, which are the same Saab 340 with different functions and equipment which can be categorized as.

The Saab 340 AEW, equipped with Erieye radar system, is Thailand's first pre-alert aircraft. Both Saab 340 (numbers 70201 and 70203) are second-hand aircraft coded FSR-890 from the Swedish Air Force, which are supplied with supply twelve Gripen fighters some 10 years ago, making the 702 fleet one of only two fleets in ASEAN with the capability to use Airborne Early Warning or control and alert aircraft. The other is the Singapore Air Force 111 squadron, which operates four G550 CAEW or Conformal Airborne Early Warning.

The Saab 340 AEW is the only pre-alert aircraft to operate within the Air Force's air defense network. It serves as a floating radar to complement the ground radar system and connect data to the Air Force Air Defense Network at the ground station for control and command. Therefore there is no ability to control and command by itself or to put it simply, there is no C after the AEW word AEW&C.

The Royal Thai Air Force has a project to upgrade Saab 340 AEW to AEW&C standard in FY2021 with a budget of approximately 4,500 million baht, including :

1. Modified the capability of the Saab 340 AEW to the SAAB 340 AEW&C and supporting pilot training, operator and maintenance staff domestic or international.

2. This gives the aircraft the ability to analyze, alert and monitor both air and sea at the near Real Time level, as well as transmit tactical information via the Network to Command and Control units and Operating Unit. The ability to send tactical information to an operational unit, or in other words, to send information directly to the fighter without going through a ground control center, that's the key factor that sets AEW apart from AEW&C.

3.Technology transfer of the Airborne Early Warning Radar and Airborne C2 systems, as well as training studies to enable aircraft maintenance on a self-reliance basis.

4.Obtained the right to develop a tactical linkage system with Air Force aircraft. That should mean that the Air Force wants to mount the Link-T on the Air Force-developed Saab 340 AEW&C on board. Or even license the Air Force to install the Link-16 in the future if needed.

In addition to the Saab 340 AEW, the Air Force has five other Saab 340s, which are general transports for use in the training and transport of personnel. Saab 340 numbers 70204, 70205, and 70206 as Signal Intelligence aircraft (SIGINT or Signal Intelligent). Saab 340 numbers 70202 and 70207, which is equipped with a signal intelligence device capable of both Communications Intelligence (COMINT), ie wiretapping from the communication network of enemy Electronic Intelligence (ELINT). Intelligence obtained by intercepting other electronic signals that are not used in enemy communications, such as radar signals, weapon navigation systems to be used for electronic warfare equipment such as RWRs or jammer devices, as well as for designing Electronic Attack techniques (EA).

Both aircrafts are designed and installed on the Saab 340 as well, but information about the systems and capabilities of the two Saab 340 SIGINTs are not yet available, but one is expected. It will be an installation of IAI Israel's ELL-8385 Electronic Intelligence System, an Integrated Electronic Support Measures and Electronic Intelligence System designed for high electronic signaling environments and designed for remote electronic intelligence missions. The system is able to search, intercept, analyze, identify, classify and track radar systems for both land, air and sea to generate news reports and provide tactical and strategic news information to be used in defense design. Have In terms of the intelligence signal to consider antennas already installed on the aircraft body, expected to install the system Intelligence signs of Rohde & Schwarz, which is used to locate the direction (Direction Finding) of the signal, track and locate. Including wiretapping of the enemy communication network.

See full article TAF

Germany Orders Trophy APS for Bundeswehr Leopard 2s

25 Februari 2021

The BAAINBw has signed a government-to-government agreement with the Israel MoD for Rafael’s Trophy APS for installation in German Leopard 2 tanks (image : KMW)

Germany’s Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has signed a government-to-government agreement with the Israel Ministry of Defense (MoD) for Rafael’s Trophy active-protection system (APS) for installation in German Leopard 2 tanks, the MoD and Rafael announced in separate press releases on 23 February.

The Israel MoD said the programme, which is led by its Directorate of Defense R&D (MAFAT) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, covers the supply of systems for a tank company, interceptors, spare parts, and operational and technical training. The systems will be delivered over the next several years, the ministry added.

Rafael said it had been awarded a contract for an initial batch of Trophy systems and that Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) had also been awarded a contract. Rafael executive vice-president Ran Gozali, who heads the company’s land and naval division, said the two companies would integrate and install Trophy on the Leopard 2 and future platforms.

KMW told Janes on 23 February that it would install the systems on Leopard 2A6M3 tanks through to 2023. A KMW image of the tank after the upgrade designated it as the Leopard 2A7A1.

Rafael expected Germany to procure additional Trophy systems to equip most of its Leopard 2s.

(Jane's)

Royal Thai Army will Purchase a Third Medium-sized Transport Aircraft C295W

25 Februari 2021

The first (serial 16150) and second (serial 16160) Airbus Defense and Space C295W transport aircrafts of 21st Aviation Battalion, Aviation Regiment, Army Aviation Center, Royal Thai Army (RTA) (photo : Ball Kittidej)

Department of Army Transportation Royal Thai Army on February 10, 2021 announce to the procurement plan for the purchase of a medium transport aircraft, amount 1, include ground equipment parts.

It should be clear that medium transport aircraft such is the airlifter  Airbus C295W that the Royal Thai Army has already acquired. 2 machines stationed at 21th Aviation Battalion, Aviation Department, Royal Thai Army Aviation Center (previously stationed in Airborne Division, Royal Thai Army Transportation Department).

The C295W is a medium-sized tactical airliner with two Pratt & Whitney PW-127G turboprop engines, power 2,645 HP and a travel speed of 240 knots.  Fuel tank capacity 7,500 liters, fuel consumption  762 liters/hour with a flying range of 2,220 nmi (3 tons payload), 1,800 nmi (5 tons payload), 735 nmi (8 tons max payload).

 

There is a system to adjust the air pressure in the cabin, equipped with 71-seat stretcher chairs, 50 paratroopers, maximum payload 8 tons, 24 stretchers, 5 pallet loading pads. 

The C295 has been in production since 1997, and the latest the C295W, was launched in 2013, with more than 30 countries worldwide currently ordering it, with a total supply order of 215, according to Airbus Europe.

The Royal Thai Army has used the airlifter C295W to support its various missions, such as air delivery training fixed line parachute and free fall of the Special Warfare School, Special Warfare Center.

It is understood that the Royal Thai Army needs a total of 4 medium-sized transport aircraft, 2 of which are currently active and plans to procure them, 1 with latest device. Therefore, it is likely that one unit of C295W is procured in the fourth phase in the future when the budget is approved.

(AAG)

Modern Naval Platforms to Beef up Navy Defense Capabilities

25 Februari 2021

BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) and BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) (photo : PN)

MANILA – The arrival of modern platforms like the Jose Rizal-class missile frigates will greatly improve the capabilities of the Philippine Navy (PN) to protect the country's vast waters.

PN public affairs office chief, Commander Benjo Negranza, said this when asked late Wednesday regarding the arrival of more modern assets for the Navy.

"As a former CO (commanding officer), I feel elated that the Armed Forces will be better enabled and capacitated to fulfill our mandates with these modern platforms," he said to the Philippine News Agency.

Negranza's last command before taking over the Navy public affairs office was the research vessel BRP Gregorio Velasquez (AGR-702).

Meanwhile, Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata, the former skipper of the BRP Dagupan (LC-550), said he is proud to witness the PN's steady transformation into a more capable force.

"(I) am proud and deeply honored to be witnessing the Navy's steady transformation into a more capable force especially with the arrival of the second Jose Rizal-class frigate. Today's sailors and skippers are better-motivated seeing that we now have (these) new capabilities to better serve the country," he added in a message to the PNA.

Earlier, the PN said it will be holding the arrival ceremony for the second guided-missile frigate, the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila Friday.

The BRP Antonio Luna entered Capones Island, Zambales last February 9 or four days after leaving Ulsan, South Korea last February 5.

The ship also sailed in formation with the Navy's first guided-missile frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), through Manila Bay before proceeding to its anchorage area in Subic, Zambales where the crew and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) personnel observed a mandatory quarantine period due to the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

The first frigate, BRP Jose Rizal, was delivered and subsequently commissioned last July 10. BRP Antonio Luna's keel-laying on May 23, 2019, coincided with the launch of BRP Jose Rizal.

The contract for the BRP Jose Rizal and the BRP Antonio Luna was placed at PHP16 billion, with another PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.

Both ships are capable of surface, sub-surface, air, and electronic warfare using state-of-the-art electronic sensors, long-range missiles, acoustic guided torpedoes, and an embarked anti-submarine helicopter. 

(PNA)

EXCALIBUR ARMY has Signed an Agreement on the Production of Rocket Launchers on Tatra chassis in Indonesia

25 Februari 2021

PT Republik Defensindo will produce rocket launcher with 8x8, 6x6, and 4x4 chassis in Batam (photos : Excalibur Army)

On Monday, February 22, EXCALIBUR ARMY signed an agreement with the Indonesian company PT REPUBLIK DEFENSINDO on the joint production of RM-70 Vampire rocket launchers in Indonesia. Production of rocket launchers will begin this year. The project is a continuation of the cooperation between the two companies and follows on from the supply of Czech RM-70 Vampire rocket launchers for the Indonesian Armed Forces in recent years.

As part of the IDEX 2021 trade fair, a contract between EXCALIBUR ARMY and PT REPUBLIK DEFENSINDO (PT. RDI) on the joint production -of 122 mm RM-70 Vampire rocket launchers on Tatra chassis was signed on 22 February at the CZECHOSLOVAK GROUP (CSG) holding exhibition- in Indonesia and the transfer of the necessary technologies. Production of rocket launchers with 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 chassis in Batam and deliveries to the Indonesian armed forces will begin as early as 2021. The agreement creates potential for export orders and cooperation in the tens of millions of dollars.

In 2016, EXCALIBUR ARMY delivered the first batteries of RM-70 Vampire rocket launchers to Indonesia, including special support and command vehicles, which were manufactured and assembled in cooperation with Czech and Slovak companies. EXCALIBUR ARMY also provided training and education for crews and rocket launchers. In addition, EXCALIBUR ARMY and its partners have delivered amphibious bridge vehicles or Pandur II 8x8 armored vehicles to Indonesia in recent years.

About CZECHOSLOVAK GROUP holding

CZECHOSLOVAK GROUP (CSG) is a holding company continuing the tradition of Czechoslovak industry. It supports the development of traditional Czech and Slovak companies engaged in defense and civil industrial production and trade. The companies included in the CSG holding, which generated sales of more than CZK 28.5 billion in 2019, have more than 8,200 employees. The main fields of CSG are engineering, automotive, railway, aerospace and defense industries. Thanks to the holding's strong pro-export orientation, CSG products can be found on all continents and the number of its customers is constantly growing.

THE EXCALIBUR ARMY

The company EXCALIBUR ARMY belonging to the CZECHOSLOVAK GROUP holding company is a Czech manufacturer and seller of heavy military vehicles, spare parts, weapons, ammunition and other military equipment. It focuses on the development, production of modern vehicles, service, overhaul and modernization, including major upgrades, mainly ground military equipment. The company has customers all over the world and cooperates with renowned world producers of security technologies.

(CzDefence)

Lumindo Dapatkan Kontrak Baru Rekondisi Ranpur Marinir

25 Februari 2021

Kedatangan ranpur BMP-3F dan RM-70 Grad (all photos : Lumindo Artha Sejati)

Akun PT Lumindo Artha Sejati pada tanggal 17 Februari dan 21 Februari lalu memuat kedatangan 2 tipe kendaraan tempur Korps Marinir dari Pasukan Marinir 2 Surabaya ke perusahaan ini untuk menjalani rekondisi.

Adapun ranpur yang datang kali ini adalah 2 unit kendaraan peluncur roket RM 70 Grad, dengan no registrasi : AL. 9728-05 dan AL. 9730-05 serta 5 unit tank amfibi BMP3F dengan no registrasi AL. 9824-05, AL. 9825-05, AL. 9828-05, AL. 9831-05, dan AL. 9843-05.

Menurut SIPRI, Korps Marinir mempunyai 17 kendaraan peluncur roket yang datang secara bergelombang masing-masing 6 unit RM-70 Grad pada tahun 2004, 3 unit RM-70 Grad pada tahun 2008, dan 8 unit RM-70 Vampir pada tahun 2016.

Sedangkan untuk Tank BMP-3F, kedatangan 17 unit pertama pada tahun 2010, disusul kedatangan kedua sebanyak 37 unit pada 2014, dan pada tahun 2019 melakukan pesanan lagi sebanyak 22 unit bersamaan dengan pesanan 21 kendaraan pendarat amfibi BT-3F pada tahun 2019.

Bagi Lumindo, pekerjaan rekondisi ranpur Marinir ini bukan yang pertama-kalinya dilaksanakan, sebelumnya perusahaan telah melakukan rekondisi kendaraan pendarat amfibi BTR-50, tank amfibi PT-76, dan kendaraan peluncur roket RM-70 Grad, sedangkan untuk BMP-3F ini adalah yang pertama.

Jika melihat dari tahun kedatangan, pekerjaan rekondisi kendaraan peluncur roket RM-70 Grad ini adalah untuk mengembalikan lagi ranpur 2004 agar tetap prima digunakan, setelah ini selesai akan melangkah bagi ranpur yang diterima pada tahun 2008. 

Kemudian untuk rekondisi Tank BMP-3F yang datang pertama tahun 2010, hal ini membuktikan bahwa komitmen untuk melakukan rekondisi ranpur telah mulai dilakukan semenjak ranpur berusia 10 tahun. 

(Defense Studies)

Pindad-Caracal Lakukan Kerjasama Produksi Pengerjaan Komponen dan Perakitan Senjata

24 Februari 2021

Senapan serbu dan sub-machine gun produksi Caracal UAE (photos : Caracal)

Industri Pertahanan Indonesia Siap Ekspansi

Abu Dhabi, Gatra.com-Masa pandemi Covid-19 global tidak menyurutkan industri pertahanan Indonesia melakukan ekspansi. BUMN Industri Pertahanan yang terdiri dari PT Len Industri (Persero), PT PAL Indonesia (Persero), PT Pindad (Persero), dan PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) mengikuti ajang Pameran IDEX & Navdex 2021 yang digelar pada tanggal 21 hingga 25 Februari 2021 di Abu Dhabi. Kementerian Pertahanan RI menginisiasi keikutsertaan pameran bersama industri pertahanan Indonesia dengan mendirikan Paviliun Indonesia dalam pameran internasional 2 tahunan ini.

Dalam lawatan tersebut, Kementerian Pertahanan yang diwakili Dirjen Potensi Pertahanan (Pothan) Kementerian Pertahanan, Mayjen TNI Dadang Hendrayudha didampingi Dubes RI di UAE pada 21 Februari 2021 lalu dan diterima oleh CEO Caracal, Mr Hamad Al-Marari menjalin kerjasama dengan Caracal dari Edge Group Uni Emirat Arab (UEA).

Caracal sendiri merupakan pabrik senjata yang berada di dalam holding industri pertahanan Edge Group, UAE. Caracal memiliki produk jenis senapan serbu, pistol, sniper dan submachine gun. Caracal memiliki kerjasama dengan PT Pindad (Persero) dalam hal memenuhi kebutuhan senapan serbu Kopasus TNI. Pindad telah melakukan demo produk Caracal pada TNI di Desember 2020.

Nantinya, seperti dikutip dari kemhan.go.id, Carcal melakukan kerjasama produksi pengerjaan komponen dan perakitan senjata di Pindad, termasuk kerjasama memenuhi kebutuhan ekspor di kawasan Asia Tenggara. Laras buatan Pindad sendiri telah dikirim ke Caracal dan diujicoba. Hasilnya, dinyatakan baik.

MoU yang telah ditandatangai antara Pindad dan Caracal kemudian akan ditingkatkan menjadi Industrial Cooperation Agreement. Rencananya akan ditandatangani di Indonesia pada Indonesia-Emirates Amazing Week 2021 di Jakarta, 5 Maret 2021 mendatang.

Transformasi Holding BUMN Industri Pertahanan

Rencana ekspansi industri pertahanan juga sejalan dengan upaya transformasi holding bumn pertahanan. Holding BUMN Industri Pertahanan Indonesia dengan nama DEFEND ID ini akan melebur Lima (5) perusahaan BUMN yakni PT Dirgantara Indonesia, PT Pindad, PT PAL Indonesia, PT Dahana dan PT Len Industri sebagai holding company (induk perusahaan).

Sebagai langkah untuk masuk ke global supply chain technology partner, Len Industri dan BUMN Industri Pertahanan memiliki rencana strategic partnership dengan perusahaan global di 3 matra (darat, laut, udara). Hal ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan penguasaan kompetensi kunci dan memandirikan industri pertahanan dalam negeri. Sehingga berimbas pada peningkatan sustainability dan skala bisnis, adanya recurring income dari bisnis MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul), hingga pengurangan ketergantungan impor produk utama.

DEFEND ID memiliki target ambisius dalam jangka waktu menengah ke depan, yakni menjadi Top 50 perusahaan bidang industri pertahanan di dunia. Selain juga mencanangkan target skor TRL & MRL (Technology Readiness Levels & Manufacturing Readiness Level) di angka 8-8 dan Tingkat Kandungan Dalam Negeri (TKDN) di atas 50% untuk proyek-proyek pertahanan.

See full article Gatra