Kementerian Pertahanan Malaysia Adakan Tender Radar Pertahanan Udara

04 Juni 2021

TUDM telah mengoperasikan radar terbaru tipe ThalesRaytheon GM-403 di Samarahan, Sarawak (photo : Imam Shah)

Kementerian Pertahanan Malaysia mengumunkan rencananya untuk membeli satu radar pertahanan udara jenis surveillance berkemampuan jarak jauh untuk Tentara Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM) sebagaimana termuat dalam pengumuman tender yang dirilis pada tanggal 2 Juni 2021 dalam website Tender kementerian Pertahanan atau juga dirilis ulang oleh website TendersInfo.

Tender ini mensyaratkan pesertanya hanya dari perwakilan perusahaan dengan surat resmi dari produsen peralatan asli (OEM), sekaligus penyedia sistem dan integrator dan apabila memenuhi syarat tersebut diperbolehkan membeli dokumen tender yang akan ditutup pada tanggal 30 Agustus 2021.

Cakupan radar pertahanan udara berbasis darat TUDM : Skuadron Udara 320 Kuantan-Pahang, Skuadron Udara 321 Gong Kedak-Terengganu, Skuadron Udara 322 Bukit Ibam-Pahang, Skuadron Udara 323 Bukit Lunchu-Johor, Skuadron 330/331 Sarawak, dan Skuadron 340 Bukit Kubang-Labuan (image : aip-dca)

Tender pengadaan radar ini semula direncanakan diluncurkan pada tahun 2019 dengan jumlah 3 (tiga) unit radar. Mengalami pemunduran dan terkendala pandemi Covid-19 akhirnya tahun 2021 ini direalisasikan tendernya namun jumlah unitnya berkurang menjadi 1 saja, hal ini menyesuaikan dengan budget yang tersedia.

Setidaknya 4 perusahaan multinasional diprediksi akan akan ikut dalam tender ini yaitu ThalesRaytheon, Lockheed Martin, Leonardo dan Saab. 

TUDM saat ini menggunakan radar pertahanan udara yang terdiri dari 4 jenis radar yaitu Hughes/Raytheon HADR (S-band), Finmecanicca/Leonardo RAT-31 SL (S-band) & RAT-31 DL (L-band), Marconi Martello S-743D (L-band), dan ThalesRaytheon GM-400 (S-band), selain radar aktif tersebut, TUDM juga mengoperasikan radar pasif VERA-E buatan Ceko.

(Defense Studies)

Indonesia Acquires A-220M Naval Guns for KCR-60M Attack Craft

03 Juni 2021

KRI Tombak 629 equipped with A-220M 57 mm naval gun (photo : Putut Reza)

The Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Laut: TNI-AL) has acquired two A-220M 57 mm naval guns from Russia, and is now installing the first unit on a KCR-60M fast-attack craft.

Images provided to Janes from two separate industry sources confirm that one of the naval gun units is being incorporated as the primary weapon for the second-of-class, KRI Tombak (629).

Janes first reported in February 2018 that the TNI-AL was considering the A-220M for two vessels in the KCR-60M class.

These new weapons are replacing the vessels' older Bofors 40 mm cannons that were salvaged from the decommissioned landing ship tank (LST) vessel, KRI Teluk Semangka (512), as an interim measure to provide the KCR-60M with naval gunfire support capabilities.

According to product literature published by JSC Central Research Institute Burevestnik, the А-220М is designed to engage air, surface, and coastal targets. It has a maximum range of up to 12 km when engaging surface targets, and 8 km when engaging aerial targets.

Janes understands that the A-220M that was supplied to Indonesia features a deck mounting and a barrel-cooling system that has been customised specifically for the KCR-60M class, given space constraints beneath the vessel's deck.

The weapon is also equipped with its own electro-optical and radar-guided weapon control system and can accommodate up to 400 on-mount ammunition rounds.

(Jane's)

DND Reportedly Submitting Proposal to Procure Saab’s Gripen

03 Juni 2021

Saab has committed to deliver the first batch of Gripen C/D by 2024 if a contract could be signed and Notice to Proceed released within this year (photo : Saab)

The Department of National Defense (DND) is reportedly submitting a proposal to procure the Saab JAS-39C/D MS20 Gripen fighter aircraft for Philippine Air Force (PAF)’s Multi-Role Fighter Acquisition Project, MaxDefense Philippines said in an update June 2, citing sources from PAF.

MaxDefense said the DND is serious with the said project with National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana personally pushing for the project to progress.

“Up until early this year, the PAF was pushing for the acquisition of the F-16 Block 70 Viper in which 12 brand new units were offered by the US to the PAF.” MaxDefense said. However, it added that “because of financial reasons, the PAF was left to choose between moving their MRF acquisition to the next Horizon 3 phase, or select a cheaper alternative. Cheaper alternatives include acquiring a 2nd squadron of KAI FA-50, or going with the Saab’s Gripen.”

(Mintfo)

Rheinmetall Delivers the First 25 Boxer 8x8 CRV to the Australian Army

03 Juni 2021

Rheinmetall Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (photo : Australian Army)

Rheinmetall is pleased to announce the delivery of the first 25 Boxer 8x8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) to the Australian Army under the $5.2 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability project.

Minister for Defence, Hon. Peter Dutton MP visited Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Redbank, Queensland, to review the Boxer vehicles.

Rheinmetall will deliver a total of 211 Boxer 8x8 Vehicles in different versions, 131 will be the CRV variant. They will replace the Army’s Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAV) under LAND 400 Phase 2. Delivery of the first 25 vehicles enables Army to continue towards Initial Operating Capability on schedule as Rheinmetall moves into the next phase of the LAND 400 Phase 2 program.

Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director Gary Stewart said Boxer’s levels of survivability and mobility was proving a game changer for Australia’s armoured cavalry.

“Boxer is now enabling the capabilities that allow Army to fight, survive and win on the modern, complex battlefields of today and tomorrow,” Mr Stewart said.

“And Rheinmetall is simultaneously delivering early combat vehicle capability to the Australian Defence Force while creating a sovereign industrial capability in combat vehicle design and manufacture.”

Mr Stewart said delivery of these initial vehicles was only possible by taking advantage of the current production lines in Germany, and using this approach as part of technology transfer activities to ensure Australian workers and suppliers become familiar with manufacturing techniques for highly complex military vehicles.

Rheinmetall Defence Australia has over 30 Australians currently living and working in Germany, working at Rheinmetall sites and learning from German colleagues. This is fostering close co-operation and a genuine partnership to realise the capability for the Australian Army.

“Australian engineers, project managers, welders, technicians, trainers and more are living and working with their colleagues in Germany to build a deep understanding of Rheinmetall products and, crucially, acquire the skills and certifications to transfer this expertise and intellectual property to Australia,” Mr Stewart said.

“This kick-starts the knowledge base for a sovereign Australian capability and is complemented with our engagement with the Australian TAFE sector and universities to ensure we build enduring pathways from our education institutions into the military vehicle manufacturing industry, enabling graduates to understand what we do today so they are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.”

The MILVEHCOE is the focal point of the Boxer Australian Industry Capability (AIC) program. It is where Rheinmetall will undertake Australian design, manufacture, testing, training and support of the Boxer vehicles and training systems. The MILVEHCOE provides a sovereign facility where Defence, industry and research organisations can innovate and collaborate on the Australian Boxer and other defence programs.

Development, production and integration work is well underway within the MILVEHCOE as plant and equipment is installed and commissioned across the main production facility. This work is a key component of knowledge transfer activities for full rate Boxer production in Australia. This is scheduled to commence in Australia after commissioning of the MILVEHCOE Boxer production line is complete.

This approach to Australian Industry Capability has allowed Rheinmetall to accelerate involvement of Australian companies into the first 25 vehicles. This has resulted in Rheinmetall awarding contracts to more than 20 companies to supply products and services, and ensuring that Australian SMEs are building and supplying components onto every Australian Boxer vehicle.

(Rheinmetall)

DTI Thailand Tests X-MADIS Anti Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS)

03 Juni 2021

Test demo of X-MADIS Counter UAS (all photos : DTI)

Defense Technology Institute of Thailand, together with the Defense Industry and Military Energy Center Ministry of Defense of Thailand and the Royal Thai Army tested an anti-unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAS: Counter-Unmanned Aerial System) at Photharam airport,  Ratchaburi Province, Thailand.

However, a post published on the Facebook account DTI-UTC (Defense Technology Institute Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training Center) on 27 May 2021 has been removed.

From a series of images showing the form of an unmanned anti-aircraft system in a fixed station format and staff from the US company Ascent Vision Technologies (AVT) who participated in the demonstration test of the system which is reliable and has been procured and proven for practical use in foreign countries.

It shows that it is a fast-moving integrated air defense system. X-MADIS (eXpeditionary Mobile Air Defense Integrated System) that DTI Thailand signed a contract with AVT US on June 30, 2020.

X-MADIS is a small unmanned air defense system designed to detect, track, identify, classify, and eliminate threats from small UAVs and large drone (drone swarm).

The X-MADIS is equipped with four MHR (Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radar) integrated 4D AESA (Active Electronic Scanned Array) systems of Israeli RPS-42.

MHR RPS-42 4D AESA radar is a short-range air-defense radar (SHORAD) and an anti-unmanned aircraft system with diameter 50cm, weight less than 30kg, signal dish one side covers 90degree angle, total four sides 360degree. Capable of detecting tiny aircraft size, Nano UAV, small grenade launcher and short-range rockets at 5km, large rocket launchers at 6km, medium-sized UAVs at 25km, general-purpose helicopters at 23km, fighter jets at 35km and heavy transport aircraft at 50km, etc.

Including camera detection Electro-Optical/Infrared(EO/IR) Type CM202U Dimensions 203mm x 320mm, weight 5.5kg EO Daylight camera with 60x magnification, 3km MWIR (Middle Wavelength IR) thermal camera, 20x magnification, 2km range, capable of tracking up to 200 targets.

Also Electronic Warfare (EW) with the ability to limit multiple threats on a continuous basis. Providing a reliable anti-UAV system under the domestic research agreement, it will greatly benefit the development of Thailand's defense industry.

(AAG)

Five Southeast Asian States Eye Russia’s Su-57 Fifth-Generation Fighter — Rosoboronexport

03 Juni 2021

Su-57 stealth fighter (photo : goodfon)

MOSCOW/TASS/. Five Southeast Asian countries show their interest in Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation multirole fighter, CEO of the state arms seller Rosoboronexport Aleksandr Mikheyev said on Tuesday. 

"We are holding negotiations with several countries. We see requests and interest. Southeast Asia, four or five countries [show their interest]," the chief executive said.

The Sukhoi Su-57 is a Russian-made fifth-generation multi-role fighter designated to destroy all types of air, ground, and naval targets. The Su-57 fighter jet features stealth technology with the broad use of composite materials, is capable of developing supersonic cruising speed and is furnished with the most advanced onboard radio-electronic equipment, including a powerful onboard computer (the so-called electronic second pilot), the radar system spread across its body and some other innovations, in particular, armament placed inside its fuselage.

The Su-57 took to the skies for the first time on January 29, 2010. Compared to its predecessors, the Su-57 combines the functions of an attack plane and a fighter jet while the use of composite materials and innovation technologies and the fighter’s aerodynamic configuration ensure the low level of radar and infrared signature.

The plane’s armament will include, in particular, hypersonic missiles. The fifth-generation fighter jet has been successfully tested in combat conditions in Syria.

The Russian Armed Forces received the first Su-57 fighter in 2020.

Russia’s Aerospace Force will get 22 Su-57 fighters by late 2024, and their number in the Russian Armed Forces will grow to 76 by 2028.

(TASS)

Tingkatkan Kemampuan Tempur, Yonif 3 Marinir Latihan dengan Menggunakan NVG

02 Juni 2021

Latihan penggunaan NVG untuk menembak dan patroli malam (all photos : PasMar2)

Yonif 3 Marinir Asah Kemampuan Menembak Malam

Dispen Kormar (Sidoarjo). Dalam rangka meningkatkan kemampuan dan naluri tempur prajurit, Batalyon Infanteri 3 Marinir melaksanakan latihan menembak malam di lapangan tembak Praka Mar Handoyo Brigif 2 Marinir Gedangan, Sidoarjo, Jawa Timur. Jumat (28/05/2021) Malam.

Perwira Seksi Operasi (Pasiops) Yonif 3 Mar Kapten Mar Yusuf M.P. memimpin langsung prajurit Yonif 3 Mar melaksanakan latihan menembak malam yang mnggunakan senjata Senjata Serbu 2 (SS2) yang dilengkapi dengan Night Vision Goggles (NVG) dengan tujuan agar dapat melihat sasaran dengan jelas pada malam hari. Selain itu, setiap personel juga menembakkan malam tanpa perlengkapan NVG, diharapkan pada saat di medan penugasan tanpa perlengkapan canggih pun reaksi prajurit Yonif 3 Mar terhadap musuh dalam suasana gelap tetap cepat dan akurat.

Komandan Batalyon Infanteri 3 Marinir Letkol Mar Tri Yudha Ismanto, S.E.,MSDA menyampaikan bahwa menembak pada malam hari lebih sulit jika dibandingkan dengan menembak siang hari, karena cahaya sangat berpengaruh pada pembuatan pejera bidikan atau sebagai patokan untuk mengetahui keberadaan sasaran. Cahaya yang dapat dimanfaatkan saat menembak malam antara lain cahaya senter, cahaya bulan, korek api, dan bara api rokok. Jika tidak sering latihankan, prajurit akan mengalami kesulitan dalam melakukan tembakan. (PasMar2)

Tingkatkan Kemampuan Tempur Prajurit Yonif 3 Marinir Laksanakan Patroli Malam Menggunakan NVG

Dispen Kormar (Sidoarjo). Dalam rangka meningkatkan kemampuan tempur, prajurit Batalyon Infanteri 3 Marinir melaksanakan latihan patroli malam dengan menggunakan Night Vision Google (NVG) di Kesatrian Marinir R. Suhadi, Gedangan, Sidoarjo, Jawa Timur. Senin (31/05/2021) malam.

Kegiatan yang dipimpin langsung oleh Wakil Komandan Batalyon Infanteri 3 Marinir Mayor Marinir Iskandar Muda Tanjung tersebut diawali dengan apel kelengkapan personel dan material dilanjutkan dengan penyampaian materi dan pelaksanaan patroli malam. Penggunaan Night Vision Google (NVG) tersebut selain digunakan untuk pelaksanaan patroli malam juga bisa digunakan ketika prajurit dalam melaksanakan Jaga serambi sehingga mampu memantau pergerakan yang mencurigakan di sekitar home base ataupun medan depan pada malam hari.

Sementara itu Komandan Batalyon Infanteri 3 Marinir Letkol Marinir Tri Yudha Ismanto, S.E., MSDA menyampaikan bahwa selain untuk meningkatkan kemampuan tempur kegiatan tersebut juga bertujuan untuk menjaga moril prajurit agar siap dalam melaksanakan kegiatan baik latihan maupun penugasan kedepannya. (PasMar2)