DEFENSE STUDIES

28 Mei 2022

BRP Melchora Aquino, PCG's Newest Multi-role Vessel Leaves Japan for PH

28 Mei 2022

BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) (photos : PCG)

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) newest 97-meter, multi-role response vessel (MRRV) has been sent off from its manufacturer in Japan and will reach the country on June 1.

In a speech during the ship’s send-off ceremony in Japan on Friday, PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said the vessel, BRP Melchora Aquino, is “another brand-new capital ship” similar to BRP Teresa Magbanua.

“This sturdy white ship will serve as the stalwart protector of our maritime reserve, and instrument for peace and tranquility within our territorial waters,” Abu said.

He said the vessel will be a “symbol of hope,” a “source of national pride,” and will serve as an instrument in promoting the rule of law at sea and “enhancing amity among neighboring nations.”

Made by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and funded through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), he said the vessel “symbolizes the strong partnership and cooperation” between Japan and the Philippines.

In a separate speech, Transportation Undersecretary for Maritime Admiral George Ursabia Jr. (Ret.) said both BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Teresa Magbanua were acquired under the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase 2.

Ursabia thanked the Japanese government and its people for being the Philippines’ “closest development allies” and for their contribution to the growth of the country.

“I am confident that our solid partnership and decade-long friendship aimed at realizing numerous development projects will further solidify our bond to be able to withstand the tides of time,” Ursabia said.

The PCG’s newest MRRVs were modeled after the Japan Coast Guard’s Kunigami-class vessel, have a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots, and endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles.

The ships are capable of sustained maritime patrols in the country’s maritime jurisdictions, including the West Philippine Sea and Philippine Rise.

On Sunday, the BRP Teresa Magbanua and other PCG vessels were sent to Makassar, Indonesia to represent the Philippines in the Marine Pollution Exercise 2022 from May 22 to 27.

The PCG is joined in the exercise by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Sea Transportation and the JCG.

(PNA)

Prajurit Tri Media Yontaifib 2, Laksanakan Latihan di Koarmada II Surabaya

28 Mei 2022

Latihan Batalyon Intai Amfibi 2 Marinir (all photos : Korps Marinir)

Dispen Kormar (Surabaya) -- Guna mengasah kemampuan dan profesionalisme, Prajurit Batalyon Intai Amfibi 2 Marinir melaksanakan latihan infiltrasi menggunakan sarana peluncur torpedo (Petor) KRI Ardadedali 404 di Dermaga Kapal Selam Koarmada II Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Jumat (27/05/2022).

Kegiatan tersebut masih dalam rangkaian Latihan Satuan Dasar (LSD) II TW II Aspek laut tahun 2022. Latihan ini dipimpin langsung oleh Komandan Batalyon Intai Amfibi 2 Marinir Letkol Marinir Supriyono, CTMP.

Dalam latihan ini disimulasikan prajurit Tri Media melaksanakan infiltrasi melalui peluncur terpedo Kapal Selam KRI Ardadedali 404 menuju pantai pendaratan musuh.

Tujuan latihan ini adalah untuk meningkatkan kemampuan dan mengasah naluri tempur prajurit sesuai dengan tugas pokok sebagai pasukan khusus matra laut dibawah Korps Marinir.

Letkol Marinir Supriyono, CTMP berpesan “keterampilan Tri Media (Aspek Darat, Laut dan Udara) harus selalu di asah guna meningkatkan kemampuan, dan kesiapan baik personil maupun material dalam rangka mendukung tugas tugas Korps Marinir TNI Angkatan Laut.

(Korps Marinir)

Australia Requests Sale of 20 HIMARS

28 Mei 2022

M142 HIMARS MLRS (photo : Lockheed Martin)

WASHINGTON - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of HIMARS Launchers and related equipment for an estimated cost of $385 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Australia has requested to buy twenty (20) M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); thirty (30) M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS); thirty (30) Alternative Warhead (AW) Pods with Insensitive Munitions Propulsion Systems (IMPS); thirty (30) M31A2 GMLRS Unitary (GMLRS-U) High Explosive Pods with IMPS; thirty (30) XM403 Extended Range (ER)-GMLRS AW Pods; thirty (30) EM404 ER GMLRS Unitary Pods; and ten (10) M57 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). Also included are Reduced Range Practice Rocket Pods (RRPRP); Vehicular Intercom System (AN/VIC-3) 3-Station; radio communication mounts; machine gun mounts; battle management system vehicle integration kits; wheel guards; ruggedized laptops; training equipment publications; spare and repair parts; support equipment; tools; test equipment; technical data; U.S. Government and Contractor support; technical and logistical support services; and other related elements of program and logistic support. The total estimated program cost is $385 million.

Dimension of HIMARS is 7,0m in length, width 2,4m, height 3,2m and weight 16,25 tonnes, with crew 3 personnel (image : David Stewart)

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.

The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats, and will enhance interoperability with U.S. forces and other allied forces. Australia will use the capability to strengthen its homeland defense and provide greater security for its critical infrastructure. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

Effective range with various projectile cal 227mm M26: 32 km, M26A1/A2: 45 km, and M30/31: 70 km (image : David Stewart)

The principal contractors will be Lockheed Martin Inc., Bethesda, MD; Chelton Inc., Marlow, United Kingdom; and L3 Harris Corp., Melbourne, FL. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor(s).

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of two (2) U.S. Government and five (5) U.S. contractor representatives in Australia for a period of one year.

(DSCA)

Spesifikasi Pindad Cobra, Si Panser Lapis Baja Hasil Kerjasama dengan Ceko

26 Mei 2022

Pindad Cobra (photo : Angkasa Review)

KOMPAS.com - PT Pindad dan Kementerian Pertahanan (Kemenhan) sepakat membuat pengadaan 22 kendaraan tempur (ranpur) senilai 80 juta dolar AS.

Untuk memproduksinya, Badan Usaha Milik Negara (BUMN) ini menggandeng perusahaan Ceko, Excalibur Army Group dari CzechoSlovak Group.

Pindad Cobra, ranpur jenis panser ini sudah berdatangan sejak 4 Februari 2020.

Pindad Cobra diperuntukan bagi Batalyon Infantri Mekanis (Yonifmek), pasukan infanteri termekanisasi yang dibekali pengangkut personel lapis baja (APC) atau kendaraan tempur infanteri (IFV) sebagai kendaraan pengangkut personel tempur.

"Bicara soal spesifikasi, Panser Cobra ini memiliki beberapa spesifikasi yang mumpuni," demikian tulis pernyataan Komite Kebijakan Industri Pertahanan (KKIP), dikutip dari laman resminya, kkip.go.id.

Turret Ares UT30 Mk II dengan kanon Bushmaster 30mm (photo : Ares)

Spesifikasi Panser Cobra

Panser Cobra memiliki kubah tempur tanpa awak U30 MK II buatan Elbit System.

Elbit System adalah perusahaan yang mengkhususkan diri dalam pembuatan kendaraan dan alat tempur asal Brasil.

Untuk persenjataannya, Panser Cobra dibekali dengan meriam kaliber 30 milimeter (mm) Bushmaster MK 44.

Meriam kaliber ini dibuat oleh Northrop Grumman, perusahaan asal AS yang memiliki beberapa divisi perusahaan, mulai dari penerbangan hingga penyediaan alat tempur.

Sementara itu, persenjataan sekunder pada Panser Cobra dibuat oleh Pindad, yakni senapan mesin sedang (SMS) 7,62 mm.

Panser 8x8 Cobra tampak belakang (photo : bmpd)

Dimensi dan pelindung Panser Cobra

Varian senapan mesin sedang Pindad ini dioperasikan dengan mekanisme gas operated yang menghasilkan rate of fire 650-1.000 peluru per menit dan jarak efektif 1.000 meter.

Soal ukuran dimensinya, Panser Cobra memiliki panjang 7,5 meter, lebar 2,67 meter, dan tinggi 2,1 meter. Bobot tempurnya mencapai 17,6 ton, dan apabila ditambah add-on armor menjadi 22 ton.

Bicara soal kapasitas, Panser Cobra ini dapat diawaki tiga orang, yakni komandan, pengemudi, dan juru senjata.

Untuk kabin belakang dapat menampung hingga delapan pasukan bersenjata lengkap dengan muatan bawaan mencapai 8,5 ton.

Pada bagian luar Panser Cobra menggunakan add-on passive armour buatan Rafael, Israel. Lapisan ini mampu menahan laju munisi SMB kaliber 14,5 mm.

Panser Cobra mempunyai kemampuan amfibi (photo : Indomiliter)

Pertahanan dari ranjau darat

Kemudian, pada bagian bawah lambung Cobra dilapisi SSAB ARMOX 500 yang sanggup bertahan dari ranjau darat.

Pada bagian depan, Panser Cobra dilengkapi dengan perisai pemecah gelombang air atau ombak.

Dengan ditenagai mesin diesel Cummins EURO III berdaya 455 horsepower atau tenaga kuda, Panser Cobra dapat melaju di jalan datar keras dengan kecepatan mencapai 105 kilometer per jam dan kecepatan di air 10 kilometer per jam.

Pada bagian palka pengemudi juga telah dipasangi sistem penglihatan malam Combined Day/Night Day (CDND-1).

CDND-1 terdiri dari dua prisma yang dipotong dari kaca optik khusus untuk bidang pandang yang ekstra luas yang dilengkapi dengan filter anti-laser untuk panjang gelombang 800, 900, 1064, dan 1540 nm.

(Kompas)

27 Mei 2022

Australia’s First MC-55A Peregrine is Spotted

27 Mei 2022

The Australian MC-55A bears features of both the conformal AEW and SIGINT versions of the G550, as well as other unique modifications (photo : Aaron Perlupo)

The first known MC-55A for Australia has been seen flying in the US since March as part of a test programme.

The unique configuration of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) MC-55A Peregrine airborne ISR and EW aircraft has been revealed by images posted on social media in recent weeks.

An MC-55A bearing the civil registration ‘N540GA’ has been observed conducting flights from Gulfstream’s facility in Savannah, Georgia, since March. This is believed to be the first of four aircraft for the RAAF, all of which had been ferried from Savannah to Greenville, Texas, several years ago for modification by prime contractor L3Harris.

(Shephard)

PT Pindad dan Dislitbangad Uji Inovasi Munisi Sniper Terbaru

26 Mei 2022

Produk munisi MU2-M A1 dan MU2-M A2 (all photos : Pindad)

PT Pindad melaksanakan uji sertifikasi produk munisi MU2-M A1 & MU2-M A2 kaliber 7,62 x 51 mm 175 grains HPBT pada rabu, 25 Mei 2022 berlokasi di Lab Dislitbangad & Lapangan Tembak Pussenarmed Kodiklat TNI AD, Batujajar, Kabupaten Bandung Barat. Kegiatan uji dilaksanakan dalam rangka pengujian dan sertifikasi produk munisi inovasi PT Pindad, MU2-M A1 & MU2 sesuai dengan tolok ukur SST (syarat-syarat tipe) yang telah ditentukan dan kedepannya dapat memenuhi kebutuhan munisi untuk seluruh jenis senjata sniper standar NATO kaliber 7,62 x 51 mm. Kegiatan uji sertifikasi produk dihadiri oleh Direktur Teknologi & Pengembangan PT Pindad Sigit P. Santosa, VP PM & K3LH Prima Kharisma, VP Inovasi Windhu Paramarta, Kadislitbangad Brigjen TNI Terry Tresna Purnama beserta jajaran.

Pelaksanaan uji Sertifikasi produk munisi MU2-M A1 & MU2-M A2 terbagi menjadi dua kegiatan utama, yaitu uji laboratorium dan uji lapang. Uji laboratorium merupakan pengujian spesifikasi dan data teknis produk munisi MU2-M A1 & MU2-M A2 sesuai dengan SST yang telah ditentukan. Kegiatan pengujian laboratorium meliputi uji berat dan dimensi, jenis penggalak dan kepekaan penggalak, jenis dan kelas isian dorong, kuat tarik anak peluru, keretakan / cacat selongsong, tanda-tanda munisi serta kemasan dan kantung munisi.

Uji lapang merupakan pengujian produk munisi MU2-M A1 & MU2-M A2 dengan cara ditembakkan menggunakan produk senjata penembak runduk Pindad SPR 3, berlokasi di lorong tembak Dislitbangad & lapangan tembak Pussenarmed Kodiklat TNI AD Batujajar. Kegiatan pengujian lapang meliputi uji kecepatan peluru, rentang kecepatan peluru, ketelitian tembak, tekanan gas rata-rata, daya tembus plat baja dan kelancaran kerja pada kondisi normal serta kondisi khusus (kedap air & ketahanan terhadap suhu rendah dan tinggi).

Untuk uji ketelitian tembak dengan penembakan berjarak 100m & 300m berlokasi di lorong tembak Laboratorium Dislitbangad. Sedangkan untuk penembakan berjarak 600m & 900m berlokasi di Lapangan Tembak Pussenarmed Kodiklatad Batujajar.

(Pindad)

Latest Batch of MPAC's Now Armed with Spike ER Missiles & Mini Typhoon Remote Weapon Stations

27 Mei 2022

MPAC with hull number BA-492, BA-493, and BA-494 equipped with Spike-ER missiles and Mini Typhoon RCWS (photos: AFP Modernization Program Updates)

The Philippine Navy's 4th batch of Multi Purpose Attack Crafts have completed their installation of new weapon systems and additional armoring and now back in service as Missile Equipped MPAC's.

The boat from the Philippine Navy's 4th Boat Attack Division of the Littoral Combat Force and were upgraded under the Philippine Navy's MPAC Combat Systems and Capability Upgrade Project.