LAND 19 Flight Trial Success

07 Juli 2023

Raytheon Australia leads successful LAND 19 flight trial enabling enhanced Short-range Ground Based Air Defence System (photo : Raytheon)

In the windswept plains of South Australia, against bright pigments of red soil, lies the Woomera Test Range (WTR). This remote location, stretching over 122,000 square kilometres – at approximately the same size of England, it remains the largest land-based test range in the Western world – and is the epicentre of Australia's military and aerospace testing. As a village designed specifically for military personnel, Woomera has been a hub of activity, hosting a game-changing operation led by Raytheon Australia.

The project at hand: a rigorous examination of the LAND 19 Phase 7B Short Range Ground Based Air Defence (SRGBAD) system – an advanced defence mechanism for detecting, tracking, engaging and guiding missiles against their targets - set to revolutionise Australia's short range air defence capabilities.

The LAND 19 Flight Trial is a mission of significant proportions, aimed at strengthening the nation's peace, stability and safety in an ever-evolving global defence landscape.

Reflecting on the trial, LAND 19 Senior Program Manager Paul Szoboszlay said, "Seeing the whole system brought together and operating in its intended environment reinforces to our team the contribution we are making towards our ultimate objective, which is to put awesome capability into the hands of the Australian warfighter."

Henri Westell, the Flight Trial Lead, recalled the extensive scope of the project. "The Flight Trial was a mammoth task," he said. His words capture the magnitude of the trial, which aimed to test the SRGBAD system’s effectiveness against live air targets in a controlled setting. 

"There’s a significant amount of planning that goes into a trial as large and complex as this," Westell admitted. "The scope of the task was only realised through the hard work of a committed and competent interorganisational team."

Westell said the processes required to successfully conduct the trial were extremely comprehensive. “The recipe for conducting a successful trial involves many different ingredients," he explained. "Planning, communication and adaptability are extremely important factors. It’s about understanding the capabilities you need to demonstrate, what mission systems you require to execute those capabilities, which people and what expertise you need to achieve success, and what assets or facilities you need to support those people and the capability demonstration.”

Westell also stressed the importance of safety throughout the process, emphasizing that planning is only complete once safety has been ensured. "After all of that, you have to determine how to do it safely," Westell said. 

The LAND 19 Flight Trial was a landmark operation, setting the stage for a new era of integrated air and missile defence operations. Paul Szoboszlay echoed this sentiment, stating, “By collaborating and engaging with our industry partners, we are delivering a program that not only meets the customer’s needs but also reinforces Raytheon Australia’s role as the capability partner for Defence."

The successful completion of the trial confirms the SRGBAD system's accuracy and capability, proving it can perform its primary mission: detecting, tracking, engaging and guiding missiles against their targets. As such, it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation and meticulous planning, marking a significant step forward in Australia's defence capabilities.

(Raytheon)

PH, US Marines to Sink Decommissioned Tanker in Zambales Drill

07 Juli 2023

Decommissioned Philippine Navy tanker, the former BRP Lake Caliraya (AO-81) (photo : U2274943)

MANILA – Philippine and US Marine Corps troops would be cooperating to sink a decommissioned Philippine Navy (PN) replenishment tanker off Zambales, as one of the highlights of this year's Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) which will be held from July 6 to 21.

Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) spokesperson Capt. Jarald B. Rea, in an interview with reporters Wednesday, said this activity is known in military circles as a "maritime strike" and will take place off San Antonio, Zambales on July 13.

He identified the decommissioned PN ship as the ex-BRP Lake Caliraya.

This tanker was earlier donated by the then Philippine National Oil Corporation to the Navy sometime in 2014 and decommissioned in 2020.

Rea said the scenario for this maritime strike exercise is focused on "coastal defense" and aimed at disrupting invading or hostile landing or "counter-landing" in military parlance.

This is the second time Filipino and American forces will be conducting a sinking exercise this year, with the first one taking place last April 26.

During the first drill, the decommissioned World War II BRP Pangasinan (PS-31) was sunk during the combined joint littoral live-fire exercise during the "Balikatan" exercises.

Decommissioned Philippine Navy tanker, the former BRP Lake Caliraya (AO-81) (photo : Wiki)

Around 1,257 personnel, with 115 reservists, from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be participating while another 1,444 will be coming from the US side, he added.

Seven PN ships will also be participating during the duration of the exercise.

Rea said they are still verifying US military assets that will be participating in MASA.

"Yun objectives natin sa (our objectives for) MASA 2023, is to (enhance) yung (the) capabilities of the combined forces in conducting aviation supported operations through the conduct of joint and combined training and exercises that will develop the proficiency in undertaking aviation related tasks," he added.

MASA 2023 also aims to enhance the territorial defense capabilities of the two services. It will be conducted in various training venues across the country.

Two bilateral training -- helicopter rope suspension training and maritime strike will be held in San Antonio.

An earlier PMC statement said MASA is semiannual activity between the Philippine and US militaries that aims to improve interoperability, allowing both forces to operate seamlessly and effectively in joint operations.

The focus is to align procedures, tactics and communications to enhance combined capabilities and readiness, leading to a more synchronized response to the evolving security challenges. 

(PNA)

SEA Builds Communications Systems for New Zealand ANZAC Frigates

06 Juli 2023

Royal New Zealand Navy ANZAC-class frigates (photo : RNZN)

SEA has been awarded a £26m contract by New Zealand’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the Phase two build and installation of the communication system upgrade on two Royal New Zealand Navy ANZAC frigates.

Phase two of the Frigate Sustainment - Communications project follows SEA’s successful completion of the first phase which included the design of the system itself.

The bespoke SEA system has been designed to reduce through life costs and associated maintenance of the frigate’s new communication capability. The flexible, modular system will enable the Navy to integrate equipment, including cryptos and radios, regardless of the manufacturer or supplier.

The system’s open architecture will also meet interoperability requirements, allowing the Royal New Zealand Navy to communicate with partner navies and, in turn, support missions with friendly countries such as neighbouring Australia.

Richard Flitton, Managing Director at SEA, said: “A ship’s communications are integral to any successful mission, and our flexible surface ship system will allow the Royal New Zealand Navy to communicate effectively and securely with partners while also reducing maintenance and associated costs. Having completed the design of the system, we’re now fully focused on bringing it in to service over the coming years.”

The contract marks the continued development of collaborative working relationships with a range of partners, including the Royal New Zealand Navy and other local organisations. SEA hosted guests from the New Zealand MoD at its Beckington and Barnstaple sites in 2022 and has worked with New Zealand-based companies such as Beca, MAROPS and McKay in delivering the first phase of the project and will continue to collaborate with them throughout this contract.

Richard added: “In addition to supporting the Royal New Zealand Navy’s continued technological innovation, we’re also pleased to be developing in-country training, skills and expertise through our various local partners. We’re delighted to be increasing our presence in Australasia having proven our ability to deliver in the region.”

(SEA)

Saab Receives Order for Carl-Gustaf M4 from Australia

06 Juli 2023

Saab Carl Gustaf M4 anti-tank weapons (photo : Saab)

Saab has received an order from the Australian Department of Defence for the supply of additional Carl-Gustaf® M4 weapons. The order value is SEK 400 million with deliveries during 2024-2025.

The Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons will be delivered with Saab’s new Fire Control Device, FCD 558.

“This order continues Saab’s longstanding relationship with the Australian Defence Force. We are proud to deliver modern and user-focused weapon systems that ensures the Australian armed forces’ ability to meet a wide range of challenges on the battlefield,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

Proven to deliver results on the battlefield, Carl-Gustaf provides the effectiveness soldiers need. The wide range of ammunition types for Carl-Gustaf makes it flexible and able to handle any situation, whether it is to destroy an armoured vehicle or structure, or illuminating the battlefield during night operations.

The Carl-Gustaf system is supplied to more than 40 countries around the world.

(Saab)

TNI AL Luncurkan KRI Tuna-876, Kapal Patroli Tipe PC-60

06 Juli 2023

Peluncuran Kapal Patroli KRI Tuna-876 (photo : Kompas)

TNI AL Segera Diperkuat Kapal Patroli Cepat 60 Meter, Diberi Nama KRI Tuna-876 dan Akan Perkuat Koarmada I

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - TNI Angkatan Laut (AL) segera diperkuat Kapal Perang Republik Indonesia (KRI) jenis Patroli Cepat 60 Meter produksi dalam negeri. 

Kapal patroli cepat itu telah diberi nama KRI Tuna-876 oleh Kepala Staf TNI AL (KSAL) Laksamana Muhammad Ali dalam upacara shipnaming dan launching di Galangan Kapal PT Karimun Anugrah Sejati (KAS), Batam, Kepuluan Riau, Rabu (5/7/2023). 

“Pembangunan kapal ini merupakan manifestasi penting dari pemenuhan kebutuhan alat utama sistem persenjataan (alutsista) TNI AL sesuai dengan perencanaan strategis yang telah ditetapkan,” kata KSAL Ali, dikutip dari siaran pers Dinas Penerangan TNI AL (Dispenal), Rabu. 

Dengan hadirnya KRI Tuna-876, Ali berharap kapal patroli cepat ini akan meningkatkan kekuatan dan kemampuan dalam melaksanakan tugas-tugas sebagai komponen utama pertahanan negara di laut. 

Ali juga mengatakan, pembangunan kapal patroli cepat ini memiliki makna strategis dalam pemberdayaan dan peningkatan kemampuan industri pertahanan dalam negeri serta kemandirian pemenuhan alutsista. 

Peluncuran Kapal Patroli KRI Tuna-876 (photo : Antara)

Masuk Koarmada I

KRI Tuna-876 nantinya akan memperkuat jajaran Komando Armada (Koarmada) I, yakni Satuan Patroli Lantamal I Belawan. 

Adapun kapal ini memiliki panjang keseluruhan 62,40 meter, lebar 8,80 meter, dan tinggi 19,37 meter, serta memiliki kecepatan maksimal 24 knot dan daya jelajah sejauh 17 knots. 

Kapal ini dipersenjatai dengan 1 unit Meriam Kaliber 40 mm dan 2 unit Meriam Kaliber 12,7 dengan jumlah personel pengawal 50 orang.

Nama Tuna memiliki filosofis. Dalam bahasa Yunani, Tuna disebut dengan Thino yang bermakna “melesat”. 

Selain kecepatannya, ikan Tuna juga memiliki kemampuan dapat beradaptasi dalam kondisi air yang beragam. 

Dengan disematkannya nama tersebut, diharapkan KRI Tuna-876 dapat berfungsi sebagai kapal patroli yang berkemampuan mendukung kegiatan-kegiatan operasi saat situasi damai maupun perang, serta responsif terhadap segala bentuk penegakkan hukum dan misi kemanusiaan.

(Kompas)

TNI AL Akan Bangun Kapal "Sistership" KRI Bung Karno-369

05 Juli 2023

KRI Bung Karno-369 saat dilaunching pada awal Juni 2023 (photo : TNI AL)

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - TNI Angkatan Laut (AL) ingin membangun sistership atau kapal kedua yang setipe dengan KRI Bung Karno-369. 

Kepala Staf TNI AL (KSAL) Laksamana Muhammad Ali mengatakan, pengadaan kapal sistership KRI Bung Karno-369 itu akan dilaksanakan pada 2024. 

“Jadi progamnya untuk tahun depan, namun sekarang sudah ada blueprint-nya,” kata Ali di Markas Kolinlamil, Jakarta Utara, Senin (3/7/2023). 

Dalam desainnya, kapal sistership itu memiliki ukuran yang lebih panjang dibanding KRI Bung Karno-369 saat ini. 

“Cuma jenisnya sama, sama-sama korvet. Dari desain hampir sama, cuma panjangnya bertambah sedikit, tambah 2–3 meter saja,” ucap KSAL. 

“Persenjataannya nantinya akan sama,” kata dia lagi. 

KRI Bung Karno 369 pada akhir Juni 2023 (photo : TNI AL)

Sama seperti KRI Bung Karno-369, sistership itu akan diproduksi oleh perusahaan dalam negeri. 

Adapun TNI AL baru saja meresmikan KRI Bung Karno-369. Peresmian dipimpin oleh Presiden RI ke-5 Megawati Soekarnoputri didampingi Panglima TNI Laksamana Yudo Margono, KSAL Laksamana Muhammad Ali, dan Ketua DPR RI Puan Maharani di Markas Kolinlamil, pada 1 Juni 2023 atau bertepatan dengan Hari Lahir Pancasila. 

KRI Bung Karno-369 kemudian bermarkas di Komando Armada (Koarmada) I, Tanjungpinang, Kepulauan Riau. 

KRI Bung Karno-369 merupakan kapal korvet pertama buatan dalam negeri dan akan menjadi kapal kepresidenan menggantikan KRI Barakuda-633 yang sudah beroperasi selama 27 tahun.

Kapal produksi PT Karimun Anugrah Sejati di Batam ini juga akan dioperasionalkan dalam mendukung pelaksanaan operasi militer perang (OMP) maupun operasi militer selain perang (OMSP). 

“Dalam kondisi damai, ini lebih diperuntukkan untuk kapal kepresidenan, tetapi apabila situasi mendesak bisa saja untuk keperluan kombatan full,” ujar KSAL, dikutip dari keterangan Dispenal.

(Kompas)

Australian Army Tests AS9 Huntsman SPH in South korea

05 Juli 2023

The South Korean K9 Thunder conducting test firing at a testing facility in South Korea (photo : Aus DoD)

Self-propelled howitzer a game-changer

Tests of Army’s incoming AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer, with its three-round burst and automated loading capabilities, are nearing completion in South Korea.

Army will first receive two AS9s, modelled off the South Korean K9 Thunder, and an AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicle imported from South Korea.

Construction of a new Hanwha Defense Australia factory is underway near Avalon, Victoria, where the remaining 42 vehicles will begin production in Australia late next year.

Hanwha has been working with the ADF to integrate Australian 155mm shells, including the new Rheinmetall Assegai munitions.

Major Brendan Kelleher, of the project team under Land 8116, said the tests ensured the combination of Australian ammunition and a Korean cannon were safe for service.

“While we know in isolation the K9’s cannon is safe, and in isolation the ammunition is safe, this testing makes sure they are compatible,” Major Kelleher said.

Once that is established, subsequent tests will collect ballistics data required to use the AS9 with the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems, used to calculate and coordinate firing.

Further testing will be conducted in Australia focused on protection of the vehicle from small arms fire and shrapnel.

“A coupon [metal sample] from the steel, of which the vehicle is built, is placed in a vice and a slug is shot into it,” Major Kelleher said.

“This is repeated against coupons of different thickness to understand the levels of protection.”

Blast testing was also recently conducted in Israel involving a full size AS9 hull fitted with crash test dummies, cameras and sensors inside.

An explosive charge was detonated at the base of the vehicle to imitate the effects of a land mine.

The results will inform design changes to ensure the vehicles provide the required protection and survivability for soldiers.

“The feedback we’re getting from other users is they are impressed by the maturity and ease of use of the platform,” Major Kelleher said.

“It is a big increase in range and lethality from the in-service towed howitzer, made possible by the longer cannon and higher rates of fire.

“For junior gunners and non-commissioned officers, it’s going to be a challenging but exciting step up to manage both a cannon and an armoured vehicle, likely with greater autonomy than they might have on a normal gun line.”

Elphinstone, a company on the north coast of Tasmania, will manufacture the hulls and turrets.

The first AS9 to be completed in Australia is expected to roll out the door by the end of 2025.

(Aus DoD)