Trio of New Boats Strengthens Royal New Zealand Navy’s capability

28 Oktober 2023

Sentinel 1250 Littoral Manoeuvre Craft (photo : Sentinel Boats)

The three 12.5 metre Littoral Manoeuvre Craft (LMC) will be deployed by HMNZS Matataua, part of the RNZN’s Littoral Warfare Force, as fast, dependable and fit-for-purpose vessels.  

Commander Trevor Leslie, HMNZS Matataua’s commanding officer, said the LMCs would provide a vital link between coastal operations and tactical insertion of diving and hydrographic specialists, as well as providing a reconnaissance option. They can also be used on international deployments.

“These vessels will allow us to go further and faster with more personnel, and once inserted we can do so much more,” he said.

“In that regard they’re a real game-changer for Matataua.”

Built by Hobart-based Sentinel Boats, the three LMC are the first of their kind to join the RNZN fleet.

Their hulls are constructed out of a polyethylene variant, rather than the more traditional fibreglass or aluminium. This makes the vessels extremely durable, highly resistant to impact and have a very low magnetic and acoustic signature.

Powered by twin Cummins 550hp diesel engines coupled with HamiltonJet waterjets, the boats are capable of 40-plus knots, with a range of more than 150 nautical miles when fully loaded.

Commander Leslie said the LMCs could comfortably transport six divers with military diving equipment and the smaller Zodiac boats, or Hydrographic Survey operators with underwater autonomous vehicles or even an infantry section of 10 soldiers with packs and rifles.

The LMCs will shortly be operational from Devonport Naval Base and HMNZS Matataua, but will eventually be able to embark, when needed, onto parent ship HMNZS Manawanui and be transported to any area of operation. 

Whakatāne is HMNZS Matataua’s ceremonial homeport, and Commander Leslie approached Eastern Bay of Plenty’s Ngāti Awa for guidance on naming the three vessels.

The mangō (shark) is important to the iwi and the LMCs were given the names Matawhā (bronze whaler), Ururoa (great white) and Mako (blue pointer).

(NZDF)

Israel Delivered 2nd Batch of ASCOD Sabrah Light Tanks to Philippine Army

28 Oktober 2023

Arrival of 2 Sabrah light tanks in Subic Freeport (photos : MaxDefense)

A batch of ASCOD 2 Sabrah light tanks being unloaded from a commercial cargo ship in Subic Freeport on thursday.

The DND is expecting 20 ASCOD 2 Sabrah light tanks and support vehicles as part of the Philippine Army's Light Tank Acquisition Project.

These would be delivered by the main contractor Elbit Systems of Israel.

The Philippine Army ordered 18 Sabrah ASCOD 2 tracked tanks, 10 Pandur 2 wheeled tanks and 2 ASCOD Armored Recovery Vehicle.

(Da-Real)

Four RSAF AH-64D Deployed to Australia for The First Time

27 Oktober 2023

Four AH-64D Apache deployed to Oakey, Australia (all photos : RSAF)

We are deploying four AH-64D Apache attack helicopters from 120 SQN to Oakey, Australia, from 17 Oct to 1 Nov 2023 for the first time. Not only will our AH-64D Apache attack helicopters train with our CH-47F heavy lift helicopters at Oakey Detachment, our personnel will also conduct professional discussions and sharings with their Australian counterparts, which enhances mutual trust and cooperation between both air forces.

Overseas training such as these are important for the RSAF. We thank our Australian counterparts for the strong support for the RSAF’s training in Oakey Detachment.

We wish all participants a smooth training experience down under! Don't miss the exciting action – check out some photos here to witness it in action!

(RSAF)

Australian Government Working with Industry to Assure Collins class Submarine

27 Oktober 2023

Four Collins class submarines conducted an exercise in 2019 (photo : RAN)

The Australian Government is committed to a potent, enduring and agile submarine capability, and will use an independent assurance activity to inform the life-of-type extension of the Collins class submarine fleet.

Australia’s transition to conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines is underpinned by the ongoing availability of the Collins class submarine capability throughout this transition period. This will require the life of the Collins class submarines to be extended.

This assurance activity will provide the Government with advice on Defence and industry’s current preparedness to deliver the Collins class submarine life-of-type extension.

This assurance activity will not delay any of the vital work that Defence and industry are continuing to deliver to sustain and extend the life of the Collins class fleet.

The independent assurance activity is being led by Gloria Valdez, a member of the Naval Shipbuilding Expert Advisory Panel. A classified report will be delivered to the Australian Government in the second quarter of 2024.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“The Collins class submarines remain one of the most capable conventionally powered submarines in the world. The life-of-type extension of the Collins class is essential to the maintenance of Australia’s submarine capability as we transition from conventional to nuclear-powered submarines.

“This independent assurance activity seeks to ensure the life-of-type extension is delivered in the most effective and efficient manner, guaranteeing Australia retains an enduring, potent and agile submarine capability.”

(Aus DoD)

Kemenhan Dorong Road Map Baru untuk Produksi “Drone” MALE

27 Oktober 2023

Pada tanggal 19 Oktober 2023 lalu spotter Bambang Haryanta mengunggah prototipe drone Elang Hitam yang telah diupgrade (photo : Bambang Haryanta)

Wamenhan RI M. Herindra Buka Acara Simposium Nasional Pesawat Terbang Tanpa Awak

Jakarta – Wakil Menteri Pertahanan M. Herindra membuka acara “Simposium Nasional Pesawat Terbang Tanpa Awak” di Jakarta, Senin (23/10). Acara Simposium Nasional Pesawat Terbang Tanpa Awak turut menghadirkan narasumber dari Koopsudnas TNI AU, PT Infoglobal Teknologi Semesta, BRIN, Kementerian Koordinator Bidang Perekonomian, dan Kementerian PPN/Bappenas.

Wamenhan M. Herindra saat membacakan sambutannya menyatakan, pada sidang KKIP beberapa waktu lalu, Bapak Presiden RI selaku Ketua KKIP pada sidang KKIP tanggal 13 April 2021 telah menginstruksikan tiga hal prioritas yaitu kesinambungan pengadaan Alpalhankam; penciptaan kemandirian Industri Pertahanan; dan mengubah paradigma belanja pertahanan menjadi investasi pertahanan.

Prototipe drone Elang Hitam kini telah menggunakan roda pendarat yang lebih kokoh (photo : Bambang Haryanta)

“Sebagai tindak lanjut dari arahan Bapak Presiden RI, Komite Kebijakan Industri Pertahanan (KKIP) yang dipimpin oleh Bapak Menhan RI selaku Ketua Harian KKIP menginstruksikan perlunya pemberdayagunaan segenap sumber daya teknologi, manusia, dan anggaran dalam negeri guna mewujudkan kemandirian industri pesawat terbang tanpa awak, serta petunjuk untuk menyelenggarakan simposium pesawat terbang tanpa awak guna mencari solusi permasalahan PTTA M.A.L.E (Medium Altitude Long Endurance),” kata Wamenhan selaku Sekretaris KKIP.

Pesawat terbang tanpa awak telah menjadi komponen vital dalam kekuatan pertahanan dan keamanan suatu negara. Mengingat era pertahanan modern yang semakin kompleks dan teknologi yang berkembang pesat, maka kemandirian industri teknologi pesawat terbang tanpa awak di bidang pertahanan dan keamanan memiliki urgensi yang sangat penting.

“Saya berharap simposium ini dapat menghasilkan rumusan strategis dan dapat mewujudkan sinergitas kita bersama dalam penguatan Industri Pertahanan khususnya Pesawat Terbang Tanpa Awak, serta mengevaluasi konsorsium PTTA M.A.L.E dan rumusan roadmap baru untuk keberhasilan program ini,” tegas M. Herindra. 

(Kemhan)

TNI AL Dapat Tambahan Kapal Misi Khusus Buatan PT Tesco Indomaritim

26 Oktober 2023

Patkamla Yapero buatan PT Tesco Indomaritim yang akan dipakai untuk Lantamal XI, Merauke, Papua (photos : TNI AL)

KBRN, Jakarta: Armada kapal TNI AL mendapat tambahan satu Special Mission Combat Boat (SMCB) ke dalam jajaran kapal perangnya. Wakil KSAL Laksdya TNI Ahmadi Heri Purwono menyerahkan kapal misi khusus tersebut di Pluit, Jakarta, Rabu (25/10/2023).

SMCB cocok digunakan di wilayah yang tidak bisa dimasuki kapal perang. Sebab, SMCB merupakan jenis kapal patroli serba guna yang mampu beroperasi di alur sungai, maupun selat sempit.

Ahmadi menjelaskan, kondisi geografis Indonesia dengan banyak pulau kecil, alur sungai, dan selat-selat sempit menjadi tantangan TNI AL. Terlebih, kondisi itu kerap dimanfaatkan sebagai jalur penyelundupan, maupun kejahatan.

Oleh karena itu, tambahnya, TNI AL harus didukung oleh alutsista yang mampu menjawab tantangan tersebut. “Kapal SMCB ini mampu menjawab tantangan itu," ujarnya.

 

Apalagi, lanjutnya, selain bermanuver di perairan sempit, SMCB juga punya kegunaan lain. "Bisa digunakan untuk mengangkut prajurit untuk melakukan operasi amphibi,” ucapnya.

Ia menambahkan, pada tahun 2023 ini, TNI AL melakukan pengadaan 2 kapal jenis SMCB buatan dalam negeri. Satu Kapal dibuat di galangan PT Tesco Indomaritim, dan satu lagi di galangan PT Palindo Marine.

“Yang diserahkan hari ini merupakan karya anak bangsa yang dibuat di galangan milik PT Tesco Indomaritim, di Bekasi. Ini membanggakan, desainnya seratus persen oleh anak-anak bangsa, dan tingkat komponen dalam negerinya sudah mencapai 45 persen,“ katanya.

Ditegaskannya, pengadaan SMCB ini merupakan wujud komitmen TNI AL, mendukung penggunaan produk dalam negeri. ”Karena ini akan mendorong pertumbuhan industri pertahanan dalam negeri dan penyerapan tenaga kerja,” ujarnya.

Kapal yang diberi nama Patkamla Yapero ini nantinya akan masuk dalam jajaran Lantamal XI, Merauke, Papua. Yapero sendiri merupakan nama sebuah pulau di Distrik Mimika Timur Jauh, Kabupaten Mimika.

SMCB memiliki Panjang 18,30 meter, lebar 4,2 meter, dan mampu melaju dengan kecepatan maksimal 35 knot. SMCB diawaki 7 orang, serta dilengkapi senapan mesin kaliber 12,7 mm, dan dua senapan mesin kaliber 7,62 mm.

Selain itu, SMCB juga mampu membawa 30 prajurit untuk operasi pendaratan amphibi, maupun operasi kemanusiaan. Rencananya, TNI AL akan menambah 11 SMCB secara bertahap. 

(RRI)

China Considers Replacing S-26T with New Chinese Frigates

26 Oktober 2023

F262 PNS Taimur, the Type 054 A/P frigates of Pakistan Navy (photo : PakDefence)

Thai Defense Minister Suthin Khlangsaeng has announced the suspension of the project to purchase the Chinese S26T diesel-electric attack submarine (SSK), with the Thai government accepting the Royal Thai Navy's offer that will be changed to purchasing a frigate with the budget allocated for the S26T submarine procurement project, Phase 1, the amount of 13,500,000,000 baht ($390 million) is currently only paid 7,100,000,000 baht ($195 million).

On 23 October 2023, Thai Defense Minister Suthin Klangsaeng said he was ready to explain the reasons for the change of plans to the Thai Parliament's Armed Forces and State Security Committee. Explained that the strategic cooperation and trade relationship between China and Thailand was a factor in the decision to modify the plan rather than cancel the agreement. He explained in a subsequent media interview on 24 October 2023 that Increasing the budget limit for purchasing frigates is approximately 14,000,000,000 baht ($387.4 million) with the price of the frigate at around the 17,000,000,000 baht ($466.27 million) mentioned earlier is the price the Royal Thai Navy sets for frigates from other countries such as Europe.

Increasing the amount that must be paid in the transition from the S26T submarine procurement project, Phase 1, from the original by approximately 6,400,000,000 baht ($177,079,296) with another frigate 6,900,000,000 baht ($190,884,567) instead is the " best solution "

During his announcement on 20 October 2023 that the purchase of Chinese S26T submarines had been suspended, Thai Defense Minister Suthin Khlangsaeng stressed that the submarine project has not been cancelled.

Speaking during a visit to the Royal Thai Navy Headquarters, he said the Royal Thai Navy's submarine acquisition program could resume "when the country is ready. "

The Royal Thai Navy's submarine procurement program has been halted due to Germany's refusal to export the MTU 396 diesel generator set to power the S26T submarine. The German government in Berlin cited the European Union's arms export embargo against China since the 1989 Tiananmen Square riots . 

Meanwhile, the previous commander of the Royal Thai Navy, Admiral Cherngchai Chomchoengphaet, approved a plan to use Chinese CHD620 diesel electric power engines as an alternative to the German MTU 396 engines after receiving additional performance certification from China. But in September 2023, the new Thai government did not approve the proposal to proceed with Chinese CHD620 engines for the S26T submarine.

The current Thai government has asked the Royal Thai Navy to propose an alternative to purchasing submarines. The Royal Thai Navy has proposed purchasing a frigate or Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) as an alternative to submarines. The Thai government chose the frigate.

The Royal Thai Navy has announced its intention to procure three diesel-electric attack submarines in 2015, selecting the S26T submarine based on the Type 039B (NATO designated) class submarine Yuan class code of the People's Liberation Army Navy'

Type 054 A frigates of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) (photo : SCMP)

The S26T submarine has a displacement of 2,550 tons and a length of 77.7 m. It is equipped with an additional air independent propulsion system (AIP) and an MTU 396 diesel engine. Makes the S26T submarine capable of operating at sea for up to 65 days by combining conventional diesel-electric engines with AIP anaerobic propulsion systems.

A 13,500,000,000 baht ($390 million) government-to-government contract for the first S26T submarine was signed in May 2017. The first steel sheet cutting took place on 4 September 2018 and the keel laying ceremony took place on 5 September 2019 The said contract will expire in November 2023 .

The first S26T submarine was originally supposed to be completed in September 2023, but the date on which the first submarine for the Royal Thai Navy will be completed remains to be seen. It has been postponed to April 2024. The ship's builder, China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company (CSOC), blamed the delay on the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Royal Thai Navy has requested a budget since 2020 for the project to procure the S26T submarine, Phase 2 and Phase 3 for another 2 submarines, but was not approved until now. Members of the House of Representatives in the Thai parliament who are responsible for making laws have questioned the necessity of the Royal Thai Navy's submarine project in order to revive the Thai economy affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

An export version of China's Type 039B Yuan-class submarine is being built for the Pakistan Navy as eight Hangor-class submarines, of which the latter four are being built in Pakistan. The Pakistan Navy has also procured an export version of the Type 054A class frigates in service with the People's Liberation Army Navy also in the name of 4 Tughril class frigates.

(AAG)