LCS 2 Completed the Blasting and First Level of Painting Process

03 Januari 2025

Raja Muda Nala was the prepared name for LCS 2 (screenshot video photos/ssv photos: LUNAS)

Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) 2 has successfully completed the blasting and first level of painting process, marking a significant milestone in its construction journey. It will later transition to further surface preparation and coating applications to ensure all critical areas meet the required standards.

These essential procedures ensure the ship’s surface is ready as we move progressively to the next stages, where additional layers of coating will be meticulously applied to enhance durability and resilience in demanding maritime conditions. This progress brings us closer to the much-anticipated completion of LCS 2.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated teams whose expertise and hard work have made this progress possible. LUNAS remains committed to delivering excellence in the construction of LCS.

(LUNAS)

Marcos Signs 2025 Nat'l Budget, Vetoes Over P194-B in Line Items

02 Januari 2025

The overall defense budget has increased from Php256.1 billion on NEP to Php315.1 billion on BICAM approval (image:  ABS-CBN News)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday signed into law the 2025 national budget and vetoed over PHP194 billion in line items he deemed inconsistent with his administration’s priorities.

In his speech, Marcos emphasized that the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2025 was designed to sustain economic growth and improve the lives of future generations and should be carefully curated and scrutinized.

“We must exercise maximum prudence, or we risk increasing our deficit and debt, which could derail our development agenda,” Marcos said.

While the final version of the budget reflects many of the administration's priorities, the President said certain provisions required “careful scrutiny” to ensure that every centavo is spent on programs that truly benefit the Filipino people.

2025 Philippine National Budget (infograhic: DBM)

“The Filipino people have spoken, and every centavo must go toward strengthening communities, uplifting lives, and securing the country’s future development,” he stated.

Marcos acknowledged that some had called for a veto of the entire budget and a return to a reenacted budget.

However, he emphasized that this would have set back vital programs and delayed the country’s economic goals, including achieving single-digit poverty levels and attaining upper-middle-income status.

“The Executive Branch is united with the people in raising concerns over allocations not aligned with the country’s development plan,” Marcos said.

“As stewards of taxpayers' money, we take our responsibility seriously. After thorough review, we have vetoed over PHP194 billion worth of line items that are not consistent with our program priorities,” he added.

These cuts include certain projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways and an increase in unprogrammed appropriations by 300 percent.

The President also explained that the Ayuda sa Kapos ng Kita Program (AKAP) should be subjected to a convergence process involving the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

“This way, we ensure that its implementation will be strategic leading to the long-term improvement of the lives of qualified beneficiaries while guarding against misuse and duplication, and fragmented benefits," he said.

See full article PNA

Ini Dia Program Kerja PT DI Tahun 2025

02 Januari 2025

Progres pembuatan pesawat CN235 (N71) untuk TNI AL dan NC212i unit ke-7 TNI AU di hanggar Major Assembly PT Dirgantara Indonesia pada Desember 2024 (photo: PTDI)

2025, PTDI Menyatakan Siap Optimalkan Kapasitas Produksi Roket untuk TNI

TEMPO.CO, Bandung - PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) menyatakan 2025 sebagai momen untuk optimasi kapasitas produksi sistem senjata untuk mendukung pemenuhan kebutuhan alat utama sistem pertahanan TNI. Salah satu produk yang disiapkan adalah sistem roket dengan berbagai platform berbekal lisensi dari Thales Belgium, bagian dari Thales Group.

Fasilitas produksi sistem roket PTDI tersebut berada di Kawasan Produksi (KP) III Tasikmalaya. Kawasan tersebut mempunyai kapasitas produksi roket 10 ribu unit per tahun dan Warhead 5 ribu unit per tahun. Termasuk dengan Firing Control System dan integrasinya.

“Tahun 2025 menjadi momentum bagi PTDI untuk membuktikan bahwa kami siap menyongsong masa depan yang lebih cerah," kata Direktur Utama PTDI Gita Amperiawan dikutip dari keterangannya dalam siaran pers PTDI, Senin, 30 Desember 2024. Menurutnya, PTDI siap memenuhi kebutuhan alat pertahanan keamanan yang dibutuhkan Indonesia tahun 2025-2029.

Gita juga menekankan cerahnya masa depan PTDI itu dengan menyebut kontrak-kontrak yang telah berhasil diperoleh tiga tahun ke belakang, serta berbagai kolaborasi strategis yang dijalin. "Tidak hanya dengan partner di dalam negeri, tapi juga dengan beberapa global key player di industri dirgantara.”

Roket buatan PT Dirgantara Indonesia (photo: PTDI)

PTDI, Gita menambahkan, juga tetap mempertahankan fokusnya pada bidang kedirgantaraan dengan menyediakan produk pesawat yang berkualitas dan kompetitif, disertai inovasi teknologi terkini juga sekaligus mengupayakan pengembangan ekosistem dirgantara. 

PTDI menandatangani dokumen Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) dengan PT Yasa Artha Trimanunggal dan PT Semuwa Aviasi Mandiri (SAM Air) pada 22 November 2024 lalu. Kerja sama tersebut untuk penyediaan 12 unit pesawat produksi PTDI. Dua di antaranya pesawat NC212 series untuk mendukung program ketahanan pangan nasional untuk mendukung distribusi pangan ke daerah terpencil melalui rute perintis yang sulit di akses di wilayah Indonesia timur.

Dua pesawat NC212i tersebut merupakan pesawat bekas yang sudah dioperasikan oleh operator sebelumnya dan akan dilakukan refurbish oleh PTDI. Pengoperasiannya ditujukan sebagai bridging moda transportasi logistik sebelum dikirimkan unit pertama pesawat N219.

Sementara saat ini PTDI sedang menyelesaikan produksi satu unit pesawat CN235-220 Militrary Transport pesanan Kementerian Pertahanan untuk TNI AL, serta pesawat NC212i yang ke-7 dari 9 pesawat pesanan Kementerian Pertahanan untuk TNI AU. Pesawat untuk TNI AL saat ini akan memasuki fase pengerjaan Basic Airframe. Sementara pesawat untuk TNI AU ditargetkan rampung pada Februari 2025.

Disampaikan Gita apresiasi atas kepercayaan yang telah diberikan mitra strategis di sektor pemerintah, seperti Kementerian Pertahanan, Bappenas, dan BRIN. "Kami harap keberadaan PTDI dapat mendorong kemajuan dan berdampak baik bagi kebangkitan industri dirgantara tanah air,” katanya.

(Tempo)

Royal Thai Air Force Unveils AT-6TH Attack Aircraft, First Armed Combat Demonstration

02 Januari 2025

RTAF Beechcraft AT-6TH Wolverine serial "41102" and "41104" light attack aircraft of 411th Squadron, Wing 41 Chiang Mai (photo: Sittiphong Charoenkhan, Chittapon Kaewkiriya)

The opening ceremony of the Air Tactical Operations Evaluation Test and Assessment 2025, held at the Chai Badan Air Weapons Training Range, Lopburi Province on 12 December 2024, in which the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) organized a demonstration of the use of air power for senior Thai government officials, the Royal Thai Armed Forces, and the public who attended the event.

It was the first time that two Beechcraft AT-6TH Wolverine attack aircraft of Squadron 411, Wing 41, Chiang Mai, number "41102" equipped with two FN HMP-400 machine gun pods, and number "41104" equipped with two HMP-400 machine gun pods and two 7-round LAU-131/A rocket pods, were seen flying in an aerial combat reconnaissance formation during the demonstration.

However, the two AT-6TH Wolverine aircraft did not use any weapons to attack the target. The actual use of air weapons consisted of Saab Gripen C/D fighter aircraft, Squadron 701, Wing 7, Surat Thani, which were equipped with IRIS-T air-to-air missiles, AIM-120C AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs and LITENING IIIG target designation pods.

Fighter aircraft type Lockheed Martin F-16AM/BM EMLU, Squadron 403, Wing 4, Takhli, equipped with Sniper ATP target designation pod, dropping laser-guided bombs, F-16A/B Block 15 OCU, Squadron 103, Wing 1, Korat, dropping Mk82 500lbs air bombs, attack aircraft type 7,  Alpha Jet TH, Squadron 231, Wing 23, Udon Thani, firing CRV7 air-to-surface missiles, and fighter and trainer aircraft Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) T-50TH Golden Eagle, Squadron 401, Wing 4, firing 20mm air cannon, etc.

AT-6TH aircraft number "41101", "41102" and "41104" stationed at Wing 4, Takhli, Nakhon Sawan Province, during the demonstration at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Tactical Air Operations Testing and Evaluation, held from 11 November 2024 to 27 February 2025, which has been modified from the previous Air Tactical Operations Competition (ATOC). It was found to have been fitted with a WESCAM MX-15Di electro-optic/infrared(EO/IR) camera detection system. Other weapons systems in addition to the .50cal HMP-400 air gun pod with a capacity of 400 rounds and a 7-round LAU-131/A rocket pod for Hydra 70 air-to-surface missiles include the GBU-12 Paveway II 500lb laser-guided bomb and the AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missile.

AT-6TH Wolverine serial "41105",so far 5 from 8 of ordered AT-6TH have delivered to 411th Squadron, Wing 41 RTAF in November 2024 (photo: Tango Squadron Air Museum)

The Royal Thai Air Force signed a contract to procure 8 AT-6TH attack aircraft worth 4,314,039,980.80 baht ($143 million) on November 14, 2021. The procurement of AT-6TH attack aircraft also includes the transfer of technology to Thailand. 

Similarly, the Beechcraft T-6TH Texan II (T-6C) training aircraft of the Royal Thai Air Force Kamphaeng Saen Flying School, which has received a total of 12 aircraft in 2023 with a common basis, Squadron 411 will receive a total of 8 AT-6TH aircraft by February 2025.

The Royal Thai Air Force received its first two AT-6TH Wolverine attack aircraft, serial numbers "41101" and "41102", into service with Squadron 411, Wing 41 on 16 July 2024 and began its first training flight in its area on 1 October 2024.

From the discovery of the AT-6TH Wolverine attack aircraft, serial number "41105" in November 2024, it indicates that the Final Reassembly Program by the aircraft factory of Thai Aviation Industries Co., Ltd. (TAI) in Takhli District, Nakhon Sawan Province, near Wing 4, Takhli, has delivered at least 5 completed aircraft to Squadron 411, Wing 41.

(AAG)

Kesepakatan Kapal Selam Thailand Tertunda Lagi

01 Januari 2025

Kapal selam S26T China (photo: China Military)

The Nation Thailand pada tanggal 31 Desember 2024 lalu melakukan unggahan bahwa Menteri Pertahanan Phumtham Wechayachai menunda penandatanganan proyek pengadaan kapal selam yang telah lama tertunda dengan China, sambil mengatakan bahwa rinciannya itu akan selesai dalam enam bulan ke depan.

Phumtham menekankan bahwa kesepakatan itu harus ditinjau secara menyeluruh terlebih dahulu, dengan mengatakan bahwa ia dan kepala angkatan laut Laksamana Jirapol Wongwit akan bertanggung jawab jika kesepakatan itu berdampak buruk pada Thailand.

Phumtham mengatakan ia telah membahas sanksi penjualan mesin kapal selam ke China dengan pejabat militer Jerman, seraya menambahkan bahwa para pejabat itu telah berjanji untuk menanggapi. Ia akan menindaklanjutinya dengan surat resmi kepada pejabat militer dan akan menunggu tanggapan dari Jerman.

Verifikasi mesin China tiga hingga empat bulan

Mengacu pada klaim bahwa kapal selam China dapat menimbulkan risiko bagi nyawa mengingat kapal-kapal tersebut belum diuji di air, ia mengatakan China telah menjual delapan kapal selam ke Pakistan dengan mesin yang mirip dengan yang diusulkan oleh China untuk digunakan Thailand.

Menteri Pertahanan Phumtham menekankan pentingnya memverifikasi kinerja mesin China, yang telah dipasang di delapan kapal selam yang dijual ke Pakistan.

Menteri Pertahanan juga meminta agar kapal selam ini menjalani uji coba kinerja selama tiga hingga empat bulan untuk memastikan keandalannya sebelum menandatangani kesepakatan.

“Saya telah meminta duta besar Pakistan untuk mengerahkan kapal selam tersebut dengan cepat dan mengevaluasi apakah kapal selam tersebut aman setelah menggunakannya selama tiga hingga empat bulan, jadi saya yakin apakah mesin buatan China memiliki kinerja yang sama dengan yang dibuat di Jerman,” katanya.

Tidak mungkin dibatalkan

Menteri Pertahanan Phumtham Wechayachai juga mencatat jika proyek tersebut dibatalkan, 8 miliar baht yang telah dihabiskan untuk proyek tersebut akan hilang, bersama dengan 80% pembayaran untuk kapal selam senilai 13 miliar baht dan 80% progres dalam pembangunan dermaga dan pelatihan personel.

Proyek tersebut, yang awalnya disetujui pada tahun 2017, telah menghadapi beberapa rintangan, termasuk kontroversi terkait mesin dan sanksi internasional.

Kesepakatan kapal selam, yang bernilai 13,5 miliar baht, ditandatangani berdasarkan perjanjian antarpemerintah dengan China Shipbuilding & Offshore International.

Konstruksi dilaporkan telah rampung 50% ketika tertunda karena Covid-19. Kemudian ditunda lagi ketika rencana awal untuk menggunakan mesin diesel buatan Jerman dibatalkan karena Jerman menolak memasok mesin ke Tiongkok karena mesin tersebut diklasifikasikan sebagai barang militer/pertahanan.

Sea Raider RBB Ye Boat Yontaifib 3 Marinir Laksanakan Uji Fungsi Sea Trial

01 Januari 2025

Sea trial Sea Raider RIB (photos: PasMar 3)

TNI AL, Dispen Kormar Sorong. Batalyon Intai Amfibi (Yontaifib) 3 Marinir melaksanakan uji coba Sea Trial dua Sea Raider Rigid Bouyancy Boat (RBB) Ye Boat bertempat di wilayah perairan Sorong, Papua Barat Daya. Jumat (27/12/2024).

Kegiatan yang dipimpin oleh Komandan Pasmar 3 Brigjen TNI (Mar) Andi Rahmat M., didampingi Wakil Komandan Pasmar 3 Kolonel Mar David Candra Viasco, S.E., M.M., M.Sc., Asops Danpasmar 3, Danyontaifib 3 Marinir serta beberapa Perwira yang mendampingi.

RBB Ye Boat merupakan Sea Raider produksi dalam negeri buatan karya anak bangsa di bawah naungan PT. Balakosa Balin Indonesia Shipyard. Sea Raider ini adalah sejenis kapal yang ringan namun berkinerja dan berkapasitas tinggi dengan berdasarkan konsep Perahu Karet Rigid-Hulled (RHIB) memiliki tabung/spons yang terbuat dari bahan padat seperti polietilen atau aluminium yang telah dicetak. Selain itu, Sea Reader ini memiliki panjang 12 meter serta Daya angkut seberat 3.000 kg dengan mampu melaju kecepatan 35-40 knot per jam.

Adapun uji Sea Trial ini meliputi pengujian kecepatan kapal dalam beberapa putaran mesin (Speeds Trials), uji olah gerak (Steering dan Maneuverability Trials), uji berputar (Turning Trial), uji ketahanan mesin (Endurance Trials) serta uji fungsi peralatan navigasi dan komunikasi.

Pada kesempatan tersebut Komandan Pasmar 3 menyampaikan "dengan keberadaan Sea Raider RBB Ye Boat, diharapkan mampu memberikan hasil secara maksimal guna mendukung tugas-tugas pokok Korps Marinir dimasa mendatang," tegasnya.

(PasMar 3)

Embraer Announces a Firm Order for Six A-29 Super Tucanos from an Undisclosed Customer

01 Januari 2025

Commander Brig. Gen. Juliano Llarenas during the decommissioning ceremony of the OV-10 Bronco and AH-1S Cobra fleet at the Philippine Air Force 15th Strike Wing made an announcement that a contract for 6 additional A-29B Super Tucano has been signed with Embraer recently (photo: MaxDefense)

São José dos Campos – Embraer announced today a firm order for six light attack and advanced trainer A-29 Super Tucanos placed by an undisclosed customer. This order will be included in the 4Q24 backlog and deliveries are scheduled to take place in 2026. 

These aircraft will be equipped with enhanced capabilities to perform missions such as battlefield air interdiction, close air support, maritime patrol, maritime strike and other territorial defense operations.

“We are thrilled to announce new sales of the A-29 Super Tucano, as we see this aircraft as the right fit for many nations around the world,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “The A-29 is the global leader in its category because it’s a proven, reliable and well advanced aircraft.”

As a multi-mission aircraft, the A-29 Super Tucano provides air forces with versatility for armed reconnaissance, close air support, light attack, and advanced training missions on a single platform, which exponentially increases the aircraft's availability and operational flexibility. Its robust airframe allows the aircraft to operate from unpaved runways in austere environments.

The A-29 Super Tucano is the global leader in its category, with over 290 orders and more than 570,000 flight hours, including 60,000 in combat. In 2024, Embraer announced new sales of the Super Tucano to the Portuguese Air Force (A-29N), the Uruguayan Air Force and the Paraguayan Air Force.

(Embraer)