25 Januari 2013
Tu-22M3 Backfire (photo : Max Bryansky)
MELBOURNE (UPI) -- China is to purchase Tupolev Tu-22M3 bombers through a contract with the Russian Federation for 36 aircraft.
The agreement calls for 12 bombers to be delivered first and the other 24 coming in a second tranche.
The Tupolev Tu-22M3 is a supersonic, swing-wing, long-range strategic and maritime strike bomber developed by the Soviet Union. A number the bombers remain in service with the Russian military -- as of 2010, the Russian air force fielded 93 Tupolev Tu-22s and the Russian navy 58 -- and represent a significant upgrading of the operational abilities of the Chinese air forces.
Since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, the Tupolev company has sought export customers for Tu-22M bombers.
The Tupolev Tu-22M3 can fly at 1,240 mph and has a 1,500-mile combat radius.
The Chinese naval air forces designation for the Tu-22M3 will be the "H-10."
The Tu-22, a Soviet-era aircraft, was designed as a long-range strategic and maritime strike bomber and the Chinese variants will be updated with indigenous systems and an extended range. That will allow Beijing to extend its military presence by having a counter to many advanced Western latest generations weapon systems.
The Tupolev Tu-22M3 aircraft will replace China's H-6 bombers, which are Chinese-built versions of an older Tupolev design, the Tu-16.
H-6 PLAAF bomber (photo : Militaryphotos)
Analysts are speculating on what weaponry might be included with the bomber sale, which might include the Russian-built Raduga Kh-22 long-range, anti-ship missile, the Viet Times reported Tuesday.
China's acquisition of the Tu-22M3 will introduce another element into the evolving situation in the western Pacific, where the United States is increasingly shifting military forces.
The Tu-22M3 bombers will give China another element in its efforts to assert claims in the South China Sea and the Pacific theater.
The aircraft will significantly increase China's aerial capabilities, as the Tu-22M3, which can carry nuclear weapons, will allow China to cover the South China Sea, East China Sea and even the western Pacific.
Not all Chinese analysts are enamored of the acquisition however.
People's Liberation Army Academy of Military Science researcher Col. Du Wenlong noted during a recent interview with Hubei TV that the Tu-22M3 is an old design, which, as a strategic bomber, isn't comparable to its U.S. equivalents, such as the B-1 and B-2.
"I personally think that chances for the Tu-22M3 to join the Chinese air force as a strategic strike bomber are not high," Du said. "The carrier-borne E-2 early warning aircraft of the U.S. has a detection range of more than (250 miles) against modern fighter planes whose radar cross section is much smaller than that of the Tu-22M3."
Although the Soviet Union designed the Tu-22 to be a "carrier killer," U.S. analysts say the Tu-22M3 would be vulnerable to most air-defense assets employed with modern U.S. carrier air groups.
China's interest in purchasing Tu-22 bombers from the Russian Federation dates to 1998 but Moscow initially refused to sell the aircraft to Beijing out of concerns of changing the military balance in eastern Asia.
The Hong-10 components will all be built in China under technology transfer agreements with the exception of the engine, with the first aircraft scheduled to roll off the assembly line in 2013.
(UPI)
24 Januari 2013
Block 415 for the second destroyer, Brisbane, being relocated to the ASC shipyard following its arrival in Adelaide. (photo : Aus DoD)
Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that the Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance has taken delivery of the first blocks from Melbourne for the second air warfare destroyer, Brisbane.
Mr Clare said the two blocks, manufactured by BAE Systems, arrived into Adelaide by tug and barge from Williamstown, Victoria.
“The blocks will be located in the front third of the ship and once consolidated will house the 48 cell MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS),” Mr Clare said.
“The VLS can store and then fire SM-2 or Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles in quick succession and is an important element of the combat system that will be installed into the Hobart Class destroyers.”
The three guided-missile destroyers are being constructed using a modular method where blocks are manufactured across four shipyards and consolidated at the South Australian Government’s Common User Facility at Techport Australia.
The first destroyer Hobart is expected to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy in early 2016. Consolidation of second ship Brisbane is due to start in early 2014. Fabrication has begun on the blocks for the third destroyer Sydney.
“BAE has significantly improved the quality of their manufacturing performance and delivered blocks that are virtually defect free,” Mr Clare said.
“This is testament to the hard work and skill of the team at BAE’s shipyard in Williamstown.”
The AWD is based on a proven Navantia design used by the Spanish Navy and when complete will be one of the most capable warships of its size in the world.
The ships will be equipped with the Aegis Weapon System, making them capable of assuming a leading command and control role within the Australian Defence Force as well as coalition forces.
The AWD project is being delivered by the AWD Alliance. The AWD Alliance is made up of the Defence Materiel Organisation, ASC and Raytheon Australia.
BAE are currently constructing 11 blocks for the AWD project, including seven blocks for the first destroyer and two for the second.
The AWD project directly employs more than 2500 people, with 200 employed by BAE in Melbourne.
(Aus DoD)
24 Januari 2013
Weapon station for UAE (photo : W&E Platt)
Australian weapon mount manufacturer W&E Platt has been awarded a contract to supply a large quantity of manually operated ring mounts to the armed forces of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The contract, with the International Golden Group (IGG), covers delivery of the ring mounts plus operator and maintainer training, a spares package and technical documentation. The mounts will equip the UAE’s new Agrab Mk 2 120mm Mobile Mortar System.
The IGG order also marks the first Middle East export success for a Platt protected ring mount, and immediately follows a mid-2012 order from Finland for an additional 39 MR550 Bi-Metal Ring Mounts to equip their RG32M mine-hardened vehicles.
The ring mounts selected for the UAE are based on Platt’s highly successful and combat-proven MR550 Bi-Metal Ring Mount series, which feature a dual layer of armour protection for the gunner in a lightweight and cost-effective package.
MR550 ring mount protection levels can be upgraded to STANAG Level 3. Armament options include either a heavy machine gun, 40mm automatic grenade launcher or a 7.62mm/5.56mm calibre machine gun.
Deliveries of the first ring mounts will commence in early 2013.
(W&E Platt)
24 Januari 2013
The "Attica" thermal imaging device from Cassidian Optronics significantly enhances the fighting capabilities of tanks as well as crew safety. (photos : Cassidian Optronics)
Cassidian Optronics GmbH, previously known as Carl Zeiss Optronics GmbH, will supply the new "Attica" thermal imaging unit for the commander's periscope in the Bundeswehr's Leopard 2 battle tanks. After extensive trials, the German procurement authority BAAINBw (Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support) has awarded this Cassidian subsidiary an order to deliver the "Attica" to a value of almost 7 million euros. The third generation of thermal imaging equipment from Cassidian Optronics thus becomes the standard for the commander's Peri R17 periscope, which is also supplied by Cassidian Optronics.
The use of the Attica thermal imaging device significantly enhances the tank commander's ability to acquire targets, thus improving the safety of the crew. With the Peri R17, the commander is able to supply the gunner with marked targets by day and night, to then be able to acquire other targets without delay. The acquisition of targets can thus be separated from their engagement, which enables quicker reactions.
The Attica system meets the complex requirements presented by today's mission scenarios. This equipment, which has already been selected for the Puma armoured infantry fighting vehicle, is thus developing into a unit which is used across the Bundeswehr, especially in the tank force and mechanised infantry, as well as in the artillery. This results in logistical benefits and a reduction in operating costs when using thermal imaging equipment from the same family of products.
As a consequence of this German decision, other states in the "LEOBEN" association of Leopard user states are also planning procurement of the Peri R17. This will further standardise the level of configuration for the LEOBEN states.
Employing about 800 staff at the German locations of Oberkochen and Wetzlar, and at Irene in South Africa, Cassidian Optronics GmbH develops and manufactures optical and optronic products which are used in military ground, sea and air systems as well as in border and security technologies, but also in non-military high-tech systems and in the aerospace sector. Cassidian Optronics combines the optical and optronic precision technology from Carl Zeiss Optronics with Cassidian's know-how as a global market leader in defence and security technology.
(Cassidian)
23 Januari 2013
Markas Komando Armada RI Kawasan Tengah akan ditempatkan di Surabaya, Armada Timur akan ditempatkan di Sorong, Papua Barat, Armada Barat untuk sementara akan tetap ditempatkan di Jakarta. (photo : TNI AL)
Jakarta - Mabes TNI Angkatan Laut memprediksi rencana pembentukan Armada RI Kawasan Tengah akan selesai pada 2014, namun hingga kini TNI AL masih menunggu persetujuan Presiden terkait pengesahan revisi Peraturan Presiden Nomor 10 Tahun 2010 tentang Susunan Organisasi TNI.
"Begitu Perpres disetujui, kami akan langsung lakukan pembangunan infrastruktur armada. Sangat mungkin terealisasi pada 2014 mendatang," kata Kepala Dinas Penerangan TNI Angkatan Laut (Kadispenal) Laksamana Pertama TNI Untung Suropati di Jakarta, Rabu.
Belum disahkannya Perpres, dinilai karena ada sebagian usulan yang masih ditunda. Namun, sebagian besar usulan sudah disetujui oleh Panglima TNI Laksamana Agus Suhartono.
Menurut dia, Markas Komando Armada RI Kawasan Tengah akan ditempatkan di Surabaya yang saat ini merupakan markas Komando Armada RI Kawasan Timur (Armatim), sementara Armatim akan ditempatkan di Sorong, Papua Barat.
Di Surabaya juga markas Komando Pertahanan Laut (Kohanla) akan ditempatkan. Keberadaan tiga armada, jelasnya, memungkinkan dibentuknya Kohanla yang akan membawahkan tiga armada itu. Sedangkan Komando Armada RI Kawasan Barat (Armabar) untuk sementara akan tetap ditempatkan di Jakarta.
"Kami merencanakan, markas besar akan dipusatkan di tengah, di Surabaya," tuturnya.
Untung menambahkan, untuk membangun satu armada diperlukan waktu sedikitnya dua hingga tiga tahun, dimana pembangunan infrastruktur adalah yang paling memakan banyak waktu.
Rencana pembagian Armada TNI AL (image : TNI AL)
Kepala Staf TNI Angkatan Laut (KSAL) Laksamana Madya TNI Marsetio sebelumnya mengharapkan pembentukan Komando Pertahanan Laut (Kohanla) dapat disetujui oleh Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
"Pembentukan Kohanla sudah disetujui oleh Panglima TNI dan sudah dipaparkan. Semoga pembentukan Kohanla segera disetujui," kata Marsetio.
Menurut dia, pembentukan Kohanla perlu dilengkapi dengan revisi Peraturan Presiden (Perpres) Nomor 10/2010 tentang Organisasi TNI untuk pembangunan infrastruktur untuk Armada RI Kawasan Tengah.
Terbentuknya Kohanla nantinya akan membawahi tiga armada yaitu Armada Barat, Armada Tengah dan Armada Timur, dimana saat ini hanya Armada Barat dan Armada Timur saja.
Marsetio mengatakan, secara bertahap infrastruktur Kohanla akan diprogramkan, termasuk dalam anggaran 2013 ini.
Untuk target pembentukan Kohanla sendiri, tambah KSAL, tergantung persetujuan Perpres dan keputusan Panglima TNI, namun tentunya juga sangat tergantung alokasi anggaran.
Pengembangan postur ini akan diikuti oleh strata kepangkatan. Untuk Kohanla akan dipimpin oleh laksamana bintang 3 atau Laksamana Madya (Laksdya). Sedangkan untuk masing-masing armada dipimpin oleh laksamana bintang dua atau Laksamana Muda (Laksda).
Anggota Komisi I bidang Pertahanan DPR RI Susaningtyas Nefo Handayani Kertopati, berpendapat pembentukan Komando Pertahanan Laut (Kohanla) yang tinggal menunggu persetujuan Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono sangat penting mengingat luasnya wilayah laut Indonesia.
"Saat ini dari 17.499 pulau yang dimiliki Indonesia, terdapat 92 pulau terluar dan 12 pulau diantaranya merupakan pulau-pulau strategis yang tersebar di sepanjang perbatasan dengan negara tetangga, serta digunakan sebagai titik-titik batas terluar (base point) pengukuran batas wilayah NKRI dengan negara tetangga," kata Susaningtyas.
Terkait dengan fungsi pertahanan dan keamanan negara, kata anggota DPR dari Fraksi Partai Hanura ini, kedudukan pulau terluar merupakan beranda nusantara yang harus terus dipantau dan diawasi.(*)
(Antara)
23 Januari 2013
Taranis is one of the largest UAVs ever (photo : BAE Systems)
BAE Systems Plans Taranis Test Flights in Australia in Spring
BAE Systems‘ Taranis, named after the Celtic god of thunder, is to be flown for the first time in a series of tests over the Australian outback in the spring in an attempt to demonstrate the technology to military chiefs.
Nigel Whitehead, Group Managing Director of Programmes at BAE Systems, which has been developing Taranis, said the new aircraft, which has cost £125 million to build, could change the way aircraft are used by the MoD in the future, which currently uses manned planes for combat missions.
He said: “I think that the Taranis programme will be used to inform the UK MoD thinking, regarding the make up for the future force mix. I anticipate that the UK will chose to have a mix of manned and unmanned front-line aircraft.
“This decision will have a major impact on the future of the UK military.”
The Taranis uses stealth technology, including a highly secretive coating that helps it slip through radar undetected. It will be able to carry a series of weapons on board including missiles and laser guided bombs.
Taranis UAV (image : The Telegraph)
The tests on Taranis, which is powered by a Rolls-Royce Adour 951 engine used on Hawk training jets, will see it flying a simulated mission where it must automatically avoid unexpected threats such as ground to air missiles and seek out potential targets.
Once identified, the operators will send instructions to Taranis to attack the targets before performing a flying past to confirm the damage and then landing safely.
Mr Whitehead added: “There is one demonstrator aircraft. The mission plan will be loaded onto the vehicle. The aircraft will then fly the mission. Taranis will fly to the search area and sweep the area to identify targets.
“The aircraft will be presented with unexpected “pop up” threats and its evasive response will be monitored.
“Target information will be relayed to mission command and the aircraft will hold off until given the next instruction to prosecute, send more data or ignore the identified target.
“In the event of a command to attack, this will be carried out followed by a battle damage inspection and then further interaction with command to confirm the instruction to attack again, prosecute other targets or to come home, avoiding further pop-up threats.”
A spokesman for the MoD added: “Taranis is the first of its kind in the UK. Unmanned Aircraft Systems play an important role on operations, helping to reduce the risks faced by military personnel on the front line.
“Forthcoming Taranis flight trials will provide MoD and industry with further information about the potential capabilities of Unmanned Combat Air Systems.”
(UAS Vision)
22 Januari 2013
Satu skuadron helikopter (18 helikopter) dan satu batalyon artileri medan akan ditempatkan di Berau, Kalimantan Timur (photo : Media Indonesia)
BALIKPAPAN - Kodam VI/Mulawarman memperkuat pertahanan di utara Kaltim. Berau jadi sentralnya. Di kabupaten ini, TNI bakal menempatkan dua kekuatan yang siap dalam waktu dekat. Yakni, Artileri Medan (Armed/ARM) dan satu skuadron helikopter -- satu skuadron 18 helikopter. Pangdam VI/Mlw Mayjen Dicky Wainal Usman mengatakan, tahun ini tengah dimatangkan infrastruktur untuk skuadron helikopter tersebut.
“Skuadron di Berau itu akan menggunakan lapangan terbang lama di sana (Berau). Kita sudah komunikasi dengan pemkab soal itu,” katanya saat bincang dengan Kaltim Post di ruangannya, pekan lalu.
Kata dia, satu skuadron di Berau ini mengcover kawasan daratan tak hanya di Kaltim, tapi juga Kalimantan Utara (Kaltara) yang bakal lepas dari Benua Etam. Juga mengcover Kalimantan Barat (Kalbar), Kalimantan Tengah (Kalteng), dan Sulawesi Selatan (Sulsel). Skuadron ini diperkirakan bakal terpenuhi seluruh kekuatan helikopternya pada 2015.
“Kita harus menjaga semua fasilitas di Kaltim, karena itu harus tercover dengan jangkauan personel,” katanya. Saat ini Kodam sudah punya dua helikopter.
Secara bertahap akan dilengkapi sampai memenuhi satu skuadron. “Saya melihat Berau ini sentral, dengan kawasan perbatasan juga jaraknya relatif tidak jauh,” jelas Pangdam, sambil menunjuk pada peta Berau di dinding ruangannya. Posisisnya, ada di tengah-tengah, antara daerah-daerah di Kaltim dan Kaltara.
Sedangkan Armed, jelas dia, di Berau sudah ada satu batalyon atau 400 personel. Dinilai sebagai sentral itulah, Armed juga ditempatkan di satu-satunya kabupaten di utara yang tak bergabung dengan Kaltara itu. Target tahun ini sudah terpenuhi.
Sedangkan untuk pengamanan kawasan perbatasan, Pangdam sudah berkoordinasi dan mempererat kerja sama dengan Pemprov Kaltim, dan kabupaten yang daerah mereka masuk kawasan perbatasan; Nunukan, Malinau, dan Kutai Barat (Kubar). Kawasan perbatasan, jelas dia, memang yang terpenting adalah mengintensifkan pembangunan infrastruktur. “TNI siap (membantu). Kami punya alat berat, kami punya armada, dan bisa membantu bikin jalan,” tuturnya. (far/far/k5)
(Kaltim Post)
