Philippines Request Sale of F-16 Block 70/72 and Related Weapons

25 Juni 2021

F-16 Block 70/72 fighter (image : Lockheed Martin)

F-16 Block 70/72 Aircraft

WASHINGTON - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of F-16 Block 70/72 Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.43 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of the Philippines has requested to buy ten (10) F-16C Block 70/72 aircraft; two (2) F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft; fifteen (15) F100-PW-229EEP engines or F110-GE-129D engines; fifteen (15) Improved Programmable Display Generators (iPDG); fifteen (15) AN/APG-83 Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Scalable Agile Beam Radars (SABR); fifteen (15) Modular Mission Computers 7000AH; fifteen (15) LN-260 Embedded GPS/INS (EGI) with SAASM and PPS; twenty-four (24) Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) AIM-120C-7/C-8 or equivalent; one (1) AIM-120 Guidance Section; forty-eight (48) LAU-129 missile launchers; three (3) KMU-572 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM) tail kits; six (6) Mk-82 500lb bombs; six (6) Mk-82 500lb Inert training bombs; six (6) FMU-152 or FMU-139 fuzes; six (6) Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) or Litening ATP; fifteen (15) Multifunctional Information Display System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS) aircraft terminals, and; fifteen (15) M61A1 Vulcan Anti-Aircraft 20mm guns. 

Also included are AN/ARC-238 radios; Advanced Identification Friend or Foe with Combined Interrogator Transponder and Mode 5; Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems II (JHMCS II) or Scorpion Hybrid Optical-based Inertial Tacker (HObIT); Integrated Electronic Warfare Suite; Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program (ECISAP) support; AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Systems (CMDS); Joint Mission Planning Systems (JMPS) or equivalent; AIM-120 CATM; LAU-118 launchers with Advanced Launcher Interface Computer (ALIC); LAU-117 missile launchers; DSU-38 Precision Laser Guided Sensor for LJDAM; Harpoon interface adapter kits; PGU-28 High Explosive Incendiary (HEI) ammunition; PGU-27 ammunition training rounds (non HEI); Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD); ARD-446 impulse cartridges; ARD-863 impulse cartridges; BBU-36/B impulse cartridges; BBU-35/B impulse cartridges; MK-124 smoke flares; MJU-7/B Flare Cartridge L463; BRU‐61 Bomb Racks; BRU‐57 bomb racks; MAU‐12 bomb racks and TER‐9A triple ejection racks; weapons support, test equipment, and missile containers; chaff and flare; Night Vision Devices (NVD) and support equipment and spares; secure communications; cryptographic equipment; aircraft and personnel support and test equipment; integration and test; weapons, ammunition, pylons, launcher adaptors, weapons interfaces, fuel tanks, and attached hardware; travel pods, precision measurement equipment laboratory, calibration, and simulators; spare and repair parts, repair and return services; maps, publications, and technical documentation; studies and surveys; classified / unclassified software and software support; personnel training and training equipment; facilities and facility management, design and/or construction services; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $2.43 billion.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South East Asia.

The proposed sale will improve the Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats by enabling the Philippines to deploy fighter aircraft with precision munitions in support of counterterrorism operations in the southern Philippines, increasing effectiveness and minimizing collateral damage. The Philippines is committed to modernizing its military forces and will have no difficulty absorbing this aircraft and services into its armed forces. (DSCA)

AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II air-to-air missile (photo : defpost)

AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Tactical Missiles

WASHINGTON - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Tactical Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $42.4 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of the Philippines has requested to buy twenty-four (24) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles; twenty-four (24) AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs); six (6) Tactical Guidance Units; and ten (10) Captive Air Training Missile (CATM) Guidance Units. Also included are containers, support and test equipment, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, software delivery and support, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related support; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $42.4 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South East Asia.

The proposed sale will improve the Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats by enabling the Philippines to deploy fighter aircraft with a short range air-to-air missile defense capability. The Philippines Air Force is modernizing its fighter aircraft to better support its own air defense and maritime security needs. The Philippines will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. (DSCA)

AGM-84L-1 Harpoon anti-ship misile, air launched version (photo : weapons parade)

Philippines AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Air Launched Block II Missiles

WASHINGTON - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Air Launched Block II Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $120 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of the Philippines has requested to buy twelve (12) AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II air launched missiles; and two (2) ATM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II Exercise missiles. Also included are containers; spare and repair parts; support and test equipment; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $120 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South East Asia.

The proposed sale will enhance the Philippines’ interoperability with the U.S. and other allied nations, making it a more valuable partner in an increasingly important area of the world. It will improve the Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats by providing flexible solutions to augment existing surface and air defense. The Philippine Air Force is modernizing its fighter aircraft to better support its own maritime security needs. This capability will provide the Philippine Air Force the ability to employ a highly reliable and effective system to counter or deter maritime aggressions, coastal blockades, and amphibious assaults. The Philippines will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. (DSCA)

The Royal Thai Navy Held a Cremony to Launch Two T.997-class Coastal Patrol Boats

25 Juni 2021

Royal Thai Navy (RTN) was formally launching ceremony of new 2 Coastal Patrol Craft T.997-class (T.997 and T.998) from Thailand's shipyard company Marsun Public Company Limited in 21 June 2021 (photos : Royal Thai Navy)

Two coastal patrol boats T.997 boat series, which are the T.997 boat and the T.998 boat, which have launched a boat launch ceremony on 21 June 2021 have a boat keel laying ceremony on November 14, 2019.

It is the latest work in the shipyard of Marsun Public Company Limited, following the patrol boats near the shore of the T.114 series, the two boats, the Tor 114 and the Tor 115, which have received a ceremony, delivered the boat on 29 March 2021.

Current Coast Guard naval force The Royal Thai Navy, Royal Thai Navy, has a total of 14 coastal patrol boats, namely 3 coastal patrol boats T.81-class (T. 81, T. 82 and T. 83). Surveillance coastal patrol boats, 3 patrol boats T.991-class (T.991, T.992 and T.993). Coastal patrol boats, 3 patrol boats T.994-class (T.994, T.995 and T.996). Coastal patrol boats, 3 patrol boats T.111-class (T.111, T.112 and T. 113) and 2 coastal patrol boats T.114-class (T.114 and T.115). 

Add with the 2 boats under the T.997-class boat set enter service, there will be a total of 16 boats.

The coastal patrol boat T.997 series is the first warship of the Royal Thai Navy to be equipped with a Russian weapon system, the 30mm AK-306 machine gun. From the video, an aerial view can see the raised deck at the bow of the ship as a base for mounting this machine gun mount.

The AK-306 machine gun with the Antares Mod.9 Fire Control System will be the ship's main gun and has a secondary gun is a heavy machine gun cover .93 M2 .50cal two platforms on the starboard - right side of the ship. All weapons systems are expected to be installed before the delivery of the ship on 15 July 2021.

(AAG)

Philippine Army to Acquire WFEL'S Dry Support Bridges

24 Juni 2021

WFEL Dry Support Bridges (DSB) (photo : WFEL)

UK Military Bridge manufacturer, WFEL, is to supply a number of its Dry Support Bridges (DSB) to the Philippine Army under the Horizon 2 phase of the revised AFP Modernisation Programme.

The DSB systems can be deployed in around 90 minutes to provide temporary infrastructure and will be supplied with pedestrian walkways, for use in Disaster Relief operational situations, as well as other military scenarios. The Philippine Army, having a choice of launch vehicle chassis for its bridges, opted for the Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) 45m 10 x 10 systems.

Intended for use by the Philippine Combat Engineers, the Dry Support Bridges will be manufactured at WFEL's production facility in Stockport, UK; delivery will begin during 2023.

An Integrated Logistics Support package is also included in the contract for this new Combat Engineering Equipment, ensuring back-up and support from WFEL's Technical Engineering Teams and giving confidence to the Combat Engineers of continued through-life support and spares availability.

A WFEL designed DSB launch system on a fully-armoured RMMV 10 x 10 vehicle (photo : WFEL)

Ian Anderton, WFEL's Managing Director, commented, "We warmly welcome the Philippine Army into our ever-growing user base of DSB Military Bridging Systems. We are proud of the fact that the Dry Support Bridge is the world's most technically advanced, rapidly deployable military bridge of its type and has proven its worth in both Combat and Disaster Relief situations time after time.

"By adopting the Dry Support Bridge, the Philippine Army is ensuring it has the future capability to quickly manoeuvre across wet and dry gaps in complex, physical terrain, including man-made gaps, ravines and rivers, as efficiently as possible and under the widest possible operational scenarios."

With a 120 tonnes Military Load Classification, the Dry Support Bridge was initially designed and developed by WFEL for the US Army. Offering full interoperability with any other DSB bridging system, it has been adopted by various countries worldwide, including USA, Turkey and Australia. Switzerland has also acquired a number of Dry Support Bridges and is known to have extensively deployed the DSB as temporary infrastructure following flooding and other natural disasters.

This increasing worldwide user-base provides an off-the-shelf, low risk military bridging solution. The DSB is currently being evaluated by UK MoD as a replacement for their BR90 bridging systems.

(WFEL)

Indonesia Menerima UAV ScanEagle 2 Hibah Pemerintah AS

24 Juni 2021

ScanEagle 2 UAV yang ditampilkan pada HUT Puspenerbal ke 65 (photo : JJM TV)

Angkatan Laut Indonesia (TNI-AL) telah menerima pesawat kecil tanpa awak (UAV) Boeing Insitu ScanEagle 2 dalam jumlah yang tak diketahui.

Dalam upacara yang diadakan di Surabaya pada 21 Juni 2021, TN-AL menampilkan beberapa UAV ScanEagle 2 kepada para pejabat TNI AL.

Pada tahun 2014, Pemerintah AS telah menawarkan untuk memasok UAV ScanEagle kepada Pemerintah Indonesia, namun baru pada tahun 2020 Pemerintah Indonesia setuju untuk menerima hibah tersebut.

14 UAV ScanEagle, bersama dengan sistem terkait termasuk di antara yang dijadwalkan untuk ditransfer oleh Pemerintah AS sebagai hibah kepada Pemerintah Indonesia di bawah skema Foreign Military Financing (FMF) AS.

Paket tersebut diperkirakan menelan biaya sekitar US$28,3 juta, dan merupakan bagian dari program peningkatan kapasitas yang lebih besar dari Pemerintah AS untuk negara-negara Asia Tenggara tertentu, yaitu Indonesia, Malaysia, Filipina, dan Vietnam di bawah Program Inisiatif Keamanan Maritim Indo-Pasifik.

Hibah Surveillance UAV ini datang ketika negara-negara di kawasan itu menghadapi perambahan zona ekonomi eksklusif mereka oleh kapal-kapal pemerintah China, milisi maritim, dan armada penangkap ikan.

ScanEagle 2 UAV memiliki muatan maksimum 5 kilogram yang terdiri dari kamera dan sensor, memiliki kecepatan jelajah 60 knot, dan ketinggian penerbangan 20.000 kaki.

Wahana ini dapat diluncurkan dan kembali-lagi dari darat atau dari kapal angkatan laut menggunakan peralatan peluncuran khusus.

(APDJ)

Philippine Air Force Grounds Black Hawks after Wednesday Night Mishap

24 Juni 2021

PAF S-70i Black Hawk helicopters (photo : Rappler)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) reported that one of its S-70i Black Hawk Utility Helicopter, operating under 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, on a night flight training figured in a mishap a few miles from Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Capas, Tarlac last night, June 23, 2021.

“For the meantime, all the other Blackhawks will not be flown until the conclusion of the investigation,” PAF said.

“The helicopter was earlier reported to be late from the estimated time of return to its station at Clark Air Base, Pampanga, thus, prompting the eventual search,” PAF added. “PAF search, retrieval, and recovery teams are diligently at work.”

“Night flight proficiency trainings are part of the capabilities of the pilots and crew, in this case the Blackhawk S70i, prior to their full deployment to assist our frontline units in their missions. Although with inherent risks, this competency is vital and necessary for the transport and logistics requirements of Unified Commands,” PAF explained.

“So far, no survivors have been found. The identities of the aircrew members will be provided as soon as the members of their families are properly notified. We grieve for the loss. The PAF will conduct a thorough inquiry to determine the circumstances of this unfortunate incident,” PAF added.

(Mintfo)

Bappenas Anggarkan Rp 298 T (USD 20,7 B) untuk Belanja Militer 2020-2024

24 Juni 2021

Fregat kelas FREMM dan Maestrale (photos : Marina Militare)

Bappenas Ungkap Belanja Militer 2020-2024 Hampir Rp 300 T

Jakarta - Menteri Perencanaan Pembangunan Nasional (PPN/Bappenas) Suharso Monoarfa buka-bukaan pemerintah menganggarkan belanja militer sebesar US$ 20,7 miliar atau Rp 298,08 triliun (kurs Rp14.400). Anggaran ini berlaku untuk 2020-2024 mendatang.

Suharso mengatakan angka itu dihitung dari umur teknologi militer yang akan dibeli selama 15 tahun. Selain itu, pemerintah juga memperhitungkan pertumbuhan ekonomi dan produk domestik bruto (PDB) selama jangka waktu tersebut.

"Untuk 5 tahun yang akan datang 2020-2024 kami memberikan angka sekitar US$ 20,7 miliar. Dari mana angka itu? Kami tidak petik dari langit begitu.. benggg... gitu, tidak. Kami melihat, kami ambil waktu sekitar 15 tahun itu berapa kira-kira rata-rata pertumbuhan ekonomi dan berapa total PDB kita selama 15 tahun," katanya dalam rapat kerja bersama Komisi XI DPR, Rabu (23/6/2021).

Suharso menjelaskan yang menjadi faktor paling besar dalam pinjaman luar negeri itu untuk belanja militer. Selama ini dalam belanja untuk sektor tersebut Indonesia dinilai masih di bawah 1% dari PDB.

"Rata-rata belanja untuk militer itu kira-kira kalau negara-negara maju di atas 2% dari PDB, ada yang 1-1,5% di atas PDB. Hanya kira-kira 30-an negara di bawah 1%, Indonesia masuk dalam kelompok negara di bawah 1% jadi termasuk di negara-negara sebagian besar di Afrika, Amerika latin, negara-negara kecil," sebutnya.

Hal itu membuat kekuatan militer Indonesia masih kalah dengan negara lain. Jumlah batalyon di Indonesia pun disebut tak cukup untuk menjaga 514 kabupaten/kota.

"Kita baru tahu misalnya jumlah batalyon kita tidak cukup untuk seluruh 514 kabupaten/kota di indonesia, kita hanya punya 300-an batalyon," ungkap Suharso.

Suharso meminta Kementerian Pertahanan untuk membeli alat militer yang memiliki teknologi mumpuni. Artinya, bisa bertahan hingga beberapa tahun mendatang.

"Jangan sampai seperti kita beli maaf (Sukhoi) Su-27 sebelum kita lengkap dengan dia punya segala macam, sudah muncul Su-30 generasi berikutnya. Lalu Su-30 sudah dalam kita mau mencukupi, Su-35 muncul. Kita bicara mengenai Sukhoi 35 eh muncul Sukhoi 57 dan seterusnya. Jadi kalau kita mau kejar-kejaran seperti itu nggak mampu kita, nggak mungkin itu kita lakukan," tandasnya.

(Detik)

Yonkomlek 2 Pasmar 2 Laksanakan Pengecekan Personel dan Material Satbanmin

23 Juni 2021

Pengecekan personel dan material Yonkomlek 2 (photos : PasMar2)

Dispen Kormar (Tuban),- Guna mendukung suatu pertempuran dibidang komunikasi prajurit Batalyon Komunikasi dan Elektronika 2 Marinir (Yonkomlek 2 Mar) melaksanakan persiapan, pengecekan personel dan material komunikasi sebelum pelaksanaan Latihan Satuan Bantuan Administrasi (Satbanmin) TA 2021 yang bertempat di daerah Latihan Pantai Pasir Putih Tuban. Selasa (22/06/2021).

Letda Marinir Kurnia Yudha yang menjabat sebagai Komandan Peleton Kom bersama seluruh personel yang tergabung dalam beberapa orgas mengawali kegiatan dengan pengecekan personel Satbanmin dan material alkom.

Orgas personel Satbanmin ini meliputi Bakom terdiri dari 1 Bintara dan 1 Tamtama, Regu Radio terdiri dari 1 Bintara dan 11 Tamtama, Regu Saluran terdiri dari 1 Bintara dan 7 Tamtama, Regu Pernika terdiri 4 Bintara dan 8 Tamtama dan Regu Pusbra terdiri dari 1 Bintara dan 6 Tamtama.

Sementara itu, Komandan Batalyon Komunikasi dan Elektronika 2 Marinir (Danyonkomlek 2 Mar) Letkol Marinir Ade Lesmono., M.Tr.Opsla., meninjau langsung kegiatan tersebut untuk mengetahui kesiapan prajuritnya, karena dalam latihan Satbanmin ini komunikasi merupakan unsur penting. Danyonkomlek 2 Mar berpesan kepada seluruh pelaku latihan agar memanfaatkannya dengan baik karena dengan Latihan kita semakin menguasi ilmu ilmu kesenjataan kita, pungkasnya.

Kegiatan ini dilaksanakan sesuai dengan protokol kesehatan 5M yaitu dengan Memakai Masker, Mencuci tangan pakai sabun dengan air mengalir, Menjaga jarak, Menjauhi kerumunan, Serta mambatasi mobilisasi dan interaksi.

(PasMar2)