First Maintenance Task on Nuclear Submarine for Australia

26 Agustus 2024

Sailors assigned to the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN-776) prepare to moor at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia on Aug. 22, 2024 (photos: US Navy, DVIDS)

Arrival of USS Hawaii (SSN 776) for first AUKUS Nuclear-Powered Submarine Maintenance Activity in Australia

Personnel from the Royal Australian Navy and Australian industry will commence an historic Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period (STMP) at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia alongside their United States (US) counterparts. 

This is a significant milestone for the AUKUS partnership, which promotes stability and security in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. 

USS Hawaii (SSN 776), a US Virginia class submarine, has arrived at HMAS Stirling, joining the USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), a US service ship with equipment and crew dedicated to providing significant maintenance work for US submarines. 

Australia welcomes the crews of USS Hawaii and USS Emory S. Land to Western Australia for this historic milestone, and we welcome home the Australians who have been embedded with them.

During World War II, the US Navy routinely conducted maintenance on US, UK, and Dutch submarines in Fremantle. The STMP marks the first time Australian personnel will directly participate in the maintenance of a nuclear-powered submarine in Australia. 

In preparation for the STMP, over 30 Navy officers and sailors have been embedded as part of the crew of USS Emory S. Land since January 2024 to build the skills, knowledge and experience in nuclear-powered submarine maintenance. 

In the most practical demonstration of progress to implement the AUKUS Pathway to date, Australian personnel will undertake hands-on learning, and conduct and observe maintenance on Virginia class submarine USS Hawaii alongside experienced US counterparts. 

In addition to the Australian personnel as part of the crew of the USS Emory S. Land, one of the Royal Australian Navy officers to graduate from the Submarine Officer Basic Course and naval nuclear training in the US, is part of the crew of USS Hawaii.

Workers from ASC Pty Ltd, our sovereign sustainment partner, will be involved providing support services, and will also utilise the STMP to continue learning about SSN maintenance. The first cohort of ASC workers commenced direct training on the maintenance of Virginia class submarines in June and will provide maintenance work in the future.

Port visits by US and UK SSNs, such as the STMP, are a vital part of building Australia’s capability and capacity to support maintenance on nuclear-powered submarines in the lead up to Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-West) commencing in 2027. 

The rotational presence of one UK Astute class and up to four US Virginia class submarines at HMAS Stirling as part of SRF-West will further accelerate Australia’s ability to be sovereign ready to safely and securely own, operate and maintain Australia’s future fleet of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines from the early 2030s.

Stewardship, safety and security are priorities of Australia and our AUKUS partners, and will be a focus of the STMP. The activity will further develop Australia’s technical knowledge of US radiological controls, waste processes and emergency response capabilities. No radiological material will be transferred ashore in this maintenance period.

All work by Australian personnel as part of the STMP will be consistent with Australia’s domestic and international legal obligations, including non-proliferation obligations and commitments.

The STMP is a unique opportunity to demonstrate collective training in action and to strengthen interoperability between AUKUS partners. 

(Aus DoD)

PH Navy Eyes Use of 'Capital Ships' to Defend EEZ

26 Agustus 2024

Capital Ships in PN refers to Jose Rizal-class frigates, the Gregorio Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessels, Emilio Jacinto-class patrol vessels, and the Conrado Yap-class corvette (photo: PN)

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) is focusing on protecting the country's vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ) with its available capital ships, a ranking naval official said on Tuesday.

"Without going into details (on) the numbers, the PN through the Philippine Fleet has a deployment plan that is now focusing on the EEZ based on the CADC (Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept) of the Department of National Defense. We are now focusing on the deployment of our capital ships to cover the vast expanse of the EEZ," PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in an interview at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City when asked about the Navy's ships that can be deployed at any given time.

The CADC aims to develop the Philippines' capabilities to protect its entire territory, including its EEZ.

Capital ships are considered the most advanced and capable units of any Navy.

In the case of the PN, this refers to the Jose Rizal-class frigates, the Gregorio Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessels, Emilio Jacinto-class patrol vessels, and the Conrado Yap-class corvette, to name a few.

Trinidad, meanwhile, said the Navy's mandate, along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, is to defend and ensure the country's territorial integrity.

He made this comment when asked if the PN is capable of taking over the PCG's escort role after two of its ships were damaged in by the China Coast Guard's latest act of harassment incident near Escoda Shoal (also known as Sabina Shoal) on Aug. 19.

"The mandate of the PN and the AFP is to ensure the integrity of the territory, which includes the conduct of patrols, sea patrols, surface patrols, and maritime air surveillance flights with or without the Coast Guard," Trinidad said.

He also said the PN, through the Naval Forces West, has its patrol plan which the Western Command integrates with other government maritime agencies like the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. 

(PNA)

TNI AU Aktifkan Kembali Radar di Pulau Belitung

26 Agustus 2024

Kecamatan Sijuk, Kabupaten Belitung, Provinsi Kepulauan Bangka Belitung (image: Google Maps)

Tanjung Pandan, Belitung (ANTARA) - TNI Angkatan Udara akan mengaktifkan kembali radar militer di wilayah Desa Sungai Padang, Kecamatan Sijuk, Kabupaten Belitung, Provinsi Kepulauan Bangka Belitung, guna kepentingan pertahanan nasional.

"Kami akan mengaktifkan kembali radar TNI AU di wilayah Sungai Padang, Kecamatan Sijuk, Kabupaten Belitung," kata Kabidopsus Puskodal Koopsudnas, Kolonel Lek Habib Rachman di Tanjung Pandan, Belitung, Kamis.

Ia mengatakan, pihaknya beserta tim telah melaksanakan survei ke lokasi pemasangan radar tersebut di wilayah Desa Sungai Padang, Rabu (21/8) kemarin.

Kegiatan survei tersebut didampingi oleh Komandan Lanud HAS Hanandjoeddin Belitung beserta tim.

"Survei ini bertujuan untuk menyiapkan lokasi dan infrastruktur yang diperlukan guna mendukung pengoperasian radar yang akan ditempatkan di Desa Sungai Padang," ujar Kolonel Lek Habib Rachman.

Danlanud HAS Hanandjoeddin, Letkol Pnb Zen Mokhamad di Tanjung Pandan, Kamis mengatakan pengaktifan kembali radar TNI AU di Pulau Belitung ini bukanlah yang pertama kali.

Ia menjelaskan, TNI AU pernah menempatkan kekuatan alutsista berupa radar di kawasan tersebut pada 1970 lalu. 

"Hal ini menjadikan desa Sungai Padang sebagai lokasi yang memiliki sejarah dan hubungan emosional dengan TNI AU," katanya.

Letkol Pnb Zen Mokhamad menambahkan, rencana pengaktifan kembali radar ini disambut baik oleh masyarakat setempat.

"Proses survei dan penyiapan infrastruktur akan terus dilakukan hingga radar nantinya siap dioperasikan kembali," ujarnya.

(AntaraNews)

Pengawasan Umum Kegiatan Pengembangan Sistem Rudal Nasional dan Kegiatan Joint Production PTTA Mission System

25 Agustus 2024

Pengawasan Umum kegiatan Pengembangan Sistem Rudal Nasional dan kegiatan Joint Production PTTA Mission System oleh Kemhan (photos: Kemhan)

Sesditjen Pothan Kemhan Melaksanakan Pengawasan Umum Kegiatan Pengembangan Sistem Rudal Nasional dan Kegiatan Joint Production PTTA Mission System dalam Rangka Pembinaan Potensi Teknologi Industri Pertahanan TA 2024

Bertempat di Bandung, Sekretaris Ditjen Pothan Kemhan – Brigjen TNI – Heri Pribadi memimpin pelaksanaan Pengawasan Umum kegiatan Pengembangan Sistem Rudal Nasional di PT. Dirgantara Indonesia dan kegiatan Joint Production PTTA Mission System di PT. Len Industri (Persero) dalam rangka Pembinaan Potensi Teknologi Industri Pertahanan (Binpottekindhan) TA. 2024. Turut mendampingi pada kegiatan tersebut Direktur Teknologi Industri Pertahanan Ditjen Pothan Kemhan – Marsma TNI Dedy Laksmono, S.E., S.T., M.M.

Dalam sambutannya, Ses Ditjen menyampaikan komitmen Ditjen Pothan Kemhan untuk selalu mendorong serta mendukung Pembangunan Industri Pertahanan guna mewujudkan Industri Pertahanan yang maju, kuat, mandiri dan berdaya saing. Binpottekindhan berfungsi untuk memperkuat kapasitas dan kapabilitas Industri Pertahanan.

Sebelum mengakhiri sambutannya, Ses Ditjen menyampaikan harapan beliau kepada PT. Dirgantara Indonesia maupun PT. Len Industri (Persero) agar dapat menyelesaikan pekerjaan berdasarkan kesepakatan bersama sebagaimana isi dan ketentuan dalam kontrak.

Kegiatan berjalan lancar dan aman serta disambut hangat oleh tuan rumah.

(Kemhan)

Australian Gunners Train for K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer in South Korea

25 Agustus 2024

Australian Army and Republic of Korea soldiers on a familiarisation training course for the K9 self-propelled howitzer and the K10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicle in South Korea (photo: Aus DoD)

Gunners come to grips with new howitzer

When Lance Bombadier Lachlan Kirk fired a K9 self-propelled howitzer for the first time, he realised the shock didn’t compare to an M777.

“The recoil was good, it’s not as full-on as the M777,” he said.

Lance Bombadier Kirk was one of nine Aussie gunners on familiarisation training in South Korea to become future instructors on the vehicle.

This included each of them blasting 155mm rounds from the K9 for the first time.

Because the K9 has an automatic laying system, Lance Bombadier Kirk said it was as simple as reviewing the fire control system data, laying the gun, and pressing a button to fire it.

“The main gunner has a screen in front of them where they review the firing solution provided by the fire direction centre. They then press a button to operate and lay the gun,” he said.

The self-propelled howitzer also has manual mode with a hand wheel and levelling bubbles, similar to the M777 – and a semi-automatic mode with a joystick for directional adjustments or direct fire.

They also learnt how to perform a lot of operator maintenance, such as removing the muzzle and tracks for repairs.

Lance Bombadier Kirk said it was easier to load the K9 with the K10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicle, without having to manually move the ammunition by hand. 

“The K10 is loaded with 104 rounds and connects with the rear of the K9. A conveyor belt feeds rounds from the K10 to the K9,” he said.

These rounds are then automatically racked inside the K9, reloading the vehicle in 20 minutes.

Sergeant Jake Brown, who has been an instructor on the M777, said the main difference was being able to shoot and move quickly.

If moving, the K9 can stop and fire within 60 seconds, or if stationary, 30 seconds.

“It will be able to fire rounds and move from that position immediately so you don't receive counter-battery fire,” Sergeant Brown said.

He said the most beneficial part of the course was driver training. Tactically manoeuvring a 50-tonne armoured vehicle is something the gunners have not needed to do with the M777.

“Driving tracked vehicles is going to be new to everybody who's coming through, and getting qualified on the system,” he said.

Towards the end of next year, there will be a more in-depth, train-the-trainer course for potential instructors so they can teach trainees from the 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (4 Regt, RAA) at Puckapunyal.

The Australian AS9 Huntsman and AS10, which are based on the Korean K9 and K10, will have increased internal height, modernised direct fire and fire control systems, additional storage, and air conditioning.

Thirty AS9s and 15 AS10s are expected to be in service in the Army by 2028 and will be primarily operated by 4 Regt, RAA in Townsville.

(Aus DoD)

KD Laksamana Muhammad Amin F136 Selesai Jalani Re-Hull

25 Agustus 2024

Penerimaan kembali korvet KD Laksamana Muhammad Amin F136 yang telah menjalani program re-hull (all photos: Grade One Marine Shipyard)

Paradigm Shift Refit KD Laksamana Muhammad Amin

LUMUT   –   KD LAKSAMANA MUHAMMAD AMIN melakar sejarah sebagai kapal kedua selepas KD PERKASA menjalani selenggaraan berjadual refit secara re-hull, termasuk re-powering.  Di atas keberhasilan inisiatif luar kotak tersebut, Panglima Logistik Barat, Laksamana Pertama Ts. Shaiful Bahari bin Baharuddin telah menyempurnakan majlis penerimaan di Limbungan Grade One Marine Shipyard Sdn Bhd yang turut dihadiri oleh Panglima Armada Barat, Laksamana Madya Dato’ Ts. Shamsuddin bin Haji Ludin.

 

Pendekatan re-hull ini boleh dianggap paradigm shift pelaksanaan selenggaraan berjadual kapal TLDM di limbungan. Ini disebabkan secara conventional, hull kapal akan menjalani senggaraan secara replating.  

Namun disebabkan 3 faktor utama iaitu lebih cepat, kos kompetitif dan ketahanan lebih lama, maka kaedah re-hull telah diimplementasi walaupun dipertikaikan pada awalnya. Kaedah ini adalah pendekatan interim terhadap tatacara senggaraan berjadual kapal di limbungan, khususnya bagi kapal yang telah berusia.

Hasil inisiatif re-hull ini, KD LAKSAMANA MUHAMMAD AMIN telah diberi nafas baharu dalam aspek keupayaan operasi, jangka hayat serta supportability yang lebih baik. Lebih membanggakan, kesemua aktiviti projek dilaksana sepenuhnya oleh anak tempatan, membuktikan keupayaan industri pertahanan maritim negara.

Warga Navy People wajar berbangga dengan inisiatif berterusan serta prakmatik yang dihasilkan dan berterusan berinovasi secara agresif untuk menghasilkan penambahbaikan berimpak tinggi demi kecemerlangan TLDM.  

(TLDM)

Kemhan Lakukan Kunjungan Kerja Ke 2 Galangan Kapal di Batam

25 Agustus 2024

Kunjungan delegasi Kemhan ke PT Palindo Marine dan PT Citra Shipyard di Batam (photos: Kemhan)

Dirjen Pothan Kemhan Melaksanakan Kunjungan Kerja ke Industri Pertahanan Dalam Negeri di Batam  Prov. Kepulauan Riau

Bertempat di Batam, Provinsi Kepulauan Riau, Dirjen Pothan Kemhan – Mayjen TNI Piek Budyakto melaksanakan kunjungan kerja ke Industri Pertahanan Dalam Negeri didampingi oleh Direktur Teknologi Industri Pertahanan – Marsma TNI Dedy Laksmono, S.E., S.T., M.M.. dan 3 (tiga) orang Kepala Sub Direktorat Dittekindhan Ditjen Pothan Kemhan.

Kegiatan diawali dengan kunjungan kerja ke PT. Palindo Marine dalam rangka monitoring dan evaluasi pelaksanaan ofset dan kandungan lokal dari pengadaan kapal Bantuan Hidro Oseanografi (BHO) Ocean Going yang memiliki panjang 105 meter, kecepatan maksimum 16 knot serta mampu menampung 90 awak kapal hasil kerjasama dengan perusahaan dari German shipyard yaitu Abeking & Rasmussen serta Fassmer GmbH & Co.KG dengan mengecek perkembangan pekerjaan offset tersebut di galangan kapal.

Dirjen Pothan Kemhan beserta rombongan melanjutkan kunjungan ke PT. Citra Shipyard untuk pengumpulan data dalam rangka persiapan pelaksanaan kegiatan Defence Industry Cooperation Meeting (DICM) RI-Turki.

Rangkaian kunjungan berjalan lancar dan aman.

(Kemhan)