ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) of the PN's 71 MUARS

28 Juni 2026

Boeing Insitu ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) operated by the 71st Maritime Unmanned Aerial Reconnaissance Squadron (71 MUARS) (photos: PN)

The Boeing Insitu ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) serves as a primary intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) asset for the Philippine Navy's Naval Air Wing. It is operated by the 71st Maritime Unmanned Aerial Reconnaissance Squadron (71 MUARS), based out of Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui in San Antonio, Zambales. 

The system acts as the Navy's "Eye in the Sky," providing crucial real-time maritime domain awareness across territorial waters, including the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippine Navy formally accepted the $14.79 million USD ScanEagle transfer package from the United States under the Maritime Security Initiative (MSI) program.

The package included eight air vehicles, two launchers, a ground control station, and the Skyhook retrieval setup. Following a year of intensive crew training, 71 MUARS officially commenced operational deployments of the system.

(PAFU II)

RMAF Develops Fully Malaysian-Made Anti-Drone Laser Weapon

28 Juni 2026

Birdie-X high-powered laser anti drone systems (photo: Utusan)

The Iran, Ukraine and Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts have shown how cheap drone fleets can wreak havoc on conventional weapons systems. So various anti-drone defense systems have been developed in the form of missiles, MANPADS and even laser systems.

At the Malaysia Aerospace Summit 2026 (MyAERO), the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has shown the first locally made anti-drone system. The Birdie-X system uses lasers to repel drones in the air. It is the result of a collaboration between the RMAF, the Defence Science and Technology Research Institute (STRIDE), and Benua Defence as a low-cost solution to the modern drone threat.

In the New Straits Times report, Birdie-X uses a high-powered laser with an operating cost of only hundreds of ringgit per shot. Birdie-X's creator, Lieutenant Colonel Hairul Zaimy, said that drone-repelling systems such as missiles cost millions of ringgit.

No information on the power of the laser used, whether it is portable, can be used on vehicles and how long it took to develop Birdie-X was shared with the public.

Several anti-drone laser systems have been developed over the past 20 years, but they have not yet been able to completely repel laser attacks. For example, the Iron Beam anti-drone laser system developed by Rafael and Elbit Systems in Israel was ineffective during an Iranian attack this year. When launched four years ago, the Iron Beam was claimed to be able to shoot down not only drones but also missiles at a cost of just $15 per shot.

(Amanz)

Delivery of New FA-50 Fighter Jets on Schedule - PAF

27 Juni 2026

FA-50PH Light Combat Aircraft (photo: PAF)

MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said on Friday that the first batch of South Korean-made Mach 1.5 capable FA-50 Block 70 fighter aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in 2028.

"With the signing of the contract for additional 12 FA-50s last June 3, 2025, the PAF is expecting deliveries to be completed by 2030," Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco told the Philippine News Agency.

She added that deliveries will be made in batches of two aircraft until the order is completed.

The contract for the 12 FA-50 Block 70 fighter aircraft, acquired from Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI), is worth more than USD700 million.

The comprehensive package includes mission equipment, integrated logistics support, and a training and logistics information system.

The acquisition of these FA-50 Block 70 are under the Armed Forces of the Philippines Rehorizon 3.

The South Korean-made combat jet represents the latest evolution of the FA-50 platform, featuring advanced avionics, modern radar systems, and extended operational range.

“Its acquisition marks a significant enhancement to the country’s air defense capabilities and aligns with the DND’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept,” the Department of National Defense (DND) earlier said.

It said the acquisition underscores the Philippine government’s “continued commitment to national defense” and further strengthens its bilateral defense cooperation with South Korea.

The DND earlier acquired 12 FA-50 aircraft from KAI for PHP18.9 billion under Horizon 1 of the AFP Modernization Program, which ran from 2015 to 2017.

These earlier acquired FA-50s served as the PAF's primary air defense aircraft, with the planes also being used to patrol the skies of the West Philippine Sea. 

As this developed, the DND expressed its thanks to the South Korean government and its defense industries for its continued support to the ongoing AFP Modernization Program.

This took place during the 27th Philippines–Republic of Korea Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Logistics and Defense Industry Cooperation in Mandaluyong City on June 23.

The meeting focused on advanced defense modernization, logistics cooperation, and defense industry development. 

DND Assistant Secretary for Logistics and Acquisition Rene Raoul Rommel Honasan, Philippine Head of Delegation, co-chaired the meeting with South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration Vice Minister Il Dong Kim. 

The meeting follows the recent state visit of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to the Philippines, during which defense cooperation was identified as a key area of bilateral collaboration, reflecting the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. 

"As the AFP continues its modernization efforts, we appreciate the support of the Republic of Korea and the continued interest of Korean defense companies in supporting the AFP Modernization Program," Honasan said. 

The meeting was built on the outcomes of the 26th JCM held in Busan last February 2025, which emphasized long-term sustainment, lifecycle management of defense systems, logistics support, technology transfer, and defense industry cooperation. 

In this iteration, discussions focused on advancing sustainment and maintenance initiatives for existing defense platforms, strengthening logistics support mechanisms, enhancing maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities, expanding technology and knowledge exchanges, and exploring opportunities for greater cooperation in defense industry development and capability sustainment. 

(PNA)

Kemhan: Indonesia Tidak Produksi KF-21 Bersama, tapi Langsung Beli dari Korea Selatan

27 Juni 2026

Pesawat tempur KF-21 Boramae (photo: KAI)

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Kementerian Pertahanan (Kemhan) mengungkapkan Indonesia tidak terlibat dalam produksi bersama pesawat tempur KF-21 Boramae dengan Korea Selatan. 

Namun, Indonesia akan memperoleh pesawat tempur tersebut melalui skema pembelian langsung dari pemerintah Korea Selatan. 

“Indonesia tidak melakukan produksi KF-21 bersama, tetapi langsung membeli dari Korea,” kata Kepala Badan Logistik Pertahanan (Kabaloghan) Kemhan Marsekal Madya TNI Yusuf Jauhari, di Kemhan, Jakarta Pusat, Jumat (26/6/2026). 

Rencana Indonesia untuk memiliki jet tempur KF-21 Boramae dari Korea Selatan memang sebelumnya belum mencapai tahap keputusan final.

Pemerintah menyatakan, prosesnya masih berada pada tahap penjajakan dan negosiasi lanjutan.

Kepala Biro Informasi Pertahanan Kementerian Pertahanan (Kemhan) RI Brigjen Rico Ricardo Sirait menegaskan pada April 2026 bahwa belum ada keputusan terkait pembelian pesawat tempur generasi baru tersebut. 

“Perlu kami sampaikan bahwa rencana terkait pesawat tempur KF-21 Boramae saat ini masih berada pada tahap penjajakan,” kata Rico, kepada wartawan, Jumat (3/4/2026).

Pernyataan ini merespons kabar bahwa Korea Selatan siap mengirim 16 unit KF-21 sesuai permintaan Indonesia. 

Dia menambahkan, realisasi kontrak sangat bergantung pada kemampuan anggaran negara dan hasil kajian kebutuhan operasional TNI.

(Kompas)

Indonesia Selesaikan Pembayaran Terakhir Cost-Share KF-21

27 Juni 2026

Indonesia dan Korea resmi melakukan penyesuaian kontrak pembayaran cost share pengembangan pesawat KF-21 pada bulan Mei 2024, yang kemudian disahkan melalui penandatanganan kesepakatan akhir pada Juni 2025 dengan beban biaya pengembangan Indonesia dipangkas menjadi sepertiga dari kesepakatan awal, yakni menjadi sekitar 600 miliar won (sekitar Rp7,07 triliun) (photo: DAPA)

Telah dikonfirmasi bahwa Indonesia telah menyelesaikan pembayaran cost-share dari biaya pengembangan bersama untuk jet tempur Korea KF-21. Dengan berakhirnya perselisihan yang berkepanjangan mengenai pembagian biaya antara Korea dan Indonesia, hal ini diharapkan akan berdampak positif pada negosiasi di masa mendatang untuk pembelian 48 unit KF-21 oleh Angkatan Udara Indonesia.

Menurut laporan komprehensif berdasarkan sumber lokal Indonesia dan liputan media Korea pada tanggal 26 Juni, Indonesia baru-baru ini membayar saldo akhir sebesar 63,6 miliar won dari kontribusi pengembangan bersama yang harus dibayarkan kepada Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). Dengan demikian, Indonesia kini telah membayar seluruh kontribusi cost-share setelah penyesuaian sekitar 600 miliar won yang disepakati dengan pemerintah Korea.

Tiga gelombang akuisisi KF-21

Dengan selesainya pembayaran kontribusi, perhatian beralih ke kontrak pembelian KF-21 Indonesia. Dilaporkan bahwa Indonesia saat ini sedang mempertimbangkan rencana untuk mengakuisisi 48 unit KF-21 dalam tiga gelombang masing-masing 16 unit. Di antara semua itu, negosiasi untuk memasok 16 unit pertama ke Angkatan Udara Indonesia sedang berjalan lebih dulu.

Menurut gabungan sumber lokal Indonesia dan laporan media Korea, konsensus yang signifikan dilaporkan telah tercapai mengenai harga pembelian dan jadwal pengiriman KF-21. Namun, koordinasi anggaran internal dalam pemerintahan Indonesia masih berlangsung. Diketahui bahwa Kementerian Pertahanan, Kementerian Keuangan, dan Kementerian Perencanaan Pembangunan Nasional (Bappenas) saat ini sedang membahas metode pembiayaan untuk pembelian KF-21. Variabel lain adalah fakta bahwa, karena sifat proyek pengadaan pertahanan Indonesia, diperlukan Pinjaman Luar Negeri (PLN) dan anggaran pengadaan domestik (Rupiah Murni Pendamping/RMP).

Jika konsultasi internal pemerintah berjalan cepat, ada kemungkinan anggaran untuk pembelian KF-21 akan disetujui sekitar kuartal ketiga 2026. Namun, waktu persetujuan dapat tertunda tergantung pada metode pengadaan anggaran dan hasil koordinasi antar kementerian. Meskipun demikian, dengan pembayaran kontribusi pengembangan bersama (cost-share) yang kini telah selesai, diperkirakan bahwa negosiasi dengan Indonesia untuk pembelian KF-21 telah memasuki fase yang lebih maju daripada sebelumnya.

(BizHankook)

Dirjen Pothan Kemhan Hadiri Handover Ceremony Program Offset Fregate FREMM di PT Dieselindo Utama Nusa

26 Juni 2026

Offset handover ceremony di PT Dieselindo Utama Nusa (photos: Dieselindo)

Tangerang  – Direktur Jenderal Potensi Pertahanan Kementerian Pertahanan RI, Laksamana Muda TNI Sri Yanto, S.T., menghadiri Handover Ceremony Mockup Diesel Generator & Special Tools Isotta Fraschini Motori di PT Dieselindo Utama Nusa, Cikupa, Kabupaten Tangerang, sebagai bagian dari implementasi program ofset pengadaan Kapal Fregate jenis FREMM.

Dalam arahannya, Dirjen Pothan menegaskan bahwa program ofset merupakan instrumen strategis untuk meningkatkan kemampuan industri pertahanan nasional melalui transfer teknologi, peningkatan kompetensi SDM, dan penguatan industri dalam negeri. Penyerahan mockup diesel generator dan special tools tersebut diharapkan dapat meningkatkan kemampuan nasional dalam pemeliharaan dan dukungan teknis sistem permesinan kapal guna mendukung kesiapan operasional Alutsista TNI Angkatan Laut.

Dirjen Pothan juga menyampaikan apresiasi kepada Fincantieri S.p.A. dan PT Dieselindo Utama Nusa atas komitmen dan kerja samanya dalam mendukung penguatan industri pertahanan nasional. Kegiatan dilanjutkan dengan peninjauan fasilitas workshop serta penandatanganan berita acara serah terima. Melalui kegiatan ini, diharapkan ekosistem industri pertahanan nasional semakin maju, kuat, mandiri, dan berdaya saing.

(Ditjen Pothan)

EOS Received Order for New Counter-Drone (US$124m) and Middle East JV for Laser Weapons and Remote Weapon System

26 Juni 2026

EOS Slinger counter-drone kinetic Remote Weapon System (photo: EOS)

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited (together with its subsidiaries, “EOS” or the “Company”) (ASX:EOS), is pleased to provide the following updates.

EOS has secured a US$124m (~A$175m) order for its Slinger Counter-Drone Remote Weapon System (“RWS”), to be supplied to Generation 5 Holding L.L.C (“Gen5”). Gen5 is a 100% United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) owned provider of defence equipment, technology and services headquartered in Abu Dhabi in the UAE.

The order includes the RWS, cannon, spares, training and other supplies. EOS understands that the systems are intended to strengthen defence systems in light of ongoing regional tensions in the Middle East. The Slinger RWS is EOS’ market leading cannon-based counter-drone defence system.

The systems are expected to be manufactured in Australia and the UAE, and be delivered during 2027 and 2028. The order is subject to Gen5’s customary terms and will be subject to export approvals requirements.

The order further strengthens the relationship between EOS and Gen5 following the announcement on 20 May 2026 that EOS had received a commitment from Generation 5 Holding L.L.C to subscribe, as part of EOS' strategic placement, for A$30m of fully paid ordinary shares in EOS. This is conditional on shareholder approval under ASX listing rule 7.1 being sought at EOS' Extraordinary General Meeting on Friday, 26 June 2026.

EOS Apollo High Energy Laser Weapon (HELW) (photo: EOS)

EOS has worked closely with the UAE Government for many years to provide a range of high technology counter-drone systems. EOS is recognised for its innovative counter-drone technology, including:

-Slinger, EOS’ counter-drone kinetic RWS; and

-Apollo, EOS’ High Energy Laser Weapon (HELW) product.

EOS and Gen5 have entered into a binding, conditional, joint-venture shareholders agreement (“JVA”) to establish an incorporated joint venture (“JV”) for:

-the development, manufacturing and global distribution of a 200-300kW next generation HELW;

-the manufacturing and distribution of EOS’ existing 100-150kW HELW in the UAE (including for the “UAE - Korean Offset Program” arising between the UAE and the Republic of Korea) and certain other Middle East and North Africa (“MENA”) countries; and

-the manufacturing and distribution of certain existing EOS RWS including the R400, R500 and R800 in UAE and certain other MENA countries.

This JV is a strategic growth initiative, formed to capitalise on EOS technology and establish advanced manufacturing capability in the UAE.

(EOS)