Armed Forces, The Fading Heroes
By Sakini Mohd Said | 20 August 2012 Monday | 11:20 AM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- There is a famous saying that old soldiers don't die, they just fade away.

However, in Malaysia the sacrifices and the contribution of the soldiers too are literally fading away from the hearts of its citizens.

And after 55 years of independence, the country's soldiers lament that they are only remembered during Warrior's Day and National Day celebration each year.

Deep in their conscience, Malaysians have to ask themselves just how many among them appreciate and honour the sacrifices of the country's soldiers?

Many in the society remain in the dark over the sacrifices of the armed forces and their role at present.

SOLDIERS GOING INTO OBLIVION

Against the backdrop of declining patriotic values of the younger generation who have no emotional attachment even with the National Day, it is tough to convince them of the armed forces' contribution today.

For most people they can only recall the meaningful role of the armed forces during the pre-Merdeka years, especially during the Emergency, but are unsure of their role after the Communist threat ended.

Today, Malaysia is a harmonious and prosperous nation and therefore most feel the armed forces have no meaningful or compelling role to play.

Malaysians seem not only to have taken for granted the status quo but do not seem to appreciate the crucial role of the men in uniform and their legacy.

As for the average man in the street, the members of the armed forces add colour to the parades, mount guard of honour for foreign dignitaries visiting the country and on-and off participate in operations to help civilians during disasters.

Nonetheless, just how many citizens see that the peace, harmony and prosperity that they are enjoying today are the result of the sacrifices of the soldiers at the frontline?

Even today the soldiers have to leave behind their families, travel far and stay awake day and night, this time to preserve the independence that we have been enjoying over the last 55 years.

DON'T TAKE INDEPENDENCE FOR GRANTED

"We have achieved independence, there has been no internal strive but that does not mean there will not be external threats," noted the Corporate Communication Unit Head for the Armed Forces Ex-servicemen Affairs Corporation (Perhebat) Major Rosli (Rtd) Mohd Yazid.

"We have to realise that the armed forces still serve as the first line of defence against external threats. It is a fallacy to think that the armed forces only have a role during wars.

"It is wrong to think that the armed forces are not important because external threats including re-colonisation can crop up anytime. That is why we have to keep up the pace with other nations in aspects of national defence," he said to Bernama.

The armed forces - air force, navy and the army - are indispensible in maintaining security at our borders and keeping in check smuggling and other criminal activities including human trafficking.

These pre-emptive measures are critical in maintaining peace and public order that in bigger picture contribute to national development and attract foreign investments.

Nevertheless, the subsequent generations after Merdeka have lived in relative peace and comfort and never have been through major security threats. Therefore they could not appreciate the contribution of the armed forces at present.

Added with declining patriotic values, and the lack of knowledge or interest on the sacrifices of the armed forces, the younger generation of today in particular neither recognise nor appreciate the role of the armed forces.

This has demoralised members of the armed forces, especially the veterans involved in defending the country's sovereignty before and after Merdeka.

COMMUNIST BOOBY TRAPS

People like Rosli, who had served with the army's royal ranger division, lives to tell of the deadly encounters with the Communist.

It was 1974, unlike 1957, the Communist were a real threat for Malaysia's sovereignty.

Rosli recalled of the threats faced by his 35 member platoon and the poignant moments when platoon members fall victim to booby traps.

"When I joined the operations to take on the Communist in 1974, it was a tough calling especially when platoon members lost their life or were injured.

"I have seen myself the effect of the booby traps, some were maimed others killed...and, thus when the younger generation fail to appreciate the peace and good life that they are enjoying today, I really feel hurt.

"I feel that, our sacrifices all this while is not only being taken for granted but also being ridiculed," said the major who retired in 1994.

The frustration is shared by Perhebat's Director of Human Resources and Administration, Major (B) Rosdin Mohammad.

He had fought against the Communist from 1983 until they surrendered in 1989, and it was an unforgettable experience that in fact enhanced his patriotic feelings for the country.

His experience serving as a peacekeeper in Bosnia under the United Nations also taught him to appreciate and maintain the peace enjoyed by the country.

"We have to appreciate the struggles of our forefathers who fought for the country's independence. I have seen enough of the sufferings of the war victims.

"Though we have achieved independence, but we still have to preserve the country's sovereignty as threat can appear anytime and from anywhere like the Malaysia-Indonesia Confrontation in 1963," he said.

"This is for those who are still alive. How about the hundreds who fell in valour in preserving the peace that we enjoy today?

"The Confrontation is what prompted Malaysia to develop its military power not only to maintain peace but also its sovereignty," commented Perhebat's Chairman Admiral (Rtd) Tan Sri Datuk Seri Ilyas Din.

MERDEKA CELEBRATION ITINERARIES

However, it is unfair to put the blame solely on the younger generation on the current scenario.

The situation needs to be reversed and one of the effective ways in doing so is by making sure that the Merdeka celebration itineraries evoke patriotic fervour and show appreciation for the members of the armed forces.

"At times I feel that the Merdeka celebration appears more like a fashion show with the armed forces in the full costume taking part in the parades.

"Maybe the organisers want to highlight the deeds and sacrifices of the armed forces, but only people like me are in a better position to appreciate this, how about others? That is why I feel that the Merdeka celebration itineraries should be relooked into," said Rosli.

Echoing Rosli's sentiment, Ilyas and Rosdin, both felt that dramas or historical films on the contribution of the armed forces would be able to enhance the patriotic feeling and help the public appreciate the role of the armed forces.

Nonetheless, it all goes back to what we learn from young. The patriotic feelings should be inculcated constantly apart from appreciating the sacrifices of the armed forces throughout and not just before Merdeka.

Malaysians should never forget that peace and prosperity that they enjoy today is very much due to the sacrifices of the members of the armed forces.

-- BERNAMA

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsfeatures.php?id=689004

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Aug 21 2012, 11:10 PM

Tanks for the Lesson: Leopards, too, for Canada
26 August 2012 Sunday | 14:15 EDT

Canadian Forces took some of the lessons re-learned during Operation Medusa in Afghanistan, directly to heart. Canada’s DND:

“The heavily protected direct fire capability of a main battle tank is an invaluable tool in the arsenal of any military. The intensity of recent conflicts in Central Asia and the Middle East has shown western militaries that tanks provide protection that cannot be matched by more lightly armored wheeled vehicles…. [Canada’s existing Leopard C2/1A5] tanks have also provided the Canadian Forces (CF) with the capability to travel to locations that would otherwise be inaccessible to wheeled light armoured vehicles, including Taliban defensive positions.”

In October 2003, Canada was set to buy the Styker/LAV-III 105mm Mobile Gun System to replace its Leopard C2 tanks. By 2007, however, the lessons of war took Canada down a very different path – one that led them to renew the very tank fleet they were once intent on scrapping, while backing away from the wheeled vehicles that were once the cornerstone of the Canadian Army’s transformation plan. This updated article includes a full chronology for Canada’s new Leopard 2 tanks, adds information concerning DND’s exact plans and breakdowns for their new fleet, and discusses front-line experiences in Afghanistan:

Why New Tanks Now?

As noted above, existing Leopard 1A5-CAN tanks (designated C2) have been a welcome addition to the fighting in Afghanistan, and their MEXAS ceramic-composite armor kits and combat engineering attachments increase their versatility. The Canadian Forces are also deploying tracked M113 armored personnel carriers, which offer much less complete protection but similar mobility benefits.

Canada’s LAV-III wheeled armored personnel carriers have played useful roles, using their sensor suites and 25mm autocannon in road overwatch and patrols. The Panjwai district’s mud-brick compounds and its irrigation ditches, however, presented the LAV-IIIs with limits they could not easily overcome – and would have done the same for the LAV-III/Stryker MGS systems, had Canada gone ahead with that purchase.

Canadian sources tell DID that in addition to direct fire support from the Leopard C2s’ 105mm gun, the tanks’ heft and traction are equally significant because they can crumble low-lying brick walls by using front-mounted engineering attachments like dozer blades – or just their own weight. This clears a path for other forces, and allows the tanks to continue moving forward and providing fire support.

The Leopard C2s have their own deficiencies, however. The first – and biggest – issue, is heat. Temperatures in southern Afghanistan can reach 50C/122F in the summer time, which can easily become a life-threatening 65C/150F inside the vehicle due to its enclosed nature plus heat generated by the tank’s hydraulic systems. Australia managed to add air conditioning to its Leopard 1s, but the Canadian version has a number of unique characteristics; any retrofit project risked delays and complications. With vehicles committed to the fight and needed in the field, however, failure was not an option.

The second issue was protection. Even with its add-on MEXAS armor, the 1970s vintage Leopard 1s lack the all-around protection possible in the latest main battle tanks like the American M1 Abrams, German Leopard 2, et. al. The M1 TUSK and Leopard 2A6M versions can ignore single-warhead anti-tank rockets like the RPG-7, and can also add belly armor kits to improve protection against IED land mines.

The third issue was electronics and maintenance. Retrofitting modern digital communications and force tracking systems into tanks like the 6th generation Leopard 1 is a strain at the best of times, while 7th generation vehicles are designed and equipped to include them. In addition, by 2012 there would no longer be logistics support and spare parts for the turrets of Leopard 1s. By 2015, the Canadians believed that it may become impossible to maintain them.

Standing pat was not an option, and a simple switch had sharp limitations. With their LAV-III MGS and the combined anti-air/anti-armor LAV-III MMEV procurements in limbo, and the tactical rationale for these programs brought into question, the Canadians accepted the verdict of circumstances, and chose a different path. Instead of new 8×8 APCs, they would field new heavy armor.

Choices, Choices: Leopard 2s For Canada

A number of options for renewing Canada’s tank capability were considered, ranging from refurbishment, to surplus, to new. Delivery time was of the essence, and DND’s examination determined that the cost of any new vehicles involved paying up to 3 times as much as buying the same basic tank models on the surplus heavy tank market. New medium tank options like the 32-tonne CV90-120 light tank also offered full tracked mobility and similar firepower at less cost, but Canada had learned that heavier weight was often a tactical plus in theater, and decided that they needed vehicles sooner rather than later.

Accordingly, the Canadian government approached 6 allied nations regarding surplus main battle tank sales, and received proposals from 3 of them. It then went ahead and made 2 purchases, plus another 2 follow-on buys.

Their tank choice is a modern mainstay for many countries. Thanks in part to the great DeutschePanzerSchlussverkauf (German Panzer fire sale), the Leopard 2 and its variants have now been bought by Germany, Austria, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Singapore, Switzerland, Sweden, and Turkey.

Canada’s 1st step was a lease, in order to get modern, air-conditioned tanks to the front lines immediately. Germany won that order, and 20 German Leopard 2A6M mine-protected tanks were delivered by the summer of 2007 to replace existing Leopard 1A5/C2 tanks in Afghanistan. The new tanks’ electric turret systems produce less heat than the C2s did, and air conditioning was added to the new German tanks in theater. This was a relief to Canadian tank crews, who had needed protective suites in the 140F/ 60C interiors of their Leopard 1A5 tanks.

The 2A6M is the most modern serving Leopard variant, though KMW had proposed a “Leopard 2 Peace Support Operations” variant with improved protection, and integrated combat engineering capabilities. By the time modifications were finished, the Leopard 2A6 CAN turned out to fall somewhere between the conventional 2A6M and the PSO. Canada actually ended up keeping the leased and modified German tanks, and sending 20 Leopard 2A6Ms from its follow-on purchases back to Germany.

The follow-on purchases of 127 tanks were won by 3 countries. The biggest order for 100 tanks went to the Dutch, who are serving under NATO ISAF beside Canadian forces in southern Afghanistan. Training for 5 years and initial spares will also be provided. Cooperation between these nations is not new. Dutch PzH-2000 mobile howitzers have already proven very helpful during Operation Medusa, and so had their CH-47 Chinook medium-heavy helicopters – some of which were bought as surplus from the Canadians in the 1980s. The cycle continues. And so it goes.

In the aftermath of their sales to Norway, Denmark, and now Canada, The Dutch were left with 110 Leopard 2A6-NL tanks in their arsenal. Other sales dropped that total further, and on On April 8/11, the Dutch Ministry of Defense announced that the last tank unit was to be dissolved and all remaining Leopard tanks sold.

The additional Leopard 2 buys totaled 27 tanks/ hulls. First, another 15 Leopard 2A4s were bought from Germany, to be used for spare parts. This hadn’t been contemplated in the initial plan, but it was necessary. The initial set of 20 leased German Leopard 2A6Ms were experiencing readiness problems, as tanks were cannibalized in order to keep others running. A 2010 buy from Switzerland added 12 stripped Pz 87s (Leopard 2A4 variants) for conversion to specialty vehicles, under Canada’s Force Mobility Enhancement (FME) program.

Structure

Canada’s initial 100-tank buy from the Netherlands included 20 Leopard 2A6-NL tanks, and 80 older Leopard 2A4s. Why 100? Because Canada’s Department of National Defence believed this was the minimum fleet size to support a deployed tank squadron:

40 for deployed operations. The Canadian Forces need 2 combat-ready squadrons of approximately 20 tanks each: 1 for deployment and a 2nd for rotation into theater to allow for depot repair and overhaul of the 1st.

40 for training. Another 2 squadrons of 20 tanks each are required for collective and individual training in Canada: individual training at the Combat Training Centre at CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick; and squadron training at CFB Wainwright at the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre in Alberta. These tanks do not need the same up-armoring conversion as the 2A6Ms, but they do need the same guns ad electronics to ensure that the training is consistent and useful.

20 specialists. The final 20 vehicles would be key support vehicles such as armored recovery vehicles, which can winch out stuck tanks, or lift a turret or engine out for repairs. Canada had already been forced to deploy its Leopard 1 derived Taurus ARV to Afghanistan, and DND knew they would also need specialty options like armored bridge-laying vehicles (Canada’s Leopard 1 version: Beaver bridge-launcher), and armored engineering vehicles (Canada’s Leopard 1 version: Badger AEV). LAV-III engineering vehicles had already shown that they needed a tracked supplement in Afghanistan, so Badgers had been deployed. On the other hand, without turrets that drive a 2015 expiration date, it may be practical for Canada to simply keep many of their existing Badger and Taurus vehicles.

At one point, the 20 planned specialist vehicles were reduced to 8 ARV-3 Armored Recovery Vehicles, and 12 vehicles used for spare parts. That thinking changed, however, and Canada ended up adding more Leopard 2s from other sources. Its enlarged “Force Mobility Enhancement” program picked Rheinmetall’s BPz-3 Buffel as its Leopard 2 derivative “ARV-3” (4-6 vehicles), and FFG’s WISENT as its AEV (13-18 vehicles) to replace the existing Badgers.

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/tanks-...r-canada-03208/

Indonesia Hikes Defense Budget, Forges Close Ties with Beijing and Washington
By Zakir Hussain - Straits Times | 24 August 2012 Friday

Jakarta. Indonesia's defense spending will once again top that for all government agencies, spiking to a record 77.7 trillion rupiah (US$8 billion) next year.

The new budget is 6.6 percent higher than this year's and comes as Southeast Asia's largest country seeks to leverage its growing economy to overhaul its aging military hardware.

But unlike some of its neighbors whose beefing up of their armies comes amid growing wariness of China's military build-up, Jakarta's plans involve jointly producing C-705 anti-ship missiles with Beijing.

The move has raised eyebrows, but officials say it is all about cooperating with a range of countries so that the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), which have 400,000 active-duty soldiers, get the best deal for weapons and defense systems, and the domestic defense industry gets a boost.

"This is part of our effort to achieve a minimum essential force by 2024," Defense Ministry spokesman Hartind Asrin told The Straits Times Thursday, using a term that refers to the bare minimum needed to safeguard Indonesia's borders and maintain a professional and capable military.

Brigadier-General Hartind said the two sides aim to agree on quantity and specifications by the year end, so that a deal to develop the missiles here can be inked next March. The two sides had discussed the deal at the first Indonesia-China defense industry cooperation meeting here last month.

The naval missiles, which have a range of 135km, have been test-fired in the Sunda Strait.

He stressed that the plans are unrelated to and unaffected by rising tensions in the South China Sea over territories claimed by China and four Asean states.

However, Indonesia's closer cooperation with China has been followed by an offer of further cooperation from the US.

Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said last week the US had offered additional F-16 fighter jets on top of the 24 the TNI will soon receive on a grant agreed on late last year.

The latest offer from Washington comes amid closer military ties between Jakarta and Beijing.

Last month, Indonesian special forces troops held a joint exercise with their Chinese counterparts in Shandong, and China has offered to train Indonesian air force pilots using a Sukhoi simulator.

Both foreign ministers also agreed to boost defense ties when they met here earlier this month.

"There is wide recognition that it is time for Indonesia to seek alternative resources for its defense needs, and China is an important partner," Bantarto Bandoro of the Indonesian Defense University said. China is more willing to share and transfer technology and "does not impose conditions."

Apart from China, Indonesia is also working with South Korea to produce jet fighters and submarines, and with Spain to build medium-range transport aircraft.

Bantarto said Washington probably made the offer of additional F-16s because it did not want the balance to be tilted too much by closer Indonesia-China military ties.

The Defense Ministry says it is happy to work closely with both sides, a posture mirroring that of the Foreign Ministry that eschews taking sides even as it seeks to carve out a middleman role for the country amid renewed great power interest in the region.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said last week the budget increase is "aimed at improving the readiness and reliability of the TNI in safeguarding (our) territorial sovereignty, in executing defensive tasks of the state during peace-time, and in participating in the maintenance of world peace."

Members of Parliament have voiced support for the increased spending.

Parahyangan Catholic University academic Mira Permatasari said there is growing recognition that security and social development needs can be mutually reinforcing. The two, just like stronger defense links with both China and the US, are not a zero-sum game, she added.

Some items on the way:

Navy
• C-705 anti-ship missiles produced jointly with China
• Eleven anti-submarine helicopters
• Three submarines produced jointly with South Korea
• Eight corvettes produced jointly with Dutch shipbuilder Damen Schelde

Air Force
• Eight light attack A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from Brazil
• Up to 34 F-16s from the US on a grant
• Six C-130H heavy transport aircraft from Australia, plus four C-130s on a grant
• KFX/IFX fighter jets jointly produced with South Korea

Army
• 100 Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks from Germany

Reprinted courtesy of The Straits Times

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/indone.../540045#Scene_1

No more tanks for the Merdeka parade at Dataran Merdeka?

Last year also no tanks.

Last year the 2011 Merdeka Parade was done with Malaysia Day.

Hopefully, next year 2013 Merdeka Parade, we will get to see the MAF tanks and other assests.

This year only showcased the MMEA Special Forces (STAR).

I believe that currently, TNI-AD will be operating the most advanced MBT here in South East Asia with the introduction of the Leopard 2A6. Hopefully one of this day, I'm able to take photos of the TNI-AD Leopard 2A6.

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Sep 2 2012, 09:25 PM

Indonesia has the fouth largest population in the world.

It'll be interesting to see NS for the Indonesian population.

I've no idea bro.

Many thanks for the news link bro.

Cheers.

Thanks for the link.

Thailand Orders Four EC725s Helicopters for Search and Rescue Missions
By: Tamir Eshel | 5 September 2012 Wednesday

The Government of Thailand has reportedly ordered four EC725 helicopters for Search and Rescue (SAR) missions. The €100 million deal was announced by Thai deputy prime minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa on 29 August, quoted by the French media. The French built aircraft are expected to replace the Bell UH-1H SAR helicopters currently flying with the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF).

Eurocopter is demonstrating the helicopter in its CSAR configuration at the MSPO Aerospace and Defense expo in Poland. As the latest and most advanced member of Eurocopter’s 11-ton military product line, the EC725 has become a rotorcraft of choice in the modernization of military forces’ helicopter fleets worldwide. Customers include France, Brazil, Mexico, and Kazakhstan– with negotiations underway for acquisitions by additional countries.

Thailand joins an increasing number of South East Asian nations using the EC725, including the Vietnamese Navy, the Malaysian Air Force, which has ordered 12 examples of the EC725 for use in a range of missions including SAR. In April, the Indonesian Air Force purchased six EC725s for the CSAR role.

Asia has become a growing market for the civilian version of the helicopter – EC225. The Air Force of Taiwan has recently commissioned three EC-225 helicopters for SAR operations. Two EC-225 helicopters geared for SAR and firefighting missions are operating with the South Korean ’119 Rescue’ civil defense service while three are operating with Japan’s Coast Guards.  The EC225 is also a popular choice for offshore operations, supporting the booming oil and gas explorations in the region; eight are already operating in Malaysia by commercial operators MHS Aviation and Awan Inspirasi, with four more operated by the VNH company in Vietnam.

http://defense-update.com/20120905_thai_or...fense+Update%29

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Sep 7 2012, 07:03 AM

MiG-29 Fighter Jet Crashes in Siberia
6 September 2012 Tuesday | 19:28

A Russian Air Force MiG-29 fighter crashed on Thursday near Chita, in Siberia, the Defense Ministry said.

“The plane crashed near Domna airport, 27 kilometers from Chita,” ministry spokesman Col. Igor Konashenkov said.

The pilot’s body was found by a rescue team, he said, adding that a Defense Ministry commission is on its way to the scene to establish the causes of the crash.

According to first reports, the plane crashed into a hill.

All MiG-29s have been grounded pending investigation into the causes of the crash, Konashenkov said.

The MiG-29 is a multirole fourth-generation fighter. At present there are 270 MiG-29s in the Russian Air Force and 40 in the Navy.

http://en.ria.ru/mlitary_news/20120906/175809233.html

Dzirhan Mahadzir ‏@DzirhanDefence
MAF and Police Open House tmrw 8 September 2.30pm at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.

9:39 AM - 7 Sep 12 · Details

Model KF-X/IF-X Fighter type C103

http://www.koreadefence.net/detail.php?num...23&thread=22r01

KRI Klewang: TNI's fast missile trimaran patrol vessel is launched
7 September 2012 Friday

http://kementah.blogspot.sg/2012/09/kri-kl...imaran.html?m=1

Indonesia to purchase more tanks from Germany
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | National | 13 September 2012 Thursday 9:01 PM

After the purchase plan of 103 Leopard main battle tanks from Germany, the Defense Ministry on Thursday stated that it would buy another 50 Marder 1A3 and 10 supporting tanks from the same country by September.

Deputy Defense Minister Lt. Gen. (ret) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and his entourage from the ministry received the German charge d'affaires, Heeidrun Tempel, to talk about the details of the procurement at the ministry on Thursday.

“The tank producer, Rheinmetall, will be in Indonesia in the fourth week of September to finalize and sign the purchase deal,” Sjafrie said on Thursday as quoted by Antara news agency.

Sjafrie said Rheinmetall had prepared the first shipment of the Leopard tanks.

The ministry had previously requested that the shipment reach it before Oct. 5, hoping to exhibit them at a ceremony celebrating the Indonesian Military’s (TNI) anniversary. However, several administration and logistic barriers between the parties mean the tanks will be available only for the 2012 Indo Defense exhibition in November.

A high-level committee (HLC) led by Sjafrie will also visit the manufacturing companies in Frankfurt, Germany, next week to observe the process.

The Marder tank is said to be a reference to the country's effort to manufacture its own tanks in the future. (fzm/swd)

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/09...ks-germany.html

UPDATE 1-U.S. to sell Indonesia 8 Apache helicopters
20 September 2012 Thursday | 3:08pm EDT

(Reuters) - The United States said on Thursday it will sell Indonesia eight AH-64/D Apache helicopters to strengthen security ties with the largest country in Southeast Asia and the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, speaking during a meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa in Washington, said Congress had been notified of the intent to sell the aircraft.

"This agreement will strengthen our comprehensive partnership and help enhance security across the region," Clinton said.

President Barack Obama's administration has sought to buttress defense ties with Indonesia as it refocuses its attention toward the Asia-Pacific following long years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The United States has stepped up military cooperation with traditional allies such as the Philippines and Australia, and joined regional efforts to press China to accept a multilateral framework for solving flaring territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

The United States has stepped up military cooperation with traditional allies such as the Philippines and Australia, and joined regional efforts to press China to accept a multilateral framework for solving flaring territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Clinton did not reveal an estimated cost for the Apache deal, which Indonesian media have reported has been in the works for months. The attack helicopters, used by militaries around the world, are made by Boeing.

The United States last year announced it was giving Indonesia two dozen second-hand F-16 fighter planes, with Jakarta covering the estimated $750 million needed to refurbish the late-model fighters and overhaul their engines.

U.S. officials say the delivery of U.S. hardware will improve cooperation and information-sharing between the U.S. and Indonesian militaries as they face common security threats.

The announcement of the helicopter sale came as Clinton and Natalegawa wound up the third regular U.S.-Indonesia joint commission meeting, with both saying that ties between the two countries had grown stronger.

Clinton, who visited Indonesia this month as part of an Asia-Pacific tour, said trade topped $26 billion last year and that the United States would invest $600 million over the next five years in Indonesian clean energy development, child health and nutrition programs and government transparency initiatives under its Millennium Challenge aid program.

Indonesia has been among the nations hit by violent anti-American protests over the past week to protest against a U.S.-made video seen as critical of Islam.

Clinton said that the United States had decided to temporarily close its diplomatic facilities in the country on Friday in case further protests erupt. But she praised Jakarta for its response to the crisis.

"We are very grateful for not only the cooperation and the protection that has been provided to our facilities, but also for the strong statements condemning violence," Clinton said.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/20/...E8KKBRK20120920

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Sep 21 2012, 06:59 AM

US plans $1.4-billion arms package for Indonesia
By Jim Wolf | 22 September 2012 Saturday | 12:12am IST

* Includes 8 Boeing Apache AH-64D attack helicopters

* Apaches to help free flow of ships in Malacca Strait

* US to supply state-of-art Hellfire missiles

WASHINGTON, Sept 21 (Reuters) - The Obama administration is proposing a potential $1.4-billion arms package for Indonesia, including eight Boeing Co Apache AH-64D attack helicopters, in a fresh tightening of security ties in a region rattled by China's growing territorial assertiveness.

The deal would include fire control radars, common missile warning systems, radar signal detecting sets and 140 state-of-the-art Lockheed Martin Corp Hellfire II AGM-114R precision-strike missiles, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a notice to the U.S. Congress published Friday.

Indonesia is Southeast Asia's most populous country and the world's most populous Muslim-majority state. Plans for several U.S. arms transfers to it have been announced since late last year that would make Jakarta a more militarily capable regional partner.

Indonesia would use the twin-engine Apache helicopters to defend its borders, conduct counterterrorism and counter-piracy operations, "and control the free flow of shipping through the Strait of Malacca," the security agency said in its memo.

The proposed sale would provide Indonesia assets vital to deterring external and other potential threats, the Pentagon agency said.

The narrow and congested waterway is a potential choke point linking the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea and Pacific Ocean. The shortest sea route between the Middle East and growing Asian markets, it washes the shores of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, and carries about 40 percent of the world's trade.

Piracy, including attempted theft and hijackings, is a constant threat to tankers, though the number of attacks has dropped following stepped-up patrols by the littoral states.

REGIONAL SECURITY

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who announced the planned Apache sale on Thursday without providing details on the rest of the arms package, said it would boost a comprehensive partnership with Indonesia and enhance security across the region.

She spoke in Washington during a meeting with visiting Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa.

Indonesia represents just part of an increasing U.S. emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region for national security planning as China presses its claims on disputed territory, notably in the South China Sea.

The United States is also building Guam as a strategic hub, deploying up to four shore-hugging littoral combat ships on a rotational basis to Singapore and preparing a 2,500-strong Marine Corps task force rotation as part of a growing military partnership with Australia.

The arms and services called for under the $1.4 billion Indonesia package will provide key elements required for "interoperability" with U.S. forces, the security agency's notice said.

Also included are "Identification Friend or Foe transponders," 30mm guns and ammunition, communication equipment, tools and test equipment, simulators, generators, personnel training and logistics support services, the agency said.

The Hellfire II, included in the package, is the primary air-to-ground precision missile of its size for U.S. armed forces as well as the Central Intelligence Agency's paramilitary capabilities and many U.S. allies.

The notice of such a sale is required by law. It does not mean that a deal has been concluded.

President Barack Obama announced in November plans to give Indonesia 24 decommisioned Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets, with Jakarta paying up $750 million to upgrade them and overhaul their engines, which are made by United Technologies Corp's Pratt & Whitney unit.

The Pentagon moved in August to supply Raytheon Co AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground guided missiles and related gear valued at $25 million for Indonesia's growing F-16 fleet.

http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/09/21/u...E8KLBCU20120921

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Sep 22 2012, 09:48 AM

Yes AH-64D APACHE Block III LONGBOW, is currently the state of the art Apache.

RMAF may lease Gripens an option
By Marhalim Abas | Last updated on 24 September 2012 Monday | 10:02am

PETALING JAYA (Sept 23, 2012): The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is considering an offer from Sweden to lease up to 18 JAS39 Gripen fighter jets for its Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) programme.

RMAF chief Tan Sri Rodzali Daud told theSun leasing the Gripens is a cheaper solution considering the huge capital expenditure needed for the procurement of new fighters.

"The Gripens had been leased to European air forces, so there is nothing new about such a deal.

"The aircraft also meets all of our MRCA requirements although I admit it is short on gas and range due to its small size," he said when asked to comment on claims by defence industry sources that Sweden has offered a lease-buy option for the Gripens.

Sources told theSun that offer was made after Gripen and the Sukhoi Su-30MKM were eliminated from the MRCA programme following technical evaluation by RMAF test pilots.

They said the three top contenders, namely Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon, would compete for the final stage of the programme, where their transfer of technology packages and off-set offers would be evaluated before the winner is selected.

Rodzali denied that Gripen and Sukhoi were no longer considered for the MRCA programme as "we are still evaluating all of the aircraft".

He also denied that RMAF had ranked the aircraft in the technical evaluation.

Instead, he said, the aircraft's strengths and weaknesses were documented for further evaluation.

According to him, one important factor for the final selection would be the lowest support cost. "If the Super Hornet is seen as the favourite, it is because we already have the Hornets (eight units) in service."

Asked how many Gripens will be leased if the offer is accepted, he said "preferably it will be 18 planes as specified in the MRCA".

He said despite budgetary constraints, the MRCA programme will go ahead as the air force has planned to retire the 10 MiG-29N Fulcrum air superiority fighters by 2015. "We may need a special budget, one that covers three Malaysian plans," he added.

Rodzali declined to confirm the budget allocation for the MRCA programme but sources told theSun the air force could only procure 12 jets if it opts for the Super Hornet, Rafale or Typhoon.

Hungary and Czech operate the Gripens under a 10-year lease-and-buy contract, for around RM398 million a year, which covers servicing and training.
Rodzali dismissed any hint of an arm race in the impending buy.

"The reason we are looking for new fighters is because of the capability gap. We need to ensure we are on par with other nations.

"Another reason is technology. Technology is moving rapidly. We cannot afford to be left behind."

http://www.thesundaily.my/news/497484

Deputy Chief of RMAF gives A400M thumbs up
26 September 2012 Wednesday



Photo : (Left) Deputy Chief of Royal Malaysian Air Force, Lieutenant General Datuk Roslan Saad, gives the A400M the thumbs up. With him is Ed Strongman, Airbus Military Chief Test Pilot.


Deputy Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, Lieutenant General Datuk Roslan Saad, has given the Airbus Military A400M his thumbs up following his test flight of the new generation airlifter in Toulouse, France, recently.

“It was an enormous pleasure to fly the aircraft that it is going to be at the heart of the RMAF´s transport capabilities in future. It is a real ‘pilot´s aircraft’ and I very much look forward to seeing it enter service so that we can apply its capabilities on a wide variety of missions,” said Lieutenant General Datuk Roslan.

The Malaysian Government has ordered four of the A400M. It is expected to take delivery of its first A400M in 2015.

A total of 174 aircraft have so far been ordered by Belgium France, Germany, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

http://www.airbusmilitary.com/LatestNews/t...-thumbs-up.aspx

Looks like KRI Klewang will not be detected forever, close shop.

http://sealandadventure.blogspot.sg/2012/0...p-burn-out.html