Aerobatic plane crashes in Bandung Air Show, killing two


http://www.nst.com.my/latest/aerobatic-pla...g-two-1.150144#

Express journalists land on Super US Carrier!
Published on: 30 September 2012 Sunday

Daily Express Editor-in-Chief James Sarda and this writer became "part of an extremely small group of 300 Malaysians" who have ever experienced being flown into an American aircraft carrier before being catapulted abruptly out of Super Carrier USS John C. Stennis in a C21 utility aircraft, Saturday, along with a small group of VIPs and Malaysian military top brass, said Lee McClenny, Deputy Chief of Mission from the United States Embassy.

The abrupt landing and abrupt take-off, which packs a 4 G-force, jolted and shocked the senses out of the novices in what was described as a "never thought of" experience, noted Major General Datuk Mohd Zaki B Mokhtar, Commander of First Division Infantry, East Malaysia, who was also onboard, besides Datuk Salleh Said Keruak, Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, and Rahman Dhalan, MP for Kota Belud.

It took the C21 more than an hour to fly to the 97,000-ton and 1,092-foot Stennis where Rear Admiral Charles M Gaouette, Commander of Carrier Strike Group Three and Captain Ronald Reis, Commanding Officer of Super Carrier welcomed the privileged small Sabah group, who saw off-deck and up close on deck a slew of fighter-jet takeoffs and landings.

"The typical day is we start flying at noon and stop at midnight," Admiral Gaouette said.

Asked if the fighter jets ever missed the catapults, Gaouette said: "Yes, every day!"

"This is why they land in full throttle because you don't know it catches the catapult or not so that if they miss, they just go back up again," he said "The real heroes are the sailors on deck, aged between 18 and 20, Admiral Gaouette said.

"We make sure they concentrate on what they are doing, not distracted and not complacent because there are many ways to get hurt.

The Planning Officers are always watching the winds, watching the pilots whether they are landing good or bad."

Gaouette said the Stennis arrived in the South China Sea two days ago mainly to do training for its air wings.

"The water here is very favourable because of its low traffic and wide space," he said.

USS Stennis, the centrepiece of a flotilla of warships under the command of Admiral Gaouette, carries a cargo of 100 pilots and 70 planes which include the F/A-18F Super Hornet, F/A-18C Hornet, the E-2C Hawkeye, C-2A Greyhound, EA-6B Prowler and helicopters such as the MH-60S Knighthawk and MH-60R Seahawak, and 5,500 sailors.

Powered by two nuclear reactors which generate 550MW each, the Stennis alone produces more electricity than the whole of Sabah combined (about 800MW)!

Given a top speed of 30 knots, it is given to rapid deployment.

Meanwhile, excitement is reaching a crescendo to welcome the first aircraft carrier to make a port of call on October in Kota Kinabalu where a big reception has been planned.

"This is very special and a bid deal because it marks the first time any aircraft carrier has visited Kota Kinabalu," said Lee McClenny.

"Fundamentally, we are grateful to the Malaysian Government and the State Government for the invitation for the USS Stennis to come out to help build relationship between Malaysia and the United States, which is already strong but is getting stronger every day," McClenny said.

"Borneo is a by-word for the exotics and the unusual and we expect a lot of economic injections into the local economy because the Stennis will be buying provisions here and sailors go on shore for a few days to shop and see the country," McClenny said.

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=82704

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Sep 30 2012, 07:15 PM

Interesting comment by Marhalim Abas.

Maybe we'll see it at 2013 LIMA, signing for RMAF AEW.

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Oct 2 2012, 07:59 AM

USS George Washington makes first visit to Malaysia
7 October 2012 Sunday | MYT 6:05:23 PM

PORT KLANG: The United States Navy's full-time forward-deployed aircraft carrier, the USS George Washington, made its maiden port call here Sunday aimed, among others, to promote cooperation and bolstering strong relations between the republic and Malaysia.

The ship's Commanding Officer, Captain Greg Fenton (pic), said the five-day port visit would provide an opportunity for the sailors to broaden their horizon and inculcate a deep understanding of the Malaysian maritime environment.

"The big part of the port visit is to listen to the Malaysian armed forces on the way they conduct business and see how we could learn from them as well. "Our sailors have volunteered to support six community service projects while in port here in order to increase the engagement with the local population," he told reporters who were taken on a tour on board the carrier, which is docked at the Port Klang Cruise Centre here.

He said the six community service projects included volunteer services at a school for children of Myanmar refugees and the Juara-Glad Tidings Home for Children.

Fenton said the sailors would also have the opportunity to socialise with American families through the Kuala Lumpur American Sailor Socials (KLASS) programme developed for American families living in Kuala Lumpur to show appreciation to fellow American servicemen and women who are serving on ships.

He said more than 500 Malaysian dignitaries including military personnel would be hosted to a welcoming reception on board the ship tomorrow.

The USS George Washington, which was commissioned on July 4, 1992 with 5,000 sailors on board, is scheduled to conduct 11 ship tours namely for Malaysian business and military officials and host a safety and medical exchange programme with the Malaysian military. - Bernama

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=...4909&sec=nation

Indonesia Receive Armored Vehicles from Germany, Transports from Spain
News Desk | 5 October 2012 Friday | 20:16

Jakarta, Indonesia: Germany is expected to deliver 44 Leopard II Main Battle Tanks and refurbished Marder armored infantry fighting vehicles to Indonesia by November 2012, as part of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) effort to establish the ‘Minimum Essential Force’ (MEF). The new armored formation will comprise 103 tanks, 50 AIFVs and 10 tank support vehicles procured in Germany from German Army surplus. This force will be sufficient to establish a mechanized brigade size force, comprised of two armored and one mechanized battalions, plus enough vehicles to maintain at least two company size training formations.

Jakarta has strengthened its army in recent months with the establishment of two battalions of ASTOR multiple launch rocket systems procured in Brazil, two self-propelled artillery battalions equipped with 155mm CAESAR self propelled howitzers and an air defense battalion equipped with Mistral missiles.

Following the delivery of the first CN-295 from Spain, the Indonesian Air Force is expecting the delivery of two additional aircraft from plane manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI). The CN-295 will replace the Fokker-27 currently used for aerial transport and parachutist support. The Air Force plans to operate the CN295 for military purposes, logistics transportation and humanitarian missions across the archipelago.

The two CN295 planes are part of the nine aircraft ordered by the Defense Ministry. Airbus Military in Spain produced the two aircraft being delivered under joint production agreement with PTDI. According to an agreement signed earlier in 2012 Airbus has invested in the upgrading of infrastructure at PTDI, to prepare the facility to take a growing share in the aircraft manufacturing, for domestic and international customers.

http://defense-update.com/20121005_indones...fense+Update%29

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Oct 8 2012, 05:51 PM

PM Lee visits SAF troops participating in Exercise Wallaby
By Alvina Soh | 10 October 2012 Wednesday | 2119 hrs

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Wednesday visited Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) troops participating in Exercise Wallaby in Queensland, Australia.

Mr Lee witnessed an integrated air-land live-firing exercise and interacted with servicemen during the exercise.

Writing in his Facebook page, Mr Lee said this was his first visit, though the SAF has been training in Rockhampton and Shoalwater Bay for 30 years.

He said that the one thing that has not changed is that the Singapore spirit was alive and well in Australia.

Mr Lee said he enjoyed driving the Terrex, with the hatch closed, and looking at the TV image.

He quipped that commanders told him the young soldiers find it a breeze as it is just like playing a computer game.

Mr Lee also thanked the mayor and residents of Rockhampton, for without their generosity, Singapore's soldiers would not have this chance to train in tough but realistic conditions.

Mr Lee said it is important soldiers have the spirit to serve and fight.

He said: "I think it is not easy to maintain that spirit and that commitment over a long period of time, because it is successive generations of commanders, of political leaders, and parents who need to support what the NSmen and NSF are doing and to convince them that this is important."

More than 4,300 SAF personnel are involved in this year's exercise, which will end on November 24. The exercise aims to strengthen the close and longstanding defence relationship between Singapore and Australia.

Mr Lee was accompanied by Mrs Lee, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development, Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Community Development, Youth & Sports, Sam Tan Chin Siong, as well as Members of Parliament and senior officials from the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the SAF.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1230610/1/.html

2012 Exercise Wallaby

An exciting visit to Exercise Wallaby at Rockhampton and Shoalwater Bay today. This was my first visit, though the SAF has been training here for 30 years. I was on the General Staff when the SAF first brought armoured vehicles (AMX-13s and M113s) to Shoalwater Bay, but the SAF has been totally transformed since then. In the live firing exercise I saw not only Leopard Tanks and Terrex fighting vehicles, but also computer systems networking our units, close cooperation between the soldiers on the ground and Apache attack helicopters, and new fighting concepts and tactics.

One thing has not changed: the Singapore spirit was alive and well here in Australia. Our troops – regulars, NSF and NSmen – were keen and committed, doing their best in defence of our country.

Also enjoyed driving the Terrex, hatch closed and looking at the TV image. The commanders tell me the young soldiers find it a breeze, because it is just like playing a computer game!

A big thank you to the men and officers participating in Wallaby, and all who helped to arrange my visit. Special thanks to our Australian hosts, especially the mayor and residents of Rockhampton. Without their generosity, our soldiers would never have had this chance to train in tough but realistic conditions. – LHL

1] En route to Shoalwater Bay Training Area aboard a Super Puma. (PMO photo by Alex Qiu)



2] Chatting with troops from 5 SIR after the live firing. They are in high spirits, having completed their final mission on Ex Wallaby. (PMO photo by Alex Qiu)



3] Taking a close look at the new sniper rifle we are getting. The sniper is explaining to me the suppressor that fits over the muzzle. (PMO photo by Alex Qiu)



4] With future tank commanders in front of a Leopard tank. (PMO photo by Alex Qiu)



5] “Exercise Wallaby!” (PMO photo by Alex Qiu)



6] Orientating myself to the target area before the attack. (PMO photo by Alex Qiu)



http://www.facebook.com/leehsienloong/phot...80811480&type=3

Singapore Hosts 2012 Exercise Suman Protector
By Glen Choo | 9 October 2012 Tuesday | 1700 hours (Time is GMT +8 hours)

Exercise Suman Protector, a major joint planning exercise under the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) is being held in Singapore this year from 8 to 24 October. The exercise involves about 400 personnel and various support elements from the FPDA member nations comprising Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

This year's exercise, which is the second in the series, focuses on the planning of conventional operations at the combined joint task force level and also includes a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) scenario.

The opening ceremony on 8 October was officiated by Chief of Defence Force (CDF) of the SAF, LG Neo Kian Hong at Changi Naval Base. In his address, CDF emphasised the importance of the FPDA in dealing with today's security challenges. He said, "Over the past four decades, the FPDA has evolved to remain relevant to the needs of the member nations and plays an important role in the regional security architecture. We have seen the rise of new security challenges which are highly complex and volatile in nature. These challenges are best tackled through collaboration and cooperation with our partners in the region."

Exercise Suman Protector gets its name from the initial letters of the FPDA member nations. The exercise's closing ceremony at Changi Naval Base on 24 October will be officiated by the Chief of Defence Force of the Malaysian Armed Forces, General Tan Sri Dato' Sri Zulkifeli bin Mohd Zin.

http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_we...2/XSP_2012.html

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Added on October 11, 2012, 8:34 pmBoeing's Partnership In Malaysia To Have Substantial Spin-Offs In Transforming Aerospace Sector

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- Boeing's continuing partnership with Malaysia will have substantial spin-offs in the transformation of the domestic economy, particularly in the aerospace sector, if the government opts for the Super Hornet, as the choice for its multi-role combat aircraft.

Among other things, benefits would come via increased industrial participation and transfer of specialised aerospace technology from Boeing itself and its other partners, Michael K. Gibbons, the Vice-President of F/A-18 & EA Programs for Boeing Military Aircraft, told Bernama in an interview.

Boeing has a strong presence jointly with Malaysian firms producing composite materials for aircraft parts.

Gibbons also said there would be economic benefits in areas such as employment opportunities, increased aerospace-related projects, as well as training of local aerospace and defence personnel.

This includes training Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) pilots to fly the Super Hornets, which he said would be an easy transition, given their long experience in flying the current Hornets.

"It is fortunate that Malaysia has the kind of industry that we find easy to partner with," he added.

Partners which Boeing works closely with in the Super Hornet programme include Northrop Grumman, the defence technology company, Raytheon, an innovation leader in avionics, defence and homeland security, as well as multinational company General Electric, which powers the Super Hornet engines.

Gibbons said Malaysia's relations with the United States would also be further improved with increased trade and economic linkages and military cooperation.

Even during an economic downturn, the acquisition of the Super Hornets would be helpful in transferring specialised aerospace-related defence technology to Malaysia through its partners.

Gibbons has been in Malaysia over the past few days in conjunction with the maiden call of the USS George Washington -- the nuclear-powered super aircraft carrier -- to the country and which showcased almost 50 Super Hornets on its flight deck.

The US Navy is also the primary customer of the Super Hornets while Australia recently acquired 24 of the aircraft.

During the visit to the aircraft carrier at Port Klang, Gibbons said he managed to meet top defence officials, with many able to view first hand the Super Hornets on the vessel.

Malaysia had proposed in 2002 to buy 18 Super Hornets with the government still considering the matter, while several other global military aircraft firms are also vying to supply their own aircraft.

"The Super Hornets are a good value proposition based on its capabilities, affordability, availability and easy operability," he said.

Besides the Boeing F/A-16E/F Super Hornet, the Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab Gripen and Sukhoi Su-30/35 are also competing to supply multi-role combat aircraft to Malaysia.

"We believe that Boeing's industrial participation in the Malaysian economy is very crucial in the overall package. We have the superior product and obviously in a great position to provide a great offset package," Gibbons said.


This post has been edited by xtemujin: Oct 11 2012, 08:34 PM

(TNI-AU Hawk 200) Jet fighter pilot survives deadly crash
By Aditia Maruli | 16 October 2012 Tuesday | 16:37

Pekanbaru (ANTARA News) - The pilot of a Hawk 200 jet fighter which crashed near a housing area in Pekanbaru at 9.47 am local time has luckily survived.

According to an eyewitness, the ill-fated jet fighter was performing an aerobatic manoeuvre, along with two other similar aircraft, above the housing area.

"All of a sudden, the jetfighter piloted by Reza Yuli seemed out of control and started falling from the sky," said Jefri, a local resident.

"I was in my house when this happened. First, I heard a loud explosion. Then I saw the pilot ejecting from the plane and descending with a parachute," he explained.

Seconds after the loud explosion, the plane nosedived into an empty field near the housing area, Jefri added.

Despite the explosion, the pilot managed to survive the deadly aerial incident.

"The pilot is alive. I saw him behind a neighbour's house," Jefri stated.

While witnessing the horrifying incident, some of the area's residents ran helter-skelter in a bid to save their own lives.

"At that time, we were scared there might be more explosions," Jefri said.

According to initial reports, the plane belonged to the Indonesian Air Force and was on a routine training mission before it crashed.

Not long after the incident, hundreds of military personnel cordoned off the crash site from journalists and nearby residents.

http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/85044/je...es-deadly-crash

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Oct 16 2012, 07:07 PM

Anime on Japan Ground Self Defence Force Cobra Helicopter

AFAIK RBAF has moved to pixelised camouflage.

Thailand China 2012 Blue Strike military exercise.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpTJ7D8-QMY...=8&feature=plcp

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Oct 28 2012, 10:49 PM

I'll take my chances with the second hand German tanks, Leopard 2SG, that was extensively modified.

http://xtemujin.wordpress.com/2010/10/19/s...-leopard-l2-sg/

Cheers.

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Nov 4 2012, 12:11 PM

It is important to showcase to the general public what the MAF has purchased.

The most visible platform will be at the Hari Kemerdekaan Malaysia.

http://xtemujin.wordpress.com/2012/08/31/2...rdeka-malaysia/

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Nov 4 2012, 11:57 PM

From Audreydefence.

TNI-AD Leopard 2 Revolution at Indo Defense Expo.













This post has been edited by xtemujin: Nov 5 2012, 01:51 PM

TNI-AL buying the ex Brunei Nakhoda Ragam.

http://defense-studies.blogspot.sg/2012/11...eli-dengan.html

Turkey helicopter crash: 17 soldiers killed
ANKARA | 10 November 2012 Saturday

A Turkish military helicopter carrying soldiers on a mission against Kurdish rebels crashed in heavy fog on Saturday, killing 17 people, Turkish media reported.

Authorities were investigating the cause of the crash in a mountainous part of Pervari district in Siirt province, where the rebel Kurdistan Workers’ Party is active.

The provincial governor, Ahmet Aydin, said 13 soldiers and four crewmembers were killed, according to Anadolu news agency.

State-run TRT television said the troops were conducting an operation against Kurdish rebels who have escalated attacks in recent months. The guerrillas have been fighting since the 1980s, and they seek more rights for Kurds, including autonomy in the mostly Kurdish southeast of the country. Turkey and the West categorize the rebels, known by the acronym PKK, as a terrorist group.

Several days ago, Turkish media reported that Turkish soldiers were airlifted into northern Iraq for a brief operation against suspected rebels, who have bases there. There were no reports of casualties on that mission. Turkey periodically carries out artillery and air strikes on PKK positions in northern Iraq, but reports of cross-border incursions by troops are rare.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international...icle4084874.ece

Malaysia and Singapore Armed Forces begins joint exercise
By Bernama |16 November 2012 Friday | 14:10

JOHOR BARU Nov 16. - Army personnel from Malaysia and Singapore starts "Eksesais Semangat Bersatu" series 18/2012 today, at the Parade Ground of the 10 Royal Malay Regiment at Camp Majidee.

The Exercise will last until 22 November and attended by 923 officials and members of the Malaysian Armed Forces land forces and 144 personnel from Singapore Armed Forces, and was officially jointly opened by the Deputy Chief of Army Lt. Jen. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Rizal Ahmad Nawawi and Chief of Army Staff General Singapore, Brig. Jen. Tung Yui Fai.

The exercise is an annual bilateral exercise undertaken to establish good relations between the two countries in addition to enabling the teams to share knowledge and experience.

The exercise also tests the ability and preparedness of the troops of the two countries in the face of threats and assess the skills of officers and staff involved in carrying out military operations in accordance with techniques, tactics and procedures. - BERNAMA

TNI getting Javelin ATGM.

http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/201...nesia_12-56.pdf

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Nov 20 2012, 10:20 AM

Nice MOUT video.
By DefenceForcesFinland | 11 November 2012 Sunday



This post has been edited by xtemujin: Nov 24 2012, 10:17 PM