good day

usually when a country deploy their mothership or a flagship to war, how many destroyer and frigates or other ship is used to protect it, do they encircle the main ship or act as a vanguard

that's called familiarization.during the eighties,before the acquisition of Sibmas and Condor,the only "armor" that the army have is V-100,ferret scout vehicle, and some other platform(Saracen,etc). they were called "armor" because they detached themselves from the infantry,unlike "mechanized" units,which,the purpose is to transport the infantry

back to the main issue?again i bring out the 2A4 issue you said previously.A baseline 2A4 costs comparatively more than a newly built PT-91M. so why bother buying second hand stuff. even the singaporean spends (or "wasted"according to your view) tons of money to upgrade their 2A4 to suit their own need.is that a waste? you tell them

doctrine doesn't come overnight.them scorpion CVRT is a good start,but they cannot substitute for a real Main Battle tanks.

besides everything has their own budgets. the navy got their own budget. the army got their own budget, and the airforce got their own budget

Ukraine will Deliver 49 MBT T-84 Oplot to Thailand and will be Completed in 2014


T-84 Oplot Main Battle Tanks (photo : Militaryphotos)

Ukrainian State Company for Export and Import of Military and Special Products and Services (Ukrspetseksport), which is a part of the Ukroboronprom state concern, intends to supply 49 T-84 Oplot tanks to Thailand.

He said a statement made by Volodymyr Kuratchenko, deputy director general of Ukroboronprom, in Kharkiv that enterprise will supply close to 100 tanks to Thailand was a mistake.

Volodymyr Kuratchenko told the press in Kharkiv that the execution of the contract will begin in 2012 and will be completed in 2014.

He said the execution of the contract will allow the Kharkiv Malyshev Plant to boost production volume 10 times in 2012 over 2011.

He did not specify a sum of the contract.

Mykola Belov, acting director general of the Kharkiv Malyshev Plant, told Ukrainian News the Cabinet of Ministers allocated UAH 40.2 million in December to the plant for preparing the execution of this and other contracts concerning production of tanks and armored personnel carriers.

Chief Designer Volodymyr Vakulenko told the press some 40 changes will be introduced in the design on demands from the customer, including installation of air conditioners.

As Ukrainian News reported, Ukrspetseksport on September 1 signed a contract with the Defense Ministry of Thailand to deliver 49 Oplot tanks for a sum exceeding USD 200 million.

On August 5, Ukrspetseksport reached agreement with Thailand for manufacture of 121 pieces of
BTR-3E1 armored personnel carriers and support vehicles based on them worth a total of more than USD 140 million.

Ukrspetseksport is part of the Ukroboronprom state-run concern, which also comprising enterprises producing military hardware, including tank-building enterprises.

sosej

F-35 JSF Delays Could Force Australia to Revert to Super Hornet


The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) in flight during testing. (photo : News Limited)

AUSTRALIA may be forced to purchase more Super Hornet fighter-bombers to prevent a capability gap in the nation's air defences if work on the Joint Strike Fighter is further delayed due to a new US military strategy and budget plan.

Ambassador to the US Kim Beazley, who received a comprehensive briefing from American officials about the changes, conceded production of the stealthy, multi-role JSF now named the F-35 Lightning II may be impacted by the shift to a leaner US military.

"The meaning of what the President (Barack Obama) and (US Defence Secretary Leon) Panetta have had to say for the F35 program is not that there won't be one but that perhaps in the long term the numbers might change and come down bit," Mr Beazley, former defence minister from 1984-90, told ABC News.

"I don't expect that out of this will emerge delays to a successful conclusion of the project but it may have an impact on the cost structure. The impact on delivery, paradoxically, will probably be quite useful."

Australia plans to buy up to 100 F-35s for an estimated $16 billion and has so far ordered 14, with the RAAF's first squadron supposed to be operating by 2018.

Asked if Australia could fill the gap if the F-35s were not ready by that time by buying more Super Hornet fighter-bombers Mr Beazley indicated that was a possibility.

"Well that's of course for defence ministers rather than ambassadors to say but he is always, (Defence Minister Stephen) Smith has always made clear that he keeps options open in terms of addressing any capability gaps," Mr Beazley said.

Development of the revolutionary JSF was already running behind schedule in April last year when The Australian revealed the RAAF was contemplating purchasing 18 more Super Hornets for $1.5bn to fill the gap.

It is understood delivery may be pushed back even further when the proposed US defence budget for 2013 is announced in coming weeks. The budget is expected to detail $487bn in spending cuts and call for a slowing of the pace of production for the F-35 jet.

The Howard government bought 24 Super Hornets for $6bn in 2007 to fill an earlier strategic gap left when the RAAF's F-111 bombers were withdrawn ahead of time because of concerns about fatigue.

But the announcement overnight, which included a new strategic focus towards the Asia-Pacific, may mean Australia could need even more Super Hornets.

"The Americans are very clear that as they proceed with the F35 program they're under close watch by the Australian government and if at any point of time a risk develops to the capacity for Australia to be satisfied with the forcing being that it has for the air defence of Australia then the Australian government will take action," Mr Beazley said.

US company Lockheed Martin Corporation is building the F-35s which are packed with sophisticated radars and other electronic equipment.

The original plan was for Lockheed to build 2443 JSFs for various arms of the American forces with about 500 others going to allies including Britain, Australia, Israel and Canada.

British Defence Minister Philip Hammond today voiced concern about possible cuts or delays in the F-35 fighter program.

Mr Hammond, who is currently visiting Washington, said he would like to speak with Mr Panetta about the impact the US announcement could have on the JSF.

"One of the things I hope to understand in the meetings I am to have later today is what, if any, impact the announcements being made today will have on the Joint Strike Fighter program," Mr Hammond said.

Opposition defence spokesman David Johnston told The Australian Online he was "not concerned" that the progress of the JSF program would be hindered by the US announcement.

However he said America's shifted focus on the Asia-Pacific region would place extra responsibility on Australia.

"Australia is now under the microscope to step up," Senator Johnston said.

"With the current state of the navy and the disinterest of our Prime Minister in defence issues we are at risk of being found wanting."

Acting Defence Minister Warren Snowdon referred The Australian Online to Mr Beazley's comments.

sosej

I do not know where is your source for 2ndhand Leo 2A4 cost more than PT-91M. Maybe you can share the source so we all can learn here. From past reports which should be available from internet, each PT-91M costing US$4.5m and the rest of US$154m maybe went to cost fo support vehicles, logistic support, BMS and integration development cost. That was in 2004. Unit cost of M-1 Abrams was US$4.3m and by 1999 it went upward of US5m each. By 2004, maybe it would be higher but I'm not advocating us to buy Abrams as it may not be suitable for our terrain. My point is per unit cost of PT-91M was so high that you could almost purchase Abrams for same quantity given our budget of US$370m.

As for SAF Leo 2GS, the Leo 2A4 cost was never disclosed but believe to be around $1m each. Upgrading were mostly done by STK which benefit S'pore defence industry and I would think the upgrade cost would not be higher than our US$4.5m unless you have the source indicating otherwise. In comparison, the 2ndhand Leo 2A6 that would have been sold to TNI were quoted at US$2.8m each.

Turkey approves F-35, Anka UAV purchases

Turkey approved the purchase of an initial two Lockheed Martin F-35s during a 5 January meeting of its Undersecretariat of Defence Industries (SSM), launching the start of its air force's next-generation fighter project.

"Turkey has been a member of the Joint Strike Fighter [JSF] project since 1999. According to the developments, SSM decided to order two F-35s which are planned to start delivery in 2015," the organisation said. "SSM will continue negotiating over the remaining aircraft according to developments in the JSF project."

Ankara plans to eventually buy 116 F-35A Lighting II aircraft to replace its McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantoms and Block 30-standard Lockheed F-16s.

The SSM also approved an air force order for 10 Turkish Aerospace Industries Anka medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned air vehicles (development example pictured below) and three ground control stations. The Bell 429 has been selected for a 15-aircraft deal to replace Aerospatiale-built Alouette II helicopters flown by the Turkish police.

Negotiations have also been launched with Turkey's Kale Aero Group to develop a turbojet engine for the Tubitak Sage-designed modular stand-off missile. The roughly 600kg (1,300lb) cruise missile design has been offered as a possible candidate weapon for the nation's F-35s.

sosej

I do not know where is your source for 2ndhand Leo 2A4 cost more than PT-91M. Maybe you can share the source so we all can learn here. From past reports which should be available from internet, each PT-91M costing US$4.5m and the rest of US$154m maybe went to cost fo support vehicles, logistic support, BMS and integration development cost. That was in 2004. Unit cost of M-1 Abrams was US$4.3m and by 1999 it went upward of US5m each. By 2004, maybe it would be higher but I'm not advocating us to buy Abrams as it may not be suitable for our terrain. My point is per unit cost of PT-91M was so high that you could almost purchase Abrams for same quantity given our budget of US$370m.

As for SAF Leo 2GS, the Leo 2A4 cost was never disclosed but believe to be around $1m each. Upgrading were mostly done by STK which benefit S'pore defence industry and I would think the upgrade cost would not be higher than our US$4.5m unless you have the source indicating otherwise. In comparison, the 2ndhand Leo 2A6 that would have been sold to TNI were quoted at US$2.8m each.

India approves Mica missile buy, but slips fighter decision

India's Cabinet Committee on Security has authorised a deal to equip the country's Dassault Mirage 2000 fighters with MBDA Mica air-to-air missiles, although the deal has yet to be officially signed.

In an email, MBDA confirmed a deal for infrared and active radar guided versions of the weapon has been authorised by India's cabinet. No other details were provided.

News of the authorisation first appeared on Indian news websites on 5 January, citing unnamed sources. The reports suggested the deal values at about $1.2 billion for 450 to 500 missiles, although MBDA declined to comment on either figure. However, if accurate the buy would work out at a cost of approximately $2.7 million per round.

The missile purchase is related to India's July 2011 deal to upgrade 51 of its air force's Mirage 2000H aircraft to Dassault's Mirage 2000-9 standard. The cost of this deal, reportedly $2.2 billion, has drawn criticism in Indian defence circles.

Meanwhile, Indian media have reported that the nation's defence ministry has postponed announcing the winner of the air force's medium multi-role combat aircraft contest until late January.

Sources are reported as saying that Indian officials are still reviewing the commercial proposals for the 126-aircraft requirement. The Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon are in contention.

sosej

From 2013-2018, Vietnam will Receive a New Submarine Anually


The submarine will be equipped with Klub-S, anti ship/anti submarine missile with max range 300km (photo : pakdef)

According to some unofficial sources from the Russian media, from the beginning of the month 6 / 2011 the Russian side has begun work on two Kilo 636M project class submarines for the Vietnam Navy.

The first will be delivered in 2013. Expected that Russia will hand over to Vietnam annually to a submarine in 2018.

The above information has not been officially confirmed, but according to Mr. Roman Trotsenko, chairman of Admiralty Shipyard, this company is implementing all necessary work to close on time and handed over six submarines for Vietnam orders. "This contract for us not only great value financially, but also has special meaning. We will endeavor to implement 100% of the components of the project ", - Roman Trotsenko statement on the website of the Admiralty Group.

Admiralty has completed the clearance Novoadmiralteysky entire island has an area of ​​16 hectares, construction of schools and facilities for the closure of the Kilo 636M submarines for Vietnam. "We have invested in purchasing new equipment and the best to serve the building of submarines and underwater vehicles at a cost of more than 3 billion rubles," said Roman Trotsenko.

Admiralty Shipyard Group is one of the most prestigious companies in the field of Russian ship with more than 300 years of tradition.

Submarine Project 636 diesel-electric submarine is the third generation and is the modernized version of Project 877 and 877 EKM.

Project 636M (Kilo class) is considered to effectively project combat capability and is one of quiet submarines in the world. It is a combination of optimum target detection range, the inertial navigation, the most advanced information management system, automatically modern weapons with torpedoes, powerful and high speed missiles of at least 4 Club-S missiles, 18 torpedoes and 24 mines.

In addition, the ship also includes shoulder-aircraft missile and weapons of personal combat crew on ships. Submarine Project 636 is designed to destroy submarines and surface ships of the enemy, protect naval bases, ensuring communications, and reconnaissance .

sosej

4 Pesawat Super Tucano Tiba Maret


MALANG - Sebanyak empat dari 16 pesawat tempur Super Tucano A29 buatan Brasil direncanakan tiba pada Maret 2012 untuk melengkapi sistem persenjataan TNI AU di Pangkalan Udara Abdurrahman Saleh, Kabupaten Malang, Jawa Timur. Kedatangan pesawat tempur itu akan menggantikan posisi pesawat tempur Oviten-10F Bronco yang sudah tidak akan dioperasikan lagi.

"Kami terus menyiapkan pendukung lainnya untuk kedatangan pesawat tempur canggih itu, termasuk pilot khusus yang berusia minimal 24 hingga 35 tahun dan ahli dalam berbahasa Inggris," kata Kepala Dinas Operasi (Kadisops) Pangkalan Udara Abdurrahman Saleh, Kolonel Pnb Novianto Widadi, Minggu (8/1).

Secara umum, Lanud Abdurrahman Saleh siap menyambut kedatangan pesawat baru tersebut. Kesiapan yang sudah dilakukan, meliputi sejumlah fasilitas pendukung di Lanud Abd Saleh, seperti shelter atau tempat lokasi parkir pesawat, serta 12 pilot khusus yang telah dilatih untuk mengawaki pesawat tersebut.

Dengan tibanya pesawat pada bulan Maret, diharapkan nantinya bisa dipertunjukan kepada masyarakat pada peringatan HUT TNI AU tanggal 9 April 2012. Sementara itu, rencananya pesawat tersebut akan digunakan untuk misi operasi taktis dalam membantu pasukan di darat, sebab pesawat itu memiliki keunggulan close air support.

Selain itu, pesawat yang memiliki mesin tunggal buatan "Empresa Braziliera de Aeronautica" juga memiliki kemampuan menembakan asap ke darat secara cepat untuk menunjukkan posisi musuh.

Pesawat itu nantinya tidak hanya digunakan sebagai pesawat latih, namun juga digunakan misi pengamanan wilayah perbatasan, untuk memastikan tidak adanya pelanggaran batas negara oleh pihak lain.

"Total pesawat yang kita pesan sebanyak 16 unit dan pengiriman akan dilakukan secara bertahap, diawali dengan kedatangan empat unit pada Maret 2012, dan akan ditempatkan pada Skuadron 21 Lanud Abdurrahman Saleh," katanya.

Sebelumnya, Kepala Staf TNI AU (Kasau) Marsekal TNI Imam Sufa’at meresmikan monumen OV-10F Bronco di Lanud Abdurrahman Saleh, Malang.

Ini menjadi penanda berakhirnya masa pakai pesawat OV-10 Bronco. OV-10 Bronco telah di-grounded dan akan digantikan dengan pesawat tempur Super Tucano. Sesaat sebelum peresmian, Kasau menyampaikan harapannya agar dengan memonumenkan pesawat yang memiliki julukan "si kuda liar" atau biasa disebut kampret di jajaran TNI AU ini dapat menjadi sarana untuk mengenang kiprahnya dalam medan laga dan para awak yang telah gugur bersamanya.

OV-10 Bronco telah berjasa di berbagai operasi, antara lain Ops Seroja (1976-1979) di NTT, Ops Tumpas (1977-1978) di Irian Jaya, dan Ops Halilintar (1978) di Riau. Setelah peresmian monumen, Kasau beserta rombongan meninjau Skadron Udara 21 untuk pembangunan shelter pesawat Super Tucano yang akan datang menggantikan pesawat gaek OV-10F Bronco. SB/Ant/P-3

sosej

arms race staring?

they needed it since China like to kacau them.

Pesawat itu nantinya tidak hanya digunakan sebagai pesawat latih, namun juga digunakan misi pengamanan wilayah perbatasan, untuk memastikan tidak adanya pelanggaran batas negara oleh pihak lain

arms race staring?

kind of funny, need to utilized evrything they got even training aircraft.