Vietnam to Get Russian ‘Black Hole’ Sub Next Month

© RIA Novosti. Vitaly Ankov
22:44 28/10/2013

MOSCOW, October 28 (RIA Novosti) – Vietnam will next month take delivery of a Russian submarine dubbed “a black hole in the ocean” by the US Navy for its undetectability when submerged, a military industry source told RIA Novosti on Monday.

Vietnam ordered a fleet of six Varshavyanka class diesel-electric submarines in 2009 in what has been seen as an effort to counterbalance China’s expanding maritime influence.

The contract, which also includes training for Vietnamese submarine crews in Russia, is reportedly worth $2 billion.

Project 636M submarines have very low noise emission and can hit targets at long distances without being detected by the enemy’s anti-submarine systems.

All total of six boats are being built for Vietnam at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg. They are due for delivery by 2016.

The vessels displace 3,100 tons, reach speeds of 20 knots, can dive to 300 meters and carry crews of 52 people.

The submarines feature 533-mm torpedo tubes and are armed with torpedoes, mines and Kalibr 3M54 (NATO SS-N-27 Sizzler) cruise missiles. They are mainly intended for anti-shipping and anti-submarine missions in relatively shallow waters.

The Zumwalt-class guided-missile destroyer DDG 1000 is floated out of dry dock at the General Dynamics Bath Iron Works shipyard. The ship, the first of three Zumwalt-class destroyers, will provide independent forward presence and deterrence, support special operations forces and operate as part of joint and combined expeditionary forces. Photo: General Dynamics

PICTURES: KAI shows off two designs for KFX fighter

By:  Greg Waldron Seoul
09:39 29 Oct 2013 

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has displayed two conceptual models for the country’s proposed KFX indigenous fighter programme at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition.

One model represents KAI’s in-house proposal for the programme, while the other represents the ambitions of Seoul’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD).

KAI’s proposal is for a single-engined aircraft based largely on systems developed for the country’s T-50 advanced jet trainer. The company feels that this approach would be more cost effective and draw from its experience with the T-50, which had extensive design input from Lockheed Martin.


Greg Waldron/Flightglobal

The ADD concept is a twin-engined design and would involve considerably more indigenously-developed content.

Both appear to recognise the challenges involved in building a true stealth aircraft. While each bears a passing resemblance to the low observable Lockheed Martin F-35, particularly in regard to the shaping of the intakes and forward fuselage, neither possesses internal weapons bays.

KAI did not state the powerplant for either aircraft, but one source says that it is likely to require similar power to the Pratt & Whitney F100 or General Electric F110, the engines for the F-16 fighter.


Greg Waldron/Flightglobal

Industry sources at the show say that KAI has been actively seeking information on a range of equipment that the KFX would need to be a truly capable fighter jet, including its radar, avionics, mission computers, and other systems.

Although this is the first time KAI has displayed such detailed models at the Seoul show, there is still a great deal of uncertainty about the programme.

To a large degree, Seoul is relying on technology transfer stemming from its F-X III acquisition for 60 fighters to develop indigenous manufacturing capabilities for KFX. Given that F-X III is in limbo following Seoul’s decision to re-tender the competition rather than obtain the Boeing F-15 Silent Eagle over the F-35 and Eurofighter Typhoon, any decision on KFX is effectively stalled as well.

Another challenge for the KFX programme is the presence of Indonesia in the effort as a 20% partner. While Jakarta is generally an ally of the West, the US government could be dubious about providing advanced technologies to Jakarta through the KFX programme, which will invariably require a large degree of foreign content.

In the event that Seoul decides to move forward with the programme, the Korean air force is likely to obtain 120 examples, with Jakarta to take 80. KAI also hopes to win other export orders for the aircraft.

ADEX 2013: Boeing looks beyond FX-III for other markets in Asia-Pacific region

James Hardy, Seoul - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
30 October 2013
 
Boeing is looking to overcome the disappointment of South Korea's late change of heart in the FX-III fighter programme, with a number of rotorcraft opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region.

Jim Armington, vice-president of business development for the East Asia-Pacific Region at Boeing Defense, Space and Security, admitted that the sale of up to 60 F-15s to Seoul to fulfill the FX-III requirement was a "very big part" of Boeing's platform sales plans in Asia.

However, given South Korea's decision in September to reopen the FX-III competition, Armington pointed to recent successes for the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter in South Korea and Indonesia, ongoing sales of the platform to Taiwan, and opportunities for follow-on sales in Japan.

source of news for the mrca delay?

Boeing's F/A-18 is also short-listed in Malaysia's competition to replace 18 Russian-made MIG-29s, but Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak told Reuters on Thursday that the country's decision could be delayed by budget pressures.

RMN Churns Out First Batch Of Locally-trained Submarine Crew

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has made history by churning out 22 expert and skilled manpower, including a qualified officer, who are locally trained to handle its two Scorpene submarines.

The pioneering manpower of the submarine comprised 15 crewmen with basic skills, who obtained the Submarine Qualification Certificate (SKKS) while seven of the officers and personnel were upgraded to expert level.

RMN chief Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar said they were trained using the expertise of local trainers and training facilities, other than teaching manpower from NAVCO (company which develops education training at Submarine Force Base from France) for three years, ending 2015.

"I am happy and proud they have been picked to become the first batch to be trained in the country, and generally, they are highly determined to shoulder the task of ensuring the continuity of the RMN submarine service," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after the completion of a ceremony on the wearing of the Submarine Expertise Insignia and awarding of the SKKS, in conjunction with the RMN Submarine Force Base Management Audit parade at the KD Sri Kinabalu parade ground, Kota Kinabalu RMN Base, Sepanggar near here Thursday.

Abdul Aziz said Level 1 SKKS was required for an RMN officer and personnel to man a submarine, according to their respective levels of expertise while Level 2 involved supervisor, Level 3, head of department and Level 4, commanding officer.

He said competency tests were also carried out on a schedular basis to ensure the level of knowledge and competency of the crewman of a submarine was at optimum level.

"To become a submariner, a trainee will undergo the Submarine Science Application Course (SSAC) at KD Pelandok for four months to revise subjects such as Science, Mathematics, Engineering and English in preparation to attend the Submarine Specialisation Course (KKKS).

"After passing SSAC, the trainee would attend KKKS at the Submarine Training Centre (PLKS) between 18 to 24 months encompassing the module Submarine Foundation Training and Scorpene Specific Training modules and on the job training on submarines," he said.

According to Abdul Aziz, PLKS at the RMN base here was equipped with a training simulator and was the first training centre in the world to provide training in handling the Scorpene submarine since April 2011.

"Prior to this, we used training expertise from Germany, France, Australia, Pakistan and Sweden. Also, we still have two technical and operations advisers from the French Navy," he said.

In the meantime, RMN will continue to train more experts and skilled personnel to handle the submarine as it requires at least a crew of 31 and a commanding officer to operate a submarine.

The Kota Kinabalu RMN Base currently houses two French-made Scorpene submarines costing RM7.3 billion.

They are the KD Tunku Abdul Rahman and KD Tun Razak.

Each submarine is 67.56 metres long, 6.2 metres wide, has a crew of 32 and capable of operating for 45 days submerged.

-- BERNAMA

Poland to buy 116 Leopard 2s from Germany

Remigiusz Wilk, Warsaw - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
30 October 2013
 
Poland is planning to purchase 116 Leopard 2 main battle tanks (MBTs) from Germany and expects to sign a contract for them in November, Polish Minister of Defence Tomasz Siemoniak stated on 29 October.

The total cost of the MBTs and other vehicles is estimated at around EUR200 million (USD275.4 million) and is intended to equip a second armoured brigade with the Leopard 2.

In total, the Polish Land Forces plan to buy 105 Leopard 2A5 and nine older Leopard 2A4 MBTs from ex-German stocks. These will equip the two battalions of the 34th Armoured Cavalry Brigade, based in Zagan, which forms a part of the 11th Armoured Cavalry Division ('The Black Division').

Poland already operates the Leopard 2A4, having purchased 128 ex-German examples in 2002. Of these, 116 are currently in service in the 11th Armoured Cavalry Division's 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade, based in Swietoszow, with the remaining 12 tanks used for training purposes.

The planned purchase will cover the complete vehicle set for the 34th Cavalry Brigade, including M113 vehicles in command, carrier, and ambulance configurations; Leopard 1-based armoured recovery vehicles (ARVs) and armoured vehicle-launched bridges (AVLBs); trucks; and light all-terrain vehicles.

"We are still talking with our German partner, but I think that November is a real date, when all the agreements will be set," Siemoniak stated. He added that he met with German Defence Minister Thomas de Maiziere in Brussels during the North Atlantic Council forum from 22-23 October, with his German counterpart confirming an agreement will be concluded in November.

Siemoniak added, however, that Poland is not the only country interested in purchasing Germany's spare Leopard 2A5 MBTs. "There is big competition in the world for this tank batch, because those Leopards are modern, well-maintained with good condition," he said.

Along with the purchase of a second batch of Leopard 2 tanks, Poland also plans to create a new logistic system for the vehicles.

Siemoniak also confirmed that the second agreement with Jelcz-Komponenty for 866 high-mobility medium-capacity transport 4x4s is planned to take place in November. The new 4x4 is intended to replace Poland's ageing fleet of Star 266 6x6 trucks.

Meanwhile, on 30 October the Polish Armament Inspectorate announced a tender for the modernisation of its current 128 Leopard 2A4 tanks to a new standard called 'Leopard 2PL'. This new standard will incorporate two slightly different variants, named '2PL Standard' and '2PL Extended'. Poland has assigned a budget of around EUR480 million for the upgrade programme.

The tender aims to return the first upgraded Leopard 2PL to the Polish Armed Forces by 28 October 2014, with all 128 MBTs upgraded by 29 October 2019. The price will account for 75% of the tender evaluation, with the offered warrant period weighted at 20%, and 5% on timeliness. Potential bidders are required to have conducted at least EUR240 million worth of armoured vehicle modernisation, repair, and manufacture in the last three years.

Feds: Navy secrets bought with hookers, Gaga tix

By JULIE WATSON
November 4, 2013 1:04 AM

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Nicknamed "Fat Leonard," the gregarious Malaysian businessman is well known by U.S. Navy commanders in the Pacific, where his company has serviced warships for 25 years.

But prosecutors in court papers say Leonard Francis worked his connections to obtain military secrets by lining up hookers, Lady Gaga tickets and other bribes for a U.S. commander, in a scandal reverberating across the Navy.

The accusations unfolding in a federal court case in San Diego signal serious national security breaches and corruption, setting off high-level meetings at the Pentagon with the threat that more people, including those of higher ranks, could be swept up as the investigation continues. A hearing Nov. 8 could set a trial date.

Navy commander Michael Vannak Khem Misiewicz passed confidential information on ship routes to Francis' Singapore-based company, Glenn Defense Marine Asia Ltd., or GDMA, according to the court documents.

Misiewicz and Francis moved Navy vessels like chess pieces, diverting aircraft carriers, destroyers and other ships to Asian ports with lax oversight where Francis could inflate costs, according to the criminal complaint. The firm overcharged the Navy millions for fuel, food and other services it provided, and invented tariffs by using phony port authorities, the prosecution alleges.

"It's pretty big when you have one person who can dictate where ships are going to go and being influenced by a contractor," said retired Rear Adm. Terry McKnight, who has no direct knowledge of the investigation. "A lot of people are saying how could this happen?"

So far, authorities have arrested Misiewicz; Francis; his company's general manager of global government contracts, Alex Wisidagama; and a senior Navy investigator, John Beliveau II. Beliveau is accused of keeping Francis abreast of the probe and advising him on how to respond in exchange for such things as luxury trips and prostitution services. All have pleaded not guilty. Defense attorneys declined to comment.

Senior Navy officials said they believe that more people would likely be implicated in the scheme, but it's too early to tell how many or how high this will go in the naval ranks. Other unnamed Navy personnel are mentioned in court documents as getting gifts from Francis.

Francis is legendary in military circles in that part of the world, said McKnight, who does not know him personally. He is known for extravagance. His 70,000-foot bungalow in an upscale Singapore neighborhood drew spectators yearly since 2007 to its lavish, outdoor Christmas decorations, which The Straits Times described as rivaling the island city-state's main shopping street with replicas of snowmen, lighted towering trees, and Chinese and Japanese ornaments.

"He's a larger-than-life figure," McKnight said. "You talk to any captain on any ship that has sailed in the Pacific and they will know exactly who he is."

Navy spokesman, Rear Adm. John Kirby said Navy Criminal Investigative Service agents initiated their probe in 2010, but declined to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation.

That same year, Misiewicz caught the world's attention when he made an emotional return as a U.S. Naval commander to his native Cambodia, where he had been rescued as a child from the violence of the Khmer Rouge and adopted by an American woman. His homecoming was widely covered by international media.

Meanwhile, Francis was recruiting him for his scheme, according to court documents.

Misiewicz's family went to a Lion King production in Tokyo with a company employee and was offered prostitution services. Within months, the Navy commander was providing Francis ship movement schedules for the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group and other ships, according to the criminal complaint.

Shortly after that, the manager wrote to Francis: "We got him!!:)," according to court documents.

Misiewicz would refer to Francis as "Big Brother" or "Big Bro" in emails from a personal account, while Francis would call him "Little Brother" or "Little Bro," according to the complaint.

The company bilked the Navy out of $10 million in just one year in Thailand alone, U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy said.

In December 2011, the two exchanged emails about the schedule of the USS Blue Ridge, investigators say. According to court documents, Francis wrote Misiewicz: "Bro, Slide a Bali visit in after Jakarta, and Dili Timor after Bali."

The complaint alleges Misiewicz followed through on the demands: In October 2012, the USS George Washington was scheduled to visit Singapore and instead was redirected by the Navy to Port Klang, Malaysia, one of Francis' preferred ports where his company submitted fake contractor bids.

After Francis offered Misiewicz five tickets to a Lady Gaga concert in Thailand in 2012, Francis wrote: "Don't chicken out bro we need u with us on the front lines," according to court documents.

The federal government has suspended its contracts with Francis.

The defendants face up to five years in prison if convicted of conspiracy to commit bribery.

the Leopards will replace PT91s  and the PT91s will be sent to other units to replace older T72s

the PT91 will eventually be replaced by a new polish tank that is closely related to the leopard in 10 years.its a grand scheme

Sunday, November 3, 2013 10:48 AM

Army of Poland plans to purchase 105 Leopard 2A5 and nine 2A4 main battle tanks from Germany.

According to Janes defense website, Polish Army plans to purchase 105 Leopard 2A5 and nine Leopard 2A4. from ex-German stocks. Leopard 2A5's will be transferred to 10th Armored Cavalry brigade that is currently using Leopard 2A4 tanks, and Leopard 2A4's will be transferred to 34th Armored Cavalry Brigade currently suing PT-91 tanks, then these PT-91's will be transferred to one of several brigades using T-72M1 tanks.
      
According to Janes defense website, Polish Army plans to purchase 105 Leopard 2A5 and nine Leopard 2A4. from ex-German stocks. Leopard 2A5's will be transferred to 10th Armored Cavalry brigade that is currently using Leopard 2A4 tanks, and Leopard 2A4's will be transferred to 34th Armored Cavalry Brigade currently suing PT-91 tanks, then these PT-91's will be transferred to one of several brigades using T-72M1 tanks.

The planned purchase will cover the complete vehicle set for the 34th Cavalry Brigade, including M113 vehicles in command, carrier, and ambulance configurations; Leopard 1-based armoured recovery vehicles (ARVs) and armoured vehicle-launched bridges (AVLBs); trucks; and light all-terrain vehicles.

Next step is to upgrade all 128 Leopard 2A4 tanks in service to Leopard 2PL standard, later Leopard 2A5 tanks also will be upgraded to Leopard 2PL standard. It is currently known that Leopard 2PL will be close to Leopard 2A7, but will not be completely like it. However details are not known.

On 30 October the Polish Armament Inspectorate announced a tender for the modernisation of its current 128 Leopard 2A4 tanks to the new standard called "Leopard 2PL".

In a perspective after 2020, T-72 and PT-91 tanks will be slowly replaced by new MBT, based on a new platform. During MSPO 2013, Defense Exhibition in Poland, the Polish Defense Holding has presented a new project of main battle tank with the PL-01 Concept, Direct Fire Support Vehicle.

source

ASW Helos Buy Delayed to RMK11

Marhalim Abas November 7, 2013 Malaysia -RMN

LUMUT: Budget woes have pushed back the planned acquisition of anti-submarine helicopters to the next five year Malaysian Plan.

Royal Malaysian Navy chief Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar said the planned acquisition was on the list for the 10th Malaysian Plan (2011 to 2015) but due to lack of funds, the project had been delayed. “We have been told to include the procurement plan in the next Malaysian plan (RMK11),” he told reporters after officiating the navy’s Air Wing Silver Jubilee here today at its base at the RMN’s main base here.

At the ceremony, Abdul Aziz also received an honourary wing from the air wing which started with 12 Wasp HAS Mk 1 back in 1988. The air wing now operates 6 AW Super Lynx 300 and 6 Eurocopter Fennecs.

Asked how many ASW helicopters they wanted, Abdul Aziz said they need at least six aircraft which was the minimum number for a single squadron. The actual number to be procured will be finalised once the budget is allocated, according to Abdul Aziz.

Budget woes have also delayed plans by the air wing to conduct advanced flight courses at its headquarters at the Lumut naval base.

However, Abdul Aziz said they expected to start the courses within the next 3 years. Currently the courses are already conducted at the facility but on ad-hoc basis. It is expected when the plans are approved, new training facilities and equipment including simulators will be procured.

Meanwhile, Abdul Aziz said the commissioning of the first training ship, Gagah Samudera, is scheduled for year end. KD Kasturi which is undergoing a comprehensive sea trials after undergoing a Service Life Extension Programme (SLEP), is expected to rejoin the fleet by early next year.
Abdul Aziz said the ship was undertaking a robust sea trials to ensure it was in the best condition before rejoining the fleet.

Meanwhile, Abdul Aziz said the construction of the first Second Generation Patrol Vessel (SGPV) is expected to start at year end once all the technical and financial details have been sorted out. He declined to say the exact date but said he expected it to commence as the Prime Minister had announced the allocation for the project in the recent 2014 budget speech.

6 November 2013 | 15:20

Ukraine supplies first 5 Oplot tanks to Thailand

Ukraine has supplied the first batch of five Oplot main battle tanks produced at Ukraine's state-owned Malyshev Plant (Kharkiv) to Thailand under a contract signed in 2011.

The parties signed a technical acceptance certificate for the tanks based on the completion of a full cycle of running and firing tests in Kharkiv on Tuesday evening, Interfax-Ukraine reports.

"The foreign customer has confirmed that the technical characteristics of the Oplots fully meet the requirements laid down in the contract," Ukrspecexport said.

In addition to technical acceptance, the parties will later sign a final acceptance certificate for the tanks, the company said.

In September 2011, Ukraine and Thailand signed a contract worth over $200 million on supplies of 49 Ukrainian Oplot main battle tanks to Thailand. Ukroboronprom's Malyshev Plant started fulfilling the contract in the spring of 2012.

In recent years Ukraine has been actively developing military and technical cooperation with Thailand. The contracts concluded with Thailand in 2006-2011 for supplies of Ukrainian military hardware, in particular BTR-3E1 armored personnel carriers and Oplot tanks, are being implemented today, and are estimated to be worth $500 million.

The Oplot main battle tank, created by Morozov Design and Engineering Bureau at the request of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, was added to the arsenal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in May 2009, and the first two tanks were supplied to the Ukrainian army.

Malaysia, Singapore To Resume Jetfighter Cross Deployment Exercise After 15 Years

BUTTERWORTH, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- The air forces of Malaysia and Singapore will deploy jetfighters to each others' air bases in the first cross basing exercise between them since 1998, said Armed Forces Chief Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin.

He said this was part of the two-week joint exercise of the Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA) member states involving 2,000 members of the defence forces, 68 aircraft, 10 ships and a number of ground-based air defence units starting Nov 6.

The cross deployment stipulated under the Base Support Arrangement (BSA) would enabled the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to cooperate and assist each to cater to the needs and requirements in terms of security of both countries.

"It is also aimed at enhancing ties and understanding among members of RMAF and RSAF," he told a news conference in conjunction with the opening ceremony of Exercise Bersama Lima 2013 (Ex s BL 13) at the RMAF airbase here Friday.

He said the joint exercise entailed the army, naval and air firepower among FPDA member states comprising the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia.

Zulkifeli the exercise involved command post exercise at the Butterworth Airbase and field training exercise over the South China Sea.

He said the training would boost bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore as it would enhance understanding during mutual cross deployment of aircraft between the two countries.

"Five Hawk MK 208 will be deployed by the RMAF while five F-16C/D will be dispatched by the RSAF during the exercise," he added.

The Ex s BL 13 opening ceremony was also attended by Australia chief of defence force Gen David John Hurley, Singapore chief of defence force Lt-Gen Ng Chee Meng, New Zealand chief of defence force Lt-Gen Richard Rhys Jones, and British RAF Regiment's Commandant General Air Commodore Nick Bray.

The FPDA was put in place in 1971 as a "loose consultative political framework" to replace the Anglo-Malaysian Defence Agreement when Britain pulled its troops out of Singapore and Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA

Indonesian Navy Operates Its First CN235 MPA Aircraft

Published on Monday, 11 November 2013 10:51 | Hits: 8

The Indonesian Navy on Oct. 2 marked its first Indonesian-made maritime patrol aircraft CN-235 MPA operation folowing the delivery of the aircraft to the Defense Ministry from PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) on that day.

Rear Admiral Rachmat Lubis who represented the Defense Ministry received the maritime patrol aircraft from PT DI president director Budi Santoso, witnessed by Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro during the hand-over ceremony at the country’s aircraft manufacturer facility in Bandung, West Java.

The CN-235 MPA is the first of three aircraft ordered by the Navy, will be based at the Juanda Naval Base in Surabaya, East Java. The remaining two aircraft will be delivered  by end of 2013 and first quarter of 2014.

According to Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, the planes were ordered on a trading contract worth US$80 million signed in December 2009 to assist in controling over 5,800 thousand square kilometers of Indonesia’s territorial waters.

“Indonesia actually needs 33 NC212 and 21 CN235 MPA aircraft to control its territory,” he said.

Angkasa noted, currently the Indonesian Navy operates several  NC212 maritime patrol aircraft in its fleet.

Adding to the minister’s statement, Navy Chief-of-Staff Admiral Marsetio said up to year 2024 the Indonesia Navy would be strengthen with a fleet of 54 aircraft comprising of 21 CN-235s and 33 NC-212s.

“On the first phase, five CN-235s has been ordered of which two planes will be delivered in 2015,” said the Navy Chief-of-Staff.

According to Budi Santoso, the twin-engine CT7-9C turboprop CN-235 MPA plane delivered, is a medium class aircraft which is equipped with a patrollling facility and has the superiority to control a wide sea territory such as the vast Indonesian waters.

He added, beside Indonesia, South Korea and Turkey also operates the maritime patrol aircraft CN-235 MPA.

Budi Santoso said, other nations operating CN-235 type aircraft were Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Senegal and Burkina Faso. (ds)

Indonesia Eyes For Chinook Helicopters

Posted on November 13, 2013 by hafizuddinsulaiman

Indonesia plans to acquire Boeing CH-47 (D??, F???) Chinook tandem rotor helicopter to support troop movement along its border. TNI hopes that budget allocation for the Chinook could be made available in 2015.

Nevertheless, TNI is expected to receive 12 Eurocopter AS-550 Fennec and minimum 6 AH-64E Guardian attack helicopters in the near future.

To date, RTA’s Army Aviation and the RSAF are the current ASEAN CH-47 operators. RTA operate 6 CH-47D while the RSAF operates 6 CH-47Ds and 12 CH-47SDs. It is unclear whether the Indonesian Chinook would be procure brand new ( the F version) or from second-hand stocks (the D version).