2013 Taiwan Aerospace and Defense Technology Exposition
By Jason M. Wong | 9 January 2014 Thursday

The only military trade show in Taiwan, the Taiwan Aerospace and Defense Technology Exposition was held from August 15 – 18, 2013 in Taipei, Taiwan. As the premier opportunity for the Taiwanese Ministry of Nation Defense to highlight equipment and capabilities, the show was hosted at the Taiwan World Trade Center, in the shadow of the Taipei 101 skyscraper. Although the show was a means to highlight and display of Taiwan’s military might, a number of international exhibitors were present to show off weapons currently in use with the Taiwanese military.

More.....

http://sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=2302

Be dazzled by aerobatics at Singapore Airshow
12 January 2014 Sunday | 8:36 AM

A record four aerial display teams are likely to take part in the biennial event

Expect heart-stopping aerobatics at next month's Singapore Airshow, which is set to boast a record four aerial display teams this year.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force's Black Knights will be joined by the Republic of Korea Air Force's Black Eagles and, for the first time, the Indonesian Air Force's (TNI-AU) Jupiter Aerobatic Team.

The Sunday Times also understands that stunt pilots from China's People's Liberation Army Air Force August 1st, or Bayi Aerobatics Team, are looking to make their Singapore debut at the biennial six-day event at Changi Exhibition Centre. The six-man team made its international debut at the Moscow Airshow last August, flying the J-10 aircraft.

If its participation is confirmed, this will be the biggest line-up of aerobatic display teams to take part in the 65-minute aerial display since the Singapore Airshow began in 2008.

http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/...irshow-20140112

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Jan 12 2014, 12:18 PM

Japan shows off its military might in dispute with China
12 January 2014 Sunday

The Japanese Self Defence Force has held a military drill with the theme of island defence as tensions continue with China over some disputed islands. Report by Jeremy Barnes.

Indonesia to Field Thales’ ForceSHIELD Short Range Air Defense Systems
By Tamir Eshel | 16 January 2014 Thursday

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Thales UK for the delivery of Thales ForceSHIELD integrated air defense system. The contract worth over £100 million (US$164 million) covers the supply five light air defense batteries comprised of STARStreak short-range air defence missiles and CONTROLMaster200 radar and weapon coordination systems. Some of the units will be man-portable while others will employ the RAPIDRanger mobile weapon systems and Lightweight Multiple Launchers (LML). “This solution for the Indonesian Army marks a new approach to air defence in that it provides a complete turnkey solution comprising latest-generation ‘sensor to effects’ technologies.” said Victor Chavez, CEO of Thales UK.

Thales’s ForceSHIELD solution is based on customising and combining a range of new and existing product lines such as radars, communications, engagement and fire control systems, launchers and Very Short Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) missiles. Employing this flexible approach Thales can tailor solutions to meet changing requirements such as the increasing array of asymmetric and conventional air threats that exists in today’s security environment.

The CONTROLMaster200 comprises the latest generation solid-state radar, capable of detecting and tracking 200 targets simultaneously out to ranges up to 250km. It incorporates the CONTROLView engagement control system that evaluates threats, assigns weapons, and coordinates combat management activity – enabling complex and critical decisions to be made faster and with greater precision and security.

The RAPIDRanger is a unique lightweight vehicle-based launcher and fire control system, which can be integrated into a network-enabled force structure and coordinated with a variety of Command and Control systems. Equipped with the STARStreak high-velocity missile, RAPIDRanger has the ability to defeat a wide variety of air threats, including ground attack aircraft, pop-up Attack Helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and cruise missiles.

The STARStreak missile operates at a speed in excess of Mach 3 to defeat fast-moving threats and those with short unmasking times. The three-dart ‘hittile’ configuration maximises
lethality and the highly-accurate laser beam riding guidance enables engagement of low-signature targets and is said to be immune to all known countermeasures.

To implement the program Thales plans to increase its industrial cooperation with the Republic of Indonesia, and has already signed an agreement with the Indonesian company PT LEN Industri. Thales said it also plans additional partnerships with the Indonesian industry on future programmes in both the military and civil sectors.

The Indonesian Army is already operating the Swedish RBS-70, Polish GROM and Chinese TD-2000B – all VSHORAD missile systems, acquired in the 1990s, mid-and late 2000s. Each of these systems is equipped with associated radar and control systems.

http://defense-update.com/20140116_indones...se-systems.html

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Jan 16 2014, 05:02 PM

Modernized S-61T™ Helicopter Launches First Flight
U.S. Department of State Already Under Contract for 13 Aircraft
6 January 2014 Monday

SHELTON, Connecticut - Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced the successful maiden test flight of the modernized S-61T™ helicopter with an integrated glass cockpit and enhanced performance capabilities. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

In 2010, Sikorsky began a program to upgrade S-61™ aircraft and return them to productive service. An industry workhorse, the S-61 helicopter has performed missions reliably for U.S. and foreign allied militaries during the past several decades. The modernized S-61T helicopter represents the latest version, with a full structural refurbishment, overhaul of all major dynamic components, and installation of key upgrades including new composite main rotor blades (CMRB), a survivability suite and state-of-the-art glass cockpit, as well as all new electrical wiring throughout the aircraft. The initial test flight was completed in late 2013.

Sikorsky is under contract with the U.S. Department of State (DoS) for refurbished S-61 aircraft and already has delivered 16 helicopters. The latest order is for 13 S-61T models, with the first delivery scheduled in the first quarter of 2014. The five-year IDIQ (indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity) agreement with DoS allows for the purchase of up to 110 modernized S-61 aircraft. The IDIQ purchase agreement serves as the contracting vehicle for any U.S. government agency to purchase the new helicopter.

“The first flight of the S-61T represents a major milestone in the program,” said Steven Rogers, Director S-61 Programs. “The modernized S-61T helicopter can be outfitted to meet a wide variety of requirements, and we believe it provides best-in-class-value for a mid-size, multi-mission helicopter.”

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide.

http://sikorsky.com/About+Sikorsky/News/Pr...0004f62529fRCRD

Tension with OZ escalates as RI deploys warships
By Bagus BT Saragih and Ina Parlina | 23 January 2014 Thursday | 9:35 AM

With Canberra pressing ahead with its hard-line policy of turning back asylum seekers to Indonesian waters, Jakarta told its neighbor on Wednesday the policy could lead to violations of Indonesia’s sovereignty and that it had increased security on its borders to prevent incursions.

A number of Indonesian Navy warships have been deployed and four Air Force defense radars have been programmed to closely monitor the southern border, military officials told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

“We are watching four radars in Timika, Merauke [in Papua], Saumlaki [Maluku] and Buraen [East Nusa Tenggara], which all face Australia,” Air Force chief spokesman Air Commodore Hadi Tjahjanto said.

“If we notice any border violations, our air base in Makassar will be ready. Australia is reachable from there.” Hadi was referring to the Sultan Hasanuddin Air Force Base in the South Sulawesi provincial capital, which is the base of the 11th squadron, consisting of 16 Russian-made Sukhoi Su-27/30 Flankers.

The Flankers have a maximum range of some 3,000 kilometers. The sea border lies some 1,000 km from Makassar. At Mach 1, or the speed of sound, the Flankers would reach the border in little over an hour.

Navy chief spokesman Commodore Untung Suropati confirmed that a number of warships had moved toward the Australian border. He said these included frigates, fast torpedo craft (KCT), fast missile craft (KCR) and corvettes as well as maritime patrol aircraft. He declined to reveal the precise number and location of the assets.

“All the ships are on the move, patrolling the waters,” he said.

Tension between the two neighbors reached a new height Wednesday after Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that stopping the boats was “a matter of sovereignty” and Jakarta should understand Canberra was taking the issue seriously.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who suspended cooperation with Australia following allegations that it attempted to spy on him and members of his inner circle, skipped the Davos meeting to oversee the handling of recent nationwide flooding and the eruption of the Mount Sinabung volcano.

Abbott’s statement came only days after Australia admitted that its naval ships had entered Indonesian waters. It later apologized to Indonesia for the incursion.

Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Djoko Suyanto said it was Australia that should respect Indonesia’s sovereignty, “which was violated by the Australian navy.”

“Asylum seekers that have entered a country, including Australia, must be managed according to the UN Convention on Refugees,” he asserted in a written statement.

Australia is a signatory to the convention. He added that the country concerned must also handle the problem in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Yudhoyono’s foreign affairs spokesman Teuku Faizasyah said, “A violation of our national territory for any reason cannot be tolerated.”

“If Prime Minister Abbott asks President Yudhoyono and the Indonesian people to understand Australia’s seriousness with regards to its sovereignty, in the same vein, Indonesia also asks Australia to understand our firm commitment to our vital interests.”

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/01...s-warships.html

From Dzirhan FB.

Army Day celebrations will be held in Port Dickson in March 2014, exact day will be posted as soon as it's decided, there will be display and demonstration.

Why China Wants the Su-35
By Peter Wood | 10 October 2013 Thursday | 04:19 PM

The image below demonstrates the comparative ranges (two way) of Su-27s (thick yellow lines), Su-35s flying on internal fuel (thick red lines) and Su-35s with two drop tanks (thin red lines) flying from two major air bases in China. Note: All distances are estimated combat radii.



http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=...bd#.UmVxYqNhiK0

Malaysia does sign for its Tiger HAP?
By William Steuer | 28 January 2014 Thursday

France proposed sale of six Tiger HAP used.

This is a case that lasts for months already: the sale of six attack helicopters Tiger HAP (Support Protection) used in Malaysia, which showed for a long time its desire to strengthen its capacity to support close fire. Taken from the stocks of the Light Aviation Army (Alat) and delivered to "Standard 1" or the one currently used by France in overseas operations, these helicopters have been delivered from the beginning of the year 2014. But the signing of the contract does not come.

"This project equipment had experienced a big boost early last year," says a close case. Early 2013, Malaysia is experiencing a difficult security situation, linked to land claims Philippine rebels on the state of Sabah in effect. Events which led to several weeks of military action (Operation "Daulat"), mobilizing many local air assets.

As early as July 2013, the French offer comes on the table Malaysian military, while wishing to have helicopters early 2014. The agreement provided for the delivery of Tiger HAP set configuration "Standard 1", but the missile capacity of the new standard just HAD to arrive unit. Helicopters are therefore fitted with formidable 30mm cannon, rockets and possibly air-to-air Mistral missiles.

Since the pressure is slightly settled and signed long in coming, but the French team remain confident and hope to properly hang the sale to their list of 2014 the Asia-Pacific region rich in opportunities in the short and medium term for the French defense industry. Kuala Lumpur is already good customer of Airbus products Helicopters, with a recent order of 12 EC725 Caracal whose deliveries began in December 2012 and are now completed.

http://www.air-cosmos.com/defense/la-malai...-tigre-hap.html

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Jan 29 2014, 12:04 AM

Photos: PLA navy conducts landing drills in South China Sea
26 January 2014 Sunday | 08:28

http://english.people.com.cn/90786/8522037.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lockheedmarti...in/photostream/

Even the Indian AirForce who operates a large fleet of Russian airplanes are turning to USA due to problems of getting spare parts.

IAF is getting C17, Apache and Chinook.

The IAF MRCA still hangs in the balance.

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Feb 2 2014, 05:32 PM

Indonesian Air Force Draws Up Shopping List
By Alan Warnes | 7 February 2014 Friday | 11:05 PM

Boasting one of the fastest growing economies in the world is allowing Indonesia to invest much-needed funds in its military. After years of stagnation caused by the 1997 financial crisis, leading to most of Indonesia’s military acquisition programs being cancelled, the situation deteriorated further when the U.S. imposed an arms embargo in 1999 that lasted until 2005.

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) entered into only one major acquisition program during that period, procuring Su-27 and Su-30 Flankers from Russia to bolster its aging fighter fleet. The TNI-AU had never ordered Russian aircraft after the failed communist coup in 1965 but it was left with no option after Western companies stuck to the arms embargo.

This deal led to a pair of Su-27SKs and two Su-30MKs being delivered to SkU 11 [Skadron Udara (SkU)–air squadron] at Hasanuddin, Sulawesi, in August/September 2003, followed by three Su-30MK2s in late-2008/early-2009 and a trio of Su-27SKM variants in 2010.

With military budgets set every five years, the armed forces are now drawing up a shopping list for 2015-19. Local industry, particularly PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), will play a major part in how this money is spent. The past 15 years has not been kind to the company; it was hit massively by the 1997 crisis. However, in July 2011, EADS-Airbus Military signed a strategic collaboration with PTDI to assist with revitalizing Indonesia’s national aerospace industry, mainly by growing PTDI’s manufacturing output. The two companies enjoy a long-standing manufacturing relationship, which goes back to the days of CASA and PTDI’s predecessor: IPTN.

While PTDI is an important supplier of the C212 and CN 235 light/medium transport and surveillance aircraft to Airbus Military, it also works closely with another EADS company, Eurocopter. In July 2011, Eurocopter signed a new teaming agreement with PTDI consisting of industrial cooperation as well as marketing Eurocopter products to the Indonesian government for use in the domestic market. The partnership between the two companies began 35 years ago, and has seen some 130 BO-105s, 11 SA330s and 20 AS332 Super Pumas built under license production at Bandung. An assembly line was set up for the Super Puma in 2008, integrating PTDI into Eurocopter’s global supply chain.

Some believe PTDI does not provide the military value for money, but nonetheless it will become a major benefactor from the 2015-19 budgets, even if the fighters will take much of the money as they did in the previous five years.

Fighters

After the initial acquisition of nine Flankers, the Indonesian MOD signed a $470 million contract with JSC Rosoboronexport on Dec. 29, 2011, for six more Su-30MK2s, delivered in February, May and September 2013. A close source has told AIN that the Russian aircraft have been “troublesome,” with usual issues concerning spares.

After the OV-10 Broncos were withdrawn from use several years ago, the TNI-AU (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara–Indonesian Air Force) was left with no close-air-support aircraft until eight Embraer Super Tucanos were ordered in November 2010. The first four were handed over to SkU 21 at Abdulrachmen Saleh (Mulang) during the third quarter of 2012 following a ceremony in Brazil on Aug. 6, 2012. A contract for a second batch of eight aircraft was announced on July 10, 2012, with deliveries expected in 2014.

In May 2011, the TNI-AU ordered 16 Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) T-50Is in a $400 million deal, with the first two being delivered on Sept. 11, 2013. All 16 were to have been delivered by the end of 2013, but delays meant that only 10 had been delivered by then and the rest should have arrived before the Singapore show started. The T-50Is, fitted with gun and weapons pylons, will eventually replace the Hawk Mk 53s of SkU 15. Six have been delivered in the colors of Elang Biru, the TNI-AU’s jet aerobatic team.

A $750 million FMS deal to acquire 24 upgraded F-16 Block 32IDs was agreed with the U.S. government in November 2011. The contract comprises 19 single-seaters and five dual-seaters, with the first four aircraft due in mid-2014, followed by four every three months. Work on the jets is under way at Ogden Air Logistics Center, Utah, where a TNI-AU Project Office comprising six people has been set up. The aircraft will be delivered initially to SkU 16, based at Madiun-Iswahyudi, until the infrastructure at Pekanbaru is ready. Their arrival will allow the aging fleet of six F-16As and three F-16B Block 15s to go through a Falcon Up upgrade. The F-16s have suffered spares shortages in recent years, but these issues have not been limited to F-16s.

The fleet of 33 multi-role Hawk 109/209s delivered to SkU 1 at Pontiniak and SkU 12 at Pekanbaru in the mid-’90s has been hit particularly hard, especially with issues stemming from the Adour Mk 871 engines.

The fleet of 11 F-5s that was upgraded by SABCA (now Belgian Aerospace) in the late-1990s was grounded twice during 2013. Even if spares problems are resolved, the veteran fighter will soldier on only until 2018, so funds are likely to be earmarked for a replacement in the 2015-19 budget. One solution was the new K-FX (Korean fighter) program the Indonesians were jointly developing with Korea. However, in late 2012 the South Korean government put an 18-month hold on this $8 billion project that should have led to 50 K-FXs being delivered to the TNI-AU and 200 to the ROKAF. A first batch of five was scheduled for delivery to Indonesia in 2020, but the project is more likely to be cancelled. As a result, the money is being spent overhauling nine C-130Hs acquired free of charge from the Royal Australian Air Force and buying six CASA 295s for a special-mission fit.

There is speculation the TNI-AU could now acquire former USAF F-15s to replace the F-5s, while RFIs have also been sent to Saab (Gripen), Dassault (Rafale) and Eurofighter.

Surveillance

With some 17,000 islands making up the world’s largest archipelago, Indonesia needs to maintain a modern airborne maritime surveillance fleet in a bid to confront increasing threats from pirates, smugglers and terrorists. This led the TNI-AU to order another much needed CASA CN 235 maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) in 2012, with a Telephonics system and Star Safire HDI FLIR turret. Delivery is expected in 2015. The order comes six years after the first and only MPA was delivered to SkU 5 at Madassar.

An initial requirement for three MPAs led to a contract being signed with Thales in 1996, but a single aircraft was delivered, with an AMASCOS 200 system, and the other two remained as basic transport aircraft with SkU 5. With obsolescence now creeping in, PTDI has been contracted to replace the Thales Oceanmaster radar with Telephonics’ AN/APS 143C3 maritime radar.

There is also an urgent requirement for a SIGINT platform, which could be purchased during the next five-year budget plan, in 2015-19. It is likely one of the CASA 212s serving the TNI-AU will be upgraded with new systems. The three aging Boeing 737-200 Surveiller Side-Looking Airborne Modular Multi-mission Radar (SLAMMR) aircraft are in desperate need of replacement, and speculation is the TNI-AU will go for an increased number of CN 235-220s with SIGINT systems on board to replace them.

Transports

The TNI-AU relies predominantly on PTDI for its medium-to-small airlift needs. Five CN 235s operate with SkU 2 at Halim, replacing five Fokker 27s grounded in 2012 after a fatal accident. They work alongside three CASA 295s of 10 on order. There is a keen interest in acquiring special-mission systems for an additional six CASA 295s, with Texas-based ATK offering their palletized gunship system.

There are currently two tactical airlift squadrons in the TNI-AU: SkU 31 at Halim-Perdanakusuma operates a mix of C-130H-30s, L100-30s and C-130H; while SKU 32 at Abdulrachman Saleh flies 10 C-130B/Hs, including two KC-130Bs tankers that represent the TNI-AU’s sole air-to-air refueling capability. With close links to Airbus Military it is likely they will be replaced by two A330MRTT hose/drogue and boom aircraft.

As a result of acquiring the nine ex-RAAF C-130s, a third C-130 unit, SkU 33 will stand up at Makassar. There is a real need to provide support to the Sukhois and this should be the solution, with tactical needs in the region also being covered. It is not clear whether the new C-130s will actually be SkU 32 assets, or if they will be split among all the units.

Helicopters

Helicopter training takes place at Kalijati with SkU 7 on 50-year-old Bell 47G Soloys. These stalwarts are used by newly qualified pilots fresh from Yogyakarta for basic helicopter training. Their short-term future is secure because the unit’s EC120 Colibris are also being used to cover SAR detachments. Longer term, 12 EC135s on order will replace the operational role of the EC120, allowing it to revert to the training role for which it was acquired, and easing the Soloys into retirement.

SkU 6 at Atang Senjaya near Bogor flies four of 18 Super Pumas ordered in 2000. Another three NAS332L1s with SkU 45 at Halim are being used in the VIP role alongside two Eurocopter-built AS332L2s. Also based at Atang Senjaya is SkU 8, which flies a handful of NSA330 Pumas. Six EC725s have been ordered for the Special Forces role and should be delivered in 2014-15 to a new unit, SkU 9 at Kalijati. It is not clear if they are taking up the slack that the Super Pumas failed to deliver.

Pilot Training

Pilot training is carried out at Yogyakarta with SkU 101, instructing students on the AS202 Bravos, flying 120 hours on elementary training. However, the Bravo’s days are expected to end within the next few years, as the TNI-AU ordered 18 Grob G120TPs in 2012. The first batch of 10 aircraft was delivered in 2013, and a further batch of eight are to arrive in 2014. Modernization of the Flying Training Academy got under way in 2003 when SkU 102 took delivery of 16 KT-1T Woongbees for instructor training. Longer term there is also a need for a basic trainer replacement.

The next five-year budget, for 2015-2019, will be set in mid-2014 and projects such as airborne early warning and control (AEW&C), tankers, new fighters, SIGINT aircraft as well as new weaponry are all under review. It is unlikely the Russians will figure highly in any future acquisition.



http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/sin..._medium=twitter

Malaysia Struggles to Update Military
By DZIRHAN MAHADZIR | 7 February 2014 Friday | 11:20 PM

The current political climate and government austerity measures in Malaysia mean that a number of programs for the Malaysian armed forces look likely to be postponed until the time frame of the 11th Malaysia Plan, which covers government spending for the period of 2016-2020. A combination of public dissatisfaction over the cutting of government subsidies and the government’s need to balance an increasing deficit has made spending on military procurement politically unviable at the moment.

One of the key programs already on hold indefinitely is the Royal Malaysian Air Force MRCA (multi-role combat aircraft) requirement to replace its MiG-29s, though all four contenders for the program–Boeing, Dassault, BAE Systems and Saab–have, in the light of the current situation, made proposals such as long-term repayments and lease options to Malaysia in an attempt to persuade the country to make a decision soon to go ahead with the program.

However, it appears that even this will not be enough for Malaysia to proceed in the near future, even though the timetable has already fallen behind the RMAF’s projected target date of 2015 for phasing out the MiG-29s. The RMAF currently has restricted the MiG-29 fleet (which number around eight aircraft) to operational duties and missions only in an effort to preserve their operational lifespan. Previously, the MiG-29 also carried out public event duties such as fly-pasts and airshow displays.

Delay for Lead-in Fighters

The delay on the MRCA program has also impacted the RMAF’s plans for additional lead-in fighter trainers to add to the eight MB-339CMs it currently operates, as the RMAF has held off ordering additional MB-339CMs due to a combination of budget constraints and wanting to see which type of aircraft would be chosen for the MRCA program. It could then decide whether additional MB-339CMs or a more compatible lead-in fighter trainer for the new MRCAs would be required.

At the moment, the RMAF faces a shortfall in lead-in fighter trainer aircraft for its current training requirements, though the planned deactivation in 2015 of No. 12 Squadron, which currently operates two RF-5Es and four F-5E/Fs, would free up fighter pilots for duties in other squadrons. For basic pilot training the RMAF is expected to sign a contract in April this year for additional PC-7 Mk IIs to add to its current fleet during the Defense Services Asia (DSA) exhibition in Kuala Lumpur.

AEWC on Hold

Another program on hold indefinitely is the airborne early warning and control (AEWC) requirement; the RMAF has had a long-term requirement for at least four aircraft but the government has balked at the potential cost of purchasing and operating such aircraft. RMAF chief general Tan Sri Rodzali Daud has tried to persuade the government to purchase AEWC aircraft on the basis that such an aircraft would also be of use in other roles, such as surveillance and monitoring of Malaysian waters and airspace, and also provide surveillance support for Malaysian civilian enforcement agencies in addition to the traditional military missions of such platforms. However, there still seems to be little government interest in providing funding for such a platform.

Two RMAF programs are expected to commence soon, namely the upgrade of the RMAF’s Lockheed C-130 fleet and the service life extension of 15 of the RMAF’s 28 operational Sikorsky S-61 Nuri helicopters. The RMAF C-130 fleet, numbering around 14 aircraft, are to be upgraded with avionics and navigation systems that would bring them up to compliance to international aviation requirements along with a glass cockpit.

The upgrade for the C-130s would be done in batches–an initial number of four to eight aircraft is currently funded, with Malaysian company Airod to do the work along with an assigned foreign partner selected by the RMAF. Esterline CMC, Astronautics, Marshall Aerospace and Rockwell Collins are said to be on the RMAF’s down-select list for this program and an announcement is expected to be made at DSA in April.

The S-61 upgrades will also be done by Airod. The lack of funding to purchase additional EC725s to add to the 12 in service has forced the RMAF to prolong the life of 15 S-61s as the Malaysian Armed Forces has laid down the requirement that the RMAF must have a minimum of 27 medium-lift helicopters in service.

Attack Helicopter on Hiatus

While last year’s incursion by Sulu militants into eastern Malaysia initially provided impetus for the acquisition of an attack helicopter capability for the Army Air Corps, again the financial crunch has placed the program in a hiatus. Boeing and Airbus Helicopters have been marketing the AH-64 and Tiger, respectively, for this requirement though recently the Bell AH-1Z Cobra has been promoted as a cheaper alternative to both. The army is also seeking to arm its 11 A109 helicopters, which are currently operating in the light-observation helicopter role for the Army Air Corps. As a stop-gap contingency measure, three of the RMAF’s S-61 Nuri helicopters in eastern Malaysia have been outfitted with .50 caliber door guns to provide gunship support.

Since 2011 the Royal Malaysian Navy has been proposing the acquisition of at least six antisubmarine warfare helicopters to add to its current fleet of six Super Lynx and six Eurocopter AS555 Fennecs. However, the chief of the RMN, Adm. Tan Sri Aziz Jaafar, told AIN that the likelihood of funding for the ASW helicopters also may come about only in the timeframe of the 11th Malaysia Plan.

The U.S. has already been heavily promoting the MH-60R Seahawk for this requirement with exercises and port calls by U.S. Navy ships to Malaysia, emphasizing the helicopter’s role and capabilities along with familiarization flights for Malaysian navy personnel and defense ministry officials. However, there has also been talk of a navalized Eurocopter (Airbus Helicopters) EC725, which would ensure some compatibility of logistics and maintenance with the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s EC-725 fleet. However the RMN is said to be leaning towards the MH-60R.

Currently, ground-based air defense capabilities for Malaysia is limited to some 15 Jernas SAM systems, 28 Oerlikon Skyguard Systems (operated by the Army Air Defence Artillery Group–known as GAPU in the local acronym), along with an assortment of MANPADS. including the IGLA (operated by GAPU and RMAF), Anza Mk 2 (used by the Army’s parachute battalions) and the FN-6 (operated by GAPU). The Starburst MANPADs have all been phased out of service. GAPU has been tasked with formulating the ground-based SAM system requirement for all three services and a report was tabled by them late last year, although again funding for any procurement in the near term appears to be unlikely.

http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/sin..._medium=twitter

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Feb 8 2014, 04:04 PM

Indonesian Army and Navy Expand Fleets
by ALAN WARNES | 7 February 2014 Friday | 11:10 PM

After years of neglect, the Indonesian Army Aviation (TNI-AD) is now set for some radical modernization in a bid to stem the country’s increasing threats. A deal for eight AH-64E Guardian helicopters worth around $500 million was announced in August 2013, but it is not clear if a contract has been signed. The original DSCA (Defense Security Cooperation Agency) notification quoted a figure of $1.42 billion to cover all the associated weapons (including 32 Hellfire missile launchers and 140 Hellfire AGM-114R3 missiles), support and other associated equipment. According to the U.S. government, “The AH-64Es will defend borders, conduct counterterrorism and counter-piracy operations, and control the free flow of shipping through the Strait of Malacca.” They will be purchased via the U.S. Army through the Foreign Military Sale process.

There was speculation in late 2012/early 2013 the TNI-AD was going to buy up to 20 UH-60Ms but nothing has materialized. However, AIN has been informed that Eurocopter has been contracted to deliver 12 AS550/355s, one AS350B3, six AS355NPs and five AS550C3 Armed Scouts to the TNI-AD, although deliveries are not expected to begin until 2015 at the earliest.

Given these additional purchases and the need to train more than 100 additional rotary-wing pilots over the next few years, the TNI-AD is acquiring six Schweizer S-300C helicopters. Sikorsky Aircraft confirmed on April 16, 2012, it had sold two S-300Cs, with an option on four more.

Seven Mil Mi-35Ps are now with the TNI-AL, the final pair arriving on March 20, 2013. They are operated by Skadron Udara Angkatan Darat 31, based at Achmad Yani Airport, Samerang, which also operates 12 Kazan Mi-17-V5s, though one was lost on November 9 last year, with the 13 people on board being killed. Another six Mi-17-V5s are on order. Three Mi-17s are being used by the United Nations for its UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

In December 2013, PTDI handed over six brand-new NB412EPs to the TNI-AD, as part of an order for 24 announced in early December 2010.

Most of the helicopters are based at Achmad Yani or Pondok Cabe, Jakarta, where a sole DHC-5 Buffalo is used for VIP purposes.

Meanwhile, three Airbus Military CN235MPAs, on order since 2009, should now have been delivered to the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) with the Thales AMASCOS 200 maritime system, housing the more powerful Oceanmaster 400 radar. According to PTDI, there are two more CN 235MPAs on order but they are likely to be fitted with the Elta EL/M2022 radar in a configuration similar to the four CN 235s delivered to the Korean Coast Guard in 2012. These aircraft will see the Nomad maritime patrol aircraft being phased out. The TNI-AL should also be on the verge of receiving one of the last CASA NC212-200s before PTDI concentrates its production on the newer NC212-400 launched at the LIMA Show in March 2013. All the TNI-AL aircraft are based at Surabaya, Indonesia’s second largest city.

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2014 Singapore Airshow Photo Preview

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This post has been edited by xtemujin: Feb 10 2014, 11:22 AM

Some photos of the 2014 Singapore Airshow Trade Day One.

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SGA14: Industry preps for Malaysian attack helo requirement
 by Beth Stevenson & Joyce de Thouars | 16 February 2014 Sunday |10:53

The rise in insurgent activity in Malaysia has highlighted the country's lack of helicopter offensive capabilities, to which Western industry is ready to respond to should an RfP be released.

Malaysian forces have no attack helicopter in their inventories, relying instead on fast-moving fighter jets. In light of terrorist attacks taking place all over the country which are not attributed to any particular environment, the government is understood to have revealed its wish to acquire such a platform. 

During the Singapore Airshow, Airbus Helicopters, Bell Helicopter and Boeing all expressed interest in the expected tender and continue to watch closely for an RfP. 

‘The requirement is still being shaped,’ Mike Burke, director of attack helicopter programmes business development at Boeing, told Shephard. 

The commander of the Malaysian defence forces flew in the AH-6 Little Bird on 12 February in an effort to show the capability of the aircraft, Burke noted.

‘We’re trying to show the capability of the aircraft,’ he continued.

'The number of aircraft required and the timeline for acquiring them has not yet been decided, although they have concluded that they have a need for this. With the insurgency… they didn’t have an attack helicopter to respond with.’

Boeing would offer the Little Bird for the Malaysian requirement, and Burke said the aircraft is optimised for the reconnaissance and light attack mission, as well as having a stand-off capability up to some 2-3 miles. Its big brother, the AH-64 Apache, has seen regional successes with Japan, Singapore, and South Korea while Indonesia and India are also in the process of acquiring them.

Meanwhile, Bob Carrese, regional VP of international military business development, Asia Pacific for Bell Helicopter, said that Malaysia is interested in both theBell UH-1Y and AH-1Z. 

‘It fits with the region’s requirements because the aircraft are fully marinised with lower maintenance required,’ he explained.

‘Malaysia is interested in the helicopter but we are in the early stages of the process. In their mind they have narrowed it down, but it still needs to be announced.’

Airbus Helicopters has taken its EC665 Tiger attack helicopter to the past two Langkawi Airshows in an effort to appeal to the Malaysian market, and has also carried out flight demonstrations of the aircraft in-country. 

Daniel Cottard, operational marketing team leader at the company, said that the operational range of the aircraft is some 8-10 km depending on air conditions, which makes it effective in a range of environments.

‘The Tiger has elected to carry out a more non-emitting role, unlike the Apache which has a radar. There is nothing wrong with a radar, but the Tiger is a passive mode aircraft,’ Cottard said. 

‘If you don’t control the air you don’t control anything… Malaysia is as capable as anywhere else and there is no difficulty in applying this aircraft to their requirements.’

Regarding the jungle environment prevalent in Malaysia, Cottard said that targeting insurgents in and among the foliage is incredibly difficult, but ‘you can’t say in the jungle for long'.

‘You have to come out eventually and then you will be seen,’ he continued. This application emphasises the reconnaissance role of the aircraft. 

‘The key is to combine air, land and sea. The Tiger would be fine in this [Malaysian] facility of operations.’

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There were a few officers and men from Pasukan Aturgerak Cepat (PAC) at the 2014 Singapore Airshow.