Wednesday, 28 May, 2014 | 16:14 WIB

Indonesia Completes 60M Fast Missile Craft

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - PT PAL Indonesia has completed a primary weaponry defense system project, 60 Meter Fast Missile Craft, for the Indonesian Navy. The boat is called KRI Sampari-628.

"The craft is to reinforce the Navy to secure Indonesian sea territories," Indonesian defense minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Wednesday, May 28, 2014.

"In addition to KRI Sampari-628, PT PAL is also working on two other units, KRI Tombak-629 and KRI Halasan-630, which are to be completed in July and September 2014."

Every unit is armed with canons and two C705 and C802 missiles with 140-kilometer range. Purnomo believed that the crafts are sophisticated and reliable for maritime operations.

PAL Indonesia's chairman Firmansyah Arifin said KRI Sampari-628 has undergone series of sea trials. Based on the tests, the craft has met the required standards.

"The last one was Commodore Inspection on May 27. All basic functions are running properly," Firmansyah said.

The Indonesian Navy chief of staff Admirral Marsetio said the craft is equal to American-made offshore petro vessel type. The project for the three crafts costs about US$31.25 million.


DIANANTA P. SUMEDI

China’s Advance Spurs Indonesian Military Shift: Southeast Asia
 
By Berni Moestafa and Sharon Chen 
May 29, 2014 12:00 AM GMT+0700 

China’s intensifying move to assert claims over the South China Sea has given fresh impetus to a military buildup in Indonesia that will see its forces deployed with greater focus on external risks.

After years of concentrating on separatist threats across an archipelago long enough to stretch from New York to Alaska, Indonesia plans to deploy attack helicopters to its islands at the southern end of the South China Sea and expand its naval power. The front-runner for July’s presidential election, Joko Widodo, aims to boost defense spending to 1.5 percent as a share of the economy, which is Southeast Asia’s largest.

The strategy shift comes as China escalates disputes with the Philippines and Vietnam, fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asean Nations. China’s standoff with Vietnam over an oil rig this month followed its 2012 success in taking control of the Scarborough Shoal from the Philippines.

“The focus in defense spending is moving to dealing with external threats,” said Tim Huxley, executive director of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore. “There is a concern from an Indonesian perspective that the South China Sea should not become a Chinese lake and that freedom of shipping should be maintained.” That is influencing Indonesia’s defense spending and procurement, he said.

The military is about 40 percent of the way to developing a minimum-essential force, or MEF, by 2029, to guard its territory as it adds tanks, submarines, helicopters and jet fighters to its arsenal, Deputy Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said in an interview in Jakarta. Under the MEF, the government is seeking to acquire 274 Navy ships, 10 fighter squadrons and 12 new diesel-electric submarines.

“We’re part of maintaining regional stability and peace and to maintain that we must certainly have powers that support that regional strength,” Sjamsoeddin said.

Wednesday, 28 May, 2014 | 22:36 WIB

Indonesia to Boost Submarine Industry

TEMPO.CO, Surabaya - Indonesian Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, said that he will encourage the national submarine industry to grow before prioritizing submarine offers from Russia, Sweden, Netherlands and French.

According to Purnomo, submarine industry may trigger multiplier effects in the economy and industrial sectors. Purnomo also believed that the industry will be able to absorb labors.

"Russia has offered a submarine with 300 kilometers shooting range. But it doesn't fit our needs," Purnomo said on Wednesday, May 28, 2014.

Indonesia, Purnomo added, is developing a 209-type submarine that was once developed by Germany. He said that Indonesia is planning to build three submarines in collaboration with Daewoo Shipbuilding Marine Engineering (DSME). Two units are being built in South Korea and another one is being assembled at PT PAL Indonesia's dock through cooperation in Transfer of Technology.

Purnomo considered that Indonesia needs at least 15 submarines. Two units currently owned by the navy will be decommissioned if the three new submarines have been completed.

DIANANTA P. SUMEDI

RMAF To Upgrade Radar Technology

KUANTAN, May 26 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has to expedite upgrading the national defence radar system as some of the radars are more than 15 years old.

RMAF chief General Tan Sri Rodzali Daud said the matter had been discussed with the government.

"If everything goes well, RMAF will enhance the existing radar system and hope the matter can be considered.

"RMAF is also studying the need to upgrade the airspace detecting system, which is also a priority, apart from the national defence radar system," he said at a media conference in conjunction with the Defence Ministry and RMAF Media Day at the Kuantan Airbase today.

Rodzali said the country's defence, as well as its military capability, depended on its strength to defend its air space, apart from launching attacks within a short period.

Earlier, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the country's radar system and national defence should be re-evaluated being that the government had exposed its military capability and assets during the search and rescue mission for MH370.

On the RMAF's 56th anniversary celebration on Sunday, Rodzali said the theme, 'Air Power, National Power', took into account the interest and capability of air defence in safeguarding the country's sovereignty.

-- BERNAMA

Helikopter TUDM mendarat cemas

Oleh NORLIDA AKMAR IDROS


INILAH helikopter milik TUDM jenis Alouette III yang melakukan pendaratan cemas di padang Sekolah Kebangsaan Nawa, Pokok Sena, Alor Setar semalam.

ALOR SETAR - Sebuah helikopter milik Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM) jenis Alouette III melakukan pendaratan cemas di padang Sekolah Kebangsaan Nawa, Pokok Sena di sini dipercayai akibat masalah teknikal semalam.

Dalam kejadian pukul 11.20 pagi itu, helikopter yang dalam latihan penerbangan tersebut dikendalikan oleh dua juruterbang sebelum berlaku masalah teknikal yang memaksa mereka melakukan pendaratan cemas.

KD Jebat Up and Running Again

Posted on May 29, 2014 by hafizuddinsulaiman

The participation of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Jebat-class frigate, the KD Jebat in the Five Power Defence Arrangment (FPDA) multinational exercise dubbed Ex BERSAMA Shield 2014 signifies that the minor damage it suffered last January has been successfully repaired.

In retrospect, the leadship of the class was involved in a collision incident near the One Phatom Bank off Port Klang on January 14. The incident happened during heavy rain at around 0302H causing a 0.12 meters dent on the starboard side near the ship’s engine room.

According to the Fleet Commander, Laksamana Madya Datuk Abdul Hadi Abdul Rashid, the incident was only realized by its officers after a hard object had hit the ship’s side prompting an emergency alert being issued to its crew.

During the incident, the merchant ship does not activated its AIS system while the heavy rain had hampered the crews’ visual. No major leak was detected. All of her crew were accounted for and unaffected. KD Jebat’s damage as a result of the incident nevertheless does not effect its operation.

The Fleet Command HQ has formed an investigation board to identify the root cause of the incident.

PT PAL delivers first KCR-60 guided missile FAC, launches second

Ridzwan Rahmat, Singapore - IHS Jane's Navy International
28 May 2014
   
Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL delivered the first of three KCR-60-class guided missile fast attack craft to the Indonesian Navy (Tentera Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut: TNI-AL) on 28 May.

The handing over ceremony for the vessel, KRI Sampari , was presided over by Indonesian Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro who described its delivery as an important step towards securing the country's vast territorial waters.

The KCR-60-class can carry either four C-705 or C-802 anti-ship missiles in two twin launchers and is fitted with a 57 mm gun on the foredeck and two 20 mm guns amidships. The 59.8 m vessel is powered by two 2,880 kW engines and can attain a top speed of 28 kt.

Indonesian, European firms collaborate on propellant production

Jon Grevatt, Bangkok - IHS Jane's Defence Industry
27 May 2014
   
State-owned Indonesian firm PT Dahana, a manufacturer of military explosives, has signed agreements with European companies Roxel and Eurenco to develop and build a propellant plant in Indonesia to meet requirements of the Indonesian Armed Forces.

Indonesia's Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on 26 May that the factory would be based in Subang, West Java, and would commence operations in about four years. Construction of the plant is expected to start before the end of 2014.

The ministry added that the plant will produce propellants for a range of small-, medium- and large-calibre weapons. Yearly targets include the production of 200 tons of nitroglycerin, 400 tons of spherical powders, 80 tons of double-base rocket propellants, and 200 tons of composite propellants.

TNI-AU Conducts Air Exercise Over East Java

Posted on May 29, 2014 by hafizuddinsulaiman

The former Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130H Hercules acquired by the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) was one of four Hercules tactical transport aircraft involved the TNI combined military exercise known as Sikatan Daya (Sweeping Power) 2014.

The exercise, held since May 5, held its climax exercise on May 28 with a combine aerial bombardment by various TNI-AU fighter jets as well as an airborne assault manouver over the Air Weapon Range Pandanwangi Lumanjang, East Java.

The strike package over the AWR consist of 6 Sukhoi Su-30 Flanker, 4 F-16 Falcon Block 15, 3 KAI T-50i Golden Eagle, two Northrop F-5E Tiger II as well as two Embraer A-29 Super Tucano. Following the conclusion of aerial bombardment, a Boeing 737 flew overhead as ISR platform before an IAe NC-212 Aviocar conducts an photo reconnaissance over the area.

Once completed, a flight of four Hercules heavily laden with paratroopers conduct airborne assault over the target to sweep any remaining ‘enemy’ forces left.

The air exercise over AWR Pandanwangi Lumanjang reveals the capabilities of TNI-AU latest acquisition the T-50i and the Super Tucano in conducting aerial bombardment. The South Korean-made aircraft managed to carry 6 bombs each while the Brazilian COIN aircraft carried 4 bombs under their wings.

The two types of aircraft’s performance over East Java during the exercise will surely being closely watched and observed as the aircraft’s makers are now actively promoting the two aircraft respectively to other Air Forces in the ASEAN region.

Nevertheless, one thing amiss during the air exercise over AWR Pandanwangi was a UAV platform.

Russia Lays Down 6th Kilo-Class Sub for Vietnam

© RIA Novosti. Igor Zarembo
18:22 28/05/2014

ST. PETERSBURG, May 28 (RIA Novosti) – The final Kilo-class Project 636 diesel-electric submarine for the Vietnamese navy under a 2009 contract was laid down Wednesday in St. Petersburg, a defense industry source told RIA Novosti.

"Today, we had the ceremony of laying down the sixth submarine for Vietnam. This is the latest submarine in this series," the source said.

Under the $2 billion contract, two submarines have already been delivered to Vietnam, the third is undergoing sea trials, a fourth was floated out in late March, and the fifth and sixth are now under construction.

"Two submarines have already been transferred to the Vietnamese Navy, the third is to be transferred this year and the remaining three in 2015-2016," according to the source.

The vessels are built at the Admiralty Shipyards, a leading enterprise of the Russian shipbuilding industry and part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation. Its military products include warships, especially nuclear and diesel-powered submarines, and large auxiliary vessels.

The $2 billion contract for the supply of six improved Kilo-class submarines to Vietnam was signed in 2009. The submarines will be armed with Club-S anti-ship missiles. The noise level of these submarines is considered the lowest among all Russian vessels.

Oplot - M T - 84 is considered a form of modern tank top in the world today , was developed based on the T - 80UD form of the Soviet Union.

The driver's seat T - 84 Oplot - M.

Here is the seating position of gunner . On vehicles equipped with a series of support systems such as computational elements fired ballistic computers , these sensors provide high accuracy for tank gun in the first shot.

The chief seat of vehicles equipped with external viewfinder observed.

The display of the navigation system supports TIUS - NM.

T - 84 - M used Oplot autoloader systems should Vehicle crew just 3 people instead of 4 . Shown is the space inside the turret T - 84 Oplot - M.

Oplot - M is equipped with smooth-bore cannon 125mm KBA - 3 integrates the ability to launch missiles against overheating , a coaxial machine gun KT - 7 , 62mm guns and catapults rooms KT - 12 , 7mm.

Oplot - M is equipped with modern defense systems include : explosive reactive armor Nozh - 2 ; proactive defense system Zaslon , interference optical system Varta . This allows the vehicle to deal effectively modern anti-tank weapons in the world.

Indonesia flags military build-up to protect presence in South China Sea

May 30, 2014 - 8:57AM

Jakarta, Indonesia: China's intensifying move to assert claims over the South China Sea has given fresh impetus to a military build-up in Indonesia that will see its forces deployed with greater focus on external risks.

After years of concentrating on separatist threats across an archipelago long enough to stretch from New York to Alaska, Indonesia plans to deploy attack helicopters to its islands at the southern end of the South China Sea and expand its naval power. The front-runner for July's presidential election, Joko Widodo, aims to boost defence spending to 1.5 per cent as a share of the economy, which is south-east Asia's largest.

The strategy shift comes as China escalates disputes with the Philippines and Vietnam, fellow members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). China's standoff with Vietnam over an oil rig this month followed its 2012 success in taking control of the Scarborough Shoal from the Philippines.

"The focus in defence spending is moving to dealing with external threats," said Tim Huxley, executive director of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore. "There is a concern from an Indonesian perspective that the South China Sea should not become a Chinese lake and that freedom of shipping should be maintained." That is influencing Indonesia's defence spending and procurement, he said.

The military is about 40 per cent of the way to developing a minimum-essential force, or MEF, by 2029, to guard its territory as it adds tanks, submarines, helicopters and jet fighters to its arsenal, Deputy Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said in an interview in Jakarta. Under the MEF, the government is seeking to acquire 274 navy ships, 10 fighter squadrons and 12 new diesel-electric submarines.

"We're part of maintaining regional stability and peace and to maintain that we must certainly have powers that support that regional strength," Mr Sjamsoeddin said.

Indonesia has sought to stay out of its neighbours' spats with China over the South China Sea, and is not an official claimant to areas in dispute. But in recent months it has said that China's interpretation of its nine dash-line map -- the basis for its territorial claims -- is seeping into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone.

Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said in an interview in April that he wanted an explanation of China's map and asked the United Nations to help obtain clarity.

Commodore Fahru Zaini, assistant deputy to the chief security minister for defence strategic doctrine, said in March that China's map included an "arbitrary claim" to waters off the Natuna Islands in the Indonesian province of Riau. "This dispute will have a large impact on the security of Natuna waters," he said, according to Antara News.

Indonesia has 17,000 islands to police, stretched across 5300 kilometres from east to west. The Malacca Strait that Indonesia shares with Malaysia is a key shipping lane that links the economies of countries such as India, China and Japan.

"It's the largest country in south-east Asia and they want to play what they think is a corresponding role," Richard Bitzinger, senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said. "You're not going to get that unless you develop a sizeable, modern military, because at this point the military is pretty small potatoes."

Military spending increased to 81.96 trillion rupiah ($7.7 billion) in 2013 from 72.94 trillion rupiah in 2012, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

China's defence budget will rise 12.2 per cent this year to 808.2 billion yuan ($141 billion). President Xi Jinping has made a navy with longer reach a priority to boost China's claims in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

Despite being a maritime country, Indonesia seeks to build a "balanced force" between the army, the navy and the air force, Mr Sjamsoeddin said in the March interview, as "eventually all battles end on land." Indonesia, which is also spending on tanks, faced decades of internal discord in East Timor, an independent nation since 2002.

Indonesia isn't in an arms race and spends less than 1 per cent of gross domestic product on defence, compared with 3 per cent to 4 per cent among other ASEAN nations, Mr Sjamsoeddin said. If countries in the region have heavy tanks then Indonesia should have heavy tanks, said Mr Sjamsoeddin, 61, adding some military equipment in use is older than he is.

Indonesia will deploy four Boeing Apache attack helicopters to the Natuna Islands, IHS Jane's reported on its website in March, citing General Budiman, the army's chief of staff, as a pre-emptive measure against instability in the South China Sea.

With China more assertive in the southern part of the South China Sea, "the Indonesian armed forces are strengthening their military presence on the Natuna Islands, and that includes preparing facilities on the Natuna Islands to accommodate jet fighters," said Ian Storey, senior fellow at the Institute of South-east Asian Studies in Singapore.

"During the first decade of this century they were focused on combating internal threats, that is separatism and terrorism," Dr Storey said. "But they've been largely successful in containing those threats and I think now they're focusing more outwards, focusing on external threats."

How far Indonesia pushes back against China may depend on the presidential election, with neither candidate detailing foreign policy goals so far. Mr Widodo, who will face off against a former general, Prabowo Subianto, pledged to boost defence spending to 1.5 per cent of GDP within five years, according to his policy paper. Spending is now 0.9 per cent of GDP, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute .

"There seems to be a commitment to increasing defence spending, increasing Indonesia's overall military strength, more in accordance to what they see is a normal, large power in the region," Mr Bitzinger said. "They're increasingly interested too in being able to be a modern military, to project power."

Washington Post

I forwarded the same question to yinchet, he will explain to you the deal also includes the expenditure to build and upgrade boustead shipyards that can support 3000+ tonnes vessels, the ToT to build ships and then the ships itself.

So the whole deal is, Shipyards + Ship building ToT + Ships, not just ships (sgpv)
I hope future local procurement will be justified in terms of cost cuz the infras is ady there (shipyards, tech and factory)

Hmm, I'm going through puma ifv.
Wow they are adding quite lots of AMAP modules into it.

Indonesia will receive the first batch of ACS "Caesar" before the end of 2014

29.05.2014 TSAMTO

TSAMTO May 28. Land Forces of Indonesia until the end of the year will receive the first batch of 155-mm self-propelled guns "Caesar» (CAESAR - CAmion Equipe d'un Systeme d'ARtillerie) under the agreement signed with "Nexter cistemz» (Nexter Systems) contract.

According to the "International difenz Review ', ACS production carried out in accordance with the schedule at the plant in Roane (France), and ammunition - factory in Bourges.

As previously reported TSAMTO company "Nexter Systems" in November 2012, confirmed the conclusion of the Ministry of Defence Indonesia contract for the supply of the country NE 37 units. 155-mm self-propelled guns "Caesar." Cost of the program was estimated at 240 million dollars. Delivery schedule is planned to begin transfer of weapons systems in 2013-2014.

According to a recent statement by a source in the Ministry of Finance of Indonesia, only 34 will be purchased ACS worth 108 million euros (140 million dollars). Of this amount, 85% will be taken on credit (it should be noted that the information source in the Finance Ministry of the order reduction has not officially confirmed).

As of SW France, SAU "Caesar" supplied Indonesia, will be based on a truck chassis "Sherpa" 6x6 of "Renault Trucks difenz" (Saudi version installed on the chassis of "Mercedes-Benz").

In a related contract blanket agreement "Nexter Systems" will give the company «PT Pindad" technologies that will provide the service of artillery systems in Indonesia.

For CB Indonesia SPG "Caesar" will be delivered in the configuration with the right wheel and the cockpit, protected against small arms fire and shrapnel ammunition.

It is expected that the first two systems will be supplied NE Indonesia in late 2014. According to initial plans, SAU 18 entered service two divisions, one more will be used for training.

Indonesia is the fourth customer of ACS "Caesar." Saudi Arabia since 2006 three parties acquired 136 units on the chassis "Mercedes-Benz" with the wheel formula 6x6. Thailand received 6 ACS in 2009, and NE France ordered 72 plants and intend to get another 64 units.

Presumably, Saudi Arabia has also ordered a full set of ammunition "Nexter munishns» (Nexter Munitions), including modern Bonus Mk.II, firing range which is 35 km away.

"Nexter Systems' ACS also offers" Caesar "to other potential customers, including Denmark and India. Denmark is considering purchasing 18 units. India ACS offered on the chassis with the wheel formula 6x6 of "Ashok leyland difenz» (Ashok Leyland Defence). In addition, the Indian armed forces have a number of additional requirements, including increased ammunition.

Reference:

ACS "Caesar" is the only 155-mm self-propelled wheeled cannon artillery system, used Sun France. After completion of the five pre-test samples, 72 were delivered to the system serial French army in the period 2008-2011. They were used during operations in Afghanistan, Lebanon and Mali.

Armed with French army also consist 155mm tracked SPG AUF1 (placed on a modified chassis of the AMX-30) and 155-mm towed TRF1. It is assumed that they will be replaced by a second batch of 64 ACS "Caesar", which previously was scheduled for 2017-2020., But currently moved to the purchase in 2020.

PLA will up number of Type 041 subs to 60 in 10yrs

Staff Reporter 2014-05-31 10:31 (GMT+8)

Experts have predicted that China is likely to increase the number of its type 041 conventional submarines to 60 or 70 over the next decade. The Japanese navy also plans to increase the number of its Soryu-class diesel-electric powered submarines from 16 to 22 in response to a perceived threat from China, reports our Chinese-language sister newspaper Want Daily.

Soryu-class diesel-electric powered submarines are the latest model of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. The vessel has a displacement of 2,000 tonnes and is equipped with an air-independent propulsion system. Japan will purchase another five of the submarine and will get delivery of one per year, increasing the total number of its Soryu-class submarines to ten.

China is preparing to test its latest type-041 diesel-electric submarine in the water recently. The vessel is similar to Germany's new submarine and equipped with an extra sonar system. Its displacement is likely to reach 3,500 tonnes.

US Pacific Command commander Samuel Locklear also said in March that China plans to increase the number of its type 041 conventional submarines to 60 or 70. The country has been building a nuclear-powered submarine that can carry JL-2 ballistic missiles. So far, the main carrier of the missiles has been the type-094 nuclear submarine, which China has four of.

British military magazine Jane's Defense said the Chinese navy has at least four nuclear-powered submarines that can launch ballistic missiles and 53 slightly outdated diesel-electric submarines. US Lieutenant General Michael Flynn said in February that China's ballistic missile nuclear submarines have carried out missions regularly and been spotted in the Indian Ocean.

RMAF 56th Anniversary Q & A

Marhalim Abas June 1, 2014 Malaysia - RMAF

SHAH ALAM: Just like his counterpart in the other services, RMAF chief Jen Tan Sri Rodzali Daud entertained us – media folks – by answering questions ahead of the anniversary celebrations – the 56th this year.

The 56th anniversary parade this year was held at the Gong Kedak airbase – the home of the Sukhoi Su-30MKM.

The full Q & A is reproduced full below. To be honest I am not so keen on sending written questions as I have no control over the answers. Over the years I had received one word answer to a very long question so I am not so keen about this. That is why I prefer a live interview where you can get to ask more questions based on the answers given even if the answers sometimes is a Yes or No.

Anyhow, Jen Rodzali had explained further about the MRCA programme at the recent RMAF media day which was organised jointly by the service and the Defence Ministry’s Corporate Communication.

It must be noted that I received the answers to my questionnaire two days after the media event, which did not allow me to clarify some of the answers.

The lease-buy solution for MRCA was necessitated by the fact that the Fuclrum service life is not expected to extended further beyond 2015. The MRCA programme was still born as it was initiated without the funding already secured.

Yes I had stated that the Gripen and Typhoon were the favourites for the programme as both had proposed a lease and buy solution, one cannot discount the possibility that either the Super Hornet and Rafale be chosen as the government might go ahead with an out right buy as proposed by RMAF.

With the 11th Malaysian Plan starting in the middle of next year – anything could happen even the postponement of the Fulcrum retirement. Postponement is a possibility but without any major upgrades as this will take too much time to be conducted.

Anyhow, the highlights of my Q&A, is on the PC7 Mk II, Hercules and Nuri upgrades. Malaysian Defence had reported that the deal was supposed to take place during the recent DSA 2014 but it did not happened.

Jen Rodzali said “Letter of Intent was issued to the company, Pilatus Aircrft Ltd, Switzerland for the supply and deliver 5 x aircraft PC- 7 MK II . RMAF will receive the aircraft after 18 months from the date of signing the LOA is expected in the near future.”

The Hercules fleet is to continue service until 2030 and the 14 aircraft in service will be fitted a digital cockpit from a Canadian company Esterline CMC Electronics (CMC) with Airod as the prime contractor. Esterline CMC’s system integration experience includes C-130 cockpit upgrades for more than 10 international customers, including air forces in Austria, Brazil, Chile, Dubai, France, the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia. Although Jen Rodzali did not identify the digital cockpit system to be installed but CMC currently markets the Cockpit 9000, which the company described as an integrated, fully digital cockpit, tailored to the requirements of military transport aircraft.

From CMC release “At its core, the company’s CMA-9000 Flight Management System (FMS) combines with Esterline CMC’s high-integrity GPS Landing System, to provide a comprehensive solution for all flight phases, from departure to precision approach, and in full compliance with published international CNS/ATM navigational mandates and growth provisions.

Meanwhile, as most servicable Nuri is move to Kuching for operational duties in Sarawak and Lahad Datu, at least one example is being used as the test bed for an upgrade programme which had been proposed to RMAF for the last two decades, in one form or another.

The upgrade which may see the Nuri continuing in service until 2030 include mostly replacement of obsolescence parts and equipment and a new digital cockpit. I am told test flights of the Nuri fitted with digital cockpit is being conducted at the moment.

Q&A for RMAF 56th anniversary

Q1 . What is the current status of the MRCA programme . We were made to understand the aircraft manufacturers Boeing , Saab , BAE Systems, Dassault and Sukhoi have sent in their proposal which including a lease-buy solutions to the RMAF and Mindef recently .

Answer: Still in the evaluation stage. Not all companies mentioned proposed a lease-buy solution purchase .

Q2 . Why did the manufacturers proposed a lease-buy solution to the RMAF? Did the RFP stated a lease-buy solution?

Answer: The lease-buy solution were proposed by the manufacturers to the RMAF and not due to the RFP.

Q3. What is the RMAF recommendation for the MRCA programme. An out-right procurement in the 11th Malaysian Plan (RMK11).

Answer: For RMK11, the air force proposed an outright procurement of the MRCA.

Q4. Even if approved by the government under RMK11, the first MRCA will only be operational well beyond 2015. Will this mean the Mig-29N fleet will continue to be operational until the MRCA are in service?

Answer: No, the MiG-29N fleet will be retired in Dec 2015. As a temporary solution, RMAF is proposing to lease fighter jets.

Q5. At the recent DSA 2014, Airod was given the LOI as the prime contractor for the C130 upgrade. Can Tan Sri elaborate further on the project ie what kind of avionic systems have been chosen for this project Is Rockwell Collins is involved in the project?

Answer. Airod Sdn Bhd is the prime contractor of the programme with Esterline CMC (CMC ) of Canada as a systems provider and integrator. All 14 planes will be upgraded in phases to meet the standards of CNS – ATM for global mission readiness Force.

Q6. We were informed that the project will also include a SLEP. Does this mean that these aircraft will continue to operate until 2030 ?

Answer. There is no SLEP programme for the C-130 aircraft . However, with increasing levels of aircraft avionics standards CNS – ATM ‘s, the C -130 fleet will be capable of serving efficiently to meet global mission until 2030.

Q7. Airod has also been awarded the contract to provide proof of concept for the digital cockpit for Nuri. What is the status of the project and whether RMAF will allow the media to provide coverage for this project ?

Answer. The Proof of Concept ( POC ) NUP4 still in status Functional Check Flight ( FCF ) where aircraft is tested for suitability and performance after upgrading. Media coverage thereof may be allowed during the process of upgrading the next plane .

Q8.. RMAF should have signed a contract for five aircraft Pilatus PC- 7 MKII at DSA 2014 recently> Was the contract signed and when will the aircraft will be delivered?.

Answer. The LOI was issued to the company Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, Switzerland for the supply and deliver 5 PC- 7 MK II aircraft. The aircraft will be delivered after 18 months from the date of signing of the LOA, which is expected in the near future.

Q9. When will the EC-725 Cougar helicopter fleet will receive their self protection system , refueling probe and weapons ?

Answer. The primary role of the RMAF EC725 aircraft now is for SAR and utility. For the record, this aircraft has the capability to be upgraded for Combat SAR. The focus now is to reach full Operational Capability by the end of June. Increased in capacity depends on the government.

Q10. Butterworth Air Base status. Are negotiations for base redevelopment is now underway? Will the the developer will provide a new base complete with a runway and other equipment ?

Answer. The Defence Ministry (MINDEF ) is still reviewing the proposed redevelopment pf of the airbase by the JV between the Armed Forces Fund Board and TSR Bhd. When a suitable replacement land is identified , the Ministry will examine the need to develop a new airbase based on one to one replacement concept. The requirements include the provision of facilities to improve strategic and operational capabilities of the New Base later.