hopefully Indonesia will buy Typhoon soon。

Meanwhile, with the military budget set to grow Indonesian Military Commander General Moeldoko told local media that the air force is leaning toward the Su-35 as their F-5 replacement, with the JAS-39 in 2nd place and the F-16 a distant 3rd.

source

Eurofighter confident of new orders to avert production slowdown

By Reuters | 3 Nov, 2014, 04.07PM IST0

JAKARTA: The CEO of the Eurofighter Typhoon consortium on Monday said he is confident of winning a new export order for the combat plane to avoid having to reduce production.

The consortium, founded in 1986, has only sold the Typhoon to Austria, Saudi Arabia and Oman, outside of the consortium's home markets of Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain.

The United Arab Emirates last year decided against placing a 6 billion pound ($9.60 billion) order, and Austria last month raised the possibility of exiting its $2.5 billion contract should the legal opportunity arise.

"If no single export activity were to come, we would have to adapt ourselves to the current circumstances either through stretching or stopping one of the assembly lines," Chief Executive Alberto Gutierrez told Reuters.

"I'm pretty confident that this is not going to be the case," Gutierrez said ahead of a three-day international defence conference in Jakarta beginning on Wednesday.

Thirty Typhoons are built annually on assembly lines in each consortium country by BAE Systems PLC, Airbus Group NV and Finmeccanica SpA. Production is scheduled to continue until at least 2018.

A manufacturing problem in the fuselage led to the stated life of Typhoons being lowered last month, compounding the consortium's difficulties.

The consortium could revive its fortunes through Indonesia and Malaysia, which are looking to buy new planes.

Indonesia is looking to replace its squadron of Northrop F-5 Tigers with 16 new fighter jets, a defence ministry spokesman told Reuters on Monday. Under consideration are Typhoons, Sukhoi Su-35s, Saab JAS-39 Gripens and General Dynamics F-16s.

Malaysia also plans to buy 18 combat aircraft.

"Geopolitically, the situation is different," Gutierrez said. "There are increasing threats in certain countries and the economic crises that they were suffering are not anymore, so we see there is increasing activity in the fighter market."

Eurofighter Typhoon – A Catalyst for Indonesia’s ‘Lepas Landas’?
  
(Source: Eurofighter GmbH; issued Nov 03, 2014)

The Eurofighter Consortium will be showcasing the Eurofighter Typhoon, one of the world’s most advanced fast-jet fighters, at Indo Defence because it believes the jet is probably the best solution for Indonesia at this particular time of its development.

Eurofighter sees Indonesia as a progressive country on the verge of an economic take-off. It is for this reason that Eurofighter has adopted the theme of ‘Indonesia Lepas Landas’ (‘Indonesia Ready for Take-off’) – a phrase familiar to many Indonesians and one which symbolises optimism and belief in a positive and prosperous future – for the consortium’s exhibition at this year’s Indo Defence.

Alberto Gutierrez, the CEO of Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH said: “This week, at Indo Defence, key decision-makers will concentrate on one essential aspect of securing Indonesia’s future – optimising investment decisions around defence capability. For this, and for future generations, it’s a massive responsibility.

“The Eurofighter consortium recognises the importance of this challenge. And this week, for the first time, the consortium will be showcasing a unique opportunity for the people of Indonesia,” he said.

Eurofighter comes to Asia offering the opportunity for Indonesia to fully engage with a programme it believes can deliver air superiority; enhanced indigenous capability, skills transfer and the foundations for decades of even stronger performance in the military aerospace industry.

“Everyone, when competing for business, will say how wonderful their product is, how fast, how powerful, how versatile it is – and yes we can, and will, make the strongest of claims around the capability of the Eurofighter Typhoon,” said Gutierrez.

“But we are chiefly here to emphasise that, in a country which we know is focused on infrastructure and capability development, we have an even deeper offer to make. We have the experience and track record to demonstrate that, if Indonesia were to opt for a Eurofighter solution, the benefits to the Nation would go far beyond the important and vital issue of national security, they would extend across a wide range of other areas too – and, in terms of increasing intellect and achieving a return on investment, we know how much that matters.”

The Eurofighter CEO said: “Safeguarding the islands of Indonesia is a massive undertaking. In terms of airpower you need an asset that is fast, can fly high, has staying power and which is versatile and reliable enough to effortlessly take on a number of key roles. We believe the Eurofighter Typhoon is that asset.

“Crucially, we also recognise that it is important to foster and develop indigenous capability. We know that to do that you need to be freely able to transfer know-how and develop your own highly-skilled workforce which can play a key part in enhancing and developing capability over future generations. We understand that’s the fundamental ethos behind ‘Indonesia Lepas Landas’ – it’s that indefinable ‘sparkle’ in a nation’s eye.”

The CEO said that the Eurofighter consortium, whose core partners are supported by four key European nations, Spain, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom, is ready to work as needed with the Indonesian aerospace industry on developing indigenous capability – but he added that, in the shorter term Eurofighter is willing to discuss and develop ways in which immediate requirements are met.

“We have already delivered a total of 418 aircraft to six of our customers and we are in the process of preparing deliveries for a seventh,” said Alberto. “This, and our existing production capability and capacity across four countries means we can discuss a number of options in terms of what we could offer.”

The CEO said it was “too early” to go into detail about what those options might be, but added that there have “already been a number of useful meetings” between interested parties.

The Spanish-born Alberto Gutierrez became Chief Executive Officer of the German-based Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH consortium after leaving his parent company Airbus Defence and Space just over a year ago.

Airbus is already active in Indonesia working closely with PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) the Indonesian state owned enterprise who supply and manufacture parts for a number of key programmes - both civil and military.

Background Information on the Eurofighter Programme:

Eurofighter Typhoon is the most advanced new generation multi-role/swing-role combat aircraft currently available on the world market. Seven nations (Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Austria, Saudi Arabia and Oman) have already ordered the Eurofighter Typhoon. Eurofighter Typhoon is currently the largest military procurement programme in Europe.

Its high technology strengthens the position of European aerospace industry in the international market. The programme secures more than 100,000 jobs in 400 companies. Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH manages the programme on behalf of the Eurofighter Partner Companies Alenia Aermacchi, BAE Systems and Airbus Defence and Space in Germany and Spain, which are the most important aviation and aerospace companies in Europe.

Since delivery of the first Eurofighter Typhoon to the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom end of 2003, a total of 418 aircraft have been delivered to six nations. The Eurofighter fleet continues to demonstrate its high operational effectiveness in international missions and training exercises and has accumulated more than 260,000 flying hours. (ends)


Eurofighter Typhoon – “Indonesia Lepas Landas” Fact Sheet
  
(Source: Eurofighter GmbH; issued Nov 03, 2014)

 
The Eurofighter Offer:

• The Eurofighter consortium believes the Eurofighter Typhoon offers Indonesia:

-- Air Superiority; Air-to-Land/Sea Strike Capability and Non-Traditional Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Capability

-­ Unrivalled performance and agility – 2 x EJ200 engines delivering 40,000lbs of thrust

-­ Uniquely capable sensors – Class-leading CAPTOR radar and PIRATE infra-red search and track

-­ Lethal flexible weapon mix – 13 hardpoints, Meteor, Brimstone 2, Paveway IV, Storm Shadow and others

-­ Proven operational capability – 97per cent of missions achieved versus task

PTDI and Airbus Defence and Space:

• PTDI produces the CN235-220 in its facilities in Bandung and also manufactures the NC212i, a joint development with Airbus Defence and Space. Under different industrial collaboration agreements signed between the Indonesian Government, PTDI and Airbus Defence and Space, a C295 Delivery Center and a C295 Final Assembly Line have set up in PTDI in 2013/2014.
• Additionally PTDI is an Airbus Defence and Space subcontractor for some major sub-assemblies: doors, empennage and rear fuselage for the C295 and outer wings and empennage CN235-300.
• PTDI carries out the completion and customization work for Airbus Helicopters’ AS365 N3+ Dauphin and manufactures tailbooms and upper-lower fuselage assemblies for the Super Puma family, manufactures shared components for CN235 and C295, aircraft parts, components, tools and fixtures for Airbus A320/321/330/340/350/380 for Spirit Aerosystem.
In the near future PTDI will carry out the completion and customization for Airbus Helicopters’ EC725 Cougar, AS565 MBe Panther, AS550/555 Fennec and EC145 for Indonesian customers.

soooo...when will we know what jets are going to be chosen to replace the MiGs?

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.

source

November 4, 2014 3:17 am

Eurofighter turns to social media with Indonesia pitch

Ben Bland and Peggy Hollinger

After missing out on large export deals to the Middle East and India, Europe’s Eurofighter is taking the battle for a $1bn aircraft deal in Indonesia to a new front: social media.

On a marketing trip to Jakarta, the world’s busiest city for Twitter users, former Royal Air Force pilot Paul Smith and Eurofighter’s manager of “business winning” posed for photographs on Sunday with aviation bloggers and passersby in front of a mocked-up backdrop of a Typhoon flying over Indonesia’s famous volcanoes.

Many defence companies focus their lobbying on governments but in the world’s third-biggest democracy, Eurofighter hopes to jump ahead of its rivals by taking its sales pitch straight to the young, social-media savvy population.

“We are selling to the ministry of defence and the air force but in this huge democracy, where there are so many young people, we thought that it was a good, complementary way of showcasing Eurofighter,” says Alberto Gutierrez, chief executive of the consortium that builds the aircraft, made up of Britain’s BAE, Italy’s Finmeccanica and the Franco-German Airbus.

He says Indonesia is an “extremely important country” for Eurofighter at a time when the market has been “particularly difficult” for the company and its rivals.

Cuts in military spending by the US and other western governments have hit defence companies hard, and competition has intensified for those orders that remain.

Eurofighter, which lost out to Sweden’s Gripen and France’s Rafale in recent years, faces the challenge of finding new customers to keep its production lines going once the current fleet of commissioned aircraft are delivered in 2018. Without new orders the consortium could also struggle to fund future upgrades of the aircraft’s capabilities.

Mr Gutierrez says Eurofighter hopes to boost sales as countries retire obsolete aircraft and new global threats “make certain countries understand that they need to keep investing in protecting themselves”.

In Asia, China’s growing military assertiveness is driving many of its neighbours, including Indonesia, to increase their defence spending and buy new technology from submarines to fighters.

Indonesia is looking to replace its ageing fleet of Northrop F5 Tiger fighters and defence analysts expect it to spend about $1bn buying 16 aircraft. Eurofighter is likely to face competition from Saab’s Gripen, Boeing’s F/A-18, Lockheed Martin’s F16, Dassault’s Rafale and Sukhoi’s Su-35.

Indonesia has already acquired a diverse range of military aircraft including US F16s, Russian Sukhoi 27s and 30s, and Brazilian Super Tucanos and it is working with South Korea on the development of a new fighter called the IFX.

Like a growing number of emerging-market economies, Indonesia requires international defence contractors to involve local companies in all major military procurement deals.

State-owned Indonesia Aerospace already makes helicopter and aeroplane parts for Airbus Defence and Space as well as manufacturing the CN235 and C295 transporters. “That connection puts them in a strong position,” says Jon Grevatt, an Asian defence analyst at IHS Jane’s in Bangkok.

Some analysts also suggest the aircraft could soon be fitted with an upgraded radar system, known as Aesa. “I suspect they will have a far more attractive product to sell,” says Ben Bourne, defence analyst at Liberum.

Mr Gutierrez says Eurofighter’s initial offer would include final assembly of the Typhoon in Indonesia but that ultimately any deal would depend on whether the new government wanted to maximise technology transfer or job creation. The company does not expect any official request for quotation until the middle of next year at the earliest.

Analysts say that while the Indonesian deal would be much smaller than India’s $20bn fighter acquisition programme, which was won by Dassault Aviation’s Rafale, it is important for Eurofighter to show that is making headway in fast-growing southeast Asia, where it is also in talks with Malaysia.

A firm order would send a strong signal to these potential customers. “Typhoon needs to get a deal to show it is still in the game,” says Francis Tusa, editor of Defence Analysis.

“If you haven’t had an order in the last four or five years people think you are a loser. They just need to get another order and it will help change the perception.”

Wonder how they can fit that 105mm gun into that small turret and still make room for an auto-loader & 2 crewmen.

This looks to have a better protected turret though, which is very good considering the original turret looked ridiculously fragile. I'd wager an RPG-7 round can already take the original turret clean off.

The turret still looks ridiculously tiny given the small size of the tank.
I don't see the turret actually giving much protection against a hit. I also doubt the combat staying power due to the fact while the tank can hold 32 shells, the auto-loader can hold only 12 shells at a time. If the magazine runs out, the crew had to reload it manually (from outside the tank,no less!!).

Missile pairing pitched to Indonesian Navy [ID14D1]

Richard Scott
04 November 2014



European guided weapons house MBDA (Hall D, Stand 261) has proposed a twin-track approach to meet the ship self-defence needs of the Indonesian Navy’s (TNI-AL’s) two newest surface combatant classes. The company is pitching its VL Mica point defence missile system for the two SIGMA 10514 Perusak Kawal Rudal (PKR) guided missile frigates being built by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) in partnership with PT PAL (Persero). In parallel, the company sees its new Sea Ceptor local area anti-air missile system as an ideal fit for the three recently acquired Bung Tomo-class corvettes.

VL Mica uses the existing Mica air-to-air missile, available with active radar or infrared seekers, fired in a lock-on-after-launch mode to provide ship protection out to a maximum range of 20km. Vertical launch and the absence of dedicated target trackers provides for a 360° engagement capability against multiple simultaneous targets.

The full tactical VL Mica ammunition integrates a single missile all-up round with a single-use autonomous firing and storage canister; this is a sealed and pressurised dual-chamber enclosure designed with an integral duct to vent motor efflux upwards on launch.

Along with the ammunition canisters, below decks is the sequencer cabinet (containing power supplies and processing electronics), which links the VL Mica missiles with the ship combat management system, receives inputs from the ship’s inertial system and provides the link to the ship missile datalink.

Space and weight have already been reserved in the PKR design for a 12-cell VL Mica installation.

DSNS and its combat system supplier Thales Nederland have previously integrated VL Mica on the SIGMA 10513 frigate Tarik Ben Ziad and the SIGMA 9813 frigates Sultan Moulay Ismail and Allal Ben Abdellah delivered to the Royal Moroccan Navy.

MBDA is taking a different approach to the Bung Tomo-class ships, these 95m vessels having originally been designed to receive the VL Seawolf point defence missile system. With VL Seawolf no longer in production, MBDA is proposing to equip the three corvettes with the successor Sea Ceptor local area anti-air defence system.

Based on the new Common Antiair Modular Missile (CAMM) effector, Sea Ceptor has been ordered by the UK Ministry of Defence to replace VL Seawolf on the Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigates. Earlier this year, the New Zealand Ministry of Defence became the first export customer for the system, ordering Sea Ceptor as a key component of its ANZAC Frigate Systems Upgrade programme.

Capable of ranges of more than 25km, CAMM uses an active radar seeker (supported by mid-course guidance updates) to deliver an all-weather engagement capability against multiple targets simultaneously. It also features novel ‘soft launch’ technology, where a gas-powered piston propels the missile away from the ship before thrusters orientate it in the required direction of flight. Once the low-speed/low-energy turnover is complete, the missile fires its main rocket motor.

Indonesian Navy orders 11 Airbus AS565MBe Panther

5 Nov, 14

The mission capabilities and cost effectiveness of Airbus Helicopters’AS565 MBe Panther has been further validated by Indonesia’s order for 11 rotorcraft to be used in naval anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions.

Scheduled for deliveries within three years, the AS565 MBe helicopters will be supplied by Airbus Helicopters to PT Dirgantara Indonesia. Through the strategic industrial agreement between these two partners, PT Dirgantara Indonesia will be outfitting these rotorcraft in-country with mission equipment before delivery to the Indonesian Navy. The mission equipment include the Helicopter Long-Range Active Sonar (HELRAS) dipping sonar and torpedo launching system – providing a truly effective mission system for operations from land bases and ships.

“The Panther now becomes one of the world’s most capable light/medium anti-submarine warfare platforms, with an advanced ASW suite and the capability to operate from corvettes or small frigates,” said Philippe Monteux, Head of Region South East Asia & Pacific at Airbus Helicopters.“This fully-capable, modern solution meets the naval requirements of Indonesia and other countries in the region, benefitting from our partnership with PT Dirgantara Indonesia and the industry’s best system suppliers.”

This order will add to the Indonesian Armed Forces’ fleet of Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft serving the country’s defense on land, at sea and in the air. The fleet includes the light EC120 Colibris for training; the Fennecs and BO-105 for light attack missions; the Panthers for anti-submarine warfare missions; and the Pumas and Super Pumas operated by the Air Force who will soon also receive the EC725 for combat search and rescue missions.

The agreements were secured by PT Dirgantara Indonesia as a result of its long-standing cooperation and strategic alliance with Airbus Helicopters. The President of PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Budi Santoso explained, “This latest contract demonstrates the strength and efficiency of our commercial and industrial partnership with Airbus Helicopters. Together, we are able to identify and deliver the most modern and cost-effective solutions for the Indonesian Government and at the same time associate the significant involvement of the Indonesian industry.”

Minister: Indonesian military budget increases to 1.5 percent

06 November 2014 15:32 WIB

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Joko Widodo's government will step up military spending to 1.5 percent of the state budget, stated Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu.

"President Jokowi will consistently modernize the defense weapon systems by increasing the military budget to 1.5 percent as part of his program," Ryamizard remarked during an international seminar titled, "Exploring Defense Offset in Indonesia: Expectation, Partnership and Strategy of Engagement" here on Thursday (6/11).

The previous government had allocated Rp83 trillion, or 0.8 percent of the state budget, for the Indonesian military budget. The minister noted that the total current defense budget is not enough to increase the capabilities of the Indonesian defense forces.

Ryamizard pointed out that weapon system development is part of the mandate of the Indonesian regulation. However, the economic crisis in 1998 had hindered the security and defense system's development, the minister stated.

"During the 2010-2014 period, the defense budget was increased up to 400 percent. The increase was triggered by economic development," Ryamizard noted.

The Jokowi government is also laying emphasis on developing defense systems by national companies. Thus, all potential areas can be developed to support the national defense and economy.

"Modernization and development of the defense industry should also be accelerated to utilize the local content. We need to have an independent defense system. Thus, we should not depend on foreign defense equipment suppliers," Ryamizard added.

Indonesia celebrates double first with helicopter deliveries

By: DOMINIC PERRYLONDON
Source: Flightglobal.com 17 hours ago

Indonesia’s armed forces are celebrating a double first with the arrival of the initial examples of two new helicopters.

Handed over to the Indonesian air force in Marignane, France was the first of six Airbus Helicopters EC725s configured for combat search and rescue missions.

The rotorcraft will be outfitted for the role by PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) in its Bangung, West Java facility for final delivery to the service in mid-2015.

And there may be further orders to come from Jakarta for the 11t rotorcraft. Speaking at the delivery event, Budi Santoso, president of PTDI, said: “We will continue to work closely with Airbus Helicopters to ensure the on-time delivery of the remaining units, as we anticipate an additional order from the air force for 10 more EC725s to complete its squadron of 16 helicopters.”

Meanwhile, at a ceremony in Jakarta, Indonesia’s army received the first of 12 Airbus Helicopters Fennec light attack rotorcraft.

Comprising six single- and six twin-engined versions, the helicopters are to be supplied through to 2016.

The mission equipment for the fleet – including machine guns and rocket launchers – will be installed in-country by PTDI.

Earlier this week, Jakarta confirmed an order for 11 Airbus Helicopters AS565 Panthers to be operated by its navy on anti-submarine warfare missions.

IndoDefence: Bonefish captures attention

06th November 2014 - 12:50 by Darren Lake in Jakarta



PT Lundin and Saab have unveiled a new USV technology demonstrator at IndoDefence 2014. The Bonefish USV combines Saab’s mission systems integration capabilities with the advanced carbon fibre composite trimaran design of PT Lundin.

The 12m demonstrator was recently completed at PT Lundin’s Banyuwangi facility in Indonesia and the companies expect it to begin sea trials next month. The wave piercing trimaran is expected to be capable of speeds of up to 40kts when fully developed.

Peter Carlqvist, head of Saab Indonesia, said that Bonefish ‘will be tested over the next year and slowly developed in to a product’.

The USV can host a variety of payloads and sensors and has a modular payload bay for increased flexibility. The types of missions envisioned for the USV include anti-piracy, anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance and mine countermeasures.

The USV was unveiled by Indonesia’s defence minister, Purnomo Yusgiantro, and chief of the naval staff, Adm Marseito, on the first day of IndoDefence.

The Bonefish offers a similar hull structure to the Indonesian Stealth Fast Attack Craft (FAC) that is being proposed by the two companies for the Indonesian navy. The FAC has been proposed with an anti-surface warfare capability based on the RBS15 and would also have a 40mm air defence gun.

Carlqvist concluded by explaining the company’s strategy in the region, ‘our approach is based on technology transfer and a large scoop of local production’. He added that the company had no problems with integrating subsystems from local partners or other regions.

Rosoboronexport Planning to Sign New Contracts with Indonesia
 
(Source: Rosoboronexport; issued Nov 5, 2014)

Rostec's weapons export subsidiary, Rosoboronexport, is to put on display at Indo Defense 2014 – to take place in Djakarta on November 5-8, 2014 – a range of the most advanced military equipment for all services of Indonesia’s Armed Forces.

“Our Indonesian partners are interested in purchasing extra pieces of equipment they already have in their inventory, as well as the most advanced assets produced in Russia. They are particularly focused on Air Force and Army equipment. Although, we are not giving up promoting our Navy and air defense products,” Director for Special Projects of Rosoboronexport Nikolai Dimidyuk, who will also head the Russian delegation at the exhibition, says.

Rosoboronexport is ready to deliver additional batches of BMP-3F IFVs (thanks to efforts of the special exporter one BMP-3F of the Indonesian Marine Corps is to be brought to the exhibition) and Mi-8/17 military transport helicopters the Indonesian Armed Forces operate today.

The Su-35 advanced multi-role fighter, Il-76MD-90A transport aircraft, BTR-80A APC, Vena SP artillery system, PTS-4 advanced tracked amphibious carrier, Kornet-EM AT missile system, Pantsir-S1 AD missile/gun system, Project 636 diesel submarine and Yakhont anti-ship missile also draw Indonesia’s attention.

Rosoboronexport’s specialists will take advantage of the event to give a presentation of a comprehensive security system for large administrative entities, critical installations and state borders, based on the Safe City automated system. Special equipment for law enforcement and anti-terrorist units will also be presented.

Plans are also to discuss prospects for delivery of simulators for Russian aircraft and helicopters, as well as development of service facilities to provide maintenance of already supplied equipment. Experience accumulated in Malaysia and South Korea will come in handy in the discussion of the latter issue.

“Our business with Indonesian partners is not just about supply of end products. We welcome production cooperation with local defense industry companies. This is in tune with modern trends in the international arms market,” Mr. Dimidyuk added.

Russia delivered Su-27/30 family fighters, Mi-35P and Mi-17V-5 helicopters, BTR-80 APCs and BMP-3F IFVs, as well as a batch of AK-100 assault rifles and other equipment to Indonesia in 1992-2013. The Indonesian Armed Forces still operate some Soviet-era assets, including PT-76 amphibious tanks.

SSE P2 Commando Vehicle

SSE P2 APC

Saab and PT Lundin revealing their BONEFISH unmanned surface vessel (USV) technology demonstrator.

Trimaran combat system plan gathers momentum - Indo14-Day3

Richard Scott
06 November 2014



Defence systems and sensors group Saab (Hall D, Stand 052) is proposing to codevelop a new 63m stealth fast attack craft with local partner PT Lundin (Hall D, Stand 025) to meet the needs of the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL).

PT Lundin is currently building a second pre-production model of the carbon-fibre composite trimaran design at its yard in East Java, following the loss to fire of the firstof- class demonstrator KRI Klewang shortly after its launch in 2012. An initial four follow-on craft are planned for the TNI-AL.

Powered by four MAN V12 engines driving MJP 550 waterjets, the trimaran platform has been designed to achieve a maximum speed of 28kts and a range (at a 16kt cruise speed) of 2,000nm. An aft boat bay provides for the stowage, launch and recovery of an 11m rigid hull inflatable boat.

Under a partnering agreement with PT Lundin, Saab is now proposing to integrate a full turnkey combat system into the design. This would include a four-console 9LV Mk 4 combat management system, a Sea Giraffe 1X surveillance radar, the SME-150 radar electronic support measures (ESM), a communications ESM system and a CEROS 200 fire control director. The Sea Giraffe 1X radar and ESM systems would be housed inside an enclosed sensor mast.

Main armament would comprise a BAE Systems Bofors 40mm Mk 4 gun (inside a stealthy cupola) and four Saab RBS 15 Mk 3 anti-ship missiles (recessed into the aft superstructure). Four crew-served 0.50 cal machine guns would be fitted to provide close-in protection.

Saab, which would prime the programme, told the Show Daily that it is seeking an early go-ahead from the TNI-AL so that PT Lundin can develop the appropriate structural changes to the current design drawings. These modifications would reconfigure the trimaran design above the hull – for example, raising the bridge deck – to accommodate the new weapon/sensor fit.

Support solutions for corvettes - Indo14-Day3

06 November 2014



BAE Systems (Hall A, Stand AP301) is looking at options to establish a long-term partnership in Indonesia to support the three Bung Tomo-class corvettes recently acquired by the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL).

The three vessels – KRI Bung Tomo (357), KRI John Lie (358) and KRI Usman Harun (359) – arrived in Indonesia in September this year following reactivation in the UK. The ships were originally built by BAE Systems at its Naval Ships facility in Scotstoun, Glasgow.

Speaking to the Show Daily, Alistair Castle, BAE Systems vice president, ASEAN, said the company’s immediate objective was to ensure that the three ships can be supported in service by the TNI-AL. “These are complex ships for which we are the OEM and design authority,” he said. “We are now in the very early stages of discussion with the navy and Ministry of Defence to explore support solutions.

“This presents us with an opportunity to look at an industrial partnership model that would help benefit Indonesia,” Castle added. “We are looking at options to re-energise maritime support in-country, and have a number of ideas as to whom we might partner with.

“We are conducting a market survey of both military and commercial yards. Our aim is to identify a partner who is a good fit so that we can grow and build a long-term relationship that is sustainable.”

In the longer term, the TNI-AL is expected to examine options for the introduction of upgraded weapon, sensor and command systems on the Bung Tomo-class ships.

“We see some aspects from the UK’s Type 23 upgrade and Type 26 Global Combat Ship programmes that could have application here,” said Castle.