CB204 being towed by KD Ganas. I believed she lost her Furuno radar mast. TLDM picture.

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Tanks Go Airborne for Indonesian Military Anniversary

Indonesia marked the 69th anniversary of its military on Tuesday with a ceremonious display of military machinery, including tanks firing their turrets in mid-air. The parade was the biggest in over a decade, and featured the Indonesian Army, Navy and Air Force, overseen by Republic of Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

First published October 8th 2014, 3:00 am

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/asia/tanks-go-...versary-n220491

Indonesia keen to have strong military might in next decade

English.news.cn  2014-10-07 22:41:43 

by Abu Hanifah

JAKARTA, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia, the largest country in Southeast Asia region, is keen to see its military might having significant deterrence effect among Asian countries within the next ten years following intensive and continuous efforts to modernize its military equipment.

After being hit by severe economy crisis since the late 90s, Indonesia has started the efforts to modernize its military along with high growth the nation has achieved in the last five years.

Indonesia designed a grand strategic plan (Renstra) to develop its military by enormously acquiring new warplanes, tanks, helicopters from several countries.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that through implementation of programs in the Renstra, Indonesia will become a tiger among Asian peers.

"We have conducted modernization on our main weaponry system and would be continuing until 2024. At that time we will be an Asian tiger," President Yudhoyono said in front of thousands of troops in the nation's naval airbase in Surabaya, East Java on Monday.

The president is in Surabaya to witness the military's show of force in its 69th birthday on Tuesday.

President Yudhoyono has initiated implementation of the Renstra in the last five years of his administration. The Renstra was aimed at complying with military doctrine of Minimum Essential Force (MEF), to be conducted in three five-year periods from 2009- 2014, 2015-2019 and 2020-2024.

The government has allocated some 150 trillion rupiah (about 12. 2 billion U.S. dollars) to finance the first Renstra ended in 2014. During that period Indonesia acquired warplanes from Russia, South Korea, Brazil, Germany to improve airworthiness of its air forces' fleet whose many planes have entered their decommissioned ages.

Indonesia also set up billions U.S. dollar-worth of cooperation with South Korean aviation agency to jointly produce 4.5 generation fighter jets of KFX/IFX, expected to join into service with Indonesian air forces in 2020.

Besides that, the government also purchased 150 Leopard Main Battle Tanks (MBT) from Germany and planned to acquire advanced AH- 64 Apache helicopters for its army.

For the navy, Indonesia has purchased new frigates from foreign producers. It also set up cooperation with South Korean shipyard to jointly produce submarines.

Indonesian president-elect Joko Widodo said that his upcoming government would continue and further the efforts to modernize the military, adding that it would be possible as Indonesia would see increasing growths in the coming years.

"I already said that the economy now is quite good and we may see growth above 7 percent. Allocation for the military can be increased two to three times higher," Widodo said on the sidelines of witnessing military's show of force in Surabaya on Tuesday.

Indonesia has allocated some 83.4 trillion rupiah (about 6.8 billion U.S. dollars) for the military this year.

Widodo added that besides improvement of weaponry system, efforts to improve professionalism in the military must also be addressed.

Hi-tech assets among defence ministry’s Budget wishlist – Bernama

Published: 8 October 2014

The Defence Ministry hopes the 2015 Budget to be unveiled on Friday will, among others, focus on the purchase of high-technology military assets to strengthen security of the country, particularly in the waters of Sabah and Sarawak.

Its deputy minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said there was also a need to increase the number of Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) personnel, especially in the east coast of Sabah, because of the intrusion and security threats lately.

"The threats are mainly in that area now. Intrusion took place last year and there are also other security-related problems. Although these (threats) are by  non-state actors, the growing tension in certain areas should also be looked into by the government.

"First, we need to equip our people, especially those serving in very difficult areas, with more boats. The budget to be tabled this Friday will... we hope help Sarawak and Sabah in terms of (strengthening) security."

He told reporters this after officiating at the passing-out parade in conjunction with the completion of the Annual Training Camp 2014 of the Royal Engineers Regiment (RAJD) Line Of Communication, today.

On the Islamic State (Isis), Abdul Rahim said the military intelligence and the police through their Special Branch were monitoring the group's movements in Malaysia.

He suggested that more Territorial Army personnel be recruited to counter militant threats.

"They (military intelligence and the police) are working round the clock in monitoring this group and our intelligence network is also working with the global networks, as we are very concerned (about the Isis threat).

"As you can see, the Isis is now progressing so fast towards achieving its goals. It is not in isolation, but associated with many other groups around the region," he said.

Between April and September 21 this year, 19 Malaysians had been detained for alleged involvement in Isis. They are believed to have been recruited by four militant cells (Khaled Al Waled, Al Jemaah Brigade, Daulah Islamiyah and Arakan Daulah Islamiyah Arakan), to be assigned to Syria.

On September 26, three more Syria-bound Malaysians were detained at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport after being suspected of being supporters of Isis.

Earlier, Abdul Rahim in his speech said that his ministry had identified several of the country's important services such as utility, airport, public  air transport and broadcasting services be absorbed into the RAJD volunteer force.

He said defending the country was the responsibility of all and the involvement of every department and agency was important in facing threats from the enemies. – Bernama, October 8, 2014.

Indonesia’s Air Force Adds More Flankers

Oct 7/14: Su-35 favorite? Indonesian Military Commander General Moeldoko tells Republika Online that they’re leaning toward the Su-35 as their F-5 replacement, with the JAS-39 in 2nd place and the F-16 a distant 3rd:

This isn’t the end, because negotiations, budgets and other considerations will still come into play. If that pick does stand, it would keep the Flanker family as the backbone of the TNI-AU, but the fleet would also be fragmented among 3+ types with partial commonality at best: 5 Su27SKM, 11 Su-30 (2 MKs, 9 MK2s), and 16 Su-35SK. The Su-27SKM and Su-30MK fighters will retire first, which will simplify matters, but that’s unlikely to happen before 2025 or so. Sources: ROL, “Helikopter Apache dan Sukhoi Su-35 Segera Perkuat TNI”.

Scores injured in grenade explosion outside Sun Complex in Kuala Lumpur

Published on Oct 9, 2014 10:46 AM
2002  756  1  0 PRINT EMAIL

KUALA LUMPUR  -  At least 14 people, including two women, were injured after a grenade exploded in front of the Sun Complex in Jalan Bukit Bintang on Thursday.

Berita Harian Malaysia said police confirmed that among those injured are Singaporean, Thai and Chinese tourists.

Police said they received information of the blast outside a pub at about 4.30am, The Star newspaper reported. Four cars were damaged in the explosion.

City deputy CID chief Asst Comm Khairi Ahrasa said gangsters could have been behind the explosion, believed to be from grenades, but police are investigating the case from all angles.

A car jockey was seriously injured and is under intensive care at Hospital Kuala Lumpur. said The Star. At least 13 others were injured in the blast and have been warded at Hospital Kuala Lumpur and the nearby Tung Shin Hospital.

"Some of the victims were about to board a Toyota Vellfire when an explosive device fell onto them from the second floor of a building," said ACP Khairi

"The victims were patrons of a pub and residents of nearby hotels.

"A Toyota Camry, Mazda and BMW were also damaged in the explosion," he added.

It is learnt that the explosion came from underneath a car that was parked in the area. Another unexploded device, also believed to be a grenade, was found underneath another car, a Toyota Camry.

It is learnt that two explosive objects were thrown at the scene from the second floor of a building.

The case has been classified as attempted murder under the Firearms Act.

US clears way for Brunei purchase of Lockheed C-130J

By: Dan Parsons Washington DC
Source: Flightglobal.com
21:17 7 Oct 2014

The US State Department has approved the possible sale of a Lockheed Martin C-130J and six engines to the government of Brunei.

Brunei requested clearance to purchase the tactical transport, along with equipment, spare parts and associated training and logistical support for a total of $343 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 7 October. It delivered the necessary certification to Congress for approval the previous day.

“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Brunei relationship, which has been a force for regional stability and economic progress in Southeast Asia,” the DSCA says. “The aircraft will enable Brunei to provide aid and assistance in greater capacities to regional allies and partners in need. Brunei should have no difficulty absorbing this aircraft into its inventory.”

Brunei proposes to use the aircraft in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. It will also be operated in support of maritime patrol and search and rescue missions, the DSCA says.

The country has been considering the purchase of a C-130J since at least 2005, when an example conducted flight demonstrations there following the Aero India air show. Other aircraft being considered at the time for maritime patrol duties included the Airbus CN235 and C295, ATR 42, Beech 1900D, Bombardier Dash 8 and Saab 2000, according to reports.

S. Korea, Indonesia Sign Agreement on Joint Fighter Jet Development

Write : 2014-10-06 14:08:05 Update : 2014-10-06 14:33:25



South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration has signed an agreement with the Indonesian Defense Ministry on the joint development and production of indigenous fighter jets.
 
The agreement is to set basic principles for the joint fighter jet project and to divide the development costs and tasks between the two countries.
 
The administration said that South Korea will be able to reduce its financial burden by cooperating with Indonesia in designing, manufacturing and testing a sample jet through the latest agreement.
 
Under the fighter jet development project dubbed the KF-X program, the first 20 aircraft will likely be produced by 2025. Indonesia will pay 20 percent of the development costs.

I'm sure....not that many. Damen Schelde only provides license to produce 20 SIGMA frigates for domestic use.

Each costs about $450, including sensors, weapons, etc. So, it is financially still possible to build one, each year.

Six old Van Speijk need to be replaced.....so there should be at least 3 SIGMA frigates, if 3 Nakhoda Ragam ships are counted.

However, TNI-AL is predicted to be a 350-ship navy in 2024 and Jokowi talks more about a maritime focus during the debate about defense. So, it can still be more than 3 SIGMA frigates.

Kehadiran pihak Belanda ini karena proyek pembuatan kapal yang per unitnya ditaksir 220 juta dolar AS tersebut, karena Kementerian Pertahanan memesannya ke perusahaan DSNS.

http://m.tribunnews.com/bisnis/2014/04/16/...-pesanan-tni-al

OK........ 

Indonesia, South Korea sign up for next phase of KFX programme

James Hardy, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
07 October 2014

South Korea and Indonesia have signed a joint engineering and development agreement for the Korean Fighter Experimental (KFX) 4.5-generation fighter, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration in Seoul announced on 6 October.

The agreement, which was signed in Surabaya by South Korean ambassador to Indonesia Cho Tai-young and Indonesian Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, follows up a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in July 2010 and an April 2011 agreement that covered the initial two-year technical development phase of the programme.

Under the arrangement announced on 6 October, South Korea will pay 80% of the costs associated with the joint engineering and development phase of the KFX, with Indonesia paying the remaining 20%.

Officials from lead manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have previously described the KFX as a single-seat, twin-engine, multirole aircraft equipped with stealth features, active electronically scanned array radar, and internal weapons carriage.

Under the 2010 MoU, Indonesian company PT Dirgantara will participate in the aircraft's development.

KAI officials have suggested that around 250 KFX combat aircraft could replace the Republic of Korea Air Force's ageing F-4E Phantom and F-5E Tiger II aircraft, and ultimately its F-16 Fighting Falcon platforms. A further 350 KFX aircraft could be exported, officials added.

The 6 October agreement calls for the establishment of a joint programme management office "to reduce the financial burden required to jointly develop the fighter by enhancing co-operation in design, prototype fabrication, test, and evaluation." Yonhap news agency put the total development cost at KRW8.5 trillion (USD8 billion): a significant increase on the USD5 billion quoted by officials in 2011 and more the KRW8 trillion quoted by KAI officials in January 2014.

COMMENT
Political concerns at the potential financial risks associated with the KFX led KAI to develop a single-engined version, dubbed the C501, that combined elements of the in-production FA-50 light fighter and the twin-engine KFX technology demonstrator, dubbed the C103. This was partly in response to a decision by the new South Korean government of President Park Geun-hye to suspend the KFX/IFX programme in early 2013.

However, in July 2014 the RoCAF and the Ministry of National Defense confirmed that KFX programme would go ahead with the twin-engine C103 design, technical development of which was completed in 2013.

Another key element of the KFX programme will be the involvement of Lockheed Martin, which has agreed to provide technical support for under the terms of the RoCAF's purchase of 40 F-35s under the FX-III acquisition. The arrangement is similar to the offsets that were agreed as part of Seoul's purchase of KF-16s: technology transfer that led directly to the development of the T-50 Golden Eagle lead-in fighter trainer and its derivatives.

A Lockheed Martin spokesman told IHS Jane's on 25 September that the F-35 deal's offset commitment would include "technical documentation, design expertise, and development investments. Specifically, Lockheed Martin will provide several hundred man-years of engineering expertise to assist Korea in the KFX design and development."

"Lockheed Martin will also provide several hundred-thousand pages of fighter aircraft technical documentation derived from existing Lockheed Martin programmes," the spokesman added.

From Jakarta's perspective, the KFX deal is the latest example of close military industrial ties with a country that has become an important supplier of - and market for - military equipment.

Indonesia is receiving 16 T-50 LIFT aircraft and Black Fox military vehicles produced by Doosan DST. South Korea's Daewoo Marine & Shipbuilding Engineering (DSME) has upgraded two Indonesian Cakra Type 209/1300-class submarines in South Korea and in December 2011 received a contract to supply three Chang Bogo-class Type 209/1200 diesel-electric attack submarines to the Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Laut: TNI-AL).

For its part, Seoul has ordered eight licence-produced CN235 aircraft from PTDI for the RoCAF and four maritime patrol variants for its coastguard.

Budget 2015: National Security Sector

Marhalim Abas
October 10, 2014
Malaysian Defence

SHAH ALAM: Defence Ministry got RM16.1 billion in the 2015 budget, almost exactly the same amount we spend last year. The Operational Expenditure for 2015 is RM13.335 billion almost the same amount we got in 2014.

The Development Expenditure for 2015 is RM2.744 billion compared to RM2.745 billion in 2014. Between 2011 to 2015, the amount of DE will amount to RM14.8 billion while the OE is around RM48 billion.

Unlike last year, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak did not say how the DE money is to be spend but since the AV8, LCS/SGPV and A400M projects are still on going, we can expect much of the RM2.744 billion will be spent on these projects.

Anyhow in his speech when presenting the budget, Najib gave a different amount to be given to the Armed Forces and the Defence Ministry as compared to the 2015 Budget document.

In his speech, carried by Bernama (the national news agency, Najib said “to increase the level of safety and public order as well as national security, RM17.7 billion is allocated to the ATM while RM9.1 billion, to the PDRM. A sum of RM804 million is also allocated to Maritime Enforcement Agency Malaysia to strengthen maritime enforcement.

“The Government is committed to reducing the crime rate in the country, one of the NKRAs. For this, the Government will increase the intake of policemen by 11,757 personnel, build 14 Police Headquarters (IPK) and Police Stations including a new block for IPK Perlis as well as strengthen the PDRM police patrol through the purchase of 1,000 units of motorcycles.The Government will also allocate RM121 million for PDRM to implement various programmes under NKRA.

“To increase the readiness of ATM’s personnel and assets, RM7 billion will be allocated to purchase and maintain the defence assets. Apart from this, the welfare of armed forces personnel will also be improved, including health services and housing.

“Meanwhile, to improve maritime safety, APMM will be allocated RM393 million. This is for improving operational efficiency and the purchase of seven new patrol vessels.

Despite the rhetoric on Sabah and Sarawak, not much is being provided in the 2015 budget. Najib in his speech said:

“Sabah has a long and wide coastline. To enhance security in Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE) and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), the Government will allocate RM660 million.

“Two battalions comprising a battalion PGA PDRM and an Army battalion with 1,280 new personnel have been approved. Two new camps will also be built in ESSZONE, namely Kem Batalion 20 PGA in Beluran and Kem ATM in Felda Sahabat, Lahad Datu, Sabah.

“In addition, military and security operation equipment will be further improved, such as procurement of high-capability monitoring radar. The Government will also use a modified oil rig and an auxiliary vessel as Sea Basing in the ESSZONE waters, with an allocation of RM230 million through Petronas CSR programme.

“Furthermore, to enable high-capacity aircraft to land, the Government will upgrade the runway at the airport in Lahad Datu, as well as relocate Squadron Hawk from Butterworth to Labuan, with an allocation of RM50 million.

“The Government will also relocate water villages in Semporna and Sandakan in stages. The Government hopes that through the initiative, the safety of Malaysians in Sabah will be safeguarded and economic activities to rebound.”

The Hawk squadron relocation to Labuan is interesting, though. As RMAF Hawk fleet is down to 19 aircraft (six two seaters and 13 single seaters) one has to wonder whether this means that all of the Mk208s will be based in Labuan and the fast jet training will be left to the MB339CMs and the six Hawk Mk108s. More on this when information is available.