Jakarta hints at interest in CH-47F

By: GREG WALDRON SINGAPORE
12 hours ago
Source: Flightglobal.com

Jakarta and Boeing have held discussions in regard to the company’s CH-47F Chinook transport helicopter.

In a brief statement on its web site, the Indonesian defence ministry said that Boeing is exploring “Chinook cooperation with Indonesia.”

The statement includes a photo of a Boeing executive handing a model Chinook to Indonesian defence minister Ryamizard Ryacudu.

Flightglobal sought comment from Boeing on the matter, but had received no response at the time of this story’s publication.

The Indonesian press release follows a US Department of Defence statement in late January that Boeing was formerly awarded a Foreign Military Sales contract for eight AH-64E attack helicopters, finalising a deal originally announced by former defence secretary Chuck Hagel in 2013.

Jakarta does not operate the Chinook, but in 2005 expressed interest in possibly obtaining four examples to bolster its disaster relief capabilities. CH-47Ds operated by Singapore were active in disaster relief operations following the 26 December 2004 tsunami, which laid waste to coastal regions of Indonesia’s Aceh province.

Were Jakarta to obtain the Chinook, it is not clear if it would buy the type in sufficient numbers to warrant a local assembly line. Still, local airframer PT Dirgintara Indonesia has experience building helicopters under licence from companies, such as Bell and Airbus Helicopter, and is also capable of making local modifications to green aircraft produced elsewhere.

Navy to take delivery of new oceanographic vessels

Nani Afrida

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | February 17 2015 | 3:57 PM
 
The Indonesian Navy has confirmed that it is waiting for the delivery of new support vessels worth Rp 60 billion (US$4.7 million) from France, purchased by the government in October 2013.

“We are waiting for the arrival of two new hydro-oceanography vessels from France, The vessels are able to sweep mines in the ocean as well,” Navy spokesperson Commodore Manahan Simorangkir told The Jakarta Post in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He said each vessel would be equipped with one 20 mm and two 12.7 mm guns for maritime surveillance and oceanographic activity purposes.

“The first new vessel, the KRI Rigel, will arrive in Jakarta on April 28,” Manahan said.

The two new vessels are expected to meet the Navy’s needs for new modern weaponry to secure Indonesia’s waters.

Vice president of Rosoboronexport Sergeo Goreslavski told reporters that the company is currently negotiating with Indonesia, Su-35 fighters store.

http://finnish.ruvr.ru/news/2015_02_17/Ind...ittajista-2692/

US Navy Seals Mountain Warfare Training

Navy SEAL's from the Naval Special Warfare Community demonstrate winter warfare capabilities for a TV commercial produced by the Navy Recruiting Command for a national advertising campaign shot at Mammoth Lakes, Calif., on Dec 9, 2014.
(U.S. Navy Photo by Visual Information Specialist Chris Desmond)

France in 'final stage' of talks to sell Rafale jets to Qatar

By Cyril Altmeyer and Tim Hepher

PARIS Tue Feb 17, 2015 2:02pm EST

(Reuters) - France is in the "final stage" of negotiations to sell up to 36 Rafale warplanes to Qatar, a senior French source involved in the discussions said on Tuesday.

Manufacturer Dassault Aviation is also in talks aimed at supplying 16 of the multi-role combat jets to Malaysia and has resumed discussions over potential fighter sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the source said.

"The discussions (with Qatar) are at the final stage," the source said, asking not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the discussions.

Dassault Aviation declined to comment.

Analysts say the French company was boosted this week by a long-awaited first export deal for the Rafale with Egypt, but is likely to face intense competition for further sales as European, U.S. and Russian rivals step up export campaigns.

It was not immediately clear at what level talks with UAE were taking place, nor which side had initiated them.

The UAE publicly rebuffed an offer to supply 60 Rafale jets in 2011, calling the proposal "uncompetitive and unworkable".

Western defence contractors including Dassault, the four-nation Eurofighter consortium and U.S aerospace group Boeing are chasing overseas sales to prevent their production lines halting due to cuts in domestic defence budgets.

Tensions in the Middle East, instability in eastern Europe and concerns in parts of Asia about regional border threats and the rise of China have further fuelled the arms race, but shifts and sudden reversals in the various industry talks are common.

France said last June it was confident of winning a deal soon to supply fighter jets to Qatar, which is shopping initially for 24 jets plus 12 options to expand its air force.

Competitors include Boeing's F-15 fighter jet, while the U.S. manufacturer is also seeking sales for its declining F-18 model, which is reportedly in consideration in Malaysia.

Elsewhere in the Gulf, the Eurofighter and F-18 are competing for a possible Kuwaiti deal for 28 jets but the Rafale is not a leading contender there, according to French media.

The latest upbeat French comments come ahead of arms fairs in India, UAE and Malaysia within the next month starting with the biennial Aero India exhibition in Bengaluru from Wednesday.

India picked the Rafale three years ago over the Eurofighter Typhoon -- built by Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain -- for a contract to supply 126 planes, but a deal has not been signed.

India's Business Standard newspaper reported this week the contract was "effectively dead" due to disagreements over price.

But the French source indicated that Paris was optimistic that this week's sudden and unexpected deal with Egypt could speed up several other sets of talks, including those in India.

"The contract with Egypt could unblock three or four other ones," the source said.

Bilateral negotiations between Egypt and France took only five months, taking competitors and most industry experts off guard. Three jets a year are expected to be delivered to Egypt in 2015, 2016 and 2017 with the remaining 15 sent by mid-2019.

There was no formal competition, though one defence source said there had been exploratory contacts between Egypt and the Eurofighter consortium but that questions had arisen over the availability of rapid export licences from Britain and Germany.

Eurofighter said it was confident of winning other orders. A spokesman said it had also submitted an offer to Malaysia.

Egypt, which has been drawn into open military action in Libya after the beheading of Egyptian Christians this week, is also said to be interested in military transport aircraft.

It currently operates the Lockheed Martin C-130 and is the largest customer for the Airbus Group C-295, while it has long been a target for the Airbus A400M airlifter.

Source Denies France, Qatar Rafale Report

By Pierre Tran 2:14 p.m. EST February 17, 2015

PARIS — A French Defense Ministry official denied a media report that France is in the final stage of talks for a sale of up to 36 Rafale fighter jets to Qatar.

"Certainly not," the defense official said when asked about a Reuters report that the negotiations with Qatar were in the "final stage." The Reuters report quoted a senior French source.

A second defense official said the idea of final stage could be highly flexible, lasting last days, months or years.

"Qatar has launched a competition," Dassault Aviation chairman Eric Trappier said Monday in an interview with business daily Les Echos. "We are made much progress. It is now up to them to decide".

A Dassault spokesman declined comment.

Qatar is in an unstable region where the countries are looking to buy combat aircraft offering capabilities in air defense, ground attack and reconnaissance to allow a nation to act autonomously in a coalition, Trappier told Les Echos.

Qatar is reported to be considering an order for 24 Rafales and options for a further 12.

Dassault is also in talks with Malaysia and renewed discussions with the United Arab Emirates on the Rafale, Reuters reported.

On Monday, Dassault, DCNS and MBDA signed contracts in Cairo respectively for 24 Rafales, a multimission frigate and missiles for Egypt, in a deal worth €5.2 billion (US $5.9 billion). The sale to Egypt is the first export contract for the Rafale and the frigate.

That's Singapore upgraded version of earlier leopard 2A4 with added extra Armour to side of tracks cover and for the turret's front, side and rear. The armour seems really thick, no other mbt extended the side to that much until it can add another set of wheels, return rollers & track on each side

Indonesian Navy mulls Chinese 30 mm CIWS fit for corvettes, LPDs

Ridzwan Rahmat, Singapore - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
17 February 2015

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) is exploring the possibility of equipping its Kapitan Pattimura (Parchim I)-class corvettes and Makassar-class landing platform dock (LPD) ships with the Chinese-developed Type 730 close-in weapon system (CIWS), a source close to the TNI-AL informed IHS Jane's on 18 February.

This follows the installation of a Type 730 CIWS turret on a Kapitan Pattimura-class ship, KRI Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin . IHS Jane's understands that state-owned shipyard PT PAL has recently completed installation of the turret and will soon begin integrating a radar sensor into the system before commencing live-firing trials.

" Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin is the first vessel to be used as [a] trial for the Chinese system," said the source, adding that the 14 other ships-in-class will also be likely to receive the weapons if it is deemed suitable.

Ok, didn't know they have such extra added armor upgrade to challenge challenger 2 advanced chobham gen5 armour and m-1a2sep.

War nowadays involving militants, think having thicker armour advanced IFV is more practical. You can deploy troops at the same time. Check Sulu invasion, getting attack helicopters and advanced IFV more relevant. Operating cost also much lower compared to fighter jets.

Fighter jets are actually most costly to maintain as they burn most fuel, required most maintenance before & after flight.

Polish Leopards – Do They have to Fight Against the Enemy Tanks?

PUBLISHED AT: Wednesday, 03 December 2014, 11:12


Photo: chor. R.Mniedło/11LDKPanc

Jakub Palowski

A vivid discussion regarding the anti-tank ammunition for the Leopard 2 tanks states questions regarding the capabilities within the scope of penetrating armour of the contemporary tanks by the rounds which are to be acquired. Some of the experts claim that effective combat against the enemy's tanks on the modern battlefield is of secondary priority. It seems though, that in Poland, having a capability of destroying the enemy's main battle tanks, is absolutely indispensable for the Polish armoured forces.

Maciej Miłosz, in his article “Niewypał za ćwierć miliarda” [Unexploded Ordinance for Quarter of a Billion], which has been published  in „Dziennik Gazeta Prawna” [Legal Gazette Daily] doubts whether the new Polish anti-tank ammunition procured by MoD for the Leopard 2 tanks will be capable of penetrating the armour of modern tanks. The article claims that penetration capability is far from being enough to penetrate e.g. the armour of the Russian T-90 tanks.

Some of the experts claim that nowadays, achieving a capability to penetrate the front armour is not so important, e.g. due to the fact that precision strike munitions are widely applied and tanks may be rendered useless by destroying their observation equipment. Another reason is that character of the battlefield has been significantly changed. The above views do not seem to be correct in the Polish circumstances, inter alia, due to the character of the hypothetical enemy and structural changes that happened in NATO.

Tanks may still fight against other tanks

It is said that currently, no expansive armoured forces exist, as they did during the Cold War. For example, the Russian Army currently has “just” 4 armoured brigades. At the same time though, smaller units equipped with tanks have become an integral element of mechanized tactical units (mainly as battalions in mechanized brigades) and, with a high degree of probability it may be stated that these will be one of the main elements of the potential enemy forces, which would cooperate with the mechanized infantry.

The commentators also note the fact that on the contemporary battlefield there is a wider array of anti-tank measures, which is not limited solely to tanks – it includes guided anti-tank missiles, artillery and aviation precise guided or cluster munitions. It seems that they do not bear in mind limitations of these measures. Precise-guided munitions may be eliminated by active countermeasures – in case of a kinetic energy penetrator this is not so probable. For instance, using multi-spectrum camouflage, such as the Russian Nadydka, may limit effectiveness of this type of weaponry.

Cost is another disadvantage of the precision guided munitions. During the Libya air operations back in 2011 the RAF did use most of its inventory of the Brimstone missiles, and it had no plan and resources needed to recover its capabilities. It is also worth to note that potential enemy would use a full spectrum of weaponry (acting against the artillery, aviation etc.) and in case when one of the element of the defence forces is ineffective, he may adjust the tactics in a way that would best fit the capability “gap” of the attacked country.

This does not mean that one should act against development of anti-tank weaponry,  it’s just the opposite – the Polish MoD shall direct its activity at using all the development options available within the scope of developing the striking potential – referring both to the precision guided munitions, as well as to the ammunition in the classic sense of this word. As it has been stated, in the Polish security conditions one should be prepared to act against a wide spectrum of threats (including cluster munition strikes coordinated by the UAV’s, as well as airborne forces using modern anti-tank weaponry, as well as tank-dense unit attacks). Hypothetical enemy would choose such combination of strike measures, which in his eyes would be the most effective. Poland, as the side which, in the quantitative dimension, would have less forces at its disposal, should use as wide array of weaponry as it is possible.

Character of the threat

It should be noted though, that when the Russians modernised their tanks up to the T-72B3 standards, they often tailor them to use sabot rounds with increased armour penetration capabilities. It is thus highly plausible that, in total, more than 600 tanks equipped with heavy reactive armour (T-72B3, T-90), will be used by the Russian front-line units. And this number is likely to be increased, as modernisation up to that standard is defined as one of the priorities for the Russian armed forces.

Kontakt-V armour, which, to a large extent, is resistant to anti-tank sabot rounds of older types, is also featured on some of the B-series vehicles in other variants. Due to the threat of this type the Germans decided, more than 20 years ago, to modify the Leopard 2 tanks (these modifications are present in case of the 2A5 variant, which is being delivered for the Polish Army). It is yet unknown what scope of modifications will be present in the 2PL variant of the tanks. However, making a situation possible, in which the Polish tanks, which are the “core” of the armoured forces, are less capable than the 2A5 standard, would be at least difficult to comprehend. The Americans have also noted that introducing ammunition capable to penetrate heavy reactive armour is needed, as the heavy reactive armour is one of the prospective threats taken into account when the new generation M829E4 round has been developed. The initial small batch of this ammunition has been a subject of a contract which has been signed in July this year.

R&D works regarding perfecting the armours of the contemporary tanks in the light of the “classic” threats are also constantly going on. It should be expected that the contemporary armour would be more effective in the future. Russian-developed Armata tanks or new generation of reactive armour in a form of the 4S23 Relikt armour, which will probably be used in modernisation of the older tanks, are a prime example of the above mentioned development.

Polish Leopards as a Part of NATO Forces

It should be also noted that after Poland purchases the Leopard 2A4/A5 tanks, it will have more Leopards in the front-line units than Germany does. Number of Leopard 2 tanks in operational units of the Polish Army will also be significantly larger than the number of Leclerc tanks used by the French  (according to the White Paper, the French Army will have 200 such tanks at its disposal). Situation will be probably similar in case of the United Kingdom, referring to the Challenger 2 tanks (the same type of tank which took part in the Black Eagle exercise). MBTs have been completely withdrawn by the Dutch – earlier they were in possession of 445 Leopard 2 tanks.

The listing above shows how significant will be the role of the Polish Leopards in the NATO Allied Forces, and how important it is to equip them with effective ammunition, also within the scope of destroying tanks which are an equipment of the Russian front-line units. At the same time, basing the NATO anti-tank tactics on anti-tank weaponry (such as tandem warhead anti tank missiles, which strike the top armour, widely used by the infantry units, also in Poland) causes a risk, that potential enemies would tailor their equipment and tactics in a way which would to an extent mitigate such threats (from the enemy’s point of view).

What’s next?

When it comes to procurement of the ammo for the Polish Leopards, there are still many questions to be asked, due to the fact that parameters of rounds and armours are still unknown. There is no doubt that in the Polish conditions, the tanks from the front-line unit shall be maximally capable of destroying equipment of the enemy, limiting the anti-tank activity to artillery or anti-tank missiles is not a proper solution here.

Penetration of the armour often makes it possible to eliminate the enemy tank permanently, not temporarily. It is not possible then that the Leopards are equipped with ineffective ammunition – in such case the larger number of the enemy tanks would be hard to compensate (also in a form of other weaponry). Such situation would create a capability gap, which could be easily used to the enemy’s advantage.

At the same time, problem of procuring ammunition for the PT-91 Twardy tanks still remains unsolved. The capabilities of major part of ammunition for Twardys is significantly different from DM-33 ammo which has been received by Poland along with the first batch of the Leopard Tanks. Acquisition of ammunition with penetration capability of 500 mm or more would significantly expand the PT-91 Twardy tanks capability, in comparison with their current status – and that change would be significantly more prominent than in case of Leopards.

The added armor is so thick making the leopard 2 looks like big box with cannon.

Can PT91 defeat this well protected boxy leo2? Leo2 has better engine, speed, mobility, visual, firepower, fire control system and armor. Pt91 would have to fire few rounds to destroy leo2.

Thailand received first EC725 helicopter



Air Force celebrates Wong Guirado Board of the Technical Committee 1 of the project was to supply medium helicopters for search and rescue in the battle area (Phase 1) and the board. EC725 helicopter to inspect the Unit 1, manufactured by Airbus Helicopters between 8 -15 February 2558 at the French Republic.

Project medium helicopters for search and rescue in the battle area. The purpose Medium to provide search and rescue helicopter. Replacement helicopter search and rescue mission today to keep its air force and the ability to search and rescue in the military and civilians. As the main unit of the Air Force. Medium Helicopter's Project (Phase 1) to provide an EC725 helicopter is scheduled for delivery in 4 units 4 and the Air Force in August 2015.

which is why "x vs y" argument in mp.net is usually met with cruel trolling and permanent ban

heh even he dun do direct my penіs is longer comparison between tanks, instead discussing abt the technical detail of the tank, up to the size of nuts and bolts, in his typically polish-styled (which means less-than-perfect) english.

theres plenty of details ppl can learn abt russian/soviet bloc weaponry if they can read cyrillic

Shar e nice photos

That's an old picture, when integration is not yet complete!

Government concludes contract negotiations for Apache, Chinook choppers

Houston Mirror (IANS) Sunday 22nd February, 2015

The Indian government has concluded contract negotiations with US aerospace major Boeing for procuring 22 Apache AH-64E combat and 15 Chinook CH-47F heavy-lift helicopters.

Disclosing this, the IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, told India Strategic defence magazine (www.indiastrategic.in) in an interview that the process for the final step, that is approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), has now been initiated and that "once accorded, the contracts would be signed".

Notably, all contracts above Rs.1,000 crore (approximately $165 million at the current exchange rate) in value have to be approved by the CCS, which is headed by the prime minister and includes the finance, defence, external affairs and home ministers.

Procedurally, once the ministry of defence (MoD) approves a proposal for forwarding the case to CCS, it has to be seen and signed by the defence minister and then goes to the finance ministry where likewise, the finance minister has to accord his signature. Any observations by the finance Ministry are generally addressed by the MoD before the case is put up to the CCS.

It normally does not take more than a couple of months once a file is moved for CCS approval. And if all goes well which hopefully should then the approval should be there in March or April.

The contract then can be signed on ASAP basis within weeks.

According to Air Chief Marshal Raha, all the contracted aircraft should be delivered within five years of the signing; the first one though is within three years.

India will have to pay 15 percent (or whatever is agreed) of the negotiated value at the time of the contract. Payments are then made in accordance with the delivery schedule.

Sources in the MoD indicated that negotiations were also on with Boeing for buying four more P-8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance (LRMR) aircraft as per the options clause, and most likely, the contracts for the helicopters as well as P-8Is should be through by mid-2015.

The Indian Navy has already bought eight P-8Is, of which six have been delivered and two are likely to arrive in India over the next few months. All these aircraft are being acquired on the Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) basis although their weapon systems like radars and missiles would be through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route from the US Government.

As for the the Apaches, Boeing's Vice President for Defence, Space and Security in India Dennis Swanson has pointed out that the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be getting the very latest helicopter the AH-64E that has recently been delivered to the US Army. This version has 26 modifications over the earlier AH 64-D model.

The exact specifications for the Indian requirement are not known but normally, one in every three Apaches is equipped with Lockheed Martin's sophisticated Longbow radar to acquire and designate targets for destruction. At present, IAF has very old Soviet vintage Mi-35 combat and Mi-26 heavy lift helicopters. They have done very well but have aged and need replacement with contemporary systems.

02/23/2015

The Royal Thai Army acquires six Airbus Helicopters EC145 T2

Marignane, France, 23 February 2015

A further addition to the Royal Thai Army’s rotorcraft fleet has been committed with the acquisition of six Airbus Helicopters light-utility EC145 T2, which is the newest and most powerful model in Airbus Helicopters’ proven EC145 light twin-engine helicopter family.

The Royal Thai Army signed for six EC145 T2s with a VIP installation, under the Light Utility Helicopter Type II requirement, to be deployed principally on official passenger transport duties, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2016.

“By acquiring the EC145 T2, the Royal Thai Army again demonstrates its confidence in Airbus Helicopters’ products and services, following the successful entry into service of the AS550 C3e Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters in 2014 and the imminent delivery of the UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopters from the United States,” said Philippe Monteux, Airbus Helicopters’ Head of Region South East Asia & Pacific.

The EC145 T2 features a modern digital cockpit and a 4-axis autopilot. With a maximum take-off weight of 3.65 tons, the helicopter is powered by Turbomeca Arriel 2E powerplants equipped with dual-channel full authority digital engine controls (FADEC). Operational safety is enhanced by Airbus Helicopters’ Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor, particularly for landings and takeoffs in confined landing sites, as well as during loading/unloading on the ground while the rotor is turning.

The UH-72A is a version of the EC145 type produced by Airbus Helicopters’ plant in Columbus, Mississippi for the United States Army and Navy. Six units were acquired by the Royal Thai Army in December 2013 from the United States Army under the Foreign Military Sales program.

US Program Chief: Singapore Nearing F-35 Buy

By Nigel Pittaway
8 hours ago

VICTORIA, Australia — Singapore is moving closer to ordering the Lockheed Martin F-35 joint strike fighter, according to program head US Lt. Gen. Chris Bogdan.

Bogdan also noted increased activity from potential foreign military sales (FMS) customers for the F-35, including Israel, which recently committed to a further 14 aircraft.

"On the FMS sales front we're getting an increase in customer interest in the airplane," he said here at the Australian International Airshow at the Avalon Airport.

"We have a number of other [potential] foreign military sales customers that are asking us to start a greater dialogue with them in terms of the airplane, including Singapore."

Bogdan said that the joint program office (JPO) has been exchanging information with the Republic of Singapore Air Force for a number of years to support their decision making within their timeline.

"Over the past year, the discussions we have had have deepened [and] their request for information has gotten broader, so that would indicate to us that Singapore has begun to take the next step toward making a decision," he said.

The government of Singapore had not indicated which F-35 variant it was interested in and had requested information on all three: the conventional takeoff, the short-takeoff vertical-landing, and the carrier model.

Bogdan hosted a media roundtable on the opening day of Avalon 2015 with Australia's F-35 program head, Air Vice Marshal Chris Deeble. Deeble said the project to acquire 72 conventional F-35s for the Royal Australian Air Force was on track to deliver an initial operating capability by the end of 2020.

However, Deeble identified several areas that were causing him concern, noting that the Australian project office carries out an independent analysis of the technical problems.

"Understanding what capability we will get at the end of the development phase is really important," he said.

"What does worry me is sustainment and training and support to the aircraft. The autonomic logistics global system is still evolving. It is behind, it is late and we have to do more work to accelerate that and understand what that means in a national context."