Cabinet mulls buying subs

25 Apr 2015 at 06:16 474 viewed0 comments
NEWSPAPER SECTION: NEWS | WRITER: WASSANA NANUAM

The navy's plan to buy submarines has been proposed to the cabinet for consideration, according to navy commander Kraisorn Jansuwanit.

The matter is now in the hands of the Secretariat of the Cabinet, and it should be forwarded to the cabinet soon, Adm Kraisorn said.

The navy has set up a committee to decide which country will manufacture the submarines for Thailand, he said. The panel is chaired by Adm Narongpol na Bangchang, assistant navy chief. 

The navy chief said the panel will look at systems, maintenance and training for the submarines.

The move comes after some people in the navy raised concerns over a reported proposal to purchase Chinese submarines.

Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said before he visited China earlier this month that he would discuss a plan to buy two submarines for 36 billion baht with his Chinese counterpart during his visit.

However, several navy sources said the Chinese submarines may not be reliable.

Yesterday, Adm Kraisorn said he had visited China to inspect Yuan-class submarines, which have Russian-made parts.

The navy chief indicated that the submarine procurement might take five to six years, when they take into account the construction of the vessels and the training of personnel. However, he insisted if...

Adm Kraisorn said Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore have had submarines for several years, and he considers submarines to be a strategic means to develop the armed forces. It is the duty of the navy to propose the project to the government, he said, adding that the navy is ready to give an explanation about the project for transparency.

The panel will look at submarines from several countries and make a decision within three months, the source said. It will visit South Korea, China, Russia, Germany, and Sweden to look at their submarines.

Thailand increases defence budget by 7%

Jon Grevatt, Bangkok and Craig Caffrey, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
28 April 2015

Thailand's military-run government has proposed a 2016 defence budget of THB207 billion (USD6.3 billion), a nominal increase of 7% over military spending in 2015.

According to budgetary figures announced by the government on 29 April, the 2016 defence budget will represent nearly 8% of the total state expenditure in the year. It also amounts to approximately 1.5% of GDP.

The budget will be submitted to the National Legislative Assembly for approval in mid-year before the beginning of Thailand's new fiscal year at the end of October.

Government records have not yet detailed a breakdown of the defence budget, although, according to IHS Jane's Defence Budgets, the Royal Thai Army traditionally receives around half the expenditure with the air force and navy each receiving about 22%.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015 03:40:00

Amien son promise military defense equipment budget increase to Rp 200 T

Reporter: Yulistyo Pratomo

Merdeka.com - Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) has set a target to increase the budget for the procurement of Defence System Main Equipment (Alutsista) TNI Rp 200 trillion. The promise was delivered directly by the Vice Chairman of Commission I of the House Ahmad Hanafi Rais.

"This is our commitment and has been planned in a meeting with members of the House of Representatives, no other means to support the military become better, professional and strong, especially in terms of completeness alutsistanya equipment," said Ahmad Hanafi Rais in Mataram, on Monday (28/4) , as reported by Antara.

This was revealed directly by Hanafi in a meeting held at the headquarters of the Military Resort Command (Makorem) 162 / Wira Bhakti, also attended the IX Udayana Military Commander, Major General TNI Torri Djohar Banguntoro.

According to Rais's son, support procurement of the TNI is necessary and important to maintain territorial defense and security of the State of Indonesia. These funds will be included in the state budget and granted in stages over the next five years.

Currently, the government has prepared a budget for the procurement of Rp 102 trillion, this figure increased over the previous year which reached Rp 83 trillion.

Hearing that promise, IX Udayana Military Commander, Major General TNI Banguntoro Torry Djohar related to it expressed appreciation to the government form. However, it is apart to maintain the authority of Indonesia nation nationally and internationally.

"Actually this is to maintain the integrity of the Homeland and effort in maintaining state sovereignty," he said.

Indonesia commits to ambitious defence budget increase

Jon Grevatt, Bangkok and Craig Caffrey, London - IHS Jane's Defence Industry
28 April 2015


Indonesia defence spending. Credit: IHS

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) announced on 28 April a commitment to support government efforts to increase the country's defence budget to IDR200 trillion (USD15 billion) by 2020. The target is around double the IDR100 billion allocated to defence in 2015.

In comments published by the state-run Antara news agency, Ahmad Hanafi Rais, the vice chairman of the DPR's defence commission, said the commitment is in line with the government's stated pledge to increase military spending as a proportion of GDP from the existing 0.8% to 1.5%.

He added that the funds will be sourced from the state budget and will support an emphasis on military procurement in order to strengthen Indonesian territorial defence and security. Rais added: "This is our commitment to support the military to become better, stronger and more professional."

The DPR's commitment also conforms to a government pledge to reduce its part dependency on sourcing military procurement funds from export credit, loans, and military aid. Such fiscal mechanisms have long supported Indonesia's defence acquisitions and have been required to overcome the country's traditional shortfall in spending.

Indonesia signs 'integrity accord'

Jon Grevatt, Bangkok - IHS Jane's Defence Industry
27 April 2015

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed an 'integrity charter' on 27 April to enhance transparency and efficiencies within the ministry and the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI).

The charter - a joint initiative between the MoD and the Indonesian Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform - is intended to improve bureaucratic processes within the MoD in relation to a range of activities, including procurement.

The MoD said the programme will review internal defence procedures and practices with a view to introducing reforms to enhance professionalism and accountability. MoD and TNI personnel will also undergo anti-corruption training.

According to an MoD statement, the overall intention is to promote both the MoD and the TNI as "zones committed towards integrity and anti-corruption".

Most interesting is the top detail, some of the aps cartridges do point upwards

Indonesian, South Korean officials meet to discuss in KFX

By: GREG WALDRON  SINGAPORE
Source: Flightglobal.com 7 hours ago

Jakarta has reiterated its commitment as a partner in South Korea’s KFX indigenous fighter programme.

The Indonesian defence ministry released a statement on the programme following a visit to Indonesia by representatives of Seoul’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

"To overcome the problems that arise in the implementation of cooperation in KFX / IFX, it is necessary that the programme receive supervision from both countries. The Government of Indonesia has provided direction to PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) to implement the programme well ", says Lt Gen Prabowo Ediwan.

It adds that that DAPA is working with Korea Aerospace Industries - which was recently awarded preferred bidding status to develop and build the fighter - to ascertain the role of PTDI in the programme.

The KFX is envisaged as a two-engined fighter that is more advanced than the Lockheed Martin F-16, but not up to the standard of types such as the F-35 Lightning II. It will replace obsolescent types in the Korean air force’s inventory, namely the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom and Northrop F-5.

The Indonesian government has a 20% share in the KRW8.5 trillion ($8.3 billion) programme. Seoul is expected to order 120 examples of the KFX, and Indonesia 80.

Indonesia – AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Missiles

WASHINGTON, May 5, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Indonesia for AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $47 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Indonesia has requested a possible sale of 30 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II All-Up-Round Missiles, 20 AIM-9X-2 Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM), 2 CATM-9X-2 Block II Tactical Missile Guidance Units, 4 CATM-9X-2 Block II Guidance Units, and 2 Dummy Air Training Missiles, containers, test sets and support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documents, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $47 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy objectives and national security interests of the United States by making Indonesia more capable of defeating threats to regional stability and strengthening its homeland defense. It will lessen the probability that Indonesia will need to rely upon deployment of U.S. combat forces to maintain or restore stability in the region.

The proposed sale also will improve Indonesia’s capability in current and future coalition efforts. Acquisition of the AIM-9X missile supports Indonesia’s efforts to become a more capable defensive force and will also provide key elements required for interoperability with U.S. forces. Indonesia should have no difficulty absorbing this new capability into its armed forces.

Malaysia –AIM-120C7 AMRAAM Missiles

WASHINGTON, May 5, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Malaysia for AIM-120C7 AMRAAM Missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $21 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Malaysia has requested a possible sale of 10 AIM-120C7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), missile containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, site surveys and studies, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $21 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a key partner which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in Southeast Asia. This sale will increase Malaysia’s interoperability with the United States, enhancing regularly scheduled joint exercises and training. It also ensures a sustained air-to-air capability for Malaysia’s F/A-18D aircraft.

Malaysia will use this capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense. Malaysia, which already has AMRAAM missiles in its inventory, will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles into its armed forces.

Malaysian Army sets out plans for more MBTs

Dzirhan Mahadzir, Kuala Lumpur and Christopher F Foss, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
04 May 2015

The Malaysian Army is seeking an additional regiment of main battle tanks (MBTs) along with self-propelled artillery, according to army Chief General Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor.


Malaysia could be in the market for more PT-91 MBTs from Poland. (CF Foss)

In a written reply to IHS Jane's to questions about the army's development plans, Gen Raja Affandi said the army needed an additional tank regiment to be equipped with either an upgraded version of the PT-91M MBT that is in service or an MBT with similar capabilities.

"The requirement of this additional regiment is to cater for the establishment of a new armoured brigade, which is still in the planning phase. The army's Planning and Development Branch is currently studying the requirement for this armoured brigade of the future."

Rooivalk 2 under consideration

Helmoed-Römer Heitman, Pretoria - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
05 May 2015


A Rooivalk provides top cover for a convoy carrying former members of Hutu militia in the DRC. Source: MONUSCO

South Africa's Denel group is studying the possibility of bringing the Rooivalk attack helicopter back into production in an updated variant.

Denel COO Jan Wessels outlined the company's thinking to IHS Jane's , saying the process is taking the form of a "two-pronged approach".

The first is focused on the "life extension of the existing Rooivalk Block 1F fleet, dealing with obsolescence and adding some functionalities". Denel, Armscor and the South African Air Force (SAAF) are working to "establish the breadth and depth of the upgrade" that should be undertaken.

While not yet confirmed, this has to include the replacement of old computers. It would also make sense to integrate the Denel Dynamics Mokopa semi-active laser (SAL)-guided missile, which was developed for the Rooivalk, but has not been acquired by the SAAF as yet.

The second prong examines a potential 'Rooivalk 2', and Denel is working with the SAAF to study the future user requirement in the "2025 and beyond" timeframe, Wessels said. Denel will take a "flexible and open approach", with the agreement of the SAAF, to "enable potential [foreign] partners to influence the process and the details of the final product to meet their particular requirements".

While Wessels declined to provide further details, other sources involved in considering the future of the Rooivalk have suggested the Rooivalk 2 might be fitted with the new EO/IR turret developed by Airbus Optronics - formerly Denel Optronics - that includes both a laser designator (for Mokopa, the smaller Impi missile or other SAL weapons) and a laser beam generator for beam-riding missiles such as the Ingwe.

There has also been discussion of adding an air-to-air missile for self-defence, MBDA's Mistral having originally been specified, but not necessarily still being the preferred option.

IHS Jane's understands that two countries have already expressed interest in the Rooivalk 2, one of which has previously considered the helicopter, but would not commit until it was fully in service with the SAAF, which did not happen until 2013 due to funding constraints.

Malaysia is looking for new tanks

Army, May 6, 2015

Malaysia Land Forces intend to form a second armored regiment. Malaysians do not exclude the purchase of another batch of tanks of basic PT-91M.


The plans of forming a second Malaysian armored regiment has been known for several years. Information about possibility of purchasing another batch of tanks of basic PT-91M Pendekar are, however, quite surprising. Especially bearing in mind the problems with timely delivery and initial operation of cars and comments on the Polish construction falling in recent years from the mouth of the army of anonymous representatives of Malaysia / Photo: MO Malaysia

The commander Tentera Darat Malaysia (Army of Malaysia), gen. Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor, confirmed appearing in recent months, media information about plans to create another Armored Regiment. The new unit would complement the line only active formation, 11th Armor Cor Diraja (KAD), Polish tanks equipped with basic PT-91M Pendekar (Operational readiness PT-91M, 2010-09-07).

Bumar-Łabędy has provided Malaysia in recent years 48 PT-91M with accompanying vehicles, including 6 cars technical security CTM-4 (CTM-91M), 3 cars MID-M engineering (MID-91M) and 5 bridges associated PMC- Leguan (PMC-91M). The latter was developed in cooperation with the German KMW (Contract Malaysian close to the final, 2009-01-29).

The formation of the second Malaysian armored regiment will require the purchase of additional tanks party primary. Gen. Raja Affandi admitted that the land forces command seriously considering the purchase of another PT-91M tanks Pendekar. One of the conditions of the contract would, however, by the Polish producer to introduce the necessary modifications.

An alternative to the Polish tanks may be among Russian T-90S, which have been sold in recent years, among others, Algeria (200 T-90S license for Algeria, 2015-02-24). At stake is also the purchase of Ukrainian T-84M Braid, purchased in turn by Thailand (Another Thai braids fall, 2014-09-08).

Some commentators suggest that Malaysians could opt for Turkish fundamental Altay tanks (Altaya engines produced locally, 2014-08-14). Serial production of cars in Turkey should start before Tentera Darat Malaysia will secure funding for the purchase of new weapons. In favor of this offer appeals Malaysia positive experience from the operation of other Turkish combat vehicles, including ACV 300 (Record of Turkish exports, 2010-06-24).

The formation of the second Armored Regiment will allow Malaysians to implement announced for several years, plans to create an armored brigade. The new formation could be built in place of a functioning 1. Infantry Brigade. The unit would also receive an unspecified number of 155-mm self-propelled armatohaubic. Gen. Raja Affandi confirmed that the plan to acquire kits of artillery will be included in the new term purchasing land forces for the years 2016-2020. The document should be published this year.

Turkey, Indonesia agree to develop medium-weight tank

07 May 2015 14:38 (Last updated 07 May 2015 14:39)

Two countries sign agreement for design and manufacture of 2 prototype medium-weight tanks

ANKARA

Turkey and Indonesia have signed an agreement to jointly develop and produce a medium-weight tank, Turkey’s Undersecretary for Defense Industries announced Thursday.

The two countries signed an agreement for the design and manufacture of 2 prototype medium-weight tanks. Intellectual  property rights will belong to both countries, the Undersecretary said in a statement.

The deal, which will be completed in 37 months, also included manufacturing one body tank to be used in mine tests.

Under the program, surveillance activities will be perfomed by an executive committee which will be established by the Ministry of National Defense of Indonesia and Turkey’s Undersecretariat for Defense Industries.

Turkish FNSS Defense Systems, the leading land combat systems company in Turkey, will provide job training to Indonesia's state-owned PT Pindad for the medium-weight tank’s design and production.

The first prototype will be produced in Turkey with the participation of PT Pindand’s engineers and the second prototype will be produced in Indonesia by PT Pindad.

Indonesia looks to procure Japan's US-2 aircraft

Jon Grevatt, Bangkok - IHS Jane's Defence Industry
06 May 2015

Indonesia and Japan are looking to develop a procurement plan featuring Indonesia's potential purchase of ShinMaywa Industries' US-2 amphibious search-and-rescue (SAR) aircraft, according to the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD).

An MoD statement said that Indonesian Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu and Indonesia's ambassador to Japan, Yusron Ihza Mahendra, discussed the potential US-2 procurement on 5 May.

It added that any move to buy the US-2 would be linked to the defence memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by Indonesia and Japan in March that outlines a commitment from both countries to collaborate on military equipment and technologies.

Citing Mahendra, the MoD said that the Japanese government was "waiting for systems specifications required and a purchase plan from the government of Indonesia".

Singapore – F-16 Block 52 Upgrade Program

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Singapore for the F-16 Block 52 Upgrade Program and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $130 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on May 5, 2015.

The Government of Singapore has requested a possible sale for the upgrade of 60 F-16C/D/D+ aircraft. The upgrades will address reliability, supportability, and combat effectiveness concerns associated with its aging F-16 fleet. This proposed sale contains additional requirements not previously identified in congressional notification 13-67. Items included in the proposed sale are 50 Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System, 90 AN/APX-126 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe Interrogator/Transponders, 150 LAU-129 Missile Launchers, 8 KMU-572/B 500lbs Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) Tail Kits, 9 KMU-556/B 2000lbs JDAM Tail Kits, 2 FMU-152 Munition Fuze Units, 10 MK-82 500lbs Inert Bombs, 3 MK-84 2000lbs Inert Bombs, 12 LN-260 Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems (GPS/INS), 20 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB), 92 Link-16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System/ Low Volume Terminals (MIDS/LVT), 2 SDB Guided Test Vehicles, Computer Control Group and Tail Assembly for GBU-49, DSU-38/40 Proximity Sensor for JDAM, GBU-39 Tactical training Round, ADU-890/E and 891 Adaptor Group for Common Munitions Built-In-Test/Reprogramming Equipment, Encryption/Decryption devise, MIDS/LVT Ground Support Station, spare and repair parts, repair and return, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, tool and test equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of program and logistics support. The estimated cost is $130 million.

This proposed sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by increasing the ability of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to support regional security. The proposed sale improves the security of a strategic partner which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Asia-Pacific region.

The proposed upgrade improves both the capabilities and reliability of the RSAF’s aging fleet of F-16s. The improved capability, survivability, and reliability of the newly upgraded F-16s will enhance the RSAF’s ability to defend its borders and contribute to coalition operations. The RSAF will have no difficulty absorbing this additional equipment and support into its armed forces.

Maintenance and service costs for all those brand new ships/tanks/airplanes haven't kicked in yet. Modern military equipment can cost a ton of money to run. We'll see how much in the future.

Electrical Equipment Ordered for New Malaysian Navy Ships

Posted by Eric Haun
Thursday, May 07, 2015

L-3 SAM Electronics has been awarded a contract to provide the electrical distribution system for six Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), the company announced today. The ships will be built at the Boustead Naval Shipyard in Lumut, Malaysia, with Design Authority provided by DCNS of France. Deliveries are scheduled between 2017 and 2021.

The contract makes L-3 SAM Electronics responsible for total project management, planning, engineering and supervision on-site for all cable work, including installation aboard the vessels. It will also coordinate and interface all relevant systems and subsystems as part of a common electrical platform system.