Cash-Flush TNI ‘Receptive’ to Saab Pitch for Airborne Radar Platform

By Vanesha Manuturi on 10:07 pm Mar 11, 2015



Linkoping, Sweden. Swedish aerospace and defense firm Saab plans to continue discussions with the Indonesian Air Force for the purchase of an airborne early warning and control system amid the nation’s heightened efforts to secure its borders.

Martin Vobora, the company’s senior director of marketing and sales for Asia Pacific region, told the Jakarta Globe that government officials have been largely receptive to the offer.

“It seems like the government realized that there is a need for the technology. Now, it’s just a matter of timing and placement,” he said in Linkoping on Tuesday.

Still, he noted that no official talks have yet taken place regarding procurement Saab’s airborne early warning and control system, known as the Erieye AEW&C mission system.

Other companies offering airborne early warning systems include Northrop Grumman and its E-2C Hawkeye airplane.

Saab’s Erieye AEW&C is capable of multiple roles, including air surveillance, sea surveillance and intelligence, the Swedish company said. The radar can be installed on three different platforms, including Saab 340 and 2000 aircraft.

The technology, which has been operational since 1996, has been used in seven countries — including Thailand, Mexico and Brazil — for both military and civilian purposes, such as protection against illegal fishing and drug trafficking.

“There are two keywords for the Erieye system, coverage and mobility,” Lars Ekstrom, business developer of marketing and sales for Saab’s electronic defense systems, told reporters in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Monday.

The Swedish company is offering the airborne early warning control system amid ongoing discussions with Air Force officials on the possible purchase of the Gripen fighter jet. Saab currently has branch offices in 35 countries. Its Indonesian office was established in late 2013.

Since then, Saab Indonesia has signed early-stage agreements with a few local companies, such as state-owned weapons manufacturer Pindad and state electronics manufacturer Len Industri.

“It’s good for us to have local partners for maintenance and it’s also good in helping the country with its industrial base,” said Lars Tossman, vice president and head of airborne surveillance systems.

Indonesia has budgeted 7 percent of its annual spending on defense over the past two years in an effort to revamp its aging military arsenal. Military spending increased by 3.3 percent to Rp 97 trillion ($7.8 billion) in the 2015 state budget compared with the previous year— the equivalent of roughly 1.2 percent of Indonesia’s gross domestic product — with 40 percent of it allocated to weaponry and equipment.

“[Saab Technologies] has been very successful in making things cost-efficient … Indonesia is on the right track to growth and we’d like to be a part of it and help the industrial base,” Tossman added. “That’s the reason we invest.”

GlobeAsia was invited to Sweden by the Saab Group.

GlobeAsia

China ships incoming? 

SHAH ALAM: The Government remain keen over plans to procure at least two China made warships for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) although the service did not request for it,industry sources said.

For a moment there I thought u were referring to the ship on the left. 

Mistrals looking good, though. Seems 100% finished, just waiting for delivery.

LIMA 2015: Malaysia looks to naval constraints

13th March 2015 - 9:07 by Dzirhan Mahadzir in Kuala Lumpur



Since the 2013 incursion by Sulu militants, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has had to focus on both blue water and brown water operations simultaneously. However, the need to procure  small craft for operations in maintaining security for Eastern Sabah to prevent a repeat of the 2013 budget has not impacted the navy’s blue-water procurement plans as funding for operations in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone comes out of a special allocation rather than the navy’s allocation under the defence budget.

As in other areas financial considerations are effecting the RMN’s plans. This includeds cancelling two batch 2 Lekiu class frigates in 2009 though the RMN was compensated by the subsequent go-ahead for the six Littoral Combat Ships being built by Boustead Heavy Industry Corporation (BHIC) with technical assistance by France’s DCNS.

At the same time, the procurement of a multi-role support ship still remains outstanding despite the loss of the LST KD Sri Inderpura in 2009 to a ship fire, which took away much of the RMN’s amphibious operational capability. Even plans to buy second hands ships have been scuttled due to lack of funds, prior to their acquisition by Indonesia, the RMN had been keen to purchase the three Nakhoda Ragam class OPVs but were unable to persuade the government to release funds for them.

Given the situation it remains to be seen whether the RMN’s request under the 11th Malaysia Plan of 2016-2020 will be fulfilled. The RMN has requested funding for some 36 programmes estimated to cost a total of RM10.181 billion. A full list of the programmes requested has not been publicly revealed but the Chief of the RMN, Adm Abdul Aziz Jaafar stated in his New Year address to the RMN on 7 January that among the programmes were: the procurement of eight missile corvettes and six anti-submarine helicopters; the service life extension and upgrade of the four Laksamana class; the procurement of small craft; and the replacement of obsolete missile and torpedo systems on existing RMN ships.

While it was unstated which missile and torpedo systems would be replaced, it is known that the obsolete Otomat anti-ship missile and Aspide surface to air systems on the Laksamanas are no longer in operation and these are likely to be replaced as part of the SLEP and upgrade of the Laksamana.

In addition it is likely that the RMN would also seek upgrades to its two Lekiu class frigates, that entered service in 1999 particularly the combat systems and the Sea Wolf missile system, given the UK plans to phase out the Sea Wolf in 2018, though the RMN could extend the service of the Sea Wolf if it draws on the RN’s phased out stocks. The Laksamana class SLEP is likely to be approved given that it will be done locally, most likely with BHIC, which completed the SLEP for the Kasturi class corvettes.

On the eight missile corvettes, it would be difficult to see funding being approved given the costs, particularly with the ships specifications of being 75-100m in length and armed with anti-ship, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare capabilities though there is the possibility that the Malaysian government may approve a lesser number to be built.

Additionally, the RMN is planning eight corvettes to replace its four Handalan and four Perdana Fast Attack Craft (Missile), all of which entered service in the 1970s. Korea’s DSME appears to be positioning itself for this requirement, having signed a contract on 24 November with Malaysia’s NMEL to provide six corvettes to the RMN subject to Malaysia initiating a purchase.

Interestingly the DSME/NMEL tie in only provides for six ships in contrast to the RMN request for eight, indicating that the companies expect the RMN to not get funding for the number of ships it is requesting for the programme.

Sources have stated that the RMN is considering China as a possible builder for the ships though this is likely to be controversial, given that it would be difficult to integrate the Chinese systems with the Western systems of the current RMN fleet though there is talk that the ship’s hull and structure would be built in China with later installation of Western equipment in a Malaysian shipyard, while another alternative is having segments built in China and then constructed fully in a Malaysian shipyard.

While not being asked for under the RMN’s 11th Plan funding requests, the Multi-Purpose Support Ship is being asked for as a part of an overall Malaysian Armed Forces request for funding given the tri-service nature of the ship, which would be carrying army troops and operating helicopters from the army and the RMAF though the cost of the programme again makes it open to question. DSME and DCNS have been offering Malaysia a scaled down version of their Dokdo and Mistral designs respectively.

oh and by the way, got news that TNI-AU has got Su-35 ordered now. A whole squadron of 16 aircraft that is.

Source

Getting aggressive under widodo eh..

Apologies for the misinformation earlier.

If they really do go through with the purchase, indonesia will actually be a force to be reckoned with. wonder what sort of package will they be getting.

Friday, March 13th, 2015 at 5:03 pm

DND starts procuring three assault crafts as platform for ‘missile launch system’

The Department of National Defense launched an acquisition project that will increase the number of Philippine Navy’s Multi-purpose Assault Craft or MPACs. The DND-AFP is applying the amount of PhP270 million through the General Appropriations Act for the acquisition of 3 brand-new MPACS. With the said amount, three MPACs must be delivered with Mission Essential Equipment and initial Integrated Logistics Support packages. MPACs should be capable of operating at sea state five with 2.5 to 4 metres of waves or rough sea condition without systems degradation.

Procurement will be through single-stage open competitive bidding. Bid opening will be on April 6.

The DND also wants these three MPACs to be fitted with provisions for installation of advanced weapon system (remote weapon system as well as missile launch system). The government is procuring these three sea crafts as platforms. Missile launch system will be procured in a separate acquisition project.

Philippine Navy Vice-commander Rear Admiral Caesar C. Taccad said in December 2014 that there will be three missile-armed multi-purpose assault craft (MPACS). “It will be armed with stabilized weapon system with fire control complemented with a short to medium range missile system.”

These missile armed MPACS will be used for territorial sea interdiction operations with maritime situational awareness and limited credible deterrence for the protection of the country’s interest at the West Philippine Sea.

Philippine Navy is now operating six MPACs. Three from Taiwan while the other three were from Filipino shipbuilder Propmech Corporation in Subic Bay, Zambales.

LIMA 2015 Preview – To Be Updated

Marhalim Abas March 15, 2015 Airshow

SHAH ALAM: WITH two days to go before LIMA 2015 opened its doors officially, I will yet again hazard a show preview.

Like previous years, this year’s LIMA will not be the venue for major arms contract signing. Even the Defence Minister has hinted as such during an interview with the mainstream media early this week.

Anyhow I am told that the contracts to be signed at LIMA 15 will topped around RM1 billion, which was the same amount in 2013. And like 2013, this year’s contracts will mostly about spares and support.

Spares and support are not sexy stuff but if they signed parts for the Fulcrum it will be a definitive sign that the aircraft will be active for two years at least.

Some of the contracts signed may well be those for the RMN’s LCS project most of which had been announced already apart from the SSM and SAM.

In 2013, Weststar signed for some RM1 billion worth of helicopters at the show. However with the cheap oil prices, I do not think any of the commercial operators will sign anything this time around.

A couple of MOUs worth billions are expected to be signed but those does not count, really. It is also unlikely they will signed for the China warships during the show.

Hopefully new information will be available once I arrived in Langkawi and this post will surely be updated.

What about MRCA then? Since funds for the MRCA programme was not included in the 10th Malaysian Plan (RMK10) – AFAIK – it is obvious that it will not be signed at Langkawi.

So what will be the highlight of LIMA 2015 then? The debut of RMAF first Airbus Defence & Space A400M airlifter of course, 22nd Squadron M54-01. The aircraft left Seville on Thursday and landed on Saturday (March 14) although the official unveiling ceremony is scheduled for today (March 15). It will fly to Langkawi on March 15 for the official opening ceremony flypast. The official handing over is planned noon on the same day.

Another highlight are the debuts of three aerobatic teams from RSAF (Black Knights), UAE Air Force (Al Fursan – The Knights) and PLA Air Force August 1st team, which flies the J-10. A French Air Force A400M is also expected to perform flight display during the show as well as TNI Jupiter aerobatic team and our own Kris Sakti team.

Among the MRCA candidates, the Rafale and Super Hornet are conducting flight displays while Gripen represented by the RTAF will be on static only though it is expected to be part of the flypast on the opening day.

The Typhoon is not coming for LIMA this year but it will be represented by a full-mockup and a simulator.

The Malaysian Armed Forces and other services will be represented by its bevy of fighters and helicopters although the soon-to-be retired MIG-29N Fulcrum will be conspicuously absent from this year’s LIMA.

On the maritime side, daily displays will be conducted at the Porto Malai area while ships from various nations are also taking part.
The ships taking part in LIMA 2015.

To add the already hectic schedule, the Defence Ministry is organising the Asean Defence Minister Meeting on the 14th and 15th also at Langkawi while the 2015 Multinational Counter Terrorism Exercise will also be held during the week.

Sunday, 15 March, 2015 | 09:16 WIB

Sweden to Invest in Indonesia's Defense Industries 

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Swedish defense and security machines manufacturer Saab AB eyed cooperation with Indonesia corporations to realize its plan to build defense system industry in Indonesia.

Saab has also invited universities to embark on cooperation in research and development for high-tech based products.

"We do not want like other sellers who go and come after several years,” said Lennart Sindahl, Deputi Chief Executive Officer Saab AB on Thursday.

He also said that Saab wanted to develop this industry along with Indonesian companies.

For the record, Saab AB has offered its warplanes, Gripen C, Gripen D, and Gripen NG, to Indonesia.

The offer was conveyed following the plan of the Indonesian Air Force to replace the old F-5 Tiger warplane.

In the meantime, Brjan Borgefalk, Vice President Industrial Cooperation Saab AB for Asia Pacific Region said that he had met with several companies di Indonesia to open up opportunities for partnership, one of which is with Infoglobal, an aviation company in Surabaya, East Java, to embark on partnership in the development of war plane simulators.

AGOENG WIJAYA

France To Modify Rafales for Egypt

By Pierre Tran 4:16 p.m. EDT March 14, 2015

PARIS — The Rafale fighter jets sold to Egypt will be modified to remove nuclear missile capability and NATO standard communications, a source close to the deal said.

"There will be a few modifications," the source said.

Once adapted, the fighters will be delivered, with the first three in time for Egyptian pilots to fly the twin-engine fighter in Egyptian colors over the opening of a new waterway on the Suez Canal in August.

One of the Rafale upgrades to F3 standard in 2008 was the air-sol moyenne portée améliorée (ASMPA) missile tipped with the TN-200 nuclear warhead. That capability will be taken off the fighters for Egypt.

As Egypt is not part of NATO, the communication system will be adapted.

The Rafale was part of a French arms deal worth €5.2 billion (US $5.5 billion) and signed Feb. 16 in Cairo, comprising also a DCNS FREMM multimission frigate and missiles reported to be from MBDA and Sagem.

On the frigate, the systems will be translated into English and Arabic and the combat systems adapted to take out the naval cruise missile capability, a second source said. The warship had been built for the French Navy and due for handover as the Normandie.

Egypt has started paying for its order for 24 Rafales, the first export win for the fighter jet for which France has long struggled to find a foreign buyer, Dassault Aviation Chairman Eric Trappier said.

"The contract with Egypt is now in effect. The first check landed at the start of the week," he said at the March 11 press conference on the 2014 financial results.

Egypt paid a price similar to that paid by France for the fighters, he said.

Dassault will deliver five Rafales to France this year, and the first batch of three to Egypt, with a second three-strong batch in December or January, he said.

Modifying the fighters is a key factor in the timing of delivery to Egypt, the first source said.

The French authorities are discussing the schedule for Egypt, as there is a "substitution" effect on deliveries that had been due for the French Air Force and Navy, Trappier said.

Annual production will remain at 11 units, or one per month, and output could rise to a little more than 2.5 units per month, he said.

LIMA 2015: MBDA pushes Sea Venom and CAMM

15th March 2015 - 5:00 by Gordon Arthur in Langkawi

The Malaysian Armed Forces currently field a number of MBDA weapon systems and, based on these previous successes, the European missile house is exhibiting a range of weapons at LIMA 2015. Among them is the Sea Venom anti-ship missile and Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM) air defence system.

MBDA believes the Sea Venom, formerly known as the Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon (FASGW), is an ideal replacement for Sea Skua anti-ship missiles already serving on Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) AgustaWestland Super Lynx helicopters. The Sea Venom was designed to meet British and French requirements for a helicopter-launched, stand-off weapon against maritime and land targets in blue-water and littoral environments.

The Sea Venom can engage targets autonomously, or alternatively a two-way link allows an operator to retain control of the missile throughout flight. The 100kg Sea Venom keeps its predecessor’s dimensions, allowing compatibility with existing magazines. MBDA stated, ‘as the Royal Navy is intending to deploy Sea Venom on its future AW159 Wildcat, should the Royal Malaysian Navy move towards this platform, a seamless transition with Sea Venom is assured.’

The Sea Ceptor, also known as CAMM, is MBDA’s replacement for the Seawolf air defence system. It has been selected by the Royal Navy, and Mati Hindrekus, MBDA’s marketing communications manager, believes it would fit the RMN’s requirements too. Malaysia’s two Lekiu class frigates that are currently fitted with Seawolf will enter a service life extension programme.

CAMM provides 360 degree air defence out to ranges greater than 25km. It does not require a dedicated tracker/illuminator radar, and can be cued by a ship’s own standard surveillance radar. The soft-launch system can also be used against surface targets. MBDA stated, ‘the weapon has already received significant interest on the export market, and has been ordered by both the Royal New Zealand Navy for its ANZAC frigates and the Brazilian Navy for its new corvette programme.’

MBDA has already received a letter of award to supply VL Mica surface-to-air missiles on the RMN’s future class of six Second-Generation Patrol Vessels (SGPV) based on the DCNS Gowind-class corvette. MBDA is also discussing the possibility of Malaysia using the Exocet MM40 Block 3.

With Malaysia still mulling its options under the deferred Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) programme, MBDA is additionally showing off a full suite of air-delivered weapons that can be used on both the Eurofighter and Saab Gripen. Both platforms will soon be receiving Meteor missile capabilities, while Brimstone is now being integrated onto the Eurofighter. Hindrekus pointed out that the Brimstone ‘has excellent performance against anti-fast inshore attack craft targets, which should interest the RMN given its coastline responsibilities’.