Markets | Tue Jul 28, 2015 12:32pm

UPDATE 1-France aiming for two more Rafale deals by early 2016 -source

By Cyril Altmeyer

(Reuters) - France is confident of winning two more foreign orders for its Rafale fighter jet by the beginning of next year as it seeks to extend a spate of recent export successes, a source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.

After failing for years to win an order for its warplane, France has sold 24 Rafales each to Egypt and Qatar in recent months and is in talks to finalise the sale of another 36 to India.

"There should be two other export contracts for the Rafale by the beginning of next year," not including India, the source said.

"The most advanced discussions are with Malaysia and the UAE," the source added.

In a further development, the source said that France was negotiating with India for options to supply further aircraft on top of the 36 Rafales the country has provisionally agreed to buy.

In April, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had ordered 36 "ready-to-fly" Rafale fighters to modernise his country's warplane fleet, dealing directly with the French government after three years of inconclusive negotiations with the plane's manufacturer, Dassault.

India has signalled any further purchases will come though government channels, raising doubts over the future of the stalled commercial negotiations with Dassault for 126 jets

COMPETITION

The recent spate of Rafale export orders has shaken up the global defence market and given fresh momentum to the French warplane as available production slots begin to dwindle.

Analysts and diplomats say the appetite for the jets has also risen as a result of the United States' diminishing influence in the Arab world along with wider security concerns.

However, Dassault still faces tough competition from U.S. and European rivals.

Kuwait is expected to announce soon an order for 28 Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets, a $3 billion-plus deal that will keep the jets' St. Louis production line running well into 2019, according to people familiar with the deal. .

Malaysia, which wants to replace its fleet of Russian MiG-29 fighters, is looking at the Rafale, the F/A-18, Swedish firm Saab's Gripen and the Eurofighter Typhoon.

While a Malaysian decision had been expected this year, aviation industry executives have warned that fiscal troubles due to lower oil and commodities prices could lead to delays in placing the order.

Indonesia, which needs to replace ageing U.S.-built F-5s, is reported to be studying the Rafale, Eurofighter and Russia's Sukhoi Su-35 as well as Sweden's Gripen and the Lockheed Martin F-16. The Eurofighter consortium comprises Airbus Group , representing Germany and Spain, Italy's Finmeccanica and Britain's BAE Systems. (Reporting by Cyril Altmeyer; Writing by Tim Hepher; Editing by Michel Rose and Pravin Char)

I tot they just use VL-Mica. not sure they already upgrade to essm

Navy flagship to be equipped with missile system

Posted on Tuesday Jul 28th at 8:10pm
By Roel Pareño

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The BRP Gregorio del Pilar Patrol Frigate (PF) 15 will be equipped with missile system for long range threats, according to official.

BRP Gregorio del Pilar, one of the two Philippine Navy (PN) flagships, arrived in this city as part of its routine patrol in southern Philippines.

Navy Captain Vincent Sibala, commander of BRP Gregorio del Pilar said the main firepower of his warship is the 7mm Oto Melara cannon and other armaments which are still working with upgraded sensors.

BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a mainstay in the West Philippine Sea is also equipped with long range radar system that can detect other crafts in the sea.

Sibala said additional guns and sensors are already in the pipeline of the Department of National Defense (DND).

The missile system however is not yet installed.

“But we are looking forward that we will have missile capability soon,” Sibala said. “Because the trainings of our personnel and their performance we are already up to far. Kayang-kaya na po nila yong mag-acquire ng missile.”

Sibala maintained that they strictly follow the trust of the Philippine government not to escalate the situation at the West Philippine Sea.

“We are here for peace and not basically to fight for a war,” Sibala said. “We should be ready but as much as possible, we try to avoid it.”

Sibala cited that they follow the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES), an agreement signed by 21 countries, including the Philippines and China, which aims to deescalate naval encounters.

Navy releases document on why it needs submarines

THE NATION July 31, 2015 1:00 am

Insists that maritime interests worth Bt24 trillion need to be protected

THE NAVY has released a nine-page document detailing what it says are the reasons why the country needs to spend Bt36 billion on buying three submarines from China.

The move came after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha suspended the procurement of the Yuan Class S26T submarines and told the Navy to explain to the public the necessity of protecting the country's marine interests and why it wanted to buy the subs.

In the document, drafted on the order of Navy chief Admiral Kraisorn Chansuwanit, the Navy stated that Thailand's maritime interests amounted to Bt24 trillion per year with an increasing value. They include marine natural resources, marine transport, downstream industries and tourism.

The submarines would be only 0.006 per cent of the total marine interests because they could be used for at least 30 years, the Navy stated.

Almost 95 per cent of the country's imports and exports are transported by sea, it said, adding that about 15,000 cargo vessels passed through the Gulf of Thailand per year. If the gulf, which is 400 kilometres wide, were blocked, as happened during World War II, the country would be badly affected.

The Navy said although there was no war looming, maritime conflicts between countries existed and no one could guarantee that the conflicts would not descend into wars. Having the submarines would be a defensive strategy against wars and a balance of power mechanism.

In terms of its marine capability, the country is lagging 10 years behind neighbouring countries like Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia.

In response to claims the Yuan Class S26T would not be useful because it can only dive in shallow water and are easy targets for enemies, the Navy argued that the Gulf of Thailand is about 50 metres deep and some operations need to be done near the shore. Planes cannot see submarines which dive down 20 metres, it said.

The Navy said it wanted to buy the submarine because it was efficient and the most value for money. Five other countries would provide only two submarines for Bt36 billion.

The Chinese submarine also had air-independent propulsion that enabled it to stay under water for 21 days compared with subs from other countries that had to emerge to charge batteries every four or five days.

The Chinese subs are also equipped with weapons, including torpedoes and sea mines, the Navy said, adding that their safety is on par with European submarines with a double-hull body.

China also offered eight years of parts service and a two-year guarantee on all equipment in the sub, while other countries offered only a one-year guarantee. China would also transfer knowledge on the sub maintenance, its systems and weapons.

The Navy said the Bt36-billion fund would be paid through instalments over seven to 10 years, or around Bt3 billion to 5 billion per year depending on how much each instalment was set at. The money would not be taken from the central fund or special funds but the Navy's annual budget allocation from the government.

The document was released in response to the government's order for the Navy to explain the plan.

Former Democrat Party MP Watchara Petthong disapproved of the purchase, saying it would be unnecessary spending given the condition of the country's coffers and economy.

"I wonder if the move to push for the sub purchase has something to do with the commission fee,'' he said.

Philippines to build strategic sea vessels

By Jaime Laude (The Philippine Star) | Updated August 2, 2015 - 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines - On a buying binge for big-ticket items to modernize the military, the Department of National Defense (DND) struck a deal for the transfer of technology fitted on two brand-new Strategic Sealift Vessels (SSVs) it has purchased from Indonesia.

Defense Assistant Secretary for personnel Efren Fernandez said the technology transfer by Indonesia’s PT PAL (Persero) Surabaya is highly significant, as this would allow a local shipbuilder based in Cebu to manufacture the same type of vessel.

Fernandez, former head of the Bids and Awards Committee of the defense department, recently visited PT PAL Surabaya shipyard in Indonesia, bringing along with him the shipbuilder from Cebu as an observer.

“During our inspection of the PT PAL Surabaya shipyard, the Indonesian shipbuilder agreed for technology transfer and hopefully we can locally build our own Navy ships in the near future,” Fernandez said.

Persero has bagged the contract for the delivery of two brand-new SSVs worth more than P3 billion for the Philippine Navy under the Armed Forces modernization program.

The Indonesian firm has cut the steel for the second SSV at its plant in Surabaya, thus formally setting off the assembly of the ship, which the contractor has until May next year to deliver to the Philippine Navy.

The first SSV, which is expected to be delivered either late this year or early next year, is 80 percent complete following the steel cutting in January this year.

The Philippines, despite being the fourth biggest shipbuilder around the globe – next only to China, South Korea and Japan – was only able to locally build the BRP Tagbanua, a Navy cargo ship. This was because of the lack of military technology in building modern warships.

Other than the two SSVs, the Philippine Navy is also getting two Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) that the Australian government has decommissioned and donated to the Philippines.

The newly commissioned ships are on their way from Cairns, Australia and are expected to arrive in the country next week to join the Navy’s five utility ships.

Philippines to buy submarines and advanced missile systems for the first time

This will ensure strength in the South China Sea

Published: 17:35 August 1, 2015 Gulf News
By Barbara Mae Dacanay, Correspondent

Manila: For the first time, the Philippines will buy electric and diesel-run submarines, including advanced missile systems, as listed in its $22.11 billion (998 billion pesos or Dh83.166 billion) modernisation plan that was approved in July, to ensure its strength against China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei, and Malaysia which have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, sources said.

“The Philippine Navy will buy several submarines and missile systems in the next five years from private manufacturing firms either from South Korea or Japan,” a military source who requested anonymity told Gulf News.

“The ambitious purchase was scheduled after the Philippine economy grew, received good ratings from rating agencies, and allowed borrowing for expensive war materials, but the Philippines could not yet match China’s 26 submarines,” said the same source.

In 2013, the Philippine Navy bought two 1.400 tonne Incheon-class frigates (also called Future Frigate experimental or FFX), manufactured by South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries and STX Offshore and Shipbuilding for $400 million (18 billion pesos or Dh1.5 billion); two strategic sealift vessels or floating command centres which can transport three helicopters per vessel, soldiers, and supplies at sea, from Indonesia’s PT PAL (Persero) for $85.7 million (3.86 billion pesos or Dh321.6 million). The new frigates and sealift vessels will arrive in the Philippines at the end of 2015 or early 2016, President Benigno Aquino announced recently.

It is widely reported that the Philippine Navy is manned by three US-made refurbished frigates: BRP Tagbanua; BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz, but Japan’s defence ministry said the Philippine Navy has 80 warships; China, 892; Malaysia, 208; and Vietnam, 94.

The Philippine Coast Guard also bought 10 40-metre-long multi-purpose response vessels (MRRV) from Japan in late 2013 for $184 million (8.09 billion pesos or Dh674.6 million), in a loan forged with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 2014. They will augment the Coast Guard’s 19 rescue vessels, when they arrive in the Philippines at the end of 2015, sources said.

The Coast Guard secured a $20 million (900 million pesos or Dh75 million) loan from the United States’ Defence Threat Reduction Agency (it has a maritime security project with the US’ Weapons for Mass Destruction Proliferation Prevention Programme) for three aerial surveillance radars, two surface sensors and three surveillance planes for the Philippine Coast Guard National Coast Watch Centre in northern Luzon and southwest Philippines.

Recently, the Philippine Air Force bought 12 new FA-50 fighter-trainers made by Korea Aerospace Industries. six Close Air Support Aircraft; seven of 13 AW-109 helicopters; and six of eight Bell-412 combat utility helicopters made by Korea Aerospace Industries. The two fighters will arrive in December 2015 or early 2016, and the rest in 2017.

Japan’s defence ministry said the Philippines has a total of 26 combat aircraft, compared with China’s 2,582 combat aircraft.

The Philippine government also allotted $22 million (1 billion pesos or Dh83.33 million) for the development of three new naval bases that will protect its 36,000 kilometre coastline facing the South China Sea.

In 1995, Congress approved an $8.08 billion (364 billion pesos or Dh30.3 billion) military modernisation plan for 15 years. But only 10 per cent of the approved budget was secured by a loan 15 years later, in 2010, the budget department said.

China, Taiwan, and Vietnam claim the whole of the South China Sea and several parts of the oil-rich Spratly Archipelago. Brunei, Malaysia, and the Philippines claim their respective exclusive economic zones in the South China Sea and parts of the Spratly Archipelago.

Malaysian Starstreak deal to feature trade-in of Starburst missiles

Jon Grevatt, Bangkok - IHS Jane's Defence Industry
02 August 2015
  
Malaysia's Weststar Group has been appointed prime contractor by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) to supply the Thales UK Starstreak high-velocity missile ground-based air-defence system to the Malaysian Army, it was announced on 3 August.

Weststar did not reveal the value of the contract nor the number of Starstreak systems that will be acquired. However, it did confirm that the programme would be partly funded through the return to Thales UK of Starburst low-level air defence missiles, which were ordered by the Malaysian Army in 1993. "The [Starstreak] system is being procured, in part, through a trade-in programme [featuring] the decommissioned Starburst missiles," said Weststar.

Russia and India are negotiating upgrade of Su-30MKI fighters

Russian Aviaton » Tuesday August 4, 2015 13:19 MSK

Russia and India are negotiating upgrade of Su-30MKI fighters. It was stated by the head of Russian delegation at the 51st Paris Air Show, Deputy Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), Konstantin Biryulin, TASS reports.

Speaking of the situation connected with the upgrade of Su-30MKI fighters operated by India, the head of Russian delegation said that “at present Russia is negotiating upgrade of Su-30MKI aircraft with the Indian partners. The first Su-30MKI jets were delivered to India 20 years ago”. “The upgrade includes fitting the aircraft with new communication and data transmission systems as well as new radars. All these systems will be upgraded,” he noted.

According to the head of the delegation, Russia and India are preparing contracts for joint development of FGFA (fifth-generation fighter aircraft) MTA (multi-role transport aircraft). “Detailed and final design of these two aircraft have been completed,” Biryulin said. “At present negotiations related to signing contracts for joint development of these aircraft are in progress,” he added. Biryulin also said that Russia submitted tender documentation for Su-35 fighter to Indonesia.

“Documentation for Su-35 fighter required to take part in the tender was handed over to Indonesian partners,” he said. According to Biryulin, Rosoboronexport is taking part in the tender for delivery of new fighters to Indonesia.

“In the course of preliminary negotiations the parties agreed that Su-35 is the best solution. The aircraft is being operated by Russian air forces and it has already proven itself. Moreover, the Indonesian air forces have operated Su aircraft before,” the head of the delegation noted.

Russia is not considering the possibility of starting a licensed production of engines for military aircraft in China, Konstantin Biryulin said. “Matters related to a licensed production of engines for military aircraft in China have not been considered,” Biryulin said while speaking about the possibility of launching the assembly of AL (for Su fighters) or RD (for JF-17/FC-1 fighters) engines in China.

At the same time, he noted that PRC is still interested in Russian engines.

“The Chinese party purchases different types of Russian engines from time to time in order to assure the operation of previously purchased aircraft and to support production of JF-17/FC-1 Thunder combat aircraft,” he said.

“African countries are interested in purchasing Russian-produced weapons and military vehicles, including advanced aircraft like Su-30 fighters,” Biryulin explained. He mentioned Ethiopia as a potential buyer of Russian aircraft (the country operates Su-27 fighters).

“Ethiopia is also interested in purchasing Russian defense products. The country’s armed forces are equipped with Russian-produced vehicles and weapons,” he stated.

Indonesia inducts three KCR-40 missile craft into Western Fleet

Ridzwan Rahmat, Singapore - IHS Jane's Navy International
03 August 2015
 
The Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut: TNI-AL) has inducted three KCR-40-class anti-ship missile craft into the service's Western Fleet (Komando Armada RI Kawasan Barat: KOARMABAR).


The KCR-40 missile craft, Siwar, during its launch in September 2014. (Indonesian Internet sources)

The vessels, KRI Surik (645), KRI Siwar (646), KRI Parang (647), were commissioned in September 2014 by then Indonesian defence minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro.

In a statement published by KOAMRABAR on 3 August, the command described the KCR-40 as a suitable platform for the western region's relatively shallow waters and a landscape inundated with clusters of small islands that allow for 'hit-and-run' operations against larger surface combatants.

Surik , Siwar , and Parang were manufactured indigenously by local shipbuilder PT Palindo in Batam.

Nexter Systems delivered second batch Indonesia's CAESAR SPH

Yesterday, 14:36



Second batch of 155-mm self-propelled artillery units (SAU) "Caesar" (CAESAR - CAmion Equipe d'un Systeme d'ARtillerie) manufactured by Nexter Systems arrived in the Indonesian port of Tanjung Priok.
 
According TSAMTO, the package includes 5 units. In the nearest future it is planned to test the howitzers set.
 
Last year, Nexter Systems handed over the first batch of Indonesian side SAU CAESAR four units.
 
The contract between Nexter Systems and Defense of Indonesia for the supply of 37 155-mm self-propelled guns, "Caesar" was concluded in November 2012. The cost of the program was estimated at 240 million dollars. As part of the contract related to the offset agreement  Nexter Systems will give the company PT Pindad technologies that will provide the service of artillery systems in Indonesia.
 
This year in Indonesia to be delivered 15 units, which will increase the total number of self-propelled guns CAESAR of Indonesia to 19 units. The remaining 18 units will be transferred to next year.

As with the French Army, the Indonesian Caesar are based on the chassis of the Sherpa truck 6x6 company of Renault Trucks Defense. For CB Indonesia "Caesar" are available in right-hand drive configuration, and the cab, protected from small arms fire and shrapnel munitions.

Vietnam receives 2 more Kilo-class submarines

English.news.cn | 2015-08-01 21:35:27 | Editor: huaxia



Photo taken on Aug. 1, 2015 shows a commissioning ceremony held at Cam Ranh port, Vietnam's south central Khanh Hoa province. Vietnam on Saturday held a commissioning ceremony for two more Russian-made Kilo-class submarines at Cam Ranh port, some 1,300 km south of capital Hanoi. (Xinhua/VNA)

HANOI, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam on Saturday held a commissioning ceremony for two more Russian-made Kilo-class submarines at central Cam Ranh port, some 1,300 km south of capital Hanoi.

Speaking at the ceremony, Rear Admiral Pham Hoai Nam, commander of the Vietnam People's Navy, said these submarines will mark a new development of the navy in particular and the Vietnam People's Army in general, reported Vietnam's state-run news agency VNA.

The two newly-received submarines, named after two Vietnamese coastal cities of Hai Phong and Khanh Hoa, are out of six 636 Kilo- class submarines that Vietnam ordered from Russia.

Last year, Russia handed over the first two called Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City submarines to Vietnam.

The 636 Kilo-class submarines have an over 3,000-ton displacement, and are able to operate at a maximum depth of 300 meters and at a speed of 20 nautical miles per hour with over 50 crew members. They are said to be equipped with six 533 mm torpedo tubes, torpedoes and 3M-54 Klub submarine-launched anti-ship missile on board, according to VNA.

Vietnam commissions third and fourth Kilo-class submarines

Ridzwan Rahmat, Singapore - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
04 August 2015
 
The People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) Navy has commissioned its third and fourth Russian-built Project 636 Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines (SSKs), according to local media.

The vessels, Hai Phong (HQ 184) and Khanh Hoa (HQ 185), were commissioned on 1 August at Cam Ranh Bay Naval Base in a ceremony presided over by PAVN Navy commander, Rear Admiral Pham Hoai Nam. Hai Phong and Khanh Hoa join two other vessels in the class, Hanoi (HQ 182) and Ho Chi Minh City (HQ 183), which were inducted in January and April 2014 respectively.

The Vietnamese government has a USD2 billion contract with Russia's Admiralty Shipyards for six SSKs.

MRCA: Special Funding and Advanced Negotiations

Marhalim Abas August 6, 2015 Malaysia - RMAF, Malaysian Defence

SHAH ALAM: Reuters made a big splash on July 28 when it reported that Malaysia on the verge of buying the Dassault Rafale. The story stated that Malaysia and France are “advanced negotiations” for the sale of the Dassault Rafale fighters.

This should have been posted earlier but I was distracted by the chase to land the Starstreak story.

Anyhow, reading the Reuters story one might be forgiven to think that a deal for the Rafale was imminent, though the story also cautioned that the Malaysian deal might be delayed due to fiscal troubles.

The Reuters report:

“By Cyril Altmeyer

(Reuters) – France is confident of winning two more foreign orders for its Rafale fighter jet by the beginning of next year as it seeks to extend a spate of recent export successes, a source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.

After failing for years to win an order for its warplane, France has sold 24 Rafales each to Egypt and Qatar in recent months and is in talks to finalise the sale of another 36 to India.

“There should be two other export contracts for the Rafale by the beginning of next year,” not including India, the source said.

“The most advanced discussions are with Malaysia and the UAE,” the source added.

In a further development, the source said that France was negotiating with India for options to supply further aircraft on top of the 36 Rafales the country has provisionally agreed to buy.

In April, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had ordered 36 “ready-to-fly” Rafale fighters to modernise his country’s warplane fleet, dealing directly with the French government after three years of inconclusive negotiations with the plane’s manufacturer, Dassault.

India has signalled any further purchases will come though government channels, raising doubts over the future of the stalled commercial negotiations with Dassault for 126 jets

COMPETITION

The recent spate of Rafale export orders has shaken up the global defence market and given fresh momentum to the French warplane as available production slots begin to dwindle.

Analysts and diplomats say the appetite for the jets has also risen as a result of the United States’ diminishing influence in the Arab world along with wider security concerns.

However, Dassault still faces tough competition from U.S. and European rivals.

Kuwait is expected to announce soon an order for 28 Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets, a $3 billion-plus deal that will keep the jets’ St. Louis production line running well into 2019, according to people familiar with the deal.

Malaysia, which wants to replace its fleet of Russian MiG-29 fighters, is looking at the Rafale, the F/A-18, Swedish firm Saab’s Gripen and the Eurofighter Typhoon.

While a Malaysian decision had been expected this year, aviation industry executives have warned that fiscal troubles due to lower oil and commodities prices could lead to delays in placing the order.

Indonesia, which needs to replace ageing U.S.-built F-5s, is reported to be studying the Rafale, Eurofighter and Russia’s Sukhoi Su-35 as well as Sweden’s Gripen and the Lockheed Martin F-16. The Eurofighter consortium comprises Airbus Group , representing Germany and Spain, Italy’s Finmeccanica and Britain’s BAE Systems. (Reporting by Cyril Altmeyer; Writing by Tim Hepher; Editing by Michel Rose and Pravin Char)

I am not blaming the reporter – I have been in the same situation before – but relying on a source which- is obviously a patriotic French person carries a lot of risk. That said I am not saying that Malaysia is not in advanced negotiations with the French over the MRCA programme.

Indeed a couple of my industry sources confirmed such talks are on-going. However what the anonymous source failed to inform Reuters is the fact that the advanced negotiations are also being conducted by two other countries namely the US and UK.

So in reality, if we live in a perfect world, we could be signing for the Typhoon or the Super Hornet and not just the Rafale. But that is the reality of it, with the Rafale seeming on song a well timed leak always create the bigger buzz.

My sources however pointed out that the countries which had chosen the Rafale in recent months – Qatar, Egypt and India – are all long term operators of Dassault fighters so it was not conceivable that they would again choose a French fighter for their needs.

They pointed out that another air force which had considerable experience with US fighters, Kuwait Air Force looked increasingly likely to choose the Super Hornets to replace its legacy Hornet fleet. Although Typhoon is also competing for the same deal, my sources again pointed out the Kuwaiti experience with US support and maintenance were probably a tipping factor for the Super Hornets.

It is for this reason, they said the Super Hornet was probably the favourite for the MRCA programme with the two European fighters lagging behind. Could the Rafale or Typhoon be chosen, of course, my sources said.

One thing going against the Rafale at the moment is – ironically – its recent successes. Even India with 36 Rafales selected, though not signed, are fearing that its aircraft will be delivered. The supply bottleneck will be further exacerbated if the UAE – another operator of legacy Dassault fighters – finally decides to go French again.

Both the Super Hornet and Typhoon could be delivered quickly to Malaysia however as the production line remain open though it will not be open forever.

So why we are negotiating for the MRCA when it is not listed under the RMK11 funding? The title of this post of course; Special Funding.

Although call Special Funding, if exercised, it will become part of the Security sector allocation of RMK11 or specifically defence. Huh? Yes even though the current allocation for RMK11 for the security sector does not include funds for the MRCA programme, there is a chance that it could be added later under the mid-term review.

For example, if the allocation for the security sector for RMK11 is RM16 billion (a hypothetical figure of course as it had not been announced), by adding RM2 billion for the MRCA, the final allocation will be RM18 billion. As usual any shortfall will be covered in the next Malaysian plan or the next (you get my drift)

As it is not a firm funding yet, it is called “special”. It must be noted that such special funding had been done in the past and its not specifically meant for the security sector only, it could also be given to education or any other sectors that the government sees fit.

Will the Finance Ministry commit to the special funding, which will allow for the signing of a deal within one year or so (according to my sources) I am still not convinced yet. With historic low commodity prices including oil coupled with the declining Ringgit and the current political imbroglio, I am not too optimistic.

We could however be blessed with a couple of billions in donations of course, but the donor must specifically stated MRCA for that to occur. Anyhow check back with Malaysian Defence on regular basis, hopefully I will get more updates.

the f15-sg is the replacement for the f-5.
and there are definitely more than 12... 

Brazil may acquire French Siroco LPD

Victor Barreira, Istanbul - IHS Jane's Navy International
04 August 2015
 
French authorities informed the Brazilian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 31 July that France has agreed to sell Brazil the French Navy's Siroco (L 9012) Foudre-class landing platform dock (LPD), a source told IHS Jane's .


Brazil is considering buying the French Navy's LPD Siroco, pictured here in Toulon, after Portugal dropped interest in July. (Victor Barreira)

The offer was made via the French Embassy in Brasilia and a Brazilian delegation is soon expected in Paris to discuss the potential acquisition, the source added, indicating Brazil maintains interest in procuring the ship. Portugal's recent decision not to acquire the amphibious assault vessel from France could have paved the way for Siroco 's potential transfer to Brazil.

A French Navy spokesperson told IHS Jane's on 4 August that negotiations with Brazil for the ship are progressing.

Indian Air Force Sukhois Dominate UK Fighter Jets in Combat Exercises

All India | Written by Vishnu Som | Updated: August 06, 2015 09:42 IST


In all dog fighting exercises, IAF Sukhois were able to turn sharply into the extremely agile Typhoons (on top)

NEW DELHI:  In some of the most intense international air combat exercises ever featuring the Indian Air Force, IAF pilots flying Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighters had a resounding 12-0 scoreline in their favour against Royal Air Force Typhoon jets in Within Visual Range (WVR) dogfighting operations.

In subsequent Large Force Exercises (LFE) which featured combined Eurofighter Typhoon and Su-30 formations, the IAF jets were somewhat less successful but consistently held an edge over the Typhoon.

In an exclusive interview, Group Captain Ashu Srivastav, the Contingent Commander in the exercises, told NDTV that the performance of his pilots was "exceptional." According to Group Captain Srivastav, who happens to be the IAF's most experienced Su-30 pilot, his pilots showed "flexibility and adaptability to a new environment and operating conditions and on this benchmark, I would rate them exceptional."

The 10-day exercises which commenced on July 21 was the fourth edition of the Indo-UK Bilateral exercise called 'Indradhanush'. IAF aircraft and personnel were based out of three Royal Air Force bases: four IAF Su-30 fighters operated out of RAF Coningsby, C-17 and C-130J Hercules transports were positioned at Brize Norton and Garud Commandos of the IAF operated alongside British forces at RAF Honington. The IAF also deployed an Ilyushin IL-78 air to air refuelling tanker at Brize Norton.

The IAF fleet departed India on July 15, with the fighters refuelling twice mid-air ahead of their first pit-stop at Taif in Saudi Arabia (near Jeddah). The formation then proceeded to Athens on July 16, refuelling once before their arrival. After another halt for one night, IAF aircraft flew onto the UK again refuelling once mid-air.

For the Royal Air Force, the chance to train against the Russian-designed Su-30, arguably the finest fourth generation fighter aircraft in the world, is rare. India is the largest international operator of the super-maneuverable fighter and was equally keen to pit the skills of its Top Guns against the RAF's new Eurofighter Typhoon, the mainstay of the RAF's fighter fleet.

The first week of the exercises pitted the Su-30, which NATO calls the Flanker, in a series of aerial dogfight scenarios. First, there were 1 v 1 encounters, where a single jet of each type engaged each other in Within Visual Range (WVR) combat, firing simulated missiles to a range of two miles. The exercises progressed to 2 v 2 engagements with two Eurofighters taking on two Su-30s and 2 v 1 exercises where two Sukhois took on a single Typhoon and vice versa. Notably, in the exercise where a lone Su-30 was engaged by two Typhoons, the IAF jet emerged the victor 'shooting' down both 'enemy' jets.