Indonesian Navy corvette test fires Chinese 30 mm CIWS

Ridzwan Rahmat, Singapore - IHS Jane's Navy International
16 August 2015

Key Points

* The Indonesian Navy has completed a live-fire test of the Type 730 CIWS
* The corvette Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin is the first TNI-AL vessel to be equipped with the Chinese-made system

The Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut, or TNI-AL) has conducted test firings of a Chinese-developed Type 730 close-in weapon system (CIWS) from its Kapitan Pattimura (Parchim I)-class corvette KRI Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin (376).


The Indonesian Navy's Kapitan Pattimura (Parchim I)-class corvette KRI Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin firing the Type 730 CIWS. (TNI-AL/KOARMABAR)

The testing, which took place in the second week of August, was conducted in waters around Bawean Island about 160 km north of Surabaya, according to a statement released by the TNI-AL's Western Fleet Command (KOARMABAR) on 14 August.

Published: Monday, 17 August 2015 07:30

Elbit Systems to provide Asian country with ATMOS 155mm self-propelled howitzers

The Israeli company Elbit Systems Ltd. announced on August 16, 2015, that it was awarded an approximately $27 million contract for the supply of command and control systems and ATMOS long-range artillery systems to an Asia-Pacific country. This contract is a follow-on contract for this customer and will be performed over a three-year period.

   
Elbit Systems-SOLTAM ATMOS 155mm self-propelled howitzer
   
The contract calls for the supply of a complete solution for an artillery unit, including self- propelled artillery, command stations, forward observation stations and target acquisition systems, as well as command and control systems, in an integrative solution to connect all systems. The solution, mounted on various wheeled - platforms, enhances mission flexibility, reaction speed and survivability of both the crew and the system.

Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit Systems Land and C4I Division, commented: "The customer's decision to order additional quantities under this follow-on contract further enhances Elbit Systems' position as a world leading artillery supplier, with a variety of systems that meet the global demand for light, maneuverable and rapid response platforms."

This follow-on contract could have been signed with Thailand, which has reportedly ordered in 2012 six ATMOS-2000 155mm self-propelled guns to be delivered between 2014 and 2015. According to reports on various sites, the Royal Thai Army purchased about 18 guns, with the possibility of joint production on the land of Thailand. According to pictures released on local websites, the first Elbit Systems' SOLTAM ATMOS guns have been delivered to the Thai army in March.

The ATMOS-2000 (Autonomous Truck Mounted howitzer System) is a 155 mm/52 calibre self-propelled (SP) artillery system manufactured by Soltam Systems, now part of Elbit Systems. The ATMOS is fitted with a 155 mm/52 calibre ordnance which conforms to NATO Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding (JBMoU), and is mounted on a 6 × 6 cross-country truck chassis. With a 155 mm/52 barrel, a 41 km maximum range can be achieved, using Extended Range Full-Bore - Base Bleed (ERFB-BB) projectile, 30 km firing the NATO L15 High Explosive (HE) projectile and 24.5 km firing the older M107 HE projectile. The ATMOS 2000 carries a total of 27 155 mm projectiles and associated charges[1] and can be operated by a 4 man crew, consisting of two loaders positioned one either side at the rear. The system provides a rate of fire of between 4 and 9 rds/min.

US, Malaysia Launch Naval Exercise

CARAT Malaysia 2015 kicks off.

By Prashanth Parameswaran
August 18, 2015

On August 17, the United States and Malaysia kicked off a bilateral naval exercise in Sandakan in eastern Malaysia.

The 21st annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Malaysia exercise is designed to address shared maritime security concerns, build relationships and enhance interoperability between U.S. and Malaysian Armed Forces. It is part of a series of bilateral naval exercises conducted by the U.S. Navy with partners and now involves nine countries in South and Southeast Asia – Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste (See: “US Eyes Expanded Military Exercises with ASEAN Navies”).

CARAT Malaysia 2015 will involve more than 1,000 U.S. military members alongside counterparts from the Malaysian Armed Services. It consists of five days of shore-based and at sea training events through August 21. According to a statement by the U.S. Navy seen by The Diplomat, the exercise will feature simultaneous amphibious landings, surface warfare drills, visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) demonstrations, explosive ordnance disposal training, maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations, a gunnery exercise, coastal riverine drills, and civil engineering projects between U.S. Navy Seabees and Malaysian partners. Personnel from both nations will also exchange best practices on naval tactics during a series of military seminars on shore.

U.S. units participating in the exercise include the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth, the dock landing ship USS Germantown, a P-3C Orion, a Naval Mobile Construction Battalion , a Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit, a Coastal Riverine Group, and U.S. Marines assigned to the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

According to the U.S. Navy, after more than two decades of annual CARAT training engagements between the U.S. and Malaysian Armed Forces, the exercise remains “a model for cooperation that has evolved in complexity and enables both nations to refine maritime operations and tactics.”

“CARAT is a practical way for our two navies to address shared maritime security priorities in a realistic training environment,” said Capt. H.B. Le, Commodore, Destroyer Squadron 7. “The Malaysian Armed Forces have been a part of CARAT since its inception, and our partnership’s spanning more than two decades demonstrates a firm mutual commitment to stability and security throughout the region.”

Lockheed Martin upgrades Apache laser targeting

August 18, 2015
By John Keller
Editor



ORLANDO, Fla., 18 Aug. 2015. Electro-optics experts at Lockheed Martin Corp. are upgrading the laser targeting system of the U.S. Army AH-64E Apache attack helicopter under terms of a $21.7 million contract.

Officials of the Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control segment in Orlando, Fla., announced the $21.7 million U.S. Army Lot 4 follow-on contract last week.

The contract calls for Lockheed Martin to build Modernized Laser Rangefinder Designator (M-LRFD) kits, which will improve the principal targeting aid for the Apache that enables pilots to designate targets and establish target range for accurate weapon engagement, company officials say.

The contract is part of a project to upgrade the Modernized Day Sensor Assembly (M-DSA) for the Apache helicopter. M-DSA is an upgrade to the helicopter's targeting and pilotage system, or Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS), Lockheed Martin officials say.

Lockheed Martin is on contract to produce and deliver 786 M-LRFD kits for the Army and international customers. "We are on track to equip approximately seven Apache battalions a year,” says Matt Hoffman, the M-TADS/PNVS director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

Dirgantara to launch two maritime patrol aircraft

thejakartapost.com, Jakarta | August 19 2015 | 4:47 PM

State-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI) is set to launch two maritime patrol aircraft for the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) by the end of the year.

DI president director Budi Santoso said there are currently three maritime patrol aircraft produced by DI and operated by TNI AL.

“We will add two more maritime patrol units by the end of the year,” said Budi as reported by kontan.co.id.

Budi confirmed that in February or March of next year, DI will also supply two maritime patrol aircraft for the Air Force (TNI AU). He said that each unit takes approximately 18 to 24 months to produce, depending on the type.

The maritime patrol aircraft is a modification of CN 235, the aircraft most frequently manufactured by the DI. The main modification to the maritime version is the inclusion of a large gun using 20 millimeter caliber bullets.

Price-wise, the maritime patrol aircraft is more expensive than the CN 235, which is sold for US$22 to 23 million.

“But the selling price for the three aircraft purchased by TNI AL is confidential,” said DI head of public relations Irland Budiman.

The aircraft will be used by the government to guard and monitor Indonesia's maritime resources, as illegal fishing operations continue to deplete the nation's fisheries. (nov/kes)(++++)

Philippine News Agency - August 18, 2015

Air Force looking for more advanced fighter aircraft

Despite the “air-to-air” capabilities of its South Korean-made F/A-50 “Fighting Eagle” jet aircraft, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) still has its sights on acquiring a more advanced and capable jet fighter. This was announced by PAF chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado in an interview Monday.

“The aircraft that we’ll be getting, while it has the capability to intercept and engage in air-to-air (mission) is still a transition aircraft, and hopefully in the next few years we will come up with a more advanced aircraft,” he added.

“No schedule yet because we are taking it one step at a time considering the limitations in the our budget, the limitations in our resources, so we are taking these things one step at a time but for sure we are moving forward, we are soaring high with our development as we continue to pursue the course of the Air Force Transformation Roadmap and AFP Modernization Program,” he added.

Under its Flight Plan 2028, the PAF intends to acquire and commission 12 multirole fighters (MRF) by 2021 to augment the then existing fleet of South Koren-made F/A-50 jet fighters.

MRF is a combat aircraft which is capable of conducting strike, surveillance and air-to-air superiority missions.

An example of an MRF is the McDonnell Douglas F-18 “Hornet” strike fighter which is being operated by the US and its allies.

Airbus begins work on Tiger Mk3 attack helicopter

Nicholas de Larrinaga, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
20 August 2015


OCCAR has commissioned an architecture study for the Tiger Mk3 attack helicopter, which will stem from a mid-life upgrade to the helicopter. Pictured are a French Tiger HAP and a German Tiger UHT. Source: IHS/Patrick Allen

Airbus Helicopters is working on a new version of its Tiger attack helicopter, dubbed the Tiger Mk3.

The work is being conducted under an 'architecture study' commissioned by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) on 31 July.

According to OCCAR the study aims "to define the so-called 'Tiger Mk3' - the future configurations materialising the mid-life upgrade (MLU)" to the helicopter.

The first stage will look at potential new features and enhancements to the helicopter, to improve areas such as survivability, maintainability, or operability, with "a strong focus on life cycle cost" according to OCCAR. The Tiger has been deployed on operations constantly since it made its combat debut in Afghanistan in 2009, and French Tigers have also seen service in Libya and Mali, with OCCAR noting that the Tiger Mk3 study will incorporate lessons learned during these deployments.

OCCAR states the study will allow the Tiger-operating nations (Australia, France, Germany and Spain) "to choose which combinations of equipment, functions, performances and architectures should be selected for the future development phase" of the Tiger helicopter, noting that this is planned to be "delivered within the next decade".

According to OCCAR, the requirements for the Tiger Mk3 have already been "developed and harmonised commonly" between the OCCAR nations and Australia "to maximise the cost-effectiveness of the MLU programme". The organisation adds that "furthermore, France, Germany, Spain and OCCAR are working together with Australia to establish a common cooperative framework to be used for the future preparation and development of Mk3".

Saab in Naval Plans With Lundin

Stockholm. Saab Indonesia, the local branch of Swedish aerospace and defense company Saab, plans to begin operations on its joint venture with shipbuilder Lundin Industry in East Java early next year in a strategy to strengthen its foothold in Southeast Asia's largest economy.

Peter Carlqvist, the head of Saab Indonesia, said the joint venture -- which sets out to be a hub for naval ship maintenance -- has so far secured approvals from the Defense Ministry as well as the Investment Coordinating Board.

"We are ready to operate, but we have to wait for the contract from the navy to actually start," Carlqvist said.

Saab will own 49 percent of the joint venture, while Lundin will control the remaining 51 percent, according to Carlqvist. The company will be located near the Banyuwangi naval base.

On top of a naval maintenance hub, Saab and Lundin also plan to use the joint venture to market a trimaran-based fast attack craft to potential customers in the region.

The joint venture, according to Carlqvist, embodies the commitments that Saab is prepared to do in transferring their technology to Indonesia.

The Linkoping-based defense company has been extending their reach in Indonesia since the establishment of its local representative office in 2013.

Aside from Lundin, Saab also has signed early-stage agreements with state electronics firm Len and state weapons manufacturers Pindad.

Dewa Made Juniarta Sastrawan, Indonesia's ambassador for Sweden, noted that the government has been largely positive on Saab's offers to Indonesia -- which has ranged from a national tactical data link and airborne early warning radar system to the Gripen figher jet -- but it remains unrushed in making the decision.

"I think [a collaboration with Saab] is a good opportunity. We have an opportunity to spur our downstream industry," Dewa Made told reporters in Stockholm.

"We do have to admit that our procurement process is very lengthy," he added.

Aviation expert Dudi Sudibyo echoed the ambassador's positive sentiment on the Swedish company. Instead, he questioned the readiness level of Indonesia as the receiving end of the technology transfer.

"Our typical thought is that Saab is the only one who has to put a lot of money to the transfer of technology initiative, but actually, Indonesia should play a part as well in investing as well," he said on Wednesday.

GlobeAsia traveled to Sweden at Saab's invitation.

GlobeAsia

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



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

Thailand receives four EC725 helos

Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
24 August 2015


Two of the Royal Thai Air Force's first batch of four EC725 helicopters that have now been delivered. The service is to receive another two in 2016. Source: Airbus Helicopters

The Royal Thai Air Force (Kongtap Agard Thai - RTAF) has received into service four Airbus Helicopters EC725 utility helicopters it ordered in 2012, the company announced on 25 August.

The medium-lift helicopters will be used for search-and-rescue and troop transport duties from September. The helicopters will be fielded by the 203 Helicopter Squadron based at Lop Buri in central Thailand.

Once operational, these helicopters will enable the RTAF to begin the retirement process for the 18 Bell UH-1H 'Huey' helicopters that have been in service since 1968.

With delivery of the first batch of four EC725 helicopters now complete, the RTAF will receive next year a further two that were ordered in 2014.

While Airbus Helicopters has now redesignated the EC725 as the H225M as part of a portfolio-wide renaming process, those helicopters that have been delivered to the RTAF retain their former identifier as they were contracted before the new naming process was introduced.

The RTAF's current rotary-winged fleet now comprises four H225Ms; 18 UH-1Hs; two Bell 412s; two 412SPs; one 412HP; seven 412EPs; and three Sikorsky S-92 Super Hawks. The Royal Thai Army has seven Bell AH-1F Cobra; six Boeing CH-47D Chinook; three Mil Mi-17V5 'Hip'; four Sikorsky MH-60S Knighthawk; 60 UH-1H; 48 Agusta-Bell 212; 10 Bell 206B; and 40 Sikorsky TH-300C helicopters in its inventory. The Royal Thai Navy fields two Sikorsky MH-60S Knighthawks; three UH-1Hs; four 214STs; two AgustaWestland Super Lynxes; six Sikorsky S-70B Seahawks; four AB212s; and four Sikorsky S-76Bs.

Indonesia Pertimbangkan Pembelian Sistem Rudal Antipesawat S-300

24 Agustus 2015 VPK

Indonesia sedang mempertimbangkan untuk membeli sistem rudal antipesawat jarak jauh S-300 dan beberapa senjata lainnya.

Seperti yang dikabarkan oleh GATRA News, Atase Pertahanan Republik Indonesia di Rusia Kolonel Andi Kustoro menyampaikan bahwa angkatan bersenjata Indonesia kini sedang gencar mengadakan modernisasi senjata dan berencana untuk membeli perangkat teknik baru.

Secara khusus, menurut Kustoro, setelah pembelian BMP-3F milik Rusia, kini Indonesia sedang mempertimbangkan pembelian simulator helikopter serta sistem rudal antipesawat S-300.

Selain itu, ada kemungkinan pembelian tambahan pesawat tempur multifungsi Su-30MK2.

Menurut TsAMTO, dalam beberapa tahun terakhir Indonesia telah membeli sistem rudal jarak pendek antipesawat dari tiga pemasok: Tiongkok, Polandia dan Prancis. Namun demikian, rencana pembelian sistem rudal jarak jauh hingga saat ini belum dikabarkan.

Tahun lalu, perusahaan Pertahanan Udara "Almaz-Antey" pada Pameran Senjata Internasional INDO Defence 2014 di Jakarta menampilkan berbagai sistem pertahanan udara, termasuk S-300VM "Antey-2500", "Tor-M2E", "Tor-M2KM", "Buk-M2E", dan instalasi tourel (instalasi khusus yang digunakan untuk senapan mesin dan senjata) "Komar" untuk sistem pertahanan udara portabel "Igla".
 
Pertama kali dipublikasikan di Novosti VPK

Indonesia, Boeing discuss Chinook offsets

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

Indonesia is in discussions with Boeing about offsets related to a planned acquisition of four CH-47F Chinook helicopters.

Boeing technicians have visited Indonesian Aerospace (also known as Dirgantara Indonesia) in Bandung to discuss potential workshare in the programme, and the company has held talks with defence minister Ryamizard Ryacudu about the deal, according to a defence ministry statement.

“The Ministry of Defence plans to buy four Chinook helicopters to strengthen the air force's capabilities. This purchase can be tailored to the real threats facing Indonesia, especially the problem of natural disasters,” says the ministry.

In February, a previous statement from the ministry revealed that talks for the Chinook are underway.

Ten years ago, in 2005, Jakarta 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.