Thailand's Chaiseri wins Malaysian Army 4x4 contract

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

Thai firm Chaiseri Metal & Rubber has won a contract from the Malaysian government to supply 4x4 multipurpose armoured vehicles to the Malaysian Army, it has been confirmed to IHS Jane's . The contract represents one of Thailand's largest known military export programmes.

Karn Hirankul, general director of Chaiseri, said on 7 September that the on-order vehicles would be modified versions of Chaiseri's 4x4 'First Win' vehicle, which is in operation by the Royal Thai Army and Thailand's Ministry of Justice's Department of Special Investigation. In Malaysia the vehicles will be known as AV4.

Karn said that under the terms of the contract, the value of which was not revealed, the first six AV4 units will be built by Chaiseri at its facilities in Pathum Thani province and delivered to Malaysia in the first quarter of 2016.

In pics: China’s light attack helicopter Z-19E equipped with weapons

(People's Daily Online)16:19, September 08, 2015

China’s light attack helicopter, Z-19E, developed by Harbin Aircraft Industrial Corporation already attracts much attention before the third International Helicopter Exposition held in Tianjin from Sept. 9-13, 2015. (People’s Daily Online/ Yan Jiaqi)

Boustead bags extension contract worth RM43.45m from Ministry of Defence

By Gho Chee Yuan / theedgemarkets.com  | September 7, 2015 : 6:08 PM MYT 

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 7): Boustead Holdings Bhd ( Valuation: 2.00, Fundamental: 0.65) has bagged a contract extension for the supply and delivery of spare parts and training for the 23rd Navy Frigate Squadron from Ministry of Defence valued at RM43.45 million.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, Boustead said its subsidiary, Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd, has received a letter of award from the Ministry of Defence last Thursday (Sept 3).

The diversified group said the extension was for a period of two years up to Sept 9, 2017 for the remaining contract value of RM43.45 million.

Boustead said the contract will not have a material effect on the group's earnings.

Recall that Boustead bagged the contract from Ministry of Defence on Sept 11, 2011 with an initial value of RM70 million. The contract was for a period of three years upon its commencement.

Shares in Boustead closed at RM3.82 today, gained one sen with some 156,100 shares traded. It has a market capitalisation of RM3.94 billion.

The 30-tonne Terrex 2 is an indigenously developed 8x8 armoured vehicle developed for the domestic and international markets. It incorporates a range of new technologies designed for improved amphibious performance as well as protection and situational awareness. Source: ST Kinetics

The Terrex 2 incorporates the best features of the current Terrex infantry carrier vehicle and the prototype vehicle that was developed to participate in the US Marine Corps' ongoing Amphibious Combat Vehicle programme. The vehicle is seen here undergoing mobility trials at its test facility in Singapore, with its raised snorkel and specially designed radiator system on the forward section of the roof. (ST Kinetics)

The driver's console features increased digitisation, with two touch screen consoles facilitating speedy access to information and settings on the vehicle's health, driving configuration, and other critical functions. Instead of physical gauges located out of the driver's immediate visibility, dashboard information is overlaid on the LCD display immediately underneath the viewports to improve usability and driving safety. (ST Kinetics)

Gov’t allocating P35B to buy 12 fighter planes, 2 frigates

by Charissa Luci
September 9, 2015 (updated)

The government is allocating P35 billion for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program next year, including the purchase of 12 fighter aircraft, two long-range patrol aircraft, two frigates, and radar systems.

The budget is part of the proposed P158.86-billion budget of the Department of the National Defense (DND) for 2016.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the DND’s budget for next year is 11.6 percent more than the 2015 budget of P142.30 billion.

Defense Undersecretary for Finance, Munitions and Material Fernando Manalo said that of the P35-billion modernization fund, P10 billion is unprogrammed.

“The utilization of this amount will be to pay the multi-year obligational authority for the 30 projects approved by the President,” Manalo told the House Committee on Appropriations after Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, chairman of the House Committee on National Defense and Security, asked him to clarify the budget.

The DND official said the P25-billion allocation will be spent to purchase the frigates, the fighter planes, as well as radar systems, and other military hardware to boost the defense capacity of the AFP.

He also told that the panel that the cost of 30 projects, which were approved by the President in July this year as part of the AFP Modernization Program until 2017, is P83.919 billion. Included in this amount is the P35 billion for the modernization program in 2016.

Of the total budget for 2016, P63.33 billion will be allocated to Personal Services (PS), P26.72 billion for the maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), and P25.79 billion for Capital Outlay (CO).

Gazmin said the PS component shall support a staffing summary of line agencies composed of 12,049 civilian employees and 62,348 CAFGU members.

Of the PS allocation, P677.27 million shall support the fill-up of vacant positions and P4.24 billion for adjustment of daily allowance or regular troops from P90 to P150.

Gazmin also said that a total of P353.64 million will be allocated  for various repair and construction projects to house equipment acquired out of the AFP Modernization Program.

Also included in the DND budget are the P310.74 million for various construction and equipment acquisition projects of DND agencies and P76.90 million for acquisition of hardware based on its information systems strategic plan.

The funding breakdown by mission area are as follows: P63.56 billion for territorial defense, security, and stability; P1.53 billion for humanitarian assistance and disaster risk reduction; P667.81 billion for international engagements and peace support operations; and P93.10 billion for force level command and control, support and training inclusive of the pension of veterans and AFP retirees.

Can the US Marines Help Build Indonesia’s Amphibious Capabilities?

The effort could play an important role in the rebalance.

By Grant Newsham and Swee Lean Collin Koh
September 10, 2015

As a vast archipelagic nation-state prone to natural disasters, having a strong amphibious capability would appear to be a natural requirement for Indonesia. And as a part of the Indonesian Navy, the Marine Corps (Korps Marinir or KORMAR) has a key role to play in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR). Under the Minimum Essential Force (MEF) blueprint, Indonesia envisages by 2024 a greenwater navy capable of undertaking missions within its immediate regional waters as well as limited outreach beyond.

Under former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, KORMAR, much like its sister branches, did experience some qualitative improvements. There was expected to continue under current President Joko Widodo, who in November 2014 outlined a vision of Indonesia as a Global Maritime Fulcrum. Of the five pillars of this vision, enhancing maritime defense lends further impetus for the ongoing MEF plan. Moreover, this pillar implicitly goes beyond continuing the primary focus of equipment upgrades. In particular, there is more to amphibious capacity-building than simply acquiring the hardware.

For instance, even an advanced, relatively well-funded navy such as the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) faces similar challenges. In the aftermath of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011, the JMSDF arrived on scene within a matter of hours. However, since it had no real amphibious capability – despite having some amphibious hardware – there was practically nothing to be done except to sit offshore while an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 survivors – who otherwise could have been saved – froze to death in the first 24-48 hours. Hence, there are some very practical reasons for developing and improving amphibious capabilities.

America's F-15 Eagle vs. Russia's Su-35 Fighter: Who Wins?



Dave Majumdar
September 10, 2015

The Boeing F-15C Eagle has been in service with the U.S. Air Force for nearly 40 years and will likely serve for decades to come. Over the years, the mighty F-15 has been upgraded to keep pace with evolving threats, but does the venerable Eagle still have what it takes to dominate the skies?

The answer is yes—absolutely. The Eagle may be old, but it’s still one of the best air superiority fighters flying. The only operational aircraft that is definitively superior to the F-15 in most respects is the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor—other machines have the edge in certain aspects, but the F-15C is still competitive overall despite what the business development departments at various rival contractors might say.

Perhaps the most advanced threat the F-15 is likely to encounter is the Russian-built Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E. While there are more advanced threats in development, those aircraft are likely to be too expensive to ever become commonplace. The Su-35 isn’t the most common potential threat out there, but there is a good chance it will proliferate. Indonesia has reportedly decided to purchase the Su-35, and we know that the Chinese have had discussions about a potential purchase.

The Su-35 is a genuinely dangerous war machine, and in many metrics, it matches or even exceeds the capabilities of the latest upgrades for the F-15. In terms of pure kinematic performance, the Su-35 is slightly slower than the F-15C in terms of max speed but it can out accelerate the Eagle with its powerful twin Saturn Izdeliye 117S engines, which put out 31,900lbs of thrust each. Further, when the jet is relatively lightly loaded, it can maintain supersonic speeds without the use of its afterburners.

While excellent acceleration at high altitude to supersonic speeds is a huge advantage, the F-15C is no slouch—and it wouldn’t be a decisive edge for the Russian jet. However, where the Su-35 does have an insurmountable edge is at low speeds. The Flanker-E has three-dimensional thrust vectoring and is unbelievably maneuverable at low speeds. However, given the advent of helmet mounted cuing systems and high off-boresight missiles like the AIM-9X and Russian R-73, more often than not, close in visual encounters tend to be “mutual kill” situations as many pilots can attest. A lot of it is going to come down to pilot skill and, frankly, luck. 

At longer ranges, the F-15C and the F-15E still have the advantage over the Su-35 with their active electronically scanned array radars. The Raytheon APG-63 (v) 3 and APG-82 (v)1 on the two Eagle variants are still considerably superior to the Su-35S’ Tikhomirov IRBIS-E phased array radar. The Su-35 does hold a fleeting advantage for now for passive sensors since it has a built-in infrared search and track system (IRST), but the F-15 fleet will receive a very capable IRST in the near future—nullifying the Flanker’s edge.

One area the Flanker-E probably holds the edge is with its electronic warfare suite. The Su-35S boasts a potent digital radio frequency memory jamming suite that can wreck havoc with the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile. While American missiles are likely to eventually make it through, it will take many more missiles to achieve a kill than planners were counting on. The Su-35, meanwhile, carries a huge arsenal of air-to-air missiles versus the F-15 fleet’s obsolete defensive electronics. The U.S. Air Force is keenly aware of the problem, which is why it places such emphasis of on the $7.6 billion Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System upgrade.

Pak-Russia talks on delivery of Su-35, Mi-35s underway: Russian Deputy FM

DAWN.COM — UPDATED ABOUT 21 HOURS AGO

NIZHYNY TAGIL: Pakistan and Russia are in talks about the delivery of Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and previously agreed upon delivery of Mi-35M helicopters, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister (FM) Sergei Ryabkov said, Sputnik reported.

Earlier this year, a draft contract for the delivery of four Mi-35M 'Hind E' combat helicopters was sent to Pakistan from Russia, a source in the Russian military and technical cooperation was quoted by the Russian news agency TASS.

Increasing military cooperation between Islamabad and Moscow would not negatively impact Russia's ties with India, Ryabkov said, adding that Pak-Russia ties were improving in other sectors as well ─ including energy.

The Russian Deputy FM Ryabkov referred to Pakistan as Russia's closest partner and said, "I do not think that the contacts under discussion will cause jealousy on the part of any of the two sides."

The twin-engine Su-35 is a fourth generation multi-role combat aircraft which also incorporates technology from fifth generation jets, according to details available on the Sukhoi company's website. It is also said to be more agile as compared to previous models.

Pakistan and Russia had signed a bilateral defence cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening military-to-military relations in November last year. The deal had to be followed by another ‘technical cooperation agreement’ to pave the way for sale of defence equipment to Pakistan.

Analysts Skeptical Over Pakistan-Russia Su-35 Negotiations

By Usman Ansari
14 hours ago


Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images
A Sukhoi SU-35 fighter performs during a test flight ahead of the Airshow more

ISLAMABAD — Analysts are generally skeptical at present of reports Pakistan and Russia are engaged in negotiations for the delivery of a number of Su-35 Flanker E fighter aircraft, though there is a potential requirement for such a heavy fighter.

The reports, first published in Russian media, cited Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying both sides were negotiating for the delivery of an unspecified number of Su-35 jets alongside the Mi-35M "Hind E" helicopter gunships that have recently been agreed upon.

However, no word on any such negotiations was received from the Ministry of Defence Production in Pakistan when asked for comment on the issue. The agency also handles acquisition.

Experts are generally skeptical of any Su-35 being acquired by Pakistan.

Author, analyst and former Australian defense attache to Islamabad, Brian Cloughley, said he "would be most surprised if there were to be any arrangement for provision of Su-35s."

"The Indians would be extremely upset, to the point of a major diplomatic rift," Cloughley said.

Indonesia to “Prioritize” Su-35 Aircraft Procurement Despite Budget Cuts

Source : Our Bureau ~ Dated : Sunday, September 13, 2015 @ 06:23 AM

The Indonesian Military (TNI) will “prioritize” Su-35 fighter jets procurement along with radars, kilo-class submarines and frigates during the 2016 financial year.

Responding to a planned defense budget cut, Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo said that he would order a reduction in the procurement of new weapons but prioritize that needed to confront the actual threats the country is facing.

“With the available budget we will try to adjust to our needs. We will evaluate and make a priority list,” Gatot told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting with the House of Representatives, the Jakarta Post reported Friday.

For instance, in 2016 the Air Force could prioritize buying radars and Sukhoi SU-35 jet fighters, while the Navy could aim to procure submarine-kilo class, frigates and radars. He declined to give details on the Army’s priority list.

“As we plan to turn Indonesia into a maritime axis, we should strengthen our presence in airspace and the sea,” Gatot said.

The Indonesian government has planned to cut its defense allocation for next year by 6.3 per cent, or Rp 7 trillion (US$490 million). Initially the military needed an additional Rp 35 trillion (US$2.3 billion) to achieve the Minimum Essential Force (MEF) target.

Indonesia, UAE enhance defence cooperation

14th September 2015 - 11:40 by Darren Lake in Jakarta



During a head of state visit to the Middle East, Indonesia and United Arab Emirates officials have signed an agreement to cooperate on a number of defence projects.

Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo is in the region to discuss a number of key economic opportunities that include the potential for Indonesia to collaborate with the UAE and others in the region.

The agreement has been signed by Indonesian state enterprise Pindad and will cover a number of projects and the transfer of technology. Pindad has undertaken to licence and market its SS2 rifle and ammunition through Continental Aviation Services and the latter has agreed to cooperate with Pindad in transferring the technology of a remote weapon station that is developing in collaboration with Rheinmetall Defense Canada.

Juergen Fiebig, CEO of CAS, said in a statement that: ‘We agreed to cooperate with Pindad as 'special hub' for our RWS products to market in Indonesia and Southeast Asia,’

Speaking exclusively to Shephard in Jakarta last week the Director of Pindad, Silmy Karim, said that securing the capability to develop technology like RWS was key to the future success of Pindad as it attempts to move from being a state armament provider to a more responsive business.

In addition to the memorandum of understanding Pindad is now also exploring the potential of collaborating with the UAE on the development of the Tank Boat. The concept for a small patrol craft mounted with a 105mm gun has been developed jointly by private Indonesian ship manufacturer Lundin and CMI Defence.

Pindad has an existing partnership agreement with CMI to develop both 90mm and 105mm guns. The former has already been integrated on the Badak 6x6 IFV and the 105mm is expected to be the turret that will arm the medium tank being developed by Pindad with the support of FNSS.

The companies involved believe they have identified a global market of up to some 200 units for the Tank Boat, including locally in Indonesia. The UAE has expressed interest in the concept and Director of Lundin, Liza Lundin, said that up to 100 units could be procured by the country.

Ishi Gonzales - September 15, 2015

Transfer of Korean corvette to Philippine Navy to proceed with ‘best support’

South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo confirmed at a press conference at Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Monday that the transfer of military equipment including a Pohang-class corvette to Philippine military is going on as planned.

“The relevant assets we are transferring to the Philippines is going as planned and we will give the best of support,” Minister Han said as quoted by Philippine News Agency.

South Korea sees the donation as a small token compared with the great contribution of Filipino troops during the Korean War.

It is expected that the said warship will arrive with intact armament and sensors.

The South Korean government has committed a corvette, a landing craft utility and 16 rubber boats.

The landing craft utility and rubber boats have already arrived May this year.