Malaysia Defence Minister: I'm not quitting

The Star/Asia News Network Wednesday, Jun 03, 2015

PETALING JAYA - Negative spin - that's how Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has described speculation that he may resign from the Cabinet soon.

"No i am not - 'negative spin' by some irresponsible people," he tweeted Wednesday morning, in response to a Twitter follower who asked if he was really quitting.

Since Tuesday, social media has been rife with rumours that Hishammuddin might quit within 48 hours, following his tweeted response to the Prime Minister's reported ultimatum to Cabinet members last Friday.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had reportedly told the Cabinet to "stand with him or resign" over the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) issue.

In response, Hishammuddin had tweeted that he agreed with the ultimatum but set three conditions - that there be rationalisation of 1MDB, accountability and transparency.

Malaysia’s defence sees an upgrade

FMT Reporters |  June 3, 2015

Minister of Defence announces a line of upgrades for the nation’s military.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will soon see a number of military and defence upgrades especially along the Sabah border, according to Minister of Defence Hishammuddin Hussein.

At a press conference today, Hishammuddin announced that he and officers from the Ministry of Defence had detailed the ministry’s direction for the next five years and said it would include items detailed in the 11th Malaysia Plan in regard to the nation’s safety.

According to him, the ministry would uphold the nation’s defensive portfolio with a focus on four major aspects i.e. increasing the preparedness of the Malaysian Armed Forces’ physical assets and facilities; increasing its capability to face non-traditional threats in Sabah; improving the welfare of members and veterans of the Armed Forces; and strengthening the commercial and innovative sector of the defence industry.

“Sabah has always been a flashpoint that we need to address. We cannot let our guard down – we need constant monitoring,” said Hishammuddin.

“Our (mobile) offshore bases will be leaving tomorrow and will be in position soon,” he added, saying that such bases were already at Sabah.

This was said in regard to the Ministry’s initiatives already in play to strengthen defences around Sabah, among which would be the formation of two forward sea bases, the mobilisation of 12 high-speed Mark V Special Operation Craft (SOC) boats, and 12 8×8 GEMPITA Shielded Vehicles placed in Kukusan Camp, Tawau in January, among others.

Three battalions of standard infantry will also be placed around Sabah, specifically in Lahad Datu, Lok Kawi, and Labuan.

The navy will also be constructing the infrastructure necessary for refits of its Scorpene submarines, which are slated for completion at the end of the year.

“These initiatives to increase the level of Sabah’s defence will be upheld in the 11th Malaysia Plan,” said Hishammuddin.

Tom Waldwyn: East Asian procurement – recent aerospace and maritime activity

Date: 04 June 2015

By Tom Waldwyn, Assistant Research Analyst for Maritime Forces and Defence Industry

The past six months have seen notable developments in the procurement programmes of East Asian countries, as well as requests to the United States for the sale of military equipment. These developments have been chiefly in the maritime and aerospace domains.

Maritime

Submarines

East Asian countries have continued to place a priority on improving their submarine capabilities with modern and often indigenously built boats. In November 2014, Korean shipbuilder DSME finally cut the steel of the first KSS-III hunter-killer submarine (SSK). This programme has suffered from significant delays and the first boat is due to enter service after 2020. The KS-II (German design Type-214, but locally built) SSK programme is ongoing and the sixth of class was launched in May 2015.

Japan has also continued to modernise its own capabilities and commissioned its sixth Soryu-class SSK, Kokuryu, in March 2015. The continued success of this programme will support Japan’s efforts to win Australia’s submarine competition. Japan’s National Security Council has now approved participation in the bidding process and some analysts have described the Japanese entrant as the favourite.

Principal Surface Combatants

China’s impressive rate of commissioning major surface vessels stands out amongst East Asian countries, as discussed in a previous Military Balance blog post, as it seeks to modernise its naval forces. Most recently, the seventeenth Type-54A frigate, Huanggang, was commissioned, as were additional Type-56 and Type-56A (anti-submarine-warfare variant) corvettes. However, Australia and the Republic of Korea have also taken significant steps to improve their navies. In October 2014, STX Offshore & Shipbuilding launched the fifth Incheon-class frigate for South Korea and in May 2015 the AWD Alliance launched the first Hobart-class Air-Warfare Destroyer for Australia.

Amphibious Vessels

Both South Korea and Australia have also moved to enhance their strategic lift capabilities with the commissioning in late 2014 of the first Canberra-class landing helicopter dock and the November 2014 delivery of the first Cheonwangbong-class amphibious landing ship for Australia and South Korea respectively. However, it was the commissioning of Japan’s Izumo-class helicopter carrier in the same month that grabbed the headlines.

Aerospace

Transport Aircraft and UAVs

South Korea has given a boost to its aerospace sector by naming KAI as the preferred bidder in the KF-X project. This programme will develop a new multi-role fighter aircraft for both South Korea and Indonesia. The former is expected to buy 120 and the latter 50 aircraft as part of the deal. The project is estimated to be worth US$7.7 billion and shows the continuing ambition of South Korea’s indigenous military aerospace industry, following on from the T-50 Golden Eagle.

In March 2015 Malaysia became the fifth country to receive the Airbus A400M heavy transport. This was the first aircraft from an order for four placed in 2006 and represents a significant improvement in the country’s airlift capability.

In December 2014, South Korea placed an order for four RQ-4B Block 30 Global Hawk ISR UAVs for US$657.4 million. Seoul already operates the Night Intruder and the Searcher but the Global Hawk would be by far the country’s most capable UAV. The order is expected to be completed by the end of June 2019.

Helicopters

In March 2015 a significant deal, potentially worth as much as US$10bn, was signed by Airbus and KAI. The two companies will work together to produce a civil and military version of the H155 for South Korea and produce around 100 and 200 of each type, respectively. On the other side of the continent, Indonesia finally signed a long-anticipated US$295.8m deal with Boeing for eight AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. The AH-64E is the latest variant and represents a significant upgrade of the army’s rotary capability from the Soviet-era Mi-35Ps currently in service.

Missiles and Air Defence

In recent months, the US State Department has accepted requests by several East Asian countries for missiles, as these states seek to modernise their stockpiles.

Thursday, June 4th, 2015 | 19:17

Indonesian Chinook Helicopter Purchase Plan



Jakarta - The Ministry of Defence (Ministry of Defense) plans to purchase Chinook helicopter combat types from the United States aircraft manufacturer, Boeing.

Said Salim a military observers said that it is a reasonable decision. "If we have money, buy the most sophisticated weapons, that's good," said Salim told reporters at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Thursday (4/6).

He claimed that he had asked President Jokowi to increase defense equipment. "I told Mr. President earlier. I strongly support sophisticated defense equipment for our soldiers," he concluded.

Carlos KY Paath / AF

DEW completes keel-laying for eight Bangladesh Navy high-speed patrol boats

Mrityunjoy Mazumdar, Alameda, California - IHS Jane's Navy International
02 June 2015


An artist's illustration of the BN's X12 high-speed patrol boat to be built by DEW Narayanganj. Source: DEW

Key Points

- The Bangladesh Navy-owned shipyard DEW has laid keels for eight new X12 high-speed patrol boats
- The boats are being built to the PT Lundin (North Sea Boats) X12 design

Dockyard and Engineering Works (DEW) Narayanganj, the Bangladesh Navy (BN)-owned shipyard, announced recently that it held a keel-laying ceremony for eight high-speed patrol boats for the BN.

The boats are being built to the X12 design under a technology transfer arrangement with Indonesia's PT Lundin (North Sea Boats), which secured a contract to supply 18 boats to the BN and the Bangladesh Coast Guard in 2014. The contract is valued at IDR75 billion (USD6 million), according to Indonesian media reports. IHS Jane's reported in November 2014 that this contract also has an option clause for 10 more boats.

The fully composite X12 design is based on PT Lundin's X15 patrol boat concept, itself derived from the Swedish Combat Boat 90 (CB90) concept. The use of advanced composites in constructing the high-speed patrol boats to Bureau Veritas classification rules will be a first for DEW.

PT Lundin's X12 design (what is perhaps a new monohull design) is being built in two variants for Bangladesh - a 'combat boat' version for the navy and a full cabin variant for the coastguard. PT Lundin confirmed to IHS Jane's that two X12 craft for the Bangladesh Coast Guard were completed earlier this year at its facility in Banyuwangi, Indonesia.

A graphic of the patrol boats, released by DEW, shows a full cabin superstructure instead of the truncated superstructure arrangement on the X15. At the same time, ceremonial banners and data boards from the keel-laying ceremony on 24 May clearly show the 'combat boat' variant of the X12.

The X12 boats are 11.7 m long and 3.5 m in beam, draw 0.835 m of water, displace 10.2 tonnes fully loaded, and have a top speed of 35 kt. They have a waterjet propulsion system powered by two Volvo Penta engines producing 320 kW at 3,500 rpm, which drive the waterjets through ZF gearboxes. Electrical power is provided by two 6 kW Cummins diesel generators. The boats are equipped with two 765-litre fuel tanks.

The boats are likely to be fitted with two or more machine guns - one mounted amidships atop the cabin and the other(s) mounted aft on the deck. The DEW graphic also shows a small mast-mounted radar.

While the DEW release did not provide details on delivery schedules, Indonesian media reports (citing PT Lundin sources) suggest that the boats will likely be completed in about 12 months or so, using a parallel construction approach.

Indonesia complains to Australia over treatment of soldiers at shooting competition

BY INDONESIA CORRESPONDENT GEORGE ROBERTS
THU AT 5:36AM

Indonesia's military says it has complained about what it believes was discriminatory treatment of its army personnel during an Australian shooting competition last month.

Marksmen from the Indonesian army thrashed competitors in a shooting competition in Victoria, winning 30 gold medals, 16 silver and 10 bronze.

In contrast, Australian army personnel only won four gold, nine silver and six bronze.

Indonesia's army spokesman said his shooters were singled out by the Australian military and were asked to have their weapons dismantled and inspected.

Brigadier general Wuryanto said Indonesia complained because it is not in the rules and no other competitors were asked to present their weapons for inspection.

The annual shooting competition is hosted by the Australian army and was held at Puckapunyal.

It was the eighth consecutive year Indonesia's marksmen have won the overall competition.

Indonesia starts construction of second PH Navy warship

Frances Mangosing
INQUIRER.net
6:12 PM | Monday, June 8th, 2015

INDONESIA’S state-owned shipbuilder has started to build the second of two strategic sealift vessels for the Philippine Navy.

A report from Indonesia’s  Antara News last June 5 said the keel-laying of the second ship by shipbuilder PT PAL was held recently at the Surabaya shipyard.

The keel-laying is a traditional ceremony designed to inaugurate the construction of shipbuilding.

“What we are doing now has reached 25%, and for the import of equipment that we need the existing 80%. Hopefully the process will be timely and on November 2015 we will launch,” he said in Surabaya, East Java,” Firmansyah Arifin, director of PT PAL Indonesia said in the report.

The keel-laying was attended by Navy Vice Commander Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad and Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Leopoldo Alano, said Navy public affairs office chief Cmdr. Lued Lincuna.

The delivery of the first vessel is scheduled on May 2016. The second is scheduled to arrive the following year.

The ships are worth P3.87 billion. The vessel is designed with a length of 123 meters, a width of 21.8 meters and is capable of transporting 500 troops and a weight of up to 10,300 tons, which can go for 30 days at a distance of 9,360 sea mill with a maximum speed of 16 knots.

The vessel is also capable of carrying two helicopters, and a transport vessel “landing craft utility” and tanks to military trucks. AC

RMK11 Unofficial List: Helicopters

Marhalim Abas June 9, 2015 Malaysia -Armed Forces

SHAH ALAM: AS the Malaysian Defence unofficial RMK11 Wish List started with helicopters, I guess the first unofficial RMK11 list should also start with the rotary wing.

As with the unofficial wish list, I do not claim this post and subsequent one as a full confirmation of the assets to be procured. Since I have been told that I was wrong (even by my own readers) on many occasions I guess you should take this with a pinch of salt!

ASW helicopters. It appears that RMN’s long outstanding plans for ASW helicopters will be fulfilled this time around. However as the programme had fallen short before- twice – do not be surprised if funding is taken away at the last minute for other programmes.

As mentioned in the previous post, three machines are expected to contest for the six-helicopter programme. The candidates are AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat, Sikorsky SH-70 Seahawk and the Airbus Helicopter H225M Cougar.

With the H225M already in service with RMAF and a simulator already operating in country, it is clear that the ASW version of the Cougar (already selected by Poland) will be the machine to beat this time around.

As the ASW helicopters are expected to operate mostly in the South China Sea, the Cougar’s bigger hauling capability and longer range are big plus points compared to its smaller competitors. That said the Wildcat and Seahawk smaller size will allow them to be deployed on RMN’s other ships apart from the LCS and the Lekius.

Attack Helicopter. Unfortunately I was told that it will not happen this time. However, we may get the second prize, a light scout attack helicopter in the class of the Boeing AH-6i and the MD Helicopters MD 530G (both are derived from the MD500), known almost colloquially as Little Bird . The MD 530G was displayed at LIMA 2015 with many VIPs taking to the skies for test rides. Which ever helicopter chosen, it is likely to be deployed to the eastern coast of Sabah to protect against possible incursions by kidnappers/pirates or even a self-styled army.

If selected, the light scout attack helicopters are expected to be fitted with forward firing weapons – the Dillon mini-guns and most probably gun and rocket pods. It will be ironic if the gun and rocket pods are procured, these are the weapons already cleared for the AW109 but not purchased. Instead we choose to mount the mini guns on board them, which have ye to be certified by the manufacturer.

Currently the Saudi Forces are using the AH-6Is while the Afghan Army operates the MD-530F in both training and light attack roles. Apart from the mini-guns and rocket pods, the AH-6i is also cleared for Hellfire ATGMs (note the pylons on the picture below) while the 530G is waiting for a customer to request for the capability.

The US Special Forces operates the most advanced version of the Little Bird, the MH-6M. Apart from attack and scout roles, the helicopter are also used to transport up to six SF operators into combat zones.

Heavy Lift helicopters. This was not in the unofficial list. However I was told that with the emphasis on maritime and HADR operations, it appears that heavy lift helicopters would be among assets to be procured this time around.

These machines are likely to be Chinooks or Sea Stallions from ex-US stocks. Numbers are small I am told but it could be higher depending on the circumstances – funding etc. If the procurement do go through it may affect the chance for more H225M purchase for the RMAF

Other Users. I have not heard anything about the police and MMEA. I believed it is more likely that the PDRM will get new helicopters this time though numbers and make remained unknown at this moment. Another agency, Bomba, which also listed the need for two super medium weight helicopters for RMK11 is also likely to get them.

No: CR-107-15
June 08, 2015

CONTRACTS

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

ARMY

Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture, Tucson, Arizona, was awarded a $70,239,965 modification (PZ0022) to foreign military sales contract (W31P4Q-13-C-0129) that definitizes fiscal 2013 and 2014 production year lot for Army Javelin requirements included in letter contract and establishes option pricing for fiscal 2015. Affected countries include New Zealand, Jordan, Indonesia, Lithuania, Qatar, Oman, Ireland and Estonia. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2017. Fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015 Other funds are being obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal - Missile, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

Fed govt approves budget allocation on boats for ESSCOM

5th June, 2015

KOTA KINABALU: The Federal Government has approved a special allocation of RM23 million for the purchase of various assets including more than 200 boats urgently needed by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM).

Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Dr.Ali Hamsa said there is a pressing need for the assets to face the threat of cross-border crime, particularly kidnapping in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE).

He said the allocation is in addition to the RM660 million given to ESSCOM as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak when tabling the 2015 Budget last year

“The government has approved an additional RM23 million to the existing allocation for the purchase of small assets that are needed immediately which include the purchase of more than 200 boats, to strengthen security in the waters of ESSZONE,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after a meeting with the officials of ESSCOM and representatives of the top management of federal agencies, at the office of the Sabah Federal Secretary in the Federal Administrative Complex here yesterday.

Also present were the Director-General of Public Service Tan Sri Mohamad Zabidi Zainal, Commander of ESSCOM, DCP Dato Abd Rashid Harun and ESSCOM CEO, Ruji Ubi.

Ali Hamsa said the meeting, among others, discussed and carefully studied the mechanism to expedite the procurement of equipment and assets needed by ESSCOM.

“Our discussions were mostly on the process for expediting the procurement of equipment and assets for ESSCOM and if there were anything that delayed the process, it was discussed and addressed.

“From now on all will be expedited for ESSCOM … so there is no problem. What is important is that the main objective of this meeting is to ensure security in ESSZONE is guaranteed,” he said.

He added that the agencies concerned should also take action to ensure adequate assets and personnel to ensure security in the area.

“The purchase of the boat is immediate and if there are local suppliers who are ready, we will buy immediately. If not, we will make bookings,” he said.

Previously, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim was quoted as saying that out of the total allocation of RM660 million, ESSCOM was allotted RM65.9 million of which RM17 million was for operations and RM48.9 million for development.

The remainder was allotted to other security agencies such as the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM).

ATM was granted RM83.5 million, APMM a sum of RM433.2 million and the police was allotted RM78 million to implement various development projects, including the purchase of assets.

US State Department clears sale of AGM-114 Hellfire II missiles to Lebanon

9 June 2015

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of additional AGM-114 Hellfire II missiles and associated equipment to Lebanon worth $146m.

The Lebanese Government has requested the supply of 1,000 AGM-114 Hellfire II missiles, along with spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training, and training equipment, as well as other related elements of logistics, and programme support.

The potential sale is expected to enhance Lebanon's capability to address both existing and future threats.

Lebanon is anticipated to use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defence and to replenish existing stock levels.

Approved by the US State Department, the sale will augment foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to boost the security of a strategic partner.

Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control has been named as the prime contractor for the FMS programme.

Manufactured at Lockheed's facility in Alabama, US, the AGM-114 Hellfire is a precision-strike, multi-purpose, air-to-ground missile system, and is primarily designed to provide anti-armour capability for attack helicopters against a wide range of targets.

The 100lb missile is equipped with semi-active laser seekers, and can be used by lock-on before launch or lock-on after launch for increased platform survivability.

It can be deployed from rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, vessels, and land-based systems.

The missile is in service with the armed forces of the US and several other nations, including Australia, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Greece, South Korea, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, as well as the UAE and the UK, among others.

Indonesian Army transporters carrying the Leopard 2 tanks in Lampung on it's way to the combat training centre in Martapura, South Sumatera.

Sun, May 24, 2015

Abrams tanks still on defense wish list

By Jason Pan  /  Staff reporter

The Ministry of National Defense said it would stick to a plan to buy 120 US-made M1A1 Abrams tanks in an estimated NT$33 billion (US$1.08 billion) deal.

The Republic of China (ROC) Army Command Headquarters Office said the program’s budget allocation would be made in 2017, with delivery expected to begin in 2020.

The army plans to purchase 120 second-hand M1A1 tanks from the US military to replace Taiwan’s aging M60A3 and CM-11 “Brave Tiger” main battle tanks and bolster infantry divisions’ combat strength.

Upon delivery, the 120 tanks are to constitute two battalions for deployment at the main ROC infantry base in Hsinchu County’s Hukou Township (湖口), which is tasked with the defense of the capital, Taipei, and northern Taiwan, army officials said.

The original plan was to buy the newer M1A2 tank, which has enhanced electronics and weapons control systems, but it came at a higher price tag, officials said.

The ministry elected to go with M1A1s for the estimated expense of NT$33 billion.

Officials said this follows the path taken by Australia, which upgraded its infantry with second-hand M1A1 tanks that had been kept in storage.

The US performed complete performance tests and systems checks before delivery, it added.

The ministry said it has already made public its intention to pursue the plan, with a tender announcement — labeled as project TLP04001 and calling for the procurement of new main battle tanks — placed on the government’s official procurement Web site.

However, the tender notice did not include the estimated price, or the total number of tanks by the military.

An army official who requested anonymity said the post served to conform with the Government Procurement Act (政府採購法), and referred to the purchase of US M1A1 tanks.

Top military officials have expressed concerns that Taiwan’s aging tanks are no match for China’s new Type 99 and other advanced main battle tanks deployed by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, in terms of firepower, defense and other performance indices.

The Army Command Headquarters had presented plans in recent years to upgrade its tanks and other armored vehicles, it said.

A delay arose because most budget allocations went toward acquiring items with higher priority, including AH-64E Apache and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.

TNI plans to purchase CH-48 choppers

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | June 12 2015 | 5:41 PM
 
Outgoing commander of Indonesian Military (TNI) Gen. Moeldoko says that the TNI plans to purchase US-made CH-48 Chinook helicopters in 2016 to be operated by the Army.

“The funding is not coming from this year, [it's] from 2016,” he said in Surakarta, Central Java, on Thursday night.

He however declined to mention how many units would be purchased but said the modern multi-purpose helicopters that cost around US$30 million each would be used as a defense arsenal system in the Army and would be used to move Army personnel and resupply them in various operations.

“The helicopters will be used for personnel transportation because of their high mobility and transportation capacity. It can transport a platoon of personnel,” he said as quoted by kompas.com.

Moeldoko said he saw the helicopters’ high mobility when Singapore and China used them to supply humanitarian relief to Aceh during the tsunami natural disaster in 2004.

“Buying the Chinook is expensive, but human lives are more expensive,” he said. (rms)(+++)

Journalist typo, CH-48 lol 

Kementerian Pertahanan Berencana Beli Helikopter CH-47 Chinook untuk TNI AD

Panglima TNI  Jendral TNI  Moeldoko mengatakan Pemerintah berencana membeli Helikopter angkut personel bermesin ganda buatan Boeing CH-47 Chinook pada tahun anggran 2016 mendatang.

"Anggarannya bukan tahun ini, tahun 2016," ujar Moeldoko di Solo, Kamis (11 Juni 2015) malam.

Menurut Jendral Moeldoko rencananya Chinook akan diserahkan untuk TNI Angkatan Darat sebagai bagian alat utama sistem persenjataan (alutsista). Selain itu, juga dapat difungsikan sebagai alat angkut.

"Untuk alat angkut berat, karena itu mobilitas sangat tinggi dan daya angkut personelnya baik. Satu peleton bisa itu," kata dia.

Moeldoko menegaskan , telah melihat  sendiri kehebatan helikopter buatan Amerika Serikat itu seperti ketika beberapa bencana alam di Indonesia. Saat itu, sejumlah negara membawa bantuan menggunakan Chinook.

"Waktu tsunami Aceh, kita dapat bantuan dari Singapura dan Tiongkok memakai Chinook. Itu sangat luar biasa, cepat, dan mengangkut banyak orang," katanya.

Rencana pembelian helikopter angkut  berkapasitas besar yang diperlengkapi mesin ganda itu  pertama kali diungkap oleh Menteri Pertahanan Ryamizard Ryacudu. Saat itu Menteri Ryamizard mengatakan, Chinook bakal melengkapi alutsista TNI. Harga helikopter Chinook ini ditaksir mencapai 30 juta dollar AS.

"Beli Chinook memang mahal, tetapi nyawa orang lebih mahal," ucap Moeldoko di kantornya, Rabu 3 Juni  2015 lalu.

Baik Menteri Pertahanan  Ryamizard Ryacudu maupun Panglima TNI Jendral Moeldoko tidak memberikan perincian tentang berapa unit helicopter jenis Chinook yang akan dibeli.

Boustead Naval Shipyard to build 6 RMN warships

12 JUNE 2015 @ 10:15 PM

LUMUT: – Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd today began construction of six Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) warships costing RM9 billion under the Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) project.

Defence Deputy Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said the LCS project was one of the government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s maritime defence system, apart from boosting the economy, especially the shipbuilding industry.

“This is a step in the right direction for the country to strengthen its defence assets and technology while construction capability of the defence industry would place Malaysia as a defence industry player,” he said.

Abdul Rahim was speaking at a media conference after launching the first welding of the LCS project at Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd here today.

Also present were the ministry’s secretary-general, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Mohamad Radzi and Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd managing director, Tan Sri Ahmad Ramli Mohd Nor.

The ships built under the LCS project will have various warfare capabilities.

Among the main features of the ships are their maximum speed of 28 knots and weapon capabilities such as torpedo launcher, anti-surface missile launcher system, anti-air missile launcher system and medium calibre guns to tighten security control on Malaysian waters.

The construction, integration and tests on the LCS ships would be carried out completely in Lumut where modular construction would ensure improvement at every stage.

The first ship identified as First of Class Vessel is expected to be delivered in April 2019, and thereafter, each ship will be ready every 10 months. -- BERNAMA

Report: Colt Defense to file for Chapter 11

Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY 9:07 p.m. EDT June 14, 2015
AP THE GUN WARS A FILE USA NY

Colt Defense, the storied firearms maker, plans to file for a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization by Monday, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The Journal, citing unnamed sources, said Colt has secured additional financing and expects to keep operating after the filing. Colt, based in West Hartford, Conn., has had problems in recent years with its supply chain and working capital, poor rifle sales and the loss of a contract to supply the M4 assault rifle to the U.S. Army.

Colt figured heavily in 19th century Western lore. Pistols such as the Colt .45 became legendary.