Lockheed Martin ready to provide RI with offsets for F-16V

Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | World | Thu, October 08 2015, 8:31 AM

US defense giant Lockheed Martin is ready to provide Indonesia with an offset scheme, in which Indonesia would build components, should the country decide to buy the latest variant of the venerable F-16 Fighting Falcon light jet fighter.

The pledge was made by Lockheed’s head of business development for F-16, Randy Howard, during a media event on Wednesday.

He said the company was ready to discuss with Indonesian stakeholders the requirements related to the offset scheme. “We have fulfilled our offset commitment when Indonesia first bought the F-16,” he told journalists.

Indonesia first bought 12 units of F-16 A/B Block 15 OCU aircraft in 1989 with an offset scheme of 35 percent of the total purchase value.

Lockheed presented a cockpit simulator for members of the media to try the latest technologies being installed in the F-16V (Viper).

The US Ambassador to Jakarta Robert O. Blake, Jr. attended the event and said both countries had strong and growing relations, including strong defense ties.

“The US military very much values the growing cooperation with the TNI,” he said.

Blake added that the US was helping Indonesia to modernize its military through training and equipment, including aircraft. “Indonesia has a very long tradition of flying the F-16,” he said, adding that he was proud to have the F-16 V.

The ambassador added that the latest variant of F-16, which no longer has the Block number system, was well suited to Indonesia as it could also track maritime targets.

“The radar can pick up ships and prevent illegal fishing and other incursions,” he said.

Another reason to pick the F-16, Blake said, was because it had 30 percent lower operating costs when compared to its competitors.

Howard said currently there were a number of F-16 operators upgrading their F-16 Block 50/52 into the Viper standard but Indonesia would be the first country to operate brand new F-16Vs if it chose to.

When asked why Lockheed Martin was offering the Viper to Indonesia, Howard said because there was a need to replace older aircraft.

He was referring to Indonesia’s plan to replace the aging, American-made Northrop F-5 E/F Tiger II planes operated by the 14th Squadron, based at the Iswahjudi Air Force Base in Madiun, East Java.

Other than the F-16, another light, single-engine contender is the Swedish-made Saab JAS39 Gripen.

Three other contenders are heavy, dual engine jet fighters: the Eurofighter Typhoon, made by a consortium consisting of Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK; the French-made Dassault Rafale; and the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35.

Each contender has offered a significant industrial participation scheme to sweeten the deal.

Howard said it would take between 30 and 36 months for first delivery once an agreement was reached.

Will Indonesia Buy French Stealth Submarines?

Jakarta is interested in bolstering its deterrence capabilities.

By Franz-Stefan Gady
October 08, 2015

Indonesian defense officials have expressed interest in purchasing French-built Scorpene-class 1000 diesel-electric attack submarines (SSK) IHS Jane’s Navy International reports.

Representatives of the French shipbuilder DCNS, the company offering the boats, confirmed Indonesian-French government-to-government talks at this year’s Pacific 2015 International Maritime Exhibition currently taking place in Sydney, Australia.

“The talks are going on at the government-to-government level, mostly to discuss the needs of the Indonesian Navy,” according to a DCNS representative interviewed by IHS Jane’s Navy International.

“So far, what the Indonesians have identified is the need for a complementary submarine fleet that can fill in the gaps of their new ocean-going submarines, and they are considering the Scorpene 1000.”

The last time the Indonesian Navy received new submarines was in the 1980s with the delivery of two German Type 209/1300 diesel-electric attack submarines (known as Cakra-class in Indonesia), which subsequently underwent several major refits modernizing the subs’ propulsion systems, detection and navigation systems, and new fire control and combat systems by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) and South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), which is building Type 209 variants under license.

In December 2011, DSME was awarded a contract for the construction of three 1,400-ton Chang Bogo-class (a license-built variant of the 209) diesel-electric attack submarines. The boats are expected to be delivered between 2015 and 2016 with a commissioning date set for the first half of 2018. The subs will be equipped with eight weapon tubes for torpedoes and guided missiles and feature cutting edge electronic defense and radar signal detection systems.

According to Indonesia Navy officials, the country will need at least six submarines to secure its key maritime straits (Malacca, Sunda and Lombok). Among other things, the Indonesian government appears to be also interested in procuring a number of Russian-made Kilo-class attack submarines.

However, DCNS officials in Sydney think that the Scorpene-class 1000 SSK will be the ideal solution for Indonesia, given the country’s geography. “The Scorpene 1000 is an especially suitable platform for the Indonesian Navy, given the country’s archipelagic nature. he platform has been designed to operate … in shallow waters and is very difficult to detect due to the depths associated with littoral waters,” one DCNS official said.

IHS Jane’s Navy International describes some of the sub’s technical specifications based on information provided by DCNS including a surface displacement of about 1,000 tons, a length of 50 meters, and a submerged speed of around 15 knots. Furthermore, the vessel’s range is stated to be around 4,000 miles and can stay submerged for up to five days. Additionally, the French-made SSK  has a dive depth of over 20 meters and can fit a crew of 21 and up to six navy divers.

AGUSTAWESTLAND AT HELITECH: CONTRACTS ANNOUNCED WORTH 140 MILION EURO

• Totally eleven AW139 and AW169 helicopters have been ordered by European and Asian customers of which eight ordered by the Royal Thai Army
• Over 1,000 AW139 and AW169 helicopters sold on the world market to date
 
New contracts worth a total of 140 million Euro for Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland helicopters. During the Helitech International Show held in London, the company announced orders for the AW139 and AW169 new-generation helicopter models, by both commercial and Governmental European and Asian customers for a total amount of eleven.
 
Among the operators to mention which have chosen the AgustaWestland’s new-generation helicopters is the Royal Thai Army, that will use eight AW139s for transport and utility services in addition to the two currently in service and the company Heliservices International GmbH which will use its new AW169 for offshore activities in the North Sea.
 
The helicopters ordered will be used for the implementation of a variety of missions, like passengers transport, law enforcement and offshore transport; and the entry into service of these machines, specifically ten AW139s and one AW169, is planned to take place between the end of 2015 and the end of 2016.
 
The AW139 and AW169 helicopters, thanks to great performances, cutting-edge technology and operating flexibility, have reached a unique success in their respective categories (intermediate for the world class leading AW139 and light intermediate for the recently certified AW169), obtaining a total of over 1,000 orders signed to date on the world market. The AW139 is the best selling helicopter in its category, with over nine hundred ordered, while the AW169 is the first new-generation helicopter in its category that has been launched on the market in the last thirty years presenting cutting-edge technological solutions in equipment, rotors, re-configuration capability for each mission, emissions reduction and safety standards.

Rome 07/10/2015 15:55

How many type of sub these indonesia wanna buy?

Remote control station of the Bonefish USV displayed at the Pacific 2015.

Asia Pacific

• Janes reported  that Indonesia is in talks with French shipyard DCNS over the possible sale of a Scorpene 1000 diesel-electric submarine, despite reports  that the country’s parliament approved the acquisition of Russian-built Kilo-class boats in September. The Indonesian defense ministry is thought to be considering a purchase of five Russian subs , with the Indonesian Navy currently operating two South Korean-manufactured submarines, with another two on order. The littoral capabilities of the French design may be the reason for a split purchase, with the Russian boats intended for use in deep water. DCNS signed a partnership agreement with Indonesian shipyard PT Pal in November , which included marketing of the Scorpene 1000.

• Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin is marketing  the company’s F-16V to Indonesia as the country plans to replace its fleet of aging F-5E fighters. The company dispatched a cockpit demonstrator to the country this week in an effort to swoon the country’s Air Force chiefs, who appear particularly set on acquiring the Sukhoi Su-35. The Indonesian Air Force already operates 24 F-16s, with deliveries of these beginning last July.

• The Indian Defence Ministry has shortlisted  the Samsung Techwin K-9 Thunder  howitzer for the country’s self-propelled tracked gun requirement, a much-delayed competition thought to value approximately $800 million. One hundred guns are required for the Indian Army, with local firm Larson & Toubro partnering with the South Korean firm to offer manufacturing in India. The Thunder beat the Russian-designed MSTA-SP 2S19 howitzer mounted on a T-72 tank chassis, with the Russian bid partnering with the Indian state-run Ordnance Factory Board to satisfy offset requirements.

AW139s for PDRM’s Air Wing

Marhalim Abas
October 9, 2015

SHAH ALAM: A LOCAL aviation company, Gading Aero Sdn Bhd, is claiming that its sister company, Galaxy Helicopters Sdn Bhd had received a contract from the Home Ministry to supply a number of Agusta Westland AW139 medium size helicopters to the PDRM’s Air Wing.

Both companies are under the Gading Group, which according to its website is located in Hulu Kelang, Selangor. The group also operate a hangar at Subang airport for its aviation-related operations.

I am using “a number” as the entry at the company’s own website stated two different figures. The page featuring Gading Aero claimed Galaxy Helicopters had received a contract to supply six AW139 helicopters to PDRM.

However on the Galaxy Helicopters page it was stated that “Malaysian Ministry Of Home Affairs awarded Galaxy Helicopters a contract to supply two Agusta Westland AW 139 helicopters for Royal Malaysian Police Air Wing”.

I called the contact number listed on the website and the man who answered said that Galaxy Helicopters indeed received a contract for six AW139 helicopters. However, as I have yet to get an official confirmation on the contract, I will leave it as that.

Industry sources told Malaysian Defence however that the contract for the deal was expected to be signed at the upcoming GPECAsia 2015 exhibition to be held at PWTC on Oct 21 to 23.

It must be noted that another company from the Gading Group, Gading Kasturi Sdn Bhd, was awarded the contract to supply six Airbus Helicopters H120 light helicopter and a single simulator for the RMAF flight training school in Alor Setar. The contract was signed at LIMA 2015.

Analysis
If indeed the contract has been awarded to Galaxy Helicopters, it appears that AgustaWestland had manage to score a coup over its main rival Airbus Helicopters. It was generally expected that PDRM will be getting a new batch of light helicopters from Airbus either a new batch of H125 ( the new name for the Ecureil) or the H135.

The Air Wing operates around 8 Ecureil light helicopters from the 11 it received. The first two was delivered in 1990. Since 2008, the police had stated a requirement for some two dozen or so, light and medium size helicopters for its Air Wing. The medium size helicopter is mainly for troop transport and utility role while the light helicopter is for patrol as well as utility duties as well.

The Air Wing’s lack of troop transport capability was exposed during the Lahad Datu incursion.

As the AW139 is a medium-size twin engine helicopter, the light helicopter requirement remains open and perhaps this will be fulfilled in the future, though this may well be later rather than sooner.

The Air Wing is not expected to have any difficulties in absorbing the AW139s as a number of these machines are already operating in Malaysia, both in the government (APMM and Bomba) and the private sector. A full mission simulator of the AW139 is also operating at the Airod facility in Subang.

Lockheed Martin discussing F-16V deal with Indonesia

Jon Grevatt, Bangkok - IHS Jane's Defence Industry
08 October 2015

Lockheed Martin is in discussions with Indonesia over a potential sale of the F-16V Fighting Falcon, a company spokesperson confirmed to IHS Jane's on 9 October.

The spokesperson was speaking one day after Lockheed Martin displayed a cockpit demonstrator of the F-16V in Jakarta to promote the aircraft to meet air combat capability requirements in the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU).

"We are currently in discussion with the [Indonesian] government on the F-16V and ran the event to provide an understanding of its capabilities on Wednesday," said the spokesperson.

In a press release to accompany the event Lockheed Martin said the F-16V offers Indonesia the "most advanced 4th generation capability" including Scalable Agile Beam Radar and enhancements to the aircraft's mission computer, vehicle systems, aircraft structure, cockpit and electronic warfare system.

Indonesia should stick to type 209 instead of having so many differ sub.
ain't cheap to maintain sub.

Asia Pacific

• Janes reported  that Indonesia is in talks with French shipyard DCNS over the possible sale of a Scorpene 1000 diesel-electric submarine, despite reports  that the country’s parliament approved the acquisition of Russian-built Kilo-class boats in September. The Indonesian defense ministry is thought to be considering a purchase of five Russian subs , with the Indonesian Navy currently operating two South Korean-manufactured submarines, with another two on order. The littoral capabilities of the French design may be the reason for a split purchase, with the Russian boats intended for use in deep water.DCNS signed a partnership agreement with Indonesian shipyard PT Pal in November , which included marketing of the Scorpene 1000.

DCNS announces partnership with Indonesian shipyard PT Pal during Indo Defence 2014
 
At Indo Defence 2014, the international defence exhibition currently held in Jakarta, DCNS revealed it has signed a partnership with local shipyard PT Pal to co-develop future Indonesian Defence Vessels. As part of the agreement, the future vessels should be built in Indonesia and would include a high level of local industrial content, through Indonesian-French long term cooperation.

At Indo Defence 2014, the DCNS stand showcases:


Scorpene 100 SSK scale model on DCNS stand at Indo Defence 2014

Minggu, 11 Oktober 2015 , 08:22:00 WIB

TNI Ingin Beli Hercules Tipe J

Laporan: Ade Mulyana

RMOL. TNI Angkatan Udara menyiapkan pembelian pesawat angkut Hercules tipe J. Permintaan pembelian Hercules tipe terbaru itu telah disampaikan ke Kementerian Pertahanan.

"Mudah-mudahan segera direalisasikan, TNI AU butuh sekali itu," kata Kepala Dinas Penerangan TNI AU (Kadispenau) Marsekal Muda (Marsma) Dwi Bagarmanto, Sabtu (10/10).

Pengadaan Hercules tipe J untuk menggantikan Hercules tipe B yang sudah berusia sepuh. Kemungkinan, kata Marsma Dwi, peswat angkut Hercules tipe B akan segera dipensiunkan.

Pembelian Hercules tipe J telah disampaikan ke Kementerian Pertahanan. Namun hingga saat ini, kata Marsma Dwi, pihaknya belum mendapatkan pernyataan resmi dari Menteri Pertahanan, Ryamizard Ryacudu. Oleh karenanya, sampai saat ini, pembelian Hercules tipe terbaru itu belum bisa dikomunikasikan dengan perusahaan.

"Sudah masuk resnstra MEF (Minimum Esenstial Force) tahap dua," imbuhnya
 
Dengan sudah dimasukkannya ke dalam MEF tahap dua (2015-2019), satu skuadron pesawat angkut terbaru buatan Lockheed Martin itu ditargetkan mendarat dalam waktu dekat. Sebagaimana diketahui, Indonesia merupakan satu-satunya negara yang masih menggunakan pesawat angkut Hercules tipe B. Terakhir, salah satu unit pesawat yang sudah ada sejak pemerintahan Soekarno itu jatuh di Medan pada akhir Juni lalu.

Sebelum memilih Hercules J, ada beberapa kandidat pesawat angkut lainnya yang sempat dipertimbangkan. Di antaranya pesawat Airbus A-400 Prancis dan Boeing C-17, Amerika. Namun dengan pertimbangan mempermudah alih teknologi, TNI AU memilih Hercules J sebab beberapa alat pemeliharaan Hercules sudah dimiliki Indonesia.

"Kan kita sudah punya tipe-tipe sebelumnya. Jadi bukan hanya memudahkan teknisi, diharapkan bisa memangkas anggaran pengeluaran," pungkas Dwi seperti dilansir Jawa Pos.[dem]

Foreign Sales to Keep Apache, Chinook in Production for Decades

By Allyson Versprille



Projected foreign military sales of AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and CH-47 Chinook cargo helicopters in conjunction with planned domestic buys are expected to keep the airplanes in production for decades, said Boeing and Army officials.

"It’s easily safe to say that the Apache is going to be flying well into the 2060 timeframe," when you consider both domestic and international demand for the new E-model, said Mark Ballew, Boeing's head of business development for attack helicopters.

According to Kim Smith, Boeing's vice president of attack helicopters, the company has delivered 217 Echo models and 87 of those have gone to international customers. “You can look across the map and see the current presence or future presence of what the Apache has to offer,” she said at a press briefing during the 2015 Association of the United States Army conference in Washington, D.C.

Boeing is currently producing helicopters for South Korea, an order that totals 36 aircraft, and the company was recently awarded a contract by India for 22 aircraft, making it the 15th international customer, Smith said.

One of the main goals for the U.S. Army is to sign a multiyear contract that will cover production of the aircraft from fiscal year 2017 through 2021, said Col. Jeff Hager, U.S. Army project manager for Apache attack helicopters. The contract includes a base quantity of 240. "We’ve got secretary of the Army approval to proceed forward," he said. "We have the proposal from Boeing and we have the [Defense Department's Office of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation] … conducting their analysis of the proposal right now.” The program office plans to submit the documentation to the secretary of defense in March for approval, Hager said.

Ballew noted that the multiyear agreement offers an advantage because of its options for foreign military sales, which will expedite international transactions.

More foreign military sales would mean greater commonality and interoperability with allies, Ballew said. “If you look through what’s going on in the Asia-Pacific region, we have aircraft in Japan, aircraft in Singapore. We signed a contract with Indonesia," in addition to the sale in South Korea, he said. That “gives us a lot of stability, a lot of interoperability working with the U.S. as well as our allies in that region.”

Indonesia trials improved R-Han 122 rocket

Kelvin Wong, Singapore - IHS Jane's Missiles & Rockets
12 October 2015

 
An R-Han 122B rocket being launched during a live firing trial in West Java in August 2015. Source: Indonesian Ministry of Defence

An improved version of Indonesia's indigenously developed R-HAN 122 mm rocket has been successfully launched during live firing trials at the country's National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) test facility in Garut, West Java in August 2015.

The latest trial validated improvements in flight stability and range that were incorporated into the R-HAN 122B rocket after an earlier test in June.

The rocket is being developed by a consortium that includes state-owned aerospace and defence equipment developers PT Dahana, PT Dirgantara and PT Pindad, as well as LAPAN, and Indonesia's Ministry for Research, and the Technology and Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology.

According to PT Dirgantara, the R-HAN 122B has an overall length of 2,810 mm and features a hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) rocket motor, which has a burn time of three seconds. Average stated thrust is 1,437 kg, with an impulse of 4,809 kg/s, enabling it to achieve a maximum range of 30.5 km. The rocket carries a 15 kg warhead, although no details were revealed on its type.

The company also stated that the R-HAN 122B is compatible with the Russian and Czech Republic Grad BM-21 and RM-70 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), the latter of which is in service with the Indonesian Marine Corps.

3 key areas in Russia-Indonesia ties

October 15, 2015 Aleksandr Ilyutochkin, RBTH

RBTH looks at the most important areas in Russia-Indonesia bilateral relations, which have been on the upswing over the last 10 years.


A Russian-built, Kilo-class diesel submarine.‏ Source: Reuters

Defense
In September 2015, the Indonesian government said it would buy a squadron of Sukhoi Su-35 fighters to replace its outdated U.S.-made F-5 Tigers. Jakarta also plans to buy 5 Russian submarines.

Initially Indonesia looked at buying Kilo-class diesel electric submarines, but later chose the more advanced Amur-class submarine, which is the export version of the Lada-class.

Russia is ready to loan Indonesia $3 billion for these purchases.

According to industry analysts, Indonesia may also be looking to buy medium-range anti-aircraft missiles. The country already has a number of Sukhoi fighter jets, Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters, BMP-3 amphibious infantry fighting vehicles, one BTR-80 wheeled amphibious armored personnel carrier and Kalashnikov AK-101 and AK-102 rifles.

Nuclear energy
In June 2015, the countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the construction of large nuclear reactors and floating nuclear power stations.

In an interview with RBTH Indonesia, the country's ambassador to Russia Djauhari Oratmangun said nuclear power plants could help meet Indonesia’s growing demand for electricity.

Infrastructure
Russian Railways has a 50 percent stake in the Kalimantan Rail Company, which is building a 300 km-long railway line linking Central and East Kalimantan provinces.

By 2019, the company plans to finish around 190 km of the railway line and construct a seaport terminal in East Kalimantan for coal exports.
During his visit to Moscow in September 2015, the governor of East Kalimantan Awang Faroek Ishak said his province would also like to use the railway to export palm oil, timber and other resources. Passenger services are also under consideration.

Deftech AV4, Blackhawks In; Mark V SOC Out

Marhalim Abas
October 15, 2015
Malaysia -Armed Forces

SHAH ALAM: ITS now confirmed, the Armed Forces are getting the Deftech AV4 and the Blackhawks for use by units operating in ESSCOM AOR. Unfortunately, the procurement of the ex-US Navy Mark V Special Operations Craft (SOC) also for ESSCOM has been shelved.

Armed Forces chief Tan Sri Zulkifeli Zin today confirmed reports that the Deftech Av4 was being procured for units operating in ESSCOM. He did not specify numbers but it was reported recently that Deftech will be supplying the 20 of the MRAP-like 4X4 vehicle the Army.

Five will be completed by its Thai partner, Chaiseri Metal and Rubber Co., Ltd while the rest will be assembled at the Deftech plant in Pekan, Pahang. The Thai-built vehicles will be delivered to the Army in the first quarter of 2016.

It is likely that the AV4 will replaced the 18 KIFVs for patrol duties.

In my original report, I called the vehicle as the Deftech MRAP (the name which was used during the visit to the Gempita unveiling ceremony) but checks at the company’s website showed that it had been renamed the AV4 (like the old vehicle of the same name)

Meanwhile, Zulkifeli said the first S-70A Blackhawk gifted by Brunei was expected to be handed-over to Malaysia by year end. It was expected the transfer will be completed by April, with one Blackhawk to be transferred every month.

Asked whether the United States had given permission for the transfer, Zulkifeli said there was no difficulty in getting the approval as the helicopters will be used “to hunt terrorists”. He said the Blackhawks will also be made available to Brunei in emergencies.

Asked who will be operating the Blackhawks, Zulkifeli said it will be operated jointly by the RMAF and the Army. Asked on talks that the VIP Blackhawks will also be converted for non-VIP use, Zulkifeli replied in the negative.

Meanwhile, Joint Force Commander Lt Jen Datuk Baharum Hamzah said the planned procurement of the Mark V Special Operation Craft (SOC) had been shelved. In fact, the offer from the US under its Excess Defence Articles (EDA) programme had lapsed in September. The offer from the US was made on Jan 12, 2014, according to the EDA database accessed yesterday by Malaysian Defence.

Russia's power in decline, says Bishop

By Australian Associated Press
02:11 15 Oct 2015, updated 02:11 15 Oct 2015

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says Russia's power is in decline as China, India, Japan and Indonesia become established global powers.

Ms Bishop told a forum in Washington on Thursday (AEST) the economic rise of Asia was bringing with it increasing strategic importance, military might and "soft power".

"At the same time relative power elsewhere is declining," she told the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

While Ms Bishop affirmed she was not referring to the United States - which would be a "global leader in the foreseeable future" - the minister singled out Russia.

"Some powers are in decline, and not withstanding President Putin's more recent assertive displays, I would put Russia in this category," she said.

"It is certainly a lesser player than was the Soviet Union."

This was shown by Russia's share of the global economy falling to 1.6 per cent, making it the 15th largest economy, compared to the USSR which accounted for 7.7 per cent in 1980 or the fourth largest economy.

Just how smooth is the transition to new powers will depend on how countries compete for relative power, she said.

"Russia's annexation of territory, military incursions and support for separatist movements has flouted the principle of state sovereignty," she said.

China's behaviour on the international stage had been more nuanced, as it sought a greater role in global forums such as the United Nations.

However, its reclamation activities in the South China Sea had "ignored sensitivities in the neighbourhood and escalated regional tensions".

2016 Budget: A Preview

Marhalim Abas
October 17, 2015
budget, Kementerian Pertahanan

SHAH ALAM: ARMED Forces chief General Zulkifeli Mohd Zin is not known to shy from a fight. But even the veteran soldier seemed uncomfortable when the conversation turned to the 2016 Budget at a function on Thursday.

He did not really say anything on the budget – he would have to if I had followed up with a question – but his body language was enough to show – at least to me – that the Defence Ministry will get a big hit when the Prime Minister presented the 2016 Budget on Oct 23, 2015.

General Zulkifeli was speaking to the press after a ceremony to honour serving and retired Armed Forces personnel who were injured in service. During the meet and greet session prior to the ceremony, Zulkifeli even said the food served for lunch was too little “due to the economic crisis”. It could have been a joke but the lunch menu seemed to reflect what he had said.

At the Press conference later, General Zulkifeli acknowledged that one question he could not answer was “when will the disability pension be increased?”. It was the most repeated questions especially from those who had retired. He said the Armed Forces had forwarded the request to the government and hopefully “it will be raised when the government can afford it”.

It was at this point I knew I could asked about the 2016 Budget, but I decide against it. There are still less hot-button issues – the AV4, Blackhawks, Yemen and others – that had not been asked. So I decided to focus on the issues and leave the budget questions to the politicians.

Anyhow, as I stated before it is likely that the budget for the Defence Ministry and the Armed Forces will be reduced next year. No one I spoke too was able to come out with a figure though so its up to me to come with it based on my conversations and a review of the budget for the last ten years.


A graphic from the Finance Ministry 2015 budget document on the allocation for the Defence Ministry.

(The budget from 2011 to 2014 are the final allocation for the financial year including the additional funds sought during the mid-year, an annual ritual)

Based on the graphic above, we can surmised that the 2016 budget – the first in the RMK11 – could even be lower than the 2011 figure (RM14.2 billion). How much lower? It will be RM12.1 billion, of which RM11.3 billion will be the Operating Expenditure (OE) while whats left will be the Development Expenditure (DE) or procurement budget.

What they are going to do with around RM800 million for procurement then? Not much really, apart from all of the project already in the books like the LCS, AV8, A400M (one this December, with two more in 2016) and the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II (to be delivered by early next year).

If thats the case, can the Ministry signed on for new stuff? Yes, they can as most of the payment only starts when the items are delivered.

PALFINGER NED-DECK WON AN ORDER FOR 12 NEWLY DESIGNED DAVITS FOR THE ROYAL MALAYSIAN NAVY

14/10/2015



PALFINGER NED-DECK is proud to announce the receipt of a prestigious order from Boustead Naval Shipyard for the Royal Malaysian Navy. The order is to deliver 12 aluminum davits within the next ten years with a total order value of few million dollar for six Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) which will be built in Lumut, Malaysia.

Royal Malaysian Navy

The Second Generation Patrol Vessel (SGPV), also called Littoral combat ships is a class of six stealth frigates being build for the Royal Malaysian Navy. The ships are based on an enlarged version of the Gowind-class corvette, designed by DCNS of France. The contract has been finalized and it has been decided that all six ships will be built by local shipbuilder Boustead Naval Shipyard for the Royal Malaysian Navy at a ceiling price of RM9 billion (2.8 billion USD), starting from 2013.

Newly designed C-series type davit

The PRH 45 AP ALU TWIN is a davit system of the recently launched V-Series davits. The V-series davits are made of aluminum to fulfill the requirement for light weight installations. The system is executed as a “TWIN-setup” in which the two davits are connected to one hydraulic power unit to reduce installation space and weight of the complete setup. The whole system is SOLAS approved according European Union Council Directive 96/98/EC on marine equipment by Bureau Veritas.

The order includes an agreement for services. Meaning PALFINGER NED-DECK will provide training, project management, integration and spare parts for the system.

“This order is very important for PALFINGER NED-DECK to set foot in the South East Asian Defense market. For us this is the first co-operation with Boustead and also a record order in Malaysia. Boustead is the biggest shipbuilder in Malaysia. The main reasons for choosing our davit system were innovative design, competitive pricing, the PALFINGER service network and our support during the tender phase“, says Hans Cramer, Managing Director PALFINGER NED-DECK. “The delivery of  these 12 davits is a first step to set up a good cooperation and to further strengthen the relationship for future projects”.

Indonesian Coast Guard inducts three indigenous patrol vessels

Ridzwan Rahmat, Singapore - IHS Jane's Navy International
18 October 2015

The Indonesian Coast Guard (Kesatuan Penjaga Laut dan Pantai, or KPLP) has commissioned three new patrol vessels.

The vessels - named KN Rantos (P 210), KN Grantin (P 211), and KN Pasatimpo (P 212) - were commissioned on 17 October at Batu Ampar, Batam in a ceremony presided over by the country's transport minister Ignasius Jonan.

"The vessels will be used to safeguard both the seas and the beaches of territories under the Republic of Indonesia," said the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation in a statement released for the commissioning.

The vessels were built by Batam-based shipyard PT Karimun Anugrah Sejati.

America's Lethal F-16 Fighting Falcon: Heading for Retirement or Reboot?



Dave Majumdar
October 19, 2015

For decades the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon—more popularly know as the “Viper”—has dominated the fighter market around the globe. But while the F-16 is still one of the best fourth-generation fighters money can buy, the production line is starting to slow as sales dry up. Ironically, the F-16 is not losing market share to foreign competitors, rather the venerable jet is being supplanted by Lockheed’s own F-35 Joint Strike Fighter as the stealthy fifth-generation jet gears up for full-rate production.

But the F-16 still has a few years of production left—the current order backlog extends to late 2017. The order book will probably grow somewhat as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) looks set to purchase thirty more advanced F-16E/F+ Block 61 jets. Other than the UAE, Lockheed still has a chance to sell the jet in several other markets. The most immediate prospect is Indonesia—which already operates the older F-16A version of the jet.

However, the F-16 faces stiff competition in Indonesia—which needs to replace its geriatric Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II fighters. The Russians are offering the extremely capable Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E, which in many respects is a more capable aircraft. Other potential contenders include the Saab JAS-39 Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon and the French-made Dassault Rafale. The Russians appear to have the inside track since Jakarta appears to have already selected the Su-35— according to Indonesian media quoting that nation’s defense minister, Ryamizad Ryacudu. However, the Russians have not confirmed that a deal is imminent.

That could explain why Lockheed was showing off a new F-16V version of its jet to Indonesia during the first week of October.  Clearly, the Obama Administration and the U.S. defense giant hold out hope that it can persuade Indonesia to buy new F-16s. Indeed, Washington is offering one of the most advanced variants of the venerable jet to the Southeast Asian nation. While the F-16V does not have all of the gold-plated bells and whistles found on the UAE’s fleet of Desert Falcons, the new Viper variant is a very potent aircraft.