The two Assad-class corvettes finally left La Spezia,Italy, after +26yrs (!) in order to be delivered to the new #IraqiNavy... pic.twitter.com/2TaP4YY8ZA
1:19 PM - 19 May 2017

long lost sibling of the laksamana-class corvette

Boeing prepares first Indonesia Apache AH-64E Guardian helicopters for delivery

Read news from Defence Blog at  Flipboard.com | Subscribe to the  newsletter from Defence Blog
May 22, 2017


Photo credit : Taz Imansyah

Boeing is concluding final acceptance flight trials for Apache AH-64E Guardian helicopters on order for the Indonesian Army’s (Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Darat; TNI–AD).

According to US defence secretary Chuck Hagel, Indonesia ordered eight AH-64E Apache in August 2013. That announcement came nearly one year after a notification to Congress a year earlier of the proposed FMS sale.

The deal also includes 140 AGM-114R3 Hellfire-II anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), spare engines, electronic subsystems, training, spare parts, simulators and other requisite support items. The value of the major defence equipment appears to be $500 million.

In January 2015, Boeing was formally awarded a $296 million order to manufacture the AH-64Es with an expected completion date by February 2018.

The AH-64E attack helicopter is the latest version of the AH-64, used by the US Army. It is also known as Apache Guardian. Until 2012 it was designated as AH-64D Block III. It has a number of improvements and upgrades, including more powerful engines, upgraded transmission and other improvements. This gunship might be also fitted with updated Longbow fire control radar.

Published: Tuesday, 23 May 2017 09:27
 
South Korea turns to Elta for KF-X fighter jet radar system
 
South Korea has formally abandoned a plan to develop a radar system with its own technology for its KF-X fighter jet program, a government source said Tuesday. As an alternative, the state-run Agency for Defense Development (ADD) recently signed a technology support contract with an Israeli defense firm, according to the source who requested anonymity.
 
   
An artistic rendering of one KF-X/IF-X considered design (Source: Internet)
     
The ADD and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the nation's arms procurement agency, would not reveal the exact size of the contract apparently with Elta, while an industry official said it's worth around 40 billion won (US$35.5 million).

"The ADD, which is in charge of developing an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for the KF-X program, signed the agreement on technology support with an Israeli company last month," the source said.

In 2016, the ADD chose Hanwha Thales, a local defense firm, as the preferential bidder for the radar development. Hanhwa beat its domestic rival LIG Nex1 in the controversial competition.

The ADD said earlier it could seek outside help if Hanhwa falters in developing such an advanced radar system for use by South Korea's envisioned fighter jets.

South Korea launched the KF-X project in 2015 with the aim of producing more than 120 cutting-edge fighters to replace its aging jet fleet of F-4s and F-5s.

It plans to pour a total of 18 trillion won (US$16 bn)  into the project by 2026, with the production of six prototype jets scheduled to begin in July next year.

Indian Army to Buy 11 US Heavy Attack Helicopters

The Indian Army and Indian Air Force are both slated to operate one of the world’s most advanced heavy attack helicopters.

By Franz-Stefan Gady
May 25, 2017
 
The Indian Army is slated to place an order for up to 11 U.S.-made AH-64E Apache heavy attack helicopters, the latest and most advanced variant of the helicopter gunship, according to Indian media reports. The new helicopters will provide the service with a much needed close-air support capability.

As I reported previously, India and the United States concluded an agreement for the procurement of 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and 15 CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters in November 2015. For a number of years, the Indian Army has been engaged in a tug of war with the Indian Air Force over who should operate this future fleet of Apache gunships. The Army initially asked for the gunships to be inducted into its ranks, or for the Air Force to at least share the helicopters with the ground forces. The Air Force, however, rejected both proposals.

The Hindu now reveals that the matter came up again during last week’s Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting, chaired by Indian Defense Minister Arun Jaitley. According to an unnamed defense ministry source, the Indian Army finally got its way and will operate separate AH-64E squadrons in the future.

so indo-manned-detained-vessel rammed the viet ship?
azriel any detail on this?

also

apparently, after london, jakarta oso under bomb attack

Indonesian Marines Have Started Using Ukrainian BTR-4M

(Source: SpetsTechnoExport Ukraine; issued May 26, 2017)

Marine battalion of Indonesian Marine Corps has officially began using of five Ukrainian BTR-4M, which were delivered by "SpetsTechnoExport" in January this year. This was announced by director of "SpetsTechnoExport" Pavlo Barbul.

"The handover of new Ukrainian armoured personnel carriers BTR-4M to military units of the Indonesian Marine Corps has been completed. So, from early May, among other machines, Indonesian Marines are serving on BTR-4M. Before that, our APCs have successfully passed the trials in Indonesia and proved their excellent amphibian capabilities, shooting accuracy from different types of weapons and very good driving performance in mountainous terrain,” said Pavlo Barbul.

[The] delivery of 5 armoured personnel carriers BTR 4-M, which are produced at Ukroboronprom’s Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau, was successfully completed within the framework of the contract, signed between the SE SFTE Spetstechnoexport and the Ministry of Defence of Indonesia in 2014.

Before accepting into operation, the Ministry of Defence of Indonesia conducted trial tests of the Ukrainian armoured personnel carriers in the territory of their country. Following the results of those tests, a Protocol was signed on performing functional tests. The special committee of the Ministry of Defence of Indonesia has confirmed, that Ukrainian made APCs comply with all 47 evaluation specifications of this Protocol.

Medals

1. Indonesia: 28 Emas, 6 Perak, 5 Perunggu
2. Australia: 14 Emas, 16 Perak, 16 Perunggu
3. Jepang: 10 Emas, 7 Perak, 7 Perunggu
4. Filipina: 4 Emas, 4 Perak, 4 Perunggu
5. Anzac: 3 Emas, 3 Perak
6. Kanada: 2 Emas, 5 Perak, 4 Perunggu
7. Korea: 2 Emas, 3 Perak, 1 Perunggu
8. Uni Emirat Arab: 2 Emas
9. Thailand: 1 Emas, 4 Perak, 2 Perunggu
10. Selandia Baru: 1 Emas, 1 Perak, 1 Perunggu
11. US Army: 1 Emas, 1 Perunggu
12. Singapura: 2 Perak
13. Malaysia: 1 Perak, 3 Perunggu
14. UK (INGGRIS): 1 Perak, 2 Perunggu
15. US Marines: 2 Perunggu
16. Kamboja: Nihil
17. Timor Leste: Nihil
18. Tonga: Nihil
19. Papua Nugini: Nihil
20. Prancis: Nihil

I've some photos of the 2017 Army Open House Singapore on 270517 (Sat), still post processing the photos.

2017 MAY Army Open House, F1 Pit Building, Singapore

some people say its because of the bridges cannot tahan the weight or not wide enough... but isnt that what the engineers are for?

UkrOboronProm announces delivery plan for next batch of Oplot tanks to Thailand

May 27, 2017

The Ukroboronprom state concern has announced that the next batch of Oplot main battle tanks will be supplied under the contract to Thailand next week.

“Next week we ship the next shipment: the amount is confidential information, we fulfilled three quarters of the contract,” chief engineer at Kharkiv-based Malyshev Plant (part of Ukroboronprom) Oleksandr Sheiko said.

The next batch Oplot main battle tanks will arrive at the Sattahip Naval Base in Thailand by sea.

“Delivery of 29 more tanks under contract will be finished this year if the Thai military agency agrees it,” Oleksandr Sheiko said.

Published on 26 May 2017

The up-to-date Ukrainian BM OPLOT tank is intended for effective day and night combat use under adverse environmental, climatic and weather conditions including those under high temperatures of the surrounding air and high dust loading.

The following were introduced: the multifuel engine, the transmission with extended speed range and complex system of movement control, the autonomous power unit for power supply when the vehicle is parked, the unique explosive reactive armour protection against tandem HEAT and APFSDS projectiles, the effective complex system of detection and optical-electronic suppression of the enemy’s guidance and sighting devices, the up-to-date sighting and observation complex with thermal imager, the digital ballistic computer and navigational support system.

The capability of targets destruction by missiles at the range of up to 5 km without entering the dangerous area.

Singapore Army's commando VSV breaks cover

Kelvin Wong, Singapore - IHS Jane's International Defence Review
26 May 2017


The 16 m-long Very Slender Vessel provides the Singapore Army's commando units with an organic high-speed interdiction capability. (IHS Markit/Kelvin Wong)The 16 m-long Very Slender Vessel provides the Singapore Army's commando units with an organic high-speed interdiction capability. (IHS Markit/Kelvin Wong)

Although its existence was officially announced as far back as 2009, the Singapore Army's Very Slender Vessel (VSV) finally made its debut public appearance as a static exhibit at its Army Open House 2017 event that is being held from 27 May to 28 May.

According to army specifications, the VSV is a wave piercing watercraft that measures 16 m long, 2.4 m wide, and 2.5 m tall. The service also stated that the VSV operated by the Singapore commando forces for high speed interdiction missions at speeds in excess of 40 kt, although Jane's understands from manufacturer specifications that it is also designed to be deployed for covert insertion and exfiltration of personnel with maximum transit speeds in the region of 60 kt.

It is understood that the VSV was built by military small boat specialist Halmatic, a subsidiary of former shipbuilder Vosper Thornycroft before the latter's UK-based operations were acquired by Babcock International. Jane's earlier reported that the VSV product line includes three other models in the 18 m, 22 m, and 26 m sizes.

The VSV centres on a slender, low radar cross section canoe hullform with an elliptical cross-section and a length-to-beam ratio in excess of 6:1. The VSV's wide chines provide roll stability when stationary, while generating hydrodynamic lift during transit as well as control heeling when it performs tight manoeuvres.

An army commando spokesperson briefed Jane's on 25 May that the VSV is operated by three crew - comprising the boat commander, coxswain, and navigator - and is typically fitted seating for up to 10 personnel.

"A standard high speed craft, rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB), or even our own assault boat usually planes on the water's surface and this produces an extremely uncomfortable ride over long, high speed transits in higher sea states," the spokesperson said.

w

Singapore Army reveals Rafael Spike SR anti-armour missile system

Kelvin Wong, Singapore - IHS Jane's Missiles & Rockets
30 May 2017


The Spike SR missile with its electro-optical seeker and camera sensor suite clearly shown. It is a single-shot, disposable weapon that is capable of engaging stationary and moving armoured vehicles at ranges of up to 1,500 m. Source: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems

The Singapore Army has acquired the manportable Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Spike Short Range (SR) missile system as the next-generation guided anti-armour weapon for its infantry forces, Jane's has learnt at the army's Open House 2017 event that was held from 27 to 29 May.

Jane's understands that the Spike SR has replaced the ageing Saab Bofors Dynamics 84 mm Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle and is now "fully operational". It is primarily employed by the service's infantry, although Jane's understands that it may also be employed by its commando and guards depending on mission requirements.

The Spike SR is the latest and most compact member of Rafael's Spike fire-and-forget missile family. Specifications released by the army describe the system as a disposable, day/night-capable weapon that is 970 mm long with an overall weight of 9.8 kg inclusive of the missile, control launch unit (CLU), and battery.

Unlike the gimballed seeker installed in the Spike MR/LR/ER (medium-, long-, and extended-range) missiles, the Spike SR incorporates an uncooled and fixed day/night-capable electro-optical (EO) seeker and tracker. According to company literature, the SR has a short activation-to-launch cycle of less than six seconds.

The baseline Spike SR configuration features a tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead designed to engage static and moving armoured vehicle targets. However, Jane's reported in 2016 that Rafael has introduced a new penetration blast fragmentation (PBF) warhead - employing the warhead technology developed jointly by the Singapore Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and the company's Dynamit Nobel Defence subsidiary for the 90 mm MATADOR (Manportable Anti-Tank, Anti-DOoR) light support weapon - to provide troops operating in urban environments with a tactical anti-structure capability.

The service has also stated a minimum and maximum effective range of 100 m and 1,000 m respectively, although Rafael is now specifying a high hit probability against moving targets at ranges from 50 m up to 1,500 m.