Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, yesterday

Second batch of 18 Caesar SPH, to be assembled locally

More lethal sting for RMAF's Hornets



By HARIS HUSSAIN - July 24, 2017 @ 7:29pm
HARIS HUSSAIN

“STICK me in this jet, and I’ll take her anywhere,” said a Royal Malaysian Air Force F/A-18D Hornet ‘driver’.”

The pilot’s confidence in the much-vaunted strike fighter’s ability to handle modern threats is due to the fact that the RMAF’s 20-year-old fleet recently underwent a comprehensive upgrade that gives it an even more lethal “sting”. The best just got better.

The programme, carried out in phases, was to enhance the Hornet’s combat effectiveness in its primary tasking in the air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.

This included the integration of four primary elements — Boeing’s Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), the super-agile, thrust-vectoring AIM-9X Sidewinder heat-seeking air-to-air missile, Global Positioning System (GPS) guidance kits for the GBU-31, -32, -38 and -54 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) “smart” bombs, and the Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) pods for the strike mission.

THE UPGRADES

Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS)

The JHMCS combines a magnetic head tracker with a display projected onto a pilot's visor, giving the pilot targeting information he needs to prosecute a target. It does this by synchronising the aircraft’s sensors with the user’s head movements so that they automatically point to where the pilot is looking. Pilots can also view any desired data (airspeed, altitude, target range, etc.) while ‘heads-up’, eliminating the need to look inside the cockpit during visual air combat.

AIM-9X Sidewinder

The AIM-9X continues the legacy of the AIM-9M in the RMAF F/A-18D Hornet inventory and operations. All AIM-9 versions are ‘heat-homers’, first designed back in the 1950s. AIM-9X now has all-moving control surfaces in the front and rear. While the AIM-9M is a third-generation infrared-guided missile, the AIM-9X is a fifth-generation, all-aspect missile. This digital, field reprogrammable missile has agile, thrust-vector control, a new processor, autopilot, a full envelope, off-boresight capability and high-resolution imaging infrared seeker. Combined with the JHMCS, the AIM-9X makes the RMAF F/A-18D Hornet a particularly lethal air-to-air adversary.

Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM)

The Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs into all-weather, ‘smart’ bombs. JDAM bombs are guided by an integrated inertial guidance system linked to a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. Now, the aircrew only has to insert the coordinates of the target, fly at very high altitudes and drop the bombs. Their delivery is unconstrained by the weather, smoke or any other atmospheric conditions that would normally prevent the delivery of laser- or optically-guided weapons.

Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR)

ATFLIR is a multi-sensor, electro-optical targeting pod incorporating a thermographic camera. Compared with the previous Nitehawk FLIR used by the RMAF’s F/A-18D Hornets, ATFLIR now has a low-light television camera, target laser range finder, laser designator, laser spot tracker and IR marker. It is the world’s first Generation III Targeting FLIR, developed in response to a requirement for the aircrew to be able to acquire a target with improved target recognition and at a greater stand-off ranges.

Should be Renault trucks and not unimog.

A Royal Saudi Land Force CAESAR self-propelled howitzer on a Unimog U2450 chassis.

Indonesian DM confirms acquisition of 11 Su-35 fighter jets

Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-26 21:19:33|

JAKARTA, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said on Wednesday that Indonesia decided to purchase 11 Russian-made Sukhoi 35 fighter jets as negotiations over the deal had already been finalized.

"There will be 11 planes. After two years, it was finally finalized," the minister said in the presidential palace.

The Russian-made aircraft were intended to replace F5 E/F Tiger II warplanes, which have been in service with the Indonesian Air Forces since 1980s.

Reports said delivery of the Su-35 fighter jets to Indonesia would be conducted next year.

The Su-35s would join the Flanker-family fleet of the Indonesian Air Forces, which now operate 11 Su-30s and five Su-27s respectively.

Friday, July 28, 2017

Production of the VT-4 (MBT-3000) for the Royal Thai Army.

Production image of the VT-4 (MBT-3000) main tank for Thai Army in the factory of Norinco, China.













Photos from: Thanapol ASEAN Military Forum

This VTR depicts the production of the VT-4 (MBT-3000) mainland tanker for the Thai Army at the Norinco plant in China, as well as the testing of tanks for the Thai Army in the field. In addition, according to the VTR, if observed well from the 25th to the 51th, the VT-4 main battle tank would be seen as a camouflage color similar to the Army's main tank M60A3. Of course, the VT- 4 to enter the army. Will not do digital camouflage ..

Thailand procures more T-50 trainers

31st July 2017 - 3:03 by Gordon Arthur in Hong Kong



Thailand has bought eight additional T-50TH Golden Eagle advanced jet trainers from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), with an approximate $260 million government-to-government contract signed on 30 July.

The purchase had been earlier approved by the Thai cabinet on 11 July. KAI said the first two aircraft would be delivered in November 2019 and the remainder by May 2020.

AVM Pongsak Semachai revealed that the aircraft would be paid for over a three-year period.

The kingdom purchased four T-50 jets in a September 2015 deal worth $110 million. These are due to be delivered to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) by mid-2018 and will be operated by Wing 4 based at Takhli Air Base in Nakhon Sawan. Six pilots are currently undergoing training on the new platform.

Specifications about the RTAF’s T-50s are scant, but they are expected to feature an Elbit Systems ELM-2032 fire control radar, the ability to carry armaments and future provision for a Link 16 data link.

DSME delivers attack sub to Indonesian Navy

Aug 03,2017
 
Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering delivered its first navy submarine to the Indonesian government Wednesday. This is the first submarine exported by a Korean company.

The attack submarine was handed over to Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense at DSME’s shipyard in Geoje, South Gyeongsang. Named Nagapasa after a weapon in Hindu mythology, it is one of three navy submarines from a deal DSME made with the Indonesian government in 2011. The deal is worth $1.1 billion, equivalent to exporting around 73,000 sedans from domestic brands.

The Nagapasa is an upgrade of the Chang Bogo-class submarines that Korea originally acquired from Germany in 1988. The achievement is notable not only for the company, but also for Korea, which became the fifth submarine-exporting country in the world, following England, France, Russia and Germany. Korea is the first country to export submarines that did not develop the technology independently.

Rostec and Indonesia deal on countertrade for Su-35 contract



Published on: Friday, August, 4, 2017, 03:44 PM
By: AeroTime staff Image :Aleksandr Markin

Russian state corporation Rostec and Indonesian Enterprises State Trading Company concluded a memorandum providing the cooperation of parties for the implementation of the countertrade program under the contract for the supply of Su-35 multirole fighters to Indonesia, according to Russian media.

"As part of supporting the export of goods produced in Indonesia, Rostec is committed to ensuring the implementation of an appropriate counter-trade program within the framework of contractual obligations. At the same time, the Russian side retains the right to choose goods and trade partners in Indonesia," the report said.

According to the state corporation, the agreement provides for expansion of supplies of the most promising Indonesian goods to Russia. At the same time, the list of products will be agreed by the members of the working group, which the parties created to implement the agreement.

Earlier, Indonesian Defense Minister Reimizard Rikudu said that the Indonesian government plans to acquire 11 Su-35 fighters in Russia to strengthen the country's air defense.

"We agreed to supply within two years," the Indonesian newspaper Tempo.co quoted the minister as saying. Indonesia plans to buy the Su-35 to replace the American F-5E/F Tiger II.

Within the contract, Russia undertakes obligations under Indonesian law to provide a barter deal for the supply of Su-35.

Indonesia, Russia sign Su-35 countertrade deal

Jon Grevatt - IHS Jane's Defence Industry
07 August 2017

Key Points

* Russia agrees to import Indonesian products to support pending fighter aircraft contract
* New countertrade deal likely to be one part of wider Russia-Indonesia engagement on Su-35 programme

Indonesia and Russia have signed an agreement to facilitate countertrade deals in support of Jakarta’s pending contract to procure Sukhoi Su-35 'Flanker-E' multirole combat aircraft.

The accord, which was signed on 3 August in Moscow, is channelled through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by Rostec, the holding group for Russia’s defence industry, and Indonesia’s state trading company PT Perusahaan Perdagangan Indonesia (PT PPI).


The Sukhoi Su-35. (IHS Markit/Patrick Allen)

According to a statement by Rostec, the MOU “provides for co-operation in the implementation of [a] bilateral trade programme under the contract for the sale of Su-35 fighters to Indonesia”.

Rostec added that the trade programme will feature exports of Indonesian goods to Russia as part of its obligations under the pending Su-35 contract. It added that the list of exported goods will be negotiated by a working group to be established as per the terms of the MOU.

Rocket launchers, radar system in Johor from China, with love

Jahabar Sadiq
Updated about 8 hours ago · Published on 9 Aug 2017 11:00AM · 2 comments

CHINA will offer Malaysia advanced rocket launchers and a radar system, to be based in Johor, reflecting the widening defence and trade ties between the two countries in the South China Sea region, sources told The Malaysian Insight.

The generous low-interest offer will be made by a high-level delegation headed by Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy visiting Malaysia for the East Coast Rail Link launch tomorrow.

"Up to 12 units of the AR3 multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) will be offered to Malaysia in a purchase programme with a loan period of 50 years," a source told The Malaysian Insight.

"The MLRS, which has a top range of 220km, will be located in Johor with a radar system," added the source, confirming The Malaysian Insight'sreport last April.

35mm CIWS ordered for Indonesian Frigates

14 Agustus 2017


35mm CIWS Millenium Gun (photo : Rheinmetall)

Rheinmetall has received an order for its Millenium Gun 35mm naval weapon system to outfit Indonesia's two new Sigma 10514 Perusak Kawal Rudal (PKR) light frigates.

Damen handed over the first frigate in February this year, with the second undergoing contractor sea trials at press time (late May). Delivery of this ship is planned for October 2017. The primary mission of the 105m, 2,365 tonne ships is anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. Secondary roles include maritime security, search and rescue and humanitarian support.

DTR believes four Millenium Gun systems are part of the Indonesian order. Each Sigma 10514 PKR frigate is allocated one Millenium Gun system installed forward of the bridge. The first Sigma 10514 PKR frigate was delivered without its Millenium Gun system, although the plinth mount is visible in photographs.

Able to fire Rheinmetall's Advanced Hit Efficiency And Destruction (AHEAD) programmable 35mm ammunition, a single Millenium Gun mount can operate as both CIWS and secondary armament on surface combatants of various sizes. Millenium Gun's Oerlikon revolver cannon fires at up to 1,000 rounds per minute. Using AHEAD ammunition natures, figures from Rheinmetall cite that a 25-round burst can achieve a kill a manned aircraft at 3,500m against guided missiles/cruise missiles at 2,000m and against a sea-skimming anti-ship missile at 1,500m. Keep out range against surface targets is approximately 4,000m.

The Indonesian Air Force already operates the Oerlikon 35mm revolver cannon as the effector elements of its land-based Skyshield very short-range air defence system. These system can be ground or truck-mounted.

Indonesia shortlists BT-3F amphibious tracked vehicle from Russia for marines corps

Ridzwan Rahmat - IHS Jane's Navy International
13 August 2017


The BT-3F amphibious tracked armoured personnel carrier. Source: Nikolai Novichkov

Key Points

• Indonesia has shortlisted the Russian developed BT-3F amphibious tracked vehicle to replace its marines corps’ ageing BTR-50PKs
• Contract may see Indonesia become the first international customer of the BT-3F

A request by the Indonesian Marines (Korps Marinir – KORMAR) to formally withdraw from further acquisitions of the BTR-4 8x8 amphibious wheeled armoured personnel carriers (APCs) is close to being approved by the Indonesian government, and the service has singled out Russia’s BT-3F platform as a front runner replacement in the programme.

Sources from the Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Laut, or TNI-AL) told Jane’s on 14 August that as part of a due diligence process to select the replacement, KORMAR chief Major General Bambang Suswantono, and a delegation of senior officers from the service, will arrive in Russia in the week beginning 21 August to witness a demonstration of the BT-3F near Moscow.

Major Gen Bambang will also participate in the Army 2017 military-technical forum as part of his visit, and visit the premises of Concern Tractor Plants, the Russian heavy industry equipment developer that designed BT-3F. KORMAR is a service under the TNI-AL’s command structure.

The Indonesian House of Representatives’ commission on defence, intelligence, and foreign affairs (Komisi I) had previously approved a sum of USD95 million under the country's 2017 defence budget to replace the KORMAR's ageing BTR-50PK APCs with BTR-4s. This approval was granted in addition to the initial batch of five BTR-4 APCs ordered by the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD) from Ukraine's defence industry holding group UkrOboronProm in February 2014.