FNSS Kaplan MT fitted with Aselsan PULAT APS Active Protection System at IDEF 2019, defense exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey. May 2, 2019. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The PULAT Active Protection System is mounted at the front and on each side of the hull. (Picture source Army Recognition)

Armoured Engineer Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (AENBCRV) version of the AV-8 at IDEF 2019, defense exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey. May 1, 2019. (Picture source Army Recognition)

why are tis pipul not getting yellow kad as the Thai's...way too much intrusion in Msian water la tis Vietnam

To pacify Trump, Indonesia seeks American arms

Jakarta is weighing big-ticket US weapons purchases to rebalance trade relations and maintain privileged access to US markets

ByJOHN MCBETH, JAKARTA

Indonesia is quietly talking to the United States about the purchase of 32 new Lockheed Martin F-16 Viper jets and six C-130J cargo aircraft in what may partly be an effort to remove the country from any possible sanctions as the US-China trade war returns to a boil.

Well-placed Washington sources speculate that the Indonesians are seeking to protect their Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) access, as well as to ward off possible US congressional retaliation against friendly countries that have recently purchased Russian military hardware.

Indonesia does not appear to be prominent on US President Donald Trump’s radar. But a US$12.6 billion bilateral trade imbalance and a rising trend of protectionism in Washington could change that, despite Indonesia just reporting its largest monthly trade deficit since 2013.

Although Indonesia already has a squadron of twin-engine Sukhoi Su-27/30 jets, the subsequent lifting of the embargo has seen the delivery in the last two years of 24 refurbished US-made F-16s and eight Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters worth an estimated $1.4 billion.

Indonesia’s intended purchases, including the $1.1 billion Su-35 deal, fit with an ambitious air force modernization plan, announced in June 2018, to bring its force level up to eight fighter squadrons and six refreshed transport squadrons by 2024.

It currently has six fighter squadrons spread across Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi, with an inventory that includes 25 F-16C/Ds, 16 Su-27/30s and 24 British Aerospace BAE Hawk 200s.

Government sources say the C-130 workhorses are a higher priority than the costly, state-of-the-art Vipers because of the steady depletion of its current 18-strong fleet, invaluable in flying troops and relief supplies to remote parts of the archipelago.

Apart from its normal transport role, the Super Hercules C-130 can also be quickly configured for prolonged maritime surveillance duties with belly-mounted radar and roll-on, roll-off sensor stations in place of cargo.

The Indonesians have yet to publicly announce their interest in the F-16V, which was first demonstrated at the Singapore Air Show in 2012 and only went into service with Taiwan’s Air Force this year.

Developed to inter-operate with Lockheed’s fifth-generation F-35 and F-22 fighters, the latest F-16 variant can be deployed against enemy air defenses and also in air-to-air, air-to-ground and deep interdiction and maritime missions.

India Agrees To Acquire Palm Oil, MiG-29 From Malaysia To Secure Tejas Deal

by Swarajya Staff May 20 2019, 10:35 am,

India is among the five contenders competing for the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) intended purchase of 30 light combat aircraft over the next 10 years. New Delhi has put forth its indigenously developed Tejas fighter jet for the RM (Malaysian Ringgit) 36 billion (~ $8.7 billion) deal.

Other aircraft that are on offer are believed to be the F-50 of Korea Aerospace Industries (South Korea), YAK-130 by Irkut Aerospace (Russia), JF-17 Thunder (Pakistan) and Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master (Italy), reports Free Malaysia Today.

According to the report, the political consideration will be the main factor behind Malaysia’s purchase of the aircraft.

Despite heavy lobbying from Pakistan, Malaysia is unlikely to buy the JF-17 as the Kuala Lumpur reportedly intends to link the deal to purchases of palm oil.

India, which is one of the largest buyer of Malaysian palm oil, could easily meet the country’s demand. Besides, New Delhi, in a bid to boost its chances for the deal, has also offered to buy the retired MiG-29 jets from Malaysia.

RM (Malaysian Ringgit) 36 billion (~ $8.7 billion) deal for 30 light combat aircraft ????     

just how expensive is this tejas??it feel funny  

Mat Sabu warns against speculating on Mindef helicopter purchase

May 20th, 2019 (Updated May 20th, 2019)

Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu has warned against speculating on matters affecting his ministry, such as the purchase of helicopters.

Mohamad said in a statement today that such speculation could hamper ongoing probes by the Governance, Procurement and Finance Investigating Committee (JKSTUPKK).

"As with the JKSTUPKK findings on the ‘land swap’ issue that came before, the Defence Ministry will table the matter in the cabinet before lodging a report to authorities such as the MACC and police for further action.

"Therefore, unrelated parties should not speculate on any issue investigated by the JKSTUPKK such as the purchase of helicopters, because this would affect the investigation process," he said.

Earlier today, Free Malaysia Today reported that military helicopters worth RM300 million purchased during the previous BN-led administration have yet to be delivered to the armed forces.

The report quoted unnamed sources who claimed that financial irregularities had also been found in the deal to purchase six MD530G ‘Little Bird’ light attack helicopters from US aerospace company MD Helicopters (formerly McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems). 

RMAF chief rubbishes report on procurement package for 30 jets

By Adrian David - May 22, 2019 @ 7:56am

KUALA LUMPUR: “IT is a ridiculous figure!” That was the first reaction from the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) top general when asked about the purported RM36 billion procurement package for 30 light combat jets.

Calling it far-fetched, RMAF chief General Tan Sri Affendi Buang denied a foreign media report that the air force would conclude the deal by year-end.

He said there was no such plan to conclude negotiations on the light combat jets by such a time frame.

The New Straits Times learnt the Defence Ministry was looking at a procurement package of possibly up to only RM7 billion, in view of economic constraints.

Affendi said RMAF, via the ministry, was studying the options offered by manufacturers.

“We need adequate time to carry out a detailed study and come up with a comprehensive package before deciding on which type of aircraft we are interested in.

“As the end-user, it is pertinent to make purchases that suit our planning, specifications, training and operational needs,” he told NST.

He added that this was part of RMAF’s Capability Development 2055 (CAP 55) transformation plan on new procurement, enhancement and upgrading of assets.

“CAP 55’s focus is to ensure that RMAF stays relevant by shaping its war-fighting capability to ensure threats are deterred and contained.

“It takes into account the type of system platforms RMAF should possess by the year 2055.”