24 Januari 2012

ADF's Blackhawk helicopter (photo : Bruce Linwood)

Army’s Black Hawk helicopters have returned to full flying operations following the lifting of the recent suspension. The suspension was put in place on 19 January following the identification of a number of fractured bolts during a routine maintenance check.

The Commander of Forces Command, Major General Michael Slater, as the Army Operational Airworthiness Authority has lifted the precautionary suspension following airworthiness advice from the Technical Airworthiness Authority.

The suspension demonstrates Army’s commitment to safety. The temporary safety precaution was effected while a thorough engineering investigation was carried out following the discovery of the defective bolts.

The engineering investigation indicated that the defective bolts were confined to a single manufacturer’s batch and were not a fleet wide issue. The defective batch of bolts has been quarantined from use.

The Australian Army operates 34 Black Hawk aircraft. Of that fleet, three are deployed to Timor Leste, and the remaining aircraft are based in Holsworthy NSW and Townsville QLD.

The Navy Seahawk helicopters differ significantly to the Army Black Hawk and were not affected by the suspension.

(Aus DoD)

See Also :

Precautionary Suspension of Black Hawk Flying Operations

21 Januari 2012

Army has temporarily suspended flying operations for the Black Hawk helicopters upon identifying a number of fractured bolts during a routine maintenance check.

Acting Director General Aviation, Colonel Stephen Evans said the suspension, which commenced on 19 January, was to ensure safety and is consistent with Army Operational Airworthiness procedures.

“The precautionary suspension will remain in place to allow an investigation into the cause of the fracture to be completed,” Colonel Evans said.

Three Army Black Hawks are assigned to Joint Task Force 631 in Timor Leste. Emergency aero-medical evacuations for International Stabilisation Force personnel in Timor Leste remain authorised during the temporary suspension.

The Navy Seahawk helicopters differ significantly to the Black Hawk in the affected area, and Seahawk flying operations have not been suspended.

(Aus DoD)

16 Januari 2012

Nexter Caesar 155 howitzer (photo : rhcp04)

Indonesia will start modernizing its military hardware after a decade of internal reform riding on the back of an improving economy, Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro told repoters Monday.

“The Indonesian Military has been involved in internal reforms, such as disengagement from political and business activities,” he told a press conference after a leadership meeting at the ministry.

“All this time, the TNI has refrained from procuring major weapons systems.”

Also attending the press conference were Defense Deputy Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, TNI chief Adm. Agus Suhartono, Army chief of staff Gen. Pramono Edhie Wibowo, Navy chief of staff Adm. Soeparno, Air Force chief of staff Marshal Imam Sufaat, and ministry secretary general Vice Marshal Eris Heryyanto.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Security and Legal Affairs Djoko Suyanto attended the leadership meeting and delivered a speech to the participants.

Purnomo said most of the procurement could take a long time to realize from planning to delivery as there were various agencies involved in the process.

“Each individual service will describe their needs to the TNI headquarters, which will submit the request to the ministry,” he said.

“Once agreed, we have to talk with the National Development Planning Board [Bappenas] and the Finance Ministry to find the appropriate funding.”

He said because most procurement processes require a long time to realize, the funding usually involves a multiyear system.

The ministry’s Defense Facilities Agency chief, Maj. Gen. Ediwan Prabowo, said most of the shopping list would be sealed in the first half of this year.

“We are currently still looking for candidates for each weapons system. So we have not yet decided the model and pricing,” he told the press conference.

The shopping list includes various weapons systems for the three services including various types of helicopters, howitzers, multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), various types of ships and anti-aircraft missiles.

Indonesia ended 2011 with large procurements, including six Sukhoi Su-30MKK from Russia worth US$470 million; three submarines from South Korea worth almost $1.1 billion in cooperation with state shipyard PT PAL; nine NC-295 medium transport from Spain worth $325 billion in cooperation with state-owned aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia; 16 KAI T-50 Golden Eagle advanced trainers, worth $400 million, from South Korea; eight Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano counter-insurgency aircraft from Brazil; and Grob G 120TP primary trainer from Germany.

Indonesia’s shopping list in 2012

Army

1. Main battle tank (MBT)

2. Multiple launch rocket system (MLRS)

3. Howitzer 155mm

4. Air defense missile

5. Assault and attack helicopters

6. Anoa armored personnel carrier

Navy
1. Searider rigid-inflatable boat (RIB)
2. Fast patrol boats
3. Guided-missile destroyer
4. Hydro-oceanography vessel
5. Barque tall ship to replace the existing KRI Dewaruci
6. Various auxiliary vessels, including fuel and landing ship tank
7. Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter

Air Force
1. Anti-aircraft missile
2. EC-725 Cougar helicopter
3. 24 units of F-16, grant from the United States, to be retrofitted
4. 4 units of C-130H heavy transport aircraft, grant from Australia, to be retrofitted

(The Jakarta Post)

13 Januari 2012

NSmen from the 285th Battalion, Singapore Artillery participating in a battalion live-firing exercise involving the Singapore Light Weight Howitzer, Pegasus. (photo : Mindef)

Permanent Secretary for Defence Development visits Artillery Exercise in New Zealand

Permanent Secretary for Defence Development Dr Tan Kim Siew visited Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) troops participating in the annual artillery exercise, codenamed Exercise Thunder Warrior, at the Waiouru Training Area in New Zealand, today. During his visit, Dr Tan witnessed a battalion live-firing exercise involving the Singapore Light Weight Howitzer, Pegasus and interacted with SAF troops participating in the exercise.

This year's exercise is conducted from 6 to 22 January 2012 and involves about 600 personnel from the 23rd, 24th and 285th Battalions, Singapore Artillery (SA). The 285th Battalion is made up of Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) who are undergoing their battalion evaluation in New Zealand.

Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Ravinder Singh, visited the exercise yesterday with New Zealand Army Chief MG Timothy Keating, where he witnessed the battalion live-firing and interacted with the SAF troops. MG Ravinder Singh, who is in New Zealand for his introductory visit, also called on MG Keating in Wellington today as part of his visit.

Exercise Thunder Warrior has been conducted annually in New Zealand since 1997 and underscores the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and New Zealand. The SAF and the New Zealand Defence Force interact extensively through a wide range of bilateral and multilateral training exercises, professional exchanges and courses. Both armed forces also interact regularly under the ambit of the Five Power Defence Arrangements.

(Mindef)

12 Januari 2012

Boeing CH-47F Chinook (photo : Boeing)

Boeing Awarded US Army Contract for 14 Additional CH-47F Chinook Helicopters

RIDLEY TOWNSHIP-- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has received a U.S. Army contract valued at approximately $370 million for 14 CH-47F Chinook helicopters to support Foreign Military Sales efforts. The aircraft will be delivered to the U.S. Army beginning in 2014; all but one are intended for Australia and the United Arab Emirates.

“This new aircraft sale brings our Chinook backlog to more than 200 aircraft for both domestic and international customers worldwide,” said Leanne Caret, H-47 Programs vice president. “Boeing’s recent $130 million investment to create a world-class Chinook manufacturing facility near Philadelphia means we are well positioned to respond to this demand.”

Seven of the new Chinooks will be delivered to the Australian Defence Force and six aircraft will be delivered to the United Arab Emirates under the terms of a previously announced Foreign Military Sales agreement between the U.S. government and the two countries. One additional aircraft is to be delivered to the U.S. Army to fulfill its own requirements.

“This sale is indicative of the tremendous interest from customers around the world who need best-in-class, multirole heavy-lift capabilities for military and humanitarian missions,” Caret added.

The H-47 program is at the midpoint of executing a multiyear contract for 191 CH-47F Chinook aircraft that was awarded in August 2008 and originally valued at $4.3 billion. In November, Boeing submitted a proposal to the U.S. government for a second multiyear contract for 155 Chinooks for the U.S. Army. This second five-year, firm fixed-price proposal would provide the Army with close to the full complement of 464 Chinooks outlined in the Department of Defense program of record and would yield double-digit percentage savings over a single-year procurement strategy. A decision is expected early next year.

Since completing the first CH-47F production aircraft in August 2006, Boeing has trained and equipped eight U.S. Army units and is in the process of equipping the ninth. Six units have completed deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, where the helicopter has logged nearly 70,000 flight hours and maintained an operational readiness rate of more than 85 percent conducting air assault, transport, medical evacuation and support operations.

There are more than 450 Chinooks in operation with military forces in 17 countries around the world. International operators include Japan, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Thailand, Taiwan, Greece, Korea and Spain.

(Boeing)

06 Januari 2012

T-84 Oplot Main Battle Tanks (photo : Militaryphotos)

Ukrainian State Company for Export and Import of Military and Special Products and Services (Ukrspetseksport), which is a part of the Ukroboronprom state concern, intends to supply 49 T-84 Oplot tanks to Thailand.

He said a statement made by Volodymyr Kuratchenko, deputy director general of Ukroboronprom, in Kharkiv that enterprise will supply close to 100 tanks to Thailand was a mistake.

Volodymyr Kuratchenko told the press in Kharkiv that the execution of the contract will begin in 2012 and will be completed in 2014.

He said the execution of the contract will allow the Kharkiv Malyshev Plant to boost production volume 10 times in 2012 over 2011.

He did not specify a sum of the contract.

Mykola Belov, acting director general of the Kharkiv Malyshev Plant, told Ukrainian News the Cabinet of Ministers allocated UAH 40.2 million in December to the plant for preparing the execution of this and other contracts concerning production of tanks and armored personnel carriers.

Chief Designer Volodymyr Vakulenko told the press some 40 changes will be introduced in the design on demands from the customer, including installation of air conditioners.

As Ukrainian News reported, Ukrspetseksport on September 1 signed a contract with the Defense Ministry of Thailand to deliver 49 Oplot tanks for a sum exceeding USD 200 million.

On August 5, Ukrspetseksport reached agreement with Thailand for manufacture of 121 pieces of

BTR-3E1 armored personnel carriers and support vehicles based on them worth a total of more than USD 140 million.

Ukrspetseksport is part of the Ukroboronprom state-run concern, which also comprising enterprises producing military hardware, including tank-building enterprises.

(Army Recognition)

02 Januari 2012

Philippines Army (photo : Army Recognition)

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) wants to reduce the number of infantry and marine battalions in the next few years as the military moves towards enhancing its territorial defense capability.

The restructuring program would channel resources to priority areas like boosting maritime security and territorial defense to enforce the country’s sovereign rights at the Kalayaan Island Group.

“Our territorial defense needs for this planning period will essentially be met by our forces that are engaged in internal security operations in priority regions and our units in non-priority regions,” the DND said in a planning guidance issued to the military.

Documents obtained by The STAR show that the Army infantry battalions would be reduced to 81 this year from 85 in 2011. The number of active duty battalions would be slashed gradually in the succeeding years until it reaches 54 in 2018.

The number of infantry brigade headquarters would be cut to 27 this year from 31 last year. It would be reduced further in the succeeding years until it reaches 18 in 2015.

On the other hand, the number of infantry divisions would be reduced to nine this year from 10 last year. The number of divisions would be down to six by 2015.

The DND plan, however, seeks to form two battalions for Rapid Deployment Forces by 2015. It also wants to create one infantry battalion for peacekeeping operations this year.

DND said the personnel and equipment from the units to be deactivated would be reapplied to other priorities like filling up the needs of remaining forces.

The marine battalions would also be reduced to 10 this year from 12 last year. Only nine marine battalions would be retained in 2013.

However, a marine battalion would be formed and would undergo retraining this year while another one would be created for peacekeeping tasks next year.

Even the military’s elite forces would be covered by the restructuring plan.

The four active duty combat groups would be reduced to two this year and would be deactivated in 2013.

On the other hand, the Special Operations Combat Support Group would be abolished in 2013. The DND plan, however, called for the creation of a ground-based air defense system group next year.

The DND has asked the military to submit a plan to ensure the smooth implementation of the restructuring program.

The DND planning guidance listed as the top resource priority the improvement of the country’s maritime security and territorial defense capabilities.

The DND also plans to streamline the armed forces’ civil-military operations (CMO) battalions, which conduct development projects in areas of conflict.

The 10 CMO battalions would be reduced gradually until these are abolished in 2017. The Armed Forces’ National Development Support Command, which works with private groups to provide basic services, would be scrapped this year.

(PhilStar)

16 Desember 2011



Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicle (photo : Militaryphotos)



Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, and Commander 2nd Division, Major General Craig Williams AM, today announced major reforms for Army Reserve under Plan Beersheba at Simpson Barracks in Watsonia, Melbourne.



Senator Feeney said that Plan Beersheba, a restructure of the Australian Army, will achieve a greater integration of full and part time forces and strengthen the operational capability of our part time forces.



“In an increasingly complex strategic environment, we must make sure our forces are positioned for the full range of possible contingencies.



“Plan Beersheba positions Army to deliver capability in an effective, timely and affordable way to meet these contingencies,” Senator Feeney said.



“This Government will ensure that all Reserve Armoured Corps will receive Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles to provide protected transport for our troops.



“This will be the first time in more than five years that all Army Reserve Armoured units will have armoured vehicles.



“In addition, under Beersheba we intend to create a new armoured squadron with protected vehicles in Queensland. This is a major boost to the capability of the Reserve.



“In Melbourne, the armoured unit of 4th Brigade – 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse who famously fought at Beersheba – will get Bushmasters,” said Senator Feeney.



Commander 2nd Division, Major General Craig Williams said that the Army’s Reserve Force (2nd Division) will be realigned with the Regular Army, with two Reserve Brigades linked to each Multi-role Manoeuvre Brigade.



“There will be a significant increase in the operational focus of the Reserve which will be effected through the development of habitual relationships between reserve brigades and the regular Multi-role Manoeuvre Brigades,” Major General Williams said.



“The 2nd Division will be aligned with the 36 month Force Generation Cycle and assigned preparedness levels.”



Defence Reserves Association (DRA) President, Major General Jim Barry (Retd) said:

“This is the most important structural change for the Army Reserve in decades.



“The six Army Reserve Brigades of 2 Division are now assigned specific roles and tasks and are structurally aligned with their regular counterparts. There is now a defined operational focus which the DRA has been advocating for some time,” Major General Jim Barry (Retd) said.



Plan Beersheba is the Australian Army’s plan for the next phase of the Adaptive Army Campaign. It follows the changes in Army’s command and control structure made during 2008.



Under the plan, the 1st, 3rd and 7th Brigades will form three new Multi-role Manoeuvre Brigades. These Brigades will be fundamentally alike in structure to enable sustained operations within a new 36-month Force Generation Cycle.



Force Generation is the process through which Army readies itself to respond to contingencies that may arise. Each Brigade will have the following components – infantry, armour, artillery, engineers, logistics and communications.



Australia’s Reserve Force will be more focused on stability operations and will be involved in major exercises with their partnered Multi-role Manoeuvre Brigades.



(Aus DoD)

15 Desember 2011

The 15th MRH90 (Multi-Role Helicopter) with tail number 014 (photo : Australian Aerospace)

Local defence manufacturer, Australian Aerospace, yesterday delivered the 15th MRH90 (Multi-Role Helicopter), tail number 014, to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) – the second such handover in two weeks following signing of an agreement to overcome Program issues and ensure timely delivery of the world’s most advanced helicopters.

Australian Aerospace’s production facility on Brisbane Airport is assembling and delivering 46 MRH90s to replace Army and Navy Black Hawk and Sea King helicopters. Since the helicopter’s entry to service, Australian Aerospace, its industry partners and the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO), have been working to introduce the new capability into service.

On 23 November, Australian Aerospace and the Commonwealth of Australia signed a Deed of Agreement, encompassing a remediation plan to overcome a number of identified issues, including an engine failure and oil cooler fan issues, and ensure timely deliveries of the MRH90s. One week later, Defence accepted the 14th helicopter.

“The delivery of the 15th MRH90, just two weeks after signing the Deed of Agreement is very encouraging indeed,” said Dr. Jens Goennemann, Chief Executive Officer of Australian Aerospace. “It augurs well for the Program’s future and is a strong sign of our commitment to delivering the capability to Defence”.

Capable of carrying 2 pilots, 2 loadmasters and 18 combat troops up to 900km at speeds in excess of 300 km/h, the MRH90 is a fly-by-wire, all-composite construction, medium-lift helicopter with the highest crash-worthiness standards. Chosen by Australia over competing types as part of a program to modernise and rationalise its military helicopter fleet, the MRH90 is the world’s most advanced helicopter in the ten-tonne class.

About Australian Aerospace

With more than 1100 staff in Australia and New Zealand, Australian Aerospace has access to the financial strength and expertise of Eurocopter and the EADS Group.

At its production facility on Brisbane Airport, Australian Aerospace currently is supporting 22 Tiger ARH armed reconnaissance helicopters to the Australian Army and assembling and delivering 46 MRH90 Multi-Role Helicopters to the Army and Navy.

In addition to its helicopter capabilities, Australian Aerospace supports the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) AP-3C Orion reconnaissance aircraft and C-130J Hercules transports.

The company is also involved in supporting the RAAF’s new Airbus A330-based Multi-Role Tanker-Transport (MRTT) aircraft and F/A18 (Classic) Hornet fighters.

(Eurocopter)

07 Desember 2011

Soldiers from SAF and RBLF during Exercise Maju Bersama (photo : Cyberpioneer)

BERAKAS GARRISON – Bilateral exercise namely "Exercise MAJU BERSAMA 2011" between Royal Brunei Land Forces (RBLF) and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has been launched successfully this morning at the First Battalion RBLF Parade Square, in Berakas Garrison. This year’s exercise was conducted by the First Batalion RBLF as the exercise is organized in every two years.

Officiating the opening ceremony was the Guest of Honour, Brigadier General Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Yussof bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Commander of RBLF. Also attending the ceremony was representative from SAF, Brigadier General Lim Hock Yu, Commander of TRADOC.

The aims of the exercise are to strengthen diplomatic ties and mutual understanding between the RBLF and SAF. Also to enhance cooperation and understanding on doctrine and operational procedures between the two countries. This exercise is expected to be completed until 14 December 2011.

(Brunei Mindef)

02 Desember 2011

Bell 412 of the Indonesian Army Aviation (photo : Detik)

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it has received five firm orders with two potential follow-on orders for Bell 412s from PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) for delivery to government agencies in Indonesia.

"Bell Helicopter has had a long partnership with PTDI in Indonesia," said Larry D. Roberts, senior vice president, Bell Helicopter’s Commercial Business.

“The sale of these helicopters is part of the framework of an ongoing industrial collaboration between our two companies," Roberts said. "We believe our partnership will continue to grow and possibly expand in the future."

The five Bell 412s are expected to be delivered to PTDI by the end of the year. PTDI will then transport them to Bandung, Indonesia, where local content and customer specific mission equipment will be added prior to PTDI making final delivery to end-users.

In 2010, Bell Helicopter announced plans to extend the capability and performance of the Bell 412EP through a series of upgrades which are expected to be available to customers in 2012.

"The Bell 412 has had tremendous success in the region. It is well-known throughout the world for its reliability and multi-mission capabilities. We are committed to continuing to invest in the Bell 412 and will evolve it based on customer feedback and mission requirements," Roberts said.

The upgrade program entails a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) project that is intended to extend the wide range of missions that can be performed by the Bell 412EP consisting of an engine and flight deck upgrade, which will be available in 3-axis and 4-axis options.

The engine upgrade, in partnership with Pratt & Whitney Inc., is designed to provide a 15 percent engine SHP increase, improved OEI and hot/high performance and introduction of electronic engine control. The upgrade will yield a 10-12 percent increase in CAT A/PC1 & PC2 performance, increased hot/high capability and provides a path for a future upgrade for increased range and payload.

The flight deck upgrade will provide a modern glass flight deck – leveraging the well-received glass flight deck in the new Bell 429 – by utilizing hardware common to that aircraft, specifically display units. This will provide commonality in the cockpits of Bell Helicopter’s light twin and medium twin aircraft, simplifying pilot familiarity and maintenance training.

The planned engine and flight deck upgrades are in addition to an earlier Bell 412EP STC for the BLR FastFin™ System. The FastFin™ upgrade, certified by Transport Canada and the Federal Aviation Administration and available today, increases HOGE and HIGE performance limits and expands the lifting capacity of the Bell 412EP, providing more tail rotor reserve authority, improving hover stability, high/hot performance, crosswind capabilities, and payload, while reducing pilot workload and lowering operating costs through fuel savings.

Earlier this year, Bell Helicopter broke ground on a new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Singapore's Seletar Aerospace Park dedicated to customer support and service for the Asia-Pacific region. The new facility, which Bell Helicopter will operate in partnership with Cessna, will replace and augment the existing Bell Helicopter Supply Center and strengthen the company's sales presence in the Asia Pacific region, as well as add parts distribution and maintenance capabilities for Cessna operators in the region.

"Bell Helicopter is focused on continually improving the customer experience and remains committed to transforming the model for commercial aviation aircraft support – finding innovative ways of supporting our customers around the world and leading the way in new and emerging markets," said R. Danny Maldonado, senior vice president, Bell Helicopter's Customer Support and Chief Services Officer.

"With more than 6,000 helicopters flying in more than 12 countries, Asia Pacific has the second largest fleet of aircraft in the world. Adding this new service center is one way we are demonstrating that commitment to our customers throughout the Asia Pacific region," Maldonado said.

The Bell 412 is backed by Bell Helicopter's industry-leading customer support and service that has earned it – voted by our customers – the #1 ranking in Professional Pilot magazine for 17 consecutive years as well as #1 in Aviation International News for a sixth consecutive time.

(Bell Helicopter)

01 Desember 2011

Tiger Armed Reconnaisance Helicopter (photo : Jetphotos)

Defence company Australian Aerospace has handed over the last of 22 Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters (ARH) to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

In a formal ceremony at the company's facility in Brisbane, chief executive Dr Jens Goennemann said it was a great day for Australian Army Aviation, the ADF and Australian Aerospace.

He said it also marked another important milestone in the ARH program.

"The Tiger ARH has been a complex and demanding program and one not without its fair share of challenges," he said in a statement on Thursday.

"But extensive collaboration and a cooperative approach by Australian Aerospace, our industry partners and the various ADF branches involved has been a significant contributor to where we proudly stand today."

The Tiger helicopters were ordered in 2001 in a $2 billion deal to replace Vietnam War-era Iroquois and Kiowa helicopters. The first four were manufactured in France and the rest assembled in Brisbane by Australian Aerospace, a subsidiary of Eurocopter.

The project encountered a series of technical problems and delays and was at one stage on the government's projects of concern list.

Australian Tigers are set to be declared fully ready for operational service next year, however, French Tigers have been flying operationally in Afghanistan for the last two years.

Thursday's handover ceremony was attended by representatives of the Commonwealth, aviation and aerospace companies, the Australian Defence Force plus senior management of Australian Aerospace and its parent Eurocopter.

Dr Goennemann said delivery of final Tiger ARH022 did not signify an end to Australian Aerospace's Tiger relationship with the ADF.

"Australian Aerospace will continue to work with Army to support, maintain and bring this important new platform to maturity within the ADF," he said.

Tiger represents a very significant increase in capability for the ADF.

Australian Aerospace says it's the world's most advanced armed reconnaissance helicopter, featuring advanced technology which makes it faster and more agile than competitors, such as the US Apache.

Tiger carries a crew of two - pilot and gunner - and is equipped with an advanced day and night surveillance system, a 30-mm cannon, 70mm freeflight rockets and, unlike French Tigers, the US Hellfire air-to-ground missile.

(9News)

24 November 2011

On the move: An armoured personnel carrier at the exercise zone at Felda Lok Heng in Kota Tinggi yesterday. (photo : The Star)

KOTA TINGGI: The army will conduct military exercise in towns to prepare its personnel for urban warfare, says its chief Jeneral Datuk Zulkifli Zainal Abidin.

He said the exercise was needed as the landscape and terrain of war was constantly changing and the army must be prepared to face such challenges.

“We hope we will be able to perform a military exercise in smaller urban areas next year,” he said after officiating at the closing ceremony of an exercise here yesterday.

He also gave the thumbs up to the Pendekar battle tanks, which were used for the first time in the three-week exercise after they were handed over in September.

“The tanks did not have any problems during the period and were in tiptop condition throughout the exercise. They have proven to be a success and are a great addition to the army's assets,” Jen Zulkifli said.

He added that more than 5,000 personnel from the army, Royal Malaysian Air Force and Royal Malaysian Navy were involved in the first joint coordinated exercise.

(The Star)

18 November 2011

Army firing exercise held in Cultana Training Area (photo : news.com)

Progress made to expand Cultana Training Area

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, today met with pastoralists in Whyalla. He discussed progress that has been made to expand the Cultana Training Area in South Australia.

Expansion of the Cultana Training Area is critical for Defence’s Joint and Combined Arms training. It is also important to Army’s 1st Brigade, especially the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment which relocated to Adelaide in January 2011.

Senator Feeney said that significant developments have occurred since he visited stakeholders in February 2011.

“Defence has recently obtained in principle agreement with the registered native title claimant regarding an Indigenous Land Use Agreement.

“In light of this development, I have obtained agreement from a number of Federal Ministers to start compulsory acquisition of the pastoral leases within the Cultana Expansion Area,” Senator Feeney said.

Senator Feeney acknowledged that this process has taken some time and thanked pastoralists for their patience.

“The expansion of Cultana will bring more Defence jobs to South Australia.

“Not only will it generate short-term employment during the construction phase, but increased use of the training area will have a positive economic impact on local communities.

“The expansion will also complement the Army’s new $620 million facilities at Horseshoe Barracks, RAAF Base Edinburgh,” Senator Feeney said.

(Aus DoD)

17 November 2011

ERA of Vietnam (photo : VTV2 )

Recently, Vietnam has succeeded in researching and manufacturing explosive reactive armor (ERA) that can be fitted on the tank to increase the capacity of armor in Vietnam.

Since 2004, T Institute of Department of Defence of Vietnam has research and development explosive reactive armor (ERA).

In 2007, the T Institute has completed the design of adjacent generations and is a fully developed second-generation armor, restrain capable of B-72 bullet (AT-3 anti-tank missiles ).

Design and manufacture of explosive reactive armor using materials available in the country, this is a significant cost savings. While the technical features surpasses Vietnam's borders and is equivalent to the world's explosive reactive armor.

According to the research staff, explosive reactive armor made in Vietnam are lightweight, easily removable, and quick fully integrated with the Vietnam People's Army tanks.

(DatViet)

14 November 2011

The military's 23 new High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) ambulances as they were turned over Monday during the 72nd anniversary rites of the Department of National Defense in Camp Aguinaldo. The HMMWV, known as Humvee ambulance, is designed to for all types of roads, including cross-country terrains which are typical in conflict-affected development areas. (photo : Jepot-Timawa)

MANILA, Philippines – The military’s 23 newly-acquired units of High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) ambulances were turned over Monday to the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps during the 72nd anniversary rites of the Department of National Defense at Camp Aguinaldo.

Nineteen of said units will be given to the Philippine Army, while four will go to the Marines, said Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Eduardo Oban in an interview with reporters after the ceremony.

He added that that it will be to the discretion of the Army and Marines how to distribute the said units.

“The goal of the project is to enhance the AFP’s health service support system focusing on the survivability of our combat casualties in the frontlines, providing adequate and timely medical support,” Oban also said.

He added that the procurement of the units “will surely be of great help” to the soldiers on the field for their combat missions.

Meanwhile, public affairs chief Colonel Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. added that the ambulance units are part of the $10M worth of medical equipment and supplies procurement project under the Foreign Military Sales Case PI-MTB of the Philippine Defense Reform Program.

The HMMWV, known as Humvee ambulance, is designed to for all types of roads, including cross-country terrains which are typical in conflict-affected development areas.

Each ambulance is equipped with life-support systems to provide immediate medical response to life-threatening combat casualty personnel before they are transported to medical treatment facilities.

(Inquirer)

11 November 2011

Carl Gustav M3 weapon system (photo : Aus DoD)

The defence and security company Saab has received an order from Australia for ammunition to the Carl-Gustaf M3 weapon system. The order sum is MSEK 160.

It is the Australian Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) that has selected Saab to be the provider of various versions of 84 mm Carl-Gustaf ammunition.

“This shows the high level of trust Australia have for the Carl-Gustaf system. It is a strategic and important contract securing production as well as contributing to further development of the system” says Tomas Samuelsson, Head of business area Dynamics.

In late 2009 the Australian Defence Force selected the Carl-Gustaf M3 weapon system after thorough evaluation as their future multi-purpose weapon system. The Carl-Gustaf weapon until now has been exported to more than 40 nations worldwide.

Manufacturing will be done by Saab in Karlskoga, Sweden, and deliveries take place within the next half year.

(SaabGroup)

02 November 2011

The Singapore Armed Forces' HIMARS in action during the live-firing exercise. (photo : Mindef)

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is conducting a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-firing exercise, code-named Daring Warrior, from 21 October to 7 November 2011, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, USA. The exercise involved 234 personnel from the Headquarters, Singapore Artillery, Headquarters 3rd Division Artillery and 23rd Battalion, Singapore Artillery as well as the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

In conjunction with Exercise Daring Warrior, the SAF and the US Army conducted a bilateral air-land integrated live-firing exercise, involving US personnel from the 214th Fires Brigade Headquarters, as well as 1-14th and 2-5th Field Artillery. The two-day bilateral exercise, which ended today, involved the SAF's HIMARS and Apache AH-64Ds helicopters. The US also participated with their HIMARS, F-16 and F-18 fighter aircraft, as well as Ground Liaison and Targeting teams.

The Commander of the SAF Training and Doctrine Command Brigadier-General (BG) Lim Hock Yu and the Commanding General of the US Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill Major-General (MG) David Halverson were present to witness the exercise. Highlighting the value of Exercise Daring Warrior, BG Lim said, "Exercise Daring Warrior provides an excellent opportunity for the SAF to maintain the operational capabilities of its HIMARS and to conduct air-land integration training. It also opens up a channel for professional and operational exchanges between the SAF and the US Army." Likewise, MG Halverson added that "the exercise was a great environment for the soldiers to operate in a joint training situation". In addition, he said, "As we train together to develop proficiencies and certifications, we are also working to take the training to the next level. We have a great coalition team with the military forces of Singapore."

Exercise Daring Warrior 2011 is the second HIMARS live-firing exercise conducted since the SAF took delivery of the HIMARS in July 2010. The SAF and the US Army also conducted a joint live-firing exercise during the previous Exercise Daring Warrior, in November 2010. Training in the US enables the SAF to build up its operational capabilities and readiness. It also facilitates sharing of knowledge between the two armed forces. The US' support for the SAF's training in the US reflects the long-standing and excellent defence relationship between the two countries.

(Mindef)

31 Oktober 2011

US using Buffalo as mine sweeper vehicle (photo : Militaryphotos)

Australia Defence Ministry lodges $100m bid for mine-sweepers in Afghanistan

Perth: Australian Defence Ministry asked the government to approve a $100 million fleet of mine-detecting vehicles, which army experts say will all but neutralize threat of roadside bombs in Afghanistan. News of request came as Australia Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd Friday urged his Pakistan counterpart to stop illicit movement of locally made explosives material into Afghanistan, where it is used to make roadside bombs.

At a meeting on sidelines of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, Rudd told Pakistan Foreign Minister Ms Hina Rabbani Khar to take “all practical efforts” to restrict the movement of bomb-making materials across the border.

It is first time the issue of Pakistan-sourced explosives material has been raised at a senior ministerial level between the two countries.

Weekend Australian newspaper understands the request by Australian Defence Ministry for fast-tracked approval for mine-detecting vehicles will go to national security committee of cabinet in December.

Of 29 Australian soldiers killed in action in Afghanistan since 2001, IEDs — improvised explosive devices — have claimed lives of 14 and responsible for wounding a further 105. The explosives issue was raised during bilateral talks on counter-terrorism co-operation between Australia and Pakistan at CHOGM, a spokeswoman for Rudd said.

(One Pakistan)

27 Oktober 2011

Mamba Mark II MRAP 4x4 buatan BAE Systems Land Systems OMC, unit bisnis BAE Systems di Afrika Selatan (all photos : ARC, Audryliahepburn)

Setelah MRAP Casspir dimiliki Kopassus, belum ada lagi kabar kendaraan sejenis yang akan diakuisisi oleh TNI. Namun pada tahun akhir tahun 2006, bersamaan dengan diselenggarakannya pameran pertahanan Indodefence 2006, muncul berita bahwa BAE System menawarkan MRAP tipe RG-31 Nyala dan RG-32 kepada TNI.

Tidak ada kabar mengenai disetujui tidaknya sodoran kendaraan MRAP tersebut, namun Majalah Commando edisi Mei 2010 memergoki satu kendaraan MRAP yang mirip RG-31 ketika sedang berkunjung ke markas Kopassus.

Beberapa hari yang lalu menjelang diadakannya Latihan Gabungan Anti Teror 2011, foto kendaraan MRAP tersebut beredar di forum-forum militer. Pada hari ini kendaraan tersebut resmi diperlihatkan kepada publik dalam Latihan Gabungan Anti Teror TNI-Polri 2011.


Menilik dari bentuk fisiknya terutama grille depan, lampu depan, dan ban cadangan di bodi sebelah kiri maka kendaraan ini dapat diidentifikasikan sebagai Mamba, dan melihat dari kaca samping bagian belakang yang hanya terdiri dari satu ruas, maka dapat dipastikan bahwa kendaraan ini adalah Mamba Mk II MRAP buatan Afrika Selatan.

Mamba dibuat oleh Reumech OMC, pabrikan dari Afrika Selatan, pabrikan ini sempat mengalami proses akuisisi beberapa kali dimulai oleh Vickers, Alvis dan terakhir oleh BAE Systems dan namanya pun berubah menjadi BAE Systems Land Systems OMC.

Mamba Mk II sebagai kendaraan ringan 4x4 ditenagai oleh mesin diesel Mercedes Benz 352N 6-cylinder sehingga kendaraan dapat dipacu hingga kecepatan 102 km/jam. Sebagai kendaraan MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected), kendaraan ini mempunyai lambung baja berbentuk V untuk melindungi penumpangnya dari ledakan ranjau anti tank.

Kendaraan ini mempunyai berat 6,8 ton, dengan bodi monocoque dan mempunyai ground clearance 41cm. Standar proteksi Mamba pada lambung baja dan kacanya dapat memberikan perlindungan terhadap tembakan senjata dengan amunisi ukuran 5,56 × 34 mm dan 7,62 × 51 mm serta perlindungan opsional terhadap amunisi tipe armour–piercing ukuran 7,62 × 51 mm standar NATO.


Memang terdapat tiga kendaraan MRAP yang mirip satu sama lain yaitu : mamba, Nyala, dan Reva. RG-31 Nyala adalah pengembangan lebih lanjut dari Mamba Mk II oleh Land Systems OMC, sedangkan Reva adalah pengembangan oleh ICP dengan mesin penggerak Merek Cummins sejak varian Mamba Mk I. Reva telah dipakai oleh Angkatan Darat Thailand dan dioperasikan di wilayah konflik Thailand Selatan.

Selain Mamba, Kopassus juga mengoperasikan kendaraan MRAP Casspir yang sama-sama buatan Afrika Selatan. Casspir diproduksi oleh TFM yang selanjutnya diakuisisi oleh Reumech OMC dan akhirnya menjadi Land Systems OMC. Casspir tergolong MRAP berukuran sedang.

Dalam mengangkut personil Mamba mampu membawa 9 personil plus 2 crew, sedangkan Casspir yang mempunyai bobot 10,88 ton dapat membawa lebih banyak lagi yaitu 12 personil plus 2 crew.

Kendaraan ini pantas digunakan oleh Sat-81 Gultor Kopassus, karena akan memberikan perlindungan maksimal pada prajurit yang telah dididik dengan biaya mahal.

(Defense Studies)

21 Oktober 2011

Vingtaqs II long-range surveillance, observation and reconnaissance system. (photo : Rheinmetall Defence)

Vingtaqs II observation system to be mounted on new all-terrain vehicles.

Rheinmetall Nordic AS of Nøtterøy, Norway, a member of the Rheinmetall Group of companies, has been awarded a contract to supply the Malaysian armed forces with the Vingtaqs II long-range surveillance, observation and reconnaissance system. Rheinmetall Nordic AS is the successor company of Simrad Optronics AS, which Rheinmetall took over in summer 2010.

With a total volume of around €36 million, this is the largest single order ever booked by Rheinmetall Nordic AS or its predecessor Simrad Optronics AS.

The customer is DRB-Hicom Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (Deftech) of Malaysia. The order also encompasses training, system integration and documentation.

The Vingtaqs II systems will be integrated into newly built AV8 all-terrain vehicles made by the Turkish company FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.S., which are to be delivered during the period 2014 to 2018.

“This contract demonstrates the terrific market potential of our new Vingtaqs systems. What’s more, because of our strong goal orientation and clear priorities, we were able to win this contract in less than two years”, declares Jon Asbjørn Bø, CEO of Rheinmetall Nordic AS, adding that “the order serves as a valuable reference for future sales”.

Vingtaqs II long range – surveillance, observation and reconnaissance systemThe Vingtaqs II accurately determines target coordinates at long distances from the vehicle forward observer position. A standalone system, the Vingtaqs II can be integrated at low cost into a wide variety of vehicles. The system also accommodates instrumentation for laser-designated targeting, enabling it to support forward air controller operations. Moreover, thanks to a high degree of modularity, it can be readily configured to meet individual customer requirements.

(Rheinmetall Defence)