29 Januari 2012

Philippines Air Force operates some Italian-made aircraft : S-211 and SF-260 (photo : PhIlippine Fly Boy)

A JOINT team from the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces will be in Italy this week to scout for assets that will strengthen the defense capability of the military.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the team will look for aircraft, vessels and even armored vehicles that could be acquired by the military for both of its external defense and internal security operations.

Over the weekend, Gazmin said the department will be acquiring weapons and assets for the Armed Forces amounting to P70 billion.

The budget for the acquisition will be spread up to 2020 or even beyond the term of the current administration.

Since the massive procurement could not be financed by the government in just one release, the defense chief said the acquisition will be done through a Multi-Year Obligation Agreement (MYOA) from Congress.

Adoption of the MYOA was first proposed during the term of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro as a scheme in financing the military’s capability upgrade program, and which was implemented during the term of Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales in 2010.

In fact, a contract for the delivery of a multirole vessel from South Korea was sealed by Gonzales under the same scheme. Payment of installments for the warship began last year.

Gazmin said that aside from the US, which is the country’s principal sources of assets and equipment for the military’s capability upgrade, the defense department is also looking at Italy, Spain, France, United Kingdom and South Korea as possible sources of assets.

From Italy, the defense chief said the same team will also visit Spain for the same purpose, and both trips will be taking this week.

“We will see the best we can get for the funds available, that will be the first priority,” Gazmin said.

He said the assessment, inspection and possibly even acquisitions should be done at least by July this year.

“It should be finished by July, or worse case scenario, by November. But by July, we should have attained at least 50 percent, that is already a good batting average,” Gazmin said.

He said the government is looking to acquire armored vehicles; aircraft, including long range patrol aircraft and fighter jets that include the F-16 from the US; multirole vessels; missile-armed ships; anti-submarine vessels and radars.

Gazmin said the interdiction capability of the military will be useless if it will not have enforcement weapons such as fighter jets and ships with guided missiles.

The big ticket procurements were necessary to defend the country’s territory and discourage intrusions into its maritime domain, particularly by China.

Gazmin said the modern weapons and assets are also necessary in so that the country is able to put up a credible force and protect its territory in the disputed Spratlys.

Meanwhile, two US Navy ships are in the country for routine port calls.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108) docked at the Manila Bay while the USS Chafee (DDG-90) dropped anchor in Cebu.

“USS Wayne E. Meyer and USS Chafee are here to engage with their counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and perform Community Relations Projects, as well as allowing the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation,” the US Embassy in Manila said in a statement.

“These goodwill visits highlight the strong historic, community, and military connections between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines,” the statement added.

At the same time, at least three retired military officials have been hired by the various agencies of the Department of National Defense as consultants, primarily to help in the procurement of assets and equipment for the military.

Peter Paul Galvez, DND spokesman said, the three retired officers, were hired to help the department in its defense acquisition system for the Armed Forces.

They are retired Lt. Gen. Willie Florendo from the Air Force, Vice Adm. Luisito Fernandez from the Navy and Gen. Victor Ibrado, former Armed Forces chief of staff.

“Their functions are to give advise on the perspective of the modernization. At least, they have the experience although they are already outside the Armed Forces,” Galvez said.

(Business Mirror)

28 Januari 2012

Polish-made combat utility helicopter for PAF (photo ; modernize PAF)

MANILA, (PNA) – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will get the first delivery by the middle of next month of four of eight brand-new combat utility helicopters it ordered from PZL Swidnik of Poland.

Lt. Col. Mike Okol, PAF spokesman, told the Philippines News Agency that the remaining four helicopters will be delivered in November, also this year.

PZL Swidnik is the biggest helicopter manufacturer in Poland. Its main products are the PZL W-3 Sokol and PZL WS-4 helicopters used by the Polish Air Force and other European countries.

The PAF bought the eight Polish-made helicopters at a contract price of P3 billion.

The arrival of four utility combat helicopters is part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program to boost the PAF’s air power, particularly supporting ground troops during combat operations.

The PAF has in its arsenal the reliable UH-1H “Huey” helicopters and the MD-520-MG gunships from the United States.

The Polish company won the bidding to supply the PAF eight brand-new combat utility choppers.

The funds for the purchase of the choppers were part of the AFP modernization budget in 2007.

Okol said the acquisition of these helicopters is timely because the Air Force badly needs helicopters of this type to support government ground forces during combat operations.

The Swidnik helicopter can carry 14 persons, including the pilot and co-pilot and has a maximum speed of 260 kilometers per hour and a range of 745 kilometers non-stop.

It can climb to an altitude of 19,680 feet, more than twice that of the “Huey.”
The Polish-made choppers can be armed with a variety of weapons, air-to-ground rockets, air-to-air missiles, M-60 machine guns and 20-mm cannons.

(PNA)

27 Januari 2012

EADS EC-135 helicopter (photo : EADS)

BRISBANE, Queensland, -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) and Thales Australia today named the Eurocopter EC135 as the preferred platform for their bid on the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Project AIR 9000 Phase 7 – Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS).

"Boeing and Thales' individual expertise and shared strengths, as well as a strong working relationship spanning more than 15 years, have enabled the design of a truly integrated, cost-effective, low-risk aircrew training solution for the ADF," said Kim Gillis, managing director of Boeing Defence Australia. "The Eurocopter EC135 is the ideal helicopter for this mission."

A fleet of more than 1,000 EC135 aircraft worldwide has amassed 2.2 million flight hours to date. The helicopter is part of successful training systems in Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and Japan, and in Australia with the Victorian and New South Wales police forces.

"The EC135 is an ideal training helicopter for defense forces operating new-generation multi-role or combat helicopters, with great maneuverability, high visibility and the most advanced technologies to help instructors perform training missions safely," said Olivier Lambert, Eurocopter senior vice president, Sales & Customer Relations.

"Eurocopter is very pleased that the Boeing and Thales team has demonstrated its confidence in our product by selecting the EC135 as their preferred platform."The Boeing and Thales team conducted a rigorous evaluation of available twin-engine helicopters to identify the aircraft that best met the Commonwealth's training systems goals.

"Thorough flight and ground assessments of the EC135 and its suitability for both ab initio training and as a lead-in trainer to more complex and larger helicopters made it clear the EC135 was the optimum platform to meet the ADF's requirements," said Gillis. "The aircraft's support base, both locally and internationally, presents a significantly lower cost of operation than other aircraft in its class, reducing project-establishment and through-life-support risk."

The Boeing and Thales HATS solution draws on Boeing's sophisticated design tools and extensive aircrew training systems experience, combined with Thales' simulation capabilities, to deliver an ab initio rotary wing training system for all Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army helicopter aircrew.

The Boeing and Thales team has adopted a systems training and engineering approach to development that optimizes training throughput and learning outcomes and reduces life cycle cost, underpinned by a strong focus on safety and military ethos. The solution also draws on Boeing's experience delivering rotary wing training to the ADF for more than 15 years and is backed by the support of The Boeing Company's Training Systems & Government Services business.

(Thales)

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)

11 Januari 2012

Faun Trackway Landing Mat (photo : Unmanned)

FAUN TRACKWAY, a manufacturer of mobility solutions technology, announced that the company won an order for its new Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Aircraft Landing Mat (ALM) from the Australian armed forces. The contract is worth approximately $1.1 million dollars and is the first sale of the new UAV-specific landing mat.

With the first temporary UAV landing mat to hit the international market, FAUN TRACKWAY says it expects to capitalize on the quickly growing UAV industry. The lightweight UAV Aircraft Landing Mat is designed to provide a smooth landing, regardless of terrain, for any size or weight of UAV and can be deployed rapidly by hand. To enable the UAV to quickly decelerate when landing, the mats can also be fitted with arrestor gear typically found on aircraft carriers.

Chris Kendall, FAUN TRACKWAY USA Senior Vice President described the potential for the UAV landing mat, saying “The Australia armed forces are not alone in the challenges they face on the battlefield. We understand the needs of other NATO allies and this technology will extend military capabilities, no matter the surrounding. FAUN TRACKWAY USA, our newly incorporated American company, will offer these game-changing solutions to our developing client base in the United States.”

The UAV mats feature a robust design to help guard against Foreign Object Damage to help protect UAV assets. FAUN is also offering related ancillary equipment, such as lighting systems. Australia-based consulting firm Mackay Defence is acting as FAUN TRACKWAY’S locally based distributor and has provided ongoing support during its negotiations with the Australian armed forces.

Mike Holdcraft, FAUN TRACKWAY USA Vice President of Business Development, said: “We give users the potential to dramatically increase flight range and the length of military operations.

Unmanned aircraft have become critical to combat activities. UAVs are typically used on clandestine operations in remote locations, and militaries need durable runway infrastructure within flight range. Our UAV Landing Mat provides a fast and effective means of deploying and retrieving drones in any climate or environment.”

The company unveiled the new landing mat technology in the United States while exhibiting at the Association of the United States Army Conference (AUSA) in Washington, D.C. in October.

(Unmanned)

10 Januari 2012

Perbaikan pesawat C-130H RAAF di Qantas Defence (photo : Qantas Defence)

Jurnas.com MESKIPUN tim teknis baru berangkat Februari mendatang, pesawat angkut Hercules yang dihibahkan pemerintah Australia dipastikan mendapat peremajaan di negeri Kanguru. Perbaikan dilakukan di bengkel milik maskapai Qantas.

Kini tengah dikalkulasi berapa biaya yang dbutuhkan untuk melakukan perbaikan dan membawa pesawat ke Indonesia. "Nominalnya baru diketahui setelah mendapat laporan dari tim teknis yang meninjau pesawat secara langsung ke Australia," kata Kepala Pusat Komunikasi Publik Kementerian Pertahanan Brigjen TNI Hartind Asrin di Jakarta, Selasa (10/1).

Kontrak kerja sama hibah empat unit pesawat itu juga akan ditandatangani setelah tim teknis melaporkan temuannya. Namun begitu, pemerintah Indonesia dan Australia telah melakukan komunikasi terkait hibah ini. "Amerika sebagai produsen Hercules saat ini juga telah menyetujui rencana hibah dari Australia ke Indonesia. AS dalam hal ini Presiden Barack Obama, memiliki kebijakan, alutsista buatan AS harus mendapatkan persetujuan negeri Paman Sam itu sebelum dihibahkan ke negara lain," katanya.

(Jurnal Nasional)

05 Januari 2012

PAF Fokker 28 for VVIP (photo : PAF)

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) plans to allot funds for the purchase of a new presidential plane to replace the 30-year-old Fokker 28 used by President Aquino.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said the plane is too old and the President “cannot be renting planes all the time.”

He said officials are already cautious about taking the old plane.

Popularly known as F-28 “Fellowship,” the plane was manufactured by the now defunct Fokker Aviation BV based in the Netherlands.

The model came out of the Fokker factory in 1979 and was bought by the then Central Bank of the Philippines to be used by the late former President Ferdinand Marcos.

It was delivered to the Philippines in September 1980. Its ownership was transferred from the Central Bank to the Office of the President on Dec. 26, 1995. It was eventually donated to the

Philippine Air Force in May 2006.

As of March 11, 2011, its total flying time was 5,525 hours.

The plane’s last mandatory inspection was a “D” check, also known as a heavy maintenance visit, conducted in Indonesia in 2009. During the detailed inspection of the structure, additional

work was done on the plane – the cabin interior was refurbished, seats were reupholstered, in-flight entertainment was installed and the exterior repainted.

(PhilStar)

31 Desember 2011

Su-30 of the Vietnam People Air Force (photo : Jetphotos)

Interfax-AVN - Russia successfully carried out a contract to supply Vietnam 12 multifunctional fighters Su-30MK2.

"In accordance with the timetable agreed with the customer next four Su-30MK2 posted on Friday from Komsomolsk-on-Amur in Vietnam," - said a source in the military-industrial complex.

He recalled that the delivery of the first four aircraft were delivered in June this year.

(Interfax)

26 Desember 2011

F16 jet fighter (photo : Militaryphotos)

MANILA, Philippines - The United States has expressed willingness to help the Philippines obtain a squadron of F-16 jet fighters to improve its defense capability, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said yesterday.

Del Rosario clarified, however, that this would not mean stationing of US naval vessels in the Philippines.

He admitted there is a plan to station US navy ships in the region but stationing them in the country was not discussed.

“It has not come up yet. What the US discussed with us is we see foreign policy of US for Asia and the Pacific. They are repositioning and re-balancing. They want to re-engage with Asia. The region has become a key driver in global politics,” Del Rosario said.

“They (US) discussed with us the cooperation with stationing 2,500 (troops) and two ships in Singapore but we did not discuss anything for the Philippines, except assistance to improve our capability... I do not think at this point it is being discussed. We are still in the process of refining the VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement),” he said.

Del Rosario and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin will visit the US in February or March to meet with their counterparts.

Del Rosario said the US is ready to help improve the Philippines’ defense capability.

“We are trying to get the assistance of several countries to be able to take minimum and credible defense posture and the US expressed willingness to help us with two Hamilton-class cutters, and the second one is coming. We are also trying to obtain a squadron of F-16s under defense articles,” he said.

Del Rosario said the vessels and F-16s the Philippines would like to obtain were discussed with US officials, including US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

“We actually discussed it already. We identified (the items) when I went to the US for the first meeting with Secretary Clinton. At the time I said we need to stand up and defend what we believe is ours and they said they would be willing to help,” Del Rosario said.

“My definition of squadron is 12 fighter jets (of) F16. This is a request and I was told it is being considered,” he said.

During her visit to Manila last month, Clinton delivered a strong message of assurance and support to the Philippines in protecting its maritime domain and improving territorial defense.

Although Clinton did not mention China, she vowed military support for the Philippines as she delivered a strong US statement from the deck of an American warship that arrived in Manila for her visit.

The territorial conflict and heightened tensions between China and the Philippines over the resource-rich West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) remain a critical factor in bilateral relations between the two neighbors.

Clinton said that as the Philippines moves to improve its territorial defense, the US is considering transferring a second patrol ship to help protect maritime domain.

Clinton said the US is now updating all its alliances in the region based on three guidelines.

She said the US is working to ensure that the core objectives of its alliances have the political support of the people.

Washington wants its alliances to be nimble, adoptive and flexible to continue to deliver results in this new world.

Clinton said the US will ensure that its collective defense capabilities and communications infrastructure are operationally and materially capable of deterring provocation.

She said the US is considering providing another vessel to the Philippines “as you move to improve your territorial defense and interdiction capability.”

The Philippines formally accepted in May a US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutter acquired by the government through the US Foreign Military Sales program.

The cutter officially became the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and is the largest patrol ship in the Philippine Navy arsenal.

Del Rosario said in June that he submitted to the Pentagon the country’s “wish list” of military equipment to strengthen its capability in securing its maritime territory.

The list of equipment was determined by the Department of National Defense (DND) during a meeting with Del Rosario before he visited Washington. He confirmed that the list is for the maritime needs of the country.

According to Del Rosario, the Pentagon would send a team to Manila this year to look into the Philippines’ requirements for maritime security.

Washington has provided the Philippines $53 million for coast watch since 2007.

During his talks with Del Rosario at the Pentagon on June 24, former US Defense secretary Robert Gates expressed readiness to strengthen the Philippines’ capability in securing its maritime territory.

In a separate meeting by Del Rosario with US National Director for Intelligence (NDI) James Clapper, the US official pledged to enhance the NDI’s intelligence-sharing with the Philippines to heighten the latter’s maritime situational awareness and surveillance in the West Philippine Sea.

Defense options

Del Rosario conveyed to US defense officials that to complement the Excess Defense Articles (EDA), which the US traditionally turns over to the Philippines, he is exploring an option to access newer US military assets.

In response, US Defense Undersecretary for Policy Michelle Fluornoy said, “We would be happy to have our team look into the full range of requirements (for maritime security).”

She added: “We should not allow this perception that you are alone and we are not behind you.”

Clapper emphasized the US “has a long association” with the Philippines and “we’ll do whatever we can to help” even as he expressed concern over the recent incidents in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines conveyed to the US the country’s resolve to strengthen its capabilities to defend its maritime territory because it is “prepared to do what is necessary to stand up to any aggression in its backyard” amid the rising tension in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippine government’s preparedness to take action in the territorial dispute was conveyed during a meeting of Del Rosario and Clinton at the State Department on June 23.

Del Rosario and Clinton discussed the situation in the West Philippine Sea, and shared the view that the recent incidents there are a source of concern and could undermine regional peace and stability.

The two officials agreed to consult closely on ways to protect their shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, respect for international law, and unimpeded lawful commerce in the West Philippine Sea.

Del Rosario emphasized during the meeting the Philippine government’s resolve to strengthen its capabilities to defend its maritime territory “because the Philippines is prepared to do what is necessary to stand up to any aggressive action in our backyard.”

(PhilStar)

22 Desember 2011

C130 Hercules (photo : Vaclav Kudela)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA) -- Responding to the problem of food scarcity in Typhoon Sendong devastated areas of the vity, President Benigno S. Aquino III promised to buy at least two more units of the C130 Cargo plane for the Philippine Air Force (PAF), next year.

During his visit to assess the devastation brought by ‘Sendong’ in the city, the president said that there is only one C130 Cargo Plane in the PAF inventory that has been bringing relief items to flashflood victims. He added that it is currently down for maintenance.

“We have offers of assistance coming in from America, Russia, Japan and other countries and the Americans will, most probably, provide us with the necessary airlift capability to fast track what we need,” Aquino said.

We have two other C130 cargo planes in the pipeline but they’re not yet ready for events like this and will be available only, next year, he also said.

According to him, the funds to buy the planes are readily available.

“We have at least two (2) sources to tap, domestic and foreign: the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will be assisting us with a loan of US$3million grant and the World Bank (WB) facility that has also offered us,” the President added.

He said many Filipinos in the other parts of the country have responded to his call for help and the donated items only wait for the availability to transport them, where they are needed.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has reported to the president that PAF has airlifted some P21.53 million-worth of relief supplies from Dec. 18-20, as augmentation support to the on-going relief operations in Northern Mindanao.

These supplies included food and non-food items, such as, sacks of rice, boxes of instant noodles, canned goods, bottled drinking water, mats, blankets, mosquito nets, used clothing, medicines, cadaver bags and even coffins, among others.

In his orders as the Commander-n-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Aquino directed PAF’s Search and Rescue Squadrons (SRS) to help in the search, rescue, retrieval and recovery (SRRR) operations of the flashflood areas.

For this purpose, the 5053rd based in Davao City had established an advance command post (ACP) at the Tactical Operations Group, Northern Mindanao (TOG-10) Headquarters in Lumbia Airport, this city.

The team also deployed three UH-IH helicopters with tail numbers 517, 317 and 806 to do the SAR sorties in the flashflood-affected barangays of the city.

Helping out in the SRRR Operations in the Negros and Iloilo is the 5052ndSRS, which is based Mactan, Cebu City. (PIA-10)

(PIA)

10 Desember 2011

C-27J Spartan (photo : Militaryphotos)

LANGKAWI, Malaysia — Australia’s air force has made it clear publicly that it prefers the Alenia C-27J over the Airbus Military C295.

The chief of the Australian air force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, says a letter of request (LOR) has been issued for the C-27J, but no such request has been issued for the C295. All that has been issued for the C295 is a request for information in regard to pricing, he says.

Australia has a long-standing requirement for tactical transport aircraft to fill the void created when the country’s military phased out its de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou aircraft. It is clear that the C-27J is a more expensive aircraft, so the Australians may be using the C295 pricing to negotiate a more competitive deal with Alenia.

Brown says the issue the air force has with the C295 is there are some types of Australian army military vehicles that the C295 is unable to transport. He cites as an example the army’s new G-Wagon all-terrain vehicles.

Airbus Military C-295 (photo : Adam Pniak)

He says armies in Europe may be content to just drive a G-Wagon, but “you have long distances in Australia,” so these vehicles have to be transported by air.

The Australian air force could use larger aircraft, such as its Lockheed Martin C-130s, to transport the G-Wagons. But Brown says “then you end up with small loads on the C-130 and this is not an efficient use” of the aircraft. He also says the air force wants to avoid a situation in which the Australian armed forces’ Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters are used for airlifting such cargo. These helicopters are “better for tactical scenarios,” he adds.

Brown spoke to Aviation Week on the sidelines of the LIMA Airshow in Langkawi, Malaysia, on Dec. 7.

Airbus Military chief Domingo Urena-Raso also spoke to Aviation Week at the show. He says he hopes that Australia will open up the tactical transport requirement to a competition in which the C295 is allowed to participate.

(Aviation Week)

10 Desember 2011

F/A18 Hornet at the AMARC in Tucson Arizona (photo : Aerommore)

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino will ask US President Barrack Obama for fighter jets when they meet, probably sometime next April.

Aquino, a member of the Philippine Air Force reserve, made this disclosure in a speech to PAF personnel at the opening ceremonies of the PAF Invitational Shootfest and firing range blessing at the Villamor Airbase on Saturday.

“We went to Bali, Indonesia, recently and when we’re leaving for the Philippines, we saw on their airport three F-16s parked and they would be given two squadrons more by our American friends,” Aquino said in an impromptu speech.

“I said, this looks rather equitable. Two squadrons for them, one ship for us,” he added in jest.

Aquino said he would remind Obama of the strategic partnership between the Philippines and the US.

Obama has invited Aquino for a state visit to the US next year.

“I think that when I and President Obama meet next year, perhaps around April, I will remind him of our strategic partnership. They might remember that we don’t have a fighter jet here,” the President said.

The Philippines has already acquired from the US a Hamilton-class cutter and has named the erstwhile US Coast Guard vessel as the Navy’s BRP Gregorio Del Pilar.

“The Navy will be getting—I am told, I have been assured—our second Hamilton-class cutter sometime next year,” Mr. Aquino said. “And we did request that when it is given to us, they would no longer remove the equipment installed for us to put back in place… and it appears that our request would be granted…. Perhaps not the entire system, but a lot of it.”

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin during talks in Manila in November that Washington would give the Philippines a second cutter virtually for free in 2012.

The Philippines and the US signed a Mutual Defense Treaty in 1951.

The US recently indicated its preparedness to assist its allies in East Asia and Southeast Asia to ensure the free flow of economic activity and the implementation of maritime rules in the region.

(Inquirer)

09 Desember 2011

Two future C-130 variants (all photos : DEWLine)

Lockheed Martin will develop a cheaper variant of the C-130J Super Hercules that removes several features from the tactical airlifter's basic design.

The C-130XJ will be offered to foreign and US customers that do not need certain advanced features of the standard J-model, including its enhanced cargo handling system, said Jim Grant, Lockheed's vice president of business development for mobility and special operations.

Grant cited the US Forest Service and South Africa as potential domestic and foreign buyers of the C-130XJ.

Lockheed could also propose the new variant to the US Air Force. Senator Sherrod Brown, an Ohio Democrat, has warned that the USAF is considering the cancellation of the L-3 Communications/Alenia Aeronautica C-27J Spartan.

Asked if the C-130XJ could be proposed as a substitute for the C-27J's direct support mission, Grant referred the question to the customer.

"There, the air force would have to do obviously the trade [studies] on commonality," Grant said. "There's no question the XJ will be an enormously capable airplane - maybe not as capable as the C-130J, but very close."

The C-130XJ will keep the same Rolls-Royce AE2100 turboprop engines and Honeywell-based avionics suite of the standard model, so its performance will be nearly identical. The new variant will also have the same outer-mould line as the J model, Grant said.

Lockheed did not provide details of the internal changes, except for the removal of the C-130J's automated cargo handling system. Instead, the XJ's crews will have to manually load and lock cargo to the floor of the aircraft.

The C-130XJ represents the latest iteration of the 57-year-old Hercules design. Lockheed hopes the refresh will allow the C-130 model to remain in production for the next 15-20 years.

It has also unveiled a notional design concept for a C-130NG, which features a new nose, tail and the addition of winglets to a familiar-looking Hercules fuselage.

The C-130NG design represents changes Lockheed believes are feasible for a replacement aircraft that would emerge after 2030. But some of the new design features, including the winglets, could be added as incremental improvements to the C-130J in the short-term.

"Any of the energy efficiency initiatives that are currently being worked could easily buy their way on the current programmes," Grant said.

(FlightGlobal)

08 Desember 2011

Litening Advanced targeting Pod (photo : Aus DoD)

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been awarded a four-year extension by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to the existing support contract for the LITENING AT system, used as the RAAF's Target Designation System for F/A-18 Hornet aircraft (HTDS).

The contract extension valued at approximately $8 million (U.S. dollars) provides for in-service support for the targeting pods and data links through to September 2015.

"This four-year extension reflects the continued success of the LITENING program, and reinforces the positive relationship that Northrop Grumman has established with the RAAF," said Charles Brinkman, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman's Targeting Systems Division.

Northrop Grumman's LITENING AT system is a self-contained, multisensor weapon-aiming system that enables fighter pilots to detect, identify, track and designate targets for highly accurate delivery of both conventional and precision-guided weapons. Fully integrated to support both air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements, LITENING AT features advanced image processing for target identification; coordinate generation for GPS weapons; a 640 x 512 pixel forward-looking infrared sensor for effective day and night operations; a 1,024 x 1,024 pixel charge-coupled device television sensor; a dual waveband infrared laser designator and eye-safe laser range finder; a laser spot tracker; an infrared laser marker; and an optional air-to-ground video data link and digital video recorder.

Over 550 LITENING pods have been delivered to date, continuing to prove their combat capabilities and inherent flexibility to adapt to changing operational requirements. Integrated on a wide variety of aircraft including AV-8B, A-10A/C, B-52H, EA-6Bs, F-15E, F-16 and F/A-18, LITENING is in operation with the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, the U.S. Marine Corps, the Italian and Spanish navies, the Israeli Air Force, the Royal Netherlands Air Force, the Finnish Air Force, and the Portuguese Air Force, in addition to the RAAF.

(Northrop Grumman)

08 Desember 2011

Sikorsky S-61 "Nuri" helicopters (photo : Jetphotos)

LIMA, Malaysia - Sikorsky Aerospace Services today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with AIROD Sdn. Bhd. (AIROD) of Malaysia and Aviation Design Centre Sdn. Bhd. (ADC) to explore aircraft maintenance and support opportunities for Sikorsky’s S-61/H-3 platforms including the most recent variant, the S-61T^™ helicopter. AIROD performs maintenance, repair and overhaul services for various commercial and military aircraft. Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) is the aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

“This MOU represents the first step in discussing potential support capabilities for the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s S-61 platform. It is our strategic objective to provide customized solutions to a wide range of customers with complex fleet requirements,” said Samir Mehta, SAS Vice-President & Chief Operating Officer.

The S-61 helicopter has a 50-year history of reliably performing missions for the U.S. and foreign militaries. The upgraded S-61 can be outfitted to meet a wide variety of requirements and provides superior value for a mid-size, multi-mission helicopter. As Sikorsky’s launch customer, the U.S. State Department entered into a five-year agreement with the option to purchase up to 110 upgraded S-61 aircraft for passenger and cargo transport missions in support of its worldwide operations. Building on the legacy as one of the most dependable aircraft in the aerospace industry, SAS initiated the S-61 Upgrade Program in early 2010. While pursuing other global opportunities, SAS is currently in contract discussions with potential commercial and military customers throughout Europe and Asia.

“AIROD is pleased to explore collaboration directly with the OEM, and we look forward to working closely with SAS in the support of S-61 aircraft,” said Tan Sri Dato’ Ahmad Johan, Chairman, AIROD Sdn. Bhd.

“We are very pleased to sign this MOU with both SAS and AIROD and to discuss support opportunities regarding Sikorsky’s S-61 Upgrade Program. This opportunity aligns with our objective to advance ADC’s aerospace capabilities,” said Major General Dato’ Ir. Ibrahim Bahari, Chief Executive Office, ADC.

Aviation Design Centre Sdn. Bhd. (ADC) was established in 1997 with the aim of sustaining the growth of the aviation industry and promoting advanced aerospace technology in Malaysia. ADC is currently an ISO 9001:2008 certified company and also complies with the Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia (DCAM) and other Regulatory Airworthiness requirements.

AIROD, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Aerospace & Defence Industries Sdn. Bhd. (NADI), was established in 1976 primarily to embark on “self-reliance” as a defense strategy and to spearhead the development of the aerospace industry in Malaysia. Today, AIROD is a leading MRO and modification center with world-class facilities to support various fixed and rotary wing aircraft for both civil and military aircraft market.

Sikorsky Aerospace Services, a Sikorsky company, provides comprehensive support to rotary and fixed wing operators worldwide. It offers its military and commercial customers a full portfolio of aftermarket support services, including material distribution, MRO, aircraft modifications and life-cycle support. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corporation, based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide.

(Sikorsky)

07 Desember 2011

Su-30 Indonesian Air Forces (photo : 9abc)

On the first day of the Malaysia International Exhibition LIMA-2011, according to "Kommersant", the delegation of "Rosoboronexport" unable to agree on the delivery of six Su-30MK2 with Indonesia. The last remains only to determine the final set of weapons to these aircraft, and then to the end of this year, will sign the final contract.

On the arrangements for signing the contract for the Su-30MK2 said a source who participated in the negotiations on Russia's part. "We have already met with Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro of Indonesia and Air Force Commander Air Marshal of the country Imam Sufaat detail verbalize questions about cooperation, but now we have reached a new level - the source says," and "Even before the new year we expect to sign the final contract to supply Indonesia six Sukhoi Su-30MK2. " He noted that they will meet for two aircraft plants - in Irkutsk and KNAAPO (for a uniform load of enterprises).

Disclose the contract value interviewee refused, citing the fact that Indonesia is still not fully decided on the types of weapons that must be installed on the fighters. However, the source, who participated in the negotiations on the part of Indonesia, said that the amount of the contract is "in no case less than $ 500 million." Will the new Su-30MK2 purchased for cash or on credit, the parties did not specify. Note that the previous delivery (for example, a contract for the delivery of Su-27SKM worth about $ 300 million) in Indonesia is carried out at the expense of Russia issued the loan.

"Regardless of what form will be paid for the six Su-30MK2, this is a big success for Russia - the director of the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies Ruslan Pukhov .- Given the increased interest of America, Indonesia, offering to buy for the money used F- 16 aircraft, Indonesia would this deal with Russia to slow down. However, it did not, that is good news."

Earlier, Indonesia has received from Russia ten fighter brand "Sukhoi." Under the contract signed in September 2003, the Air Force Indonesia received two Su-30MK and two Su-27SKM. And in 2007, purchased six aircraft - three Su-27SKM and Su-30MK2 (their delivery was completed in September 2010). All in all, as stated in late September, Mr. Yusgiantoro, by 2024, "in order to protect the country's sovereignty Indonesia is going to buy 180 fighter jets, staffed by ten squadrons of aircraft."

Rosoboronexport yesterday from the official declined to comment.

(Kommersant)

07 Desember 2011

First EC725 Helicopter for RMAF (photo : Eurocopter)

The Royal Malaysian Air Force’s first EC725 helicopter is unveiled at the LIMA 2011 exhibition in a live video broadcast from Eurocopter’s French headquarters

Langkawi, Malaysia, The production roll-out of Eurocopter’s no. 1 EC725 helicopter for the Royal Malaysian Air Force was shown today with a live video broadcast from the company’s Marignane, France facility, which was beamed to the Langkawi Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) for an audience that included Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Defense Minister Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

It is the first of 12 EC725s to be acquired by Malaysia for search & rescue and utility missions under terms of a contract signed in 2010. Eurocopter remains on schedule for this important acquisition program, with a total of eight helicopters already in production – and the no. 1 aircraft soon to enter flight testing. The Malaysian EC725 deliveries will begin next year and continue through early 2014.

“We wanted to share this on-time milestone with Malaysia, providing attendees at LIMA 2011 with an initial look at the newest helicopter that will serve the country in a variety of operations,” said Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling. “The top priority at Eurocopter is meeting its commitments to customers, and Malaysia can count on our company’s dedication in delivering helicopters that fulfill the nation’s mission requirements.

”In today’s roll-out broadcast from Eurocopter’s Marignane headquarters and production site, the no. 1 EC725 was presented by the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s on-site project team, led by Col. Tuan Mustafa.

Expressing his appreciation to Eurocopter, Defense Minister Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said, “This is a highly appreciated gesture on the part of Eurocopter. We have full confidence that all 12 helicopters will be delivered on time. The EC725 fleet represents a significant step towards strengthening the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s capability. In addition, cooperation projects related to the supply of the EC725s also are moving along smoothly, ensuring that Malaysia’s aviation industry is developing with the right skills and knowledge.

”As part of the EC725 contract, an agreement for 13 strategic cooperation projects was signed – including the integration of Malaysian industry into Eurocopter’s global supply chain, and the development of joint ventures with local companies to establish an in-country MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facility, a regional EC725/EC225 full-flight simulator center, and other capabilities. The MRO and flight simulator installations are being created together with the Boustead Group, and all 13 cooperative projects will be aligned with Malaysia’s goals of enhancing its industrial capabilities and economic strength through technology transfer and strategic partnerships.

To support the deliveries of Malaysia’s new EC725s and enhance Eurocopter’s in-country support and services activities, the company’s Eurocopter Malaysia subsidiary will be moving in July 2012 from its main facility in Subang to a new, expanded site within the Malaysian International Aerospace Center – doubling its capacity.

(Eurocopter)

07 Desember 2011

F/A-18D Hornets Royal Malaysian Air Force (photo : Boeing)

LANGKAWI, Malaysia – The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] on Nov. 28 received a U.S. Navy contract under the Foreign Military Sales Program to provide the first major upgrades for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) fleet of eight F/A-18D Hornet fighter aircraft.

The contract covers design, development and installation of retrofit kits that will provide enhanced navigation, targeting and situational awareness. The upgrade program includes:
-GPS improvements
-A color, moving-map cockpit display
-Identification Friend or Foe Interrogation capabilities
-Addition of the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System
-Maintenance and air crew training for these systems.

“These upgrades will deliver enhanced capability for the RMAF fleet to remain effective, interoperable with allies and operationally relevant for years to come,” said Julie Praiss, Boeing Global Services & Support director of Tactical Aircraft & Weapons Support. “Boeing looks forward to our continued partnership with the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the U.S. Navy to ensure that these F/A-18Ds continue to serve Malaysia’s strike and interdiction mission needs.”

The upgrades also make the RMAF’s F/A-18Ds more compatible with the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which Boeing is offering to meet Malaysia’s Multi-Role Combat Aircraft needs.

The government of Malaysia ordered eight F/A-18D Hornets in 1993. Since delivering all aircraft on schedule in 1997, Boeing has been providing sustainment support for the fleet at the RMAF base in Butterworth, Malaysia. These support programs include engineering and logistics support, pilot training and technical publications.

Boeing provides life-cycle support solutions, services and upgrades for F/A-18 Hornet fleets worldwide, including for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, the Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Finnish Air Force, the Kuwait Air Force, the Spanish Air Force, the Swiss Air Force and the RMAF.

The combat-proven F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, multi-mission, tactical aircraft. It converts between air-to-air fighter missions and air-to-ground strike missions while on the same sortie with the flick of a switch. Currently serving the armed services of eight nations, the Hornet can be used for fighter escort, suppression of enemy air defenses, reconnaissance, forward air control, close air support, and day and night strike missions.

(Boeing)

06 Desember 2011

The RNZAF has taken delivery of its first - two new - NH90s helicopters arriving with an Antonov An-124 cargo plane. (all photos : RNZAF)

Two new NH90 helicopters will arrive at Ohakea at 9.30am, after being airlifted from France on board an Antonov AN 124 transport aircraft, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said today.

“These helicopters will provide a quantum leap in capability for the RNZAF,” said Dr Mapp. “The NH90s will give the NZDF better capability to conduct military, counter-terrorism, disaster relief, search and rescue, and other operations.

“The NH90s have over three times the power of the current Iroquois and can carry more than twice the payload further and faster.

“They have twin engines for better safety over water. They will also be able to operate from the HMNZ Canterbury which will add tremendously to her versatility,” said Dr Mapp.

“The Iroquois has been a fantastic workhorse for over 40 years. But they are overdue for replacement,” said Dr Mapp.

Six more NH90s will be progressively delivered from next year. Earlier this year the RNZAF received five new A109 helicopters to replace the old Sioux helicopters.

Dr Mapp said the new NH90s will complement the new direction that the NZDF is taking as a result of the White Paper.

“These helicopters are another step in the modernisation of the NZDF. The recently released Capability Plan details a range of new projects that will further the modernisation agenda.

“This includes new advanced training aircraft, upgrading or replace the Seasprite helicopters, a replacement for the Endeavour and new trucks,” said Dr Mapp.

(Beehive)

03 Desember 2011

L-39 training aircraft of the Vietnam People Air Force (photo : Jetphotos)

Aero Vodochody successfully established two new business deals with major international customers.

In September 2011, Aero Vodochody successfully established two new business deals with major international customers, Ministry of defence of Slovak Republic and Vietnam New Technological Appliance One Member Co., Ltd. Both contracts show a strong position of Aero Vodochody as a reliable and high qualified business and engineering partner.

The treaty with New Technological Appliance One Member Co., Ltd. was signed in the first half of September as a result of eight months of negotiations. As a part of it, officials of Vietnamese Ministry of defence and war aircraft visited Aero Vodochody in June 2011. Supply of more than three hundred spare parts for L-39 jet aircraft starts in November 2011. The agreement also contains a trip of engineers of Aero Vodochody who will accomplish an inspection and repairs necessary to extend working life of two L-39C aircrafts, install new monitoring system FAU-39 and train employees of the Vietnamese company.

The contract with Slovak Ministry of Defence was closed in the second half of September. Aero Vodochody will extend working life of airframe of L-39ZA aircrafts for Slovak army.

Both contracts renew relations with traditional business partners and confirm interest of Aero Vodochody for effective cooperation with all countries and companies operating L-39 aircrafts. This way, Aero fulfils its role of original producer who is the most qualified for maintenance and development support.

(Aero Vodochody)