Philippine Navy Eyes Joint Maritime Exercises with Thai, Vietnamese Counterparts

29 Maret 2012

Naval Shipyard X46 or the Hai Long Shipbuilding Co. in Vietnam which is capable of building warships and military vessels (image : ttvnol)

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Navy plans to hold joint maritime exercises with its Vietnamese and Thai counterparts as part of efforts to strengthen ties with the navies of neighboring Asian countries, a military spokesman said.

Lieutenant Colonel Omar Tonsay disclosed this following the visit of a Philippine Navy delegation led by its chief, Vice Admiral Alexander Pama, to Vietnam on March 11-14 and Thailand on March 14-17.

The Philippine delegation toured the Naval Shipyard X46 or the Hai Long Shipbuilding Co. in Vietnam, which is equipped with state-of-the-art shipbuilding and repair facilities and which is capable of building warships and military vessels, Tonsay said.

“This visit is expected to provide opportunities for the conduct of joint maritime exercises in the West Philippine Sea (northeast of Vietnam) and other common maritime domains following proper diplomatic channels under guidance from the Department of National Defense,” Tonsay said.

“Sharing of shipbuilding expertise is clearly seen as one possible area for cooperation during this tour,” Tonsay added. The delegation, he said, suggested possible training for Philippine Navy personnel at the X46 shipyard.

Likewise, the leaders of the two navies discussed a proposal to establish a communication hotline between the operations centers of the Philippine Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) especially for search-and-rescue operations.

Pama and VPN’s commander in chief, Admiral Nguyen Van Hien, also signed the standard operating procedure regarding interactions among Philippine and Vietnamese navies’ personnel in the vicinity of Southeast Cay and the Northeast Cay Island, located between the two countries.

Nguyen offered to host the first “Navy to Navy Talks” with the Philippines in Vietnam in the last quarter of 2012, the Philippine Navy spokesman said.

“The visit paved the way for continued Staff to Staff Talks and exchange of visits between the Philippine Navy and VPN, which is hoped to sustain the active engagements of the Philippine Navy and the VPN and effectively address maritime security issues in common maritime domains,” Tonsay added.

In Thailand, Pama and other delegation members met with the Thai Ministry of Defense and held exploratory talks on avenues of cooperation for the Philippine Navy and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). Joint maritime exercises and ship visits by the Thai Navy to the Philippines were also discussed.
Likewise, the RTN also committed to host Navy to Navy Talks to further discuss matters that will strengthen the bilateral activities of both navies.

(Inquirer)

Allocation of Block Construction Work for the Third Air Warfare Destroyer

09 Maret 2012

Air Warfare Destroyer for Royal Australian Navy (image : Aus DoD)

The Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and the Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced the allocation of construction work for the third ship of the $8 billion Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Project.

The allocation of block construction work for ship three is as follows:

• Forgacs (Newcastle) – 15 blocks;

• ASC (Adelaide) – eight blocks;

• Navantia (Spain) – five blocks; and

• BAE Systems (Melbourne) – two blocks.

This means the four shipyards will construct the same blocks for ship three that they are constructing for ship two. The construction arrangements for block structure and block pre-outfit are:

• Ship 1: BAE Systems 7, Forgacs 14, ASC 9

• Ship 2: BAE Systems 2, Forgacs 15, ASC 8, Navantia 5

• Ship 3: BAE Systems 2, Forgacs 15, ASC 8, Navantia 5

Getting the same shipyards to build the same blocks for ships two and three will enable the AWD Project to take advantage of lessons the shipyards have learnt and the experience they have gained from building the same blocks.

The AWD project involves the construction of 90 separate steel blocks being built at four shipyards in Adelaide (ASC), Melbourne (BAE Systems), Newcastle (Forgacs) and Spain (Navantia) as well as the three sonar block assemblies being built in Spain and the United Kingdom.

In May last year the Government announced the reallocation of 18 blocks for AWD Ships one and two. Thirteen blocks were divided between Forgacs, ASC and BAE with five allocated to Navantia.
The reallocation of work for ship three means that overall division of block construction across the project is:

• Forgacs – 44 blocks;

• ASC – 25 blocks;

• BAE Systems – 11 blocks; and

• Navantia – 10 blocks.

(Aus DoD)

Korps Marinir Segera Realisasikan Yonif-10 di Kepulauan Riau

08 Maret 2012

Prajurit Marinir TNI AL (photo : Kaskus Militer)

Surabaya - Komandan Pasmar-1 Brigadir Jenderal TNI (Mar) A. Faridz Washington menyampaikan rencana Korps Marinir untuk segera merealisasikan Batalyon Infantri-10 (Yonif-10) Marinir/Berdiri Sendiri (BS) di Kepulauan Riau (Kepri).

"Yonif-10 itu tugas utamanya untuk menghadapi perompakan di Selat Malaka. Setelah itu juga akan direalisasikan pembentukan Batalyon Infantri-11 (Yonif-11) Marinir di Sorong," katanya saat menghadiri olahraga bersama dengan Prajurit Marinir Wilayah Timur (Marwiltim) di Bhumi Marinir, Gunungsari, Surabaya, Selasa.

Dalam acara yang diprakarsai Komando Pendidikan Marinir (KODIKMAR) dan dimeriahkan dengan senam dan jalan sehat keliling ksatrian itu, Komandan Pasmar-1 menyampaikan pesan dari Komandan Korps Marinir bahwa Marinir itu besar dan yang mampu membesarkan Korps Marinir adalah prajurit Marinir.

"Sebaliknya justru prajurit Marinir pula yang mampu merongrong dan mengerdilkan Korps Marinir itu sendiri melalui perbuatan-perbutan yang tidak terpuji, namun saya jamin Kasgartap III Surabaya sebagai penegak disiplin dan prajurit Marwiltim berkomitmen untuk mengurangi pelanggaran," katanya.

Dalam olahraga bersama yang juga dihadiri Kasgartap III Surabaya Brigjen TNI (Mar) Chaidir Pantonnory, Wadan Lantamal V Surabaya Kolonel Marinir I Ketut Suardana, dan Kepala Staf Pasmar-1 Kolonel Marinir Saud Tambatua itu, Komandan Pasmar-1 juga menyampaikan pesan dari Komandan Korps Marinir.

"Jaga Korps Marinir, jaga kebesaran nama Korps Marinir dan jaga citra nama baik Korps Marinir. Hanya kitalah prajurit-prajurit Marinir yang mampu membesarkan nama Korps Marinir," katanya.

Setelah sambutan selesai, ia menyerahkan hadiah kepada Atlet Bisam Marwiltim ke-10/2012 yang mendapatkan medali emas, perak dan perunggu di Brunei Darussalam dan "doorprize" oleh Komandan Pasmar-1.

(Antara)

BAE Systems Ships More AWD Blocks to Adelaide

03 Maret 2012

Total number of blocks delivered by BAE to ASC to five (photo : AusAWD)

Two more keel blocks constructed by BAE Systems for the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) program have been shipped to the ASC facility in Osborne South Australia.

Each of these blocks weighs approximately 100 tonnes and are approximately 14 metres long, 17 metres wide and 5 metres high. Both of the blocks left BAE Systems Williamstown shipyard on Monday by barge.

BAE Systems Director of Maritime, Bill Saltzer, said the delivery brought the total number of blocks delivered to ASC to five (the first three having been delivered during 2011) and marked another significant milestone achieved on this important project.

“Construction of another six blocks is already underway in Williamstown, with two more to be delivered in a couple of months and the other four scheduled for completion later this year,” he said.

Mr Saltzer congratulated the BAE Systems staff for achieving further success on this project.

The $8 billion AWD project comprises three ships and will provide the Royal Australian Navy with one of the world’s most capable multi-mission warships. ASC is a member of the Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance which is responsible for delivering the ships to Navy. The five blocks now delivered to ASC will form a large part of the keel of the first ship HMAS Hobart.

(BAE Systems)

Tiga Unit Helikopter Bell-412 Perkuat TNI

02 Maret 2012

Bell 412 TNI Angkatan Laut (photo : Kaskus Militer)

Bandung (ANTARA) - PT Dirgantara Indonesia menyerahkan tiga unit helikopter Bell-412 kepada Kementerian Pertahanan untuk operasional TNI Angkatan Darat dan TNI Angkatan Laut.

Penyerahan dilakukan Direktur PT DI Budi Santoso kepada Wakil Asisten Logistik Kasad Brigjen TNI Nengah Widana, Asisten Logistik Kasal Laksda TNI Sru Handayanto di hanggar helikopter PT Dirgantara Indonesia di Bandung, Jumat.

Penyerahan tiga capung besi itu disaksikan Menteri Pertahanan Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Asisten Logistik Panglima TNI Mayjen TNI Hari Krisnomo, Kasal Laksamana TNI Soeparno dan Wakil Kasad Letjen TNI Budiman.

Tiga helikopter yang diserahkan itu terdiri atas dua unit Bell-412 EP untuk TNI Angkatan Darat dan satu unit Bell-412 EP untuk TNI Angkatan Laut.

Pengadaan tiga helikopter produksi bersama Bell Helicopter--divisi Textron Inc. dan PT Dirgantara Indonesia itu menggunakan APBN Tahun Anggaran 2011.

Kementerian Pertahanan menyatakan penyerahan dua helikopter itu merupakan bagian dari rencana strategis peningkatan skuadron udara serbu Puspenerbad dengan 32 helikopter yang terdiri atas 24 unit helikopter serbu dan delapan helikopter serang.

Helikopter angkur/serbu merupakan helikopter medium dengan kapasitas 15 personel. Helikopter ini sudah dioperasikan Skuadron-11/serbu dan Skuadron-21/Sena Puspenerbad.

Begitu pun satu unit Bell-412 2 EP. Helikopter itu merupakan helikopter generasi terakhir yang masuk jajaran Skuadron 400 Puspenerbal.

Skuadron-400 Puspenerbal telah mengoperasikan Bell-412 SP dan Bell-412 HP.

Helikopter Bell-412 EP merupakan seri terbaru di kelasnya dan merupakan helikopter angkut militer yang andal dengan kemampuan angkut 10-15 personel serta mampu mengangkut beban sekitar tiga ton.

Meski berfungsi sebagai helikopter angkut militer, helikopter tersebut dapat dipersenjatai dengan senapan mesin untuk mendukung kegiatan operasi militer.

Direktur PT DI Budi Santoso mengatakan dalam waktu dekat akan diserahkan kembali dua unit TNI AD dan dua unit TNI AL.

"Ini komitmen PT DI dan TNI untuk memprioritaskan pengadaan alutsista dari dalam negeri, dan dapat bersaing secara kompetitif,". (rr)

(Antara)

TNI AL Ingin Beli Kapal Perang yang Batal Dipesan Brunei

01 Maret 2012

Ketiga kapal Nakhoda Ragam class ditawarkan ke TNI AL. Kapal tersebut cukup ditebus dengan harga 296 juta euro atau sekitar 380 juta dollar AS (photo : Militaryphotos)

Senayan - TNI AL meminta dukungan pada Komisi I DPR RI untuk pembelian tiga kapal perang buatan Inggris. Pembelian alutsista ini guna memperkuat armada perang TNI AL dalam menjaga keamanan dan kedaulatan NKRI di perairan.

Hal ini disampaikan Kepala Staf TNI AL Laksamana Soeparno di sela-sela raker dengan Komisi I DPR di Komplek Senayan, Rabu (29/1). Raker itu membahas hibah KRI Karang Ungaran 985 ke Kabupaten Sangihe Sulawesi Utara.

Soeparno mengatakan, TNI AL ingin membeli tiga kapal perang buatan Inggris. Jenisnya multi role light frigates yang dibangun oleh galangan kapal BAE pada tahun 2001. Kapal pertama telah menyelesaikan tes di laut pada Desember 2003. Kapal kedua dites pada Mei 2004. Kemudian kapal ketiga mulai melaut pada Oktober 2004.

Kapal ini mulanya dipesan Kerajaan Brunei Darussalam. Namun setelah melihat hasil tiga kali uji coba tersebut, pihak Kerajaan membatalkan pesanan.

Jika Brunei enggan, kenapa TNI AL malah bernafsu membelinya?

"Kita sinyalir, pembatalan pembelian kapal perang dari Inggris oleh Brunei bukanlah karena alasan teknis tetapi alasan politis. Yaitu ada ketersinggungan Brunei pada Inggris pada isu tertentu," jawab Soeparno.

Informasi lebih dalam lantas didapat dari otoritas militer Brunei. Ternyata, ungkap Soeparno, jumlah personil angkatan laut negeri kaya itu terbatas jumlahnya. Hanya sekitar 800 personil. Sedangkan tiga kapal perang buatan Inggris itu butuh dioperasikan oleh 330 personil. Alhasil, Brunei bakal kerepotan mengurusnya.

Akhirnya, pada tahun 2007 kapal itu dipindahkan dari Brasko Brunei ke galangan kapal di Inggris. Setahun kemudian Kementerian Pertahanan menawarkan pada TNI AL untuk membelinya.

"TNI AL pun menindaklanjuti hal itu. Kami menyatakan, penawaran tersebut merupakan hal yang sangat baik dalam rangka pemenuhan armada TNI AL," ujarnya.

Brunei sempat membayar sekitar 600 juta poundsterling per kapal. Adapun penawaran ke TNI AL, kapal itu cukup ditebus dengan 296 juta euro atau sekitar 380 juta dollar AS. Angka ini terbilang murah. Di sisi lain pihak Brunei lebih senang jika kapal ini dibeli Indonesia karena punya dok galangan kapal sendiri untuk pemeliharaan. Pihak lain yang berminat adalah Malaysia.

Menurut Soeparno, kapal perang ini canggih karena sudah dilengkapi dengan misil anti kapal selam. Dengan kelengkapan itu, dia bilang, "Sudah dapat mengantisipasi kapal selama milik tetangga."

(Jurnal Parlemen)

Preferred Tenderer Announced for Anzac Frigate Maintenance

29 Februari 2012

HMAS Perth 157 Anzac class frigates (photo : Aus DoD)

A $300 million maintenance and repair contract for the Anzac Class Frigates will be negotiated with Naval Ship Management Australia, following their selection as preferred tenderer. Minister for Defence Materiel Senator Kim Carr said the new five-year contract was expected to provide better outcomes for industry and more effective, value for money outcomes for the Navy.

“In June of last year my predecessor Minister Jason Clare announced the Government’s intention to reform the naval ship repair sector – commencing with the release of the tender for the repair and maintenance of the Navy’s eight Anzac Class frigates,” Senator Carr said.

“I am pleased to announce the outcome of the Tender evaluation. I congratulate Naval Ship Management Australia, a joint venture of Babcock Australia and United Group Infrastructure, for being selected as the preferred tenderer.”

Senator Carr said the announcement follows extensive consultation with industry on a new approach to contracts for repair and maintenance work.

“In contrast to the previous arrangements which required every new maintenance activity to be individually contracted out, the grouping of ship repair and maintenance tasks offers the potential for significant cost savings.

“These savings are achieved through reductions in contracting activity, greater ability to forecast work effort, and productivity gains through greater investment in workforce skills and infrastructure.

“This initiative will provide industry with the predictability, certainty and stability that it needs to achieve efficiencies and provide job security for, and investment in, its workforce.

“This new contracting approach is good for industry, it is good for job security and development, it is good for Navy, and it is good for Australian taxpayers who rightly demand maximum efficiency from every dollar spent on Australia’s defence.”

Contract negotiations are expected to be finalised by June 2012.

(Aus DoD)

Singapore and Malaysian Navies Conduct Bilateral Maritime Exercise

28 Februari 2012

Three Formidable class frigates will take part in the exercise (photo : Mindef)

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) are conducting Exercise Malapura, a bilateral maritime exercise, from 27 Feb to 7 Mar 2012. Singapore is hosting this year's exercise, the 22nd in the series held since 1984. RSN Fleet Commander, Rear-Admiral Lai Chung Han and RMN Fleet Operations Commander, Vice Admiral Dato’ Wira Jamil bin Hj Osman officiated at the opening ceremony held at Changi Naval Base (CNB) today.

About 540 personnel from the RSN and RMN are involved in the 10-day exercise which will see both navies carry out joint planning and training at CNB, and conducting drills in conventional naval warfare and maritime security in the Malacca Strait. The RSN is taking part in the exercise with a frigate (RSS Formidable), a missile corvette (RSS Valour), and a patrol vessel (RSS Brave); while the RMN is participating with a frigate (KD Jebat) and two patrol vessels (KD Terengganu and KD Selangor).

Two Kedah class corvettes and one frigate will take part ini the exercise (photo : RMN)

The RSN and RMN interact regularly across a wide range of activities. These include professional exchanges and courses, as well as multilateral activities as part of the Five Power Defence Arrangements. The two navies have also been working closely to enhance maritime security through the Malacca Strait Patrols arrangement. These regular interactions serve to strengthen mutual understanding and professional ties among the personnel of both navies.

(Mindef)

High Flying with 723 Squadron

27 Februari 2012

AgustaWestland A109E (photo : RAN)

The Royal Australian Navy’s 723 Squadron has begun 2012 on a high tempo as they prepare to upgrade their capability.

The 723 Squadron’s Retention and Motivation Initiative (RMI) program currently operate three AgustaWestland A109E helicopters under lease from Raytheon Australia.

The aircraft were recently on a training mission in Queensland where they were prepared to conduct relief during the recent flood. However their services were not required.

Commanding Officer of 723 Squadron, Commander Matthew Shand said these flights provide valuable opportunities for junior aircrew to plan and execute tasks in a wide variety of environments.
“It’s been an active start to a promising year” Commander Shand said as the Squadron eagerly await the arrival of three new Bell 429 helicopters to augment their existing fleet of 13 AS350BA Squirrels.

The new Bell 429 helicopters will still be leased from Raytheon Australia, and with their composite construction, full glass cockpit and advanced systems, the Bell 429 helicopters are set to be the most modern aircraft in Australian skies when they start flying with the Squadron mid this year.

“The experience we’re getting flying the A109E has a big impact on our ability to plan and evaluate complex missions” said Lieutenant Trine Themsen an Aviation Warfare Officer currently training with the Squadron.

“We’re excited about introducing the new Bell 429 into our training and seeing what it can do”.
The first of three new Bell 429 helicopters are due to arrive at HMAS Albatross in Nowra during March before undergoing a limited test program and entering service with 723 Squadron in May.

(RAN)

Puspenerbal Akan Tambah 10 Helikopter dan 3 Pesawat

26 Februari 2012

Pesawat CN-235 pesanan TNI AL per Januari 2012 (photo : Indonesia Raya)

TRIBUNJATIM.COM,SURABAYA- Program pembangunan kekuatan unsur udara untuk mengantisipasi potensi ancaman dari laut dalam tahun ini Pusat Penerbangan Angkatan Laut (Puspenerbal) TNI AL akan menambah 10 Helikopter dan tiga pesawat patroli maritim (Patmar).

KSAL Laksamana TNI Soeparno mengatakan, kebutuhan Helikopter dan Patmar tersebut adalah tuntutan mengimbangi kekuatan lawan, terutama Helikopter yang memiliki kemampuan Anti Kapal Permukaan (AKPA) dan Anti Kapal Selam (AKS).

“Ini adalah Prioritas teutama Helikopter dengan kemampuan AKS yang paling ditakuti oleh kapal selam lawan yang disinyalir sering melakukan kegiatan spionase melalui perairan teritorial maupun alur laut,” papar Soeparno usai menjadi Irup Sertijab Komandan Puspenerbal di Apron Hanggar Lanudal Juanda, Jumat (23/2/2012).

Heli Anti Kapal Selam dan Anti Kpal Permukaan akan melengkapi arsenal TNI AL (photo : ADF)

Selain Helikopter AKPA dan AKS pihaknya juga memesan jenis Helikopter angkut taktis. Untuk pesawat terbang, Puspenerbal dalam tahun ini juga akan menambah tiga pesawat Patroli Maritim (Patmar).

“Satu pesawat sudah selesai dan akan diserahkan tanggal 28 nanti,” jelasnya.

Sementara untuk pesawat lama seperti jenis pesawat Nomad, kata Soeparno jika masih bisa dirawat, pesawat tersebut tetap akan dipakai.

“Akan dipelajari lagi rencana grounded, kalau bisa dipertahankan akan dipakai,” pungkasnya.

(TribunNews)

Defence Minister Presses Ahead with U-boats Plan

25 Februari 2012

The navy had originally planned to buy six second-hand submarines from Germany (photo : Militaryphotos)

Sukumpol presses ahead with U-boats plan

Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat wants to submit the navy's proposals to buy second-hand submarines to the cabinet next week.

However, he said he was unsure whether they will be submitted in time for the cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

The minister said a few more days are needed to discuss the proposals before they can be forwarded to the cabinet.

ACM Sukumpol said it was a race against time as Germany, which makes the submarines, has given the government until the end of the month to decide whether to buy them or not.

ACM Sukumpol says he supports the navy's position that it needs the submarines to fulfil its maritime defence missions.

If and when the submarines are acquired, the navy will have to adjust its own budget to effectively maintain the upkeep of the submarines.

ACM Sukumpol was yesterday paying a formal visit to the navy for the first time since assuming the post of defence minister.

The minister was greeted by navy chief Surasak Roonroengrom and other senior navy officers.
He was briefed about the navy's development plans for the next 10 years, including its need to have submarines to boost its underwater capabilities to meet any external threats. The navy had originally planned to buy six second-hand submarines from Germany.

However, since the cabinet has not yet approved the proposals, Germany has in the meantime sold two of the submarines to Colombia. The navy now hopes to buy the remaining four for 5.5 billion baht.

"Now, Myanmar wants to acquire submarines ... Thailand's desire to have its own submarines does not mean that the country wants to follow the example of others," he said.

"There has been much talk about submarines since the time of HRH Prince Chumphon Khet Udomsak [the father of the Royal Thai Navy]," said the defence minister.

(Bangkok Post)

Helicopter Dock Ships Boost Defence

23 Februari 2012

Canberra class LHD (image : McConrads)

THE arrival in 2014 of the first of two 27,000-tonne Landing Helicopter Dock warships represents the biggest change to Australia's "force projection capability" since the navy's first aircraft carrier was acquired more than 60 years ago, Defence Force chief General David Hurley said yesterday.
Speaking at a key defence conference in Canberra, General Hurley said restructuring of the army's three combat brigades into an amphibious assault force - the most ambitious revamp of Australian Defence Force doctrine in decades - was on track to enable company-size ship-to-shore landings by 2018.

He acknowledged "disappointment at the state of the amphibious fleet" and pledged new maintenance practices that would ensure ships "in the right condition" were available for future missions.

Last year, the Royal Australian Navy was unable to provide support to victims of Cyclone Yasi because none of its amphibious vessels was seaworthy.

The challenges in creating an Amphibious Task Force (ATF) should not be underestimated, he warned.

Much would be learnt from the shared experiences of the US Marine Corps, units of which will soon to be based in Darwin, and its British counterpart, the Royal Marines, General Hurley said.

As reported in The Australian in December, the testbed for the new capability will be the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, just returned from Afghanistan.

However, outside Afghanistan, the Australian Defence Force's primary operating environment extends from the eastern approaches of the Indian Ocean to the island states of Polynesia and from the equator to the Southern Ocean.

"This area encompasses 25,000 islands, 85,000km of navigable waterways.

"The ADF must be able to maintain situational awareness across this vast area and must be capable of responding swiftly and decisively to a range of scenarios," General Hurley said.

Defence Minister Stephen Smith told the conference it was likely Canberra would follow Washington's lead and postpone the purchase of 54 of the stealthy F-35 Joint Strike Fighters (JSFs) beyond the 14 the federal government is committed to buy.

"It won't be a priority in my view this year to make judgments about the receipt or the delivery or the arrival of future or additional Joint Strike Fighters," Mr Smith warned.

Experts said that was likely to translate into a decision to upgrade at least six of the new 24 F/A-18F Super Hornet fleet to advanced electronic warfare variants.

The federal government had 12 Super Hornets hard-wired on the assembly line for possible conversion as EA-18G Growlers - a move that would give the air force a formidable new .

(The Australian)

Taiwan Navy Asks for Funds for 8 New Subs

21 Februari 2012

Three countries have offered Taiwan build submarines (photo : Qinetiq)

TAIPEI — Taiwan's navy will ask parliament to fund the purchase of up to eight new submarines within the next two months, reviving an acquisition that has been in limbo for over a decade, local media said Feb. 20.

The navy may not necessarily buy U.S. technology and is looking at three different countries as potential suppliers, the United Daily News reported.

In April 2001, then-U.S. President George W. Bush approved the sale of eight conventional submarines as part of Washington's most comprehensive arms package to the island since 1992.

Since then, however, there has been little progress as the U.S. has not built conventional submarines for more than 40 years, and Germany and Spain had reportedly declined to offer their designs for fear of offending China.

But the United Daily News said new options have emerged lately as three countries have offered either to help Taiwan build submarines or sell the island several German-built submarines. It did not name the three countries.

"Purchasing submarines from the United States has been given top priority in the past years and will remain so in the future," the Taiwan navy said in a response to the report. "But if there are any other sources to provide submarines, they are also welcome."

Taiwan's navy operates a fleet of four submarines, but only two of them, both Dutch-built, could be deployed in the event of war. The other two were built by the U.S. in the 1940s.

Ties between Taipei and Beijing have improved markedly since Ma Ying-jeou of the China-friendly Kuomintang party came to power in 2008 promising to boost trade links and allow more Chinese tourists to visit the island.

But Beijing still sees the island as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary, even though Taiwan has governed itself since 1949 at the end of a civil war.

China has repeatedly threatened to invade Taiwan should the island declare formal independence, prompting Taipei to seek more advanced weapons.

(Defense News)

US Formally Offers 2nd Warship to AFP

20 Februari 2012

USCGS Dallas WHEC 716 (photo : Shipspotting)

MANILA, Philippines - A top military official bared yesterday that the United States has formally offered to the Philippines a second warship that is expected to boost the country’s territorial defense capability.

Navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama said the US sent last week a letter notifying them about the availability of another US Coast Guard cutter, Dallas.

“They (US) sent a letter offering us formally (the ship). They are telling us this is available and their government has approved (the giving of the ship to the Philippines). They are asking us if we are interested,” Pama said.

He said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is expected to reply to the letter next week.

“We will respond to the letter and tell them that we are interested. Once they receive that, the formal, detailed discussion would start,” Pama said.

The Navy chief said the transfer of the warship might be held in May if discussions run smoothly.

“If the talks are continuous and smooth flowing, we are looking at a formal transfer to be held in May,” Pama said.

The transfer cost would be funded by proceeds from the Malampaya natural gas project off Palawan that the Department of Energy will provide.

Officials have said the transfer cost for the cutter Dallas would be close to the P450 million spent for the first Coast Guard cutter that the Philippine Navy acquired last year.

The first Coast Guard cutter that was converted into the BRP Gregorio del Pilar was acquired from the US Coast Guard last year to improve the Philippines’ territorial defense capability.

The Gregorio del Pilar is the Navy’s first Hamilton-class vessel and was acquired under the US Foreign Military Sales program.

The ship is 380 feet long and is now the Navy’s largest ship. The ship is currently deployed in Palawan since Dec. 23 to secure the country’s natural resources.

The Philippines deployed the ship amid a territorial row over the Spratly Islands, an area in the West Philippine Sea that is rich in mineral and marine resources.

The Philippines, China, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan claim either part or the entire Spratly Islands, which has been the subject of a territorial dispute in the region.

Last November, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said her government is ready to provide a second war ship to the Philippines.

Clinton, who visited Manila to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty, said the US would remain “in the corner” of the Philippines, its “trusted ally.”

Early this month, US Rep. Ed Royce said the ship “should soon be on its way to Manila” and that the review process for its transfer would be completed soon.

Dallas is a weather high-endurance cutter and has features similar to that of Gregorio del Pilar.

The US Coast Guard had used the ship for drug and migrant interdiction, law enforcement, search and rescue, living marine resources protection, and defense readiness.

The ship can accommodate up to 180 officers and sailors.

(PhilStar)

Submarine All at Sea on Repairs

20 Februari 2012

The Collins class submarine HMAS Rankin. (photo : The Age)

BY THE time Australia's newest Collins class submarine returns to service in September or October next year the vessel will have been laid up for repairs and maintenance for longer than it has been in use.

A Senate estimates hearing has been told HMAS Rankin was pulled out of service in 2008 because a crew could not be found. Commissioned 41 months late on March 29, 2003, the vessel was not due for a full cycle docking until March 2011.

It was subsequently cannibalised for parts during work on its sister subs, including HMAS Sheean - the second youngest of the troubled Collins class fleet - and HMAS Dechaineux.

The Sheean was also sent to Adelaide for repairs well ahead of schedule in 2008.

''[Rankin and Sheean went in early] largely because of our manpower situation,'' The Chief of Navy, Vice-Admiral Ray Griggs, told the estimates hearing.

It was, in short, more palatable to have the billion-dollar submarines in Adelaide awaiting maintenance than languishing at Garden Island in Perth advertising the crew shortage.

The Sheean is now three years into a 900,000 man-hour, $200 million-plus maintenance regime.

Defence experts told the hearing the submarine was back in the water and undergoing testing. ''We envisage [HMAS Sheean] will be out [of its deep maintenance period] by the middle of the year,'' Air Vice-Marshal Chris Deeble said.

He said the current cost of a full cycle docking for a Collins class submarine varied between $200 million and $220 million.

The Dechaineux was involved in a dramatic incident on February 12, 2003, which led to all Collins class submarines at sea being recalled for safety checks.

Opposition defence spokesman David Johnston was critical of the Collins class sustainment program, noting he had been given cost estimates ranging from $435 million to $629 million a year. ''When you throw in depreciation [on top of the $629 million] you get $821 million,'' he said.

(The Age)

Philippines to Get Second Hamilton Ship by May

19 Februari 2012

USCGS Dallas WHEC 716 (photo : Eucom)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines—If things go according to plan, the Philippine Navy would be getting its second Hamilton ship by May of this year, Vice Admiral Alexander Pama said Saturday.

Speaking to reporters in a chance interview after the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Homecoming, Pama said that he has received the formal letter of offer on the Hamilton Class Cutter US Coast Guard Dallas.

“Kung masusunod yung schedule, bago matapos and taon, dalawa na yung Secretary Class natin. Maaring May (If the schedule will be followed, before the end of the year we will have two Secretary Class vessels),” Pama told reporters.

In May 2011, the Philippine Navy Acquired a Hamilton Class Cutter, which the Philippine Navy christened as BRP-Gregorio del Pilar, from the United States as excess defense article under the Foreign Assistance Act.

Like the BRP-Gregorio del Pilar, the Dallas will likely be stripped off most of its equipment and armaments. Pama said they requested that some of the equipment be retained on the ship.

“Naiintindihan naman natin na ibang kaggamitan doon ay di basta-basta pwedeng ipamigay… Kasama sa pag-uusapan kung ano iyong pwedeng i-retain (We understand that some of the equipment they can’t give away easily… This is still included in the negotiations, which equipment can be retained),” Pama said adding that both parties are still in the initial stages of the negotiation
When asked where the Dallas will be deployed, Pama said: “We will cross the bridge when we get there.”

He said that they are currently arranging for the transfer of the vessel and training personnel.

However, he admitted that normally, vessels are deployed in tandem. BRP-Gregorio del Pilar, which was commissioned last December 2011, was deployed to the Malampaya natural gas field in the West Philippine Sea.

The United States Congress formally approved the transfer of the Dallas Cutter to the Philippines on February 10.

(Inquirer)

South East Asian Nations Seek Improved ASW, AEW

18 Februari 2012

Indonesia - The air chief of Indonesia says the country would be looking for a larger system than the AEW concept put forward by Airbus Military. The AEW aircraft will need more endurance than the C-295 can deliver, he notes. (photo : Jetphotos)

Concerns over China’s claims to the South China Sea are sparking an arms race among its Southeast Asian neighbors, some of which have maritime patrol, airborne early warning and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft high on their priority lists.

China has laid claim to most of the South China Sea, a body of water that includes vital sea lanes and under which lie rich deposits of oil and gas.

In May of last year, Chinese ships reportedly cut the cables of Binh Minh 02, an oil-surveying vessel within Vietnam’s 200-nm exclusive economic zone and operated by the Vietnam Oil & Gas Group. In the same month, two Chinese fighters allegedly entered Philippine airspace, an intrusion related to the disputed Spratly Islands. The Philippine navy also found wooden posts erected on Amy Douglas Bank, Reed Bank and Boxall Reef—all within Philippine-claimed waters. The navy, which promptly removed the posts, accused China of placing them there.

Vietnam

P-3C Orion (photo : Airliners)

Vietnam’s foreign minister, Pham Binh Minh, and the Philippines foreign minister, Albert del Rosario, met in Hanoi last year to discuss implementation of a defense cooperation agreement.
The dispute with China has led the Philippines and Vietnam to seek closer defense ties with the U.S., a remarkable development in terms of U.S.-Vietnam relations considering their history. It seems that memories of the Vietnam War are no longer a stumbling block. On Sept. 19, Vietnam’s deputy defense minister, Nguyen Chi Vinh, and the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense, Robert Scher, signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at boosting military cooperation.

Sources say the Vietnamese are seeking to buy ASW aircraft and have shown interest in the Lockheed Martin P-3. The Southeast Asian nation wants the P-3s to protect its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea and to help stop Chinese submarines from entering Vietnamese waters. China’s largest submarine base is on the southern tip of Hainan Island, just off the northern Vietnam coast.

C-295 ASW (photo : Airbus Military)

Vietnam has a 3,444-km (2,135-mi.) coastline, so it needs long-range aircraft. Advanced sonar-detection equipment also is required to combat China’s increasingly advanced submarines. For ASW, Vietnam has been using four Beriev Be-12 amphibious aircraft that it received in 1981, as well as dozens of Kamov Ka-25/-27 helicopters.

When the P-3s last operated in Vietnam during the war, Cam Ranh Bay coincidentally was their main base. The U.S. Navy used P-3As to patrol the coastline in search of gunboats and Chinese trawlers providing supplies to the Vietcong hiding in South Vietnam.

The other contender for Vietnam’s ASW requirement is the Airbus Military C295. The Spaniards have already developed a relationship there, having sold three Airbus Military C212 maritime patrol aircraft to the Vietnam marine police. The first aircraft was delivered late last year.

Philippine

CN-235 ASW (photo : Militaryphotos)

The Philippine air force is also seeking to buy maritime patrol aircraft. Some of the models being considered include the Alenia ATR 42MP, Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350ER, Airbus CN235, Viking Air Twin Otter and Bombardier Q-series.

The country’s leaders have also talked up the prospect of the Philippines once again procuring fighter aircraft. The Philippines has had no fighter aircraft since 2005 when it retired its last Northrop F-5.

ATR-42MP (photo : Alessandro Buffa)

Philippines President Benigno Aquino, 3rd, disclosed in December that he will be visiting the U.S. early this year and plans to ask U.S. President Barack Obama for military assistance. “I will meet President Obama next year, perhaps by April. I will remind him of our strategic partnership and he might remember that we don’t have a fighter [jet],” Aquino said in a speech to Philippine air force personnel late in 2011. He added that he will ask the U.S. to donate used fighter aircraft to the Philippines, under an arrangement similar to that between the U.S. and Indonesia. The U.S. last year agreed to donate 24 second-hand Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs to Indonesia, which could then pay to upgrade them to the C/D standard.

Malaysia

Saab Eriye (image : Saab)

Malaysia also has a requirement for fighters and is seeking to buy 18 new aircraft to replace its MiG-29s. The contenders are the Boeing F/A-18E/F, Saab Gripen, Dassault Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30, Sukhoi Su-35 and Eurofighter Typhoon.

The MiG-29s are stationed at Kuantan AFB, in West Malaysia overlooking the South China Sea. If Malaysia ever has an armed conflict with China, it is likely that the fighter squadron at Kuantan will be at the front line. East and West Malaysia are separated by the South China Sea, and Malaysia has a requirement for maritime patrol and airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft to monitor its exclusive maritime economic zone. Malaysia’s defense minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, says Malaysia has a requirement for three AEW aircraft, one each to be stationed in East and West Malaysia and one standby.

Northrop Grumman is proposing to sell the E-2D, Saab is promoting its Saab Erieye radar mounted on an Embraer EMB-145, and Airbus Military is pushing the C295 AEW. Lockheed Martin U.K. and Thales, meanwhile, are each proposing that Malaysia use one of the air force’s existing aircraft, such as a Lockheed Martin C-130, and upgrade it with AEW capabilities using roll-on, roll-off mission systems.

Malaysia’s air force chief, Gen. Rodzali bin Daud, says “It is important to maintain a high degree of situational awareness and central to this is AEW.” Malaysia is relying on ground-based radar supplemented by some Beechcraft King Air 350s fitted with Thales radar, but these small aircraft have limited flying range. Rodzali also says: “Land-based radar’s lack of mobility puts it second to airborne systems.”

AW-159 Lynx Wildcat (photo : All Britain)

Malaysia has a requirement for ASW aircraft as well. Its navy has stated it wants to buy six ASW helicopters. It is considering the Sikorsky MH-60R and the AgustaWestland AW159. Defense Minister Ahmad told DTI’s sister publication Aviation Week & Space Technology in December that “the project is in our pipeline, but because of budget constraints, it hasn’t been given a priority [go-ahead] yet.” Industry executives say the government may be waiting until after the next national election, expected sometime in 2012, before moving ahead with this procurement.

In fact, this is the case with all the other requirements. Malaysia will only allocate a budget and select a winner for its AEW and fighter requirements after the elections.

Malaysia’s Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is also still waiting for a budget for the five maritime patrol aircraft it plans to acquire on long-term wet leases. Three types are in the running—the RUAG 228NG, Cessna Grand Caravan and Alenia ATR 42MP.

Singapore

G-550 CAEW (image : FlightGlobal)

Singapore uses Fokker 50s for maritime patrol and has one of the most advanced AEW capabilities in the region, thanks to its Gulfstream G550s fitted with AEW mission equipment from Israel Aerospace Industries’ Elta Systems. For ASW, it has Sikorsky S-70Bs, but industry executives say is also planning to buy fixed-wing ASW aircraft.

The island nation, unlike other countries in Southeast Asia, has no territorial disputes with China. But Singapore, which is dependent on sea trade for its livelihood, can ill afford to have submarines blocking its sea lanes.

China has been adding Shang-class nuclear-powered subs, while India has announced that it plans to buy six more diesel-electric models. (Russia’s arms export agency, Rosoboronexport, disclosed that it will be proposing Russian-built Amur 650-class subs.) Six French Scorpene vessels from an earlier tender are under construction in India.

Singapore’s closest neighbors have also been adding submarines, largely in response to China’s submarine buildup.

Vietnam’s defense minister, Gen. Phung Quang Thanh, says his country has six Kilo-class diesel-powered subs on order from Russia. Malaysia recently added three submarines: two new Scorpene-class subs jointly built by French and Spanish companies, and one reconditioned ex-French navy Agosta-class vessel. Indonesia has two German-built Cakra-class subs and in December ordered three submarines from South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering. Thailand’s navy is eyeing second-hand Type U206As from Germany, according to local news reports.

(Aviation Week)

14 KCR-40 dan KCR-60 akan Dibangun Hingga 2014

17 Februari 2012

Kapal Cepat Rudal KCR-60 (image : Palindo Marine Shipyard)

Batam (ANTARA Kepri) - Kementerian Pertahanan Republik Indonesia menargetkan pembangunan 14 Kapal Cepat Rudal di berbagai daerah untuk menunjang pengamanan perairan Indonesia yang akan selesai pada 2014.

"Hingga 2014 kami merencanakan pembangunan 14 Kapal Cepat Rudal (KCR) ukuran 40-60 meter untuk penunjang pengamanan perairan Indonesia," kata Menteri Pertahanan Republik Indonesia, Purnomo Yusgiantoro setelah meresmikan KRC Kujang di Batam, Kamis.

Menteri mengatakan upaya tersebut sebagai langkah pembangunan strategis yang nantinya tidak terbatas pada pengembangan KCR saja, namun juga pada industri strategis lainnya.

"Pembangunan kapal merupakan langkah awal, nanti pembangunan strategis di daerah juga akan mengembangkan industri untuk kekuatan udara dan darat," kata dia.

Pada dasarnya, kata Menteri, selain membangun industri dalam negeri hal tersebut juga membangun kekuatan TNI.

"Pembangunan 14 kapal tersebut baru tahap awal. Kami telah menyiapkan rencana strategis pertahanan hingga tahun 2024 dengan target 44 kapal cepat," kata Menteri.

Panglima TNI Laksamana Agus Suhartono mengatakan Indonesia setidaknya membutuhkan 44 KCR hingga 2024 untuk mengamankan seluruh wilayah laut NKRI dari gangguan-gangguan.

"Setidaknya dibutuhkan 44 kapal hingga tahun 2024 mendatang untuk keperluan penegakan hukum di laut, termasuk pengamanan terhadap pencurian terhadap kekayaan alam Indonesia, dan mencegah penyelundupan," kata dia.

Secara umum, kata dia, seluruh satuan TNI telah memiliki rencana pengembangan pertahanan masing-masing sebagai upaya peningkatan kekuatan.

"Angkatan Darat, Angkatan Laut dan Angkatan Udara telah memiliki blueprint pertahanan untuk membangun kekuatan. Pembangunan akan dilakukan bertahap," kata dia.

Ia mengatakan, salah satu rencana tersebut ialah penggantian utama sistem persenjataan (alustsista) yang sudah uzur dengan alat-alat baru yang akan dibangun, sementara alutsista yang masih bisa digunakan akan terus ditingkatkan kemampuannya.

(Antara)

TNI AL Dapat Kapal Baru

16 Februari 2012

Kapal Cepat Rudal KCR-40 KRI Kujang 642 (photo : Audrey)

BATAM, KOMPAS.com- TNI AL Armada Barat mendapat tambahan kapal baru, KRI Kujang-642. Kapal itu diserahkan pada Kamis (16/2/2012) pagi ini, di Dermaga Selatan Pelabuhan Batu Ampar, Batam.

Komandan Satuan Kapal Patroli Armada Barat Kolonel Pelaut Denih Hendrata mengatakan, KRI Kujang merupakan kapal kelima di satuannya. KRI Kujang termasuk jenis KCR- 40. "Sekarang kami punya dua KCR-40 dan tiga FPB (Fast Patrol Boat)," ujarnya.

KRI Kujang dibuat PT Palindo Marine Shipyard, Batam. Seluruh komponen kapal itu buatan Indonesia. KCR-40 merupakan kapal patroli kedua yang diserahkan Palindo pada TNI AL. Tahun lalu, Palindo menyerahkan KRI Clurit yang sejenis dengan KRI Kujang.

KRI Kujang 642 merupakan kapal pemukul reaksi cepat yang berfungsi menghancurkan target sekali pukul dan menghindar dari serangan lawan dalam waktu cepat pula. Kapal ini berukuran panjang 44 meter, lebar 7,4 meter, dengan kecepatan maksimal 30 knot. Kapal ini memiliki daya tembak dan daya hancur karena dilengkapi Rudal C-705.

Kapal KCR-40 ini mampu menampung bahan bakar 50 ton dan air tawar 15 ton. Kapal cepat ini terbuat dari baja khusus High Tensile Steel pada bagian hulu dan lambung kapal, yang merupakan produk PT Krakatau Steel, Cilegon. Sedangkan untuk bangunan atas menggunakan Aluminium Marine Grade, yang menggunakan tiga mesin penggerak.

(Kompas)

RUAG is Hopeful that Malaysia will Order Five Dornier 228 NG

11 Februari 2012

Dornier 228 NG maritime air patrol (image : forceindia)

RUAG Aerospace Plans to Set MRO Partnership in Malaysia

Ruag Aviation is hopeful that Malaysia will order up to five new generation Dornier 228 New Generations for maritime patrol purposes, and is in talks about setting up an MRO partnership in Malaysia.

A decision could even be announced at the Singapore Air Show. “We are about to set up a global services network,” says Alexander Mueller, managing director of Ruag. “We will have at least one located in Malaysia, and are also looking at other options. Possibly the southern Pacific.”

The company already has a presence in Malaysia covering the radar system for the F/A-18 radar – Ruag Malaysia. But Mueller says Ruag is looking at a number of options in the country. “We like to be close to our customer,” says Klaus-Peter Leinauer, VP sales & business development.

The possibility of Malaysia buying up to five Dornier 228 New Generations is one of the drivers behind the search. Mueller points to the relatively new design (dating back to the early eighties) of the original aircraft, particularly in areas such as the wing profile, and also points out that unlike some older designs, the 228 has FAR Part 23, making it safer to operate if case of engine failure, amongst other things. Mueller also says that the relatively small design of the aircraft is an advantage.

In Asia, there is already one Dornier 228 New Generation operating on commuter services in Japan, while the Bangladeshi coast guard recently ordered two units.

The Bangladesh Navy has purchased two modern Dornier 228 New Generation turboprop aircraft from Ruag for maritime air patrol and rescue mission along the countries’ coastline.

The two Dornier 228 New Generations are the first fixed wing aircraft to be purchased by the Bangladesh Navy for patrolling its coast line. Both aircraft are being equipped with special equipment for maritime air patrol operations. This includes radio and navigation aid and other selected systems as well as rescue equipment.

“The cost-effectiveness and, despite its sophisticated technology, ease of use sealed the decision in favour of the Dornier 228 New Generation,” Mueller added. In addition to the two aircraft, the contract includes comprehensive pilot and aircraft maintenance training for the Navy ground crew on location. Delivery of both aircraft is scheduled for early summer 2013.

The Bangladeshi order adds to a customer list that includes Japan, Norway and Germany.

(ADD SA-2012 DailyNews)