L-3 Communications to Provide F/A-18D Simulator to Malaysia

09 Maret 2012

F/A-18 simulator (photo : Patric's Aviation)

US-based L-3 Communications has won a $19.5 million Foreign Military Sales deal to supply a tactical operational flight trainer for the Boeing F/A-18D Hornet to Malaysia.

The fixed-based simulator will have positions for both a pilot and weapons systems officer, L-3 Communications says.

The simulator will include a 360˚ high definition visual display. In addition, the deal covers a brief/debrief station and logistics support.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force has a fleet of eight twin-seat F/A-18Ds, as recorded by Flightglobal's MiliCAS database.

(FlightGlobal)

Astross II Gandakan Kuasa Tempur TD

07 Maret 2012

Pembelian Astross II dari Brazil merupakan sebagian dari rancangan jangka panjang sistem pertahanan Tentera Darat di Malaysia. (photo : Kosmo)

KUALA LUMPUR – Tentera Darat (TD) bakal memiliki satu lagi rejimen sistem pelancar roket berganda (SPRB) jenis Astros II buatan Brazil tidak lama lagi bagi menggandakan kuasa tempur negara.

Sebanyak 18 unit SPRB Astross II akan dibeli bagi melengkapkan kekuatan Briged Artileri Roket yang ketika ini mempunyai dua rejimen roket jenis yang sama dan sebuah rejimen artileri pengesan.

Rejimen baharu SPRB Astross II itu nanti dijangka ditempatkan di Sabah.

Difahamkan, pembelian aset terbaharu itu telah dipersetujui Tentera Darat (TD) menerusi belanjawan pertahanan dalam Rancangan Malaysia Ke-10.

Sumber memberitahu, kontrak perolehan akan dimeterai antara Kementerian Pertahanan dengan pembekalnya pada Pameran Perkhidmatan Pertahanan Asia 2012 di sini pada April ini.

“Pembelian ini adalah sebahagian daripada rancangan jangka panjang TD bagi memperkukuhkan kuasa tempur khasnya, Briged Roket.

“Ia juga merupakan strategi bagi memperkasakan sistem pertahanan darat dengan adanya dua rejimen roket di Semenanjung dan di Sabah atau Sarawak,” ujar sumber tersebut di sini semalam.

(Kosmo)

New Weststar GSC 3/4 Ton Coming Into The Market

06 Maret 2012

Weststar GSC 4x4 vehicle (all photos : WestPro)

New 4×4 Coming Into The Market

Weststar GSC 3/4 ton provides arm forces with vehicles that are designed to meet a wide range of security and defence roles. The vehicle is purpose built.The GSC is available in hard or soft top, flexible enough for transportation of personnel, cargo and general utility.

The vehicle is powered by a robust and powerful 3.0 litre TDI diesel engine. The power train is common with that fitted to most commercial vehicles in the market,giving high commonality of parts and simpler maintenance and logistic support. Excellent value for money in all aspects of operations make them the rational choice for cost effectiveness.

(WestPro)

Military to Replace All Its Military 4WDs

06 Maret 2012

Malaysia will replace its ageing military 4x4s by next June (photo : Army Recognition)

BANGKOK: Malaysia will replace all its ageing military four-wheeled drives beginning next June, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Monday.

He said Malaysia would procure the vehicles from Thailand, produced by a Malaysian company, Weststar Group, based in Pattaya.

"The existing 4x4 used by the three services are obsolete and no longer cost-effective to maintain," he told Malaysian reporters after meeting with his Thai counterpart Sukumpol Suwanatat, here.
Both leaders were attending the Defense and Security 2012, a tri-service Asian Defense and Internal Security Event for Land, Sea and Air, at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, here.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said the priority of the new 4WD programme would be the usage of Malaysian components including for its spare parts.

However, he refused to provide details on the number of vehicles to be replaced and its cost.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said Weststar had also supplied the vehicles for military use in the United States, some NATO members, Singapore and Thailand.

Weststar Group with its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur is led by Group Managing Director Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim and its core businesses include defence, engineering, aviation services, automobile and construction.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said Weststar had also supplied specialised vehicles such as ambulances to the Malaysian government.

More than 200 defence and internal security equipment manufacturers from 35 countries participated in the four-day event starting Monday.

(Bernama)

US Aprroved the RWR's Software Development Support for Malaysia and Australia

03 Maret 2012

Radar Warning Receiver on F/A-18 A/B/C/D Hornet configuration. Raytheon™ AN/ALR-67(V)3 couples sophisticated digital receiver technology with Power PC G4 based processing power, yielding superior, reliable performance in high density, complex electromagnetic environments. The system is integrated with all F/A-18 avionics and is supported by a comprehensive, state-of-the-art PBL sustainment program. (photo : vnfawing)

Raytheon Co., Goleta, Calif., is being awarded a $48,663,690 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for software development support of the ALR-67(V) 3 radar for the U.S. Navy and the governments of Australia, Kuwait, Qatar, Malaysia, Switzerland, Canada, and various other future foreign military sales customers. Work will be performed in Point Mugu, Calif., and is expected to be completed in February 2017. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($28,891,633; 59.2 percent) and, under the Foreign Military Sales Program, the governments of Australia ($4,550,055; 9.4 percent), Kuwait ($1,975,745; 4.1 percent), Qatar ($1,975,746; 4.1 percent), Malaysia ($1,975,746; 4.1 percent), Switzerland, ($1,382,049; 2.8 percent), Canada ($1,386,915; 2.9 percent), and other future foreign military sales customers ($6,525,801; 13.4 percent). This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-12-D-0018).

(US 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)

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)

Airbus Military Signs Contract with Indonesia for Nine C295 Aircraft

15 Februari 2012

Airbus Military C-295 military transport (photo : mamboccv)

Airbus Military has signed today a firm contract with PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) to supply nine C295 military transport aircraft for delivery to the Indonesian Ministry of Defense.

The contract between PT DI and the Ministry of Defense of Indonesia was signed simultaneously, witnessed by Minister of Defense, Prof. Dr. Purnomo Yusgiantoro, and the Chief of Armed Forces, Admiral Agus Suhartono, at a ceremony at the Singapore Airshow. The Indonesian designation of the aircraft will be CN295.

The aircraft will be operated by the Indonesian Air Force throughout the vast territory of Indonesia, which includes around 17.000 islands. The aircraft will perform a variety of roles including military, logistical, humanitarian and medical evacuation missions. The first delivery is foreseen in 2012 and by summer 2014 all aircraft will have been delivered.

Additionally, the industrial plan covers a substantial collaboration between PT DI and Airbus Military for the C295 programme, including the manufacturing of the tail empennage, rear fuselage and fuselage panels, as well as workpackages for the development of Computer Based Training systems and the creation of a service and delivery centre and a final assembly line (FAL) in Indonesia.

“This is a proud moment for our country as well as for the Indonesian aerospace industry. The C295 provides the ideal capacity to respond to Indonesia´s current and future military and humanitarian transport needs and does so very cost-efficiently, with full participation of the Indonesian aerospace industry, creating high skilled jobs and technology transfer,” said His Excellency Prof. Dr. Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia.

“This contract builds on the long and excellent partnership that exists between Airbus Military and the Indonesian aerospace industry. It will provide our country with the right capability for the years to come and allows PT DI to grow its aerospace business as a tier 1 supplier. This will position PTDI on the global aerospace scene and allow us to enhance our skills and workforce,” said Dr. Budi Santoso, President and CEO of PT DI.

“Airbus Military is honored that the Indonesian Ministry of Defense has chosen the C295 for its fleet and we look forward to continue our successful partnership with PT DI. We will ensure that we live up to this mark of confidence, which demonstrates the value that the C295 provides to the armed forces around the world”, said Domingo Urena-Raso, President and CEO of Airbus Military.

Over 85 C295s are in service today with 14 different operators.

(Airbus Military)

Raytheon Engages Malaysian Industry for Missile Work

15 Februari 2012

Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile - ESSM (photo : USNavy)

First Malaysian company joins global team of ESSM suppliers

SINGAPORE /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) awarded an initial contract to Malaysian-based Contraves Advanced Devices Sdn. Bhd. for the production and supply of components for the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM). This is the first contract of its type awarded to a Malaysian company and is aligned with U.S. and Malaysian strategic initiatives as well as the Malaysian Economic Transformation Program.

"Raytheon is a global company with strategic partnerships worldwide," said Rick Nelson, vice president of Naval Weapon Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems. "We welcome Contraves to the ESSM global supply chain and look forward to expanding our relationship on ESSM and other programs."

Raytheon recently qualified Contraves Advanced Devices Sdn. Bhd. as a participant in the Strategic Enterprise Aligned Commodities provider program and as a Raytheon preferred supplier. The SEAC program is designed to focus Raytheon's global supply chain base on a more limited number of companies and qualifies Contraves as a provider for the majority of Raytheon production programs.

Raytheon has proposed ESSM to Malaysia for its upcoming Second Generation Patrol Vessel program for the Royal Malaysian Navy. Selection of ESSM for the SGPV program would significantly enhance the capabilities of the Royal Malaysian Navy and provide for interoperability with the U.S. Navy and with the Australian, Japanese and Canadian navies in the Pacific theatre.

"Through this partnership with Contraves, we are extending our global supply chain network and enhancing our presence and expertise in Malaysia," said Kevin Peppe, vice president of Seapower Capability Systems for Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems business. "Our shared commitment to quality and performance will allow us to deliver exceptional capabilities to our customer and industry, now and into the future."

Raytheon has also issued requests for quotation to Malaysian industry for additional components for the ESSM, the MK56 ESSM vertical launching system, MK73 illuminator, and test equipment in support of the Malaysian SGPV program as well as other international production programs.

About ESSM

ESSM is the world's most advanced ship self-defense and local area defense surface-to-air missile system. The missile is employed by the U.S. Navy and 11 allied nations. More than 1,800 ESSMs have been delivered, and 400 more are under contract. The U.S. Navy employs ESSM as its primary surface-to-air missile system to defend its fleet of aircraft carriers and large deck amphibious ships, and as the secondary battery on its fleet of Aegis cruisers and destroyers. The U.S. Navy and the NATO SeaSparrow Consortium navies have conducted more than 250 live firings against real and surrogate targets that emulate the capabilities of the most demanding modern naval threats.

(Raytheon)

France to Help Malaysia in Defence Research

14 Februari 2012

Malaysia acquisition of EC-725 Eurocopters from France, Eurocopter also disclose a letter of agreement with Malaysia's BHIC Defence Technologies to develop an EC225/EC725 regional flight simulator centre. The simulators will be located at the new helicopter centre at Subang. The deal stems from the July 2011 offset plan for the 12 EC725s the Royal Malaysian Air Force is acquiring. (photo : Eurocopter)

KUALA LUMPUR: France is enthusiastic about playing a bigger role in Malaysia's research and development in the defence industry, said its visiting Defence and War Veterans Minister Gerard Longuet.

"We are keen to provide French expertise and technology and work together as a global partner," he said at a joint press conference with Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the Defence Ministry yesterday.

Longuet also praised Malaysia for demonstrating its capabilities as a stabilising force in Southeast Asia.

Malaysia has also supported French initiatives by sending United Nations peace-keeping troops to Lebanon and medical teams to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation-led mission in Afghanistan.

He also commended Malaysia for ensuring the safe passage of its commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden, by deploying naval auxiliary combat ships, to ward off Somali pirate attacks.

Zahid touched on the acquisition of assets like the EC-725 Eurocopters, Scorpene submarines and the Airbus A400M medium-lift air- craft from France.

"Although many of these products and services are French in nature, they meet our quality and specifications at the right price," said Zahid.

Malaysia is due to take delivery of 12 EC-725 helicopters from next year and the four A400M from 2015, both for the Royal Malaysian Air Force. The two Scorpene submarines have been in service with the Royal Malaysian Navy the past two years.

(New Straits Times)

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)

KD Pahang 172 Dipindahkan ke Mawila 1 Kuantan

07 Februari 2012

KAPAL Diraja (KD) Pahang (kiri) akan beroperasi di Pangkalan TLDM Tanjung Gelang, Kuantan manakala KD Perak (kanan) akan dipindahkan ke Markas Wilayah Laut 2 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

(photo : Utusan)

Perpindahan KD Pahang ibarat ‘sirih pulang ke gagang’

KUANTAN – Kapal ronda generasi baru (NGPV) Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM), KD Pahang yang sebelum ini berpangkalan di Markas Wilayah Laut 2 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah dipindahkan ke Markas Wilayah Laut 1, di sini.

KD Perak yang berpangkalan di sini pula akan dipindahkan ke Kota Kinabalu bagi menjalankan perkhidmatan menjaga perairan di Sabah dan Sarawak.

Panglima Armada TLDM, Laksamana Madya Datuk Jamil Osman berkata, perpindahan KD Pahang ke negeri ini boleh diibaratkan sebagai ‘sirih pulang ke gagang’.

Katanya, sebelum ini, kapal peronda itu berkhidmat di perairan negeri Pantai Timur Malaysia selama lima tahun dan menjalankan tugas dengan baik.

“Ia bertepatan status KD Pahang yang dibawa pulang ke negeri ini supaya rakyat berbangga dengan kehadiran kapal NGPV terkini dalam inventori TLDM.

“Semoga kedua-dua kapal itu akan terus melaksanakan tugas menjaga serta melindungi keselamatan perairan maritim dengan cemerlang demi kedaulatan bangsa dan negara,” katanya.

Beliau berucap pada Majlis Serah Tugas Pegawai Memerintah dan Pertukaran Kru KD Perak dan KD Pahang di Jeti Operasi Pangkalan TLDM Tanjung Gelang, di sini hari ini.

KD Pahang diwakili Pegawai Pemerintahnya, Komander R.P. Chandra Sehgaran menyerahkan pertukaran tugas kepada Pegawai Memerintah KD Perak, Komander Azhar Adam.

Jamil berharap, pegawai memerintah dan kru kedua-dua kapal itu dapat melaksanakan tugas serta tanggungjawab dengan baik selain memberi komitmen menjaga kedaulatan perairan negara daripada diceroboh anasir luar.

(Utusan)

Prototaip AV8 8x8 akan Dipamerkan pada DSA 2012

04 Februari 2012

Turret Denel LCT30 30mm yang akan dipasang pada kendaraan AV8 8X8(photo : Malaysian Defence)

850 Syarikat Pertahanan Dan Keselamatan Sertai DSA 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, (Bernama) -- Sebanyak 850 syarikat industri pertahanan dan keselamatan dari 45 negara mengesahkan penyertaan mereka pada Persidangan dan Pameran Perkhidmatan Pertahanan (DSA) 2012 ke-13, April ini.

Menteri Pertahanan Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi berkata seramai 25,000 pelawat perdagangan termasuk lebih 300 tetamu kenamaan dari 35 negara dijangka berkumpul pada pameran itu yang diadakan di Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC) di sini dari 16 hingga 19 April.

"Sebanyak 220 buah syarikat pertahanan dan keselamatan tempatan dijangka mengesahkan penyertaan mereka dalam acara tahun ini, dengan syarikat DRB-Hicom Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (Deftech) akan menjadi peserta pameran terbesar di DSA 2012 nanti," katanya pada sidang akhbar di sini pada Khamis.

Turut hadir, Panglima Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) Jeneral Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, Panglima Tentera Darat Jeneral Datuk Zulkifli Zainal Abidin dan Pengerusi DSA Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin.

Ahmad Zahid berkata pada pameran itu, replika kereta perisai (APC)8x8 AV8 oleh Deftech akan juga dipamerkan.

"Saya tak fikir pada ketika itu prototaip 8x8 dah siap, tapi mock-up ada. Kita jangka AV8 akan siap menjelang hujung tahun ini," katanya.

Antara pengguna prototaip AV8 itu adalah unit perisai, inventori dan pasukan perubatan.

Kereta perisai AV8 adalah hasil peralihan teknologi dari syarikat pertahanan antarabangsa, FNSS dari Turki dan Denel Land Systems dari Afrika Selatan bagi membolehkan Malaysia mempunyai APC buatan sendiri yang pertama.

Ahmad Zahid berkata satu pembaharuan pada pameran pada kali ini iaitu acara kemuncak Forum Putrajaya 2012, akan diadakan pada 17 hingga 19 April anjuran Institut Pertahanan dan Keselamatan Malaysia (MIDAS) dan Kementerian Pertahanan.

Forum yang bertemakan "Meningkatkan Multilateral untuk Pertahanan dan Keselamatan Rantau" itu adalah Forum Putrajaya kedua yang dianjurkan MIDAS.

Ia adalah forum dialog pertahanan dan keselamatan yang akan menghimpunkan lebih 300 peserta yang terdiri daripada pakar tempatan dan antarabangsa, pegawai tentera dan agensi keselamatan, penggubal dasar, penyelidik dan peserta industri bagi menangani dan membincangkan isu-isu yang berkepentingan strategik bersama Asean dan negara-negara yang mempunyai kepentingan terhadapnya.

(Bernama)

Latihan HORNBILL TLDB dan TLDM 21/2011

19 Desember 2011

KD Kedah dan KD Ganas (photo : Brunei Mindef)

Muara, Isnin - Tentera Laut Diraja Brunei (TLDB) dan Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM) memulakan latihan laut dua hala, Latihan HORNBILL siri 21/2011 bermula pada 19 Disember hingga 23 Disember 2011. Upacara Pembukaan Rasmi latihan telah berlangsung pada hari Isnin, 19 Disember 2011 bertempat di Markas Tentera Laut Diraja Brunei dan dirasmikan oleh Yang Mulia Laksamana Pertama Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Abdul Halim bin Hj Mohd Hanifah, Pemerintah Tentera Laut Diraja Brunei. Turut menghadiri upacara tersebut ialah Yang Berbahagia Laksamana Muda Dato’ Anuwi bin Hassan, Panglima Wilayah Laut II, TLDM.

Latihan HORNBILL tahun ini dikendalikan oleh TLDB di mana latihan ini bermula di Negara Brunei Darussalam dan akan berakhir di Kota Kinabalu Sabah, Malaysia. Latihan ini bertujuan untuk mengeratkan lagi hubungan diplomatik diantara kedua-dua tentera laut serta mempertingkatkan kerjasama melalui kefahaman dari segi doktrin operasi, prosedur dalam evolusi laut dan peperangan maritim. Sebanyak empat buah kapal terlibat dalam latihan ini yangmana dua buah daripadanya dari Tentera Laut Diraja Brunei, KDB IJHTIHAD dan KDB AFIAT dan dua buah daripada Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia KD KEDAH dan KD GANAS. Manakala jumlah pegawai dan krew yang terlibat ialah seramai 200 orang.

KDB Ijhtihad (photo : mdc.idv)

Latihan ini diketuai oleh Ketua Delegasi Leftenan Kolonel (L) Abang Abas bin Abang Haji Omarzuki, Pegawai Pemerintah Latihan TLDB dan dibantu oleh Komander Abd Rahman bin Md Saat. Upacara penutup latihan akan dirasmikan oleh Yang Berbahagia Laksamana Muda Dato’ Anuwi bin Hassan, Panglima Wilayah Laut II, TLDM pada 23 Disember 2011 bertempat di Kota Kinabalu Sabah Malaysia.

(Brunei Mindef)

Unit Boustead Dapat Kontrak Mindef Bernilai RM9 Bilion

17 Desember 2011

Malaysia memesan 6 fregat Gowind - Littoral Combat Ship yang akan diserahkan dalam 3 tahapan pembangunan lima-tahunan Malaysia : RMK-10, RMK-11, dan RMK-12 (image : DCNS)

KUALA LUMPUR, (Bernama) -- Unit kepada Boustead Holdings Bhd, Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd telah diberikan kontrak bernilai RM9 bilion oleh Kementerian Pertahanan.

Kontrak itu ialah untuk penghantaran enam unit generasi kedua "Patrol Vessels Littoral Combat Ships" (Frigate Class) kepada kementerian, kata syarikat dalam kenyataan kepada Bursa Malaysia Jumaat.

Niaga janji itu meliputi reka bentuk, pembinaan, peralatan, pemasangan, pelaksanaan, integrasi dan pengujian ke atas keenam-enam kapal itu, katanya.

"Kontrak itu bernilai RM9 bilion, akan dilaksanakan dalam tempoh tiga Rancangan Malaysia, 10, 11 dan 12," katanya.

Penghantaran pertama dijangka pada 2017 dan disusuli oleh yang lain setiap enam bulan selepasnya.

(Bernama)

Exercise Kilat Eagle Brings U.S. and Malaysian Forces Together

16 Desember 2011

Marines with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, load a CH-46E Sea Knight aboard USS Makin Island here Dec. 14 to participate in Exercise Kilat Eagle, a bilateral training event between Marines and sailors of MEU and soldiers from the Malaysian Army. The Camp Pendleton, Calif., based 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed from San Diego Nov. 14 aboard USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor and arrived in Malaysia Dec. 14 as part of a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East regions. (photo : dvidshub)

KUANTAN, Malaysia - Marines and Sailors with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) began a cooperative exercise with elements of the Malaysian Army Dec. 14.

The exercise focuses on jungle training, air assault operations, staff exchange and platoon and company movements.

“Kilat Eagle reinforces our relationship with the Malaysian forces and provides a unique training opportunity for all parties,” said Col. Michael Hudson, 11th MEU’s commanding officer. “We look forward to sharing all that this agile, forward-deployed Marine air-ground-logistics team has to offer.”

During the exercise Marines plan to learn jungle survival and work with their Malaysian counterparts to improve helicopter-borne assault techniques. A staff exchange will also take place blending the experiences and functional areas of the forces.

“This is a golden opportunity,” said Hudson. “The venues and expertise offered by our gracious hosts will allow us to train with the Malaysians while keeping us sharp for our deployment as America’s premier fighting force in the littorals.”

The Marines and Sailors taking part in the exercise came ashore from the amphibious assault ship Makin Island which departed its San Diego homeport Nov. 14. The MEU and Amphibious Squadron 5 make up the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group.

The MEU's major subordinate elements participating in the training are the Battalion Landing Team 3/1, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced) and Combat Logistics Battalion 11.

(US 7th Fleet)

Syarikat Tempatan Bakal Hasilkan Senjata TLDM

09 Desember 2011

Meriam Bofors 40mm yang terpasang pada kapal patroli KD Serang (photo : TLDM)

LANGKAWI - Syarikat pertahanan dan keselamatan dunia, BAE Systems memperkenalkan program pembangunan vendor yang akan membolehkan lebih banyak pengeluar tempatan terlibat dalam pembuatan senjata untuk kegunaan Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM).

Timbalan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Bofors Asia Sdn. Bhd. (Bofors Asia), Bengjt Bjurstrom berkata, menerusi program itu juga, BAE Systems akan memindahkan teknologi persenjataan Bofors dari Sweden kepada industri tempatan.

Menurutnya, perbincangan dengan pihak-pihak terbabit untuk melaksanakan program itu sedang berjalan lancar.

Jelas beliau, jika terlaksana, Malaysia bakal menjadi pengeluar dan pengedar senjata Bofors utama untuk rantau ini.

"Untuk program masa depan, Bofors Asia akan mengeluarkan senjata baru bagi kegunaan tentera laut yang banyak komponennya dihasilkan oleh pengeluar tempatan menerusi program pembangunan vendor," katanya pada sidang akhbar di Pusat Pameran Antarabangsa Mahsuri (MIEC), di sini hari ini.

Bjurstrom berkata, kini terdapat 10 syarikat tempatan terlibat dengan program dan projek Bofors Asia.

(Utusan)

CTRM Aero, North Sea Boats Inks Marine Vessel Deal

08 Desember 2011

Rigid Inflatable Boats/RIB made in North Sea Boats Indonesia (photo : North Sea Boats)

CTRM Aero Composites Sdn Bhd got the thumbs up today as an internationally recognised expert incomposites research and technology by Indonesia-based North Sea Boats (NSB).

Their track record landed them in a synergy with NSB to develop, produce, market, sell and service advancedtechnology composites marine vessels.

In a statement here, NSB managing director John Ivar Allan Lundin said the vessels would be for the defenceand security market in the Asean region in particular as well as the international market.

The partnership agreement signing between CTRM subsidiary CTRM Composites Engineering (CTRM CE) and NSB were held today at the on-going Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2011.

Expanding on this synergy, CTRM CE chief executive officer Mohd Shafee Mohd Ali said the partnershipwould fuse regional technology expertise and foster greater co-operation between regional industry playerslike CTRM CE and NSB.

This, he said, would pave the way for superior production of high performance marine vessels. "With NSB’sexpertise in designing and developing high performance marine vessels for defence and security purposes and CTRM’s cutting edge in composites fabrication, we expect to achieve a superior production," he said.

CTRM specialises in the manufacture of composites components for commercial and military aircraft. NSB,based in East Java, has been actively engaged in the design and development of boats used by the IndonesianSpecial Forces.

(Business Times)

CTRM Secures RM11 Mln Eurocopter Contract

08 Desember 2011

Eurocopter EC-130 helicopter (photo : Helihub)

LANGKAWI, (Bernama) -- Composites Technology Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd (CTRM) has secured a RM11 million contract to make and supply composite fenestron to support Eurocopter's production of its EC130 helicopter.

The EC130 is the first helicopter work package awarded to CTRM by any original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

CTRM's group chief executive officer, Datuk Rosdi Mahmud, said the deal was extremely significant to the company in its strategy to acquire more work packages from OEM, or Super Tier 1, especially for diversification into rotary wing aircraft.

"Even the contract value was not comparable to fixed-wing aircraft programme, but the 'value-for-money' in terms of manufacturing and product technology is appealing.

"The success of this strategic partnership signifies Eurocopter's confident in CTRM's capability in taking on more complex component work and assembly of aircraft composites structures," he told a media briefing after the signing of the agreement here today.

Also present was Air Force Chief Gen Tan Sri Rodzali Daud.

Rosdi signed the agreement on behalf of CTRM and Eurocopter was represented by Lambert.

This contract, he said, would initiate composite helicopter technology to CTRM which was already well-established and recognised within the EADS family for fixed-wing parts, and would pave the way for a long-term bilateral cooperation.

Meanwhile, Eurocopter's senior vice-president and head of customer relations, Olivier Lambert, said the cooperation between CTRM and Eurocopter was a new step towards strategic industrial partnership that the company intended to develop in Malaysia.

(Bernama)

Saab and DRB HICOM Sign Industrial Cooperation Teaming Agreement

08 Desember 2011

Erieye AEW&C (photo : quintinsmith_ip)

Defence and security company Saab has signed an Industrial Cooperation teaming agreement with DRB-HICOM. The purpose is to offer the most competitive and attractive proposal to the Government of Malaysia regarding delivery of a high performance and cost efficient Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading solutions, products and services ranging from military defence to civil security. DRB-HICOM is a leading company in the Malaysian automotive and defence industry. The companies combined competencies and capabilities will ensure that the most cost efficient solution will be offered to the Government of Malaysia.

The agreement between Saab and DRB-HICOM will include offering of technology transfer, bringing employment and expertise to Malaysia.

Malaysian Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi witnessed the signing of the teaming agreement at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in Malaysia. The agreement was signed by Gunilla Fransson of Saab and DRB-HICOM’s Abdul Harith Abdullah.

"I'm delighted that we today are formalizing our long lasting relationship. With this teaming agreement, Saab is further reinforcing its long term commitment to the Malaysian defence and civil security market", says Gunilla Fransson, Senior Vice President and head of Saab business area Security and Defence Solutions.

Saab has a long history of supplying high performance, cost efficient defence systems to the Malaysian Armed Forces. Systems like navy and army radar systems, airborne self-protection systems for helicopters and fighters, naval command and control systems and army support weapons, including anti-tank weapons.

Saab's world class, long range Erieye AEW&C system have the capability of early detection of air and sea objects. The sophisticated Erieye radar can also detect and track small objects. This includes unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles, as well as wooden fishing vessels and jet skies.

These capabilities give authorities full control of military and civilian airspace and movements at sea. The Erieye system further enhances the possibilities to monitor activities on the sea such as illegal fishery, illegal immigration, smuggling, piracy and also protection of oil and gas installations.

(Saab Group)