Indonesia to receive large patrol vessel from Japan as part of aid

 

The Kunigami-class patrol vessel of the JCG, used as basis for new patrol vessels built for the Philippines. Photo c/o Wikipedia.

The Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (BAKAMLA) is scheduled to receive a large patrol vessel from Japan as part of a grant aid to improve Indonesia capacity for maritime law enforcement and maritime safety.

As part of the ASEAN-Japan 50th Commemorative Summit held in Tokyo, Japan, the Foreign Affairs ministries of both countries held an Exchange of Notes ceremony with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Indonesian President Joko Widodo witnessing the event.

As part of the agreement, Japan would provide a large patrol vessel worth JPY9.053 billion (US$63 million) to help the BAKAMLA to respond to maritime safety and security situation in its Exclusive Economic Zone as well as along important sea line of communication.

The new ship will be built by a Japanese shipyard, although no detail has been provided as to what ship design would be used, which shipbuilder will construct the ship and what timelines are expected for the project to start and the ship to be delivered.

Japan sees Indonesia as an important partner in maintaining security in important sea lanes including the Malacca-Singapore Strait, and sees the need for the BAKAMLA to improve its capabilities.

Japan acknowledged that the BAKAMLA is in need of more assets and facilities for it to have the capacity to carry out its mission in the interest of not just Indonesia but also other countries whose trade passes through Indonesia’s EEZ.

[1] Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

[2] Reuters

Malaysia to open tender for 12 new helicopters by 2024.

 

RMAF EC725AP medium helicopters. Photo c/o Helis.com.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will be procuring 12 new helicopters in 2024, which would be done through a competitive open tender.

This was confirmed to Malaysian press by the RMAF’s Chief General Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, who also said that he will be inviting companies to display their assets and participate in the open tender.

Currently the RMAF operates 12Airbus EC725AP medium helicopters, and it was widely anticipated that the RMAF would be ordering the same aircraft for commonality. 

The decision to procure new helicopters through an open tender may find the RMAF with a different helicopter model although the RMAF said that helicopter manufacturers will need to follow their specifications.

According to the RMAF, the new helicopter will be used for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) as well as utilitarian roles to meet requirements for Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW) and Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR).

The helicopters will also be lightly armed, most likely by a window or door mounted machine guns.

The Malaysian Armed Forces have had difficulty getting replacements for its S-61A Nuri medium helicopters which have been mostly retired from service after a series of accidents and affecting operational requirements.

To fill in the shortfall, the RMAF has leased 4 AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters from an aviation services company, until acquisition of more helicopters are realised.

[1] Bernama 

[2] Free Malaysia Today

Australia signs contract with Hanwha for 129 AS21 Redback IFVs

 

The AS21 Redback. Photo c/o Australian DOD.

The Australian Department of Defence has confirmed on 08 December 2023 that it signed a contract with South Korean defense company Hanwha Defense Australia for the manufacture and delivery of 129 units of its AS21 Redback tracked infantry fighting vehicle for the Australian Army.

The total value of the project is around A$7 billion (US$4.7 billion), with the vehicles to be manufactured locally at Hanwha Defense Australia’s facility in Avalon, Greater Geelong, Victoria, which will contribute in creating opportunities for Australian businesses and workers..

This is considered the single largest project for the Australian Army in terms of cost, with the actual procurement and initial support contracts worth around A$4.5 billion (US$3.03 billion).

The first Redback IFV is expected to be delivered to the Australian Department of Defence by 2027, or 2 years earlier than previously predicted. The last vehicle is expected to be delivered by late 2028.

The Australian Army’s LAND 400 Phase 3 Project was previously slated to deliver 450 units to replace its ageing M113AS4 armored personnel carriers, but was pushed back to just 129 units after the 2023 Australian Defence Strategic Roadmap has given more priority for the Australian Army to acquire long range fires and missile systems to counter threats from China.

 The AS21 Redback IFV is an Australian-specific derivative of the proven K21 infantry fighting vehicle used by the Republic of Korea Army, with several changes to meet Australian requirements.

This includes the use of armouring from Plasan, propulsion from a MTU America MT881 Ka-500 diesel engine paired with an Allison transmission, use of the Australian-designed EOS T-2000 turret derived from Elbit System’s MT30 Mk. 2, armed with a ATK Mark 44S Bushmaster II 30mm autocannon, with mount for two Rafael Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missile system, an EOS R400 remote weapon station and a co-axial mounted FN Herstal MAG58 7.62mm general purpose machine guns. 

The AS21 Redback is also equipped with Elbit Systems’ Iron Fist active protection system and Iron Vision sighting system that allows for 360 degree view for improved situational awareness.

[1] Australian Department of Defence

[2] Australian Defence Magazine

Indonesia signs contract for 24 new S-70M Black Hawk helicopters

 

Sikorsky S-70M Black Hawk helicopters. Photo c/o Lockheed Martin.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) signed a contract with Indonesian aerospace company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) for the procurement of up to 24 new Sikorsky S-70M Black Hawk multirole helicopters.

PTDI’s Director of Commerce, Technology & Development Mr. Mohammad Arif Faisal, and the Indonesian Ministry of Defence’s Head of Defence Equipment Center Marshal Yusran Lubis represented their agencies during the contract signing event held on 01 December 2023 at the Indonesian Ministry of Defence in Jakarta, Indonesia.

PTDI has a cooperation agreement with Sikorsky’s mother company Lockheed Martin, with PTDI to be directly involved in dealing with the American defense giant with regards to the Indonesian S-70M Black Hawk procurement.

As part of PTDI’s agreement with Lockheed Martin, the Indonesian company will also be the recipient of Technology Transfer and designated PTDI as a Completion Center for S-70 helicopters.

This will allow them to assemble and upgrade the helicopters including fitting the basic S-70M helicopter with the equipment as required by the requirement of the Indonesian MOD.

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) currently uses a wide variety of helicopters for multiple roles including utility and transport, air assault, search and rescue, special operations, and fire support. 

The Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) is expected to receive the new S-70M Black Hawks, and will complement existing utility and transport helicopters in its fleet which comprises mostly of different Bell 412 variants, the Mil Mi-17V-5 from Russia, and other smaller helicopters including the MBB BO-105CB, Bell 205A-1, and Airbus Fennec helicopters.  

[1] Indoensian Ministry of Defence

[2] BNN Network

Philippines receives last batch of two T129B ATAK attack helicopters from Turkey

 

One of the PAF'a T129B ATAK attack helicopter. Photo c/o Iniego Lumbay.

Aerospace company Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) was reported to have delivered the last batch of two T129B ATAK attack helicopters to the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The helicopters arrived at Clark Air Base in the Philippines via a Turkish Air Force A400M Atlas transport aircraft on 30 November 2023.

Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines said that the helicopters are already undergoing flight tests and inspections in preparation for their induction into service with the PAF’s 18th Attack Squadron, 15th Strike Wing.

The Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) ordered 6 new T129B ATAK attack helicopters under a PHP13.728 billion (US$284.8 million) Government-to-Government (G2G) deal between the Philippines and Turkey.

The Philippines is the first export market of the T129 ATAK attack helicopter, which is a Turkish derivative and modernized version of the Italian-made Agusta A129 Mangusta, built by Turkish Aerospace Industries and heavily uses Turkish technology.

The T129B ATAK is the Philippines’ first dedicated attack helicopter, as the PAF usually operate armed versions of light helicopters which includes the MD Helicopters MD520MG Defender and AgustaWestland AW109E Power currently in its fleet.

Four other helicopters were delivered in 2 batches on March 2022 and November 2022, and have already seen action against local communist insurgents with devastating effects.

The T129B ATAK is armed with a n M197 20mm rotary cannon, and four hardpoints allowing for rocket pods for guided and unguided rockets, the Roketsan UMTAS anti-tank air-to-ground missile, and the Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) short-range air-to-air missile.

[1] MaxDefense Philippines

[2] Savunma Sanayi ST.

[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Indonesia receives 8 new H225M Caracal helicopters, supporting flight simulator

One of the H225M helicopters during the hand-over ceremony to TNI-AU. Photo c/o Indonesian MOD.

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) received eight new Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters from the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) during hand-over ceremonies held on 01 December 2023 at Alang Sendjaja Air Base in Bandung, West Java.

The handover ceremony was led by Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto and were attended by officials from Badan Usaha Milik Negara (National State-Owned Enterprises) (BUMN), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the TNI-AU including TNI Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Bambang Ismawan and TNI-AU Chief of Staff Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo.

The new helicopters were locally assembled and kitted by Indonesian aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), as part of efforts for local companies to participate in defense procurements and projects.

The helicopters will be assigned with Skadron Udara 8 and will be used for special missions including combat search and rescue (CSAR), support of special operation forces, medical evacuation, maritime surveillance and aerial fire support.

Aside from the helicopters, the Indonesian Air Force also inaugurated a new H225M Flight Simulator system at Atang Sendjaja Air Base to train and maintain high operational readiness among current and future H225M helicopter pilots.

Min. Subianto said that the MOD will fight hard to improve the capabilities of the TNI by providing the best weapon systems, equipment and maintenance, as well as improving its services and quality of life of its personnel. 

[1] Antara News

[2] Scramble Magazine

Indonesia launched 2 new 29-meter patrol boats

 

Launching of one of the 29-m patrol boat. Photo c/o Kompass.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) and shipbuilder PT Citra Shipyard conducted Ship Naming and Launching of two new 29-meter patrol boats on 04 December 2023.

The two boats were named “Sembulungan” and “Hinako”, which according to TNI-AL Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali, were named after a beach in Banyuwangi and an island in Nias, respectively.

The patrol boats are 29 meters ling, has a width of 6.20 meters, a draft of 1.40 meters, and is powered by two MAN V12-1900 marine diesel engines enabling them to achieve a cruising speed of 18 knots and a maximum speed of 28 knots.

The boats also have two Perkins 6KVA diesel generators to provide electrical power.

The boats are armed with one 20mm autocannon, two 12.7mm heavy machine guns, and will be used for maritime patrol, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and a variety of other missions.

Once in service with the Indonesian Navy, the two patrol boats will be assigned in naval bases in Surabaya and Padang.

The Indonesian Navy operates around 30 units of the same class and were built by several other local shipyards.

[1] Kompas

Australia launches second Arufara-class offshore patrol vessel

 

NUSHIP Eyre during launch. Photo c/o SA Defence.

(Press release from the Australian Department of Defence)

The Arafura class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) NUSHIP Eyre has been launched at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia.

NUSHIP Eyre is the second in the class of OPVs being built by Luerssen Australia, in collaboration with local defence industry partners, for the Royal Australian Navy.

The Arafura class OPVs are intended to replace the Armidale class patrol boats and have been designed to perform maritime patrol and response duties for the Australian Defence Force.

Named for the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, the OPV will be the first Royal Australian Navy ship to carry the name Eyre.

NUSHIP Eyre is the second of two OPVs to be constructed at the Osborne Naval Shipyard, and follows the launch of NUSHIP Arafura in December 2021.

The remaining vessels will be built by Luerssen Australia at the Henderson Maritime Precinct in Western Australia.

Quotes attributable to Head Navy Capability, Rear Admiral Stephen Hughes, Royal Australian Navy:

“On behalf of the Chief of Navy, and the sailors and officers of the Royal Australian Navy, I congratulate the defence industry workforce at Osborne on the launch of Australia’s second OPV, NUSHIP Eyre.

“We look forward to accepting Eyre into service and thank the many skilled shipbuilders who contribute to ensuring the RAN continues to operate capable warships of the highest quality.”

Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment, Mr Jim McDowell said, “The launch of NUSHIP Eyre is a significant milestone for the Arafura class OPV program, made possible by the commitment and cooperation everyone here at the Osborne Naval Shipyard.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Luerssen Australia to deliver these Arafura vessels.”

[1] Australian Department of Defence