Indonesia looking to procure 42 used J-10 Vigorous Dragon fighters from China

 

A Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon fighter of the PLAAF. 

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) was reported to have approved a proposal to procure up to 42 used J-10 Vigorous Dragon fighter aircraft from China as part of its efforts to modernize and expand its combat capabilities.

According to Intelligence Online, the TNI-AU has been looking at rapid ways to build up its fighter fleet after delays in replacing its retired fleet of Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II light fighters.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) under the leadership of former Defence Minister and now Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto previously proposed the acquisition of several different platforms, both brand new and used.

Among them were the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker, 11 of which were ordered in 2018 but cancelled in 2021; brand new Dassault Rafale F4 from France, of which a total of 42 units were ordered in several batches; ex-Qatari Dassault Mirage 2000-5 which was cancelled, brand new Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighters in which the MOD signed a Memorandum of Agreement for 24 units in 2023; and participation in South Korea’s KF-X program as a stakeholder.

Due to the long duration to acquire, manufacture and deliver new fighters, the Indonesian MOD held discussions with China on possible alternatives, with the proposal to sell second-hand J-10 fighters being floated.

The J-10s will be taken from active fighter squadrons of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), which in turn will receive much newer fighters. This allows for the immediate delivery of the fighters. 

The recent conflict between India and Pakistan and the reported success of a Pakistan Air Force J-10C fighter in downing a Rafale fighter of the Indian Air Force using a Chinese-made PL-15 long range air-to-air missile drew further interest from Indonesia to consider the proposal.

[1] Intelligence Online

[2] Alert5

Malaysia to procure 136 new Tarantula 4x4 high mobility armored vehicles

 

The latest variant of the Tarantula HMAV is smaller and lighter than the original prototype. Photo c/o Army Recognition.

The Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire a total of 136 new Tarantula 4x4 High Mobility Armoured Vehicles (HMAV) for the Malaysian Army in a deal expected to be worth around MYR1.8 billion (US$430 million). 

The LOI was received by Malaysian company Mildef International Technologies Sdn Bhd during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2025, which is Malaysia premier international defense exhibition.

According to reports, Mildef is expected to be deliver all vehicles within 4 years, and provide maintenance and logistics support to the Malaysian Army.

The Tarantula 4x4 HMAV was first unveiled by Mildef in 2021 and was originally designed to meet the requirements of the Malaysian Army for a new homegrown 4x4 armored vehicle to replace ageing models like the German-made Condor 4x4 armored personnel carrier.

The vehicle was designed as a mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle and can be equipped with a remote controlled weapon station (RCWS) allowing it to be armed with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, plus smoke grenade dischargers.

It measures 5.6 meters long, 2.5 meters wide, and 2.5 meters high, and is powered by a Caterpillar diesel engine allowing an output of 340 horsepower.

The Malaysian Army will be its first user, although the vehicle is heavily marketed in neighboring countries in Southeast Asia including in the Philippines, Indonesia, and East Timor.

[1] New Straits Times

[2] Air Times Malaysia

[3] Malaysian Defence 

Philippines commissions new missile frigate, fast interdiction craft

 

The BRP Albert Majini (PG-909) and BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06). Photo c/o RTVM.

The Philippine Navy (PN) has commissioned two new surface assets as part of its 127th founding anniversary celebrations on 20 May 2025.

The Miguel Malvar-class guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) and the Acero-class fast attack interdiction craft BRP Albert Majini (PG-909) were both commissioned during ceremonies held at the Naval Operating Base Subic in Zambales province north of Manila.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. and Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrocio Ezpeleta led the ceremonies of both the ship commissioning and the anniversary celebrations.

The BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) was built by South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries using its HDF-3200 design under a contract signed on December 2021 for two ships worth PHP25 billion (US$490 million).

The ship is 118.4 meters long, 14.9 meters wide, has a displacement of around 3,200 tons, and is powered by four MTU marine diesel engines in a Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) configuration, allowing for speed in excess of 25 knots, a cruising speed of 15 knots, and a maximum range of 4,500 nautical miles at 15 knots.

It is armed with a 76mm Oto Melara Super Rapid main gun, a twin 35mm Aselsan Gokdeniz close-in weapon system (CIWS), a 16-cell VLS with MBDA VL MICA air defense missile system, two quadruple launchers for LIG Nex1 C-Star anti-ship missiles, two triple SEA TLS lightweight anti-submarine torpedo launchers armed with LIG Nex1 Blue Shark torpedoes.

It is also equipped with a an IAI ELTA EL/M-2258 ALPHA 3D AESA air/surface search radar,  a Hensoldt Sharpeye surface/navigation radar, Selex ES NA-25X fire control radar, Safran PASEO XLR electro-optical tracking system (EOTS), Elbit Elisra Aquamarine R-ESM and C-ESM suites, an ELAC Sonar Hunter 2.0 hull-mounted passive/active sonar, all integrated with the Hanwha Systems Naval Shield integrated Combat Management System.

The ship is also fitted for but not with a towed array sonar, which is being procured separately together with those for other ships.

Meanwhile the BRP Albert Majini (PG-909) is the 8th Acero-class fast attack interdiction craft and was assembled locally by the PN’s Cavite Naval Yard with assistance from Israel Shipyards as part of a  

The Acero-class is based on Israel Shipyard’s Shaldag Mk V design and is 32.7 meters long, 6.2 meters wide, displaces at around 95 tons, and is powered by two MTU diesel engines allowing for speeds exceeding 40 knots, and a maximum range of 1,000 nautical miles at 15 knots.

It is armed with a Rafael Typhoon MLS-NLOS missile launcher with 8 Spike NLOS surface-to-surface missiles, a Rafael Typhoon Mk.30-C RCWS equipped with a Mk. 44 Bushmaster autocannon, and two Rafae Mini Typhoon RCWS equipped with 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine guns, as well as two manually-operated 7.62mm light machine guns.

The BRP Miguel Malvar was assigned with the Philippine Fleet’s Offshore Combat Force while the BRP Albert Majini was handed-over to the Littoral Combat Force.

[1] MaxDefense Philippines

[2a] Philippine Defense Resource

[2b] Philippine Defense Resource

[3] Baird Maritime

 

India orders 156 HAL Prachand combat helicopters

 

The HAL Prachand attack helicopter. Photo c/o HAL.

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has finalized an order for 156 new Prachand attack helicopters from Indian aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).

Two contracts have been signed between the MoD and HAL totalling around IRs 62,000 crore (around US$7.3 billion), one each for 66 helicopters for the Indian Air Force (IAF), and another contract to supply 90 helicopters to the Indian Army.

This acquisition is part of modernization efforts by the Indian Armed Forces and is expected to increase the combat capability of both service branches, with deliveries expected to start within three years and continue for the next eight years.

The project also supports the “Make in India” initiative where indigenous defense systems are prioritized to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, while increasing technical capabilities, providing jobs, and allowing participation of Indian industries.

Among those local technology showcased in the Prachand attack helicopter is its Ardinen 1H1 Shakti turboshaft engines, which was co-developed by HAL with established French helicopter engine manufacturer Safran.

The new engine produces up to 1,032 kilowatts of power and was designed for the helicopters to operate beyond the altitude of 5,000 meters, ideal for the mountainous conditions in the country’s northern and northwestern borders with  China in the Himalayas, as well as with Pakistan in the Kashmir region.

The Prachand also uses indigenous munitions which include guns, anti-tank guided missiles, laser-guided and unguided rockets, and short range air-to-air missiles to engage other helicopters or drones.

Other equipment installed are a helmet-mounted display system, electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) turret, Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), and Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS).

Aside from the Prachand,  the Indian Air Force also operate the American AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters from Boeing, while the Indian Army is also expected to receive the helicopters starting this year.

[1] Indian Press Information Bureau

[2] Reuters

[3] Vertical Magazine