December 31, 2020
Indian Navy Tests Air-dropped Cargo Container at Sea
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) along with Indian Navy conducted the successful maiden test trial of ‘SAHAYAK-NG’ India’s first Air Dropped Container from IL 38SD aircraft off the coast of Goa.The trial was conducted by Indian Navy to enhance its operational logistics capabilities and provide critical engineering stores to ships which are deployed more than 2000 km from the coast. It reduces the requirement of ships to come close to the coast to collect spares and stores.
Two DRDO laboratories i.e. NSTL, Visakhapatnam and ADRDE, Agra were involved in the development of SAHAYAK-NG container along the industry partner M/s Avantel for GPS integration.SAHAYAK-NG is an advanced version of SAHAYAK Mk I. The newly developed GPS aided air dropped container is having the capability to carry a payload that weighs upto 50 kg and can be dropped from heavy aircraft
December 30, 2020
Italian shipyard Offer its Surface Combatant Ship to Indonesia
Japan Wants to Sell the Frigates to Indonesia, the Italian Offer also Appears
Among the priorities of the Tokyo government is the export of military equipment with particular attention to the area of Japanese influence.Japan is allegedly pushing the sale of military ships to Indonesia in order to fuel the vision of a "free Indo-Pacific".The units in question would be the "30FFM" classified as destroyers by Japan but frigates in all respects.Tokyo has in fact chosen to launch this new class of ships to support the larger units and carry out the "minor" tasks.A way to increase the operational capacity and the number of ships available to the Chief of Staff to face China more widely. The numbers are in fact very important: 8 units for the first batch and 22 for the second.The price, including four units, should be 300 billion yen for the Indonesian tax payer .
Taking into account the exchange rate (1 yen = 0.0082 euros as of November 6, 2020), the expenditure is 2.45 billion euros, specifically 612 million euros per unit.The proposed Japanese units, which can give us a rough idea of what Jakarta wants, have a displacement of around 5,000 tons, a length of 130 meters and a width of 16 meters.The armament consists of a Mk-45 cannon in the bow, two quadruple Type 17 anti-ship missile launchers, a SeaRAM launcher, Type 12 light torpedoes and 16 VLS Mk-41 cells.Propulsion is ensured by a Rolls Royce MT30 gas turbine and two MAN diesel generators , in the CODAG (Combined Diesel and Gas) configuration, capable of propelling the Japanese frigate to more than 30 knots.The radar is the AESA OPY-2 in X-band is derived from the FCS-3 already installed on several units of the Japanese Navy. To complete the suite of sensors, the OAX-3 for EO/IR, OQQ-25 consisting of the sonar in the bow and the trailed bulb and OQQ-11 for minesweeper operations. All managed by the OYQ-1 Combat Management System (CMS).
The frigates are also capable of carrying out "minesweepers" missions thanks to the use of remotely controlled means and to lay mines.The diamond point of the ships is the innative bridge that uses virtual reality.A total of 90 crew members can be found on board.
First Spanish Air Force woman to go solo on Eurofighter
Lieutenant Elena Gutiérrez has become the first woman to fly a Eurofighter fighter for the Spanish Air Force alone , and she already operates with this aircraft from the base of Morón de la Frontera (Seville). As sources from the base have informed Efe, the first flight took place last week during the so-called "releases" of the 20-02 course.
In military jargon, the "loose" are the first flights carried out by pilots alone, after training to take command of the two models of combat aircraft in service in the Air Force, the F-18 and the Eurofighter. , which begins at the General Air Academy (AGA) of San Javier in Murcia. The hunting and attack school is located in Wing 23 of the Talavera la Real air base (Badajoz), where Elena Gutiérrez was the only woman in her class . After passing this stage, the new lieutenants arrive at the destination units where the last step takes place, the operational conversion courses to F-18s or Eurofighters.The Spanish Air Force operates a fleet of 70 Eurofighter combat aircraft distributed between Wing 14 located at the Los Llanos air base in Albacete and Wing 11 located at the Morón base.
Starting from Dec. 31, Swiss Air Force to provide 24 hours airspace protection
The Swiss Air Force will start having fighters on standby 24 hours a day starting from Dec. 31.
RTA's 6th Infantry Division Receives Rafael’s SPIKE Missile systems
Earlier this year, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems supplied the Royal Thai Army (RTA) a supply of SPIKE MR - medium range - missiles for its 6th Infantry Division.
SPIKE MR is an electro-optical Fire & Forget missile, and is part of the wider SPIKE missile family, consisting of the SR, MR, LR2, ER2, NLOS variants of electro-optical, multi-purpose, multi-platform missiles, with ranges of up to 32km and fire-and-update capabilities.
To date, SPIKE has been sold to 35 countries, including 19 NATO nations, with over 33,000 missiles already supplied and more than 6,000 fired in tests and in combat. SPIKE missiles have been integrated onto 45 different vehicular, helicopter and naval platforms.
December 29, 2020
Thai Army Prepares to Procure Additional M361 ATMMs
Army Preparation a 120-mm self-propelled mortar launcher mounted on a 4-wheel truck at the third stage. Which is a mortar launcher developed in the country itself.
The self-propelled mortar launcher M361 ATMM is the work of the development of Weapons Creation Center, Center for Defense Industry and Military Energy, Ministry of Defense or NESDB, receiving technology from the Spear mortar launcher from Elbit System, Israel, and installed on a truck TATA 715c 4 × 4 -okf 2.5 tonnes of TATA Motor, India. With the control system and automatic fire control system at the company level Control and command system Target search system for the front surveillance group and a laser thermal camera.The Army has already procured in two phases, namely Phase One in 2019, procuring 10 vehicles to serve at # 1 Infantry Center and nine designated heavy mortar launcher companies in the Regiment, the second phase is to supply 12 systems, and the third phase in FY2021 provides another 12 and contains information that may Installed a 120 mm mortar launcher, type M132A1, that SAEET has the ability to produce by itself. In total, there are likely to be 22 systems in operation until this year.
Indian Air Force will get three more Rafales
The Indian Air Force’s solitary Rafale squadron will add more muscle with the arrival of at least three more fighter jets in January, a shot in the arm for the IAF that is grappling with a shortage of combat planes, people familiar with developments said on Saturday on the condition of anonymity.
This batch of Rafale fighters will be the third set of deliveries of the French-origin aircraft to the air force, which has ordered a total of 36 warplanes (equivalent of two squadrons) at a cost of Rs 59,000 crore.
“At least three Rafale jets will arrive in India next month. The dates are still being worked out. The planes will be flown to Jamnagar from France without a stopover on the way. Refuelling support will be provided by Indian and French tankers,” the people said.
The jets were ordered from France in September 2016 under a government-to-government deal. The delivery of the three jets in January will take the number of Rafales in the IAF’s inventory to 11.The second batch of the IAF’s three Rafale fighter jets had reached the Jamnagar airbase in Gujarat from France in early November before they flew to their homebase in Ambala. The first batch of five Rafale jets of the 36 ordered by the IAF reached the Ambala airbase on July 29 after a stopover at the Al Dhafra airbase near Abu Dhabi, although a formal induction ceremony took place later on September 10.
December 28, 2020
December 27, 2020
Indian submarine INS Sindhuvir officially inducted into Myanmar Navy
Myanmar Navy officially commissioned its first submarine on December 24, the date of the 73rd anniversary of the Myanmar Navy. INS Sindhuvir which was handed over by India in October was commissioned as UMS Minye Theinkhathu. During the ceremony at Yangon’s No 3 Naval Wharf in Thilawa, Myanmar Navy commissioned other six naval vessels as well, including a 49m Fast Attack Craft (492), 2 Yan Nyein Aung Class Submarine Chasers (443 Yan Nyein Aung and 446 Yan Ye Aung), an LCM (166) and two tugboats (AT-07 Naga Myan and AT-08 Naga Twak)
The event was attended by Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as well as diplomats from Russia and India.he Kilo-class submarine has a displacement of 3000 tonnes, a diving depth of 300 meters, and top speed at 20 knots. UMS Minye Theinkhathu is named after an ancient warrior and can operate for 45 days. It is equipped with 40 km range wire-guided torpedoes and 3M-54 Klub anti-ship cruise missiles. Myanmar has built a submarine base for it in a highly classified location.
December 26, 2020
December 25, 2020
December 24, 2020
December 22, 2020
Hungary has taken delivery of 16 H145Ms
The Hungarian Air Force has taken delivery of 16 H145M helicopters that it ordered. A total of twenty helicopters were ordered.
F-15SAs from the Royal Saudi Air Force join U.S. Air Force F-15Es and F-16s in a combined joint air operations in the Gulf on Dec. 17-18
The Royal Saudi Naval Force corvette HMS Badr (612), front to back, the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), Navy patrol coastal ships USS Squall (PC 7), USS Firebolt (PC 10), Coast Guard patrol boats USCGC Monomoy (WPB 1326), USCGC Maui (WPB 1304) and USCGC Wrangell (WPB 1332) transit the Arabian Gulf with Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA fighter jets, U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets, a U.S. Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft during the joint and combined air operations in support of maritime surface warfare (AOMSW) exercise in the Arabian Gulf, Dec. 17. Combined integration operations between joint U.S. forces are regularly held to maintain interoperability and the capability to counter threats posed in the maritime domain, ensuring freedom of navigation and free flow of commerce throughout the region’s heavily trafficked waterways. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Louis Thompson Staats IV)
RTAF Makes Progress in Procuring Light Attack Aircraft AT-6E Wolverine
At present, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has a type fighter and attack aircraft Aero Vodochody L-39ZA/ART Albatros of Czech Republic, stationed at Squadron 41, Wing 41, Chiang Mai as the last squadron.Royal Thai Air Force L-39ZA/ART, 41 Squadron, all 24 aircraft (understood to have five operational aircraft) are scheduled to be decommissioned in 2016 and replaced by new light attack aircraft. 12 aircraft according to the white paper plan to buy by the Royal Thai Air Force 2020. The procurement of new light attack aircraft is divided into phase 1, number of 8 aircraft commitments 3 years in the fiscal year 2021-2023 amount of 4,500,000,000 baht ($ 143,079,710) and phase 2 of 4 budget commitments 3 years in the fiscal year 2022-2024.
Under the policy of procurement and development, purchase and development of the Royal Thai Air Force the new light attack aircraft will be co-based with 12 Beechcraft T-6C Texan II propeller trainer aircraft ordered for $ 162 million.According to the T-6C, the Texan II propeller training aircraft is designated as the T-6TH training aircraft in the Royal Thai Air Force. The Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine light attack aircraft will be designated the A-6TH attack aircraft for the Royal Thai Air Force.The T-6TH training aircraft is expected to be put into service from late 2022 to early 2023 at Kamphaeng Saen Aviation School. Replacement of the training aircraft Type Pilatus PC-9 of Switzerland, at present there are a number of 18 machines in service since 1991. US company Textron Aviation Defense said it plans to deliver two T-6TH propeller trainer aircraft from the US to Thailand with the rest 10 machines are scheduled to be built and transported to Kamphaeng Saen Aviation School, Royal Thai Air Force.
The A-6TH light strike aircraft will be procured through participation with the Thai aerospace industry, namely RV Connex, Thailand and Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) and international companies are CMC Electronics Canada and Lockheed Martin US.According to the Common Fleet policy of the Royal Thai Air Force the A-6TH will be able to use the short-range air-to-air missile Diehl IRIS-T Germany, which will be a propeller light attack aircraft. The first model to support the use of IRIS-T and weapon systems such as a .50cal (12.7x99mm) FN HMP400 FN HMP400 air gun, APKWS air-to-ground missile, 500lbs GBU-12 Paveway II laser guided bomb, GBU-38 JDAM 500lbs GBU-38 JDAM missile bomb, and weapons to launch air-to-ground missile AGM-114 Hellfire.
Philippines - BRP Antonio Luna Frigate Passes Sea Trials in Korea
2nd missile-frigate BRP Antonio Luna completes sea trials
MANILA – The prospective BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), the country's second missile frigate ordered from Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), has successfully passed its sea acceptance trials (SAT) off Ulsan, South Korea from December 14 to 18.In a media statement late Friday, Rear Admiral Alberto Carlos, head of the Philippine Navy (PN)'s Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee (TIAC), declared that FF-151 is compliant with the agreed technical specifications after personally witnessing the warship's performance during the sea trials."FF-151 is 95 percent complete at this time. All machinery and combat systems were subjected to test procedures as stipulated in the contract and were observed to be working properly. More importantly, I'm happy to announce that FF-151 passed the prescribed standards and procedures," he said.
Carlos said upon completion of this week's SAT, BRP Antonio Luna's completion rating is almost 100 percent.This, he added, will pave way for the frigate re-docking and final outfitting before delivery early next year.Built by South Korean shipbuilder HHI, BRP Antonio Luna is a modern naval warship capable of surface, sub-surface, air, and electronic warfare using state-of-the-art electronic sensors, long-range missiles, acoustic guided torpedoes, and an embarked anti-submarine helicopter.The ship is expected to be delivered and turned over to the PN in February next year.The first frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), was delivered and subsequently commissioned into the Philippine Navy last July 10 this year.BRP Antonio Luna's keel-laying on May 23, 2019, coincided with the launch of BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150).The contract for the BRP Jose Rizal and the BRP Antonio Luna was placed at PHP16 billion with another PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.
December 21, 2020
Star formation flights with F-16 and F-35 from The Royal Norwegian Air Force
Holiday season is here! 🎄 See this years star formation flights with F-16 and F-35. pic.twitter.com/FIjv2uXBHN
— Royal Norwegian Air Force (@Luftforsvaret) December 17, 2020
Boeing releases a video of the F/A-18 Super Hornet successfully performing a ski-jump launch for Indian Navy
Boeing releases a video of the F/A-18 Super Hornet successfully performing a ski-jump launch. Says it demonstrates the Block III Super Hornet’s compatibility with Indian Navy carriers. pic.twitter.com/KHmrxy6o59
— Manu Pubby (@manupubby) December 21, 2020
Pakistan -China Joint Air Exercise “Shaheen-IX”
#COAS visited an Operational Base of Pakistan Air Force today to witness #Pakistan -China Joint Air Exercise “Shaheen-IX”. Shaheen-IX is 9th in the series of joint exercises between PAF & PLAAF which started in 2011 & are held in Pakistan & China on alternate basis. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/INvbCgXguh
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 18, 2020
First Picture of Royal Thai Air Force RTAF S-70i Helicopter
There are additional low-resolution photos of the Sikorsky S-70i helicopter in the aircraft factory. That is equipped with Weather Radar at the head of the machine In camouflage, light gray, marked with Thai tricolor flag and the English letters 'Royal Thai Air Force' and the Thai language 'Air Force' .
Even if the time and place are not specified but from the labeling 'Experimental' on both sides of the pilot seat windows, aircraft registration form before delivery and the surrounding environment It is understood to have been taken at the US Sikorsky Aircraft Plant in Stratford, Connecticut.
The Royal Thai Air Force has ordered five S-70i helicopters directly from the US Sikorsky, it is the latest Sikorsky helicopters to enter service in the Royal Thai Air Force following the 10 Sikorsky S-92A Squadron 2011 Royal Guard Wing 2.
U-2 makes rare flyover at the funeral of former CO of 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing
A U-2 made a rare flyover of Santa Rosa on Dec. 18 for the graveside funeral of the former Wing Commander of the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing.
December 20, 2020
AC-130W Stinger II conducts live fire exercise in Somalia
The AC-130W Stinger II is conducting air operations over Somalia under Joint Task Force – Quartz in support of Operation OCTAVE QUARTZ. The mission of OOQ is to reposition U.S. DOD personnel from Somalia to other locations in East Africa.
December 17, 2020
Sri Lanka PT-6 crashes, student pilot killed in SLAF aircraft crashed in Kanthale
A Sri Lanka Air Force PT-6 basic trainer crashed on Dec. 15. A student pilot on a solo flight did not survive the crash landing in a rice field in Suriyapura, Kantale.
December 15, 2020
BRP Antonio Luna Undergoes Second Week Of Sea Acceptance Test
The Philippine Navy’s second Jose Rizal-class frigate, future BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) has undergone second week of Sea Acceptance Test (SAT) in South Korea. This was noted in FF150’s social networking page.
“She is expected to sail home by first quarter of next year,” it added.
Earlier this week, Philippine Navy public affairs office chief Lieutenant Commander Maria Christina Roxas said the future BRP Antonio Luna completed first week of SAT from November 30 to December 4.“The first week of sea acceptance trial completed with satisfactory results. The test conducted are the vessel performance, propulsion control, navigation systems, and auxiliary machinery,” Lieutenant Commander Roxas said.
Jose Rizal-class frigates are capable of conducting anti-air warfare (AAW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and electronic warfare (EW) operations.
Royal Australian Navy's AWD Exercise Together for the First Time
The Royal Australian Navy’s three Hobart Class Destroyers have exercised together for the first time, demonstrating their cooperative capabilities to increase maritime security and stability in our region.
HMA Ships Hobart, Brisbane and Sydney conducted joint tests, trials and exercises off the east coast of Australia, further developing their air and surface warfare capabilities.Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the exercise demonstrates Navy’s preparedness to respond to a more complex and contested maritime domain.
“The Hobart Class are the most capable and lethal warships Australia has ever built, increasing our interoperability with the United States and allowing us to work even closer with our allies and partners,” Minister Reynolds said.“Through this Government’s record up to $183 billion Naval Shipbuilding Program we are growing our Navy to support the need for increased maritime security and stability in our region.
“The Hobart Class Destroyers have demonstrated that they can be integrated effectively to support the mutual endeavours and commitments of the ADF and our partner nations.“Today’s exercise showcases the capabilities these warships have when using the Cooperative Engagement Capability.“This significant step not only demonstrates the strong interoperability we have with the United States, but the Royal Australian Navy is the first Navy outside of the US Navy to conduct Cooperative Engagements Capability missiles firings here in Australia.
“This cutting-edge technology combines radar and fire control data into a common picture, allowing naval and air platform to engage an adversary based on another platform’s data.“By creating a single, real time operation picture, we will significantly improve our capability for maritime air and missile defence, and maritime strike.”
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price witnessed the joint exercise from on board HMAS Hobart.
Minister Price said the cooperative engagement capability allowed shared information and data to be integrated into the ship’s Aegis combat management system.“Australian workers from both Raytheon Australia and Lockheed Martin Australia should be proud of their significant contribution to this remarkable capability,” Minister Price said.“Today was a powerful visual milestone for Australian Defence industry after a decade of work across 2700 suppliers who have contributed to the Air Warfare Destroyer Program.
“I am proud to see the successes of Australia’s expansion of ship building, as well as these complex systems integration skills operating at sea, demonstrating an advanced and coordinated warfare capability.”The trails included Royal Australian Air Force participation, further enhancing the Destroyers combat reach and effectiveness and opening new opportunities for the joint integrated air missile defence program.
Airbus Offers A400M to Thai Air Force
Airbus offers the A400M to the Royal Thai Air Force, considering the C-130H replacement carrier plan, believes it is the best and most cost effective option.
Ioannis Papachristofilou Airbus Defense's European and Canadian Sales Head told us about the A400M that 2020 was a challenging year from COVID-19, but proud to see its customers use the company's products to deliver patients and medical devices. During this time For the development of the A400M, Airbus is currently conducting a low-flight test flight, which will allow the A400M to fly only 500 feet off the ground with Autopilot, which previously only fighter aircraft could do. And it is expected to be certified for use in 2022, including a large number of side door paratroopers.
Of the 174 orders from the 8 Air Force, Airbus has delivered 94 aircraft.As of October this year, the A400M fleet worldwide has flown a total of 85,000 flying hours, with four in Asia being used by the Malaysian Air Force which has been fully delivered.
For the Thai Army, the C295 is already in use and the Royal Thai Army is quite satisfied with its performance. Therefore, if the A400M and C295 can be combined to perform missions, it is a very practical example. We have already presented the A400M to Thailand and continue to look forward to the opportunity to present to the Royal Thai Air Force as an option for the Royal Thai Air Force.
Vietnam Upgraded Petya II-class Light Frigate
Petya II-class light frigate underwent upgrade at Song Thu shipyard (photo : VietDefense)
Notice something different about this Project 159/Petya II-class light frigate currently being overhauled at the state-owned Sông Thu Corporation's shipyard in Da Nang?
The first photo has been circulating across the Vietnamese defense community for a a few days now and VietDefense was able to obtain our own private copy from community members directly in the area. The ship's original Soviet-designed bridge design has notably been replaced with a sleeker structure.Although its still too early to tell what the finished product will look like or what further upgrades will be done, we're hoping the Petya is transformed into a modern ASW vessel.
A pair of triple torpedo launcher on board Vietnam's Petya II-class light frigate (photo : QPVN)It was reported nearly 5 years ago that Indian companies Larsen & Toubro along with Bharat Electronics Limited were bidding to upgrade the Vietnamese Petyas there hasn't been any further word since.
Loading of AGM-183A on B-52H
Close look at the loading of two AGM-183A hypersonic missiles on a B-52H during the final captive-carry test on Aug. 8.
Hungary orders ELM-2084 radars
Hungary has decided to replace the Soviet-era P-37, PRV-17 and ST-68U radars with the ELM-2084 radar made by Israel.
Norinco’s Type 90, SWS2 and CS/SA1
China’s CCTV channel 7 recently did a video on Norinco’s Type 90 twin 35 mm anti-aircraft gun system, CS/SA1 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) and the SWS2 35mm 8×8 wheeled SPAAG.
December 14, 2020
December 12, 2020
First separation tests of Safran’s 1,000-kg AASM “Hammer” air-to-ground weapon on Rafale a success
This new weapon will give the Rafale an enhanced strike capability, with payload configurations of up to three 1,000-kg AASMs per aircraft. Its standoff range is also extended, thanks to the integrated propulsion system.
Developed and produced by Safran Electronics & Defense based on existing bombs from 250 kg to 1,000 kg, the AASM Hammer family is the air-to-ground weapon of choice for the Rafale. The 1,000-kg version rounds out the AASM range. Qualification is planned for 2022, leading to service entry on the new Rafale F4 standard.
*Armement Air-Sol Modulaire – Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range
December 11, 2020
December 10, 2020
December 8, 2020
Thales has been Contracted for Design of Flank Array Sonar for Attack class Submarine
Onboarding Australian industry to deliver Attack class submarine outboard flank array
The Morrison Government’s Future Submarine Program continues to progress with the contract signing for the design of the primary underwater sensor of the submarine.
The contract has been signed with Thales UK Ltd, through Lockheed Martin Australia, for the design of the outboard flank array and partnering arrangements with Australian industry.The outboard flank array forms part of the Sonar Subsystem, which is used when the submarine is submerged.This vital piece of equipment acts as the submarine’s eyes and ears, providing situational awareness for the crew.Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the design of the outboard flank array is vital to the operational effectiveness of the Attack class submarine and its regional superiority.
“Thales is a global leader in underwater systems and the world’s top exporter of sonars and related systems for naval forces. This contract builds on the work Defence already has with Thales to upgrade the sonar suite of the Collins fleet,” Minister Reynolds said.“Following a competitive tendering process, Thales is committed to establishing the Australian industrial capability needed to support the sovereign build, operation and sustainment of the Attack class submarine.“This is a significant step in the right direction to build up Australian capability for the Future Submarine Program. By bringing together the best underwater sensing technology with local industry, it will ensure we deliver a sovereign regionally superior submarine.”
Thales will support and promote Australian Industry Capability by:
Conducting a proportion of the design phase in Australia by engaging one of three Australian‑based companies, Thales Australia, Babcock Australia, and BMT Group, through a competitive process;*Leveraging existing in-country capabilities that support other Australian Defence Force assets, including the Collins class submarine, for the assembly, integration and sustainment phases;An industry development package for the transfer of industrial capability to Australia to enable the provision of critical sub-assemblies and line replaceable units for both initial supply and sustainment.Following the successful completion of the design phase, further work will be contracted for the manufacture of the subsystem from 2023.
BRP Antonio Luna Comms System to Undergo Test in SoKor
The Philippine Navy (PN)'s prospective missile frigate, BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), will undergo a test of its communications system as part of its second sea acceptance trials this week.The test would be conducted off the waters of Ulsan, South Korea, PN public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Monday.
"Comms (communications) testing will be on December 7 to 11 on Ulsan waters," she added.This phase will involve testing the ship's communications system in various seagoing scenarios. Roxas said the first sea acceptance trials, held from Nov. 30 to Dec. 4, yielded satisfactory results."The first week of sea acceptance trial (was) completed with satisfactory results. The test conducted are the vessel performance, propulsion control, navigation systems, and auxiliary machinery," she added.
More systems tests or trials are to be conducted in the coming weeks.She added that the third batch of PN personnel, assigned to the BRP Antonio Luna, and scheduled for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) training have already arrived in South Korea on Nov. 27 and are now observing their 14-day mandatory quarantine before starting their training.BRP Antonio Luna was launched on Nov. 8, 2019 at the Ulsan facility of South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries. Its keel-laying on May 23, 2019, coincided with the launch of BRP Jose Rizal.
The contract for the BRP Jose Rizal and the BRP Antonio Luna was placed at PHP16 billion with another PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.These ships are capable of conducting anti-air warfare (AAW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and electronic warfare (EW) operations.Earlier, PN chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said the BRP Antonio Luna could have been delivered this October if not for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
"If not for this Covid-19 pandemic, the second frigate (FF-151) should have been delivered by October this year but because of this pandemic, it will be moved to the first quarter of Calendar Year 2021," he added in an online forum.
December 7, 2020
Trials of Indian Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System range of around 50 kms
The made-in-India howitzer Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) underwent trials in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar on Sunday. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the gun, with a striking range of around 50 km, is being readied for the requirements of the Indian Army.
The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) project was started in 2013 by DRDO to replace older guns in service in the Indian Army with a modern 155mm artillery gun. For the purpose, the DRDO laboratory Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) partnered with private players Bharat Forge Limited, Mahindra Defence Naval System, Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division and public sector unit Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) for this purpose.
HMS Queen Elizabeth naval task force coming to Japan next year
Japan media have confirmed that a Royal Navy naval task force lead by aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth will be sailing to Asia as early as next year.
December 6, 2020
December 4, 2020
December 3, 2020
Philippines postpones purchase of BrahMos missiles due to lack of funds
CNN Philippines reports that Manila has decided to postpone the purchase of BrahMos missiles from India due to lack of funds.
December 1, 2020
British Gunners from 101 Regiment Royal Artillery returned to training with their Multiple Launch Rocket Systems
💬 "They're very, very accurate and they can do quite a lot of damage."
— Forces News (@ForcesNews) December 1, 2020
Gunners from 101 Regiment Royal Artillery returned to training with their Multiple Launch Rocket Systems. 💥
Sound on for this one! 🔊 pic.twitter.com/bvVbKQHQOt
AFP Concludes 1st Day of 'DAGIT-PA' Inter-Operability Exercise
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has concluded Day 1 of its Joint Inter-Operability Exercises under the ongoing Joint Exercise DAGIT-PA in Zamabales Sunday.
"DAGIT-PA" stands for “Dagat-Langit-Lupa” and is a unilateral exercise that aims to further enhance the joint force interoperability and cohesiveness of the AFP across defense mission areas.
"The AFP takes pride in its soldiers, sailors, air personnel and marines for successfully completing the first set of amphibious operations being conducted under the 4th AJEX 'DAGIT-PA'. We were able to gain more knowledge and further enhance our proficiency in sea to land operations through the joint exercises. We will be sure to use these skills and techniques in future operations from which our people will benefit in times of need," said DAGIT-PA 2020 exercise director, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard A. Arevalo, who is also the AFP spokesperson."DAGIT-PA" formally opened last November 23 and will last until December 4. It will run in the Northern Luzon Command (NolCom) area-of-responsibility and AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
This AFP-wide exercise aims to enhance interoperability during joint operations of the Philippine Navy (PN), Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Philippine Army (PA).Joint inter-operability exercises (JIOEs) focused capabilities development in maritime security, military operations in urban terrain, and amphibious operations.Amphibious operations, island defense, and combined-Arms Live-Fire exercises comprised this year’s JIOES.
Amphibious operation is a military operation launched from the sea by an amphibious force to conduct landing force operations within the littorals.The littorals include those land areas that are predominantly susceptible to engagement and influence from the sea and may reach far inland.It seeks to develop the military’s skills, techniques, and capabilities during rapid deployment of troops from ship to shore whether under hazardous circumstances or during natural disasters or hostile enemy actions.This type of operation requires the unique ability to operate across air, land, and sea. It needs integrated Command and Control (C2) to achieve unity of effort, increased speed of action, and coordinated application of sea control and power projection capabilities.
On Sunday, the following exercises were completed; Publication Exercises (PUBEX), Plotting Exercises (PlotTex), Maneuvering Exercises (ManNex), Semaphore Exercise (SemaphorEx), Flag Hoisting Exercises (FlagHex), and Helicopter Exercises (HeliOps).Assets used in these maneuvers are the strategic sealift vessel, the BRP Tarlac (LD-601), missile-frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), and an AugustaWestland AW-109 combat utility helicopter.These ships are now anchored at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority as participants form critique on Day 1 and prepare for Day 2 of exercises. Organizers reported that all exercises were completed successfully and safely following strict health protocols prescribed by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Covid-19.
"Despite the current health crisis that our nation is facing, the AFP will continue to strengthen our defense capabilities and operational effectiveness through military exercises such as AJEX 'DAGIT-PA'. This is to better perform our sworn duty to protect our people and our nation from all kinds of threat,” Arevalo said.