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Super Tucano Gunakan Persenjataan Lokal

06 Agustus 2012

Persenjatan Super Tucano berupa roket dan bom akan diproduksi di Indonesia (photo : Militaryphotos)

JAKARTA – Pesawat tempur ringan Super Tucano yang segera memperkuat jajaran alat utama sistem senjata (alutsista) TNI Angkatan Udara akan mengandalkan persenjataan dari dalam negeri.
  
Hanya misil andalan pesawat ini yakni MAA-1 Piranha didatangkan dari luar karena industri pertahanan dalam negeri belum mampu membuatnya. Pesawat ini dijadwalkan tiba di Tanah Air pada 28 Agustus nanti setelah diterbangkan dari pabrik pembuatnya Embraer, Brasil. Menurut Kepala Staf Angkatan Udara Marsekal TNI Imam Sufaat seusai peringatan Hari Bhakti TNI AU, pada 28 Agustus nanti ada empat unit Super Tucano yang tiba di Tanah Air.

Rudal Piranha masih akan diimpor dari Brazil (photo : Militaryphotos)

Tiga bulan selanjutnya disusul empat unit lagi sehingga tahun ini ada delapan Super Tucano untuk mengisi Skuadron Udara 21 Lanud Abdulrachman Saleh, Malang . Pengadaan pesawat asal Brasil ini terpisah dengan sistem persenjataannya.“Kalau untuk senjata seperti bom, kita sudah bisa buat sendiri. Kita pakai itu. Tapi kalau seperti misil Piranha, kita belum bisa buat, jadi harus beli,” ungkapnya belum lama ini.

Sementara itu, Kepala Dinas Penerangan Angkatan Udara Marsekal Pertama TNI Azman Yunus menambahkan, empat unit pesawat tempur ringan Super Tucano sudah siap untuk diterbangkan dari Brasil ke Indonesia. Keempat pesawat itu adalah Super Tucano TT-3101, 3102, 3103, dan 3104 dengan desain moncong berwarna merah karya almarhum Marsda TNI (Purn) F Djoko Poerwoko.

Tim dari Kementerian Pertahanan dan TNI Angkatan Udara telah melakukan pemeriksaan pesawat dengan nomor seri produksi 179 dan 180 tersebut di fasilitas produksi Embraer di Gaveao Peixoto Sao Paulo Brazil. Pemeriksaan meliputi dokumen, pencocokan komponen pesawat, interior pesawat, pengecatan, dan uji terbang. Adapun uji terbang dilaksanakan oleh test pilot Embraer, William disertai oleh Komandan Skuadron Udara 21 Mayor Pnb James Yanes Singal.

Factory Acceptance Pesawat Super Tucano TNI-AU

28 Juli 2012

Pesawat Super Tucano TNI AU saat take off (all photos : TNI AU)

Bertempat di fasilitas produksi Embraer di Gaveao Peixoto Sao Paulo Brazil, baru-baru ini telah dilaksanakan pemeriksaan pesawat Super Tucano TNI-AU nomor seri produksi 179 dan 180 oleh tim dari Kementerian Pertahanan RI/TNI-AU.

Tim pemeriksa yang dipimpin oleh Letkol Lek Alit Erbawa dengan anggota Letkol Tek Sianturi, Mayor Pnb James Yanes Singal dan Mayor Tek Yani Prasetyo melakukan pemeriksaan pesawat meliputi dokumen, pencocokan komponen pesawat, interior pesawat, pengecatan dan uji terbang.



Adapun uji terbang dilaksanakan baru-baru ini oleh test pilot Embraer, William, yang duduk di kursi depan disertai oleh Komandan Skadron Udara 21, Mayor Pnb James Yanes Singal yang duduk di kursi belakang.

Dalam uji terbang yang setiap sortinya memakan waktu sekitar dua jam, test pilot Embraer melakukan pemeriksaan terhadap berbagai sistem pesawat yang diamati oleh Mayor Pnb James.

Pemeriksaan di darat dimulai dari melihat kondisi fisik pesawat, pemeriksaan instrumen pesawat sebelum dan sesudah mesin dinyalakan dan pemeriksaan kendali pesawat selama taxy. Dalam uji terbang yang dilaksanakan hingga ketinggian 25.000 kaki, diperiksa beberapa sistem pesawat meliputi sistem bahan bakar, tekanan udara, auto pilot, mesin, navigasi, komunikasi, penembakan (simulasi) dan landing gear.



Selain itu diperiksa pula handling pesawat selama dilakukan berbagai maneuver.

Setelah bekerja selama tiga hari, tim pemeriksa menyatakan bahwa pesawat nomor seri produksi 179 dan 180 dalam kondisi baik. Dengan demikian, saat ini empat pesawat Super Tucano TNI-AU telah siap untuk diterbangkan ke Indonesia yang direncanakan akan dilakukan pada pertengahan bulan Agustus.

Super Tucano TT-3101, 3102, 3103 dan 3104 dengan cocor merah desain dari Almarhum Marsda TNI (Purn) F. Djoko Poerwoko akan segera memperkuat Skadron Udara 21 pada akhir bulan Agustus 2012.

Grob 120TP for Indonesia to be Delivered from November

12 Juli 2012

Grob 120TP trainer aircraft (photo : Mepo's World Aircraft)

Grob Aircraft's 'Fab 4' to Climb Charts with G120TP

Grob Aircraft (H4/D5) co-chief executive and chief sales officer André Hiebeler evoked the spirit of The Beatles while launching a new marketing drive for the company's G120TP trainer at the Farnborough air show.

Describing his company and programme partners Esterline CMC Electronics, Martin-Baker and Rolls-Royce as "the fab four", Hiebeler says the turboprop-powered design is the perfect "ticket to ride" for the next generation of military pilots.

The G120TP programme is moving fast, with the first production example for Indonesia having recently been rolled out at Grob Aircraft's Tussenhausen-Mattsies site near Munich, Germanyunder an 18-aircraft deal. Rolls-Royce says it has delivered its first two production M250-B17F turboprop engines under the programme, with 12 more to follow by the end of this year.

"We've done ground vibration testing, and expect first flight next week," says Hiebeler. "The first six aircraft are to be delivered in November and December - ahead of schedule." The remainder will be handed over by the third quarter of 2013, he adds.

Grob Aircraft had intended to announce two new deals for the G120TP before or during the show, but last-minute issues have delayed both from being concluded. "It's a learning curve," Hiebeler says of doing business in one of the expected customer nations, citing unanticipated "tax and customs issues". However, he believes "we can work it out", with both deals likely to be concluded within the next one or two months.

In all, the German manufacturer has commenced promotional campaigns with the two-seat G120TP in 23 countries, with Hiebeler anticipating further contracts to be signed within the next year to 15 months. Potential customers are being offered a standard aircraft design with a range of equipment options, including Martin-Baker's new lightweight Mk17 ejection seat - unveiled at the show - and the Esterline CMC Electronics Cockpit 4000 suite of avionics.

Noting that the G120TP's versatility will enable air forces to cover a broad range of training requirements with the type, Hiebeler concludes: "Wherever you're going, start with us."

PAF to Get 25 More Helicopters in December

27 Juni 2012

PAF Huey helicopter (photo : Davis World)

MANILA, Philippines -– The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will get 25 more helicopters late this year to augment its depleting air assets.

This was announced during the Air Power Symposium 2012 held at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Friday as part of its preparation for the forthcoming 65th PAF anniversary celebration on July 6.

The symposium was hosted by Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino G. de la Cruz, PAF commanding general.

This year’s theme was “Mobilizing Air Power for the Nation’s Multi-Dimensional Challenges.”

De la Cruz said four of the helicopters will be the last of the eight brand-new combat utility Sokol choppers the Department of National Defense ordered from PZL Swidnik of Poland.

The arrival of the final four Sokol helicopters will boost the firepower of the PAF which is in dire need of air assets, particularly fighter jets.

PZL Swidnik is the largest helicopter manufacturer in Poland.

The Sokol helicopter can carry 14 persons, including the pilot and co-pilot and has a maximum speed of 260 kilometers per hour and a range of 745 kilometers non-stop.

Each Sokol is armed with a variety of weapons such as air-to-ground rockets, air-to-air missiles, M-60 machine guns and 20mm cannons and climbs to an altitude of 19,680 feet.

The contract price of the Sokol choppers was P3 billion.

On the other hand, 21 refurbished UH-1H “Huey” helicopters will also be delivered in December this year.

“Hueys” are not only the workhorse of the military’s counter-insurgency operations in ferrying troops to combat areas but are also used during disasters, carrying food, water and medicines for victims stranded in remote areas.

Some of the 21 “Huey” helicopters were refurbished in the United States and the others were done by PAF engineers and aircraft mechanics.

The acquisition of new combat helicopters is part of the Modernization Program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

During the day-long affair, De la Cruz said the symposium, which is an annual event of the Air Force since 1982, except for some broken years, “is designed primarily to discuss and promote the value of air power to a wider constituency.”

But for 2012, the forum was unique as it included the holding of “a 5-in-1 activity -- an academic forum, an air power symposium, a defense exhibit, a historical photo display, and the first Youth LEAP or Youth Leader Exchange for Air Power gathering.”

“We are holding this event no longer to cater mainly to an internal audience or our friends in aviation, but to a greater multi-sectoral representation of national security stakeholders and partners.”

De la Cruz stressed the importance of air power in the country’s defense.

“Today we all live in a highly complex and unpredictable security environment, and that the threats we face demand from us no easy solutions.”

Taking advantage of today’s new technology, De la Cruz allowed questions asked via the Internet, Twitter, Facebook, or mobile phones.

The questions were flashed on the wide screen during the question-and-answer portion of the symposium that turned out to be more lively.

Northrop Grumman to Supply Airborne Fire Control Radars to Thailand for F-16s

21 Juni 2012

AN/APG-68(V) 9 radar (photo : Northrop Grumman) 

Northrop Grumman to Supply Airborne Fire Control Radars to Thailand, Iraq and Oman for F-16s

BALTIMORE, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has received an $87.8 million foreign military sales (FMS) contract to provide the APG-68(V)9 airborne fire control radar to Thailand, Iraq and Oman for use on F-16 fighter aircraft.

The company will deliver six radar systems to the Royal Thai Air Force, 22 radar systems to the Iraqi air force and 15 radar systems to the Royal Air Force of Oman, for a total of 43 systems. Deliveries are expected to be completed by March 2015. The FMS contract is managed by the Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

"Selection of the APG-68(V)9 Fire Control Radar by Thailand, Oman and Iraq reaffirms its value and baseline position for all new F-16 production and F-16 avionics upgrades," said Tim Winter, Northrop Grumman's vice president for Global Systems Solutions. "The APG-68(V)9 radar's operational performance, affordable acquisition cost, low sustainment cost and immediate availability has led 12 nations to procure almost 750 systems so far."

The APG-68(V)9 enables engagement of air-to-air and air-to-surface threats with greater accuracy and at greater ranges than legacy F-16 fire control radars. The radar provides autonomous, all-environment, precision air-to-surface targeting with a high-resolution synthetic aperture radar ground mapping mode.

Northrop Grumman has been developing, integrating and producing F-16 fire control radars for 36 years. This includes three variants of the APG-66; eight variants of the APG-68; the APG-80 Airborne Electronically Scanned Array (AESA), developed specifically for the F-16 Block 60; and the newly introduced Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) AESA. The company's long heritage in fire control radars also includes fire control radars for the B-1, F-22 and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

The contract is in line with U.S. defense policy of enabling the Iraqi air force to assume sovereign air defense duties, and also supports foreign relations with partners Thailand and Oman.

(Northrop Grumman)

Defense Deal With Italy

15 Juni 2012


Philippines will be buying combat aircraft, radar from Italian firms (photo : radartutorial)

MANILA, Philippines --- The Philippine government will buy military aircraft and equipment from Italy.

The purchase of Italian military equipment was announced by Malacañang after President Benigno S. Aquino III met with Italian Defense Minister Giampaolo Di Paola yesterday.

The meeting sought to forge “strong defense cooperation between the two countries,” according to a Palace press statement.

Among the equipment being considered for procurement are “medium lift aircraft, coast watch system radar, multi-role combat aircraft, and long-range patrol aircraft,” the Palace said.

Medium lift aircraft are helicopters.

It added that the military agreement with Italian defense suppliers seeks to boost the Armed Forces modernization program.

The announcement comes at the heels of a commitment from US President Barack Obama to beef up the Philippines’ defense system.

The US military aid package includes a radar network center and another upgraded US coast guard cutter.

Last year, the Philippines bought 18 basic trainer planes from an Italian company known for designing and producing military trainers. A defense acquisition team also traveled to Italy to shop for naval assets.

President Aquino earlier said the government intends to buy jet fighters from Europe after abandoning the idea of acquiring US-made F-16s.

Joining Aquino and di Paola in the Malacañang meeting were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa. Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Luca Fornari, Diplomatic Counsellor of the Ministry Gabrielle Checchia, chief of acquisition and logistics Gen. Gianpaolo Miniscalco and chief of Military Policy Office Giorgio Lazio also attended the meeting.

(Manila Bulletin)

10 New Attack Helicopters from France has been Approved for the PAF

07 Juni 2012

Ten new attack helicopters from France has been approved for the PAF to upgrade its defence capabilities (photo : Airliners)

PAF Chief visits Cebu as part of 65th founding anniversary, says PAF to upgrade its defense capabilities

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Philippine Air Force (PAF) Commanding General Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino Dela Cruz in a recent visit to Cebu announced that PAF will be acquiring new external defense equipment to upgrade their capabilities.

De la Cruz told the good news during a media interview at the Brigadier General-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City last Friday as the commanding general made a round of visits nationwide as part of the highlights in commemorating the PAF 65th Founding Anniversary next month.

The PAF recommended a P75-billion budget for additional aircraft in order to implement the modernization program, which is spread in a five-year period.

Dela Cruz said they already submitted to Malacañang the list of necessary equipment that needs to be purchased and the first equipment they want to acquire is the air defense radar.

“We will be acquiring other weapon systems and other equipment needed by the PAF,” said Dela Cruz.

At present, the PAF received four new helicopters for use during search and rescue operations and an additional four helicopters will be delivered in November.

For the meantime, the approved purchase was based on the recommendations that include 10 new attack helicopters from France, 21 additional UH-1H utility helicopters to augment the existing utility aircrafts, three medium airlift fixed wing, and 18 trainer aircrafts.

In addition, Dela Cruz also recommended purchasing N-24 Nomads aircraft and two light lift aircrafts to replace the existing F-27 Fokker.

In his message, the PAF Chief encouraged the air force personnel to strengthen their forces and capabilities in protecting the country and create more programs to enhance professionalism and promote the welfare of the soldiers.

On its 65th anniversary, the PAF carries the theme “PAF @ 65th, Bagwis ng Kapayapaan, Tagapagtanggol ng Kalayaan.” (FCR/HFG/PIA-7/PAF)

(PIA)

C-27J Contract Signed

04 Juni 2012

Alenia C-27 Spartan (photo : d_m_b)

A contract has been signed with Alenia Aermacchi that will allow for the long tern operation, maintenance, modification and upgrade of the C-27J aircraft and support systems.

On 12 May, the Government announced the decision to purchase 10 Alenia C-27J Spartan Battlefield Airlift aircraft at a cost of $1.4 billion. The announcement also foreshadowed that Defence would seek a separate agreement with the C-27J manufacturer, Alenia, in order to ensure that the RAAF could operate, maintain and modify the aircraft throughout its planned life.

The contract, which is worth around $63 million, will also provide Defence with the ability to compete and sublicense third parties, including Australian industry, to provide the maintenance services, training services and the ability to modify the C-27J capability.

The C-27J will replace the Caribou aircraft which was retired from service in 2009 after a career spanning more than four decades. The C-27J complements the capabilities of the C-130 and C-17 aircraft and uses more common infrastructure and aircraft systems such as engines, avionics and the cargo handling systems.

The acquisition of the C-27J will significantly improve the ADF’s ability to move troops, equipment and supplies. The C-27J has the capacity to carry a significant load and still access small, sort, narrow runways that are too short for the C-130J or runways which are unable to sustain the repeated use of larger aircraft.

These aircraft will provide battlefield airlift but are also capable of conducting airlift in our region. They will be able to operate from rudimentary airstrips in Australiaand overseas and will be able to support humanitarian missions in remote locations.

The flexibility of the C-27J allows it to undertake a wide range of missions from delivering ammunition to front line troops to undertaking aero-medical evacuation of casualties.

Progress of Aircraft Ordered by Thailand

01 Juni 2012


Progress of Second Saab 340 AEW ordered by Thailand (photo : RTAF)

Air Chief Marshall Ittaporn Supawong visit to Linkoping Swedento look at the progress of the manufacture of Saab 340 AEW control and early warning aircraft.

Previously ACM Supawong have also seen progress in the manufacture of Saab Gripen C/D fighter.

Thailandin the second batch has been ordered 6 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft and an  Saab 340 AEW early warning and control aircraft.


(RTAF)

TNI AU Segera Miliki Empat Pesawat Tempur Super Tucano EMB-314

30 Mei 2012

Sampai akhir tahun 2012 diproyeksikan 8 pesawat Super Tucano dapat diserahkan kepada TNI AU (photo : Airliners)

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MALANG -- Skadron Udara 21 Lanud Abdurrachman Saleh di Kabupaten Malang, Jawa Timur, menanti kedatangan empat unit pesawat tempur Super Tucano EMB-314 buatan Brazil yang direncanakan tiba pada 28 Agustus 2012.

"Direncanakan pesawat Super Tucano dari Brasil tiba pada tanggal 28 Agustus 2012, namun apabila ada penundaan mungkin di awal September," kata Kepala Seksi Pemeliharaan Skadron Udara 21 Lanud Abdurachman Saleh, Mayor (Tek) Anton Firmansyah, di Malang, Rabu.

Kedatangan empat unit pesawat tempur Super Tucano EMB-314, kata Anton, untuk memperkuat Skadron Udara 21 dan tentunya bagi seluruh jajaran TNI-AU dalam menjaga kesatuan wilayah Indonesia.

"Untuk yang pertama akan datang empat unit pesawat, dan hingga akhir tahun 2012 direncanakan delapan pesawat Super Tucano tiba di Lanud Abdurrachman Saleh," tambah Anton.

Pesawat tersebut, lanjut Anton, merupakan pesawat tempur taktis yang mampu melaksanakan operasi bantuan tembakan dari udara yang merupakan keunggulan pesawat itu. Dengan rencana itu, Anton menambahkan, TNI-AU juga telah mempersiapkan pilot-pilot terbaik untuk dikirimkan ke Sao Paulo, Brazil.

"Ada 12 orang pilot yang akan dikirim ke Brazil. Saat ini mereka telah ada di Jakarta untuk mendapatkan bimbingan, dan direncanakan pada bulan Juni akan berangkat ke Sao Paulo, Brazil, untuk menyelesaikan pelatihan," kata Anton.

Pesawat tersebut, lanjut Anton, juga telah dipergunakan oleh beberapa negara lain dan merupakan pesawat produksi baru. "Kami telah menyiapkan 'shelter' baru dan saat ini juga sedang dilakukan penyelesaian pembangunan tempat simulator," kata Anton.

Pesawat Super Tucano EMB-314 memiliki mesin tunggal buatan Empresa Braziliera de Aeronautica (Embraer), dan memiliki kemampuan menembakkan asap ke darat secara cepat untuk menunjukkan posisi musuh.

Kedatangan pesawat tempur itu akan menggantikan posisi pesawat tempur Oviten-10F Bronco yang sudah tidak akan dioperasikan. OV-10 Bronco telah berjasa di berbagai operasi, antara lain Operasi Seroja (1976-1979) di NTT, Operasi Tumpas (1977-1978) di Irian Jaya, dan Operasi Halilintar (1978) di Riau.

PAF is Ordering a Number of Brand New Aircraft this Year

28 Mei 2012

The orders  include 12 LIFT jets, eight light transports, three medium transports and attack helicopters. (photo : sires9094)

PAF buying new trainer jets

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is ordering this year a number of brand new aircraft.

These include 12 lead-in fighter trainer jets, eight light transports, three medium transports and attack helicopters.

The PAF said the order is among 38 contracts that the air branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will sign this year. Delivery of the aircraft is expected in two years.

“Within the year we expect to sign contracts. We have 38 projects lined up, foremost of which is the FAA lead-in fighter trainer or LIFT. We have attack helicopters coming, light transports and medium transports that are slightly smaller than the C-130 cargo plane” currently in use, PAF spokesperson Col. Miguel Okol said.

“They have been approved by the senior leadership (of the Department of National Defense),” he added.

He said the rest of the 38 contracts were still being finalized.

From being one of the best in Southeast Asia during the 1960s, the Air Force fleet gradually deteriorated and became obsolete without being replaced, leaving the country with no external defense capability.

To upgrade the entire military’s capabilities, the DND and AFP are working to fast-track the approval by July this year of a total of 138 contracts.

The contracts, mostly aimed at boosting badly depleted air and naval assets, would be implemented for the duration of the Aquino administration.

Qantas Defence Nears Completion of Last A330 MRTT Conversion

28 Mei 2012

The fifth and final A330 to KC-30 MRTT tanker conversion nearing completion.(photo : Aus DoD)

Qantas Defence Services is close to completing the conversion of Australia's fifth, and final, Airbus Military A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).

The aircraft will be handed over to Airbus Military next week, with the European company to install the aerial refuelling boom, says Qantas Aviation Services head Glenn Brown. Qantas Defence Services is a unit of Qantas Aviation Services.

Industry sources in Australia suggest the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will not obtain a sixth A330 MRTT, which is designated the KC-30A in RAAF service.

Brown says that it would be very difficult for Qantas Defence Services to re-start the A330 MRTT conversion programme. Some contractors who worked on the programme have already moved on to other work within the Qantas Group or at other companies.

Such staff changes will cause a degree of institutional knowledge related to A330 MRTT conversions to be lost.

Moreover, other team members who worked on the conversions will move to other work. Last week, Qantas Airways said it would close its Boeing 737 maintenance operations at Melbourne's Tullarmrine Airport, with this work moving to Brisbane.

Brown, however, says that personnel who worked on the conversion programme have a "bright future." Aside from supporting KC-30A maintenance repair and overhaul work in Brisbane, staff previously involved in conversion work will also help with 737 work.

Airbus Military has previously said the fifth A330 MRTT would be delivered to the RAAF in the third quarter of 2012.

Separately, Brown said that Qantas Defence Services has submitted a proposal to the RAAF for the conversion of four Lockheed Martin C-130H aircraft which could be donated to Indonesia.

Brown says "tripartite talks" are underway between Australia, Indonesia, and the United States about these aircraft. Australia obtained the aircraft under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism, and needs US clearance for the Indonesian transaction to take place.

PAF is Expected to Acquire Two Type of New Planes

26 Mei 2012

For the LIFT planes the options include TA-50 Golden Eagle, M-346 Master, Yak-130 Mitten, and L-159B ALCA. For the SAA planes the options inculde AT-6B Texan II, EMB 314 Super Tucano, KA-1 Wongbee, andAir Tractor AT-802U. (photo : network54)

PAF getting new planes

QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is planning to revive the famed "Blue Diamond" Squadron as soon as it acquires new aircraft capable of defending the country's airspace and humanitarian missions.

This was learned from PAF spokesman Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol in an exlusive interview at Villamor Air Base (VAB) in Pasay City.

“We have identified our needs through our capability upgrade program (CUP) and Defense Acquisition System (DAS) as identified by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin,” Okol told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Okol said the highest priority is the revival of the country’s Air Defense System (ADS) which is in the form of Lead-in Fighter Trainers (LIFT)-Surface Attack Aircraft (SAA) role to be used for territorial defense as well as infrastructure.

He said the PAF is expected to acquire new planes July 2012. These include TA-50 Golden Eagle (Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) of South Korea; M-346 Master - Alenia Aermacchi (Italy); Yak-130 Mitten - Yakovlev Design Bureau (Russia); and L-159B ALCA - Aero Vodochody (Czech Republic).

Okol said the PAF is also looking to replace its entire OV-10 Bronco fleet which is currently used for close air support and aerial reconnaissance platforms.

Being considered are the Hawker Beechcraft AT-6B Texan II, Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, KAI KA-1 Woongbi, and, reportedly, the Air Tractor Air Tractor AT-802U.

Hawker Beechcraft demonstrated their AT-6B Texan II, together with their other aircraft line, on April 2012 with a display at Clark Air Base

PAF retired its fleet of Northrop F-5A/B Freedom Fighter with a ceremony on October 1, 2005. The F-5s were used by the PAF's Blue Diamonds aerobatics team and have appeared in several films and television programs shot in the Philippines.

Okol said PAF is prioritizing the resurgence of its capability by acquiring leading multi-role fighter jets and other aircraft with disaster response capability. “If we already have a hundred fighter planes then we can revive the Blue Diamonds,” he said.

In June 2010, the Department of National Defense (DND) was also looking at Canada for used CF-18s or Francefor its used Mirage F1s, although no decision or purchase came up

The PAF official said a country’s precision aerobatics team carries the type of a combat aircraft of a nation.

The United States has the “Thunderbirds” for the Air Force and “Blue Angels” for the Navy.

Recently, PAF acquired multi-role helicopters worth P 2.8 billion which the Philippinesreceived as part of its modernization program.

The new W-3 Sokol (Falcon) helicopters are used for combat support as well as disaster relief missions.

“Our pilots are already training for the use of four of these newly acquired aircraft in time for the rainy season,” Okol said. (PAF/RJB/JCA-PIA NCR)

(PIA)

Royal Cambodian Air Force Received Two Xian MA-60 Aircraft

24 Mei 2012

Xian MA-60 transport aircraft (photo : clubchina)

Royal Cambodian Air Force-XAIC MA60 Aircraft Hand-over Ceremony

On May 18, Xi'an Aircraft Industry (Group) Company Limited (XAC) delivered two Modern Ark 60 (MA60) aircraft to the Royal Cambodian Air Force. This is the first MA60 exportation to Cambodia.

Chau Phirun, General Director of Materiel and Techniques of the Ministry of National Defense of Cambodia, Soeung Samyang, Commander of the Royal Cambodian Air Force, Kong Mony, Deputy Commander of the Royal Cambodian Air Force as well as the related officials from Xi'an Aircraft International Corporation (XAIC) attended the delivery ceremony.

General Chau Phirun addressed at the ceremony that, the bilateral cooperation has been successful and fruitful while the friendship between China and Cambodia has been strengthened. He hoped Cambodia will better operate the MA60s under XAC's help and the aircraft will better serve the Royal Cambodian Air Force.

Jiang Jianjun, General Manager of XAIC, said at the ceremony that, a profound friendship has been established during the first cooperation between Cambodia and China in the civil aviation field while further cooperation is also promising. He was looking forward to seeing MA60's advantages such as comfort, reliability and fuel efficiency being further proved and demonstrated during the operation in Cambodia. He hoped that MA60 will boost more comprehensive cooperation between Cambodia and China in the fields such as the civil aircraft products and services as well as build an efficient, economical and convenient air bridge for the trade communications and economic developments of Cambodia. Meanwhile, Jiang promised that the plane maker will continuously provide high quality aircraft and considerate customer services.

On Feb 18, 2012, the Ministry of National Defense of Cambodia placed a formal order for two MA60 aircraft from XAC. The course arrangement for the Cambodian trainee pilots having training at XAC, the aircraft coating, the cabin configuration as well as the avionics data have been confirmed gradually after thorough coordination. In addition, all XAC departments accomplished necessary delivery preliminaries on schedule through close collaboration and active preparation.

Possible FMS for 12 EA-18G Modification Kits to Australia

23 Mei 2012

EA-18G Growler (photo : Militaryphotos)

WASHINGTON – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia for 12 EA-18G Modification Kits to convert F/A-18F aircrafts to the G configuration and associated parts, equipment, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.7 billion.

The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of 12 EA-18G Modification Kits to convert F/A-18F aircrafts to G configuration, (34) AN/ALQ-99F(V) Tactical Jamming System Pods, (22) CN-1717/A Interference Cancellation Systems (INCANS), (22) R-2674(C)/A Joint Tactical Terminal Receiver (JTTR) Systems, (30) LAU-118 Guided Missile Launchers, Command Launch Computer (CLC) for High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) and Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government (USG) and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $1.7 billion.

Australia is an important ally in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. Australia’s efforts in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations have made a significant impact to regional political and economic stability and have served U.S. national security interests. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives and facilitates burden sharing with our allies.

The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability in current and future coalition efforts. Australia will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this new capability into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be The Boeing Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale may require the assignment of additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Australia.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

Vietnam has Received Three Su-30MK2

16 Mei 2012

Vietnam has continued to receive 3 more advanced fighters Su-30MK2, in total Vietnam has  23 Su-30MK2 because one of the aircraft crashed during trial test in Russia (photo : Aviator 007)

"Rosoboronexport" and "Sukhoi" company set in Vietnamthree multipurpose fighter Su-30MK2, said the military-diplomatic source.

"Aircraft have been delivered to the customer. In the near future they will become part of the Vietnamese Air Force, "- said the source.

He noted that at the Komsomolsk-on-AmurAircraft Production Association is building the next batch of fighter jets destined for delivery to Vietnamin accordance with the previously signed contracts.

The interviewer reminded the agency that currently are in operation two contracts to supply aircraft to Vietnam. First, the total cost of about $ 400 million, provides for the delivery of eight Su-30MK2, the second contract, worth, according to unofficial data, is already a billion dollars Vietnamese Air Force will receive 12 Su-30MK2. These contracts also provided for the supply of weapons, equipment and spare parts for these aircraft.

Earlier it was reported that in the future of Vietnam may buy another 24 Su-30MK2.

Previous batch of four aircraft was delivered to Vietnamese Air Force in December last year.

This time it was sent to Vietnamthree rather than four Su-30MK2 due to the fact that one of the fighters destined for Vietnam, crashed during a flyby in February of this year. "In the near future, the delivery schedule will be restored. Construction of the new aircraft is already under way in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, "- said the source.

According to the correspondents' military-industrial complex, news agencies ARMS-TASS and Interfax-AVN

Air Force Swaps 3 G222 Planes for 1 Saab 340B

14 Mei 2012

Acceptance ceremony for Saab 340B aircraft for RTAF (photo : RTAF)

Air force swaps 3 planes for 1

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has exchanged three G222 transport aircraft with a Saab 340B aircraft from Sweden as the G222 planes, which already had been grounded, had no spare parts.

The Saab 340B aircraft has arrived in Surat Thani and was handed over by Saab on May 2, a source at the RTAF said.

The air force earlier purchased 12 Gripen fighter jets, a Saab 340 AEW airborne early warning aircraft and a Saab 340 aircraft from the Swedish manufacturer.

The air force had six G222 planes and all had been grounded due to a lack of spare parts.

RTAF G-222 transport aircraft (photo : Plane Pictures)


Air Marshal Chumphon Chanthavani travelled to the USA to sign a contract to exchange the aircraft on Feb 23.

Saab handed over its aircraft to the air force at Wing 7 in Surat Thani on May 2.

Meanwhile, air force spokesman Monthon Satchukorn said an investigative team looking into an accident involving a Thai air force plane in Bangladesh has returned to Thailand and is assessing damages caused to the plane.

The ATR-72-500 aircraft lost control and skidded off a runway at a Bangladeshi airport on April 30.

Three passengers suffered minor injuries.

Australia Confirms Deal for 10 C-27Js


10 May 2012

The Government had agreed to purchase 10 Alenia C-27J Spartan Battlefield Airlift aircraft at a cost of $1.4 billion. (photo : Defense Update)

New Battlefield aircraft for the Air Force

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that the Government had agreed to purchase 10 Alenia C-27J Spartan Battlefield Airlift aircraft at a cost of $1.4 billion.

The C-27J will replace the Caribou aircraft which was retired from service in 2009 after a career spanning more than four decades.  The C-27J complements the capabilities of the C-130 and C-17 aircraft and uses common infrastructure and aircraft systems such as engines, avionics and the cargo handling systems.

The acquisition of the C-27J will significantly improve the ADF’s ability to move troops, equipment and supplies.  The C-27J has the capacity to carry significant load and still access small, soft, narrow runways that are too short for the C-130J or runways which are unable to sustain repeated use of larger aircraft. 

In Australia, the C-27J can access over 1900 airfields compared to around 500 for the C-130 Hercules aircraft. In our region, the C-27J will be able to access over 400 airfields compared to around 200 for the C‑130 Hercules aircraft.

These aircraft will provide battlefield airlift but are also capable of conducting airlift in our region.  They will be able to operate from rudimentary airstrips in Australia and overseas and will be able to support humanitarian missions in remote locations.

The flexibility of the C-27J allows it to undertake a wide range of missions from delivering ammunition to front line troops to undertaking aero-medical evacuation of causalities.

A Battlefield Airlifter needs to be able to operate in a high threat environment. The C-27J with its missile warning systems, electronic self protection, secure communications and battlefield armour provides protection from threats ranging from small arms to highly lethal man portable air defence systems (MANPADS).

The C-27J was assessed by Defence as the aircraft which best met all the essential capability requirements and provides the best value for money.  It was assessed as being able to fly further, faster, higher while carrying more cargo and requiring a smaller runway than the other aircraft under consideration, the Airbus Military C-295.

The acquisition of the 10 C-27J aircraft with associated support equipment will be conducted through a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) arrangement with the United States (US) at a cost of around $1.4 billion.

The first aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2015 with the Initial Operating Capability scheduled for the end of 2016.

Initial logistic support, including training for aircrew and maintenance personnel will be provided through the FMS program, utilising the system that has been established in the US.  
Defence will seek a separate agreement with the C-27J manufacturer, Alenia, in order to ensure that RAAF can operate, maintain and modify the aircraft throughout its planned life.

Since the retirement of the Caribou fleet in 2009, Australia’s military airlift capability has comprised C‑17 heavy lift aircraft, C‑130 H and J model Hercules aircraft, the Interim Light Transport aircraft (8 Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft) and Navy and Army helicopters.

In the Budget the Government announced the retirement of the C-130H, which will proceed in an orderly fashion over the course of the year.

The 10 C-27J will be based in Richmond.