Russia needs new arms to counter US shield: Putin

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said US plans for a missile defense system were hindering talks on a new nuclear arms reduction treaty.

Speaking to reporters in the Russian Far Eastern city of Vladivostok, Putin said US plans for the missile shield in Europe would destroy the strategic balance between the United States and Russia.

"In order to preserve balance... we need to develop offensive weapons systems," Putin said. He added that Russia wanted access to more information on US missile defense plans and would link such a demand with the new nuclear treaty.

The two largest nuclear powers have been trying to find a replacement for the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I), which led to the biggest reduction in nuclear weapons in history, but have so far failed to reach a deal.

US President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev failed to clinch a deal when they met on the sidelines of the UN climate conference in Copenhagen earlier this month. No reason was given, although they said they were close to an agreement.

Moscow has already expressed concern about a new generation of US non-nuclear weapons with the destructive capability of some atomic weapons and has voiced reservations about the latest US plans to develop a ship-based anti-missile shield.

Putin criticized the original US plans to install interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar system in the Czech Republic, but has not previously made an explicit link between the ongoing START talks and the revised shield plans.

source:Russia needs new arms to counter US shield: Putin

MAlaysia Air Force (RMAF) will get new fighter plane

Defense Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi conference when the House of Commons recently announced that the Ministry of Defense procurement study are multi-purpose combat aircraft (MRCA) from four producing countries, namely United States, France, Italy and Sweden as a substitute to existing fighter aircraft MiG - 29N.

Announcement was made on October 28 and have confirmed that the service combat aircraft from the Russian MiG-29N is being used by the Royal Malaysian Air Force will be terminated at the end of 2010. At this RMAF has 16 MiG-29N is based in Kuantan.

Results replace the MiG-29N public attention not only because of the high cost but also it will change the scenario of air superiority Asia-Pacific region. Indeed not be denied the purchase of assets of each fighter will have to swallow the high expenses and decisions that had already been studied with depth.

Acquisition of 18 fighter aircraft Sukhoi SU-30 MKM will certainly attract attention because it involves a relatively large expenditure of RM3.42 billion, ie. But the high cost that can easily offset the strategic importance of ownership SU-30 in the context of national defense and sovereignty.

If there are those that are still disputed acquisition of SU-30, the voice only includes minorities.

If the parties have disputed the replacement of the MiG-29N, it is logical to many that revolve around these aircraft can still be used because its use by the RMAF new age reaching 20 years.

Using the theorem is also concerned that the decision has been menghujahkan replacement MiG-29N that will benefit certain parties who are often dealing with the Ministry of Defense.

Indeed be accepted that the MiG-29N still have a role in the RMAF, but throughout its operations two decades, many aircraft that cause problems especially related to the cost of repair.

Government had to spend an average up to RM260 million a year just to senggara 16 MiG-29N, ie a ratio of cost per aircraft between senggara highest in the world.

In the 2010 Budget presentation last month, the Malaysian Armed Forces received a relatively limited provisions for business operations and development of national defense.

Development of defense allocation of RM1.9 billion in 2010 for example is far less if compared to the previous year of RM2.3 billion.

In addition to the procurement of two Scorpene submarines, certain operating costs of assets Malaysian Armed Forces will be increased with very sharp.

Malaysia can not take a defensive approach to the doctrine of Singapore such as the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is able to organize their defense strategies as well as the annual allocation has a fairly lucrative until reaching 6 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the republic.

Procurement of defense assets SAF whether involving fighter aircraft, submarines and combat helicopters, usually does not take endah costs incurred because of the provision would allow the defense of Singapore.

Each results only take into account the acquisition of assets of one factor, namely strategic importance that could ensure the country's sovereignty.

Because of that decision replace the MiG-29N is considered as a strategic policy not only to guarantee the interests of national sovereignty but also to ensure that expenses for the operation or whether the development of defense used preferably.

Spends as much as RM16 million a year for operating a MiG-29N is not worthwhile because the aircraft capabilities far behind compared to the SU-30.

If examined from a strategic angle, the coupling fighter aircraft SU-30 with the MRCA will be made is not so remarkable about the MRCA of the U.S., France, Italy or Sweden.

Ability SU-30 can only match but exceed the capacity owned by U.S. made advanced fighter jets such as F-22 Raptor. Even if not overwhelming stated that U.S. fighter jets such as F5, F15 and F16 as owned by Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is far behind the ability of SU-30.

If earnings 18 SU-30 jet fighters RMAF has been marked as the dominant air power in the region, once so very sure coupling SU-30 and the MRCA will certainly be obtained as the Royal Malaysian Air Force air power should be respected.

Such a perception is not only important to national defense and even more important to guarantee the sovereignty of Malaysia.

1.1 billion dollar Taiwan missile contract to Raytheon

US defense firm Raytheon said Wednesday it was awarded a contract worth 1.1 billion dollars for new Patriot missile systems to Taiwan.

1.1 billion dollar Taiwan missile contract to Raytheon

1.1 billion dollar Taiwan missile contract to Raytheon

US defense firm Raytheon said Wednesday it was awarded a contract worth 1.1 billion dollars for new Patriot missile systems to Taiwan.

The contract had been in the works since 2008 when the Pentagon notified Congress it intended to allow Taiwan to buy newer, advanced interceptor missiles and other defense equipment.

The military sales have drawn fierce objections from China, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province.

Raytheon, based in Massachusetts, said it received notification of approval of the contract for ground-system hardware valued at 965.6 million dollars and a spare parts contract valued at 134.4 million dollars.

A Raytheon official said the contract will include new advanced missile launchers and other equipment, but that the missiles themselves would be part of a separate contract.

Raytheon has in recent years won contracts to upgrade Taiwan's existing Patriot missile systems, which are designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles.

"The Patriot system is a vital element to providing superior integrated air and missile defense capabilities for the protection of Taiwan," said Daniel Smith, president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems.

"Raytheon has provided advanced technology, innovation and support in Taiwan for more than 40 years, and we are honored to continue that partnership today and in the future."

China now has about 1,500 missiles pointed at Taiwan, with no signs that the build-up is about to stop anytime soon, a spokesman for the island's government said recently.

The figure includes short-range ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, the defence ministry spokesman told AFP on condition of anonymity.

China has objected to the sale of the weapons systems, saying it violated a US commitment to reduce weapons transfers to Taiwan.

source:http://news.id.msn.com/top-stories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3760878

Russia to sell Myanmar 20 MiG fighters - paper

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia has agreed to sell Myanmar 20 MiG-29 jets for 400 million euro ($572.2 million), the Vedomosti daily reported on Wednesday, citing unidentified sources in Russia's defence industry.

Myanmar's reclusive military government, which has ruled the country for almost 50 years, is shunned by the West because of its human rights record, though Russia, India and China have sold the country arms over recent years.

The Vedomosti daily cited sources in the defence industry as saying that Russia had beaten off competition from China to win the fighter contract. China had been trying to sell Myanmar J-10 and FS-1 fighters, the paper said.

Russia supplied Myanmar with 12 MiG-29 fighters in 2001, the paper said, adding that the contract with Myanmar was Russia's biggest fighter deal since Algeria scrapped an agreement to buy 34 MiG-29s.

A spokesman for Rosoboronexport, Russia's state arms exporter, declined to comment on the report.

According to preliminary official data, Russian arms exports rose to $8.5 billion in 2009 from $8.35 billion in 2008.

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has been riven by ethnic conflict since its independence from Britain in 1948. The military has in recent months stepped up its campaign against separatist rebels and some other minority groups.

source

Cambodian soldier killed by mine at Preah Vihear temple

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091223_03
Cambodian soldiers stand near the Thai-Cambodian border in Preah Vihear wearing flip-flops. One Cambodian soldier was killed by a land mine near the disputed temple complex Monday.AFP
AROYAL Cambodian Armed Forces soldier stationed near Preah Vihear temple died after stepping on a land mine while patrolling at the base of the 11th-century World Heritage site, military officials said.

Meas Yoeun, deputy provincial military commander in Preah Vihear, said the Unit 7 soldier stepped on the mine near overgrown steps leading up from the base of the temple at about 3:30pm Monday.

“He was killed right after stepping on the land mine,” Meas Yoeun said. “We have never cleared mines in that area.”

Srey Doek, commander of RCAF Division 3, said he could identify the 28-year-old soldier only by his nickname, Khmom. He added that the soldier died shortly after arriving at the military health centre.

Though Meas Yoeun said he believed the land mine was a relic of civil war fighting, several land mine explosions taking place since the dispute over Preah Vihear temple broke out in July 2008 have sparked allegations that fresh mines have been laid recently along the border.

On October 6, 2008, a Thai soldier stepped on an antipersonnel mine near Preah Vihear temple, and a second soldier stepped on a mine while coming to the first soldier’s aid. Both lost their legs in the explosions, which took place at a spot that had seen an exchange of gunfire between Thai and Cambodian soldiers just days before.

The mines were later identified as PMN2-type antipersonnel mines by Landmine Monitor, an independent reporting group in Ottawa, Canada. Thailand has said it has never used such mines, but Cambodia has reported stockpiling them in the past.

Landmine Monitor reiterated its suspicion that fresh mines had been laid near the temple in its most recent annual report, which was released last month.

“It would appear from available evidence that this incident involved new use of antipersonnel mines, but Landmine Monitor is not able to determine who was responsible for the use,” the report states.

During a meeting of state parties to the Ottawa mine ban convention last year, Sam Sotha, head of the Cambodian Mine Action Authority, strongly denied having laid mines, saying that “the claim that we had contravened the most basic and fundamental tenet of the convention came as a great surprise”.

source:http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2009122330406/National-news/cambodian-soldier-killed-by-mine-at-preah-vihear-temple.html

F-5: Thailand figther air plane crash, pilot died on scene

Thai fighter pilot killed in crash: air force

A Thai fighter pilot was killed instantly Wednesday when his aircraft crashed during training in the northeast of the country, an air force spokesman said.

A Thai fighter pilot was killed instantly Wednesday when his aircraft crashed during training in the northeast of the country, an air force spokesman said.

"The accident happened at 11.55am (0455 GMT) when a F5E fighter jet, in use since 1981 and attached to the fleet in Ubon Ratchathani province, crashed on the roadside," Group Captain Montol Suchookorn told AFP.

The pilot of the one-seater jet, Flying Officer Chatchawan Rasami, died at the scene.

Montol said an investigating team was dispatched soon after the crash, which appeared to be an accident.

source: http://news.malaysia.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3760482

Moscow, KOMPAS.com - Vietnam continued to fix military fleet strength. In the near future they will buy buy submarines and fighters from Russia.

Prime Minister of Vietnam, Nguyễn Tấn Dũng told reporters in Moscow, Tuesday, explaining Vietnam has signed a contract for the purchase of submarines and aircraft with Russian arms exporter, Rosoboronexport.
Interfax news agency quoted sources as saying that not be named, said Russia plans to sell Vietnam six diesel-powered submarines of type 636 or better known as the NATO code "Kilo", with prices around approximately $ 2 billion.
It is said, after purchasing the vessel, they will build a shipyard in St. Petersburg. Russian government spokesman declined to comment on. Interfax quoted Russian officials unnamed others who said, both sides also discussed a deal sending eight Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighter jets to Vietnam.

The official told Interfax, Vietnam could buy 12 more aircraft of this type, with a total value of approximately $ 600 million. Procurement these weapons by Vietnam, by a number of parties allegedly related to the dispute of sovereignty in the South China Sea is increasing.

Vietnam, China and other countries claim the region for a long time vietnam East Sea, which contain oil and gas rich like Spratly and Paracel Islands.

source:http://internasional.kompas.com/read/xml/2009/12/16/01455488/vietnam.borong.pesawat.tempur.dan.kapal.selam

Indonesian Army Unveils Three New Infantry Brigades

Indonesian Army Unveils Three New Infantry Brigades
The chief of the Army introduced three new infantry brigades on Tuesday as part of the government’s defense strategy, while the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries announced a three-pronged approach to develop the country’s maritime sector. “The creation of these new infantry brigades is part of our defense strategy to maintain the country’s sovereignty. I hope these new headquarters become a source of pride for citizens living around them,” said Army Chief Lt. Gen. George Toisutta during the ceremony unveiling the brigades. George said the new brigades were the 21 Komodo Infantry Brigade under the Denpasar-based Udayana military command, the 22 Ota Manasa Infantry Brigade under the First Division of the Army’s Strategic Command and the 24 Bulungan Cakti Infantry Brigade under the Balikpapan-based Tanjungpura military command in East Kalimantan. The Udayana command covers Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara provinces, while the Tanjungpura command oversees security in four provinces of Kalimantan. The First Division of the Army’s Strategic Reserve Command is based in Depok, West Java. Each brigade consists of about 300 soldiers. George said the new brigades were intended to ensure security, both for the citizens living in the immediate surroundings of the headquarters and for Indonesia as a whole. He reminded all Army soldiers of the importance of good relations and cooperation with the community. He said Indonesia was now living in a democracy where freedom of speech and differences of opinion must be respected. “But remember that such differences must not become a reason for conflict and all Army members must bear that in mind when dealing with other soldiers or civilians,” he said. The Armed Forces (TNI) earlier announced that it planned to establish a military command in West Kalimantan in 2010, while a study for one in Papua is expected to begin next year. After his appointment to Army chief earlier this month, George said he would follow up on the military command proposals. All commands are designated in strategic areas around the country, he said. Separately, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Fadel Muhammad said the government had drafted three policies to develop the country’s maritime sector. First, the government will legislate to create a comprehensive and focused national policy. Secondly, an economic blueprint will be written to maximize the potential of the country’s maritime resources. This is to be carried out with participation from coastal communities. “The third is how to guarantee good governance in conducting programs in the maritime sector. It will be like a code of conduct for good practice in managing the sector,” said Fadel in his statement, which was read by Rear Admiral Sugiono during the 10th anniversary of the Naval Nusantara Day. The Nusantara Day commemorates the Djuanda Declaration, which was signed on Dec. 13, 1957, by former Prime Minister Djuanda Kartawidjaja, which stated that all waters within the Indonesian archipelago were parts of Indonesian maritime territory. Navy Spokesman First Admiral Iskandar Sitompul said the Navy would support any government plans to develop the country’s maritime sector.

No threat to Indian skies from China: EAC chief

Kolkata: The Indian Air Force on Tuesday allayed fears of a threat from China in the eastern skies and said it was fully geared to give the necessary protection. "Personally, I don't see any aggressive postures (from China) that we need to go hyper about. We are, however, fully prepared to protect our skies. Our eastern skies are secure," Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Air Marshal S K Bhan told a press conference on the occasion of the Eastern Air Command's (EAC) golden jubilee.
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Asked how many cases of violation of Indian airspace by the Chinese airforce has been recorded this year, Bhan said, "truly speaking, none to my notice. Our radars have also not picked up any such movement. I have also checked with the army and they confirmed it." He said the EAC was planning to induct more radars and upgrade the existing ones. "Besides, an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) is now in the country. Whenever the need, it is available to us. If the number of the AWACS increases, some will surely find a place in our sector," Bhan said. Declining to comment on the Union Home Ministry's terror alert in Kolkata which is under EAC jurisdiction, Bhan however, said the Command was keeping constant vigil in the skies and had inducted automatic security systems for better surveillance. He also said the Air Force was willing to lend Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to track down Maoists in West Bengal if the state government made a request. Bhan said the Air Force was already in the process of developing Advance Landing Grounds (ALGs) in some remote areas of north-east for air maintenance activities. "We are now looking at whether there are any encroachments on the land and whether there is any need to acquire more land to expand the ALGs. These done, we will resurface runways and develop the infrastructure," he said. The ALGs were primarily for military purposes, but the Air Force was also willing to allow them to be used by civilian aircraft, Bhan said. He said the biggest challenge to the EAC was the unpredictable weather in the territory under its jurisdiction. "Therefore, there is a need to upgrade the airfields to keep them operational 365 days of the year. We cannot have modern aircraft without modern infrastructure," he added. Set up in 1959, EAC is the country's only air command to cover airspace along the border with five countries -- Nepal, Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Bangladesh. Its jurisdiction include the north-eastern states, Sikkim, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Orissa and parts of Bihar. Pointing out that air maintenance and flood relief are EAC's main peacetime activities, Bhan said since last year, he had initiated training camp for civilian relief workers and this has yielded good results, especially during the breach of the Kosi embankment last year.

Pakistan to produce the last F-22P Frigate indigenously

The keel laying ceremony of the F-22 P Frigate was held at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW) here on Thursday. Federal Minister for Defence Production, Abdul Qayyum Khan Jatoi, was the chief guest. Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Noman Bashir, was also present on the occasion.

It was pointed out that Pakistan Navy has achieved another significant milestone towards self-reliance in defence production and that after successful completion of Agosta submarine project and indigenous construction of various other naval platform, Pakistan Navy has now successfully stepped in the domain of shipbuilding with the construction of F-22 P Frigates, In collaboration with Peoples Republic of China.

In 2005 an agreement was signed between Pakistan and China for construction of four F-22 P Frigates under the contract of Transfer of Technology.
As per the contract, three ships are to be built in China whereas the fourth ship would be constructed at Karachi Shipyard.




First of the Frigates PNS Zulfiquar has recently been inducted in Pakistan Navy Fleet whereas two ships are at different stages of construction in China and will be handed over to Pakistan in year 2010.
The construction work of the fourth ship is now getting under way at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works and its keel laying ceremony was held here on Thursday at the KSEW.

It is expected to be completed by year 2013, it was further pointed out.

The F-22 P Frigate is a Sword Class Ship equipped with long range surface-ta-surface and surface-to-air missiles, depth charges, torpedoes, latest automatic 76 mm guns, Close-in-Weapon System (CIWS), sensors, radars, SONARS, Electronic Warfare and advanced Command and Control Systems.

The ship is 123 meter long and has a displacement of about 3,000 tons. It also carries Anti Submarine Z9EC helicopters.

It was also pointed out that our strategic and conventional capabilities are focused towards legitimate defence and promotion of peace in the region.
Induction of F-22 P Frigate in Naval Fleet would certainly boost our conventional power.

This construction project would also contribute in enhancing country’s shipbuilding capabilities. – APP

source: defence.pak

India-Russia ties back on track: Russian envoy

New Delhi, Dec 14 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s recent summit with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow has injected “a new freshness” into India-Russia relations which are now “back on a very solid track,” the Russian envoy said here Monday.
A new freshness has been infused into the India-Russia relationship, Russian Ambassador Alexander Kadakin told reporters here.

The first snowfall of the season took place in Moscow when the two leaders were having intense discussions inside the Kremlin, said the envoy, who is equally at ease conversing in Hindi. “Snow is a good omen,” he said.

The net result of the Moscow summit exceeded our expectations, said the envoy while describing the umbrella civil nuclear agreement signed between the two sides as “the number one outcome of the summit.”

The “pioneering nuclear agreement” will be formalised when Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visits India in March next year, the envoy said.

“Nothing has changed. One thing that has not changed is the India-Russia strategic partnership. It is true, solid and real as ever,” said Kadakin, whose earlier ambassadorial tenure in India (1999-2004) saw the forging of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Six accords, including a civil nuclear cooperation pact, rated as better than the 123 India-US atomic pact, and three defence agreements, were signed during Manmohan Singh’s Dec 6-8 visit to Moscow that took time-tested ties to a new level, assuaging worries among some quarters in Moscow about India’s alleged pro-US tilt after the 2005 nuclear deal

Source :www.thaindian.com


KD Tunku Abdul Rahman's Arrival Among Defence Highlights


By Mohd Yusof Saari

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- The arrival of KD Tunku Abdul Rahman, the nation's first submarine, after a 55-day journey from Toulon, France, was among the highlights of 2009.

Sept 3 was an historic date for the nation, especially the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), as the submarine, piloted by Commander Zulhelmy Ithnain and with a 35-member crew arrived at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Naval Base in Pulau Indah, Port Klang.

KD Tunku Abdul Rahman is a new-generation diesel-electric powered Scorpene submarine. Malaysia is only the third country in Southeast Asia to have submarines, after Singapore and Indonesia.

The Scorpene, built by Defence Conseil National (DCN) of France and Navantia of Spain, can reach a speed of 20 knots and is equipped with SUBTICS, a sophisticated navigation system.

It has sub-surface to surface missiles, torpedoes (10) and mines (30) with a fully automatic reloading system.

Malaysia also bought another Scorpene, named KD Tun Razak, which is scheduled to leave France on Jan 26, 2010, and arrive here two months later.

History was also created when Gen Tan Sri Azizan Ariffin became the first RMN Chief to be appointed Chief of Defence Forces, charged with protecting the nation's sovereignty and integrity.

In an interview to mark the malaysian Armed Forces' (ATM) 76th anniversary in September, Azizan said he wanted to see a progressive ATM capable of facing the many challenges in defending the nation.

"The ATM will not compromise and look back. We are determined to defend the nation's airspace, land and waters from intruders.

"The ATM's transformation will be done in stages until it reaches `Objective Force' where it will become a force that is balanced, credible, integrated and ready to face all spectra of conflict," he said.

In June, the government announced that it would retire 18 MIG-29N fighter jets of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and replace them with Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA).

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the MIG-29N aircraft had reached the end of its lifespan and that refurbishment would be very costly and not beneficial.

He said the move would save the government RM260 million allocated annually to maintain the Russian-made aircraft.

The government has shortlisted aircraft from five countries as replacement for the MIG-29N. Defence analysts and observers believe that Malaysia would choose the Sukhoi SU-30MKM and F-18 E/F Super Hornet aircraft.

The RMAF currently has 18 Sukhoi SU-30MKM and a squadron of eight FA-18 C/D Hornet aircraft.

Ahmad Zahid was reported as saying that two parties had shown interest in buying the MIG-29N aircraft.

MIG-29N's last appearance was at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2009 on Dec 1-5.

Despite the global economic crisis, Lima 2009 raked in defence contracts worth RM4.7 billion.

Several purchases could not be inked at Lima 2009, including that of EC-725 Cougar combat helicopters from Eurocopter.

--source: BERNAMA

Indonesia will build their own MPAs


BANDUNG, KOMPAS.com - PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI) hoping to get an advance for the procurement of three aircraft CN235-220 in three months. The total value of contract aircraft orders the Department of Defense (DoD) was for 80 million U.S. dollars.

PT DI president director, Budi Santoso in Bandung, Monday (14/12/2009), say, expected advances for 15 to 20 percent of the value of contract last week with Director General of Defense Facilities (Ranahan) Department of Defense, Air Vice Marshall Eris Herryanto.
Down payment is required because PT DI also had to order the aircraft components that need funding. Meanwhile, parts of aircraft such as radar or engine must be made first. Making machines for example, took about 18 months.

"I hope the prime delivery CN235-220 aircraft can we meet in 24 months since the contract was signed," said Budi.
Aircraft making funds came from export credits. Government borrowing from foreign banks to be distributed to PT DI.
source :www.kompas.com

Pakistani ASW :Z9EC

Z9EC Anti Submarine Warfare Helicopters Inducted Into Pakistan Navy

September 30th, 2009: Pakistan Navy has acquired Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopters Z9EC from China. Induction ceremony was held Wednesday at Naval Aviation Base. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir was chief guest.

This is first batch of series of six helicopters to be procured as per the contract signed with M/s China National Aero Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC).

Z9EC helicopters have been built according to specific requirements of Pakistan Navy and capable to detect and destroy submarines. They are configured to carry torpedoes, fitted with state of art Pulse Compression Radar, Low Frequency Dipping Sonar, Radar Warning Receiver & Doppler Navigation System. Later talking to newsmen, Admiral Noman Bashir said these days Indian Ocean is experiencing intense activity and around 100 ships from different countries are operating at all times for safeguarding their interests. These extraordinary developments are indicator of importance of trade routes in these waters. Pakistan Navy is also conducting continuous deployment of ships and aircraft to guarantee guarding the country’s maritime interests, he stated.



Commenting on regional stability, Naval Chief denied being part of any arms race but expressed resolve to maintain quality in naval platforms and enhancement of capabilities in consonance with developments in the region. He expressed his full confidence in Chinese technology and termed it compatible to Western. "Pak-China relationship is time-tested and would further be strengthened with such defence collaborations like F-22 P frigates and Z9EC helicopters projects.’’ Commander Pakistan Fleet Rear Admiral Asif Sandila highlighted salient features of Z9EC project. Apart from China, Pakistan is first country that would be operating these helicopters in anti submarine warfare role. Later, helicopters made fly past and staged demonstration of its characteristics and maneuverability.

The ceremony was attended by Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Luo Zhao Hui, representatives of M/s CATIC, large number of senior naval officers and Aviators of Pakistan Navy.

Source: pakistandefence.com

Teknologi Rudal

Rudal atau peluru kendali sebagai sebuah karya teknologi, sebetulnya mengusung beberapa unsur yang terkait diantaranya adalah :
1. Teknologi bahan
2. Teknologi propelant dan bahan bakar
3. Teknologi komputasi
4. Teknologi sensor
5. Teknolgi komunikasi
6. Teknologi kendali
7. Teknologi mekanik
8. Teknolgogi bahan peledak


Teknologi bahan, dimulai dari yang relatif sederhana seperti komposit aluminium, meningkat ke baja khusus (maraging), lalu ke bahan komposit seperti RAM (Radar Aborbsent Material) membuat pemain dibidang rudal yg benar-benar mumpuni cukup sedikit.

Teknlogy propellant mulai dari propelant padat dan propelann cair juga memainkan peran penting. Untuk Indonesia kemampuannya pada sebatas propellant padat yaitu Ammonium Perclorat untuk bahan bendingnya (HTPB) kelihatannya harus didatangkan. Akan tetapi sebetulnya ini juga merupakan langkah awal yg baik, yg penting harus slalu buatkemajuan.