Indonesia plant to build Cn 295, to buy Apache attack Helichopter

Jakata , 27 October 2011

dear all hands

After so many years without worthfull military procurement, now indonesia revail new military procurement. In next years, indonesia air force will be equipped with one squadron air lifter. The air lifter will consist of nine to ten C295 air plane. C295 will build by PT. DI ( Indonesia Aerospace company) under Air bus license. C 295 is medium air lifter that capable lift load until 6 ton and cruise range at 2000 km. Indonesia defense minister also show their interest to build AWAC based on c295

In the other hands, Indonesia also show his interest to buy apache attach helicopter from USA.

My be its not big buy for another south east asean country such of malaysia or singapore. Because these country has adequate military power to counter indonesian military power. Now day indonesia amy also equipped with ' multi role' chopter from russia, Mi 35.

Indonesia Will buy Leopard MBT from Germany

It is very interestingly if Indonesia will buy Leopard 2 MBT from germany. We all know indonesian army has desire to operate MBT, because until now Indonesian army just only operate light tank such scorpion and amx.

But for itis still surprisingly if indonesia buy leopard 2A MBT, rumours out there say that Indonesia will get their MBT from south korea (K2A1 MBT) and South Korea will help Indonesian defense industry to build their tracked military vehicle.

These MBT will be deploy in Kalimantan ,specially in Kalimantan barat Province. This Province has land border with malaysia. I think this MBT procurement is part of Indonesia strategy to counter or may be to make offensive move toward malaysia. We must know that in 2012, indonesian army also will place their COIN aircraft (Super Tucano) also in kalimantan.

Now days, beside their plan to acquire super tucano, indonesian army also operate multi role Helicopter that can be projected to conduct anti MBT walfare.

Malaysia reduce military budget 2012

Malaysian goverment spending plan put RM13.714 billion for defence, a reduction of some RM100 million compared to the RM13.823 billion which was spent in 2011.

Its not firt time malaysian goverment reduce their defense budget, in 2009 malaysia slash its defense budget at almost 50% , likely this slashing because economic down turn hampered malaysia.

This news ( from KLS ) report this budget slashing

KLS：In order to implement "people centric" policy, Malaysia's government slashed defense Development Budget 2009 to 2.3 billion Ringgit, a decrease of 49.8 percent compared to the same period last year.

According to the Budget 2009 released by Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Defense gets 13.2 billion Ringgit budget in which the Operating Budget is 10.6 billion Ringgit, an increase of 8.2 percent compared to the same period last year. However, the Development Budget not only 49.8 percent less than last year, but also almost 40% less than in previous years.

After the Development Budget was slashed drastically, its overall budget decreased 1.5 billion Ringgit or 10.47 percent. This move, however, is in line with the open speeches which made by high-ranking officials of Ministry of Defense previously that defense budget would be cut by 10%.

Defense budget accounts for 6.6 percent of the total budget in which Ministry of Defense is the fourth largest financed ministry that after the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Health accordingly. This tremendous decision is in line with the government's "people centric" policy, that social and economic projects will be given priority.

The Budget 2009 says 10.6 billion Ringgit of Operating Budget will be used in most of the payment of salaries and the rest used in the procurement of uniforms, bullet and ammunition, spare parts, maintenance payments for aircraft, vessels, facilities and equipment.

Most of the Operation Budget will be used in the maintenance of the equipment in which an increase from last year's RM 440,056,800 to RM 891,685,500; followed by service and supply (from RM 5,195,989,400 to RM 5,440,132,200); its third, payment for emolument (from RM 4,134,536,100 to RM 4,247,222,600) respectively.

It is noteworthy that, ratio of Operation and Development budget reaches its peak of imbalance, 2005 is 1.9:1; 2006 is 2.1:1; 2007 is 2.3:1; 2008 is 2.1:1, and 2009 reaches to a serious imbalance 4.5:1!

Meanwhile, the Budget 2009 will eliminate 844 military posts that the total number of civilian and military posts in MINDEF, will drop from 2008's 170,739 people to 169,895 people. The most affected programs are Malaysian contingencies which stationed in overseas to support United Nations' peacekeeping operations.

As for the Development Budget, Navy faces the greatest impact in which its budget for arms procurement decreased significantly from RM 811.12 million to RM 100,000, followed by Army from RM 1,303.87 million fell to RM 136.1 million.

However, Air Force is not affected, in contrast having an increase from RM 1.482 billion to RM 1.613 billion, which believes large amount is to be used to cover the cost of procurement of 18 SU-30MKMs and 12 new type of utility helicopters.

Obviously, there will be no large-scale military procurement projects in 2009, except the authority may launch some programs that without using "real money".

In addition, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency, which is paramilitary forces, gets RM 651 million for Development Budget, while its Operating Budget is RM 314.9 million, that total amount of budget is RM 965.9 million. Compared to last year its expenditure RM 188.64 million, it is nearly 5 times increment.

Editor's note: All information obtained from the Budget 2009; The Exchange rate between USD and Ringgit on October 21, is 1 USD to 3.5255 Ringgit.

Indonesia Plan To Increase Their Military Budget

Susilo Bambang Yudoyono, Indonesian President, recently say that indonesian goverment will increase their military expenditure in budget year 2012. In 2012 budget planning , indonesian defence department will receive fund at 65 trillion rupiah or about 6,5 billion dollar.
This increase budget is intended to buy new military gear. Last year budget (2011) indonesian defence department receive annually budget at 47 trillion rupiah or about 4,7 billion dollar.
Indonesian budgeting system base on annually term (except procurement very complex and costly system). So with this significant increase maybe indonesia defence department will buy more complex weapon system such of subrarine, frigate and maybe jetfigter.

In long term procurement , indonesia defence department has plan to buy 10 submarine until 2020 and with South Korea will jointly make 4.5 gen warplane.

Its very interesting to analysis this budget increasing. We know, recent day south east asia situation become more volatile, such situation in spartly island. Even indonesia isnot claimant of this disputed teritory but still fell to always 'in catch' with its neighborhood country. As we know malaysia had alread handed their two brandnew submarine from french. Singapore also has very new weapon aqcuasition, and Pilipine did the same.

Just only time will see whether indodnesian increasing budget will be follow by it neighborhood.

Finally indonesia decide to buy south korea submarine

A News from korea times say that indonesian decided buy south korean submarine. The contract is worth at 1,1 billion dollar. Two submarine will build at daewoo shipyard and last submarine will be build at PT.PAL, Indonesia.

This very interesting because if its true , its indonesia is mean more choose technology transfer than power punch . The Germany is not proposal isn't accepted cause didnt offer technology transfer for indonesia. I think is a wise decision. (korea times)

Malaysian navy Included SIGMA class as their new stealth LCS platform

Im very surprised that RMN include SIGMA class as their new stealth LCS platform. Soo far I know, SIGMA Class isnt a stealth ship and until now sigma opv only operated by two country, Indonesia and Marocco.
RMN source stated that SIGMA and Gowind cass become two strong candidate for RMN LCS program.

Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) closer to a stealth warship technology (stealth) modern when the ship class and class 10,614 Gowind Sigma shortlisted for coastal combat ship development program (LCS).

The fact is also supported by confirmation of the Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently that the final design of the squadron's first LCS, with emphasis on stealth technology will be ready later this month.

This means that any platform that will be selected to form the basis of assets will be answered by fighting the next month or latest by showing the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) 2011 this December.

Sigma 10 614 born Dutch technology results to show a proven modular design managed to reduce radar reflection and has the ability to integrated with any modern weapon systems today.

The integration advantages arising from the use of combat management systems Tacticos, which is recognized as among the best in the world so gladdened the hearts of some other consumer countries including Morocco and the Indonesian Navy.

It is understood, confidence and ability of the intrinsic evidenced by Sigma in the country, a strong impetus to the Navy for Sigma 10 614 shortlisted as one of the final platform for the LCS squadron programs.

However, Sigma 10 614 are different versions as far more sophisticated, the length and width than four Sigma 9113 (corvette) and two Sigma 10 514 (friget) belong to Indonesia, and even owned the Sigma Moroccan Navy itself.

Gowind is recognized as a stealth platform with the best technology ever created, the research and development (R & D) length of DCNS, the shipping company to supply the submarine. utusan.com.my

Did DCNS win the SGPV deal?

Not long ago, a huge procurement contract for the purchase of military tanks (Armoured Fighting Vehicles) was given to DRB Hicom (read: Syed Mokhtar) for almost RM9 billion. It is not that DRB Hicom have the knowledge or expertise on how to build such vehicles, but that is not a problem in this country if you are close to those in power.

I have been told that there is a mark up of about RM700 million from that exercise. In other words, that’s the additional cost the tax payers will have to unnecessarily pay for these equipments. The Minister of Defence will of course not divulge details of such a contract, as these details will be conveniently categorized as official secrets. Besides the financial issue, we have reason to believe that for the actual technology purchased, it is not money well spent. It is probably some old technology from Turkey.

Now we have a new blockbuster: it's called the Patrol Vessels contract. The infamous French company, DCNS, the same company that supplied us those famous Scorpene submarines (under the contract which some parties made RM500 million, of which coincided with Altantuya's tragic death) is here again to partner up with Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd ("BNS") to build these patrol vessels.

Further to that, DCNS will build these patrol vessels in Perak this time (afterall, our Minister of Defence hails from Perak). Unsurprisingly, BNS have no idea how to build these patrol vessels, nor do they know what electronic and fighting equipments these vessels should be equipped with. BNS will not listen to advice of the Navy either. DCNS will decide and dictate everything, including the price of about RM10 billion (usually, they will announce a lower figure but these costs usually escalate further on various grounds: new additional requirements etc). The same old modus operandi.

Our Opposition politicians need not just focus their attention towards rallying the streets and peaceful protests. They must also get together to unearth such scandalous contracts that have been dished out, as I have described above. We must not allow our country and our own security to be in jeopardy. And it is not just about the money and the frivolous spending. Our military forces, the navy and the airforce must be responsible for the decisions on the types of military hardware and software that we procure. Our army, navy and airforce chiefs must be the judge of what we need and the appropriate price we should be paying for these purchases, not the politicians. These men, not the politicians, are the ones who are aware of what our country’s defence requires.

I am not hopeful that this piece of information will be acted upon by those responsible in running the country. But there is no harm in trying.

src: http://www.zaiduntukrakyat.com/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=273&cntnt01origid=15&cntnt01returnid=80

Philippines Receive new surface combatant

image from : wikipedia

Very goods news come from the USA for the Philippine Navy. Recent day USA ready to sent one of their offshore patrol boat, Hamilton class. Although its a old vesel but after heavy upgrade program, this vessel become powerfull (in term weaponry)for philippine to conduct offshore patrolling.
Hamilton Class now equipped with Phalanx ciws and powered by CODOG system and now maybe become flagship of Philippine Navy.
Surely this ship did'not adequate do detter China navy that become more assertivein south china sea, but at least class hamilton ship will give more bite to china navy (or another country) if they tend to harrast them.

Brunei Defense Expo start

TAIPEI - The third Brunei Darussalam International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX) is quickly taking its rightful place among regional exhibitions as one of the top defense and security events in Southeast Asia.

Organized by the Royal Brunei Technical Services, BRIDEX 2011 will showcase the latest regional and international defense technologies and equipment in land, sea, air and security systems from July 6-9.

Local South east asia country also contribute in this event, Singapore with their defense industry also will show their product such of :
Asia-Pacific exhibitors include Australia's Prism Defence, China's Hubei Hudiequan Plastic Products Co., Pakistan Ordnance, Singapore Technologies Engineering and Taiwan's Smart Team Technology.U.S. companies vying for market space include BBA Aviation, General Dynamics, Harris Corporation, Northrop Grumman, Piper Aircraft and Raytheon. European defense exhibitors include BAE Systems, Defense Conseil International, QinetiQ, Renault, Rosoboronexport and Saab. A number of competitive helicopter manufacturers will also be exhibiting, including AugustaWestland, Bell Helicopters, Eurocopter and Sikorsky.

BRIDEX officials said there would be land-based and waterborne demonstrations of defense and security equipment and systems. The new BRIDEX Exhibition and Convention Centre in Jerudong is located next to the waterfront.

"BRIDEX also provides an excellent platform for building vital alliances, forging partnerships and capturing new business opportunities in a fast growing South East Asian region, as well as for networking, sharing ideas and knowledge, discussing technology advancements and industry developments," said a BRIDEX press release.

BRIDEX 2011 coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. This year about 300 exhibitors and 500 VIP delegates are expected to participate. In 2007, 108 exhibitors representing 16 countries participated, including more than 60 delegates from 17 countries. In 2009, the number of exhibitors jumped to 200 from 26 countries, along with 300 delegates from 40 countries.

src: www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=7010820&c=ASI&s=LAN

Regional defense industry in south asia will also display their product. ST kinetic from singapore will show their APC, Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle and a Formidable-class frigate, the RSS Stalwart, at BRIDEX.

picture src: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NDP2010_CR3_Terrex_ICV_1.JPG

Indonesia local defense manufacture will their latest product such of PINDAD Anoa, Banjarmasin class LPD, Clurit class fast patrol boat.

Malaysia local defense industry will also display their latest product.

.

Why Nato's air force is superior and is very successful in Libya?

Looking at developments in the civil war, Libya, in a few months (almost 4 months)NATO air forces under the command of French was very superior in libya airspace. France did not experience any disadvantage when attacking air force and groundlibya. no French planes that can be shot down by soldiers libya.While the part of Libya, several planes had been shot down.

Why NATO air force was so superior to libya?

to answer any questions that we must look at the condition of the air force libya libyaand defense systems against air attacks.Seen from the list of aircraft owned by Libya's air force is very much a fighter whoowned the French-led NATO.Libyan air force fighter aircraft of the most modern isthe French artificial mirage F.1.F.1 fighter aircraft is the third generation. French fighter aircraft maker as the countryis certainly very aware of the weaknesses and strengths Mirage F.1. While on the other hand, the French Rafale fighter aircraft use, the aircraft is arguably generation fighter 4.5. So it looks different levels of technology that is very striking between libyaair force fighter planes and fighter aircraft of NATO air force.

Libya air force fighter planes other is Mig23. The aircraft is arguably an old plane,which does not support the air war today

Is the google+ will be the next facebook

Its very interesting that Mark Zekenberg, CEO of facebook become member of Google+. Because we know that Google+ will become facebook rivals. And so its not good news for Mark . Maybe the mark profile in google+ isn't true profile of him. Maybe there someone acting as Mark approve in google+.

But for me as internet user, the birth of google+ is very very exciting, its mean we has another alternative beside facebook.

malaysia strategic plan to procure MRCA Fighter

Dear all hands
Its very interesting to follow malaysia to procure their news MRCA. Nowdays, French offer malaysia an offer that hard to reject. French offer their jet fighter with rafale and french also offer malaysia ti set up businees relationship for selling french weaponry, specially rafale.

Indonesia Mariner will buy Anti Aircraft Artillery From Sweden

Recent days, being reported that indonesian mariner will AA artillery from sweden.I thing they will buy oerlikon Rheinmetall from sweden. Rheinmetall it is very capable point defense system, maybe the best and it will become worthful buying by TNI.

Stealth helicopter on USA Attack in Osama Killing Mission

Is not very surprise when finally we know that USA use stealth helicopter in their killing operation. We always know that USA has state of the art of military technology, and now they prove it.
In Medio 2000 USA start din developing stealth helicopter based on BlackHawk design. They dubb is as RAH-66 Comanche but this project cancelled in 2004. Personally I didnt trust that the Amercan cancelled their ambiton to develop stealth copter. Maybe they canceled this projet, but start (or may be just continude ) another secret project.

Finally Indoensian Navy Succed on Conducting Yakhont Firing Test

After more than two month delayed, Indonesia navy succed conducting firing test on Yakhont and several others missile. Yakhont missile successfully hit an old vessel from distance about 250 km. This firing test conducted in Hindia ocean in 20 April 2011. This success show Indonesia navy capability and strong deterrence effort even in very bad financial constraint condition. An also show indonesian defence industry on their capability in integrate yakhont firing on their old sewaco system.
Yakhont missile just need only seven minute from OSW class fregate to hit its designated firing test ship (KR irian an old LST made by USA). Indonesia navy also conducted another missile firing test, including Exocet M40 , RBU 6000 and under water torpedo that fired from their very old submarine.
Picture i m copied from another blogspot (alutsista.blogspot.com)

ourlibro.com

Why Thailand Army Choose Oplot as Their MBT ?

It is very interesting to make evaluation out MBT procurement in South East Asia Country. Everyone know that Malaysian Army choose PT91 from Poland as their MBT, and Singapore prefer Leopard MBT . Thailand, from latest news choose Oplot as their MBT. Oplot MBT s derivate from T80 by Ukraine . Before Thailand decided to buy Oplot,Thailand bought BTR from same country. I think BTR purchasing before deeply influencing Oplot purchasing. Its clear that Thailand army satisfy with Ukriane product.

SOSNA-R SAM Equipped Gepard class fregat for vietname navy

image src:http://www.missiles.ru/_foto/MAKS-2005_weapons/Sosna-R_CRW_9559.jpg

Recent days, Vietnam navy will eceive brandnews warshipfrom russia. This procurement is part of vietname navy plan to modernize their naval power. Gepard class maybe the newest frigate that build by russian dockyard.

This frigate equipped with latest naval technology from russian, including the SOSNA-R. The Sosna-R is a laser-guided supersonic surface-to-air missile (SAM) designed to engage aircraft, guided aerial bombs and cruise missiles at ranges between 1,300 and 8,000 meters at altitudes of up to 3,500 meters. The highly maneuverable Sosna-R missile can withstand lateral load factors of 52g and engage airborne targets flying at altitudes above two meters. With a top speed of approx. Mach 4, the missile travels 5/8 kilometers in just 6/11.5 seconds respectively. The Palma ship-based air defense system is equipped with eight Sosna-R missiles.

Specifications

Performance: Max Range 8,000 m (26,247 ft), Min Range 1,300 m (4,265 ft), Target's Max Altitude 3,500 m (11,483 ft), Target's Min Altitude 2 m (7 ft), Top Speed 1,200 mps (Mach 3.61)

G Loads: Max Maneuvering Load Factor 52 g

src (on SOSNA) =http://www.deagel.com/Surface-to-Air-Missiles/Sosna-R_a001903001.aspx

Brunei Navy will donate two fast patrol Ship

Brunei navy will donate two patrol ship (KD Pejuang and KDB Waspada) to Indonesian navy .But now its two ship is still in active so the handover maybe in april 2011. Two patrol ship equipped with anti ship missile and can play role as limited litoral combatant. The complete story is below:

http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2011/02/26/indonesia-get-brunei-patrol-ships

Indonesian PINDAD Panser will equipped with CSE-90 cannon

At the International Defence Exhibition of Abu Dhabi, the Belgian Company CMI Defence presents its complete full scale Cockerill CT-CV Weapon System (advanced 105 mm) and its new Gun Launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile, The Falarick 105.

Through this state-of-the-art turret , CMI Defence will demonstrate to visitors its innovative approach to their high level of embedded technologies, these weapon systems not only supply the ultimate firepower for light and medium weight armoured vehicles, but also meet constantly changing operational needs thanks to their versatile and permanently evolutive qualities.

Thanks to its experience in quality weapon system design and manufacture CMI Defence increases its international reputation through the signing of two new international contracts. By 2013, CMI Defence will deliver 22 new CSE90 systems to Indonesia and 84 new LCTS90 to Saudi Arabia.

Between 2000 and 2003, CMI Defence already delivered 144 LCTS90 weapon systems to Saudi Arabia which are currently being modernized. Saudia Arabia keeps its trust in CMI Defence products through the acquisition of 84 LCTS90 weapon systems that are to be installed on General Dynamics Land Systems Canada (GDLS-C)’s Piranha vehicle.

Regarding the contract with Malaysia, the CSE90 weapon system will be installed on Doosan’s 6x6 Tarantula (also named Black Fox) built by South Korean company Daewoo International.

The performances of the CMI Defence Weapons systems have been further enhanced by incorporating sub-systems of the latest generation including electro-mechanical drives and modern day/night sight with laser range finder and ballistic computer. Its single stage muzzle brake allows the firing of APFSDS-T ammunition. Secondary armament includes coaxial and pintle-mounted 7.62 mm machine gun and grenade launchers.

All the conception and manufacturing is taking place in CMI Defence’s new facilities in Loncin (Belgium) while integration of the turrets on the Tarantula vehicles will take place in South Korea. First deliveries are expected for 2013.

src:http://www.armyrecognition.com/idex_2011_defense_news_daily_pictures_video_uk/new_contracts_cmi_defence_with_cse90_weapon_system_for_malaysia_and_lcts90_for_saudi_arabia_idex.html

Malaysia prochure paveway smart bomb

Lockheed Martin Corp., Archbald, Pa., is being awarded a $21,867,788 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-10-C-0092) to exercise an option for the procurement of 7,665 enhanced laser guided training round Paveway II units for the Navy (7,217) and the governments of Pakistan (300), Spain (88), and Malaysia (60).

In addition, this modification provides for the procurement of 589 wooden containers for the U.S. Navy (500) and the governments of Pakistan (74) and Malaysia (15); 23 replacement-in-kind wooden containers for the the governments of Pakistan (one) and Spain (22); associated data; and non-recurring engineering efforts.

Work will be performed in Archbald, Pa., and is expected to be completed in June 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($20,573,292; 94 percent) and the governments of Pakistan ($866,850; 4 percent); Spain ($254,276; 1.2 percent); and Malaysia ($173,370; 0.8 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

source

Malaysia will build indigenous stealth ship

16 Feb. 2011

Latest news from Malaysia's defense minister, Dr. Zahid Hamidi, Malaysia plans tobuild its own LCS. Articles used are for RM 6 Billion for 6 ships. The plan of this vessel will be made by Boustead. LCS ship design based on the stealth ship Gowind class from DCNS. This plan raises polemical in their country. This polemiccaused by the assumption that the budget price is too expensive, that is RM 1 billion for each ship. Indeed, the price issue is something that is debatable. The opposition(the majority of ethnic Chinese) highlights the possibility of corruption in this procurement. Another problem is the problem of malaysia human resource malaysia, because there so many records that show the incompetence of resources malaysia(ethnic Malay). As known previously malaysia has a similar project with a lower levelof technology , in initial plan there are 27 vessels patrol project NGPV (meko 100 class OPV) will build, the project is experiencing very long delays and swelling the budget so that the number of ships which was originally reduced to 27 vessels a few pieces only. Very fortunate that Malaysia is a very rich country, which comes from petroleum.

So although human resources malaysia (ethnic Malay) very bad, but by relying on thewealth I had very sure if Malaysia can complete the program SGPV. They can buy thebest equipment and pay the best people to do their jobs

Thailand F.16 Collide

Rececnly published, two Thailand F.16 collide in the air during Cobra Gold joint exercise. Cobra Gold is joint exercise between Thailand and US Air Force. There is no report about both pilot condition.

Indonesia will build light attack chopter

JAKARTA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's plane company PT Dirgantara Indonesia will develop a light attack helicopter and military cooperation with South Korea, a top executive said here on Thursday.

"We are in cooperation with the Indonesian Army to develop a light attack helicopter that could be used to confront separatist and smugglers," said Budi Santoso, president director of PT Dirgantara Indonesia in a parliamentary hearing. He said that characteristic of the helicopter is different from MI35 that is designed for opened battle in which noise is not important. "The most important element of the light attack helicopter is its low noise while flying. We don't need helicopters like MI35 that its noise could be heard from a distance of 10 kilometers," Santoso said.

He also said that the Defense Ministry and its South Korean counterpart are developing a program named the Korean Fighter Program (KFP). "This is our opportunity to upgrade our skill and to grow new expertise, mainly in engineering," he said.

According to Santoso, general lifetime of a plane is about 20- 30 years.

"However, during the lifetime, we need maybe twice or three times of upgrade on weaponry and avionic system. If we have the expertise, we could upgrade it according to our needs," he said.

source :Xinhua

Royal Malaysian Navy : RM 6 billion allocated for build six NGPV

LUMUT, (Bernama) -- The government has agreed to allocate RM6 billion to build six second generation patrol vessels for the Royal Malaysian Navy, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Saturday.

The construction of the ships will boost the economy while benefiting 632 vendor companies, he told reporters here after a briefing on the project.

"Thus, we will ensure that at least RM2 billion of the allocation will benefit these vendor companies which are strategic partners of Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd," he added.

Ahmad Zahid said that he would himself monitor the progress of the project, due to start next year, and ensure that all concerned benefit from it and that there was no delay in paying the vendors.

He said that Boustead Naval Shipyard had constructed several new generation vessels for the RMN and shown itself to be on par with other ship builders in the world.

Ahmad Zahid also said the Lumut-Bagan Datoh coastal area here has been identified for a world-class shipyard to be developed over the next 10 to 20 years.

He said the defence industry, including shipping, had immense potential in the Asean region and now generated income of US$25 billion a year.

If Malaysia could attract at least 20 per cent of the defence spending, US$5 billion or RM15 billion could be generated by companies in the country, he said.

Ahmad Zahid the government was now trying to attract more defence industry-based projects, including ship building, to the country.

(Bernama)

Latest boundary skirmish cambodia thailand

immage surce :http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/02/07/world/THAILAND/THAILAND-articleInline.jpg

Latest boundary skirmish cambodia thailand

Two soldier died when cambodia and thailand incolved in latest fire exchange. The fire exchange already happened around hindu temple, Preah Vihear.

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai and Cambodian soldiers exchanged fire on a disputed stretch of their border on Sunday, witnesses said, the third flare-up in three days in an ancient feud over territory surrounding a 900-year-old Hindu temple.

The latest fighting occurred despite Thailand's announcement of a cease-fire on Saturday following clashes in the area that killed at least five people on Friday and Saturday.

A witness said about 20 rounds were heard going off in the vicinity of a 4.6-sq-km (two-sq-mile) disputed area around the 11-century Preah Vihear temple, a jungle-clad escarpment claimed by both countries.

ASuW capability in south east country

Indonesian navy wil conduct yakhont test firing

Finally, Indonesian navies will conduct missile tests yakhont. The trial is planned to be conducted in February this year (2011). Some sources from the navy claimed that a number of ship-class frigate Van Speijk they already are equipped with yakhont missiles, harpoon missiles to replace the out-of-life.

If the trial is successful, it will show that there is an increase in domestic defense industry capabilities, although only the ability of Russian weapons systems integration with the system installed on the frigates SEWACO van speijk .

From the point of military capability, the success this trial also showed increased military capabilities of the navy. Although we can not ascertain whether the Indonesian navy missile capability able to fully exploit this yakhont.

As we know yakhont missiles have max. range as far as 300 km, this means that to maximize the ability yakhont, Navy need ability to provide over the horizon guidance system , and we know the Navy does not have this capability.

But if the trial successfully conducted by for a considerable distance (more than 200 km), it means that the Navy was at least able to take advantage yakont at its maximum parameters.

State navies in southeast asia as it is known today also operates the anti-ship missiles, Malaysia has a Atomat missile, and Excocet, Thailand has a harpoon and C802, Singapore has a last block harpoon . Seeing this, the existence of yakhont in TN AL is not a big threat to them and from my opinion, Malaysia that is very provocative and aggressive towards Indonesia does not need to worry on this yakhonn missiles.