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.

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

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

Indonesian navy receive their 17 BMP-3F from Russia

Malaysia will build their own LCS

Kuala Lumpur, KLS: Malaysian government announced recently that six Littoral Combatant Ships (LCS) are starting to be built in 2011.

When Ministry of Defence answering parliamentary question raised by Senator Tunku Abdul Aziz in July, it said the second batch of Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) project is listed under Tenth Malaysian Plan.

“MINDEF plans to build another six ships at Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS) while the building period will extend to Eleventh Malaysian Plan. New naval ship will have three dimension war fighting capability.”

Apparently, this announcement has confirmed BNS will remain as the main constructor for the remaining OPV project.

The first batch of OPV was called New Generation Patrol Vessel while the second batch renamed as Littoral Combatant Ship. The construction of first batch will be completed in this year and the last ship will be delivered in August 2010.

Shipyards from Germany and Turkey have submitted their solutions to MINDEF and the Royal Malaysian Navy for review during LIMA 2009. However, there is no final decision being made yet.

Apart from that, MINDEF said according to 1995’s MOU signed between PSC-ND (now renamed as BNS) and government, the former was assigned to build 27 OPVs for the Navy.

“The 27 OPVs was formulated basing on the factors of to replace those patrol crafts which were handed over to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and Fast Attack Crafts will reach 45 years old during 2015,”said MINDEF in parliamentarian answer.

MINDEF said the 27 OPVs plan is still relevant for the time being, but the construction will take into account the government’s financial capability via and five years term Malaysian Plan.

src:http://www.klsreview.com/HTML/2010Jul_Dec/20100826_01.html

TLDM conduct integrated maritime drill

To bost its war capability, malaysian navy (TLDM) conduct integrated maritim drill in south china sea and semarang peninjau. During this drill malaysia include their very new submarine, TD Abdul Rahman. Likely this exercise its to test TLDM readiness in south china sea as china navy also show its interest in this disputed area. Even TLDM is relative small navy (if we compared with china navy, very-very strong navy if we compare with indonesia, philipine, vietname), but its equipped with the latest technology on sea war.

In naval exercise before (taming sari exercise), KD Abdul rahman succefull conduct test firing. Exocet missile (tipe38) hit intended target in range about 40 km, KD Abdul rahman fire its missile while submerged.

Indonesia will realize their submarine procurrement

After several delays, finally going to Indonesia soonrealize the procurement of new submarines. Issues purchase submarines actually has emerged around the year 2005 when President Megawati,where at this time the submarine will be bought is from kilo class. But along with the development and conduct ToT for submarine procurement, in addition kilo class choices also appear purchase discourse of class submarines U-214. Only from the military tends to vote kilo class or armur class because the capability of these class to conduct attacks projection ashore.

Indonesia launching their first missile patrol boat (PKR)

August 17, 2010, Jakarta - Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro me

launching the construction of warships combat type missile Destroyer Watchtower (PKR)

which is a combat warship tpertama and the largest to be made

in Indonesia, Monday (16 / 8) at the Defense Ministry offices in Jakarta.

Making PKR warships will be done by PT. PAL as

domestic defense industry cooperation with other countries, as

winner of the tender.

PKR is Launching a war ship building with the theme "Child Dedication

Nation To Bumi Persada Indonesia "is, marked by the opening

Mock Up symbolically sheath combat warships PKR by the Minister of Defence.

Attending the ceremony were the Commander of TNI Djoko Santoso, TNI Laksama Kasal

Agus Suhartono, Lieutenant General Sjafri Sjamsoeddin deputy defense minister, secretary general Kemhan

TNI Mardya Haryyanto Eris, S. IP, M.A. and Managing Director of PT. PAL Harsusanto and

some officials in the ranks Kemhan, TNI and Mabesal.

In addition, officials also attended by representatives from the Ministry of Industry,

Ministry of Research and Technology, Ministry of Enterprise, Bappenas and the House Commission I members

RI as well as representatives from Damen in Indonesia.

Defence in his speech said, after a journey that

long enough, eventually launching Kemhan able to ship building

PKR war which is the largest combat warships and the first

will be built in Indonesia, namely PT. PAL.

According to Minister of Defense, launched the construction of warships is extremely PKR

important, considering this is one of the priorities in line with

development in the government of Indonesia to the second Cabinet of building

defense industry in the city. The significance of the construction industry

is the best defense in the country and as far as possible in order

Military defense equipment be built in the country.

"Launching this PKR warship construction becomes very moment

important, because after the Indonesian monetary crisis in

1998, then we try to rebuild the defense industry

in the country, "added Minister of Defence.

Defense says, the construction of warships would be the point of this PKR

initial rise of the domestic defense industry, particularly ship industry

war, and further expected to continue to build ships

This kind of next to Indonesia in the future will have

a strong navy.

Defense further explained, in addition used for the task - the task

fighters, warships PKR is also required to provide a deterrent

effect or effects of fear against anyone who would try to interfere with

Homeland sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Minister of Defense added that warships of this PKR can also be used in peace

keeping mission or peacekeeping missions. In a peace mission,

Indonesia has not only sent troops from the Army, but has also

sending naval warships in a mission in Lebanon.

At that time, with a Sigma Class was quite successful and is recognized by

NATO warships the Navy that meets the standards of ship - ship

NATO war. With the presence of PKR warships, according to Defense

Indonesia is expected to be placed on more class

high and honorable in the world in the International arena.

In addition, with the construction of warships that will be created PKR PT. PAL,

also proves that the government in this regard and Armed Kemhan

committed in realizing the welfare pro-defense policy.

Through the development of CRF in PT.PAL warship, the defense industry

and other domestic support will grow that will ultimately

encourage the growth of national economy through employment.

Defense says, although in the first PKR warship construction

There are still some deficiencies that must be continually enhanced, but this

This represents a major step of the journey for the defense industry

domestically. "While elsewhere the construction of warships PKR

This is already done, but this proves that some time

Indonesia will be able to perform and maintain a strong and deep-sea

Homeland sovereignty and territorial integrity, "added Minister of Defence.

Ending his speech, Defense Minister expressed his pride and gratitude

to all parties, both the Armed Forces Commander, Kasal and a team led by

Kemhan secretary general who had worked hard for many - years in

preparing and realizing the construction of warships PKR. Coincide

Independence anniversary to the 65th, this is a form of sacrifice

of the children of the nation in the defense sector, all levels of Kemhan and TNI.

Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Army Eris Kemhan Mardya Haryyanto, S. IP, MA time

read the narrative construction of warships PKR says, in

realize the noble ideals and a dedication to the nation of Indonesia,

Kemhan with all stake holders are determined to realize the construction of ships

war fighter type PKR is the largest to be built in industry

domestic defense. It is also as an appreciation of the industry

defense in order to meet the needs Alutsista contribute.

Kemhan Secretary-General further explained that the design of this ship has PKR

consider the fulfillment of operational requirements including

development of the strategic environment, military and construction concepts tridimensional

Alutsista independence programs through transfer of Knolage (Tok) and

Transfer of Technology (TOT).

Meanwhile in a predetermined design criteria include

able to be operated until the outer limit of the exclusive economic zone,

have the fire power and is able to generate reliable penangkalan impact,

have the latest technology and integrated Senkomlek and can diup-

grade in accordance with technological developments and able to perform the task -

SAR duties.

Kemhan secretary general added that the target is expected to be achieved

PT. PAL as a strategic industry self-defense may be able to

designing and producing ships of PKR, frigate and ships on the water

other.

Kemhan secretary general said the construction of this ship is devoted PKR

children of the nation to Bumi Persada Indonesia in welcoming Birthdays

Years to 65 Years Independence in 2010 that are expected to increase

bargaining power and competitiveness of the Indonesian nation.

PKR warship building process

PKR warship development was preceded by a submission of one

fruit types of PKR by a warship to the Navy and subsequently Kemhan

processed through the existing mechanisms in procurement Alutsista TNI.

Making these warships carried out by PT. PAL as an industry

defense in the country who will cooperate with other countries, as

the winning bidder as part of technology transfer. Based on

PT calculations. PAL is based in Surabaya for shipbuilding

PKR is the first war that takes about four years.

Previously Kemhan has also established the Dutch state of three countries

Other European proposals to co-workers, namely the Netherlands, Italy

and Russia. In the assessment of warship construction program PKR

conditions, the Kemhan and the Navy have been require to winners

tender, in terms of development of the first warships carried PKR

fully in PT. PAL by maximizing local content (the portion PT.PAL). Right

design patents from PKR warships armed with various

missile types into common property Kemhan and winner of the tender.

In addition, Kemhan and PT. PAL has the right to sell the same boat

ASEAN countries and Asia, and if the winner of the tender vessel builder

PKR war to sell the same boat, PT. PAL has the right to download the supply

engine room and accommodation section section in the framework of 'co-

production '.

Some other things that support the war shipbuilding program PKR

, ie type PKR warship warship built at the division,

where management & project organization including engineering,

procurement, construction and finance are managed separately from

PT.PAL corporate events.

PKR warship building process was also based on the existence of a

full commitment from management, employees of PT. PAL and its stake

holder. Besides, it needs also an investment commitment

clear from the partners to increase capacity and production facilities

battleship division.

A special selection of every human resources as executors

terlibatpun in warship building project is also PKR

must match the required competence.

Specifications warships PKR

PKR types of warships that will be created in Indonesia by PT. PAL

designed can be used in several missions such operations

electronic warfare, anti-air warfare, anti-ship warfare

submarines, surface warfare and anti-ship gunfire support ship. In

Moreover PKR warship is equipped with a SAM missile, SSM

and anti-submarine missiles.

Specifications of PKR warships, among others have long

Overall ± 105 meters, width of ± 14 meters, a depth of ± 8.8 meters,

speed (max / cruiser / econ) ± kn 30/18/14 with engine power

main ± 4 x 9240 hp.

The ships are equipped with radar equipment to detect

submarines and aircraft, including armament equipment

76 caliber cannon up to 100 mm and caliber 20 to 30 mm, launcher

to-air missile and torpedo weapons and other support equipment.

This ship is also equipped with a helipad facility in the ship deck.

src: dmc

Singapore Navy In RIMPAC Naval Exercise In Hawaii

SINGAPORE, July 14 (Bernama) -- The Republic of Singapore Navy and maritime forces from 13 other countries including Malaysia are taking part in the multilateral Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) naval exercise in Hawaii.

The Singapore navy sent its Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme to the naval exercise comprising a shore planning phase as well as a 24-day sea phase conducted off the coast of Hawaii.

Hosted by the United States Navy, the exercise which will end on Aug 1, involves more than 30 ships, five submarines, 150 aircraft and 20,000 personnel from the 14 countries.

The other maritime forces are from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, South Korea, Thailand and the United States.

The Singapore Defence Ministry said its frigate took part in maritime operations such as combined anti-submarine and air defence missions, and successfully carried out a surface-to-air missile live-firing today.

This is the second time the Singapore navy is involved in the exercise, following its inaugural participation in July 2008.

-- BERNAMA

India Navy on aggressive acquisition; plans to have fighter planes

Topics: Indian Navy

NEW DELHI: Indian Navy plans to take up aggressive acquisition programmes in aviation including induction of fighter planes and multi-role helicopters for its fleet, its Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma has said. "We are acquiring our ships, aircraft and submarines in accordance with the Navy's current Maritime Capability Perspective Plan. There are presently 40 ships and submarines on order," Verma said. He said in addition, Navy has aggressive acquisition programmes in aviation including induction of Mig 29K, the acquisition of Boeing P8I MPA aircraft, additional Kamov 31 helicopters and new multi-role helicopters. "We would also by then have our indigenous strategic submarine force fully operationalised," the Chief of Naval Staff said in an interview to recently published 'Manas Defence Year Book'. "The linking of all our platforms through ongoing efforts in data linking will realise the creation of a truly network centric force that is tomorrow ready. In sum by 2020, I see a modern and powerful Navy with a large indigenous component, manned by a highly tech-savvy manpower ready to meet the transformational changes," Verma said. To a question on expanding reach of Chinese Navy in Indian Ocean, he said the force views it with respect and not in confrontational terms. "We appreciate that the economy of China, like that of India, is highly growth-oriented and, consequently, highly dependent upon energy. Thus, to sustain her economic growth, China -- like India -- must rely increasingly upon external sources of energy and raw materials. "The principal sources of supply for both countries, lie either in the Indian Ocean, or (they) must travel across the Indian Ocean... Indian Navy views the PLA (People's Liberation Army) Navy with respect and does not see it in confrontational terms," he said. Verma said as for the expanding reach of the PLA Navy impacting India's security, "we must remember every nation has the right to establish friendly and beneficial relations with others, in accordance with its own national interests. "We have confidence in our own national and maritime capabilities not to feel threatened by any country's legitimate relations with another," he said adding that the Navy is constantly working at capability enhancement and capacity building in pursuance of the country's strategic requirements and doctrinal necessities. (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/)