Thai Army Receives M-198 Howitzer Worth of 850 Million...!!!!

                              M198 field howitzer for Royal Thai Army (photo : loveyouct)

      Royal Thai Army adds M198 artillery with enhanced capabilities, valued of 850 million. 

On Nov 21, the Army report said that U.S. Army Ordnance center has a 54 M198 field howitzer. Thailand purchases M198 approximately 850 million, credit line to the ship from the United States and arrive at Laem Chabang, Chonburi, Thailand on October 19. From the conveyor, which is stored inside the shed ports on Nov 20. M198 to be transported to artillery units in the Army at Prachin Buri, Kanchanaburi and Chonburi on 23 Nov for inspection.

                                          M198 towed howitzer (image : theblueprints)

The M-198 was purchased to replace field artillery M-114 A1 size 155 mm used since 1960. In 2009 the Army Ordnance and Senior High Officers of the army of Thailand to the United States to buy guns M 198 which stored and not being used. The  procurement system use Foreign Military Sale (FMS).

 

 

However, Thailand's army to buy 155 mm M198 howitzer with good quality and the U.S. Army Ordnance to make improvements in the quality. Where the limit is about 16-17 million per one barrel cannon.

 

Correspondent reported M-198 medium artillery howitzer produced by the United States, width 155 mm, length of barrel 39 caliber revolver Excalibur Length 12.34 meters in the cylinder and barrel heavy gun and secondary gun weighs 7,030 kg car barreled 40 screw clockwise spiral in the first round of the 20 Excalibur. The rate of fire 2-4 shots/min and maximum range is 30,000 yards with the bullet feeder. Size 155 mm ammunition packed separately.

                                       M198, a 155mm howitzer (photo : genuardis)

 

The tactical use of artillery medium artillery projectile M 198 is a separate body curved rail gun shots fired by pulling the trigger of the. The end of the screw threading grooving machine is reflected back with Hydro Pneumatic Installation (liquid with gas) fired by aiming straight and Indirect mobile towing a car carrying five tons in the United States. The M198 artillery forces also were sent on a mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) or NATO brigade and light weapons in many countries. The M198 can be transported by air, artillery and battalions.

 

 

The tactical use of medium artillery projectile M 198 is a separate body curved rail gun shots fired by pulling the trigger. The end of the screw threading grooving machine is reflected back with hydro pneumatic installation (liquid with gas) fired by aiming straight and indirect mobile towing a car carrying five tons. In the United States, the M198 artillery forces also were sent on a mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO brigade and light weapons in many countries. The M198 can be transported by air, artillery and battalions.

(ThaiRath)

Distinguish Molniya and Tarantul : Guided Missile Corvettes of Vietnam Navy...!!!

Tarantul guided missile corvettes could equiped with 2x2 SSM P-15 Termit range 80km or P-270 Moskit range 120km (all photos : militaryphotos, ttvnol)

The Molniya and Tarantul belong Project 1241 (NATO List collectively Tarantul) under high-speed missile boats, are designed for combat duty in the shallow coastal waters, high speed, firepower are the advantages of this type of rocket ships.

 

Project 1241 was initiated at the end of the Soviet Union in 1970, to replace the high-speed missile boats obsolete Osa.

 

In 1978, the first project was completed and transferred to the Soviet Navy evaluation.

 

This variant is equipped with 4 anti-ship missile P-15 Termit range of 40km, 1 gunboat AK-176 76.2 mm at the front and two fast firing AK-630 cannon in the back.

The identified variants of Project 1241 is quite complex. Russia, every time with small improvements to be set for a different identifier while the external appearance does not change much. This is the reason why many people difficult to distinguish Molniya and Tarantul.

Other variants were developed of Project 1241 include 1241.1M/MR (NATO identification is Tarantul III) equipped with search radar target Monolith, this radar targets 120km search range in active mode, up to 500 km with a passive mode.

 

New variant to replace the P-15 missile with supersonic anti-ship missiles P-270 Moskit, 120km range, replace engine CODOG (combined diesel gas turbine) by engine CODAG (combined diesel gas)

Project 1241 RE is the export variant of Project 1241, (NATO identifier is Tarantul-II), with different variations for the Soviet Navy is removing search radar target Monolith installed above command chamber, instead search radar target Garpun-Bal (NATO identification Plank Shave) at the top of the mast.

 

 

Radar radar installation location Monolith is replaced with fire-control radar MR-123 Vympel for gunboat AK-176 and rapid firing AK-630 guns.

 

 

On Project 1241 RE weapons equipped with 4 anti-ship missiles P-15 Termit less than capacity layout structure clusters the similar anti-ship missile launcher as the Russian, 1 gunboat AK-176 76.2 mm, 2 artillery Quick shot AK-630, low-to-air missiles, Igla.

In the photo, Project 1241.8 Molniya export to India, gunboat AK-176 front replaced by OTO 76mm SRGM French.

Vietnam People's Navy ordered ships since 1999, four vessels were delivered in the early 2000s. Currently, Vietnam will close the vessel with the help of technology transfer from Russia. At least 6 units cruise missiles Tarantul are served in the Vietnam People's Navy personnel.

 

 

Russian Molniya is the name for this variation, it is also called the Lightning. This variant is also known as Project 1241.1 Molniya, 1241.1/1241.8 actually the same project, the reason which had a different name due to be exported to various countries.

 

 

Project 1241.1 is a variant for the Russian Navy only has one aircraft were put into use.

Project 1241.8 is reserved for export variants. In particular, variations export for gunboat India AK-176 is replaced by the gunboats OTO 76mm SRGM French, search radar targets are placed in the dome above the top of the mast. Vietnamese also Project 1241.8 exports to the use of fully electronic and weapons systems from Russia.

Molniya guided missile corvettes with 4x4 SSM Uran E range 130km (all photos : giaoduc, ttvnol)

 

Between Molniya and Tarantul there are many differences easy to see with the naked eye, the superstructure the Molniya is divided into 3 levels, 3 different types of radar installation.

 

First, the upper chamber commander installed fire-control radar for anti-ship missile Garpun-Bal-E (in Project 1241 RE Tarantul, radar is located on the top of the mast), followed by the fire control radar MR-123 Vympel for gunboat AK-176 and rapid firing AK-630 guns, on top of the mast to install the target search radar MR 352 positiv-E (note ship missiles Project 1241 RE Tarantul not have this type of radar ).

Masts of Project 1241 RE Tarantul circle at an angle to the rear also mast vertical box Molniya and lower, 2 the sad column installed 2 electronic warfare systems.

 

Weapons of Molniya more powerful than Tarantul, Molniya fitted to 16 subsonic anti-ship missile Kh-35 Uran-E (NATO name SS-N-25 Switchblade range of 130 km, is arranged into four launched two sides clusters with 4 missiles each cluster.

Project 1241.8 Molniya gunboat equipped with AK-176M 76.2 mm, two rapid fire guns AK-630M, low-to-air missiles, Igla-1M, (with Russian weapons, M is used for the variation undergoing modernization).

 

 

Power source system of the two ships are the same are used engine CODOG (combined diesel gas turbines). The amount of water stretching of Molniya little more than a little than Tarantul due carry more missiles (550 tonnes compared with 490 tonnes).

Overall, the combat capability of the Molniya higher than with Tarantul. Vietnam People's Navy is 2 Molniya missile boat on the payroll, in addition to the 10 aircraft being built under contract for the transfer of technology from Russia in Vietnam.

 

 

For Vietnam called Tarantul only for RE Project 1241, also with the Russian Project 1241.8 own set identifier is Molniya, the use of the name for each variant is very important to help readers recognize the This difference between the two types of warships.

(BaoDatViet)

PT. Lundin (North Sea Boats) Introduces 63m FMPV Trimaran - Stealth Fast Missile Patrol Vessel ...!!!

Export version of the 63 meters FMPV Trimaran (photo : Navy Recognition)

The Fast Missile Patrol Vessel (FMPV) Trimaran was designed by North Sea Boats, an Indonesia based shipyard, with input from New Zealand and Swedish engineers as well as the Indonesian Navy. The vessel employs a modern “Wave Piercing” trimaran design and some "stealth" characteristics.

An export version of the 63 meters FMPV Trimaran is available. North Sea Boats partnered with SAAB for this version, as a consequence most weapons and sub-systems are provided by the Swedish Defence group as shown in the picture below which was displayed on SAAB booth during Indodefence 2012.

FMPV Trimaran in export configuration would come with:

» Saab RBS15 Mk3 anti-ship missiles

» BAE Systems Bofors 40Mk4 40mm main gun

» Saab Sea Giraffe LT radar

» Saab CEROS 200 radar and optronic tracking system

» Saab 9LV Combat management system

“Wave Piercing” trimaran design: This allows the vessel to cut-through waves rather than rise up and over them, and the increased beam provides inherent stability. This combination of features reduces both pitching and rolling, creating a stable weapons platform, and enabling the vessel to comfortably and safely maintain higher average speeds in adverse conditions.

The FMPV has “Stealth” design characteristics, and incorporate features that minimise detection by reducing Radar, Infra-Red, Acoustic and Magnetic signatures. Stealth properties are further improved as there are no reverse-angle bow overhangs to reflect radar signals, as seen on conventional hull forms. Weaponry, including missiles and naval guns, and the ships 11 m high-speed RHIB, are discreetly concealed or shaped to meld into the superstructure profile.

Construction is from strong and highly durable, lightweight composite carbon fibre sandwich, utilising vinylester modified epoxy resin and the vacuum resin infusion process. Thus ensuring improved fuel efficiency, and reduced operational, maintenance, and life cycle costs.

Missions :

» Patrol in international and territorial waters

» Patrol close to shores, in shallow waters

» Deployement of special forces

» Air and surface surveillance

» Intelligence gathering

» Disaster relief

Weapons

» 8x CASIC C-704 anti-ship missiles

» Chinese 6 barrelled gatling type gun

Sensors, Electronics

Electronic, CMS, Navigation Systems: Unknown type, Chinese origin

Communication Systems: Unknown type, Chinese origin

Engines/Propulsion/PowerEngine: 4x 1800 hp

Propulsion : MJP Waterjets

Specifications

Type : Fast Missile Patrol Vessel

Crew : 23 (+ 7 Special Forces)

Operators : Indonesian navy

Speeds:  sprint 30+ kts,  cruising : 22 kts

Range : 2000+ nm @ 16 kts

Endurance : n/a

Designer / Builder : PT. Lundin (North Sea Boats)

Displacement : n/a

Propulsion: MJP Waterjets

Dimensions

Length : 63 m

Beam : 16 m

Maximum Draft : 1.20 m

(NavyRecognition)

BRP Ramon Alcaraz Being Prepared for Voyage...!!!

BRP Ramon Alcaraz PF-16 (photo : Balitang)

PH Navy Ship Being Prepared for Voyage

CHARLESTON, South Carolina – BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the second Hamilton-Class Cutter acquired by the Philippines from the US, is being prepared for its voyage to the Philippines by early 2013. The ship, formerly called the USCGC Dallas, was a Coast Guard high endurance cutter commissioned in 1967 in New Orleans and was decommissioned in March 2012.

Named after war hero Commodore Ramon Alcaraz--a distinguished Philippine Navy Officer during the Second World War who was awarded the Silver Star for shooting down 3 Japanese planes off Bataan in 1942--the ship was formally transferred to the Philippine government, under its first Filipino Commanding Officer Ernesto Baldovin, on May 22.

Baldovino and 85 Filipino Navy officers and crew will be part of the sailing crew in its tentative journey to the Philippines by spring next year. The ship’s 14 officers and enlisted men and women are also undergoing training under the US Coast Guard.

The ship was reportedly purchased to conducting patrols for extended periods of time as it can withstand heavy weather and rough water conditions. BRP Alcaraz is currently docked at a naval facility center in Charleston, South Carolina while it undergoes general overhaul and further installation of navigational, electronics and weapons equipment.

(ABS-CBNNews)

Britain Offers Malaysia RM10bil Arms Package...!!!!

The proposed package includes new Hawk jet trainers, advanced frigates, howitzers and future soldier systems for the army, and 18 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets for the RMAF (photo : fast air)

PETALING JAYA : The British government has offered Malaysia an arms package which can be worth more than RM10 billion if all options are exercised.

The proposed package includes new Hawk jet trainers, advanced frigates, howitzers and future soldier systems for the army, industry sources told theSun. Separately, the British government is also backing the offer by BAE Systems to sell 18 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets for the Royal Malaysian Air Force's multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) requirement.The sources said they do not expect any deal to be signed soon as the offer needs to be studied in detail.

In 1988, the British government under the then prime minister Margaret Thatcher presented a similar package to Malaysia, resulting in the procurement of Hawk trainers and frigates worth some RM4.9 billion in 1992.

According to sources, the current offer has been made as Britain seeks to boost its defence exports amid severe cutbacks in military spending by the United States and Europe. Furthermore, without a government-to-government deal, British companies are facing difficulties when promoting their arms to Malaysia, the sources said. For example, due to a company-mandated anti-bribery policy, BAE Systems is not working with any local agent to market the Typhoon.

"They faced a severe handicap as their competitors, such as the French Rafale and Swedish Gripen, are being promoted by their local agents. BAE Systems has to rely on its own company officials," one source told theSun.

The source said it is therefore imperative for the British government to step in to back the Typhoon deal although separate from the arms package. BAE Systems, one of the world's biggest defence companies, also manufactured the Hawk trainers, howitzers and frigates.

"If the Malaysian government accepts the arms package, BAE Systems will be the main beneficiary of the deal," the source added.

On Oct 29, BAE Systems chief executive Ian King and a delegation were in Malaysia to discuss the company's bid for the MRCA programme. The highlight of the visit was a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak in Putrajaya. Apart from Najib, King and the delegation also met Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

Industry sources told theSun King was told the government would use the normal procurement process. King's visit came a month after theSun reported on Sept 24 that Swedish defence and aerospace company, SAAB, had offered a lease-buy option for its Gripen fighter jet for the MRCA programme.

(The SunDaily)

CIO to Bid the ADF Land 400 Program...!!!

Iveco - oto Melara consortium (CIO) has announced its intention to offer its extensive range of proven armoured vehicles for the Land 400 program.

LAND 400 – Land Combat Vehicle System (LCVS) is the Army’s largest, most expensive and most complex major capability equipment project to date. The project aims to deliver the mounted close combat capability to the Land Force from 2025. (photo : Militaryphotos)

Of particular relevance to the program will be the very successful 8x8 range of wheeled vehicles known as the Centauro family, all equipped with the same mobility, ballistic protection features anda wide range of turrets and each having a specific technology and state-of-the-art performance.

 

The “father” of the family is the Centauro 105/120 MGS, ostensibly a tank on wheels. The Centauro armoured vehicle has been taken as a benchmark by all major Western armies when issuing their operational specifications for the manufacturing of armoured vehicles and it has immediately become an international success. The vehicles have served with great success in Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Lebanon.

 

The most recent vehicle of the Centauro family is a troop transport and fighting vehicle, called VbM Freccia, Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV). The Italian Army confirmed an order for a further batch of 62 during Eurosatory Exhibition this year - a total of 223 vehicles. A second medium brigade formed with an additional 250 VBM Freccia vehicles is foreseen in the next few years.

 

The Italian Army Freccia AIFV is fitted with a two-person turret armed with 25 mm or 30 mm dual feed cannon.

(ADM)

France and Norway Offer Military Equipment to Malaysia...!!!

Malaysia plans to complete the Kedah class corvette with Naval Strike Missile SSM with range 185km from Kongsberg Norway (image : KDA)

France, Norway offer to sell arms

FRANCE and Norway yesterday offered to supply Malaysia with military equipment as a means of enhancing trade relations.

 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said French President Francois Hollande raised the issue of supplying Rafale jet-fighters and combat helicopters for the Royal Malaysian Air Force's multirole combat aircraft programme during their discussion.

 

He said France was also keen to sell more Airbus passenger aircraft to Malaysia.

 

"France sees Malaysia as an important country for economic cooperation," he told Malaysian journalists after one-on-one meetings with the leaders of the two European countries here.

 

Their discussions were held on the sidelines of the Ninth Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) Summit at the National Convention Centre here in Laos.

 

Najib discussed trade issues with Hollande and Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg after holding bilateral talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf earlier in the day.

 

Najib also said following his discussion with Hollande, Air France would start to fly to Kuala Lumpur International Airport in April.

 

As for Norway, Najib said Stoltenberg had highlighted missiles which could be used by the Royal Malaysian Navy ships.

 

He said Norway also wished to provide Malaysia with the latest technology in oil and gas drilling.

 

"The technology is said to be able to double oil extraction rates," he said, adding that Norway had developed sub-sea oil extraction by using robotic technology without the need to build oil platforms.

 

On Asem, Najib said he told the delegates that Asia should learn from the failures and successes of Europe.

 

Earlier, Najib opened the first Maybank branch here before witnessing the signing ceremony of a concession agreement between the Laos government and Malaysian company Giant Consolidated Ltd to build a 220km rail line in Laos.

(New Straits Times)

Russia Ready to Sell Su-34 for Vietnam....????

               Su-34 predicted to replace Su-22 tactical-bomber (photo : fyodor borisov)

(PhunuToday) - Radio Phoenix and Sina.com.cn website of China and Russian newspaper "Periscope 2" say that whenever Sukhoi Su-34 is allowed to export then the order from Vietnam will be accepted immediately.

A report from the website "periscope 2" published on 18.10.2012, the Vietnamese Air Force constant development in recent years with the emergence of a wide range of modern weapons.

 

In addition, this paper also said that the Vietnamese Air Force will be equipped with the bomber Su-34, if Russia allows export of Su-34, the order from Viet Nam will be approved immediately.

            JAS-39 Gripen predicted to replace MiG-21 medium-light fihter (photo : air attack)

With the appearance of the Su-34 that would be a reasonable alternative to replace Su-22 bomber,  this type of bomber was too old for the country's Air Force. Vietnam also plans to replace the MiG-21 fighter aircraft and replaced by the Swedish Aircraft JAS-39 Gripen.

 

Russian media say Vietnam Air Force training very seriously. The military, after 18 months of military service, introduced for the Air Force when they sign up volunteers for the force.

 

Each year, about 3,000 soldiers presented to the Air Force, but only 150 were selected. And finally, only about 1/3 of which is to become military pilots.

 

           Yak-130 predicted to replace L-39 fighter-trainer aircraft (photo : flightglobal)

"Periscope" said the official figures on the number of military personnel serving in the Air Force never be disclosed, and any of a potential rival could not assess the real situation of Vietnamese Air Force.

Vietnam also organize and direct integration of multi-level air defense network can exchange data between non-levels systems.

 

With 80 advanced radar systems can lead to about 3200 units of missile defense, target designation for all air defense forces (referred to as "mobile air defense missile system").

 

Airbus Military EC-295 predicted choosen as airborne early warning aircraft (photo : uk airshow)

Vietnamese Air Force has developed ambitious modernization program, including the deployment of four air regiments equipped with Sukhoi fighter, is preparing to import 45 fighters Su -27 and Su-30, it became the backbone of the power of the Vietnamese armed forces.

 

Vietnam will also to replace L-39 trainer aircraft with Yak-130. Vietnamese government selects Yak-130 and ready for procurement of 12 aircraft in 2015-2025. Vietnamese Air Force may consider to upgrade and modernize the training aircraft L-39 to ALCA L-159.

 

 

In addition, to enhance the strength, the Vietnamese Air Force need to further strengthen the effectiveness, and captures the advantages of network electronic warfare, the Vietnamese Air Force also consider buying at least two early warning aircraft, reported that CASA EC-295 would be the most likely choice.

(PhunuToday)

DND Deal for Italian Warships Nearing Completion...!!!

Two warships would be acquired from the Italian Navy at a cost of about P11.7 billion or 282.5 million USD (photo : dmilt)

MANILA, Philippines - Negotiation for the acquisition of two warships from Italy may be completed within the year.

 

In an interview, Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo told The STAR the Navy is expected to come up with a decision package, a document needed to make the ships ready for operation.

 

“I would like to say that it (negotiation) is in its advanced stage,” he said.

 

“When we receive a decision package, we will submit to the (defense) secretary the acquisition decision memorandum (ADM) and then submit the proposal to the president for approval,” he said.

 

“We are just waiting for the decision package from the Navy.”

 

Manalo said a decision package includes the terms of reference for the refurbishment of the ships, the needed training for personnel that will man the vessels, munitions and other things needed to make them operational.

 

“The ADM would start the procurement and would signal the implementation of the project,” he added.

 

Manalo said negotiations may be completed within the year and the warships may arrive in the Philippines within the term of President Aquino if the project pushes through.

 

“G to G (government to government) negotiations are fast,” he said.

 

 

“Even with little delay in implementation, we can still hit that before the end of 2012.”

 

Last August, the Department of National Defense bared plans to acquire two missile-firing warships from Italy to enhance the country’s maritime security capability.

 

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the two warships would be acquired from the Italian Navy at a cost of about P11.7 billion.

 

The two warships have anti-aircraft, anti-ship and anti-submarine capabilities, and missile systems and modern radars, he added.

 

The Maestrale-class ships were commissioned in 1982 and are more capable than any of the vessels in the Navy’s inventory.

 

The frigates may be delivered to the Philippines in November 2013 if the government manages to sign a contract by January.

 

If the acquisition pushes through, the Italian warships could beef up the country’s defense posture in the West Philippine Sea.

 

The ships are also expected to strengthen the military’s anti-terror drive and the enforcement of maritime laws.

In an earlier interview, Manalo said Italy has expressed readiness to include the weapon systems and other vital accessories of the ships.

 

Last year, the Philippines acquired its first Hamilton-class cutter BRP Gregorio del Pilar from the US Coast Guard to boost its territorial defense capabilities.

 

 

Another warship acquired from the US – the BRP Ramon Alcaraz – is expected to arrive by February.

 

The DND initially intended to acquire a third warship from the US, but has put the plan on hold to focus on equipping the Gregorio del Pilar and Ramon Alcaraz.

(PhilStar)

RMAF to Start Using Eurocopter's Simulator from 2013..!!!

                               EC-225/725 ful-flight simulator (photo : Malaysian Defence)

Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) helicopter pilots are set to start operating Eurocopter Malaysia's (ECM) newly developed EC225/EC725 full-flight simulator (FFS) from early 2013.

 

The simulator has successfully completed certification tests by the European Aviation Safety Agency and Malaysia's Department of Civil Aviation, and is currently being assembled at the new Eurocopter Malaysia Simulation Centre (EMSC), located at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Selangor.

 

The FFS training is designed to enhance helicopter safety by improving and maintaining the skill level of pilots and crew, while reducing customers' training costs, according to a statement by the company.

 

Eurocopter Malaysia president/chief executive officer Pierre Rossignol told Bernama News Agency that the country will serve as an ideal destination for the FFS establishment in Asia, in wake of impending deliveries of the RMAF's EC725 helicopters fleet.

 

"The simulator in Malaysia will be Eurocopter's 20th in the world and reflects the company's strong commitment to develop its support and services in Asia," Rossignol added.

 

The simulator is scheduled to provide operator training to both RMAF's and civilian pilots in the Asia Pacific.

 

A total of 12 EC725 Super Cougar helicopters were ordered by the RMAF in 2010 to help replace its Sikorsky-built S-61A-4 Nuri helicopter fleet, which is used for conducting search and rescue operations.

The first helicopter is expected to be handed over in December 2012, while the remaining deliveries are scheduled to complete by January 2014.

 

A derivative of Eurocopter's AS 532 Cougar, the EC725 is a long-range tactical transport helicopter designed for troop transport, casualty evacuation, combat search and rescue, maritime surveillance, humanitarian support, medical evacuation and shipborne missions.

(AirforceTechnology)

Brunei and Singapore Begin Joint Air Defence Drill in Exercise Air Guard...!!!

                     The exercise will ended with a simulated air attack  (photo : Brunei MoD)

Exercise Air Guard in full swing at Rimba Air Force Base

THE Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) began its annual bilateral exercise, codenamed 'Exercise Air Guard', at the Rimba Air Force Base yesterday.

Officiated by the Commanding Officer of the RBAirF Air Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel (U) Abd Rahman Hj Durahman, the opening ceremony commenced with a parade performed by the exercise participants and ended with a simulated air attack.

Exercise Air Guard will take place between members of the RBAirF Air Regiment and the RSAF 18th Defence Artillery Battalion (18 DA BN) until November 14.

Singapore's contingent comprise of 28 members from the 18 DA BN and headed by Major Tan Ban Huat. The participating members consist of officers, specialists and Air Defence operators, who arrived in Brunei on October 31.

Over the two-week long exercise, the air forces will partake in air defence theory, practical lessons, leadership as well as sports activities and a three-day field trip.

Among the aims of Exercise Air Guard is to strengthen defence relations between the participating air forces as well as provide realistic air defence training for Ground Based Air Defence (BGAD) operators.

This year marks the 18th Exercise Air Guard that has been conducted, whereby the previous exercise was held in Singapore on November 2011.

Since its inauguration in 1994, Exercise Air Guard has expanded its scope with the introduction of the Mistral Air Defence System and has been conducted between Brunei and Singapore on an annual basis, with the two air forces alternating as hosts.

(Brunei Times)