Thailand will Increase Defense Spending in Fiscal Year 2013..!!

                                Stingray Light Tank of the Royal Thai Army (photo : Aekz-53)

TSAMTO - Thailand plans to increase defense spending in FY 2013 7% - up to 180.8 billion baht (5.7 billion dollars). According to the budget committee of the government, the military budget in 2013 fiscal year 7.5% of total government spending, or about 1.45% of GDP.

According to "Jane's Defence Industry" in 2013 fiscal year that begins in October 2012, the needs of the Army will be sent to the country about half of the allocation for defense appropriations. Army will be 88.8 billion baht, Navy and Air Force - 35.2 and 33.9 billion baht, respectively.

The remaining 13 billion baht will be allocated between the Royal Guard, the Ministry of Defense and the Institute of Defence Technologies (DTi).

Funding DTi, established in 2008 to grow the most - by 35% (up to 1.2 billion baht). This step is carried out under the leadership of Thailand's efforts to increase the capacity of the national defense industry and research in the field of defense. In defense research organizations in Thailand have been some successes. In particular, in 2011 produced a prototype of the DTi MRL based on 302-mm setting WS-1 produced in China (Institute acquired the project and related technologies in China in 2009).

According to experts of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), resulting in devastating floods that occurred in 2011, the loss of the country amounted to nearly 50 billion dollars, bringing the country's GDP in 2011 will increase by only 0.1%.

At the same time, according to April's review of "World Economic Outlook," IMF experts believe that the Thai economy is the fastest growing in the region of Southeast Asia over the next two years. According to the forecast, Thailand's GDP will grow by 5.5% in 2012 and 7.5% in 2013.

(ArmsTrade)

Vietnam to Buy Amur Diesel Submarines from Russia ?

                                             Amur diesel submarines (photo : Rubin) 

Russia began to Vietnam to offer an upgraded version of the Kilo class submarines - Amur, this submarine is well suited for patrolling and fighting in the East Vietnam Sea.

According to analysts, if Vietnam could buy a fleet of Amur submarines, submarine forces of Vietnam will truly become a powerful force in the region.

Amur class submarines can also be equipped with missiles launched from submarines to attack ground targets, so it can fully protect all targets on the coast and the islands of the East Vietnam Sea South. Vietnam Navy can be a powerful force in the water in the South China Sea.

According to the Shanghai newspaper said Deputy Director of Military Technology Cooperation Russian design bureau that Ruby started looking for the export market for Amur diesel-electric submarines of the Russian. Being version submarine's inland with a number of submarines Lada in Russian Navy, the formation of the a force new combat underwater.

Deputy director of defense export company Rosoboronexport said Victor Komar said that Russia is committed to strengthening military cooperation and technology with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in some Southeast Asian countries, Russia is considered the greatest potential for arms export market.

With Amur - 1650 Vietnam will help protect the most perfect national sovereignty of islands.

Victor Komar said that the 'partner in Southeast Asia, most importantly, Vietnam, Russia Vietnam is considered one of the most important consumers of defense. Vietnam has ordered six submarines from Russia's Design Bureau 'Ruby' development, submarine factory is located in St Petersburg, is expected to begin transfer operations in 2014.

There Amur submarines, Vietnam will be deployed in the South China Sea, a very intimidating force under water.

However, Vietnam can not simply take six Kilo class submarines. Mr. Komar said: 'Vietnam Navy they needed a fighting strength of higher than submarine Kilo urgent and must be set up in six or seven years, they can not just rely on the Kilo submarines. According to analysts, if Vietnam could buy a fleet of Amur submarines, submarine forces of Vietnam will truly become a powerful force in the region '.

The Russian defense export company is actively working contacts with Vietnam. To end this agreement, the company said that Russia will play the Amur submarines, while Vietnam's shipbuilding enterprises involved in the project can produce submarines.

Russia not only design but also give joint cooperation in the production process and provide training for Vietnam and some submarine building technology advanced.

(VietnamToday)

South Korea Develops Vertical Launch for Submarine

After 2018 South Korea plans to build 3,000-ton heavy attack submarines equipped with vertical launching systems that allow a variety of weapons, including long-range cruise missiles, to be deployed. (image : DSME)

Vertical launching system for attack subs developed

Korea has developed a vertical launching system (VLS) to be installed on 3,000-ton heavy attack submarines to be deployed after 2018, according to a shipbuilding industry source, Monday.

Hyundai Heavy Industries and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering are subcontractors for the heavy attack submarines.

It is the first time that the development of a submarine VLS in Korea has been confirmed. The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) has already developed one used aboard the 7,600-ton KDX-III Aegis destroyer.

A VLS is a modern type of missile-firing system used aboard submarines and surface vessels of several navies around the world. When installed on an attack submarine, a VLS allows a greater number and variety of weapons to be deployed in comparison to using only torpedo tubes.

Following the development of the VLS for subs, top shipbuilders in Korea and the ADD are also on track to develop an indigenous horizontal tube to launch torpedoes, cruise missiles and mines, the source said.

“The development of a vertical launching system has already been completed, while the development of a horizontal launching system is still under way,” the source told The Korea Times, asking not to be identified. “Developing the horizontal launching tube requires more sophisticated technology than the VLS development.

Cheonryong long range cruise missile

”The VLS would be used in launching long-range cruise missiles at key targets in North Korea.

The ADD has developed the 500-kilometer-range, ship-launched Cheonryong, which is a modified variant of the surface-to-surface Hyunmoo III-A ballistic missile. The missile range could be extended up to 1,000 kilometers, according to military sources.

The Cheonryong missiles are believed to have already been modified to be installed on Type-214 subs.

South Korea has successfully developed the Hyunmoo III-C surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a maximum range of 1,500 kilometers, following the deployment of the 1,000-kilometer-range Hyunmoo III-B.

With the VLS development, Korea would have an advantage in selling its submarines overseas in the future, the source added.

Currently, the South operates nine 1,200-ton, Type-209 submarines and three 1,800-ton, Type-214 submarines. They are all diesel- and electric-powered and were all built with technical cooperation from HDW of Germany.

As Germany restricts the transfer of key submarine technology, such as launching tubes, Korea would have difficulty exporting any of those locally-built submarines.

The Navy plans to deploy at least three more Type-214 submarines in the years to come.

Beginning in 2018, Seoul plans to build 3,000-ton KSS-III submarines fitted with domestically-built submarine combat systems aimed at automating target detection, tracking, threat assessment and weapons control.

The heavy attack sub will be armed with indigenous ship-to-ground cruise missiles and be capable of underwater operations for up to 50 days with an upgraded Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system.

South Korea to Gift Corvette to Philippines Navy

                                              Po Hang class corvettes (photo : Chosun)

Po Hang Retires To The Tropics

South Korea is donating one of its recently retired Po Hang class corvettes to the Philippines Navy. The Po Hangs are 1,200 ton warships that first entered service in 1984. Since then 24 have been built. Each is armed with four Harpoon anti-ship missiles, one 76mm cannon; two twin 40mm automatic cannon, six torpedo tubes and twelve depth charges. The crew of 95 also operates radar and sonar. Top speed is 59 kilometers an hour. Two Po Hangs have been retired so far, and one was sunk by a North Korean torpedo last year.

The Philippines is an island nation, with 7,100 islands to defend. Long crippled by corruption and bad government, the Philippines have never had much money to spend on the military (or anything else.) Wealthier nations have found it good diplomacy to donate military equipment to the Philippines. The Filipinos appreciate it; because donated military gear is something the thieving politicians have a hard time stealing.

Will Republic of China Join the South China Sea Fray?

In response to larger number of intrusions by the Vietnamese fisherman, the Republic of China is stepping up its military deployments in the South China Sea islands under their control.   However, the idea of a joint ROC-PRC initiative on the South China Sea is not on the table for now.

Taiwan sets up airborne unit for Spratlys
Agence France-Presse
3:16 pm | Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/35497/taiwan-sets-up-airborne-unit-for-spratlys


TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan’s defence ministry said Wednesday that it has formed a special airborne unit capable of scrambling to the contested Spratly islands in just hours, as tensions in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) mounted.

The unit has been set up under a plan named “airborne fast response and maritime support” which was unveiled for the first time in a report by the ministry to parliament, officials said.

No details of the unit, such as its size, were released to the public, but local media said that if needed, it can arrive on Taiping Island, the biggest in the disputed waters, onboard C-130 transport planes within four hours.

Despite protests from other countries with claims in the area, Taiwan in 2006 built a 1,150-metre (3,795-foot) runway on the fortified island, which is about 860 miles (1,376 kilometres) away from Taiwan.

Also on Wednesday, Taiwan’s coastguards said its troops stationed on Taiping will be armed with mortars with a range of 6,100 metres (20,000 feet), nearly doubling the range of mortars currently in use.

The moves come as an increasing number of Vietnamese fishing boats have been reported by Taiwan authorities to intrude into the restricted waters of Taiping.

The number of intruding Vietnamese boats surged to 106 last year, up from 42 the previous year, according to the coastguards, which added 41 Vietnamese fishing vessels had intruded into the waters in the four months to April.

Tensions in the West Philippine Sea have risen recently, with China and the Philippines locked in a maritime dispute over Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal), a reef off the Philippine coast.

The tensions began when Chinese maritime vessels blocked the Philippine navy from arresting the crews of eight fishing vessels which had entered the area.

Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei, China, Malaysia, and the Philippines claim all or part of the potentially oil-rich Spratlys.

All claimants except Brunei have troops based on the archipelago of more than 100 islets, reefs and atolls, which have a total land mass of less than five square kilometres (two square miles).

Taiwan will not work with China on South China Sea issues: official
2012/05/21 15:32:32

http://focustaiwan.tw/ShowNews/WebNews_Detail.aspx?Type=aALL&ID=201205210010

Taipei, May 21 (CNA) It is impossible that Taiwan will cooperate with China on issues related to the disputed South China Sea region at present, an official told lawmakers Monday.

"We will not cooperate with China on such issues at present," National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai De-sheng said, when asked on the possibility of Taiwan-China collaboration to address disputes in the region, which is seeing growing tensions.

How Taiwan should respond to any flare-up in the South China Sea was the focus at the Legislature's Foreign and National Defense Committee meeting, during which Tsai fielded many questions from lawmakers across party lines.

Recent confrontations in the region include an ongoing standoff between China and the Philippines that erupted on April 10 over the Scarborough Shoal off the coast of the Philippines.

Asked by opposition Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Chen Ming-wen on whether Taiwan would help China in the event of conflict in the region, Tsai dismissed such a possibility.

"It is impossible at the moment," Tsai said, adding that Taiwan has advocated that disputes over islands in the South China Sea should be resolved peacefully.

Tsai added that countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines have also asked Taiwan not to cooperate with China on South China Sea issues.

Tsai also said the bureau is aware of the recent visit by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying to the South China Sea area.

Meanwhile, ruling Kuomintang Legislator Lin Yu-fang said there was a trend of more and more Vietnamese ships entering the restricted waters near Taiwan-controlled Taiping Island recently.

Citing it as a sign of Vietnam's growing aggression amid competing claims in the region, Lin urged the government to establish permanent infrastructure on Ban Than Reef, which is near Taiping, to further defend Taiwan's sovereignty.

In response, Tsai said he backed any measure to safeguard Taiwan's territory.

The bureau has also been closely monitoring situations near Taiping recently by taking more satellite images, he added.

Taiping Island is the largest of the Spratly Islands, which lie about 1,600 kilometers southwest of Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan.

Taiwan also controls Pratas Island, which is located 450 km off Taiwan's southwestern coastline.

The South China Sea region, thought to be rich in oil deposits and marine biodiversity, is claimed either entirely or in part by Brunei, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines.

(By Elaine Hou)
ENDITEM/npw

State of the Art Radar for Sabah

Joint Regional Command Centre (JRCC) of the Ops Pasir. Ops Pasir is a cronim from  Operasi Pandanan And Sipadan Island Resort (photo : military of malaysia)


SANDAKAN: The armed forces will install better defence equipment at the northern sector of its Pasir Operation (Op Pasir) in Sabah soon.


The equipment, including a state-of-the-art radar and communications system, are needed to better safeguard the state's islands and coastal areas which are major tourist spots.

Armed forces chief Gen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said he would also seek more funding from the government to provide better facilities for the soldiers at the operation's frontline.

"The equipment that we have now is adequate for our country's defence.

"However, it would be better to have the latest technologies," he said at Pulau Lankayan here yesterday.

Op Pasir is an operation initiated by the government in September 2000 to safeguard all islands and resorts off the east coast of Sabah, following two kidnappings by Abu Sayyaf militants at Pulau Sipadan and Pulau Pandanan.

Zulkifeli was on a two-day official visit to the armed forces' frontline camps there, which ended yesterday.

Zulkifeli believed that the money spent by the government to deploy military forces for Op Pasir was "worth it" as tourists were now flocking to the area as they felt it was safe.

Zaid said his visit to the camps there (the northern sector), which was being manned by soldiers from the Royal Malay Regiment's 10th Battalion, was also aimed at boosting his men's morale and to find out if they had any problems.

(New Straits Times)

Vietnam has Received Three Su-30MK2

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(VPK-News)

Navy Plan to Buy More Submarines

                RMN currently operates two Scorpene submarine (photo : digital9ziI) 

Kuala Lumpur: Aside from maintaining two Scorpene submarines, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) plans to buy more submarines to boost the national's naval defence capability, said Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar.

He said, however, the plan could not be implemented in the near term due to budget constraints while time was needed to train naval officers on the fundamental skills in submarine operations and gained the experience.

"The skills and experience are needed to ensure that the submarines can be operated safely and effectively," he told Bernama. The navy took delivery of two Scorpene submarines costing RM3.4 billion from France in 2009 and 2010.

Abdul Aziz said he was satisfied with the performance of both submarines after three years in operation to protect national waters from invasion and encroachment.

"I am proud to have received letters of commendation from distinguished guests, who have taken a dive on the submarines, including the Sultan of Terengganu Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng," said Abdul Aziz.

On the 78th Royal Malaysian Navy Day celebration tomorrow, he said the theme 'Innovative Personnel engender Transformation' manifested the navy vision to be a world-class entity through a culture of innovation.

Describing the challenges faced by the navy as "software and hardware", he said: "The first challenge is to retain skilled personnel in the service due to competition, and attractive and lucrative offers awaiting them in the corporate world.

"The second challenge is to maintain the level of preparedness of naval assets, especially involving aging assets as they are getting obsolete, and technological development."

On piracy threats especially in the Straits of Melaka, he said naval boats were intensifying patrols in identified hot spots besides conducting integrated operations jointly with maritime agencies from neighbouring countries.

(New Straits Times)

Sabah Coastline Safe With Presence of 2,800 Navy Personnel

03 Mei 2012

                  Paskal-special forces of Royal Malaysian Navy (photo : Gempurwira)

KOTA KINABALU, (Bernama) -- The presence of 2,800 navy staff from the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) will ensure the safety of the Sabah waters and coastline.

Second Region Navy Commander, Rear Admiral Datuk Pahlawan Mohammad Rosland Omar said based on the strength of the TLDM staff along the waters of Semporna, Sandakan and Tawau has increased the capability of the navy to defend the country from any serious threat.

"Sabah waters is a 'hot area' so we are carrying out operations 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Though we are faced with various predicaments while on duty, we are able to overcome any threats involving illegal immigrants," he said at the TLDM open day at KD Perak here Wednesday.

(Bernama)

Malaysia to Explore Opportunities for Defense Industry Cooperation with Russia

TSAMTO assesses the needs of Malaysian Air Force in modern jet trainer (to replace Hawk) in the amount of 18-24 units. At the same time, according to TSAMTO, purchasing of new jet trainer is unlikely to be realized in the framework of the 10th Malaysia Plan Defense (period 2011-2015), because all procurement programs and their funding for this period has already laid out. Most likely, the purchase can be implemented within the framework of the 11th Malaysia Plan of Defense in the period 2016-2020 (photo : Airliners)

Defense Minister of Malaysia visited Irkutsk Aviation Plant

TSAMTO, As reported earlier, Defense Minister of Malaysia Ahmad Zahid Hamidi visited the Irkutsk Aviation plant - branch of JSC "Corporation" Irkut ".

As the "AviaPort.Ru", quoting a press release "NPK" Irkut ", during the visit of President of" Corporation "Irkut" Alexei Fyodorov presented his guest IAZ main divisions, which produces the Su-30MK and Yak-130 components for concern "Airbus" in the program of international industrial cooperation.

"The purpose of my visit to Irkutsk - personally seen, where a multi-purpose combat aircraft, which is used in Malaysian Air Force. What I have seen here is impressive and amazing. I am absolutely convinced that the future of the aircraft is very bright. We also discuss the possibility of future programs, and Malaysian companies are ready to cooperate in the field of "Irkut" - said Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

In collaboration with the Royal Air Force Malaysia Corporation "Irkut" from 2007 to 2009 posed to this country 18 Su-30MK fighters, known as the Su-30MKM (multi-purpose, commercial, Malaysian). Now discuss the details of yet another contract for the manufacture of multifunctional aircraft.

Irkut's MS-21, baseline model with up to 162 passengers, similar to the Airbus A319, and the Boeing 737-700 (photo : Irkut)

According to Fedorov, "Malaysia for us - not just a customer, for us it is a key partner. We would like to secure a good partnership with the Malaysian aerospace industry."

In addition to the Su-30MKM, the parties discussed cooperation on the project MS-21. It is planned that the first deliveries of these aircraft will begin in Malaysia in 2017.

In addition, the defense minister of Malaysia expressed interest in the project Yak-130 and did not rule out the possibility of cooperation in this area.

Background

                                                 Su-30MKM (photo : Airliners)

The contract to supply 18 Malaysian Air Force Su-30MKM worth about 910 million dollars was signed in 2003. Deliveries of fighters under the contract have been completed in the summer of 2009.

Su-30MKM (multi-purpose, commercial, Malaysian) is based on the Su-30MKI developed for the Indian Air Force. At the same time, this machine has a number of differences, as adapted to the requirements of the Malaysian Air Force. In the final part of the tender of the Su-30MKM competed with the U.S. F/A-18E/F.

As part of the Malaysian contract was carried out a large number of technical discussions with suppliers of foreign equipment on the Su-30MKM, in his pairing on the basis of the experience already gained by the Su-30MKI. Much has been done on the organization of international cooperation.

The contract for the supply of 18 Su-30MKM is unique in complexity and has no analogues in Russian practice. Malaysian party chooses suppliers of imported complete set for the Su-30MKM. Moreover, the contract was structured so that Malaysia provided a supply of these products in finished form on the contract. If other similar contracts usually stipulate a list of equipment and the function ends with the buyer, the buyer is assumed greater authority. This selection, coordination and delivery of spare parts as a pilot and production machines.

The company "Thales" as a subcontractor in December 2003 won a contract worth 120 million euros (147 million dollars) to supply avionics for the Su-30MKM.

The second major subcontractor became a South African company "Avitroniks" which has received an order to produce Malaysian Air Force 18 system warning about the threat to the Su-30MKM. The contract is estimated at 20 million dollars.
The third major subcontractor was Indian corporation HAL, which has put completing a $ 30 million dollars for the Su-30MKM.

In 2011, the Malaysian Air Force flight crews began training on a simulator of the Su-30MKM. The simulator was designed by Malaysian firm HeiTech Padu Bhd in conjunction with the "Sukhoi" and includes two jobs for pilots and their computer system training. The Malaysian government has entered into an agreement with HeiTech to develop and produce a simulator for training pilots of the Su-30MKM in December 2006.

At the opening ceremony of the training center for pilots of Su-30MKM Malaysian Air Force in April this year, Defense Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that "Malaysia is the leader among Southeast Asian countries in terms of training pilots for aircraft such as the Su-30."

(ArmsTrade)

Another Warship from Europe for Philippines ?

Some time ago it was reported that Philippines interested in second hand's Maestrale frigates ex Italian Navy  (photo : Eunavfor)


AFP to get warships, helicopters


TALISAY CITY – The Armed Forces of the Philippines is getting two more ships from the United States and Europe, and also acquiring 10 refurbished UH-IH Huey helicopters this year, in a bid of the government to modernize its poorly equipped military.


President Benigno Aquino III announced Saturday that the Philippines is due to receive another ship from the United States- a Hamilton-class Coast Guard cutter, following the acquisition last year of a similar patrol ship, which is now the BRP Gregorio del Pilar.


We have another one from Europe, Aquino said, adding that Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will now have one ship each.


BRP Gregorio del Pilar, formerly a Hamilton 378-foot High Endurance Cutter of the United States Coast Guard, beefed up the poorly-equipped Philippine Navy vessels, majority of which had been built during World War 2.


Built primarily as a patrol ship of the US Coast Guard in the 1970s for open ocean and long range operations, BRP Gregorio del Pilar is now the pride of the Philippine Navy.


The government spent P400 million to refurbish the former US Coast Guard ship.


Aquino said the government will soon have 10 more refurbished Huey helicopters, in addition to 24 Philippine Air Force helicopters, that used to be at least 100 , whom General Rodolfo Biazon was still the AFP vice chief of staff.


The PAF recently received four of the eight brand new Sokol combat utility helicopters ffrom Swidnik—which is touted as the "biggest helicopter manufacturer in Poland.”


Aquino said the refurbishing of Huey choppers is expected to be completed within eight months. “They will be utilized during evacuations, if there are floods and landslides”, he added.


Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez had earlier said that the United States will double its military aid to the Philippines, which is engaged in a prolonged maritime standoff with China over a shoal off Zambales.


Hernandez said the “foreign-military financing” aid could be used to buy new equipment or maintain existing military resources.


The Philippines has been asking the United States to supply its armed forces with patrol boats and aircraft as well as radar systems amid an escalating territorial dispute with China.


(Visayan Daily Star)

Vietnam will Receive Three Su-30MK2 in Early May

28 April 2012

                                              Vietnam's Su-30MK2 (photo : ttvnol)

Vietnam has sent expert team to Russia's Air Force to receive three multi-purpose fighter Su-30MK2.

Written in Militarynews.ru, source close to the Russian defense industry on 26/4, said Russia is preparing to transfer to Vietnam 3 more Su-30MK2 in half earlier May 2012.

According to sources, coalition aircraft production at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur, aircraft manufacturing subsidiary of the Sukhoi company has welcomed Air Force member delegation from Vietnam to the procedures for receiving the modern fighter.

"Within 2 - 3 weeks, both sides will sign the minutes of the transfer and reception in the second half of the beginning of the month 5/2012 of delivery of fighter aircraft orders" - Russian airlines industry sources told Militarynews.

According to this source, initially they (Sukhoi company) plans to provide Vietnam 4 aircraft, but one of which crashed in flight testing on 28/2.

(BaoDatViet)

Philippines Needs 48 Fighter Jets, 6 Mini Submarines

Philippines Air Force need up to four squadrons of fighter jets (photo : Cavok)


WASHINGTON – The Philippines needs up to four squadrons (48) of upgraded Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets, more well-armed frigates and corvette-size, fast to surface combatant vessels and minesweepers and four to six mini submarines, possibly obtained from Russia, to build a credible defense force in the face of China’s increasing belligerence in the South China Sea, the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) said.

This level of capability would far exceed current Philippine planning and finances and it would be in Washington’s interest to make it easier for Manila to acquire excess US fighters, frigates and other weapons system and encourage other countries such as Japan and South Korea to help modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), it said in an article “Defending the Philippines: Military modernization and the challenges ahead.”

The CNAS article on Thursday written by Richard Fisher said the AFP’s modernization program was estimated to cost about $1 billion over the course of President Aquino’s six-year term – an amount that pales in comparison to China’s 2012 official military budget of more than $100 billion.

A high-level Philippine delegation led by Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin was in Washington this week for discussions on each other’s needs to ensure freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

A Hamilton-class frigate, now the flagship of the Philippine Navy, was turned over by the US last year and a second one is forthcoming. A third frigate is being sought.

The article lauded Aquino’s determination to build up his country’s military forces and said he has spent more than $395 million on AFP modernization since coming into office, compared with $51 million annually in the previous 15 years.

It said he is seeking to purchase a small number of F-16s supported by six to 12 Surface Attack Aircraft (SAA)/Lead-In Fighter Training (LIFT) aircraft such as the subsonic Italian Aermacchi T-346 or the supersonic Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) T/A-50, both of which could be modified to perform secondary combat missions.

A considerable investment in training, logistical support and basing will have to precede the aircrafts’ service entry, estimated to be in 2016, the article said.

In 2011, the Philippine Navy (PN) restored a program to acquire two multi-role vessels in the form of 5,000-to-10,000-ton Landing Platform Deck (LPD) ships capable of supporting Marine amphibious operations supplying outposts in theSpratly Islands or conducting disaster relief operations.

The PN is also looking for a land-based anti-ship cruise missile like a version of the US Boeing AMG-84 Harpoon which has a range of 120 kms and could also be used by frigates and F-16s, said Fisher, a senior fellow with the International Assessment and Strategy Center, in his article.

“Finally, the PN would like to acquire a submarine by 2020, which would become its most ambitious and expensive program to date,” the article said.

Given the economic and political stakes in ensuring that all East Asian countries maintain unimpeded access to the sea lanes near the Philippines, both those nations and the United States now share a real interest in the success of the AFP modernization.

The timing is also fortuitous, the article said, because “the United States now has a pragmatic partner in President Aquino who has proved his intention to invest in national defense and is willing to rise above nationalist resentments from the bases era.”

The Philippines booted the Americans from Clark Air Base and Subic Bay in 1992.

(PhilStar)

""Hadapi Ancaman...Singapura!!!!!!!!!!""

Menghadapi ancaman Singapura....

(Dipetik dari Mingguan Malaysia 15/10/2000)

Kenyataan terbaru Kuan Yew bahawa sesiapa sahaja 'dialu-alukan' menyerang republik itu berikutan pembelian 100 peluru berpandu udara ke udara jarak sederhana AIM-120C dari Amerika Syarikat (AS) baru-baru ini, sekali lagi mengganggu hati nurani rakyat Malaysia.Sebagai negara jiran terdekat, kenyataan sedemikian seolah-olah satu mesej bahawa Singapura dengan persiapan pertahanan yang terbesar mahu terus menjelma menjadi bayangan 'Israel' di rantau ini.

Persoalannya sejauh manakah kekuatan Singapura yang digembar-gemburkan itu?

"Jangan rasa takut, apatah lagi rendah diri dengan kekuatan persenjataan Singapura,'' kata bekas Pengarah Perisikan Pertahanan, Leftenan Jeneral (B) Datuk Raja Abdul Rashid Raja Badiozaman dalam wawancara bersama wartawan Mingguan AZIZ ISHAK.

Walaupun telah bersara hampir lima tahun, Raja Rashid adalah antara tokoh yang disegani, berpengaruh dan selalu menjadi rujukan berhubung strategi ketenteraan apatah lagi dalam 'berurusan' dengan Singapura.

Ikuti sedutan wawancara tersebut.

MINGGUAN: Kenyataan terbaru Kuan Yew sekali lagi menampakkan keangkuhan walaupun senjata yang dibeli itu tidaklah terlalu hebat dan Malaysia juga memiliki peluru berpandu jarak sederhana walaupun jenis yang berlainan (R-27 buatan Rusia).

RAJA RASHID: Pertama kita lihat jenis senjata yang dibeli. Peluru berpandu atau misil yang dimaksudkan itu ialah jenis air to air (udara ke udara), maknanya ia digunakan oleh pesawat pejuang untuk menentang pesawat pejuang musuh. Ia bukanlah sejenis peluru berpandu atau roket (Scud) seperti yang dilancarkan oleh Iraq ke atas Arab Saudi dalam Perang Teluk. Peluru berpandu kategori ini hanya berfungsi dan dilancarkan dari pesawat pejuang. Kalau tidak dibawa oleh pesawat pejuang, maknanya ia tidak boleh digunakan.

Ia bukanlah senjata yang Singapura sahaja boleh membeli dan memilikinya. Walhal negara kita juga mempunyai senjata yang setanding atau sekurang-kurang hampir setanding meskipun bukan sejenis.Peluru berpandu udara ke udara ini bukanlah bentuk serangan yang dilakukan secara clandestine iaitu tersembunyi atau rahsia.Senjata seperti ini hanya boleh digunakan dalam peperangan terbuka. Selagi tidak ada peperangan terbuka selagi itu ia tidak dapat dilaksanakan.Jadi kenyataan Kuan Yew mempelawa sesiapa menyerang Singapura dalam konteks Malaysia sebagai jiran terdekat, tidak harus kita khuatiri.Sebagai seorang yang arif dari segi politik antarabangsa dan serantau, Kuan Yew sepatutnya memahami perasaan dan sentimen negara jiran termasuk orang Melayu.Kenyataan yang boleh menyinggung perasaan tidak wajar dibuat oleh mana-mana jiran, bukan sahaja Singapura. Kalau mempunyai kekuatan dan kelebihan, orang tahu. Tidak perlu dihebah-hebahkan.Kalau seseorang itu bijak, dia akan mengambil kira semua aspek ini, kalau tidak hilanglah nilai kebijaksanaannya. Orang bijak tidak angkuh.


Apakah ada muslihat dan strategi di sebalik kenyataan sedemikian?

RAJA RASHID: Pada saya, tindakan Singapura menghebah-hebahkan dan mengeluarkan kenyataan agak provokatif termasuk dalam soal ketenteraan adalah bagi tujuan deterrence atau cegah rintang.Ia sebagai satu isyarat kepada bakal-bakal musuh bahawa mereka mempunyai kekuatan atau penambahan elemen kekuatan yang boleh menggerunkan musuh.Ia juga bagi tujuan domestik iaitu membina keyakinan dan rangsangan kepada rakyat bahawa kerajaan republik itu mampu melindungi mereka dalam apa sahaja keadaan. Keyakinan sedemikian adalah penting kepada sebuah negara kecil seperti Singapura. Ini selaras dengan pendekatan pre-emptive Singapura iaitu membina kemampuan untuk bertindak dan menyerang sebelum diserang oleh musuh.

Singapura mempunyai strategi pertahanan yang berasaskan kepada geografi dan demografi. Geografi, kerana Singapura tidak dapat berubah lokasi dan keluasan sebagai sebuah pulau kecil di tengah-tengah Malay World atau rumpun Melayu. Demografinya ialah kebanyakan penduduk adalah keturunan Cina. Lebih memburukkan keadaan pemimpin republik itu sejak dulu lagi meletakkan rasa syak wasangka yang keterlaluan terhadap Malaysia dan Indonesia.

Apakah strategi pertahanan Singapura akan berubah selepas ketiadaan Kuan Yew?

RAJA RASHID: Sama ada Lee Kuan Yew ada atau tidak, strategi pertahanan negara itu akan tetap sama berasaskan geografi dan demografi.Kita bertanya mengapa Singapura mempunyai kapal selam dan meriam berat jenis 155mm yang boleh melancarkan tembakan hampir 40 kilometer. Pertahanan strateginya ialah forward defence. Maknanya, sebelum musuh sampai ke pulau itu, mereka telah dapat tangani di luar wilayahnya. Dulu semasa ancaman komunisme di utara semenanjung, mungkin ada asas Singapura mempunyai pertahanan darat yang kuat selain udara. Maknanya, mereka boleh bekerjasama dengan kita untuk membendung teori Domino (peluasan wilayah komunisme di Asia Tenggara selepas Vietnam). Walaupun tiada lagi ancaman Teori Domino, mereka mempunyai persiapan dan kebolehan tentera darat yang melebihi keperluan daratannya. Terang-terang menunjukkan bahawa Singapura mempunyai strategi forward defence. Siapa bakal ancaman mereka? Mungkin dari segi ancaman mereka sentiasa menganggap diri mereka itu terpencil dan mahu menjaga segala aset serta kekayaan. Itu asas setiap negara berdaulat.

Oleh kerana geografi dan demografi. Dari mula lagi, mereka telah mempunyai satu mentaliti fortress atau mentaliti bandar berkubu dengan konsep pertahanan yang dapat bertahan begitu lama. Mentaliti fortress adalah untuk menjaga keselamatan sama ada ancaman ada atau tidak ada. Sentiasa merasa terancam setiap masa, berjaga-jaga dan berwaspada. Ia timbul dari geografi dan demografi. Oleh itu, mereka sentiasa akan membina dan membentuk pertahanan sekuat mungkin apatah lagi mempunyai kekayaan untuk membeli segala kelengkapan dan senjata. Mereka bekerja keras dan bersatu untuk mencapai kekayaan negara bagi tujuan pertahanan sedemikian. (Singapura memperuntukkan RM24 bilion untuk pertahanan pada tahun 2000 manakala Malaysia sekitar RM6 bilion).

Pada pengamatan Datuk, sejauh mana keupayaan sebenar ketenteraan Singapura?

RAJA RASHID: Kita kena menilai dua aspek. Pertama ialah kekuatan senjata dan peralatan manakala aspek kedua ialah kebolehan anggota tentera untuk mengendalikan dan melancarkan peperangan.Daripada segi persenjataan, kita tidak boleh pertikaikan keupayaan Singapura. Bagaimanapun dari segi keanggotaan, mereka hadapi masalah dan tekanan.

Walaupun dalam peperangan moden atau era digital cuma perlu tekan butang untuk lancarkan senjata tetapi dalam peperangan sebenar keanggotaanlah yang mempengaruhi dan banyak menentukan kejayaan. Yang akan memenangi peperangan ialah anggota yang boleh menduduki atau menawan kawasan musuh dan bukannya senjata.Masalah Singapura, mereka hanya mampu melancarkan serangan tetapi agak sukar atau belum tentu mencapai kejayaan. Jangan lupa tindak balas pihak yang mereka serang dan adakah mereka mempunyai keupayaan untuk bertahan.

Persekitaran dan budaya kita berlainan berbanding Singapura. Singapura ialah satu 'pulau bandar'. Rakyat mereka tidak mempunyai budaya lasak kerana persekitaran metropolitan dan kehidupan mewah. Sedangkan tentera Malaysia berasal dan sebati dalam persekitaran yang lasak mental dan fizikal dengan gunung, bukit, paya, sungai, hutan belantara, lintah, pacat dan sebagainya.

Latihan mungkin boleh banyak membantu melahirkan tentera yang lasak fizikal dan mental tetapi ia tidak sama dengan generasi yang muncul dari budaya dan persekitaran yang lasak.

Tengok cara orang Amerika Syarikat (AS) berperang dengan Vietnam. Kehebatan persenjataan dan kelengkapan tidak berkesan apabila datang pada keadaan sebenar. Ini disebabkan kelasakan mental dan fizikal berdasarkan budaya rakyat Vietnam. Walaupun mereka daif tetapi mampu mengatasi kehebatan doktrin dan persenjataan AS.Peralatan dan persenjataan bukanlah jawapan kepada kekuatan sebenar sesuatu angkatan tentera. Itu rumusan saya daripada segi peralatan dan keanggotaan. Kedua-dua itu mesti mempunyai simbiosis jika mahu mempunyai kekuatan terjamin. Kita ada simbiosis itu.

Ada bacaan dan andaian bahawa tentera Singapura dengan kelebihan persenjataan yang mereka ada khususnya dari segi kuasa udara mampu melumpuhkan Malaysia dalam tempoh 24 jam sahaja.

RAJA RASHID: Malaysia sentiasa mengkaji kebolehan mereka, kita tidak rasa mempunyai kelemahan sehingga boleh digugat atau ditawan dengan mudah. Bacaan dan perkiraan mereka mungkin berbeza dengan bacaan kita.Kalau kita kaji strategi Singapura yang belajar dari Israel, pilihan terbaik ialah melancarkan serangan pre-emptive untuk memusnahkan semaksimum mungkin sehingga pihak lawan tidak berdaya bertindak balas.

Kalau mereka mampu melakukan serangan udara besar-besaran itu mungkin dalam tempoh berkenaan. Tetapi tidak mungkin mereka akan melumpuh atau memusnahkan kita, tidak mungkin. Antaranya kerana sumber dan aset ketenteraan kita berselerak dan kita mempunyai kelebihan dari segi geografi termasuk perairan untuk bertindak balas secara unik.Pergerakan segala sumber kekuatan kita boleh dilakukan dengan cepat, penuh muslihat dan berpanjangan.


Maknanya kita mempunyai keupayaan tersendiri untuk bertahan dan bertindak balas?

RAJA RASHID: Keupayaan itu meliputi pelan tindakan khas untuk menghadapi ancaman termasuk jika ia datang dari Singapura.Salah satu ciri rancangan itu ialah untuk mempertahankan negara ini secara berlapis termasuk melumpuhkan sumber serangan itu sendiri.Sekiranya sesuatu musuh itu mahu melancarkan serangannya, mereka terpaksa melepasi sekurang-kurangnya tiga lapisan. Jika ia tidak mampu merempuh ketiga-tiga lapisan itu, ia tidak akan berjaya. Rancangan khas ini juga disesuaikan mengikut senario. Saya percaya sehingga hari inipun, ATM sedia untuk hadapi dan laksanakan rancangan sedemikian bila mendesak dan tiba masanya jika diancam.

Dari segi kekuatan nasional pula, kita mempunyai beberapa kelebihan. Kita juga tidak perlu berasa terancam dengan faktor-faktor lain termasuk geografi dan demografi. Geografi kita besar dan demografi kita berganda. Singapura mempunyai 3 juta penduduk sedangkan kita lebih 21 juta. Apapun, percayalah kita mempunyai strategi khas luar jangkaan yang hasilnya, tidak akan mengecewakan rakyat kita.

Apakah faktor lain yang mendorong Singapura khususnya Kuan Yew kerap mengeluarkan kenyataan provokatif dan menyinggung perasaan Malaysia. Mungkinkah kerana faktor menjadi sekutu kuat kepada Amerika Syarikat?

RAJA RASHID: Ini bukanlah pertama kali Kuan Yew membuat kenyataan yang menyinggung perasaan orang kita. Banyak kali, jadi kalau sudah selalu dilakukan, patut kita jangan susah hati.

Sama ada dia mempunyai rakan kuat seperti AS atau menganggap kita sebagai terjauh dari rakan kuat mereka sehingga memberi perangsang kepada mereka, tidak perlu kita ambil kira. Memang perangai dia macam itu. Tetapi jangan pula kerana dia menyatakan sesuatu yang menyebabkan kita tersinggung, kita berdiam. Kita tidak boleh diam. Kita mesti tetap bersuara dan bangkitkan hal itu. Soal mereka hendak terima atau tidak, soal lain. Mereka tidak boleh pandang rendah kita dan kita termasuk rakyat tidak boleh merasa rendah diri dalam semua hal apatah lagi pertahanan.

Apa lagi elemen kekuatan Malaysia yang boleh digembleng jika menerima ancaman daripada Singapura?

RAJA RASHID: Pertama kita mempunyai tentera yang berpengalaman luas, terlatih dan mempunyai tradisi daya juang tinggi, walaupun usia ATM agak muda.

ATM menerima pendedahan yang banyak di peringkat antarabangsa seperti operasi pengaman di Kongo, Namibia, Somalia, Kemboja dan Bosnia. Rekod daya juang kita juga mereka segan seperti menentang tentera Jepun semasa Perang Dunia Kedua, konfrontasi dan menangani ancaman pengganas komunis. Askar Melayu sendiri bermandi darah mempertahankan Singapura suatu masa dulu.

Keberanian dan kemahiran itu diwarisi oleh generasi tentera yang baru. Berdasarkan pengamatan dan pengalaman melihat prestasi semasa latihan dengan negara-negara lain termasuk negara maju, kita mempunyai juruterbang pejuang yang cekap, kreatif dan berani. Kalau ada peluang air to air combat, mereka pasti cemerlang dan bertindak nekad serta bijak.

Begitu juga tentera laut. Dalam tentera darat pula tradisi keberanian itu terus dipertahankan termasuk di peringkat antarabangsa. Tentera kita dengan corak latihan dan persenjataan yang berbeza dengan AS, masih mampu membantu menyelamatkan tentera AS yang terkepung di Somalia. Jeneral AS sendiri menyatakan kekaguman mereka dengan keberanian tentera kita.

Jangan lupa faktor rakyat kita. Saya tidak ragu-ragu bahawa rakyat tanpa mengira perbezaan kaum atau berlainan politik akan bangkit dan bersatu mempertahankan tanah air ini. Pengalaman dan latar belakang perjuangan rakyat negara ini jangan diperkecilkan termasuk kemungkinan menghadapi tempoh peperangan yang panjang.


Selain persenjataan apa lagi kelebihan Singapura?

RAJA RASHID: Kelebihan Singapura ialah dari segi sistem melaksanakan segala pembelian dan rancangan pembelian senjata dan peralatan.

Singapura tidak banyak menyatakan perancangan hadapan dari segi pembelian tetapi apabila mereka merancang sesuatu mereka akan melaksanakan secepat mungkin. Pada saya, itu satu kekuatan.
Singapura menyaksikan perkembangan pesat dalam semua aspek pertahanan sejak melaksanakan gagasan Total Defence.

RAJA RASHID: Singapura mempunyai dasar pertahanan yang baik. Konsep Total Defence, satu konsep menyeluruh dengan satu kordinasi yang merangkumi jabatan-jabatan kerajaan dan kumpulan swasta yang strategik. Contohnya ialah cara mereka menyediakan shelter atau tempat perlindungan perang untuk orang awam. Mereka gunakan terowong-terowong kereta api bawah tanah dan buat hospital kepunyaan kerajaan yang mempunyai kemudahan perlindungan. Ada jalan raya dibina selurus-lurus dan sebesar-besar serta landasan di tengah-tengah jalan itu boleh diubah untuk menjadi landing zone alternatif.Mereka sangat bergantung kepada kekuatan air power atau kuasa udara maka kemudahan dan pergerakan aset tentera udara cukup penting.Dengan kata lain, apa sahaja pembangunan yang ada dimasukkan elemen pertahanan.

Maknanya masyarakat Singapura mempunyai satu orientasi keselamatan yang baik berdasarkan pelbagai faktor termasuk mentaliti fortress dan rasa curiga terhadap negara jiran.Keadaan itu mudah dicorakkan kerana saiz masyarakatnya yang kecil dan sifat sebagai pulau bandar raya yang moden. Kita di Malaysia, sukar berbuat demikian kerana mempunyai geografi yang luas dan penduduk yang berselerak. Lagipun kita tidak pernah rasa terancam dengan negara jiran termasuk Singapura.


Bagaimana dengan kemudahan dan aset tentera Singapura di beberapa negara bagi tujuan latihan, yang boleh digunakan untuk percaturan strategi bila terdesak?

RAJA RASHID: Itu terserah kepada bacaan strategi sesiapa sahaja.Saya percaya kita telah mengambil kira semua aspek dalam membuat penilaian terhadap kekuatan Singapura.Kita lebih suka mengandaikan bahawa aset-aset tersebut adalah untuk tujuan latihan kerana Singapura menghadapi masalah mengadakan latihan kerana saiznya yang kecil.Misalnya, tentera udara yang menjadi asas pertahanannya memerlukan latihan yang banyak dan kerap tetapi ruang angkasa mereka terhad. Jadi mereka terpaksa membuat latihan udara, tembakan meriam, kereta kebal dan infantri di luar negara seperti AS, Australia, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia dan Brunei.Bagi tujuan itu, di AS dan Australia misalnya ada pesawat pejuang Singapura.

Sejauh manakah kemungkinan tercetusnya perang antara kedua-dua negara.

RAJA RASHID: Kemungkinannya amat kecil selagi dalam rangka hubungan diplomatik yang baik kerana itu mampu membendung provokasi bertukar menjadi konfrontasi.Kalau tercetus peperangan bukan kita sahaja yang menerima akibatnya malah mereka juga.

Tidak ada untung pada mana-mana pihak malah lebih rugi. Ini disebabkan rakyat dan pemimpin kedua-dua negara ini telah membentuk dan membina negara masing-masing dengan cemerlang, taraf hidup yang baik selain mempunyai hubungan kuat di peringkat rakyat.

Walau apa sekalipun alasan, tidak harus sampai menggunakan kekerasan. Semua perkara boleh dirunding termasuk isu air. Malaysia tidak akan gunakan air sebagai senjata, itu tidak berperikemanusiaan dan bukan pun tindakan yang bijak. Kalau hendak lakukan, boleh dilakukan dulu lagi. Lagipun Singapura sedang dan boleh mendapatkan air dari sumber lain. Hubungan ketenteraan dengan Singapura juga sentiasa baik. Sebab kita dalam kelompok ASEAN dan Peraturan Pertahanan Lima Negara atau FPDA (yang turut dianggotai oleh United Kingdom, New Zealand dan Australia). Singapura harus berfikir banyak kali sebelum bertindak sedemikian kerana mereka mungkin menanggung kerugian lebih besar. Lagipun Singapura memerlukan kita lebih daripada kita memerlukannya.

Jadi jangan takut kepada Singapura. Jika berlaku apa-apa, percayalah kita sudah bersedia dengan rahsia kekuatan kita. Tetapi pada saya, orang yang putus akal sahaja yang hendak berperang

credit to :

http://borneoglobal.com/ultracrocs/smf/index.php?topic=251.10;wap2

Jadi apa pandangan korang tentang Malaysia selepas membaca artikel ini...???

Jadi kepada orang awam yang selalu mengecilkan ATM ni...harap bukaklah mata anda semua selepas ini ye...!!! Ingatan tulus ikhlas ni datang dari seorang awam yang biasa ni....hehehe..semoga Malaysia akan bertambah aman dan makmur..AMIN..