News Story: Philippines, US navies hold joint maritime training in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines — The naval forces of the Philippines and the United States on Monday kicked off its joint maritime training activity in the vicinity of Cebu.

The Maritime Training Activity Sama Sama from June 19 to 25 seeks to enhance the complexity and diversity of training opportunities while strengthening the Philippines-US alliance.

The activity will focus on mutual security concerns such as piracy and sea smuggling, maritime domain awareness and patrol and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness.

"We thank the Philippine Navy and the people of the Philippines for being gracious hosts and we look forward to enhancing our professional ties in meaningful ways that benefit both nations," Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, commander of Task Force 73, said.

Gabrielson added that the joint training would be an opportunity to deepen the US Navy's long-time maritime partnership with the Philippine Navy.

Commodore Loumer Bernabe, commander of the Naval Forces Central of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said that the training will strengthen relationships and partnerships in maritime cooperation.

"We are honored to work with the U.S. Navy during this Maritime Training Activity Sama Sama," Bernabe said.

"Sama-sama," a Filipino word which means "together" is the central theme of the training both at sea and ashore.

Read the full story at PhilStar

News Story: PH Air Force has now 8 supersonic jets, eyeing procurement of 36 more FA-50s

Philippine Air Force FA-50PH (File Photo)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has now eight jets in its inventory while the delivery of the rest of the jets will be completed this year.

The fourth batch of FA-50PH jets with tail number 007 and 008 arrived on March 29 at the Haribon Hangar, Air Force City, Clark Air Base in Pampanga with the Vice Commander of PAF, Major General Conrado V. Parra Jr. AFP, as Guest of Honor.

Last year, IHS Jane’s reported the PAF confirmed it would look to secure government approval for 36 additional FA-50s after the delivery of the initial 12 aircraft.

Read the full story at Tankler

News Story: PAF positioned to procure 36 more FA-50s, 12 Leonardo AW109 helicopters

Philippines Air Force (PAF) FA-50 Fighter Aircraft

As a continuation of Philippine Air Force’ (PAF) medium-term modernization program, PAF is positioned to procure additional 36 FA-50s to meet a requirement specified in Flight Plan 2028 and 12 more AW109 Power light attack helicopters produced by Finmeccanica (Leonardo from January 2017), reports IHS Jane’s.

Securing orders of additional light combat aircraft and attack helicopters are included in the several procurement priorities, a senior PAF officer said before the Asian Defence and Security 2016 (ADAS 2016) exhibition in Manila.

After the delivery of the initial 12 aircraft, the official also confirmed that the PAF would look to secure government approval for the additional FA-50s.

Read the full story at Tankler

News Story: PAF wants additional 36 FA-50s, 12 Leonardo AW109 helicopters

Leonardo AW109 Power

As a continuation of Philippine Air Force’ (PAF) medium-term modernization program, PAF is positioned to procure additional 36 FA-50s to meet a requirement specified in Flight Plan 2028 and 12 more AW109 Power light attack helicopters produced by Finmeccanica (Leonardo from January 2017), reports IHS Jane’s.

Securing orders of additional light combat aircraft and attack helicopters are included in the several procurement priorities, a senior PAF officer said before the Asian Defence and Security 2016 (ADAS 2016) exhibition in Manila.

Read the full story at Tankler

News Story: More Attack Helicopters to be purchased under (Philippines) flight plan 2028

AW-109 attack helicopter

More attack helicopters will be acquired to boost the Philippine Air Force’s existing aircraft fleet, a PAF official said Tuesday.

“The attack helicopter project is a continuing program up until we are able to close the capability gap. It’s laid out in the PAF Flight Plan 2028 and very much in line with the President’s thrust,” PAF Spokesperson Col. Araus Robert Musico said in a message to the PNA.

This would boost the existing MD-520 attack units and newly-acquired AW-109s, he added. At present, PAF has between 12 to 16 MD-520s and eight AW-109 attack helicopters.

Attack helicopters, in the Philippine setting, are often deployed as aerial rocket and machine batteries to help troops in clearing and pursuit operations.

Read the full story at Tankler

News Story: Newly installed DND - Duterte administration to focus on territorial defense

Territorial defense is one of the priorities of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s administration.

This was stressed by newly-appointed Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday.

“Territorial defense is one of the priorities of the Duterte administration. It is very important as we need to protect our territories against encroachment by other parties,” he said in Filipino.

In line with this, Lorenzana said the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program will continue as planned.

“The 15-year modernization program of the AFP will continue as scheduled,” he stressed.

Read the full story at Tankler

News Story: Philippines, U.S. to hold 5-day CARAT exercise

MANILA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines and the United States are set to hold their 22nd Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise next week, the U.S. Embassy in Manila said Friday.

The exercise to be held on June 6-10 will be participated by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

CARAT 2016 will specifically be held in waters near Subic Bay in northern Philippines and Palawan in western part of the country.

"This year's CARAT Philippines will focus on combined operations at sea, amphibious landings, diving and salvage, maritime domain awareness, and community service events," the U.S. embassy said.

Read the full story at Xinhua

Industry: Finmeccanica at DSA Exhibition - Opportunities in Malaysia and South East Asia

• Finmeccanica has a well-established presence on the continent and is a partner of the Armed Forces of Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, Japan and Australia
• Business prospects for naval and antisubmarine helicopters, air defence and coastal monitoring radars and tactical transport aircraft 

Today sees the opening in Malaysia of the fifteenth edition of Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2016, one of the most important security and defence technologies exhibitions, held every two years in the capital. Finmeccanica – whose Shareholders will vote to change the company’s name to Leonardo – is taking part in the event, building on a well-established presence in South East Asia, and with significant prospects in what is viewed as one of the most promising markets in the world.

News Story: Malaysia Prepares for New Scout

by Chris Pocock

The Malaysian Army is the launch customer for the latest version of the MD530 Scout attack helicopter made by MD Helicopters in the U.S. Deliveries of six MD530Gs will start in the fourth quarter and be complete by the end of the first quarter 2017. The MD530G has a beefed-up landing gear to support a maximum gross takeoff weight (MGTOW) of 3,750 pounds, allowing additional fuel and weapons.

In Malaysia’s case, AIN understands that the weapons will include a Dillon Aero M134 minigun, which is believed to be a key reason for the buy. The Malaysian Army already operates 10 Finmeccanica (formerly AgustaWestland) AW109 helicopters armed with a side-mounted gun. But the new fleet of MD530Gs will be operated in Sabah, East Malaysia, which has faced significant security issues.

Read the full story at AINonline

News Story: (Philippines) Air Force says attack helicopters to be delivered by year's end

By Rosette Adel 

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Air Force (PAF) official said “power” attack helicopters will be delivered and completed before the end of this year.

“We expect six more attack helicopters that will come before the year ends,” PAF commander Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado said in a state news.

The PAF said it formally commissioned its first two attack AugustaWestland AW-109E “Power” attack helicopters last August 17 but all six units will be delivered within the year.

Delgado is confident that the remaining aircraft will be mission-capable before the last quarter of 2015.

In 2013, the Philippine government signed an eight-unit  AW-109E order with Augusta Westland worth P3.44 billion.

Read the full story at PhilStar

News Story: Malaysia Focuses on Terror Threats at LIMA

By Nigel Pittaway

LANGKAWI, Malaysia — Speaking on the eve of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) show, Malaysian Defense Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein had bad news for the world's fighter manufacturers who are lining up to sell their product to replace the country's MiG-29Ns.

The country's defense focus, he said, is on local threats, including those from the Islamic State group.

"We need to look at what we see as the threats. What you see is the story unfolding in Syria and Iraq and which fighter is not there at the moment? You've got the Super Hornets, you've got the Typhoons and yet it is still unfolding before our very eyes," he said.

"And secondly, the threat from IS is different from our traditional terrorist threats that we have faced in the past, [which] don't compare with the threats that we're facing from IS."

Malaysia's MiG-29 replacement program has been stalled for some time and the latest focus on terrorist threats has meant a lower profile for many of the fighter manufacturers at LIMA 2015.

Read the full story at DefenseNews

News Report: The Philippines’ Naval Build Up

Balikpapan class LCH (Wiki Info - Image: Wiki Commons)

By: Armando J. Heredia

Like many of its regional peers, the Philippines is in the midst of a defense buildup, motivated in no small part by China’s assertive moves in the western Philippine Sea and the resource-rich Spratly islands.

The donation this week of two Balikpapan-class Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) from Australia was the most recent boost to Philippines defense efforts.

The LCH donation is particularly timely, as it complements the upcoming pair of Strategic Sealift Vessels (SSV), being built by PT PAL Indonesia. Based on the Indonesian navy’s successful Makassar-class Landing Platform Dock (LPD), the 8,600-ton amphibious lift ships can transit to remote areas and serve as a mobile base for helicopters and smaller landing craft. As evidenced during Typhoon Haiyan, the dearth of such assets hampered the Philippine government’s aid response to the hardest-hit parts of the country.

As gifts stand, the donation of ex-HMAS Tarakan and Brunei is particularly generous – the Royal Australian Navy will hand them over fully refurbished with new safety and navigation components, plus spare parts packages. Manila is considering purchasing the three remaining LCHs as well.

News Story: New Zealand Defence Force Grows

By NICK LEE-FRAMPTON

WELLINGTON — Uniformed members of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) have grown to 9,035 sailors, soldiers and airmen and women, up from 8,504 in June 2013, according to an NZDF annual report. The Defence Force currently has 14,116 military and civilian staff, its highest staffing levels since 2011.

Attrition is toppling, particularly in the Navy, where attrition has fallen from almost 16 percent in June 2013 to less than 8 percent today. This is the lowest attrition rate in the Navy’s modern history, according to the report.

Nevertheless, a continuing shortage of experienced personnel in key areas meant the Navy’s two offshore patrol vessels were prioritized over the four inshore patrol vessels in terms of crewing.

Read the full story at DefenseNews

USA: US, Bangladesh Navy Begin 4th CARAT Maritime Exercise

From Commander, Task Force 73 Public Affairs

<< USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50) arrives in Chittagong to take part in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Bangladesh. (U.S. Navy/MC1 Cody Hitson)

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh - The fourth annual exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Bangladesh commenced with an opening ceremony at Naval Base Issa Khan, Sept. 25.

Continuing through Sept. 30, CARAT Bangladesh 2014 consists of six days of shore-based and at-sea training events designed to address shared maritime security priorities, develop relationships and enhance cooperation among participating forces.

"In just a few years, CARAT Bangladesh has become the premier engagement between our navies," said Rear Adm. Charlie Williams, commander, Task Force 73 and U.S. 7th Fleet's executive agent for theater security cooperation in South Asia. "CARAT provides a credible venue to sharpen skills, share knowledge and practice cooperation in this vital maritime region."

News Report: Update Naval Aviation Bangladesh

Chinese Z-9 Helicopter

Russian and Chinese planes and helicopters entered service Bangladesh Navy

Command Naval Aviation Bangladesh will receive nine training aircraft (TCB) K-8W manufactured in China by the end of 2014. Commissioning of the Russian Mi-171SH is expected by 2015. It is reported IHS Jane's. Assumed that K-8W will be used for training pilots of naval aviation in Chittagong. TCB were booked under a contract with the China National Corporation for the export and import of aviation technology CATIC (ChinaNationalAero TechnologyImport & ExportCorporation) last year. Amount of the transaction and its composition were not disclosed. K-8W is an improved version of TCB JL-8, which introduced digital wire control mode, as well as improved helmet system indication.

According to ARMS-TASS, Bangladesh Navy also expects delivery of five multipurpose helicopters Mi-171SH Russian production. It is assumed that after the commissioning they will be used for maritime surveillance and search and rescue operations. According to the official representatives of the country, the commissioning of new aircraft will greatly enhance the combat capability of naval forces Asian state.

Russian Mi-171Sh Helicopter (Image: Wiki Commons)

Command of Naval Aviation Navy Bangladesh was established in July 2011. Its members originally included two AW109 helicopters manufactured by Agusta / Westland. Later, the two aircraft were delivered to Dornier-228NG. In addition to Mi-171SH and K-8W expected commissioning of three Chinese Z-9 helicopters. Earlier at an arms fair DSA-2014 April, the head of the delegation of "Rosoboronexport" Nikolai Dimidyuk announced the signing of an agreement with Bangladesh for the supply of five Mi-171SH. He said that Bangladesh will receive these transport-combat helicopters provided within Russia in January this year loan of $ 1 billion for the purchase of military products.

This story first appeared on Military-Industrial Courier (translation: Google Translate) & is reposted here with permission.

News Story: New Zealand Details Military Projects, Capability Upgrades

By NICK LEE-FRAMPTON

WELLINGTON — New Zealand on Tuesday released its Defence Capability Plan (DCP), which calls for increasing the defense force’s “proficiency at joint operations and growing its combat, combat support and combat service support capabilities,” said Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman.

The DCP is the second such document since the 2010 Defence White Paper, and is not merely a list of projects, Coleman said.

Work has commenced to quantify the size of the defense force’s airlift requirements as a first step toward providing options for replacement of the Air Force’s C-130H Hercules and Boeing 757 fleets, between 2018 and 2025. This will require a significant investment, the new report said. All but one of the five Hercules have completed the type’s life extension program and the final aircraft is scheduled to be returned to service next year.

Read the full story at DefenseNews

Industry: Philippine Navy Signs Contract for Two Additional AW109 Power Helicopters

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the signing of a contract with the Philippine Navy for two additional AW109 Power maritime helicopters. The helicopters will be used for a wide range of naval missions including economic zone protection, surface surveillance, SAR and maritime security. This latest contract brings to five the total number of AW109 Powers ordered by the Philippine Navy which is already operating the first batch of three aircraft. The order further expands the success achieved by this model in the Philippines for military applications following the contract for eight units signed by the Philippine Air Force in 2013. The two additional helicopters will be delivered in the second half of this year and will operate from both shore and ship bases. The contract includes initial logistics support and training for aircrew and maintenance personnel.

News Story: (Philippines) PAF to receive 2 attack AW-109s this year

by Jigs Nepomuceno

MANILA — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said on Tuesday that two units of the attack version of the AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters will be delivered this year.

"Two units will be delivered by 2014 and (by) 2015 (the remaining) six units will be delivered. As per signed contract, two units will be delivered 365 days upon LC (letter of credit) opening," PAF spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said.

He added that the pilots and flight crew who will man the brand-new aircraft have already been identified.

"Pilot(s) and (flight) crew (are now) identified. However, the date for training is TBDL (to be determined later)," Okol said.

The Philippines and AgustaWestland signed the P3.44- billion contract for the attack version of the AW-109s last Nov. 6.

The PAF’s AW-109 "Power" configuration will feature a dedicated mission package and equipment, including a combination of weapon systems.

Read the full story at ZamboTimes

News Story: New Zealand Picks T-6C for Pilot Training

T-6 (Wiki Info - Image: Wiki Commons)

By NICK LEE-FRAMPTON

WELLINGTON — New Zealand will buy 11 T-6C turboprop aircraft to be used for pilot training, Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman announced.

The NZ $154 million (US$127 million) purchase “includes ground simulators, classroom and computer-based training packages to complement practical flying experience,” Coleman said Jan. 27 in a Defence Ministry news release.

The aircraft will be assembled in Wichita, Kan., and are expected to enter service with the Pilot Training School and the Central Flying School at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) Ohakea base in early 2016.

Flight simulators and other ground-based training devices will be installed at Ohakea by CAE Simulation (USA).

Read the full story at DefenseNews

News Story: 2 of 5 AW-109 PN helicopters equipped with weapons, electronic warfare systems

by Priam F. Nepomuceno

MANILA — The Philippine Navy (PN) on Friday announced that two out the five AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters that it will be acquiring this year are classified as combat helicopters.

Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic made this announcement after noting that these aircraft are fitted with weapon and electronic warfare systems.

He did not give the exact specifications, citing operational security reasons.

"The two helicopters which will arrive next year are classified as combat helicopters than the initial three that are classified as naval helicopters. They are more upgraded in terms of firepower and electronic warfare systems," Fabic said.

Three of the PN's AW-109 helicopters are scheduled to arrive this December.

Read the full story at Zambo Times