News Story: PH to receive two brand-new aircraft from Indonesia

An Indonesian Navy NC-212-200MP Aviocar
(Image: Wiki Commons)

Aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI) says it has completed the manufacturing of two NC212i aircraft ordered by the Philippines and is ready to deliver them on 2017.

The multipurpose plane, which is the latest generation of NC212 and has a carrying capacity of 28 passengers and is equipped with ramp doors and a modern navigation and communication system. It is the first Indonesian aircraft ordered by the Philippines. The Philippines has not upgraded its air force’s fleet its aircraft in the last 20 years.

The purchasing contract of the two NC212i aircraft, including their spare parts, was worth US$19 million, according to PT DI commerce and restructuring director Budiman Saleh.

Read the full story at Tankler

News Story: Defence ministry thanks China for help in search for CASA-212

A Vietnam Coast Guard CASA C-212 Aviocar
(Image: Wiki Commons)

Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh came to the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi on July 6 to thank China for assisting Vietnam in the search and rescue work in the incident involving CASA-212 aircraft.

On behalf of the Central Military Commission, the Ministry of National Defence, the Vietnam People’s Army and families of the deceased in the aircraft accident, the Deputy Defence Minister expressed his thanks to China’s Party, State and authorised agencies, along with Chinese Ambassador Hong Xiaoyong, for their cooperation and help in the search for CASA-212 and its crew members.

He said he hopes that in the time ahead, the Vietnamese and Chinese defence ministries will continue expanding search and rescue cooperation on the basis of international law, thus reinforcing overall relations between the two Parties, States and armies.

For his part, Ambassador Hong Xiaoyong offered condolences to the bereaved families and praised Vietnam’s search and rescue efforts.

Read the full story at VietnamNet

Editorial: US, Indonesian Navies Conduct Air Patrol Exercise in South China Sea

A US Navy P-3C Orion (Image: Wiki Commons)

By Ankit Panda

The United States and Indonesia carried out an air patrol exercise over the increasingly tense Natuna Archipelago.

On Thursday, the the U.S. and Indonesian navies carried out a joint maritime air patrol in the waters around the Natuna archipelago.

The patrol involved 88 personnel overall. The United States committed a P-3C Orion fleet comprising four ships and 21 personnel. In terms of Indonesian hardware, the Indonesian navy committed CN-235 and NC-212 short take-off and landing (STOL) maritime patrol aircraft in addition to a BO-105 helicopter.

The air patrol exercise focused on a variety of operational scenarios. In broad terms, it covered maritime domain awareness, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).

The Jakarta Post reported that the “Indonesian Navy’s Aviation Center and the US Navy held a joint sea surveillance exercise in the Malaka Strait and around Natuna Island, located in the South China Sea, to improve security as well as [sic] Pacific rebalance.” 

Read the full story at The Diplomat

News Story: PHL, Indonesia strengthening defense equipment trade

By Samuel Biag

Philippines and Indonesia may enter into a more active defense equipment trade. Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said during the joint press conference with President Aquino “we had discussed the potential that we would like to offer on the trade of defense equipment.”

Department of National Defense have already entered into number of military procurement with Indonesian firms.

One of the most notable procurement is the two Makassar-class Landing Platform Dock from PT PAL Indonesia. The ceremonial first steel cutting for first vessel was held last January 22. It is expected to be delivered on the second quarter of 2016 to Philippine Navy as strategic sealift vessel. Second unit is expected on the first half of 2017.

Read the full story at Ang Malaya

News Story: Vietnam to boost maritime budget as standoff with China continues

The UK-based Jane's Defence Weekly reported on June 5 that the Vietnamese parliament has ratified a project to boost maritime surveillance and a defense budget of US$7.5 billion.

The article stated that this is thought to be related to the ongoing territorial disputes over the South China Sea between China and Vietnam.

China's National Defense Information Network cited the weekly's report on June 10 and released the news on its website.

Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, deputy chairperson of the National Assembly of Vietnam, announced on June 2 that the budget is intended to upgrade the Vietnamese coast guard and purchase assets for the fisheries bureau.

Read the full story at Want China Times

News Story: Indonesia Looks To Buy European Missiles Through Foreign Loans

By PIERRE TRAN

PARIS — Indonesia, a regional power building its military capability through foreign loans, is seeking a loan to pay for four Thales missile batteries worth more than £100 million (US $167 million), a European banker said.

Regional powers Indonesia and Brazil are seen as potentially big borrowers as the governments try to raise money on the open market to buy arms, while Western firms rely on exports to survive a domestic downturn.

Indonesia’s Finance Ministry aims to raise an “international financial credit” to fund an order for a ForceSHIELD system of vehicle-mounted missiles and radars, to be built in Britain and France, the bank executive said.

Read the full story at DefenseNews

News Story: Indonesian Air Force Draws Up Shopping List

Indonesian Air Force Su-30 (Image: Wiki Commons)

By ALAN WARNES

Boasting one of the fastest growing economies in the world is allowing Indonesia to invest much-needed funds in its military. After years of stagnation caused by the 1997 financial crisis, leading to most of Indonesia’s military acquisition programs being cancelled, the situation deteriorated further when the U.S.imposed an arms embargo in 1999 that lasted until 2005.

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) entered into only one major acquisition program during that period, procuring Su-27 and Su-30 Flankers from Russia to bolster its aging fighter fleet. The TNI-AU had never ordered Russian aircraft after the failed communist coup in 1965 but it was left with no option after Western companies stuck to the arms embargo.

This deal led to a pair of Su-27SKs and two Su-30MKs being delivered to SkU 11 [Skadron Udara (SkU)–air squadron] at Hasanuddin, Sulawesi, in August/September 2003, followed by three Su-30MK2s in late-2008/early-2009 and a trio of Su-27SKMvariants in 2010. 

Read the full story at AINonline

News Story: Indonesian firm wins PAF aircraft supply deal

C-212 Aviocar (Wiki Info - Image: Wiki Commons)

By Alexis Romero

MANILA, Philippines - The Air Force is acquiring two new light lift aircraft from Indonesia to boost the delivery of supplies and personnel to remote areas.

Indonesian firm PT Dirgantara Indonesia has won the bidding for the light lift fixed-wing aircraft acquisition project, worth P814 million.

The STAR learned that the defense department issued the notice of award for the project early this month.

Air Force spokesman Col. Miguel Okol said the aircraft could land even in areas that do not have airstrips.

Larger planes like the C-130 and medium lift fixed-wing planes require long runways.

“The light lift fixed aircraft can bring more goods than helicopters.

Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

It can operate in areas with small runways,” Okol told The STAR yesterday.

He said the plane is more flexible, particularly during disaster response operations. 

Read the full story at The Philippine Star

News Story: Indonesia receives first CN-235 patrol aircraft

Spanish Air Force CN-235 maritime patrol/SAR (Image: Wiki)

JAKARTA, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- The Indonesian navy took delivery of the first of three CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft from state aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia.

The handover was made at the PTDI facility in Bandung, in West Java province on the island of Java, The Jakarta Post reported.

Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said the aircraft will be used to patrol for people-smuggling boats carrying illegal migrants headed for waters around Australia's Indian Ocean territory of Christmas Island.

The navy operates the smaller NC-212 MP aircraft, also made by PTDI at its facility in Bandung, the Post said.

Read the full story at UPI

Editorial: America Pivots to Asia; Europe Arms It

Australian A330 MRTT (KC-30A) Tanker Aircraft (File Photo)

By Robbin F. Laird

European firms are providing their Asian customers with some core capabilities.

A neglected aspect of the analysis of the evolution of Asian defense and security is the contribution of the European defense industry. Major players in Europe (and in the United States) are seeking global markets to remain viable and to evolve over time. Defense and security is not a static business; it is highly competitive and modernization is always a key element of the equation. Global customers are a crucial element for U.S. or European defense firms to remain on the cutting edge and to be viable in challenging economic conditions.

European firms provide capabilities in many areas of interest to Asian customers, notably military aerospace, weapons and naval systems. The military aerospace and weapons part of this equation warrants particular note, as does the dynamics of change in the Asian market for these products. The point is simply this: European firms are providing core capabilities for Asian customers and are an important part of the military equation in region.

Kongsberg - Warship based NSM & F-35 based JSM (Wiki Info)

Perhaps governments will follow as well. Notably, last month the United Kingdom signed agreements with Japan creating a legal framework for defense and security cooperation between their two countries. focusing on defense and security issues.

During the signing of the agreements, U.K. Foreign Secretary William Hague said: “Japan is a key ally of the U.K. and we work closely together on many issues of global foreign and security policy. This is a groundbreaking agreement, which will enable joint research, development and production of defense equipment.”

Read the full 4 page story at The Diplomat

CN295 on ASEAN tour to show its capabilities and efficiency

C-295 (Wiki Info - Image: Wiki Commons)

Airbus Military and PTDI promoting transport aircraft in the ASEAN region.

A CN295 military transport aircraft of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense will be making a tour around six ASEAN countries to promote the capabilities and efficiency of the transport aircraft that PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) and Airbus Military are producing jointly. The aircraft will make visits to Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Malaysia between 22nd and 31st of May.

The C295, denominated CN295 in the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, is a medium-sized multirole airlifter for both civic and military use. The tour, organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, PTDI and Airbus Military, and led by Vice Minister Sjafrie Sjamsuddien, will showcase the benefits of the aircraft which is optimally suited for the wide range of humanitarian and defence tasks that ASEAN Governments need to cover. These missions include military transport, emergency response and medical evacuation, search and rescue, maritime patrol, or even more complex missions such as anti-submarine warfare or electronic surveillance missions.

Airbus Military and PT Dirgantara Indonesia sign an agreement to launch upgraded version of C212

C212 (Wiki Info)

Long term strategic cooperation continues

Airbus Military and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) have signed an agreement to jointly launch an upgraded version of the Airbus Military C212-400 as a further step in their long term cooperation agreement. The aircraft, renamed as NC212, will be offered to both civil and military customers and will be a highly competitive offer in the market segment of light aircraft, being equipped with new digital avionics and autopilot systems. It will also have a new civil interior for up to 28 passengers compared to the current 25, increasing its cost efficiency significantly. The NC212 will be EASA and FAA FAR 25 certified.

The agreement foresees joint development, manufacturing, commercialization and customer support to cover the needs of the civilian, cargo and military light aircraft market segments for the next decade. The potential market in this segment is estimated at 400-450 aircraft in the next ten years. A Final Assembly Line is to be set up in the PT DI facilities in Bandung. This is a further step towards increasing the cooperation between the two long-standing partners.

The NC212 is the second immediate result of the "Teaming Agreement" signed between Airbus Military and PT DI, which supports PT DI’s revitalization through specific cooperation and business development projects, and aims to achieve a long term strategic partnership between Airbus Military and PT DI in the near future. The recent order for nine CN295s from the Indonesian Government and the related C295 cooperation packages between Airbus Military and PT DI were the first immediate results of this plan, including the creation of a CN295 Delivery Centre, a light CN295 Final Assembly Line and the setting up of a Service Centre in Bandung.

Since October last year, both companies have already put in place joint working teams located in the PT DI facilities in Bandung, with Airbus Military having deployed on-site. These teams are working in industrial and commercial areas, focusing on generating new business for both companies and improving industrial capabilities, engineering processes, IT tools and know-how transfer, in order to transform PTDI into a leading aerospace company for light and medium aircraft in the Asia Pacific region.

"This is further proof of our increased cooperation with Indonesia. We see a promising future for this very competitive NC212 in many countries worldwide. With the continued support of the Indonesian Government, PT DI and Airbus Military will be able to achieve many and great things together", said Ignacio Alonso, Senior Vice President for Commercial, Strategy and Industrial Relations, Asia. 

"In this new agreement, PT DI and Airbus Military will work together to manufacture and market the NC212 worldwide, offering a modernized, very competitive light military aircraft. This will result in strengthening the position of PT DI as a leading player in the region, exactly as we have set out to do in our strategic cooperation agreement with Airbus Military," said Budi Santoso, PT DI President Director.

In his statement on this event, Boyke Mukiyat, PPA CEO said: "We are very pleased that PT DI is further strengthening its progress in its revitalization process. The increasing success of PT DI's winning more work and with the agreement to launch this upgraded NC212 they are strongly moving towards not only the revitalization but the company’s growth goals. PPA fully stands by PT DI to assist its endeavour and provide support on a timely and most efficient basis to allow PT DI to become a leading aerospace company in the region."

Airbus Military

AUS: JOINT AUSTRALIAN-INDONESIAN OPERATION TARGETS ILLEGAL FISHING

Illegal fishing has been the focus of a joint Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Indonesian Armed Forces operation that concluded in Darwin today.

The third Australian-Indonesian coordinated maritime security patrol, AUSINDO CORPAT 2012, started in Kupang, West Timor on 16 April and was held in the waters between Australia and Indonesia from 19-27 April 2012.

The operation included aircraft, ships and headquarters staff from both nations in a synchronised task group. The ADF contributed an Armidale Class Patrol Boat, HMAS Pirie and an AP-3C Orion aircraft. The Indonesian Armed Forces provided naval vessels KRI Kakap and KRITongkol and a CASA NC-212 aircraft.

The combined operation was conducted to improve coordinated maritime security along the Australian and Indonesian shared maritime boundaries in the vicinity of Ashmore Island, the Provisional Fisheries Surveillance Enforcement Line (PFSEL) and the Australian Indonesian Seabed Line (AISBL).

Air Commodore Ken Watson, Commander of the ADF Task Group, said the patrol had strengthened both Australia’s and Indonesia’s ability to detect and deter illegal fishing activity in the region.

“Combining the skills of our personnel at sea, on land and in the air helps to strengthen our ties and build the relationship which is vital to providing security at our maritime boundaries,” Air Commodore Watson said.

“The patrol provided an excellent opportunity for the exchange of ideas and skills development between the two nations.

“Our defence forces have once again made progress in improving our maritime security procedures through developing our communications and information sharing techniques. We look forward to undertaking this coordinated approach again.” Air Commodore Watson said.

View AUSINDO CORPAT 2012 imagery on the Royal Australian Navy Media Library.

RAN

Defence Industry: Vietnam takes delivery of its first Airbus Military C212-400

<< Vietnam takes delivery of its first Airbus Military C212-400 (c) Airbus Military

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The Vietnam Marine Police has taken delivery of the first of three C212-400 it ordered from Airbus Military. The second aircraft will be delivered later this year, and the third in early 2012.

This modernized C212--400 series incorporates the latest systems and technologies, such as a Flight Management System (FMS). As a Coast Guard airplane, it will primarily be used in its Maritime Patrol role and carry out missions such as coastal surveillance, illegal fishing, drug traffic and smuggling, among others.

“We are very proud of the trust placed by the Vietnam Marine Police in Airbus Military, and look forward to the upcoming entry into service of one of our highly versatile products to help enforce law on the Vietnamese coast”, says Airbus Military Head of Light & Medium Programmes, Rafael Tentor.

Pilots and aircraft maintenance specialists were trained to operate the aircraft at the Airbus Military Training Centre in Seville.

This C212 is the first Airbus Military product that the Government of Vietnam will operate.

To date, Airbus Military has sold 477 C212 to 92 different operators.

About C212

The outstanding reliability demonstrated by more than three million flight hours makes the C212 the most successful aircraft in the light transport segment for the most varied types of operations. With a maximum payload of 2.8 tonnes, it was designed to operate in austere environments for long periods of time. Its robustness allows it an absolutely reliable operation in the desert, the jungle o the Antarctic. Its unique STOL performance with low-pressure tires allows unrestricted operations on soft and unpaved fields in hot and high altitude conditions. The excellent handling qualities and its fast engine response enable the highest level of manoeuvrability at very low altitudes. The C212’s simple design and maintenance reduce the life cycle costs to the lowest level in its segment.

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