135 cartons of fags seized by PASKAL

Tawau: The PASKAL Navy team in Semporna seized a total of 135 cartons of white cigarette of Astro branded worth about RM6,075.00 from two Suluk-Filipino men at Gaya island, off Semporna, at about 10.15pm, Saturday.

District Maritime Enforcement Chief, Captain Anor Jaafar said the case was handed over to Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) here for further action.

He said a total of 32 empty gallons were also seized from the suspects, aged 20 and 35. Both were also found to have no identification documents.

Beijing sends three new ships to S. China Sea

BEIJING - China has deployed three new ships to naval forces stationed in the South China Sea over the weekend, suggesting an enhanced capability for maritime support in the disputed waters, the media reported yesterday.

This came amid speculation that China has started mass production of its first stealth fighter, the J-20.

The three ships - transport and supply ship Luguhu, electronic reconnaissance ship Haiwangxing and pelagic survey ship Qianxuesen - began servicing the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy stationed in the Spratly Islands last Friday, according to Navy Today, the PLA Navy's official magazine.

In command of our seas - Talking with New Royal Malaysian Navy Chief

THE world is changing fast, and so are the security challenges and issues facing our Royal Malaysian Navy.

The new chief of the RMN, however, is taking everything in his stride.

“The Navy must adapt. The security threats are redefining the way we manage modern armies,” Admiral Datuk Seri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin tells The Star at his office in Wisma Pertahanan.

ESSZone Residents Shaken By Kidnapping Of Two Malaysians

KOTA KINABALU (Bernama) -- Almost a year after the abduction of Constable Zakia Aliep of the Marine Police from a resort in Pulau Mabul, Semporna, on July 12, 2014, Sabah was again shaken by a similar incident.

The Ocean King Seafood Restaurant located near Jalan Bokara, Pasir Putih, about three kilometres from Sandakan town was the target of the abductors on May 14, 2015.

Malaysia to join US, Thailand and South Korea in military exercise

December 22, 2015 - Malaysia will join the United States, Thailand and South Korea in the Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercise (Calfex), in conjunction with the Cobra Gold military training exercise next year. Armed Forces Chief Gen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said currently, about 30 countries were participating in the Cobra Gold, which was first held in 1982, but only the three countries had joined Calfex. 

Malaysia's Participation In Alliance 34 Only To Share Information - MAF Chief

PORT DICKSON, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's participation in the alliance of 34 Islamic countries headed by Saudi Arabia to combat militant activities and violence is only to share information and does not involve military operation.

Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) chief General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said Malaysia's participation in the alliance was in line with the nation's policy to fight any form of violence.

"It is just an alliance of 34 countries to combat violence, it does not involve military alliance, it is not a military pact, just a loose alliance.

Malaysian Armed Forces and Japan to collaborate in HADR operations

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and Japan will work collaboratively to share information and expertise in managing humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HADR) operations.

Armed Forces chief Gen Tan Sri Dr Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said the cooperation and information sharing efforts would be through training programmes to be conducted for ATM members at the Malaysian Peacekeeping Centre (MPC) in Port Dickson beginning next year.

Royal Malaysian Navy Rapid Deployment Team To Address Crime In Country's Waters

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Navy has set up a Rapid Deployment Team to respond swiftly to tackle crime in the country's waters.

RMN Assistant Chief of Staff (Operations and Exercises) Rear Admiral Datuk Pahlawan Mior Rosdi Mior Mohd Jaafar said the team would be located in Tanjung Pengelih, Johor, where most crimes in the country's waters took place.

Malaysian Chief of Army visit Pakistan Chief of Army Staff

Rawalpindi - October 5, 2015 - General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Bin Raja Mohamed Noor, Chief of Malaysian Army, called on General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Army Staff, at General Headquarters today.

During the meeting, views were exchanged on issues of mutual interest including defence, training and security cooperation between both the countries and overall regional security situation. General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi acknowledged success of Operation Zarb-e-Azb and paid rich tribute to sacrifices rendered by Pakistan Army in fight against terrorism.

Earlier on arrival at GHQ, a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army presented Guard of Honour to the visiting dignitary. (ISPR)

Turkey’s New Export Item: ASELSAN Stabilized Weapon Systems Ordered by Malaysia

Stabilized We​apon Systems are designed and developed by ASELSAN in order to fit different caliber guns. These systems are selected by armed forces of 11 different countries.

Two recent export contracts have been signed for the systems. Kazakhstan and Malaysia Armed Forces selected ASELSAN weap​​on systems.

Also known as, "Remote Controlled Weapon Systems (RCWS)", these systems can be used as fixed stations as well as integrat​ed on land/naval plarforms.

China and Malaysia’s first-ever joint military exercise is an important strategic move

MALAYSIA is in a pivotal position, located midway between two key oceans – the Indian and Pacific. The Strait of Malacca (SOM) is the front yard of Malaysia’s security and is a vital maritime security artery for the country, especially for the movement of naval vessels from the Royal Malaysian Navy’s principal base in Lumut to other parts of the country.

The National Defence Policy of Malaysia 2010 demarcates the strait, including its entrance and exit, as geographical areas of Malaysia’s vital interests.

Media plays important role in reporting conflicts in national waters

Media practitioners play an important role in reporting and disseminating information to the public if any conflict occurs in national waters that threatens national security.

Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) chief, Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar said TLDM did not want incorrect information to be spread in the social media that could cause fear among the public.

Australian submarine makes surprise appearance in Penang

HMAS Sheean

GEORGE TOWN: An Australian-based submarine made an appearance in Penang waters this morning, to the awe of hundreds of ferry passengers. The HMAS Sheean submarine will berth at the container terminal in Butterworth before sailing off again on Oct 2. 

A spokesman from the Royal Malaysian Navy said the submarine was here for a break. HMAS made a courtesy call on the Resident Naval Officer here. 

The submarine will make an operations call on Sabah from Oct 8 to Oct 12 for training with KD Tunku Abdul Rahman on Oct 12 and Oct 13 respectively. HMAS Sheean is the fifth Collins Class Submarine built by the ASC in Adelaide, Australia. (New Straits Times)

MALAYSIA: MAF PLANS TO CONTINUE COOPERATION WITH PLA IN JOINT MILITARY EXERCISES

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia Sept 22 - The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) plans to continue its cooperation with the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) in organising joint exercises in the near future.

MAF Acting Chief, Gen Roslan Saad said both MAF and PLA weighed on the possibility of making this joint exercise an annual or biennial event due to the positive response shown by both sides throughout the programme.

Brunei-Malaysia to boost cooperation in defence science research, technology

BRUNEI and Malaysia discussed bilateral defence cooperation issues recently during the 17th Joint Defence Working Committee (JDWC) meeting between both countries in Penang, Malaysia.

The meeting was co-chaired by Ministry of Defence (MinDef) Permanent Secretary Datin Paduka Hjh Suriyah Hj Umar and Malaysian Ministry of Defence Secretary General Dato’ Sri Abdul Rahim Mohd Radzi.

New Air Force base in Sendayan 40 per cent completed

PORT DICKSON: The construction of the new airbase for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) in Sendayan, Seremban is now being actively carried out and so far, 40 per cent of the project has been developed.

Air Force chief General Tan Sri Roslan Saad said according to the plan, the new air base was expected to be fully completed by the end of 2016 and operations would begin early the following year.

Malaysian Navy needs more ships to improve security

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) will require additional assets, especially ships, in order to step up security in local waters.

At the moment, six more multi-role naval vessels are needed, said Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar.

Singapore navy rescues crew of capsized Malaysian-registered trawler

SINGAPORE: A Malaysian-registered fishing trawler capsized in Singapore waters on Tuesday morning (Sep 22), the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said in a news release.

MPA received the report at about 9.40am that the trawler had capsized 7 nautical miles north-east of Pedra Branca.

Boustead Heavy Industries Corp gets RM4.8mil naval base job

PETALING JAYA: Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd has received a RM4.8mil contract to the design, construction/adaptation of certain infrastructures of the Royal Malaysian Navy Kota Kinabalu Naval base.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia on Monday, the company said it got the sub-contract from Trans Resources Corp Sdn Bhd and was formally appointed as the technical assistance and coordination services provider last Friday.

The contract was signed for a period of 12 months, effective from Feb 1, the firm added.

It expected the new job to contribute positively to its earnings for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2016. (The Star)

Royal Thai Army orders additional STARStreak

Thales announced at DSEI that it has signed a multimillion pound contract with DataGate in Thailand to supply the Royal Thai Army with the STARStreak air defence missile system.

This contract follows on from Thailand’s initial purchase of STARStreak in 2012.

Two TNI Soldiers Among Seven Arrested for Alleged Abduction of Malaysian Businessman

Jakarta. Two Indonesian Military, or TNI, soldiers and an ex-police officer were allegedly involved in the abduction of a Malaysian businessman in Jakarta which reportedly stemmed from a failed business venture.

The three are among seven people arrested over the kidnapping of Malaysian national Sahlan bin Bandan earlier this month.

Sahlan was abducted after agreeing to meet the assailants at a McDonald's outlet in Cibubur, East Jakarta on July 15.

16th Malaysia, Philippines Joint Army Training focuses on disaster response, management cooperation

CAPAS, Tarlac, September 16 (PIA) -- The ongoing 16th Land Training Activity of Malaysia and Philippine Armies has focused on intensifying cooperation on disaster response and management as the two neighboring nations continue to experience the detrimental effects of climate change.

“Developing a comprehensive disaster response and management strategy is essential in countries frequently hit by calamities. The overarching duties and responsibilities embedded on the bilateral exercise provide an upper hand defending against regional disasters affecting Malaysia and Philippines,” Army Vice Commander Major General Demosthenes Santillan said.

Boustead Unit Bags RM92m Mindef Contract

Boustead Holdings Bhd’s unit, Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd has bagged a RM92.43 million contract from the Ministry of Defence Malaysia (Mindef) for the scheduled refit maintenance of a patrol vessel, known as KD Pahang for the Royal Malaysian Navy. 

In a note to the exchange yesterday, the investment holding company said the KD Pahang work will contribute positively to the earnings of the group for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2015, and 2016. The written acknowledgment was executed on Sept 17, 2015. (The Malaysian Reserve)

MAST welcomes Malaysia move on regional ship security

Maritime security company MAST has welcomed the Malaysian initiative to consider regional cooperation and armed guards on board ships as a step in the right direction but warns that the burden of responsibility will still be with shipping companies to protect their assets and crews.

Malaysian Armed forces to adopt new strategic devt plan

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Malaysian Armed Forces plan to adopt the Fourth Dimension as its new strategic development plan.

Malaysian Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Datuk (Dr) Zulkiefli Mohd Zin said the plan is to transform the armed forces into a Full Spectrum Force that is versatile, credible and balanced.

Malaysia, Thailand agree to build common border wall next year

KUALA LUMPUR: To tighten surveillance, Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to build a wall at their common border next year.

Malaysian Armed Forces chief General Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said the pact was reached at the General Border Committee Meeting and it would be referred to Parliament for provision of allocations.

Thales announces order for ForceSHIELD Integrated Air Defence system and STARStreak missiles for Malaysian Armed Forces

Thales announced at DSEI that it has signed a contract with Global Komited, a company within The Weststar Group, to supply the Malaysian Armed Forces with ForceSHIELD, the Thales integrated Advanced Air Defence system.

In addition to the STARStreak missiles, the system comprises CONTROLMaster 200 radar and weapon coordination systems, RAPIDRanger and RAPIDRover mobile weapon systems and the Next Generation Lightweight Multiple Launcher, as well as associated communications.

"Malaysian Army strength in Sabah at the optimum level"

Papar: The army strength in Sabah is now at the optimum level following the deployment of nine battalions with more than 3,000 soldiers who are stationed in various places, including in the East Coast of Sabah.

Outgoing Task Force 450 Commander Major General Datuk Masrani Paiman said their presence has further boosted the security level in Sabah and the country.

Expert interprets China-Malaysia military exercise at Malacca Strait

BEIJING, September 14 (ChinaMil) -- China will assign three naval warships, seven warplanes and 1,160 troops from the Army, Navy and Air Force of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to participate in the first joint military exercise with Malaysia. Since it will be carried out near the strategic waterway of Malacca Strait, the exercise has triggered many speculations and analysis.

Several Chinese military experts elaborated on the background and purpose of this joint military exercise on September 13. They also denied those groundless speculations.

Deftech select Kent Periscopes for Malaysian AV-8 programme

31 May - DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (Deftech) selected Kent Periscopes Limited as the provider of periscopes and reversionary sights for the new 8x8 Armoured Wheeled Vehicle (AV-8) programme for the Malaysian Armed Forces. The scope of supply covers all periscopes for installation in the vehicle hull, hatches and where applicable turrets, together with our popular Sabre Sight for the 2-Man turret vehicle variant.

Chinese navy fleets leave for China-Malaysia military drill

SANYA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese navy fleets on Saturday left a port in Sanya in south China's Hainan Province for a military exercise jointly held by China and Malaysia.

The drill, coded "Peace and Friendship 2015," is scheduled to be held from September 17 to 22 in the Malacca Strait and surrounding waters.

It will include exercises for joint escort, joint search and rescue, hijacked vessel rescue, weapons use, humanitarian rescue and disaster relief.

Missing MV Sah Lian found, crew safe

KUALA LUMPUR: The MV Sah Lian, which had been reported missing in the South China Sea since Sept 7, has been found.

Sarawak Region enforcement chief Maritime First Admiral Ismaili Bujang Pit said, the cargo ship was located at around 4pm Thursday approximately 30 nautical miles from Miri.

Boustead Secures Royal Malaysian Navy Contract Extension

Boustead Holdings Bhd received a contract extension for the supply and delivery of spare parts, maintenance services and training for the Royal Malaysian Navy’s 23rd Frigate Squadron.

The Company’s subsidiary, Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd, received a Letter of Award on September 3, for a period of two years, until September 9, 2017. The remaining contract value is RM 43,4 million (USD 10 million).

To remind, BNS received the contract from the Ministry of Defence Malaysia in September 2012 at a contract value of RM 70 million (USD 16 million) for a period of three years.

Philippines, Australia to conduct ‘dusk’ and ‘dawn’ Special Forces exercises

FORT ANDRES BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The armies of the Philippines and Australia will conduct two joint exercises to be held separately in both countries this year in line with their existing defense cooperation program.

Based on the Philippine Army training program for 2015, the two exercises are the Philippine-Australia Exercise ‘Dusk’ Caracha and the Philippine-Australia Exercise ‘Dawn’ Caracha.

The United States and Malaysia Partner to Promote Peacekeeping at Multinational Exercise Keris Aman

"Malaysia’s own dedication to peacekeeping is truly exceptional. In 1960, only three years after gaining its own independence, Malaysia sent its first group of military personnel to support the UN mission in the Republic of Congo. Since then, Malaysia has deployed tens of thousands of its troops to serve as peacekeepers in some of the most challenging war zones on earth -– from Sudan, to Lebanon, to Bosnia, to Timor-Leste. The bravery of Malaysia’s soldiers cannot be overstated. In 1993, two helicopters carrying American forces were shot down over Mogadishu -- Somalia’s capital city -- leaving U.S. soldiers trapped in hostile territory. As Americans bravely held their ground, Malaysian and Pakistani peacekeepers launched a mission to rescue the trapped soldiers. One Malaysian soldier and one Pakistani solider paid the ultimate price," Assistant Secretary for State for Political-Military Affairs Puneet Talwar

Read more here: https://blogs.state.gov/stories/2015/09/04/united-states-and-malaysia-partner-promote-peacekeeping-multinational-exercise#sthash.tfN8t8xk.dpuf

Philippine Army to conduct drills with Indonesia, Malaysia

THE PHILIPPINE Army is conducting two sets of separate bilateral military drills this month with Indonesia and Malaysia, in a bid to enhance the interoperability of their militaries and develop anti-insurgency strategies.

The annual bilateral exercise between the Philippine Army and the Malaysian Army, dubbed the Training Activity Land Malaysia-Philippines (MALPHI), is scheduled from Sept. 9 to 21 at the Peacekeeping Operations Center in Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.

Indonesian Navy nab Malaysian ship hijacking suspect

31 August, Jakarta: The Indonesian Navy has detained the suspected mastermind behind the hijacking of Malaysian oil tanker, MT Orkim Harmony. Local English newspaper, The Jakarta Post quoted Navy spokesman Col M. Zainudin as saying the Navy’s Western Fleet Quick Response (WFQR) IV team had nabbed the Indonesian suspect at an apartment in Grogol Petamburan, West Jakarta on Thursday. 

Malaysian Navy officer detained over dodgy RM800,000 contract

PETALING: A Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) officer was detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over corrupt practices in procuring naval assets.

A source told The Star that the officer, who was based in the Lumut RMN base, was detained on Tuesday morning by MACC over a contract worth about RM800,000.

New head of Thai army confirmed: Report

A new head of the Thai army has been confirmed as part of a military reshuffle endorsed by the King, according to a report.

General Thirachai Nakwanich, assistant army chief, will succeed General Udomdej Sitabutr, who will retire at the end of September.

Malaysian military implements initiatives to beef up security

SEPANGGAR: The Malaysian Armed Forces is implementing nine initiatives to beef up the level of security in Sabah, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

He said among them were the deployment of two sea basings, namely the Tun Azizan naval base and Tun Sharifah Rodziah naval base to enhance maritime security in the waters off Sabah east coast.

China, Malaysia to hold joint military drill

BEIJING, Aug. 27 -- China and Malaysia will hold a joint military exercise from mid-to-late September in the Malacca Strait and its surrounding area, according to the Chinese Defense Ministry on Thursday.

Malaysian Armed Forces to go ahead with buying assets despite current economy

KUALA LUMPUR - The Defence Ministry will proceed with acquiring the armed forces' assets under the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) despite the current economic challenges.

Be Flexible In Qualification Criteria To Encourage Indian Youths To Join Navy - MIC Youth

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 -- The MIC Youth today urged the Defence Ministry to be flexible with the minimum Bahasa Malaysia credit requirement in SPM for posts in the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), especially for Indian youths.

MIC Youth chief C. Sivarraajh said relaxing the minimum requirement from credit to 'pass' would encourage more Indian youths to join the Navy because many were only equipped with a pass in Bahasa Malaysia.

Thai army, Muslim rebels hold closed-door peace talks in Malaysia

BANGKOK: A Thai delegation led by special advisor to the Royal Thai Army General Aksara Kerdpol met with representatives of Thailand's southern militant groups in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday (Aug 25).

Philippines, Malaysia to hold naval drills in crime-ridden waters

Aug 24 - The Philippines and Malaysia will hold naval drills this week in seas that have become hunting grounds for the notorious Abu Sayyaf terrorist group, human traffickers and smugglers.

In an advisory, Naval Forces Western Mindanao said live-fire and interoperability exercises will be held in waters around the Zamboanga peninsula, and in seas separating Sulu province in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao and Malaysia's Sabah state.

Chinese Youths Urged To Join Royal Malaysian Navy

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- The MCA has urged Chinese youths to join the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) to raise the number of Chinese personnel.

Currently, the number of Chinese personnel in RMN is considered very low.

RMN Collaborates with Indonesian Navy to Form Quick Response Tteam

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) with the cooperation of the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) will set up a Quick Response Team to act swiftly against criminal cases in the seas.

Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar said it would comprise a special marine force from both countries which would be based in Tanjung Pengelih, Johor and Tanjung Pinang, Indonesia.

Malaysia lodges diplomatic protest against intrusion at Beting Patinggi Ali

ALOR STAR, Aug 15, 2015 - Malaysia will continue to send diplomatic protests against the intrusion of Chinese coast guard ships in Malaysian waters near Beting Patinggi Ali, Sarawak, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim today.

Shahidan, who is in charge of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the National Security Council (NSC), said the republic’s ships had been in Malaysian waters for more than two years.

Malaysia Stamps Sovereignty over Layang Layang Island with Postal Code

LAYANG-LAYANG  - Pos Malaysia Bhd has launched a special postal code for Layang Layang island, one of the world's best diving destinations.

The 88005 special postal code symbolises Malaysia's sovereignty over the remote island located 300km from Sabah or one hour by air from Kota Kinabalu.

CRS-4 Conducts Boat Formation Training with Royal Malaysian Navy

US sailors assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron 4 and members of the Royal Malaysian Navy conduct boat formation training during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Malaysia 2015. In its 21st year, CARAT is an annual, bilateral exercise series with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the armed forces of nine partner nations including, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste. (U.S. Navy)

US Sailors and Marines join the Malaysian Armed Forces for CARAT 2015

Sandakan, Malaysia (NNS) -- The 21st annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and the Malaysian Armed Forces began Aug. 17 with opening ceremonies in Sandakan, Malaysia.

CARAT Malaysia 2015 consists of five days of shore-based and at-sea training events, designed to address shared maritime security concerns, build relationships, and enhance interoperability among participating forces. 

Royal Malaysian Navy Missing Boat with Four Crew Found Safe

KUALA LUMPUR, August 16 - The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) offshore station boat which went missing with its four crew last Thursday was found safe today.

The boat was found by RMN KD LEKIR vessel at 10.30 am.

According to the statement from Defence Ministry's Naval Base today, the RIB boat went missing while on duty last Thursday.

The search and rescue operation to find the boat and its crew was called off at noon. (Bernama)

Cubic Wins $18 Million Contract for Australian Defence Simulation and Training Centre Simulation

SAN DIEGO –  Cubic Global Defense (CGD), a business unit of Cubic Corporation recently announced the selection of Cubic Defence Australia as the primary contractor to provide a managed workforce solution for the Australian Defence Simulation and Training Centre (ADSTC) Simulation Support Services (SSS). The four-year contract is valued at $18 million with options for extension. ADSTC and the contracted services are based in Canberra, Australia, but will be distributed throughout the country and the Pacific to coalition partners.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Deploys Navy Troops to Ayungin Shoal

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has responded to China’s threatening moves around Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea by sending fresh Navy troops to replace the Marines pulled out from a grounded ship that serves as the base of Filipino troops in the disputed area.

Sources said the Marines at Ayungin Shoal have been pulled out from the grounded BRP Sierra Madrea and another unit of the Philippine Navy took over their maritime and territorial duties at the shoal.

Russia Plans to Offer Advanced Su-35 Fighters for Indonesia Tender

Russia has announced plans to compete for an Indonesian Air Force contract to purchase fighter planes; it hopes to export Su-35 jets.

Russian-made Su-35 fighters are due to compete for a forthcoming tender; the Indonesian Air Force is considering purchasing these multi-role aircraft to replace its aging fleet of US-made jets, according to Sergey Kornev, a spokesman for Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport.

He made the statement during the 2015 Le Bourget Airshow, which is currently underway near Paris, France.

Air Commandos Complete Teak Mint 15-1

Joint HALO jumps durings Exercise TEAK MINT 15-1 (Source: US Air Force)

SUBANG AB, Malaysia -- Members from the 353rd Special Operations Group along with members from the 36th Airlift Squadron conducted multinational and bilateral training during Joint Chief of Staff Exercise Teak Mint 15-1 in Kuala Lumpur and Kuantan, Malaysia, May 26 through June 13.

“This exercise has been a great opportunity for our Airmen to learn,” said Maj. Michael S. Perry, Teak Mint 15-1 mission commander. “For the past two weeks, we had the opportunity to build a mutually beneficial relationship between U.S. and Malaysian Air Forces. Each group came here with a diverse perspective shaped by their unique history. I was happy to see how both countries took full advantage of building partnerships and learning from each other. ”

Malaysian Hijacked Oil Tanker Rescued, Pirates Flee

Kuala Lumpur, 19 June 2015 -- Pirates who hijacked a Malaysian oil tanker last week have fled on the ship's lifeboat after being pursued by a Malaysian navy ship, officials said Friday.

Navy chief Abdul Aziz Jaafar said the eight pirates, believed to be Indonesians, abandoned the MT Orkim Harmony late Thursday. All 22 crew members were safe, except for an Indonesian cook who was shot in the thigh, Abdul Aziz tweeted.

He said three navy ships and two helicopters are searching for the pirates. The ship is sailing back to Malaysia's northern Kuantan port, escorted by a naval ship, he said.

The tanker, carrying 7.5 million liters (2 million gallons) of gasoline worth 21 million ringgit ($5.7 million), was headed to Kuantan when communications were lost June 11. The crew consisted of 16 Malaysians, five Indonesians and a Myanmar national.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency said earlier that the ship was detected in waters off southern Vietnam late Wednesday and had been repainted black from blue. Abdul Aziz also tweeted pictures of the tanker, showing some letters of the name of the ship painted over to give it a new name, "Kim Harmon."

He said the eight pirates were armed with pistols and machetes, and spoke with Indonesian accents.

The maritime agency said the hijacking was believed to be the work of a syndicate targeting vessels for their cargos of fuel. It said this was the fifth theft in waters off southern Malaysia this year.

It was the second tanker hijacked this month. Another Malaysian tanker carrying diesel fuel was hijacked June 4 in the same area and was released after its fuel was siphoned off.

Maritime officials have said it is more difficult to steal gasoline because it is highly flammable and requires special safety equipment.

The International Maritime Bureau says attacks against small tankers off Southeast Asia's coasts have been rising since last year.

Pirates have been particularly active near Indonesia's Bintan island and in the South China Sea, where 11 vessels were hijacked last year, the bureau said. (AP)

Boustead Naval Shipyard to Build 6 RMN Warships

LUMUT, 12 June 2015 – Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd today began construction of six Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) warships costing RM9 billion under the Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) project. 

Defence Deputy Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said the LCS project was one of the government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s maritime defence system, apart from boosting the economy, especially the shipbuilding industry. 

Dayak Community Urged to Join Army

SIBU, 11 June -- Dayak youths have been encouraged to join the army and carry on the community’s legacy of heroic service and loyalty to the country. 

Malaysian Army chief General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor said the Dayak community being the second largest racial group to serve in Malaysian Army, were feared by the enemy for their bravery and intrepidity. 

Philippines, Japan to Hold Fresh Naval Drills

MANILA: The Philippines and Japan will hold their second joint naval drills this year, the Filipino military said on Tuesday (Jun 9), as the World War II foes deepen security ties while China aggressively develops islands in disputed waters.

The June 22-26 joint manoeuvres with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force would be the second this year, after a one-day exercise in the flashpoint South China Sea last month, Philippine navy spokesman Colonel Edgard Arevalo said.

Indonesia Starts Construction of Second Philippines Navy Ship

INDONESIA’S state-owned shipbuilder has started to build the second of two strategic sealift vessels for the Philippine Navy.

A report from Indonesia’s Antara News last June 5 said the keel-laying of the second ship by shipbuilder PT PAL was held recently at the Surabaya shipyard.

Alleged Russian Soldiers Captured in Ukraine May Have Been Fooled by Social Media

London, UK -- False information posted online may have been the reason behind the apparent capture of Russian special forces in Ukraine, according to one of Kiev’s top advisors on pro-Russian propaganda tactics.

The soldiers were seized in May in the town of Shchastya, near the line of separation. A video was then posted online showing one of the detainees stating his rank and brigade, prompting Moscow to again deny claims that Russia is sending forces into the country.

Nine Foreign Aircraft Caught Intruding Indonesian Airspace, Says Air Force

June 8, 2015 -- The Indonesian Air Force has so far intercepted nine foreign aircraft illegally flying over Ambalat-Karang Unarang airspace in East Kalimantan by June, Tarakan Air Force base commander Lt Col Tiopan Hutapea said on Sunday.

The Jakarta Post quoted Tiopan as saying that the aircraft which included military jets, helicopters and drones were from Malaysia and entered Indonesian territory without proper documentation.

Thai Navy Deploy ‘Floating Base’ for Boat People

The Thai navy will deploy a landing-platform dock ship in the Andaman Sea to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants found adrift as a complement to air patrols by the United States.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told reporters the 4.9-billion-baht (US$163 million) HTMS Ang Thong will serve as a “floating base with medics and police” on board. The vessel, commissioned in 2012, has a displacement of 7,500 tonnes, can carry a crew of 390 and is equipped with a sick bay, a minor-operation room and dentistry suite.

Vietnam eyes Western warplanes, patrol aircraft to counter China

Vietnam is in talks with European and U.S. contractors to buy fighter jets, maritime patrol planes and unarmed drones, sources said, as it looks to beef up its aerial defences in the face of China's growing assertiveness in disputed waters.

The battle-hardened country has already taken possession of three Russian-built Kilo-attack submarines and has three more on order as part of a $2.6 billion (1.69 billion pounds) deal agreed in 2009. Upgrading its air force would give Vietnam one of the most potent militaries in Southeast Asia.

RMAF to Retain MiG-29N Fighter Aircraft

KUANTAN: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) fleet of MiG-29N fighter aircraft will remain an important asset to the country's air defence. RMAF chief General Datuk Seri Roslan Saad said there has been no decision to replace the MIG-29N which had been in service since 1990 and the aircraft will still remain in service. 

He said RMAF will scrutinise the capabilities of the existing MIG-29N fleet to ensure it remains competitive and relevant in safeguarding the country's air space. "Initially, there were plans to phase out the aircraft and replace them with another multi-role combat aircraft. "However, we have decided to upgrade the aircraft to ensure it has similar capabilities with fighter jets owned by other countries," he told reporters after opening RMAF's 57th anniversary here today. (New Straits Times)

Defence Ministry Gives Green Light to Army Patrols at Malaysia-Thai Border

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said today he has “no objection” to the proposal that the military takes over patrols along the Malaysia-Thailand border.

The defence minister said the Cabinet decided today that both the Inspector-General of Police and the Armed Forces chief will discuss the military’s role in the plan.

Carl Vinson Strike Group Conducts Exercises With Malaysian Military

Two F/A-18 Super Hornets and two Royal Malaysian Air Force Su-30MKMs fly in formation above the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Source: US Navy

USS CARL VINSON, At Sea (NNS) -- Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, and Destroyer Squadron 1 participated in various bi-lateral training events May 10 in the South China Sea with Malaysian air and surface units in support of Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet theater security cooperation objectives.

L-3 SAM Electronics to Supply Turnkey Equipment for New Royal Malaysian Navy Ships

HAMBURG, Germany – L-3 SAM Electronics announced recently that it has been awarded a contract to provide the electrical distribution system for six Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN). The ships will be built at the Boustead Naval Shipyard in Lumut, Malaysia, with Design Authority provided by DCNS of France. Deliveries are scheduled between 2017 and 2021.

Soldiers Learn Survival Skills at Jungle Training Center

US soldier training at the JTC. Source: Hawaii News

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — On a hilltop nestled deep in the Wahiawa jungle, Staff Sgt. Jeff Bermudez, US Army reminded his students, laden with gear and rifles, that despite their imminent task to rappel down a 60-foot drop to flatter ground, they’re lucky.

“A little while ago, it was raining, and this ground would’ve been slicker than goose grease,” he told his trainees, who eyed the rope and small tree they’d soon rely on to buffer gravity.

Bermudez, a cadre instructor, teaches hasty rappel in addition to several other courses, including communications and how to counter improvised explosive devices, at the 25th Infantry Division’s Lightning Academy Jungle Operations Training Center, which is almost two years old.

Thailand Select Lockheed Martin’s Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod for F-16 Fleets

ORLANDO, Fla., May 11, 2015 – The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) recently selected Lockheed Martin’s  Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) for their F-16 fleets, becoming the 19th international customers to receive this advanced sensor capability.

Lockheed Martin will integrate and field Sniper ATPs on existing RTAF aircraft and provide initial sustainment support. Pod deliveries began in early 2015 to meet operational need requirements.

First Tilt-rotor for Asia? V-22B Block C Osprey Approved for Sale to Japan

V-22 from Bell Helicopters, the only Tilt-rotor in active service (Source: Bell Helicopters)

WASHINGTON, May 5, 2015 - The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan for V-22B Block C Osprey aircraft and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $3 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

F-16 Block 52 Upgrade Programme Approved for Singapore

F-16 of the RSAF (Source: US Air Force)

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2015 - The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Singapore for the F-16 Block 52 Upgrade Program and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $130 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on May 5, 2015.

"Sea Row Overtakes All National Security Concerns"

MANILA, Philippines, May 8 -- With threats from communist and Muslim rebels significantly reduced, preserving the Philippines’s sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea is now the country’s biggest security concern, the government’s top security adviser told a Senate panel yesterday.

National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia made the observation during a hearing by the Senate committee on national defense and security on China’s island building activities in the West Philippine Sea.

AIM-120C7 AMRAAM Missiles Approved for Malaysia

WASHINGTON, May 5, 2015 - The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Malaysia for AIM-120C7 AMRAAM Missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $21 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Indonesia Getting AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Air to Air Missiles

WASHINGTON, May 5, 2015 - The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Indonesia for AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $47 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

TNI to Set up Joint Special Operations Force Command

Jakarta, May 5 -- The Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) plans to set up a joint special operations unit comprising elite forces of the army, navy and air force. 

"What we are going to set up is not a special force but a joint special operations command," TNI Chief General Moeldoko said after dedicating a TNI museum at the TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Tuesday. 

Indonesian Navy Ship 'KRI Rigel' Visits Kochi

KRI Rigel (Source: Indian Navy)

A Hydrography Vessel of Indonesian Navy, KRI Rigel (993) is on a three day visit to Kochi from 29 April to 2 May 15. On 29 April 15, the Commanding Officer, KRI Rigel Lt Cdr Muhammad Wirda Prayogo called on Rear Admiral RB Pandit, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command.

Battle of Plaman Mapu Remembered

April 28 -- Fifty years on, veteran Paratroopers have returned to the scene of a battle in Borneo to remember those who lost their lives.

The Battle of Plaman Mapu, 50 years ago yesterday (27 April 1965), saw 36 members of B Company 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment (2 PARA), on operations in Borneo, defend their company location from 400 elite Indonesian soldiers who attacked the camp on the Malay border with Indonesia in a dawn raid.

Remember Jabidah Massacre? Historical Marker Unveiled in Corregidor 47 Years After

The Mindanao Garden of Peace, a memorial for the Moro soldiers killed in the Jabidah massacre, in Kindley Airfield, Corregidor. TRICIA AQUINO/InterAksyon.com

CORREGIDOR ISLAND, Philippines -- On 18 March 1968, between 14 and 200 young Moro soldiers secretly trained to retake Sabah were massacred here. The tragedy served as a catalyst of the Moro independence movement in Mindanao with the establishment of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), triggering decades of internal conflict.

On Wednesday, 47 years after the largely forgotten tragedy, a historical marker commemorating their sacrifice was unveiled. 

US Ambassador Helps Open National Coast Watch Center to Enhance Philippine Maritime Domain Awareness

April 30 -- US Ambassador to the Philippines, Philip S. Goldberg, cut the ribbon inaugurating the National Coast Watch Center in an action that underscores the US commitment to helping the Philippines manage and secure its maritime domain.

The US has provided $20 million (880 million Philippine Pesos) to date for the center that provides critical information fusion and 24 hour operations to support enhanced awareness of the Philippines’ maritime domain. Future incremental improvements are planned to fully realize the potential of the center.

Fort Worth Departs Singapore After Scheduled Maintenance

CHANGI NAVAL BASE, Singapore, April 30 -- The littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) departed its maintenance and logistics hub in Singapore April 30, after a five-day preventative maintenance availability (PMAV) and a two-week long repair availability (RAV).

The RAV was the first extended maintenance availability for the ship during its 16-month rotational deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific.

Myanmar Refugee First to Accept Cambodia Resettlement

Australian Immigration Minister Scott Morrison, front left, signs a document together
with Cambodian Interior Minister Sar Kheng, front right, during a ceremony for a controversial
deal to resettle refugees in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Sept. 26, 2014 (Source: Voice of America)

April 23 -- Cambodia said it is reviewing the case of the first refugee at the Nauru detention center to volunteer for a controversial Australian resettlement plan.

Interior Ministry spokesman Khieu Sopheak Thursday told the VOA Khmer service the first refugee to agree to resettle in Cambodia is an ethnic Rohingya who had fled Myanmar hoping to resettle in Australia.

US, Philippines Agree on Base Rotations Along South China Sea

US Marines storming the beach (Pic Source: US DoD)

April 27 -- US forces would have access to at least eight bases in the Philippines -- including two near a hotly contested island group claimed by China -- under a new bilateral defense agreement, according to a Philippine media report.

Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gregorio Catapang told Manila's ABS-CBN News that during an October meeting, he and Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel Locklear identified eight bases that the US would send troop rotations through. The rotations would happen in accordance with the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, a bilateral document signed last year that gives the US military the most access it has had since the Philippines ordered the US to leave its former bases in the 1990s.

Saab Indonesia's Scholarship Has Taken Off

April 27 -- Ten naval officers from the Indonesian Navy were in Sweden this month for a Saab training scholarship program. The officers were undergoing training in Swedish innovation systems and developing capabilities for maritime security in littoral environments. The program is an outcome of a Memorandum of Agreement with the Indonesian Navy signed in February 2015 at the Surabaya Naval base.

2 Navy SEALs Die in Training Accident

April 28 -- The US Navy says a second SEAL has died following a training accident in a swimming pool at a base in Virginia.

Lt. David Lloyd tells media outlets that Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Brett Allen Marihugh of Livonia, Michigan, died Sunday.

The 34-year-old Marihugh and 32-year-old Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Seth Cody Lewis of Queens, New York, were found unresponsive on Friday at the bottom of the Combat Swimming Training Facility at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. Lewis died Friday.

The Virginia-Pilot reported that the two men were discovered at the bottom of the pool, which is regularly used by SEALs during training. The report said Lewis was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital; Marihugh, who had been in critical condition, died after being transferred to Sentara Virginia Beach General.

Lloyd says both sailors were members of Naval Special Warfare Group 2.

An investigation of the incident is continuing.

Marihugh and Lewis both served in the US Marine Corps before they enlisted in the Navy in 2006.

Dangers of Special Forces Trainings

The above are only the latest training accidents this year for the US Navy SEALs. Other accidents include:

March 2015

Special Warfare Operator 3rd Class Jason Kortz, 29, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado was killed in a parachute accident in Perris, California, near Riverside, a US Navy official told CNN.

Kortz joined the SEALs in September 2014 after enlisting in the Navy two years earlier. He was married, the Navy said.

Initial indications are the parachute failed to open during a jump as part of a training exercise. Kortz was part of a West Coast-based Navy SEAL team.

January 2015

William "Blake" Marston, 31, of Concord, New Hampshire, died after landing on the grounds of a DeLand airport, Central Florida where he was doing the training exercise.

A witness told DeLand police investigators that something flew off the man's parachute as he was in free fall between 40 to 60 feet above ground

He served in the Navy for six years, before completing his training in 2009.

Marston attended Stonehill College in Massachusetts and graduated in 2007. (Various sources)

ESSCom's Battle Is Not Over, Says Commander

LAHAD DATU, April 28 -- Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) commander Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun said the battle for security in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) is not over even though security in the zone has now improved.

In this regard, he wanted ESSCom personnel to renew their determination in assisting the government to accomplish its mission to defend the sovereignty and security of the people especially in ESSZone.

Vietnam to Add Two Locally-built Warships to Naval Fleet This Quarter

Molniyac-class ship of the Vietnam People's Navy with Uran-E launchers (Source: VNExpress)

The Vietnam People’s Navy will add two warships to its fleet in the next two months following the recent successful test run of two fast-attack missile ships of the Molniya class, the first of its kind to have been built locally, according to government website chinhphu.vn.

The two warships, HQ379 and HQ380, have been accepted by a joint council made up of Ministry of Defense and Vietnam People’s Navy officials after the test run.

Cambodia ‘can’t afford’ to buy Indonesian weapons

A government spokesman poured cold water on an offer by Indonesia to sell Cambodia weapons, citing budget constraints and the Kingdom’s preference for peace.

The proposal by Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo was discussed with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on April 21 at the World Economic Forum in Jakarta.

Operation Garuda Perkasa held in Jember

The Indonesian Air Force conducted a military exercise dubbed Operation Garuda Perkasa (Mighty Garuda) in Jember, East Java, involving various combat and support units, to increase soldiers’ readiness in recapturing and controlling a seized airport.

The exercise was organized by the Abdurrahman Saleh Air Force Base in Malang, East Java, using a scenario that an armed right-wing group was active in the southern part of East Java and had seized Notohadinegoro Airport in Jember.

Military: China puts Philippines in a 'very difficult situation'

Reclamation and construction on Mischief (Panganiban) Reef in the South China Sea are seen in this recent aerial photo released by the Philippines Armed Forces on April 20, 2015. (Source: AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is now in a "very difficult situation" and is in danger of losing access to some of its territories because of China's massive reclamation in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), the military said Monday.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. said the Philippines would be cut off from Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and Pag-Asa Island if China reclaims Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, an area located 135 miles west of Palawan.

Brunei and Australia in Exercise Penguin 16/15

Lieutenant Colonel (L) Pengiran Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Damit, Fleet Commander of Royal Brunei Navy; Lieutenant Commander Philip Draper, Commander Officer of HMAS Armidale; RAN Wing Com-mander Michael Cawley, Deputy Defence Advisor to Singapore and Brunei Darussalam as well as RBN officials in a group photo (Source: Borneo Bulletin)

MILITARY ties between Brunei Darussalam and Australia are set to be enhanced following the launch of Exercise Penguin 16/15, a bilateral exercise conducted biennially between Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

Lieutenant Colonel (L) Pengiran Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Damit, Fleet Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy, said the objective of the exercise was to strengthen the relationship between both parties through operational and naval practices.

Thai Navy Petitions Govt to Buy Submarines

Then-Navy chief Admiral Narong Pipattanasai observes the remains of Thailand's last submarine during a visit to the headquarters of the Navy's submarine division on 7 July 2014 (Source: Thai Navy website)

BANGKOK — The Royal Thai Navy has formally submitted a request to the government to buy submarines for its submarine division, which has lacked a single vessel for the last 64 years.

Admiral Kraisorn Chansuvanich, commander of the Thai navy, said he hopes the cabinet will deliberate on the request soon, because submarines are needed to bolster Thailand’s armed forces.

Three Rebel Groups Still Fighting in Myanmar Will Attend Summit to Discuss Peace

Myanmar soldiers patrol in Laukkai, the main city in the Kokang region of northern Myanmar Shan state, on February 16, 2015. (Source: AFP via RFA)

Three armed ethnic groups that the Myanmar government sought to exclude from a meeting early next month to discuss the draft of a nationwide cease-fire agreement will attend the summit despite ongoing clashes between their troops and the national army, group leaders who will participate in the meeting said. 

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Arakan Army (AA) will join 12 other rebel groups for a May 1-3 summit at the United Wa State headquarters in Pangsang, northern Shan state, where they also will discuss the country’s current political situation.

Saab in Thailand

Gripen of Royal Thai Air Force (Source: Saab)

Thailand has been among the top 10 markets for Saab over an extended period of time. The company opened its offices in Bangkok in 1998 and has extensive engagement with both defence and civilian sectors of Thailand. With the intent of cementing its long term presence in the country, Saab also entered into a joint venture with AVIA Satcom.

Iran, Indonesia Stress Expansion of Defence Cooperation

TEHRAN - Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan and his Indonesian counterpart Ryamizard Ryacudu in a meeting in Moscow on Thursday underlined the need for broadening mutual cooperation in a bid to boost the Muslim world's power.

During the meeting in the Russian capital today, Brigadier General Dehqan and Ryacudu explored avenues for bolstering and reinvigorating ties, specially in defense and military areas.

US May Take Thousands of Lao Hmong Refugees

A CIA officer and a Hmong resistance fighter in Laos in mid-1962. (Source: CIA)

The United States has said it will initiate a resettlement program for thousands of ethnic Hmong refugees from Laos currently camped in temporary accommodation in Thailand, RFA reports.

Any refugee from the Wat Tham Krabok Temple, near Saraburi, to the north of the Thai capital Bangkok, would be able to apply for resettlement in the United States, subject to background checks and medical examinations, the State Department said in a statement.

MAJU BERSAMA Exercise Between RBLF and Singapore Army

RBLF troops at the launch of Semangat Waja Exercise
(Source: Borneo Bulletin)

THE Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF) on April 15 launched three bilateral exercises in conjunction with its Semangat Waja Exercise.

A ceremony for the Maju Bersama Exercise was held at the RBLF Second Battalion in Tutong Camp attended by Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Chief of Staff, General Staff, Brigadier General Lim Hock Yu, and Deputy RBLF Commander Colonel Hj Muhd Haszaimi Bol Hassan. This year marks the 20th series of the bilateral exercise between RBLF and the Singapore Army.since it was first conducted in 1984.

TNI AD Training Helicopter Crashes Onto Semarang Runway

Jakarta. A Bell helicopter owned by the Indonesian Military (TNI) crashed onto a runway at Ahmad Yani Army Airbase in Semarang, Central Java, at around 8:25 a.m. on April 21.

The helicopter from the Army Flight Training Center was being used for emergency procedure training. The aircraft suffered some damage but nobody was hurt.

US Navy Submarine Group 7 Strengthens Ties with the Indonesian Submarine Force

Submarines of the COMSUBGRU 7 (Source: US Navy)

FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA, Japan -- Rear Adm. William R. Merz, Commander, Submarine Group 7 (COMSUBGRU 7), met with representatives from the Indonesian submarine force in Surabaya, Indonesia, on April 14 in order to strengthen a dynamic working relationship between the two navies.

The primary focus of the staff talks was to establish routine periodic regional engagements and operations to integrate the Indonesian submarine force as a partner and ally in the Pacific.

Royal Malaysian Navy Open Day for public in Sepanggar on 25, 26 April

KD Selangor of the RMN (Source: news.com.au)

KOTA KINABALU: The Royal Malaysian Navy will hold an Open Day at the Sepanggar Naval Base from April 25 to April 26 in conjunction with its 81st anniversary.

Visitors can get on board the navy vessels and visit various exhibition booths during the two-day event, which is expected to be officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman.

EKS MALFRANS - Malaysia-France Joint Exercise

BPC Dixmude of the French Navy (Source: French Ministry of Defence)

KUALA LUMPUR, April 20  -- Multiple exercises themed, 'Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)' are being conducted for five days during this year's Exercise Malaysia-France (EKS MALFRAN) this year.

The joint exercise involving the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and France Armed Forces (FAF), beginning yesterday, will be held onboard the FAF ship, 'FNS Dixmude' in the waters off Mersing, Johor and in Kampung Simpang Penyabong which is located in the (Mersing) district.

Stay of 600 KOSTRAD Personnel in Poso Extended

KOSTRAD in Poso (Source: beritadaerah.co.id)

Poso, C Sulawesi -- The battle exercise of the Swift Reaction Strike Unit (PPRC) of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) in Poso ended on April 17, but 600 personnel of the Army Strategic Command (Kostrad) will remain there. 

Japan’s Jets Flew 474 Sorties Over Past Year to Simulate Interception of Russian Planes

Mitsubishi F-15J of the JASDF (Source: Wikipedia)

TOKYO, April 15. -- Japanese self-defense force fighter planes were ordered into the air 474 times for simulated interception of Russian planes during the period from April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015, the Japanese Defense Ministry said.

Laser-Guided Rocket Hits the Mark for Australian Defence Force

Tiger ARH of the ADF (Source: BAE Systems)

The Australian Defence Force demonstrated the precision strike capability of BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rocket, firing the system from an Airbus Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) for the first time. Using a Forges de Zeebrugge (FZ) rocket motor, warhead, and launcher, the APKWS rocket was 10 for 10 in the live fire flight trials.

Royal Malaysian Navy Conducts Small Scale War Exercise

KD Selangor of the RMN (Source: news.com.au)

Kota Kinabalu: Media practitioners had a taste of how it feels like to be on a navy ship during a small-scale war exercise dubbed "Borneo War", held recently in conjunction with the Royal Malaysian Navy's 81st Anniversary.

The close to 12-hour exercise, which departed from the Sepanggar Naval Base sailing within 40 nautical miles off the coast at about 5.30am, involved a total of 402 navy officers and personnel, six vessels including KD Selangor and KD Perak, two helicopters – one from the Air Force and another from the navy – as well as a combat jet which acted as the enemy.

USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) Returns to Singapore

The littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) (Source: US Pacific Fleet)

CHANGI NAVAL BASE, Singapore - The littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) returned to Singapore April 15 after a two-month stint operating in Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia.

Singapore is the maintenance and logistics hub for rotationally deployed LCSs and Fort Worth returned to port to conduct a planned maintenance availability.

Australia Acquires Two Additional C-17A Globemaster III Aircraft

C-17 of the RAAF (Source: Australia DoD)

Australia has decided to acquire two additional Boeing C-17A Globemaster III aircraft to bolster the Royal Australian Air Force’s existing fleet of six strategic lift aircraft.

The acquisition of the two additional C-17s – and associated equipment and facilities – represents an investment of $1 billion in Australia’s security and the ability of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to respond to a range of contingencies.

Raytheon's Newest JSOW Variant Enters Operational Testing

JSOW C-1 and Super Hornet: a potent combination (Source: Raytheon)

Raytheon Company and the US Navy successfully completed the final free flight in the integrated testing phase for the Joint Standoff Weapon C-1.

During the development test, JSOW C-1 demonstrated its effectiveness against moving maritime targets, a crucial capability against current and future surface warfare threats. The weapon is on track to start operational testing (OT) this spring and is slated for delivery to the fleet in 2016 after the successful completion of OT.

Goodbye IKONOS and SPOT 5!

Images taken by IKONOS (Source: European Space Imaging)

IKONOS Decommissioned
After 15-plus years of successful service, DigitalGlobe made the decision to end the IKONOS mission. IKONOS was the world’s first sub-meter commercial earth imaging satellite, kick-starting what would become a multi-billion dollar industry for high resolution satellite imagery and geospatial products and services.

496 Malaysians Evacuated From Yemen - Wisma Putra

C-130 of the RMAF (Source: Youtube)

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14  -- A total of 496 Malaysian students have been evacuated from Sana'a, Hodaidah, Aden and Hadramawt in Yemen.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement here said 153 of the students were from Sana'a and Hodaidah, Aden (67 students) and Hadramawt (276 students).

I Never Said 70 Military Personnel Involved In IS - Rahim

KOTA KINABALU, April 13  - Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri denied that he said 70 military personnel in the country had joined the IS militant group.

"The news portal distorted my statement. What I said was that according to the police, almost 70 Malaysians of various background had joined the IS. I never said they were military personnel," he said in a statement Monday night.

"This report is malicious and aimed at tarnishing the image of the Malaysian Armed Forces," he said, referring to the news portal report quoting him as saying that 70 military personnel had joined the IS.

Abdul Rahim said the police are still investigating the background of Malaysians involved in the IS and only they can to decide on the matter. (Bernama)

Raytheon Awarded $35 Million Stinger Contract for Republic of Korea Delivery

Stinger (Source: Raytheon)

Raytheon Company signed a $35 million contract to deliver Stinger missiles and air-to-air launchers to the Republic of Korea Army in support of their recent procurement of AH-64 Apache helicopters.

Under the previously announced foreign military sale, Raytheon will begin deliveries of the Stinger weapon systems in 2017. 

Raytheon, Kongsberg Team on Naval Strike Missile

Naval Strike Missile (Source: tu.no)

Raytheon Company and Kongsberg have formed a teaming agreement for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM). The pact represents a second step in the companies' efforts to offer world-class Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare (OASuW) solutions to the many governments interested in this warfare mission. Raytheon and Kongsberg formed a similar agreement last year to develop the Joint Strike Missile, the air-launched version of the NSM.

Royal Australian Navy Formally Begins MH-60R Seahawk Training

MH-60R tactical operational flight trainer for the Royal Australian Navy (Source: CAE)

CAE recently announced that the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has accepted into service the first of two MH-60R Seahawk Tactical Operational Flight Trainers (TOFT) along with an MH-60R Avionics Maintenance/Weapons Load Trainer (AM/WLT). The MH-60R simulators are located at HMAS Albatross, which is near Nowra in New South Wales and home of the Royal Australian Navy's Fleet Air Arm.

India to Announce its Intention to Acquire 36 Rafale Aircraft

Dassault Rafale for India (Source: Dassault Aviation)

Paris, 10th April 2015 - Dassault Aviation, which is the Indian Air Force supplier for more than 60 years, is honored of the repeated trust of the Indian Government and welcomes its intention to finalize the acquisition of 36 Rafale aircraft at conditions that will allow to meet rapidly the security needs of India.

KONGSBERG Receives Letter of Award for NSM Ships Equipment with Boustead Naval Shipyard

KONGSBERG recently announced that it has received a Letter of Award worth approx. 20 MEUR with Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BN Shipyard) in Malaysia, for NSM (Naval Strike Missile) ships equipment.

USS Peleliu to Decommission After More Than 34 Years of Service

USS Peleliu (Source: US Navy)

SAN DIEGO - The amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) is scheduled to be decommissioned after more than 34 years of service in a ceremony on Naval Base San Diego.

The last general-purpose amphibious assault ship of the Tarawa class, Peleliu's decommissioning marks the end of a career comprising multiple deployments to US 7th and 5th fleets, humanitarian efforts and peacekeeping missions.

Two RMAF Aircraft Now In UAE To Evacuate More Malaysians

C-130 of the RMAF (Source: Youtube)

KUALA LUMPUR, April 8  -- Two Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) aircraft are standing by in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to evacuate more Malaysians from strife-torn Yemen, Chief of Armed Forces, Tan Sri Zulkefli Mohd Zin said Wednesday.

He said the Hercules C-130 aircraft, with 43 armed forces personnel, flew to the UAE Tuesday night from the RMAF airbase in Subang.

Exercise Cope Tiger 15

US and Thai air forces conduct a High Altitude Low Opening
jump from a US C-130 during Exercise Cope Tiger 15
near Udon, Thailand, March 11, 2015. Source: PACAF

KORAT ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE, Thailand -- The skies over central Thailand are a little quieter now that Exercise Cope Tiger 15 has ended.

The exercise, which ran from March 9 through 20, focused on multinational interoperability and regional partnerships.

Aviation and ground units from the United States, the Kingdom of Thailand and the Republic of Singapore participated in the annual multilateral aerial exercise.

US Navy Issues Contract Modification to Lockheed Martin to Construct, Procure Littoral Combat Ships

Photo credit EagleHerald

The US Navy has issued a Lockheed Martin-led industry team a contract modification for one fully funded 2015 Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) valued at $362 million, along with $79 million in advanced procurement funding for a second ship. The balance of the second ship will be funded by Dec. 31, 2015.

Republic of Korea upgrades its Air and Missile Defense

Patriot Missile Defense System Solution

The Republic of Korea awarded Raytheon Company a $769.4 million Direct Commercial Sale contract to upgrade an undisclosed quantity of Patriot Air and Missile Defense System batteries to the latest Patriot Missile Defense System Solution configuration currently fielded.

MKN Evacuates Malaysians From Yemen, Expect To Depart For Malaysia Today

Datuk Mohamed Thajudeen Abdul Wahab

KUALA LUMPUR, April 5  -- A total of 156 Malaysians who had been evacuated from Yemen due to conflicts in the country, are expected to depart for home starting tomorrow.

National Security Council (MKN) secretary Datuk Mohamed Thajudeen Abdul Wahab said MKN had began efforts to evacuate Malaysians out of that strife-torn country.

Malaysian Army Eastern Field Command Celebrates 1st Anniversary

Sabah and Sarawak (Source: Internet)

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Established one year ago, Eastern Field Command (EFC) which covers Sabah and Sarawak recently marked its first anniversary with a celebration at its headquarters at Muara Tuang Military Complex near here.

The highlight of the celebration was a parade involving 90 officers and 830 rank-and-file personnel from the various units under its charge, which was witnessed by EFC commander Lt Gen Datuk Mohd Zaki Mokhtar.

CTRM Aviation Gets Contract Extension With RMAF

A400M of the RMAF (Source: Airbus)

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 - CTRM Aviation, a subsidiary of Composite Technology Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd (CTRM), has signed an extension of the Direct Purchase Agreement (DPA) worth RM18 million with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).

The agreement covers maintenance, repair, fabrication and modification of composites materials for any RMAF's aerostructures and non-structures assets in accordance with the original equipment manufacturers' standards, CTRM said in a statement.