Northrop Grumman to Start Production on Republic of Korea Global Hawks

RQ-4 Global Hawk (Source: Northrop Grumman)

Northrop Grumman Corporation recently announced that the company will begin production of four RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for the Republic of Korea's Air Force. The systems will provide valuable wide-area intelligence gathering capabilities to military commanders so they can make more informed decisions.

Under a contract awarded Dec. 16, the company will work closely with the US Air Force to deliver the systems starting in 2018.

BHIC Gets Additional Contract for Submarine Maintenance

Scorpene submarines of the RMN (Source: DCNS)

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 - Boustead DCNS Naval Corp Sdn Bhd, a 60 per cent-owned unit of Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd (BHIC), has received an additional contract with a ceiling value of RM531.2 million from the Malaysian government.

In a filing to Bursa Malaysia, BHIC said the contract was for the in-service support (ISS) for two units of Prime Minister's class submarines for the Royal Malaysian Navy. 

Swedish Armed Forces to Sell Six Super Puma Helicopters

Swedish Super Puma (Source: Wikipedia)

According to the current disposal plan the Swedish Armed Forces will take their helicopters of the model AS 332 M1 Super Puma out of operation during 2015 and 2016. Therefore the Armed Forces are considering selling six helicopters including spare parts.

Malaysian MRCA Programme - The Next Step

Like F-14, the MiG-29N is going to be replaced (Source: Wikipedia, US Navy)

By: Danny Liew

As the curtain falls over the Langkawi International Maritime and Air Show 2015 (LIMA 2015), the long anticipated announcement on RMAF MRCA programme to replace the RMAF ageing Mikoyan Gurevich MiG29N air superiority fighters were yet to be announced. While the lack of announcement was a dampener for LIMA, it was a foregone conclusion, considering capital funding for the programme under the 10th Malaysia Plan had long since been exhausted and the budget for 11th Malaysia Plan is only expected to be tabled in April or May 2015.

However, the lack of announcement does not mean that Malaysian Government is not committed to do window shopping during the same air show. The lack of announcement had instead resulted in an even more intense jostling and bidding behind the scene for the small pie in Malaysian defence budget.

USNS Trenton (JHSV 5) Completes Acceptance Trials

JHSV by Austal (Source: General Dynamics Mission Systems)

Joint High Speed Vessel USNS Trenton (JHSV 5) successfully completed Acceptance Trials (AT) on March 13, 2015 in the Gulf of Mexico; the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship. This milestone achievement involved the performance of intense comprehensive tests by the US Navy while underway, which demonstrated the operation of the ship’s major systems and equipment.

First Two Indian Mirage 2000 I/TI Delivered to Indian Authorities

Mirage 2000 of the IAF (Source: Thales)

The acceptance ceremony of the first two Indian Air Force Mirage 2000 I/TI was held recently at Istres, Dassault Aviation’s Flight Test Centre, under the high patronage of HE Ambassador Arun K. Singh, the Indian Ambassador to France. The ceremony was hosted by Eric Trappier, Dassault Aviation Chairman & CEO, and Pierre Eric Pommellet, Thales Executive Vice President, Defence Mission Systems.

Australia’s First F-35A Pilot Takes Flight

Australia’s first F-35A pilot takes flight.
Source: Australian DOD

Australia's first F-35A pilot, Squadron Leader Andrew Jackson, took his first flight in an F-35A aircraft at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, United States.

The flight was on the morning of Wednesday 18 March in a United States Air Force F-35A aircraft, as the Australian F-35A aircraft are currently located at Luke Air Force Base, in anticipation of the opening of the international pilot training centre in mid 2015. SQNLDR Jackson will continue his intensive training program over the coming months.

India Wants to Lease Another Russian Nuclear Submarine

Project 971 submarine (Source: TASS)

The project 971 Kashalot-class submarine may become the second submarine that Russia transfers to India for lease

MOSCOW, March 24 - India has asked Russia to transfer another nuclear submarine for lease, a high-placed source in the system of Russia’s military and technical cooperation with foreign countries said on Tuesday according to Russian news agency TASS.

The project 971 Kashalot-class submarine may become the second submarine that Russia transfers to India for lease, the source said.

Royal Thai Air Force Selects IFS Application to Maintain Fighter Planes

RTAF F-5 in Exercise Cope Tiger 2015 (Source: Singapore Mindef)

IFS, the global enterprise applications company, announces that the Directorate of Aeronautical Engineering (DAE), Royal Thai Air Force has chosen to deploy IFS Applications to manage the maintenance of the Force’s fleet of 25 F-5E/F fighter planes’ jet engines.

The DAE required a solution with strong maintenance capabilities to manage its fleet of fighter planes that includes operating 47 J85-GE-21B/C jet engines.

Saab Receives Letter of Award for Electronic Warfare System for Malaysia

ESP on a Seeker II UAV (Source: Saab)

Defence and security company Saab recently announced that it has received a Letter of Award from the Royal Malaysian Air Force for the supply of an ESP system (Electronic Surveillance Payload).

Malaysia Always Monitors Presence of Foreign Military Assets in South China Sea

MiG-29 of the RMAF (Source: Internet)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia March 23 - The government always monitors the presence of foreign military assets and personnel in the South China Sea to ensure the sovereignty and security of the country were safeguarded.

Deputy Defence Minister Abd Rahim Bakri said various initiatives had been implemented in the efforts to tackle issues concerning maritime disputes including those involving the major powers such as China in the South China Sea area.

Russian Helicopters Delivered 189 aircraft to Asia-Pacific Region in the Past Three Years

Mi-35 from Russian Helicopters (Source: Rostec)

Russian Helicopters, part of State Corporation Rostec, continues to supply helicopters across the Asia-Pacific region, including India. Over the past three years 189 commercial and military aircraft were delivered, which includes Rosoboron export contracts. In 2014 deliveries increased by 11% on 2012, and today more than 1,400 Russian-built helicopters operate in the region.

Airbus Defence and Space Announces Skynet 5 Satellite Move to Deliver Military Satcom Over Asia-Pacific Region

Skynet 5 (Source: Airbus Defence and Space)

Airbus Defence and Space announced during Satellite 2015 the forthcoming move of its Skynet 5A satellite. The move of Skynet 5A will enable delivery of protected and secure satcom services in the new coverage footprint from mid-2015.

Airbus Defence and Space owns and operates the hardened Skynet X-band satellite constellation of 8 satellites and the ground network to provide all Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications to the UK Ministry of Defence. The contract also allows other NATO and allied governments to use the Skynet system to augment their existing services. Airbus Defence and Space also leases the X-band hosted payload on Telesat’s Anik G1 satellite which covers the Americas and parts of the Pacific including Hawaii and Easter Island.

RUAG Completes Major Upgrade on Dassault Falcon 900 for RMAF

Falcon 900 of the Royal Malaysian Air Force in Geneva (Source: RUAG)

RUAG Aviation‘s Geneva maintenance facility under contract with Malaysia’s Airod Sdn Bhd has recently carried out an extensive upgrade on a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Falcon 900 aircraft. Securing this major check followed a successful relationship in engine and component repair and overhaul between the two organisations on other aircraft types.

EPI and GTA Sign TP400 Support Agreement for Royal Malaysian Air Force

At the signing ceremony (Source: Snecma)

EPI (Europrop International) and GTA (Global Turbine Asia) signed, in the presence of the Defense Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Bin Tun Hussein, a Letter of Intent at LIMA 2015 for a contract concerning the technical support of the TP400 turboprop engines powering the four Airbus A400M military transports ordered by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). According to the terms of this contract, GTA will provide technical support services and spare parts management on behalf of EPI. GTA will be supporting a total of 18 TP400 engines.

US Demonstrates Continued Support with Malaysia at LIMA 2015

Capt. Austin Brown reviews his F-16 Fighting Falcon demonstration with a member of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition crew March 16, 2015, in Langkawi, Malaysia. Brown is a pilot assigned to the Pacific Air Forces demonstration team. (Source: US Air Force photo/1st Lt. Elias Zani)

LANGKAWI, Malaysia  - The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 15 (LIMA 15), which is the largest airshow in the region, officially commenced on March 17.

The United States supported the event with approximately 450 Sailors, Airmen and Marines, demonstrating its continued partnership with the country of Malaysia.

Airbus Helicopters Malaysia and Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Seal Joint Venture Agreement at LIMA 2015

Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Berhad (BHIC) signed an agreement to acquire a 30 percent share in the Airbus Helicopters Simulation Center in Malaysia.

This joint venture agreement was signed by BHIC Chairman YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Lodin Wok Kamaruddin and Philippe Monteux, Airbus Helicopters Senior Vice President for South East Asia & Pacific region, in the presence of Malaysian Defence Minister Y.B. Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

Finmeccanica to Showcase Helicopters and Aircraft at LIMA 2015

AW189 - The brand-new 8.3 tonne twin-engine helicopter
(Source: AgustaWestland)

Finmeccanica takes part in LIMA 2015, which is held from 17 to 21 March in Langkawi, Malaysia, a dedicated maritime and aerospace event for defence, civil and commercial application and one of the most influential exhibition in Asia.

Finmeccanica, attending the exhibition through its companies AgustaWestland and Alenia Aermacchi, is the leading Group in Italy and among the world’s top players in the design, development, manufacture and support of commercial/military aircraft and helicopters. Finmeccanica, through those companies, is able to represent an aeronautics integrated simulation and training system. 

Cubic Showcases Next-Generation Ground Combat Training Solutions at LIMA 2015

ACMI (Source: Cubic)

Cubic Corporation will showcase and demonstrate an array of military training technologies at the 2015 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition to demonstrate its latest Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) innovations and capabilities. 

DCNS to Showcase Gowind 2500 and Gowind 1000 at LIMA 2015

RMN Scorpenes at sea (Source: DCNS)

DCNS is a world leader in naval defence and an innovator in the energy sector. As a naval prime contractor, systems integrator and shipbuilder, DCNS combines resources and expertise spanning the naval defence value chain and entire system lifecycles. DCNS delivers innovative solutions from integrated warships to strategic systems, equipment, services and new energy solutions. DCNS will participate to LIMA exhibition in Langkawi (Malaysia) from 17 to 21 March 2015. It is a chance for DCNS to showcase its expertise in this key export market and to meet key players. 

Bell Helicopter to Exhibit Military and Commercial Aircraft at LIMA 2015

Bell UH-1Y (Source: Bell Helicopter)

SINGAPORE (March 13, 2014) -Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, announced today its plans to exhibit and showcase the Bell UH-1Y and Bell 429 WLG on static display during LIMA 2015, March 17 - 21 in Langkawi, Malaysia.

BAE Systems Partners to Bring New Cyber Security Capability to Malaysia

BAE Systems is further strengthening its long-term commitment to Malaysia by agreeing to fund a new post-graduate programme in Cyber Security at the National Defence University of Malaysia.

The programme was developed in cooperation with the WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group) at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England, and the National Defence University of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, to offer a three-year Master of Science degree in Cyber Security and Management. Both universities formally agreed to the programme during a recent signing ceremony at the House of Lords in London.

CNIM to Showcase L-CAT Landing Catamaran at LIMA 2015

A French landing catamaran (L-CAT) assigned to the French amphibious assault ship FS Mistral (L9013) prepares to pull into the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) during Exercise Bold Alligator (Source: US Navy 2012) 

CNIM will be present at LIMA’15, the aerospace and defense exhibition held in Langkawi in Malaysia, a major international event in the defense sector for the Asia-Pacific zone held from the 17th to 21st March 2015.

Boeing To Showcase Key Defence Systems, Capabilities At LIMA 2015

Boeing and Kongsberg Defense Systems of Norway completed a successful check of the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) on an F/A-18F Super Hornet at the Boeing St. Louis facility to ensure the weapons fit on the aircraft’s external pylons

KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 -- The Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet will, among others, be showcased at the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) from March 17-21, 2015.

Other key Boeing capabilities to be featured include the AH-6i Light Attack/ Reconnaissance helicopter and the ScanEagle from Boeing subsidiary, Insitu Pacific, Boeing said in a statement.

Malaysia Takes Delivery of Its First Airbus A400M

First RMAF A400M in-flight (Source: Airbus Defence and Space)

Airbus Defence and Space has formally delivered the first of four Airbus A400M military transport ordered by the Royal Malaysian Air Force. The handover also marks the first delivery of an A400M to an export customer outside the original launch nations.

A400M centrepiece of Airbus Group at LIMA 2015

Airbus A400M (Source: Airbus Group)

The Airbus Group will have a major presence at the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) with its technologically-advanced airlifter, the A400M, making its debut at the Show which will be held from March 17-22, 2015.

On display will be the A400M, designated MSN22, the first of four A400M which was delivered to the Royal Malaysian Air Force on 9th of March. The A400M will be performing a special fly-past on the opening day and will, thereafter, be on static display.

Terma to Showcase Naval and Airborne Products and Solutions at LIMA 2015

SCANTER 4100 Radar System on Royal Navy's HMS Clyde (Source: Terma)

Terma will be present at the biennial LIMA exhibition (Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace exhibition) 17-21 March in Malaysia. 

At the exhibition, Terma will display naval and airborne products and solutions:
SCANTER radar solutions for superior air and surface surveillance.
C-Guard Decoy Launcher for multi-layered 360 degree protection of naval platforms.
C-Flex Command & Control System for unparalleled situational awareness at sea.
Electronic Warfare Management System and 3D-Audio solution for aircraft and helicopters.

Latest Evolution Of Lockheed Martin Laser Weapon System Stops Truck In Field Test

Lockheed Martin ATHENA laser weapon system defeats a truck target by disabling the engine, demonstrating its military effectiveness against enemy ground vehicles. (Source: Lockheed Martin)

BETHESDA, Md., March 3, 2015 – Lockheed Martin’s  30-kilowatt fiber laser weapon system successfully disabled the engine of a small truck during a recent field test, demonstrating the rapidly evolving precision capability to protect military forces and critical infrastructure.

Known as ATHENA, for Advanced Test High Energy Asset, the ground-based prototype system burned through the engine manifold in a matter of seconds from more than a mile away. The truck was mounted on a test platform with its engine and drive train running to simulate an operationally-relevant test scenario.

Cutting Edge Solutions from Saab at LIMA 2015

The Gripen NG (Source: Saab)

Saab will be present at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre, Langkawi, Malaysia from 17-21 March 2015, where company will put on display a spectrum of Saab systems covering the air, surface, land and coastal security domains that provide Malaysian military forces complete command over the country.

The security landscape changes rapidly, and countries need sophisticated capabilities to counter emerging threats. Advanced technology and innovative thinking are the key to maintaining security and protecting your interests.

Russian Helicopters to Showcase Mi-171A2 at LIMA 2015

Mi-171A2 first flight (Source: Russian Helicopters)

Russian Helicopters, part of State Corporation Rostec, will showcase its new commercial models at Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA-2015), which takes place on the Malaysian island of Langkawi on 17-21 March. 

At LIMA-2015 Russian Helicopters will showcase the multirole Mi-171A2 and Ansat helicopters. The new Mi-171A2 is a medium helicopter built using the latest technologies and engineering solutions. It is a reliable and safe aircraft that sets new standards for medium-class helicopters worldwide. The Mi-171A2 is currently undergoing the final stages of testing.

BAE Systems at LIMA 2015

Phased Development of Eurofighter Typhoon (Source: BAE Systems)

BAE recently announced the focus of its participation in the 13th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition, to be held from 17th to 21st March 2015.  

“The key focus for BAE Systems this year will be centred around our strategy to develop a local presence through the strengthening of partnerships, both new and existing. Our attendance and objective this time is aligned to the focus of ASEAN in both Security and Economic areas while also addressing our significant investment to date in Malaysia and the desire to expand our portfolio  across the region,” said John Brosnan, Managing Director, BAE Systems, South East Asia.

US Marines Demonstrate Capabilities to Malaysian Armed Forces

A Malaysian soldier watching the Osprey during the demonstration (Source: USMC)

SEPANGGAR, SABAH, Malaysia – Members of the Malaysian armed forces, alongside Malaysian and U.S. government officials, observed a theater security cooperation event with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit here Feb. 27.

The amphibious air-ground demonstration provided an opportunity for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and MAF to build relationships and pave the way for future exercises in Malaysia. 

US Defense Intelligence Agency's Take on China

PLA Navy, future adversary? (Source: US Navy) 

US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Director Lt Gen Vincent Stewart recently provided the agency's latest assessment of the global security environment and to address the threats facing the US at the Senate Armed Services Committee Worldwide Threat Assessment Hearing. 

ON CHINA

According to DIA, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is building a modern military capable of defending China's "core interests" of preserving its political system, protecting territorial integrity and sovereignty (China views these to include Taiwan and other contested claims to land and water), and ensuring sustainable economic and social development.

RAAF Launch Plan Jericho

Plan Jericho (Source: RAAF)

A strategy to transform the Royal Australian Air Force for the future, Plan Jericho, was today released by the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO.

Releasing Plan Jericho in Melbourne ahead of Australian International Airshow at Avalon, AIRMSHL Brown said the much-anticipated plan would set Air Force on a path of transformation for the future.