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.

Ukroboronprom Ready to Modernise 300 T-72 tanks to PT-91 to Meet NATO Standards

PT-91M MBT of Malaysia (Source: Wikipedia)

Ukroboronprom State Concern is ready to upgrade 300 T-72 tanks which are currently in the Ukrainian army reserve to meet NATO standards, Deputy State Concern Yuriy Paschenko has said.

"The T-72 is not in the service of Ukrainian Army. There are almost 300 of these tanks in Ukraine and we suggested to the Defense Ministry to upgrade them up to the PT-91 – the Polish main battle tank - to meet NATO standards," the press service of the concern said, citing Paschenko.

UAE, Malaysia Conclude Joint Military Exercise

UAE Armed Forces (Source: Internet)

ABU DHABI, 2nd April, 2015 – Brigadier Saleh Mohammed Al Ameri, Commander of the UAE Ground Forces, and Lieutenant General Zulkiple Hj. Kassim, Malaysian Army’s Field Commander, have attended the conclusion of the joint military exercise Nimr Al Sahra (Desert Tiger 2) in the UAE.

The joint military training war game underscored the interest the leaders of the UAE and Malaysia have in expanding the avenues of bilateral cooperation in implementation of their common vision for exchanging of expertise and experience, bolstering security and stability, backing international efforts for establishing regional and international peace.

Denel Signs MoU with Strand Aerospace Malaysia

In line with ongoing defence collaboration between South Africa and Malaysia, Denel Aerostructures has signed a memorandum of understanding with Strand Aerospace Malaysia covering knowledge transfer and possible subcontracting work.

The agreement was signed on 17 March during the Langkawi International Maritime and Air Defence Show (LIMA) in Malaysia. Under the agreement, Denel staff will help Strand strengthen is technical capabilities in the area of Finite Element Analysis (FEA), through engineer mentoring and knowledge provision. Denel is also considering giving Strand design and engineering work packages.

Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Receives Commander of Malaysian Army

Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, recently received the Commander of Malaysian Army, General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Bin Raja Mohamed Noor  .

During the meeting, the Commander of Malaysian Army stressed Malaysia's stance towards "Determination Storm" and all measures taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to protect its security and the GCC and region security.

The meeting was attended by Abdurrahman Al-Rebiaan, Saudi Deputy Minister of Interior.

Russia’s Strategic Aviation Begins Exercise Featuring Missile Carrying Cruisers, Bombers

Tu-160 and Tu-95 (Source: ITAR-TASS/Marina Lystseva)

MOSCOW, April 1 - A headquarters exercise has begun on a major base of Russia’s strategic aviation in the city of Engels, Saratov region in the Middle Volga area, Colonel Igor Klimov, the chief public relations officer of the Russian Air Force told reporters on Wednesday.

Engaged in the exercise are the strategic missile carrying cruisers Tupolev-160 (Blackjack) and Tupolev-95MS (Bear), long-distance missile-carrying strike bombers Tupolev-22M3 (Backfire), the early warning and control aircraft A-50 (Mainstay), the Sukhoi-27 and MiG-31 fighter jets, as well as Antonov-12 airlifters and Mi-8 helicopters.

Philippines Air Force Takes Delivery of its First C295

C925 of the Philippines Air Force (Source: Airbus)

The Philippines Air Force has taken delivery of the first of three Airbus C295 medium transport aircraft ordered from Airbus Defence and Space. The aircraft was formally handed over in Seville, Spain where the final assembly line is located and is now being ferried to the Philippines. In Philippines Air Force service the C295 will play a key role in the modernization of the force´s transport fleet and will undertake a wide variety of military and humanitarian missions.