Indonesia Orders AFV With An Eye On Future Local Production

Indonesia has ordered a number of BMP-3F and BT-3F for the Indonesia Marine (Korps Marinir – KORMAR). The two types will be deployed with the cavalry units across the KORMAR’ three divisions.  It is hoped that technology transfer will enable Indonesia to produce similar type of vehicles in the future.

Army Technology

Janes

ROE

Indonesia to Co-Produce Medium Battle Tanks

Indonesia will be co-producing a number of Medium Battle Tanks with Turkey. The Kaplan MT =, also known as Harimau Hitam in Indonesia is a 35-tonne vehicle armed with a CMI Cockerill 3105 turret and a 105mm low recoil cannon. The gun is complemented by an automatic loader, aiming stabilisation, thermal sights as well as a commander panoramic hunter-killer sight. The tank is protected by modular armour that can provide protection to STANAG 4569 Level 4 (14.5mm armoured piercing and 155mm shrapnel). In term of mobility, it has a top speed of 70km/h and a range of 450km.

DefenseNews

Janes

Update on Indonesia SU-35 Purchase

Indonesia had announced the intention to procure 11 Sukhoi Su-35 'FLANKER E' multi-role fighter aircraft from Russia for USD1.14 billion in 2017. The deal could be sealed for the deliveries of aircraft to start within this year, according to news agency TASS who quoted the Indonesian Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu.

According to Jane's, the contract execution had been delayed, partly by Indonesia's just concluded presidential election and negotiations within the Indonesian government about what commodities will be exported to Moscow as part of the payment.

The deal had to comply with Indonesia's Defence Industry Law which specifies the conditions for defence procurement to include offset benefits. Half of the contract's value will be financed through counter-trade, with Russia expected to take in a list of commodities and goods such as palm oil, rubber, coffee, cocoa, copra, paper, spices, tea, textiles and footwear, processed fish, furniture and machinery.

The Su-35 Flanker-E is the latest variant of the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker-series of heavyweight twin-engine fighter aircraft. It is equipped with two 117S powerful turbofan engines with thrust-vectoring capability. The advance Irbis-E passive electronically-scanned array radar can detect targets up to 400 km away.

Indonesia already operates 5 Su-27SKM, 21 Su-30MKK and 9 Su-30MK2 fighters.

TASS

Janes

Indonesia Receives AH-64E Apache

The first three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters of an order for eight were delivered to the Indonesia Army (Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Darat or TNI–AD).  The advanced attack helicopter is a more modern version of the AH-64D operated by close neighbour, Singapore. The TNI AD fleet will be fully delivered by March 2018 and will include four aircraft equipped with the Longbow targeting radar. Together with TNI AD's fleet of upgraded Leopard 2 main battle tanks, the AH-64 will substantially increase the firepower of the army to meet the demand of the modern battlefield.

Janes

Kompas

Indonesia's Upgraded F-16C/D Delivered

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) has received the last six of 24 refurbished Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Fighting Falcons. The acquisition project is code named Peace Bima Sena II and involves 19 F-16C and five F-16Ds Block 25 which are upgraded to the latest Block 52 ID standard.

The deal includes  28 F100-PW-220E engines, LAU-129A/A Launchers, ALR-69 Radar Warning Receivers, ALQ-213 Electronic Warfare Management Systems, ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispenser Systems, Link-16 Situational Awareness Data Link and AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER or AN/AAQ-28 LITENING Targeting Systems.

AIN

Brothers-in-arm: SAF and TNI

There can be no clearer symbol of the close ties between the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Soldiers from both armies operating together in the SAF's Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tanks as part of Exercise Safkar Indopura 2017.  This is 29th edition of the exercise and was conducted in Singapore from 13 to 24 November 2017. The 12-day exercise includes a series of professional exchanges, urban operations training, live-firing, a planning exercise, and the conduct of a combined battalion field exercise. What is really significant is that the SAF provided unrestricted access for the Indonesians to their main battle tanks.  The Leopard 2SG are upgraded Leopard 2A4 featuring advanced armour protection and battle management system. Indonesia also operates the upgraded Leopard 2A4, designated as Leopard 2RI (103 ordered). It is the first time that foreign soldiers are allowed to operate the Leopard 2SG in a joint exercise. Ex Safkar Indopura started as an annual Infantry bilateral exercise in 1989, hosted alternately in Singapore and Indonesia.

Straits Times

MINDEF

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

Thailand To Buy More T-50 Jets

Thailand is expected to add on to its existing order of twelve T50 advanced jet trainers from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). Initially, Thailand ordered four aircraft which will be delivery beginning from January 2018 to March 2018. The advanced jet trainer, which the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) designates as T-50TH, were ordered in 2015 for about US$110 million. A second batch of eight aircraft was ordered recently, to delivered from October 2019.  Thailand is likely to order two to four more of the trainer jets.

The compact South Korean aircraft is already operated in Indonesia and Philippines with Malaysia as another potential customer.

Asian Defence Technology

Malaysia Seeks Light Combat Aircraft

Just months after shelving the plan to purchase a high end fighter as a replacement for their MiG-29 fleet, Malaysia is considering the purchase of a Light Combat Aircraft for the RMAF instead. The cost is reportedly is large factor in the decision. The South Korean FA-50 is reportedly a prime candidate. The type is already in service with neighbors Philippines and Indonesia (T-50) with orders on the way for Thailand (T-50).

Janes

CNA

KAI

Indonesia Buys Norwegian Advanced SAM System

Indonesia has placed a $77million order for the Kongsberg Norwegian advanced surface-to-air missile system (NASAMS). The NASAMS is a medium-range HIMAD (High to Medium Air Defense) based on the Raytheon advanced medium-range, air-to-air missile (AMRAAM). Kongsberg announced on October 31 the order for one complete unit of the NASAMS, including command posts, radars, launchers, radios and integration, and training and logistics support.

The AMRAAM missiles will be acquired from the United States via a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deal.

ainonline.com

Kongsberg

Indonesia PT Pindad/ FNSS Kaplan Medium Tank

FNSS Savunma Sistemleri has unveiled the first prototype of the Kaplan MT Modern Medium Weight Tank (MMWT) at the IDEF 2017 exhibition.

Kaplan MT, a medium tank jointly developed by FNSS and Indonesian state-owned PT Pindad was revealed at International Defence Industry Fair 2017 in Turkey. Development of the armor vehicle started in 2014 and is expected to be completed in 2018.


Janes

Indonesia Strengthen Air and Sea Defense

Indonesia continues to strengthen its maritime defense capabilities in the Western region, which includes the South China Sea with the launch of two new Navy patrol boats in Batam.

The Chief of Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut (TNI AL - Indonesia Navy) Admiral Ade Supandi announced that new patrol boats - the KRI Torani 860 and KRI Lepu 861 - will be deployed with the Western Fleet to patrol the Strait of Malacca, as ordered by President Joko Widodo.
The Strait of Malacca and the Singapore Strait are among the world's busiest sea routes.

The TNI-AL now operates 19 patrol boats and plans to increase the number to 42 for deployment spread across its 14 naval bases.

A day earlier, the Indonesia Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Udara) announced plans to strengthen its aerial reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities by expanding its fleet of maritime patrol aircraft.

Lieutenant-Colonel Akal Juang briefed news reporters in Makassar, South Sulawesi that the air force will enhance it's support for naval operations against illegal fishing, smuggling and border incursions.

The Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron currently has five military aircraft with high-resolution cameras and other equipment for air reconnaissance missions. These are Boeing 737 MPA (four) and CN 235 MP (one).

TNI AU's F-16 and Hawk on static display at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base in Pekanbaru, Riau, on March 26. (Antara/Rony Muharrman)

straitstimes

thejakartapost

Indonesia Air Force Modernisation Starts With A400M

The Indonesian Air Force, Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara (TNI AU), will modernise its airlift assets through the purchase of 5 Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft. 3 of the aircraft are expected to be assembled by the state-owned PT Dirgantara in Bandung as part the technology transfer requirement for the US$2 billion purchase. Since 2000, 5 of TNI AU's ageing C-130s have been destroyed in unfortunate air crashes. One of the destroyed aircraft was a second-hand purchase of C-130 decommissioned by the Royal Australia Air Force.



thejakartapost

Indonesia Experiments With X-18 Fire Support Vessel AKA Tank Boats

The head of Technology and Defence Industry Directorate of Indonesian Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Jan Pieter Ate revealed that the Indonesian military has ordered a prototype Fire Support Vessel AKA "Tank Boat" by PT. Pindad an d PT. Lundin Industry.  The prototype will undergo operational test and evaluation (OT&E) before being accepted for production. It is not clear whether the vessel will be operated by which service, the army,navy or the marines.

The X-18 Fire Support Vessel (FSV) will be tested for coastal and riverine operations. The 18m 4-men crew catamaran will be propelled by two waterjets that push the vessel to a maximum speed of 40 knots.

The main armament is a Cockerill 105 mm hig pressure cannon, which is equivalent to the fire power of armoured tank. The main gun is complemented by SAAB's Battle Management System and its Trackfire Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) with a 7.62mm machine gun. The FSV will carry a rigid inflatable boat on the rear deck with room to carry 20 fully equipped troops.

The FSV could operate in shallow water around island chains, riverine deltas and the shallow seas off the coastlines. It 0.8 meter shallow draught and waterjet propulsion allow the FSV to operate in such environment without running aground or fouling its propulsion. A gyro stabilizer system will ensure that the vessel will not be thrusted back by the recoil of the main gun when it is fired. The vessel is expected to bob on the water instead.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) is reportedly interested in ordering 100 vessels. The project was first reported in 2015.



Asian Defence & Technology

Popularmechanics

Indonesia To Acquire Military Communication Satellite

The Indonesian House of Representatives commission on defence, intelligence, and foreign affairs has approved the defence ministry's request for funding to acquire a US$850 million military satellite from Airbus Defence and Space.

The satellite will be used for military communications on the L-Band frequency and is planned to be launched in 2019. Airbus Defence and Space will also be fully responsible for the launching of the satellite.

janes

Indonesia Orders Badak 6x6 Direct Fire Vehicle

Indonesia has ordered 50 units of the Badak (Rhino) 6 x 6 Direct Fire Vehicle (DFV). The Badak DFV is a variant of the Anoa 6 x 6 fitted with a two-men turret and armed with a 90mm low pressure cannon.

PT Pindad also announced that they will be launching a new 7.62mm assault rifle, the SSX. Also in the pipeline, is the development of a battle tank with a 105mm gun.

metrotvnews

janes.com

Indonesia- South Korea Fighter Aircraft Development

KAI and South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) along with Indonesian Airframer PTDI will work together to design the Korean Fighter eXperiment (KF-X)/ Indonesian Fighter eXperiment (IF-X), a 4.5 generation stealth multi-role fighter. PTDI will send 100 engineers to South Korea in May to take part in the structural design of the aircraft and other stages of development. Lockheed Martin will be providing aviation-related technologies and expertise.

The South Korean Government will fund 60% of the development costs, while the remaining 40% of funding is expected to be shared by KAI and Indonesia. Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) has signed a joint development contract with Indonesian Ministry of Defence’s Preparatory Power Bureau on the funding. About one % of the total Indonesian project spending will be invested by April this year. Indonesia's funding will increase to over two %, starting from 2017. In total, Indonesia will invest an estimated 1.6 trillion won ($1.3 billion) or 20 % of the developmental cost (estimated at 8.6 trillion won/ $7.1 billion). Indonesia will receive one prototype for service testing as well as technical informations and drawings for the KF-X.

The maiden flight of the KF-X is planned for 2020 with the completion of development by 2026. Korea is expected to buy 120 aircraft and Indonesia 80.  KAI estimates that there is a potential export market of 600-700 aircraft.

Artist's Impression of KF-X

Asian Defence

Yonhap News

Royal Thai Army Bolsters Air Defence

Oerlikon Skyshield® all-weather short-range air defence system from Rheinmetall

The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has ordered Rheinmetall’s Skyguard 3 air defence gun systems and AHEAD (Advanced Hit Efficiency and Destruction) airburst ammunition. Rheinmetall will supply four Oerlikon Skyguard 3 fire control systems and eight 35mm Oerlikon GDF007 Twin Guns.

Thailand has a number of older air defence systems which will need to be replaced in the future. So more orders may be likely.

The Oerlikon guns are very reliable and capable. They were used to devastating effects by Argentine in the 1982 Falklands War.

In the region, Indonesia and Malaysia also operates the Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns.Singapore operated the Oerlikon guns beginning in 1970. The system was upgraded with the Super Fledermaus Fire Control Radar during service and was retired after 45 years of service.

Malaysia also has a long history of operating the Oerlikon guns with the first order of 16 gun and 4 Skyguard systems in 1988.

In 2013, Indonesia ordered six gun systems. In 2014, a follow-on order for more fire units was placed. The €38 million contract includes training and logistical services for the Indonesian armed forces.

Asian Defence

Asia Pacific Defence Reporter/ Malaysia Order-of-Battle

MINDEF

Rheinmetall

Sipri

URA

Indonesia Eyeing Sophisticated Missiles

Indonesia is planning for the procurement of sophisticated air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface missiles. Funding have been approved for the purchase of the Kh-31 Kh-59 and AIM-120 AMRAAM.

In the region, the AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles are in service with Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Hence,the United States is expected to approve the sale of the missiles to the Indonesian Air Force, Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Udara (TNI-AU). The AMRAAM will arm the TNI-AU's growing F-16 fleet. Meanwhile, the Kh-31A/ Kh-31P short-range air-to-surface missiles and the Kh-59ME powered stand-off weapon will increase the lethality of the Su-30 multi-role fighters. TNI-AU is also interested in the procurement of the Su-35.

Janes

Indonesia Navy's New OSV

The Indonesian Navy, Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut (TNI-AL) inducted two offshore support vessels (OSVs) into service with the Military Sealift Command. The French-bulit KRI Spica and KRI Rigel were delivered under a USD 100 million contract by French shipbuilder OCEA. The 58m ships are each powered by two MTU 8V 400 M53 diesel engines driving two fixed-pitch propellers and has a top speed of 14 kt.  The OSV can operate to a standard range of 4,400 n miles at 12 kt.

The onboard survey equipment include Kongsberg's EA 600 single-beam echo sounder, EM 2040 and EM 302 multibeam systems. The OSV are also equipped with Kongsberg GeoAcoustics' Sonar 2094 side-scan sonar system. The OSV carry remotely operated vessels, the Kongsberg Maritime's Hugin 1000, which can undertake high-speed survey missions at depths of up to 1,000 m and Ocean Modules' V8 which has a manipulator arm for collecting underwater samples. These are the most sophisticated hydrographic survey ships in Asia.

Janes

terasbintang.com

Indonesia to get Cyber Security Operation Centre

Japan's NEC has signed an agreement with Indonesia to collaborate on the design of a cyber security operation centre. The agreement with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology covers the development of expertise to support the manning of operation centre. NEC will draw on its experience in developing a similar operation centre for Japan, the Cyber Security Factory which was operationalized in June 2014.

Indonesia has previously set up a cyber defence operations centre under the Ministry of Defence, cyber defence task force in the TNI as well as cyber command centres in the army and navy. The new cyber security operation centre will boost Indonesia's cyber defence capability for all the government ministries.

NEC's Cyber Security Factory in Japan

NEC


Janes