Preparation for the RSAF's 50th Anniversary Airshow [Link to Video Clip]

Video clip on the preparation that goes into the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) airshows for its 50th anniversary air spectacle.



Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/videos/what-it-takes-to-be-a-top-gun-in-the-rsaf-10674156

CNA

Malaysia Reveals Force Structure for Air Force in 2055

The Royal Malaysia Air Force (RMAF) has published an infographic detailing its force structure plans up to 2055. Based on the plan, RMAF fighter jet fleet will be two types, a multi role combat aircraft (MRCA) and the light combat aircraft (LCA) organised into five squadrons. Currently, the RMAF operates a mixed fleet of Su-30, F-18C/D and MiG-29 with additional supplement for the light attack roles from the trainer fleet - Hawk and MB339.

The transport squadrons will be reduced from four to three units with the aircraft type reduced from four to two. The A400M should still be a major transport asset in the next few decades. The helicopter fleet will be standardized into a single aircraft type. This seems to indicate that attack helicopter procurement is not in the plan.  However, there are plans for one squadron of Airborne Early Warning aircraft  and long endurance Unmanned Aircraft as well as one squadron of maritime patrol aircraft. The RMAF of the future will maintain air defence radars and one regiment of ground based air defence system which does not seems to be adequate for wide geographical spread of the country.

RMAF

Singapore's Littoral Mission Vessel Programme

On 18 August 2018, ST Engineering Marine launched the seventh vessel for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) under the Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) programme. The RSN LMV fleet will comprise of eight ships. The first-of-class, RSS Independence, RSS Sovereignty, RSS Unity and RSS Justice have been delivered. Each 1250 tonnes LMV is equipped with one 76mm, one 25mm and two 12.7mm guns as well as non-lethal weapon in the form of two Long-Range Acoustic Device 500 Xtreme. Air defence coverage is provided by a 12-cell vertical launched MICA surface to air missile system.

Australia Sign for MC-4 Triton

Australia will acquire six Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to enter service starting in 2023. The initial A$1.4billion investment includes the first aircraft, training, and the necessary infrastructures to operate from RAAF Base Edinburgh, Adelaide and RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory.

The Triton will undertake a range of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks. It will complement the new RAAF P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft by providing sustained long-range surveillance to cue the P-8A for close-in investigation.

ADT

Thailand To Operate Elbit H450 Hermes Unmanned Aerial Systems

Thailand has placed a 28million dollars order for the H450 Hermes unmanned aerial system (UAS) to be operated by the Royal Thailand Army (RTA). The H450 Hermes UAS consists of four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and a ground control station.

The H450 will be used for tasks such as Imagery Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), target designation, and aerial mapping. The H450 will be operated by the 21st Aviation Battalion, RTA Aviation Centre in Lopburi Province. The base has been operating the IAI Searcher Mk II UAVs since 2001.

ADT

BMW of the Deep: Insights Into the Type 218SG Submarine

Interesting insights into the design considerations of the Republic of Singapore Navy's newest submarine - the Type 218SG.

CNA

Royal Thai Air Force Upgrades Fighter Fang

The Royal Thai Air Force will upgrade its fleet of Northrop F-5 Tiger II fighters with advanced IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missiles. The RTAF is already using the lethal armament on its fleet of Gripen and F-16 fighters.  A repeat order was placed with German manufacturer Diehl Defence to increase the number of missiles in the RTAF war stock.

Diehl Defence briefed that, "The new procurement plans to integrate the missile onto the F-5, making IRIS-T a standard armament of the Royal Thai Air Force."