China carries out war games in South China Sea this week

December 18, 2015

BEIJING: China’s military carried out war games in the disputed South China Sea this week, with warships, submarines and fighter jets simulating cruise missile strikes on ships, the official People’s Liberation Army Daily said on Friday.

China claims almost all of the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of maritime trade passes each year. The Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan have overlapping claims.

The US Pacific Fleet Commander on Monday warned of a possible arms race in the disputed South China Sea which could engulf the region, as nations become increasingly tempted to use military force to settle territorial spats.

In a front page story, the newspaper said the drill was carried out on Wednesday across “several thousand square kilometers” of waters somewhere in the South China Sea.

The forces were split into two teams, red and blue, as military commanders threw various scenarios at them, including an accidental missile strike on a commercial ship operated by a third party, the paper said.

The warships also simulated deflecting anti-ship missile attacks, and operating in concert with submarines, early warning aircraft and fighter jets, the report added.

China periodically announces such exercises in the South China Sea, as it tries to demonstrate it is being transparent about its military deployments.

On Sunday, the Defense Ministry said the navy had recently carried out drills in the South China Sea. It was not clear if the exercises referred to by the newspaper and these drills were the same.

China has been at odds with the United States of late over the strategic waterway.

Washington has criticized Beijing’s building of artificial islands in the South China Sea’s disputed Spratly archipelago, and has conducted sea and air patrols near them.

Last month, US B-52 bombers flew near some of China’s artificial islands and at the end of October a US guided-missile destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles of one of them.

China expressed concern last week about an agreement between the United States and Singapore to deploy a US P8 Poseidon spy plane to the city state, saying the move was aimed at militarizing the region.

-Reuters

Fault In AAG Submarine Cable Causes Massive Internet Slowdown Across Southeast Asia

Thursday, 18 September 2014 08:50 Malaysia Digest

If you have been experiencing exceptionally slow Internet speeds, even when connected to Unifi, you’re not alone. A fault on the Asia America Gateway (AAG) submarine cable system is causing data degradation, affecting Internet users in the Southeast Asian region accessing sites based in the US.

The faulty AAG cable also means that virtually all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Malaysia will face a similar issue – though Telekom Malaysia (TM) is the only ISP to have confirmed the issue. Users on Streamyx and Unifi have and will continue to experience occasional packet loss and high pings when accessing US-based servers, resulting in exceptionally slow loading times for sites like Facebook, Twitter and other sites with US-based servers. Even messaging apps like WhatsApp will see some slowdown in sending and receiving messages.

In its update on the matter, TM has revealed that repairs are underway to fix the cable, though there is no estimated time of completion; this is a 20,000km cable we’re talking about. The fault appears to be located in the cable connecting Vung Tau (a coastal city in southern Vietnam) and Hong Kong, where the incident was recorded to take place at about 11:41pm on Monday (September 15). Worse still is the fact that repairs will take longer than usual, as Hong Kong is currently facing Typhoon Kalmaegi.

As we mentioned earlier, this issue is a widespread one, and is not just limited to Unifi or Streamyx users. There is nothing much we can do currently, but to be patient until the cable is fully restored.

Further reading: Asia America Gateway, AAG (Wikipedia)

Eastern Sabah Security Command Will Get More Assets

 Published on Thursday, 17 December 2015 17:51
Malaysia Digest 

 The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) will get more assets, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the reinforcement was crucial in establishing ESSCom's omni presence over the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) stretching more than 1,700 kilometres.

The additional assets included a state of the art radar, an attack helicopter and drones.

"Preparedness is not just rhetoric and commitment on paper. We must meet ESSCom's surveillance requirements and enforcement personnel preparedness," he told a media conference on ESSCom, yesterday.

Earlier, he chaired a high level meeting on development projects for ESSZone and acquisition for ESSCom at the Home Ministry here.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, Home Deputy Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed and Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

Ahmad Zahid said ESSZone which comprises 10 districts, namely Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau was very vulnerable to intruders.

Hence, he said, to prevent any likelihood of such threat, coordination and recognition of it were emphasised among the enforcement agencies involved.

"Powerful nations had in the past failed to resist guerrilla war tactics; we should not be trapped in the same way," he said.

On the current security status in the ESSZone, he described it as good, judging from the morale of the personnel.

During the media conference, Ahmad Zahid also introduced ESSCom's new commander SAC Datuk Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid, who is replacing DCP Abdul Rashid Harun.

Abdul Rashid has been promoted and will assume duties as Sabah Police Commissioner effective Dec 23.

ESSCom also has a new chief executive officer, Noor Alam Khan Abdul Wahid Khan. He replaces Ruji Ubi who has been appointed as Sabah State Development director effective Dec 16.

Meanwhile, Bari who was Kuala Lumpur Traffic and Public Order chief prior to his appointment said he was yet unfamiliar with his new task but would do his best.

As for Noor Alam Khan, he felt his appointment as ESSCom's CEO would be a bigger challenge compared to his job as Sabah Immigration director.

Sabah Immigration Chief Is New Esscom Boss

KOTA KINABALU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) has a new chief executive officer effective Sept 16.

Sabah Immigration director Nor Alam Khan is now Esscom’s CEO, replacing Ruji Ubi who has been appointed as Sabah State Development officer.Ruji took over from Datuk Matusin Sunsang who opted for early retirement early this month.

Meanwhile, Esscom in a statement yesterday said Ruji received his appointment letter from chief secretary to the government, Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa, on December 15.

Ruji, 45, holds a BA Hons from Universiti Malaya and Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Resolutions from University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

He had held various posts in federal ministries prior to his stint in Esscom, which was established on April 2013 following the militant intrusion in Tanduo, Lahad Datu earlier the same year.

AIR DEFENCE SYSTEM IN ASIA

New STARStreak Missiles Delivery to ROYAL THAI ARMY from 2017

24 November 2015 Defence Studies

Thales will start delivering the additional STARStreak missiles and Lightweight Multiple Launcher (LML) to the Royal Thai Army (RTA) from 2017.

Thales signed a multi-million pound contract with Thailand-based DataGate in September to supply the STARStreak air defence missile system. The contract follows on from Thailand's initial purchase of STARStreak in 2012.

"STARStreak High Velocity Missile (HVM) is designed to provide close air defence against conventional air threats such as fixed wing fighters and late unmasking helicopter targets. It is capable of being launched from lightweight land. sea and air platforms, from either automatic fire control systems such as RAPIDRanger or the STARStreak LML. STARStreak can therefore be deployed quickly into operations and is easy to integrate into a force structure" Dawn Ross, Communication Manager, Advanced Weapon Systems at Thales told Daily News.

"The system plays a key part in the air to protecting the Kingdom of Thailand," Ross added.

All the missiles ordered in 2012 were delivered to the RTA this year, Ross added.

"STARStreak is the leading VSHORAD system in the world today, enabling nations to protect key assets against both emerging and established threats. We are honored to continue to serve the Royal Thai Army as a key supplier for Thailand's advanced air defence capability."

Thales has previously exported weapons to the Indonesian government. In Malaysia this year, Thales signed a contract with Global Komited, a company within The Westar Group, to supply ForceSHIELD, the Thales integrated Advanced Air Defence system.

The purchase of ForceSHIELD will enable the Malaysian Armed Forces to replace and enhance the previously comisssioned Thales STARBurst missile system, which has been in service since the mid 1990s. 

THALES ANNOUNCES ORDER FOR FORCESHIELD INTEGRATED AIR DEFENCE SYSTEM AND STARSTREAK MISSILES FOR INDONESIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

15/01/2014

Thales UK today announced that it has signed a contract worth over £100 million with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence for ForceSHIELD, Thales’s integrated Advanced Air Defence system.

In addition to the supply of STARStreak short-range air defence missiles, the system comprises CONTROLMaster200 radar and weapon coordination systems, RAPIDRanger mobile weapon systems and Lightweight Multiple Launchers (LML), as well as associated communications, training and support equipment.

“This deal worth over £100m is great news for the UK and the aerospace industry…

Victor Chavez, CEO of Thales UK, said: “Thales is the only European defence contractor with the in-depth knowledge and range of advanced technologies to deliver a leading-edge integrated air defence solution such as ForceSHIELD. This solution for the Indonesian Army marks a new approach to air defence in that it provides a complete turnkey solution comprising latest-generation ‘sensor to effects’ technologies. I would like to express my gratitude to the Prime Minister for his personal support on this project and the support of the government – it makes a huge difference to industry and our customers.”

The British Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. David Cameron MP, said: “This deal worth over £100m is great news for the UK and the aerospace industry, and a strong vote of confidence in this Government’s long-term economic plan. It will help secure highly-skilled jobs in Northern Ireland and throughout the supply chain. This is precisely the reason why I go on these trade missions to countries like Indonesia, to drum up jobs and investment for our country, and I’m delighted my trip has resulted in a clear win for Thales.”

For the realisation of this programme, Thales will increase its existing industrial cooperation with the Republic of Indonesia, and has signed an agreement with the Indonesian company PT LEN Industri. The Group will continue to develop a long-term partnership with the Indonesian industry on future programmes in both the military and civil sectors.

Note to editors: About Thales’s ForceSHIELD solution

Thales’s ForceSHIELD solution is based on customising and combining a range of product lines such as radars, communications, engagement and fire control systems, launchers and missiles to meet front-line users’ needs.  This approach provides highly-effective capabilities for its customers to meet the increasing array of asymmetric and conventional air threats in today’s security environment.

The CONTROLMaster200 comprises the latest generation solid-state radar, capable of detecting and tracking 200 targets simultaneously out to ranges up to 250km. It incorporates the CONTROLView engagement control system that evaluates threats, assigns weapons, and coordinates combat management activity – enabling complex and critical decisions to be made faster and with greater precision and security.

The RAPIDRanger is a unique lightweight vehicle-based launcher and fire control system, which can be integrated into a network-enabled force structure and coordinated with a variety of Command and Control systems. Equipped with the STARStreak high-velocity missile, RAPIDRanger has the ability to defeat a wide variety of air threats, including ground attack aircraft, pop-up Attack Helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and cruise missiles.  The STARStreak missile operates at a speed in excess of Mach 3 to defeat fast-moving threats and those with short unmasking times.  The three-dart ‘hittile’ configuration maximises lethality and the highly-accurate laser beam riding guidance enables engagement of low-signature targets and is immune to all known countermeasures.

About Thales and Thales UK

Thales is a global technology leader in the Aerospace, Transportation and Defence & Security markets. In 2012, the company generated revenues of €14.2 billion (equivalent to £ 11.5 billion) with 65,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners.

Thales UK employs 7,500 staff based at 35 locations. In 2012 Thales UK's revenues were around £1.3 billion. 

Singapore boosts air defence with new missile 
system

SINGAPORE - Singapore's air defence will be beefed up with the acquisition of anew state-of-the-art missile system, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen in Parliament yesterday.

The Aster-30 surface-to-air missile system - used by militaries such as those in France and Italy - will replace the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) I-Hawk system, which has been in service for 30 years.

Describing the new ground-based air-defence system as "many times more potent" than its predecessor, Dr Ng said it has the ability to engage multiple air threats simultaneously and from a longer distance.

The Aster-30 is developed in France by missile-system maker MBDA, and can tackle threats, such as fighter planes, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and precision-guided munitions.

The medium-range weapon will be part of a "multi-layered" air-defence system, with the Gulfstream-550 Airborne Early Warning aircraft at the outer perimeter, and the mobile Spyder surface-to-air missile system covering a shorter range.

While giving an overview of the plans to build a "comprehensive shield" protecting Singapore against airborne threats, Dr Ng said that the move to relocate Paya Lebar Airbase will not compromise security.

He said the Defence Ministry and Singapore Armed Forces conducted a thorough assessment in 2011 of Singapore's defence capabilities and security threats in the long term, and were satisfied that RSAF's ability to safeguard Singapore's skies would not be compromised.

Existing airbases at Changi East and Tengah will be expanded to accommodate the relocated airbase assets, he added.

- See more at: http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/singapore-boosts-air-defence-new-missile-system#sthash.2h02ijdj.dpuf

VSHORAD For Malaysia Armed Forces

Forceshield, Startstreak to enhance national air defence system

New Straits Times – Thu, Sep 17, 2015

KUALA LUMPUR: The national air defence system will see an upgrade to a more sophisticated and world standard capability after acquiring two new air defence guided missile systems, ForceSHIELD and STARStreak, soon, said Chief of Defence Forces Gen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Md Zin.

He said the acquisition of the systems, produced by the Thales Group, was much needed as the air defence system had not been upgraded since the 90s.

“We need the new defence systems to strengthen our air capability,” he said at a media conference after attending the 82nd Malaysian Armed Forces Day parade at Sungai Besi Premier Camp today.

On Tuesday, Thales announced the supplying of the systems to the Malaysian Armed Forces.

It said in a media statement that apart from the STARStreak and ForceSHIELD guided missiles, the air defence system would also comprise the CONTROLMaster200 radar and weapons coordination system, RAPIDRanger mobile weapons systems and next-generation Lightweight Multiple Launchers (LML) as well as related communications systems.

The Weststar Group has been recently appointed as the main contractor

 for Ministry of Defence Malaysia, (MINDEF) procurement of the latest state-of-the-art STARStreak Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) system from Thales Air Defense Limited UK, the Malaysian company announces today.

The system is a leading VSHORAD system available in the market today, therefore providing MINDEF enhanced capability to protect key national assets against both established and emerging threats.

The Malaysian defense industry will benefit through the offset program offered by THALES. Among the benefits to be reaped is the transfer of technology in hardware and software applications that correlate to the system as well as in other related fields. In addition, THALES has also offered training packages for the operator and technicians to ensure smooth operation over the life cycle of the system.

The STARStreak is a short range surface-to-air missile or MAN Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS) designed and manufactured by Thales United Kingdom. The missile, which travels at more than three times the speed of sound, uses a system of three dart-like projectiles, allowing multiple hits on the target.

Witnessing the contract handover at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) were Malaysian Defense Minister YB Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and United Kingdom Minister of State for Defence Procurement, Philip Dunne.

The Weststar Group Managing Director, Tan Sri Syed Azman said, “The deal involves MINDEF upgrading their existing missile defense system by capitalizing on the trade-in opportunity for the previous Starburst missiles with the much-improved Starstreak missiles. This has enabled MINDEF to realize substantial savings in the process.”

"MINDEF is delighted with the procurement of the system, as it will be a key part of augmenting the capabilities of the nation’s air defense forces as a whole. The system is being procured in part of a trade-in program of the decommissioned Starburst missiles," said the Weststar Group in an official release. The delivery of the integrated air defense system will come in a complete package that includes an air surveillance/engagement radar as well as a command and control system.

The lightweight multiple launcher (LML) has an automatic fire unit and can be carried on light wheeled vehicle as Land Rover.

Thales has addressed the needs of military users around the world and introduced major improvements to provide increased range beyond 7 km, increased coverage and altitude and improved guidance precision against small targets.

The STARStreak hittiles are designed to defeat both heavily armoured and light skin aerial targets. On penetrating the targets the hittiles will inflict high levels of kinetic energy damage and each hittile also has a fragmenting warhead which detonates inside the target to maximise lethality. The strike is highly precise yet collateral damage is minimised.

GK-M1 4x4 tactical vehicle with a Lightweight Multiple Missile Launcher 

armed with STARStreak missiles 

The Weststar Group Appointed As The Main Contractor For MINDEF VSHORAD Procurement

03 Agustus 2015 Defence STudies

Kuala Lumpur -: The Weststar Group is pleased to announce that it has been recently appointed as the main contractor for Ministry of Defence Malaysia, (MINDEF) procurement of the latest state-of-the-art STARStreak Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) system from Thales Air Defense Limited UK.

The system is a leading VSHORAD system available in the market today, therefore providing MINDEF enhanced capability to protect key national assets against both established and emerging threats.

Witnessing the contract handover at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) were Malaysian Defense Minister YB Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and United Kingdom Minister of State for Defence Procurement, Philip Dunne.

The Weststar Group Managing Director, Tan Sri Syed Azman said, “The deal involves MINDEF upgrading their existing missile defense system by capitalizing on the trade-in opportunity for the previous Starburst missiles with the much-improved Starstreak missiles. This has enabled MINDEF to realize substantial savings in the process.”

MINDEF is delighted with the procurement of the system, as it will be a key part of augmenting the capabilities of the nation’s air defense forces as a whole. The system is being procured in part of a trade-in program of the decommissioned Starburst missiles. The delivery of the integrated air defense system will come in a complete package that includes an air surveillance/engagement radar as well as a command and control system.

THALES has produced the fastest new generation very short-range air defense missiles that can accelerate to a peak velocity of Mach 3. These missiles boast the ability to fly a kilometer within a second. Furthermore, with the assistance of a laser beam, the operator controls all three of the dart-missiles simultaneously. As a result, the laser beam guide increases positive target and reduces the risk of collateral damage.

The STARStreak system has been designed to provide detection, threat evaluation, weapon allocation and engagement of a range of threats including fixed-wing, helicopters, missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.


The Malaysian defense industry will benefit through the offset program offered by THALES. Among the benefits to be reaped is the transfer of technology in hardware and software applications that correlate to the system as well as in other related fields. In addition, THALES has also offered training packages for the operator and technicians to ensure smooth operation over the life cycle of the system.

Westar GK-M1 with the Thales Starstreak platform (photo : Malaysian Defence)

Malaysia awards VSHORAD upgrade contract to Thales & Weststar Group

Posted on 03 August 2015 Asian Military Review

The Weststar Group is pleased to announce that it has been recently appointed as the main contractor for Ministry of Defence Malaysia, (MINDEF) procurement of the latest state-of-the-art STARStreak Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) system from Thales Air Defense Limited UK.

The system is a leading VSHORAD system available in the market today, therefore providing MINDEF enhanced capability to protect key national assets against both established and emerging threats.

Witnessing the contract handover at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) were Malaysian Defense Minister YB Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and United Kingdom Minister of State for Defence Procurement, Philip Dunne.

The Weststar Group Managing Director, Tan Sri Syed Azman said, “The deal involves MINDEF upgrading their existing missile defense system by capitalizing on the trade-in opportunity for the previous Starburst missiles with the much-improved Starstreak missiles. This has enabled MINDEF to realize substantial savings in the process.”

MINDEF is delighted with the procurement of the system, as it will be a key part of augmenting the capabilities of the nation’s air defense forces as a whole. The system is being procured in part of a trade-in program of the decommissioned Starburst missiles. The delivery of the integrated air defense system will come in a complete package that includes an air surveillance/engagement radar as well as a command and control system.

THALES has produced the fastest new generation very short-range air defense missiles that can accelerate to a peak velocity of Mach 3. These missiles boast the ability to fly a kilometer within a second. Furthermore, with the assistance of a laser beam, the operator controls all three of the dart-missiles simultaneously. As a result, the laser beam guide increases positive target and reduces the risk of collateral damage.

The STARStreak system has been designed to provide detection, threat evaluation, weapon allocation and engagement of a range of threats including fixed-wing, helicopters, missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Malaysian defense industry will benefit through the offset program offered by THALES. Among the benefits to be reaped is the transfer of technology in hardware and software applications that correlate to the system as well as in other related fields. In addition, THALES has also offered training packages for the operator and technicians to ensure smooth operation over the life cycle of the system.

Thales to deliver ForceSHIELD air defence system for Malaysian Armed Forces

airforce technology 17 September 2015

Thales has signed a contract with The Weststar Group's Global Komited to deliver its integrated advanced air defence system, ForceSHIELD, to the Malaysian Armed Forces.

The solution includes STARStreak missiles, CONTROLMaster 200 radar and weapon coordination systems, RAPIDRanger and RAPIDRover mobile weapon systems.

In addition, ForceSHIELD also combines the next-generation lightweight multiple launcher and associated communications.

Thales UK CEO Victor Chavez said: "I am delighted that another country has decided to buy ForceSHIELD.

"This latest-generation sensors to effectors solution will give Malaysia a world class, cutting edge capability.

"Increasing our export sales is a key part of Thales' growth strategy and today's news marks another milestone."

Thales' STARStreak missile is based on high velocity principle that defeats threats with short unmasking times.

With its three-dart configuration, the missile maximises lethality, while the accurate laser beam riding guidance enables engagement of small signature targets.

With this solution, Malaysian Armed Forces will be able to replace and improve the previously commissioned Thales STARBurst missile system, which has been in service since the mid 1990s.

"This latest-generation sensors to effectors solution will give Malaysia a world class, cutting edge capability."

Thales manufactures its STARStreak missiles and launcher systems at its facility in Belfast, while the CONTROLMaster by Thales in France.

The new development is expected to increase jobs in Belfast and create high value added jobs and skills set in Malaysia through a programme of technology transfer, the company stated.

In August, the US Air Force (USAF) awarded a contract to Thales for the delivery of deployable instrument landing systems (D-ILS).

The USAF will be able to use the system in airfield environments where the ability to deliver precision guidance to aircraft on final approach during low visibility or low-ceiling weather condition.