SINGAPORE DEFENCE INDUSTRY

The Singapore shipyard ST Marine and Thales Nederland have signed a contract for the delivery and installation of sensors and a combat management system that will be installed on the four Al-Ofouq class patrol vessels that are to be built for the Sultanate of Oman. Thales will supply the Tacticos Combat Management System, the Variant surveillance radar and the STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 radar E/O tracking system and the ESM system. Thales is also responsible for all Combat System Integration activities.

STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 Radar and EO tracking system (picture: Thales)

Thales Nederland CEO Gerben Edelijn says: “We are very proud to have been awarded this contract as the international competition was fierce. This says very much about Thales’ reputation and excellent technical solutions.”

ST Marine's Fearless 75 Patrol Vessel (picture: ST Marine)

This contract is a confirmation of the excellent relation Thales enjoys with the Sultanate of Oman. It reinforces Thales’ presence in the Middle East. Furthermore it adds a new shipyard to the long list of international Naval shipbuilders that Thales works with worldwide, thus widening the scope as a yard-independent Naval system supplier.

DCNS floats Gowind OPV

 The first DCNS Gowind-type offshore patrol vessel has been launched just one year after construction work began. Meeting this milestone highlights the programme's excellent progress. The building and outfitting of the L'Adroit in record time - less than 20 months - has been made possible by new, improved design and production methods.

From 'first cut' on 7 May 2010 to float-out on 18 May 2011 took just 12 months. This innovative maritime safety & security vessel programme is consistent with DCNS's ambitious shipbuilding targets.

"The floating of Gowind-type OPV L'Adroit demonstrates DCNS's ability to design and build a highly innovative ship on time - in this case less than 20 months - and on budget," says Marc Maynard, the Group's Gowind OPV programme manager. "This highly symbolic event gives the management team an opportunity to thank everyone working on the programme and to say how happy it is with the contributions of all the DCNS teams involved as well as all investors, partners and co-contractors, along with the French Navy which is supporting both the programme and the planned export drive. All have contributed directly to the success achieved to date. The Gowind family of OPV/corvettes is a key element of the Group's strategic growth plan."

Eleven companies are supplying systems and equipment for the L'Adroit free of charge. In all, over 50 co-contractors are contributing to this showcase programme and will contribute further to the drive to promote the Gowind family and its systems and equipment.

The float-out or launch - always a major milestone - involved many people and considerable preparation. Last weekend, special-purpose crawlers moved the ship from its assembly hall to a nearby wharf, then to a barge on the Scorff estuary. From there, L'Adroit was taken to a drydock to be floated out.

Gowind-type OPV L'Adroit is now moored at a DCNS outfitting wharf for work on the upper deck equipment compartments and the installation of the single enclosed mast. Major tasks scheduled for June include the installation of the main radome and electronic systems. When quayside testing of the electronic systems and equipment has been completed, advanced-technology OPV L'Adroit will begin sea trials scheduled for the coming summer.

OPV L'Adroit is being built under a DCNS-funded programme.
On completion, the ship will be made available to the French Navy.

A three-year operational loan will enable the Navy to grant 'sea proven' and 'operations qualified' seals of approval, thereby giving DCNS two key arguments when promoting the Gowind family on the international market.

This loan introduces an innovative form of cooperation between the French government and a private company.

The Navy will demonstrate the Gowind's relevance and operational worth for current and emerging missions on the high seas from area surveillance to anti-piracy, counter-terrorism, fisheries policing, drug interdiction, environmental protection, humanitarian aid, search & rescue and maritime safety & security.

Gowind-type OPVs offer three weeks' blue-water endurance, a range of 8,000 nautical miles and a top speed of 21 knots. L'Adroit has a length overall of 87 metres. The design also includes full provision for reduced crewing by a complement of 30 and space for 30 passengers.

Innovations and capabilities of special interest to ship-based naval, commando and coast guard forces include a panoramic bridge offering 360o visibility, a single enclosed mast offering 360o sensor visibility, covert deployment of fast commando boats in less than five minutes and full provision for unmanned aerial and surface vehicles (UAVs and USVs). The Gowind family also benefits from DCNS's vast experience in IT and command information systems. These vessels can be readily tailored for extended area surveillance and, when working in conjunction with shore-based control centres and other networked ships, for the automatic detection of suspicious behaviour by ships and other craft.

Source : DCNS

Navy goes high-tech with computer-simulated war games

Jun 2005 - My sales track record

WAR SIMULATOR: Maritime Tactical Centre commandant Kapten Dr Mohd Hassan Omar (left) briefing L/Madya Mohamad (right) on the simulation system at the centre in Lumut yesterday.

LUMUT: After a lapse of seven years, the Royal Malaysian Navy has resumed warfare tactical training, but this time via computer simulation.
The RM21mil system from Germany, called the System Action Speed Tactical Trainer, was commissioned in April. Fleet operation commander Laksamana Madya Datuk Mohamad Nik described the system as among the most-sophisticated procured by the navy so far. He said the system was capable of strategising surface, underwater and air tactical moves in three dimension. “The objective of using the equipment is to enhance the professionalism and skill of our navy officers when facing real conflicts,” he told reporters after launching the war games using the equipment at the Maritime Tactical Centre here. The 25th Kerismas annual military exercise was between KD Jebat and KD Seri Indra Sakti. The simulation involved 16 warships from Kuantan and Labuan in the South China Sea.

Ex-navy advised to join cooperative

MEMBERS of the Ex-Royal Malaysian Navy Association who are interested in venturing into business, should join its cooperative.
Its deputy president, Cmdr (R) Juma’noh Abdul Bunga said the cooperative was formed to help members kickstart small businesses.
“Some of them, who have joined the Koperasi Tentera Laut Bersara Bhd are doing well selling engine lubricants,” he said during the opening of the association’s state-level annual general meeting.

Kind gesture: Dr Zambry pinning a medal of appreciation on recipient Lef Cmdr (R) Abdul Aziz Ahmad (right), 55, while Cmdr (R) Juma’noh looks on.

He urged members to find out how they could benefit from the cooperative by visiting its premises in Desa Raya Manjung, Lumut.
State president Cmdr (R) Ahmad Bakhtiar Nordin Ali hoped the cooperative could be a viable alternative for its members in the complex business world.
“We need to help one another in order to keep ourselves competitive in the market,” he said.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the large population of ex-Navy men was one of the pillars of Manjung’s economy.
“The municipal council is now the state’s economic capital as it has the fastest economic growth,” he said. Dr Zambry, who is also Pangkor assemblyman, said the state government had the interest of ex-navy personnel at heart. One of the examples, he highlighted, was the allocation of 7,000 housing lots to former soldiers and policemen under the Planned Housing Programme.
He also presented medals to five former armed forces personnel in appreciation of their contribution

Lumut owes its prosperity to the Royal Malaysian Navy

It was a quiet fishing village in Manjung district in the good old days. Lumut underwent rapid transformation when the Royal Malaysian Navy made the town the “Home of the Navy” in 1979. It never look back since then.

Lumut MP Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said the population influx had also led to the development of new townships in the district, such as Seri Manjung, about 8km from Lumut, to meet their housing needs.

Not a sleepy hollow: Lumut enjoys growth potential thanks to a bustling maritime industry.

There are about 19,000 navy personnel at the Lumut Naval Base out of the 223,800 population in Manjung.

Kong said many retired navy personnel and their family members also chose to stay here and contribute to the district’s population, growth and development.

He said there were ample maritime-related job opportunities available in Lumut for retired navy personnel who possessed relevant skills.

Born and bred in Sitiawan — about 10km from Lumut — Kong recalled Lumut as a quiet fishing village with few residents living in wooden houses three decades ago; a stark contrast to the busy tourist town it is now.

“Manjung experienced expansion of its road network, telecommunication system and mushrooming of public amenities since the navy descended on Lumut.

“The locals have not only adapted well to the change, but also participated alongside the development of Lumut and its neighbouring towns,” said Kong, who has been serving as Lumut’s MP for three terms.

But development does come with a price though.

Doing their bit: The large population of navy and ex-navy personnel and their families are a major drive for Manjung’s economy.

Manjung municipal councillor Loo Ming Cheong said there was a 500% increase in the price of single storey terrace houses now compared to in the 1970s.
“A single storey terrace house in Seri Manjung cost about RM100,000 now,” he said, adding that the township also housed the local administrative building, Manjung Hospital, sports complexes and shops.
Loo said Lumut was more of a commercial district nowadays, adding that many people who set up their business in the navy town were staying in Sitiawan or neighouring townships.
He said the navy — apart from being a growth catalyst — also played an active role in community development.
For instance, they organised activities to help the poor and made recommendations to the local council on how to improve their living conditions

Isu harga RIV untuk elit tentera disiasat

Zahid Hamidi: Isu harga RIV untuk elit tentera disiasat

7:43PM Sep 10 2012

Perbezaan harga Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) yang diutarakan Sultan Johor Sultan Ibrahim dalam titah baginda Sabtu lepas akan disiasat, kata Menteri Pertahanan Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid
Hamidi.

Beliau berkata kementeriannya mengambil secara positif komen tersebut dengan menganggapnya sebagai satu keprihatinan yang ditunjukkan Sultan Ibrahim yang juga Kolonel Komandan Rejimen Gerak Khas.

"Kementerian Pertahanan mengambil maklum terhadap komen baginda dengan cara positif di mana saya sendiri akan lakukan penyiasatan terhadap perbezaan di antara harga RIV yang dianugerahkan oleh Tuanku Sultan Johor berharga RM150,000 berbanding RM690,000 yang dijual oleh pihak pembekal.

"Mungkin terdapat spesifikasi yang berbeda yang akan saya teliti," katanya kepada pemberita ketika mengulas mengenai titah Sultan Johor pada majlis ulang tahun Rejimen Gerak Khas ke-47 di Kem Iskandar, Mersing, Johor Sabtu lepas.

Ahmad Zahid yang ditemui selepas menerima kunjungan hormat Timbalan Ketua Staf Angkatan Tentera Republik China, Jeneral Ma Xiaotian di Kementerian Pertahanan di Kuala Lumpur, berkata beliau menghargai pandangan tersebut dan sekali gus menunjukkan keprihatinan baginda terhadap peralatan yang sedang dan terus digunakan oleh Rejimen Gerak Khas.

"Keprihatinan ini adalah suatu yang perlu dihargai oleh kementerian (pertahanan) dan tentunya akan diambil kira sebagai panduan terutamanya dalam pembelian aset-aset dan peralatan di bawah naungan baginda," katanya.

Sultan Johor Sultan Ibrahim pada Sabtu lepas melahirkan rasa dukacita kerana kelengkapan ketenteraan yang dibekalkan kepada Kor Gerak Khas bukan sahaja tidak mencukupi tetapi juga tidak bermutu dan tidak menepati spesifikasi.

Baginda bertitah dalam usaha kerajaan mengawal belanjawan dan perbelanjaan, pihak Kementerian Pertahanan hendaklah meneliti satu persatu pembelian yang dibuat dan memastikan peralatan yang diperolehi bertepatan dengan keperluan dan mempunyai kualiti yang tinggi.

Di samping itu Sultan Johor juga mengingatkan pihak yang berkenaan agar tidak mengambil kesempatan dalam usaha pihak tentera melengkapkan kor itu dengan peralatan terkini.

"...janganlah bekalkan peralatan yang kurang berkualiti tetapi meletakkan harga yang berlipat kali ganda," titah Sultan Ibrahim.

- Bernama

MINDEF Probes On RIV Acquisition

Posted on September 21, 2012by hafizuddinsulaiman

 

The Defence Ministry has began probing the acquisition of the Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV), its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

GGK RIV during Army Day Exhibition 2011

He said legal actions would also be taken against those involved in any misappropriation in the purchase of the vehicles.

I have been collecting evidence from the preliminary investigation and if the allegation by Sultan Ibrahim of Johor is proven right, legal action will be taken against the supplier.
“The ministry will not compromise with anyone. If misappropriation is involved in the purchase of the RIV, we will take action,” he said in response to the vast difference in prices of the RIV supplied to the GGK as mentioned by Sultan Ibrahim last Saturday.


Sultan Johor dukacita kelengkapan Gerak Khas tidak bermutu

08/09/2012 5:12pm

MERSING — Sultan Johor Sultan Ibrahim melahirkan rasa dukacita kerana kelengkapan ketenteraan yang dibekalkan kepada Kor Gerak Khas bukan sahaja tidak mencukupi tetapi juga tidak bermutu dan tidak menepati spesifikasi.
Baginda turut meluahkan rasa kecewa kerana permintaan untuk mempertingkat kelengkapan kor itu tidak diendahkan, seolah-olah Kor Gerak Khas dianaktirikan."Saya amat menghargai nilai nyawa anggota Gerak Khas kerana ia adalah modal insan yang terlatih, namun jika anggota itu dilengkapkan dengan peralatan yang tidak bermutu dan tidak menepati standard spesifikasi, maka peluang untuk mereka terbunuh adalah amat tinggi.
"Sekiranya perkara ini berterusan yang mana cara pembelian peralatan tidak menepati kehendak Gerak Khas dan dengan harga yang tidak berpatutan, maka saya rasa lebih baik saya mengambil alih pembelian peralatan tersebut,” titah baginda.
Sultan Ibrahim yang juga Kolonel Komandan Rejimen Gerak Khas bertitah pada majlis ulang tahun Rejimen Gerak Khas ke-47 di Kem Iskandar di sini hari ini. — BERNAMA

CAE And Armour Sentral To Pursue Land Simulation Solutions With National Defence University

Tue, May 22, 2012 08:16 CET

CAE and Armour Sentral, a Malaysia-based technology management and services firm have signed a joint agreement with the National Defence University of Malaysia to develop simulation-based training solutions for the land systems market in Malaysia and the surrounding Asia region.

The duo along with the NDU will define and develop simulation-based solutions for the land systems market, including synthetic training equipment such as driver and crew gunnery simulators; region-specific dynamic terrain synthetic databases; and training needs and training delivery analysis professional services.

"Simulation is poised to have a transformational effect on how militaries prepare for operations," said Dato Jesbil Singh, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the National Defence University of Malaysia. "We are excited to cooperate with Armour Sentral and CAE to explore how education and training can be enhanced with simulation throughout the leadership development process at the university, as well as to offer our subject matter expertise in the development of land simulation solutions for military forces in Asia".

"Balancing live field training with the increased use of high-fidelity constructive and virtual training will be more cost-effective, and also contribute to better trained and more confident soldiers," said Maj Sheikh Mohd Mustaffa (Rtd), Managing Director, Armour Sentral.

"We are excited to be working in partnership with Armour Sentral and the National Defence University of Malaysia to develop world-class training solutions for the land market in Malaysia," said Kevin Speed, CAE's Vice President and Business Leader - Asia. "We strongly believe that defence customers, including those in Asia, will increasingly turn to simulation-based training as they seek ways to maintain readiness at a lower cost."

Boustead secures RM70m Mindef job

KUALA LUMPUR: Boustead Holdings Bhd’s unit, Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS), has received a letter of award from the Defence Ministry (Mindef).

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Boustead Holdings said the RM70mil contract was for the supply and delivery of spare parts, maintenance services and training for a period of three years.

A formal contract agreement between the Government and BNS would be signed at a later date, it said. — Bernama

THE STAR 12 september 2012, wednesday

KUALA LUMPUR: Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Bhd (BHIC) has secured a RM70mil contract from the Defence Ministry to supply spare parts, maintenance services and training.

BHIC said on Tuesday its associate Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd had received a letter of award to provide the parts and services to the 23rd frigate squadron of the navy over a three-year period.

"A formal contract between the government of Malaysia and BNS will be signed at a later date," it said.

KLSE Wednesday, 12 September 2012

Boustead: Gets RM70m Mindef contract

Boustead Holdings Bhd's subsidiary Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS) has received a letter of award for a contract worth RM70m from the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) to supply and deliver spare parts and train the 23rd Navy Frigate Squadron. In a filing, Boustead said a formal contract agreement between the government and BNS will be signed at a later date.

Boustead gives out vessel job worth RM203.8m

Boustead gives out vessel job worth RM203.8m

October 02, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 – Boustead Holdings Bhd’s unit, Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS), has issued a letter of award (LOA) to Contraves Advanced Devices Sdn Bhd (CAD), in relation to the RM203.79 million contract for Second Generation Patrol Vessels/Littoral Combat Ships.
CAD is a subsidiary of Boustead Heavy Industries Corp (BHIC).
The LOA covers an implementation period of up to 10 years.
“The commencement date of the awarded works is Oct 2, 2012,” said Boustead Holdings in a filing to Bursa Malaysia today.
The company added that the LOA awards to CAD, a contract to procure, engineer, and integrate into the DCNS SETIS Combat Management System, a Combined Integrated Communication System and Communications ESM system.
The awarded works are expected to have a positive impact on the earnings of the company for the financial year ending Dec. 31, 2012 and subsequent financial years, as the tenure of the awarded works is long term in nature. – Bernama

BTIMES
Contraves wins combat vessel job
Boustead Holdings Bhd's unit, Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS), has issued a letter of award (LOA) to Contraves
Advanced Devices Sdn Bhd (CAD), in relation to the RM203.79 million contract for Second Generation Patrol Vessels/Littoral Combat Ships.
CAD is a subsidiary of Boustead Heavy Industries Corp (BHIC). The LOA covers an implementation period of up to 10 years.
"The commencement date of the awarded works is Oct 2, 2012," said Boustead Holdings in a filing to Bursa Malaysia today.
The company added that the LOA awards to CAD, a contract to procure, engineer, and integrate into the DCNS SETIS Combat Management System, a Combined Integrated Communication System and Communications ESM system.
The awarded works are expected to have a positive impact on the earnings of the company for the financial year ending Dec. 31, 2012 and subsequent financial years, as the tenure of the awarded works is long term in nature. -- Bernama

From Fudzail.blogpost.com
CURRENT GFP RANK	27  Malaysia	41 Singapore
Total Population	28,728,607	4,740,737
Military Manpower Available	14,817,517	1,255,902
Fit for Military Service	12,422,580	2,105,973
Reaching Military Age Yearly	519,280	52,466
Active Military Personnel	124,000	72,000
Active Military Reserves	640,199	300,000
Total Aircraft	258	422
Total Land-Based Weapons	2,465	8,001
Total Naval Units	65	47
Towed Artillery	54	208
Merchant Marine Strength	321	1,422
Major Ports and Terminals	5	1
Aircraft Carriers	0	0
Destroyers	0	0
Frigates	4	6
Submarines	2	6
Patrol Coastal Craft	37	18
Mine Warfare Craft	4	4
Amphibious Operations Craft	1	4
Defense Budget / Expenditure	$3,500,000,000	$9,829,496,000
Foreign Reserves	$106,500,000,000	$225,800,000,000
Purchasing Power	$414,400,000,000	$291,900,000,000
Oil Production	693,700 bbl	10,910 bbl
Oil Consumption	536,000 bbl	927,000 bbl
Proven Oil Reserves	2,900,000,000 bbl	0 bbl
Total Labor Force	12,200,000	3,075,000
Roadway Coverage	98,721 km	3,356 km
Railway Coverage	1,849 km	0 km
Waterway Coverage	7,200 km	10 km
Coastline Coverage	4,675 km	193 km
Major Serviceable Airports	118	8
Square Land Area	329,847 km	697 km

Berita KD SRI INDERAPURA

2013 budget: No additional sum for Mindef

Sept 13, 2012

There will be no additional allocation for the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) in the 2013 Budget so as to give more space to the government to focus on improving the people's socio-economy, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the ministry was satisfied with the discussions held with the Finance Ministry and was not expecting any increase in allocation for it in the coming budget.
"This is because we feel that socio-economic programmes should be given priority.
"As for defence activities, we will continue with the existing training and preparing ourselves for readiness to face any potential threat," he said on the 2013 Budget, here, yesterday.
He said although there would be no additional allocation for the ministry in the new budget, safeguarding national security and sovereignty remained a priority without any compromise. —

from Bernama

Malaysia Pushes For Maritime Surveillance Aircraft Lease

FROM
Leithen Francis -

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is pushing for a budget to acquire fixed-wing maritime surveillance aircraft on long-term wet-lease, since its existing agreement with Bombardier for maritime patrol has lapsed.
The MMEA also is hoping to renew a customer support pact with Bombardier that lapsed a while ago, according to the agency’s director general, Adm. Amdan bin Kurish. “The Bombardier planes have not been flying for some time,” he says.
Amdan attributes the failure to “bureaucracy and haggling over price.” He cites instances where his agency and Bombardier would reach agreement, but MMEA would have trouble getting approval from senior government officials. The process of going back and forth on negotiations was time-consuming and led to the contract lapsing before a new one was ready, he says.
Without a support contract , MMEA’s two Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft have been grounded at its base at Kuala Lumpur Subang Airport. Amdan predicts the 415s will fly again soon, although he cannot say precisely when. He also says the MMEA’s amphibious aircraft pilots will have to travel overseas for simulator training to regain some of their proficiency.
MMEA’s customer support agreement with AgustaWestland also expired, but that was less of an issue because the helicopter maker decided to roll over the agreement on a month-to-month basis until a new one could be reached.

The RMN Update

From Defence Journal - Mr Marhalim Abas

 In conjunction with RMN’s 78th anniversary, its chief Tan Sri Aziz Jaafar hold a press conference to announce various events organised for the celebrations. There will be open days at all RMN bases, on April 27 and 28, 2012.

During the press conference, the CN also gave some updates on RMN’s assets and development plans.

1) KD Tunku Abdul Rahman and KD Tun Razak has been declared operational. Both are undergoing operations.

2) The contract for the Submarine Escape and Rescue service (SMERV) had been awarded to Target Resources Sdn Bhd. The LOA was awarded recently. The contract had been in abeyance for the last four years as the Finance Ministry wants the Defence Ministry to renegotiate the price of the contract – RM8.2 million monthly for 20 years or RM98.4 million annually. Apparently the LOA was given at the original contract price. The CN said the mothership is being built in Singapore and is expected to be ready soon. In the meantime, RMN had worked out deal wtth regional navies in case of emergencies.

3) The LCS design will be finalised by July at the latest. The hull remained the Gowind and SETIS is the CMS. Only the other systems have yet to be confirmed. “It will be equipped with a gun capable of anti-aircraft capability, modern surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range SAM, a modern radar and a towed array sonar. The deck will be designed to accept the Cougar for take-offs and landings only,” the CN said. He declined to be more specific as in naming brands but look at my previous stories on the LCS on the type of weapons and systems to be chosen for the ships.
TS Aziz said the requirement of ASW helos remained and had been registered with the Defence Ministry. (He had previously said the Navy has the requirements for six ASW helicopters, so I am guessing they still want six).

4) The Navy has receive offers from the US Navy to purchase retired or soon to be retired, LPDs and frigates. He said the offer has been registered with the Defence Ministry. TS Aziz did not specify numbers, but I hazard to guess, it will be more likely one LPD and two frigates, if they wanted to finalise the offer. The LPDs available from the US are the Austin-class LPDs (three stwhile the frigates are the Oliver Hazard Perry class. Asked about the other ships available from navies from Europe, he said they have yet to receive any offer from this countries.

USS Rodney M Davis

USS Nashville

5) The navy has put forward plans to equip the Kedah-class ships with their “fitted for but not equipped” weapon systems. No details on the weapons under considerations but the Kedah class were originally designed for the RAM and the Exocets. I am assuming the Exocets are a safe bet if the Block 3s are chosen for the LCS while the RAM could be ditched if funding becomes an issue. Cheaper alternatives include the SADRAL or Tetral launchers from MBDA. RMN is hoping to secure the funding for the second part of RMK10 or the next plan (which is more likely).
6) KD Pari and KD Mutiara will be repaired. KD Mutiara repairs will be borne by Malaysian Marine and Heavy Engineering Sdn Bhd (MMHE). The ship caught fire while undergoing maintenance work at the yard in early January this year. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the tender to repair KD Pari has been made public two months ago.
7) The two training ship contracted to NGV Tech Sdn Bhd with the cooperation of DSME are under progress. The ships, to be armed with guns only is expected to be delivered by next year.

 

 

Did Saab got the FCR contract for LCS/SGPV?

From Malaysia defence Journal - Marhalim Abas

I am speculating from the statement below, that Saab may has just secured the contract for the fire control radar for the LCS/SGPV contract. I am guessing as no one will confirm or deny it but from the release Saab is saying that development and deliveries will take place between 2012-2017 which fits the LCS/SGPV time line. The contract amount is around US$67 million.It is interesting to note that I reported before that Saab was the favourite to supply the FCR for the programme.
Although Saab did not identify the FCR, we may assume it is the 9LV FCS. Read Here. If indeed the solution has been chosen for the SGPV/LCS it is interesting to note that Saab itself stated that “9LV FCS can also be combined with the 9LV gunfire-control and SAM modules that provide precision control for any naval gun or fire-and-forget SAM missile system” which means that any type of missile can be chosen.
Among the ships fitted with the 9LV FCS are theVisby-class corvettes, the ANZAC frigates, Flyvefisken-class fast patrol boats, Skjold-class fast patrol boats and the Al Bushra-class fast patrol boats
However, since I could be wrong, about this, lets wait for a confirmation first before saying too much about this thing.

From Saab
Saab receives order for fire control and radar systems
Defence and security company Saab has received an order for naval fire control and radar systems.The order amounts to SEK 450 million and involves business areas Security and Defence Solutions and Electronic Defence Systems.
The fire control system and radar systems will be integrated with a third party combat management system. Development and deliveries will take place 2012-2017.
The defence and security industry’s nature is such that information regarding customers and products sometimes is subject to confidentiality agreements between Saab and its customers. For this reason further information about this order will not be announced.
–Malaysian Defence

Boustead Naval Shipyard gets RM70m contract from Ministry of Defence

By Surin Murugiah of theedgemalaysia.com | The Edge Malaysia – Tue, Sep 11, 2012

Boustead Holdings Bhd subsidiary Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS) has received a letter of award for a contract worth RM70 million from the Ministry of Defence to supply and deliver spare parts and train the 23^rd Navy Frigate Squadron.
In a filing Tuesday, Boustead said a formal contract agreement between the government of and BNS will be signed at a later date.

Probe Ministry of Defence’s procurement deals

FROM TMI The Malaysian Insider – Wed, Sep 12, 2012

By Ida Lim

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 — Putrajaya should set up an independent committee in Parliament to investigate the Ministry of Defence's (Mindef) "controversial" contracts to buy defence vehicles, DAP's Tony Pua said today.

Pua's statement comes after the Sultan of Johor appeared to rap Mindef for its recent purchase of four Rapid Intervention Vehicles (RIV) for a total of RM2.76 million or RM690,000 each.
The Sultan of Johor had last Saturday reportedly compared an RIV to a personal vehicle that he bought for RM150,000, saying that "nobody should take advantage of the situation for personal gains when acquiring equipment for the Special Forces."
"The above acquisition follows a series of controversial procurement of defence vehicles by the Ministry of Defence that have raised major question marks over whether the taxpayers are getting value for their money," Pua (picture) said in a statement.
Pua said that such deals must be "investigated and scrutinised not (by) the Ministry of Defence itself, but by an independent Parliamentary Oversight Committee."
"Malaysians have no faith that the Ministry will be able to conduct an investigation that is fair and above board," Pua said.
He added that it would be "critical that the Ministry of Defence supports the set up of the Oversight Committee to prove that all is above board" in line with Putrajaya's transparency policy under the Government Transformation Programme (GTP).
"After all, if all the above transactions are of value for money to the government, then surely there is nothing to hide from this independent panel.
Pua listed a few "controversial" contracts, including Mindef's purchase of 12 helicopters for RM2.3 billion or RM193 million each in 2008 "despite the same model helicopter being acquired for only RM82.8million each by the Brazilian government."
Mindef had told the Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) that the higher cost was due to "customisations" to the helicopters.
A RM6 billion contract given to Boustead Naval Shipyard last year for 6 offshore patrol vessels was "subsequently inflated" to RM9billion, said Pua.
DRB Hicom Bhd had last year received a RM7.55 billion contract for 257 units of 8x8 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), but it was "exposed" that the company was buying them from a Turkish defence contractor for RM1.7 billion, said the PAC member.
Pua said it is "beyond reasonable belief" that "customisations" carried out by DRB-Hicom to the APS would "cause the bill to be inflated from RM1.7billion to RM7.55 billion."
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Monday that he "will look into the differences in prices between the RIV awarded by Sultan Ibrahim priced at RM150,000 compared with RM690,000 sold by the supplier."
He said that he would check whether the four RIVs had different specifications from the Sultan of Johor's vehicle

Reply from the Minister

Kementerian Pertahanan telah memulakan siasatan terhadap isu pembelian Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV), kata Menteri Pertahanan Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Beliau berkata tindakan undang-undang akan dikenakan terhadap pihak yang
melakukan penyelewengan terhadap urusan pembelian aset tersebut.
"Saya telah kumpul maklumat daripada penyiasatan awal yang dilakukan dan
jika didapati dakwaan Sultan Johor Sultan Ibrahim itu benar, maka tindakan
perundangan akan dilakukan terhadap syarikat pembekal berkenaan.
"Kementerian tidak akan berkrompromi dengan sesiapa saja pun. Jika didapati
benar-benar berlakunya penyelewengan di dalam pembelian RIV ini, kita akan ambil
tindakan," katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian ketika mengulas siasatan yang dijalankan mengenai
perbezaan harga RIV yang didakwa Sultan Ibrahim lebih mahal daripada harga yang
dianugerahkan olehnya.
-- LAGI
ZAHID-RIV 2 (AKHIR) KUALA LUMPUR
Pada majlis ulang tahun Rejimen Gerak Khas ke-47 di Kem Iskandar, Mersing,
Johor, minggu lepas, baginda bertitah harga RIV yang dianugerahkan oleh baginda
(Sultan Johor) berharga RM150,000 berbanding RM690,000 yang dijual oleh pihak
pembekal.
Ahmad Zahid berkata kementeriannya tidak akan berkompromi, sama ada dengan
syarikat pembekal atau mana-mana pegawai yang masih bertugas atau sudah
meninggalkan kementerian, sekiranya mereka didapati terlibat dalam sebarang
penyelewengan dalam tawaran pembekalan RIV tersebut.
-- BERNAMA

SETIS - Combat Management System DCNS

Naval Tactical Integrated Combat System

With the legacy of the well-known SENIT Combat System family, SETIS is a multi role integrated combat system using 21^st century technologies to match the 21^st century operational requirements , including current developments ( Network Centric Warfare) and emerging operational needs (UXV integration and management, asymmetric threats etc.)  ..

Boustead showcasing a DCNS Gowind corvette tweaked to Royal Malaysian Navy needs at DSA 2012

Navy Recognition team who was attending the DSA 2012 Defense exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was able to gather fresh information regarding the future Gowind corvettes of the Royal Malaysian Navy. While the negotiations are still ongoing, signature of the contract should happen soon according to an official from Boustead. The same person gave us an updated list of systems that will likely be found on those new corvettes.

Gowind model at Boustead stand during DSA 2012 (picture: Navy Recognition)

According to this source, the Gowind corvette for Royal Malaysian Navy will likely sports the following weapons: Bofors 57 mm Mk 2 for main gun MBDA Mica VL for air defense in the VLS cells MBDA MM40 BlkIII anti-ship missiles 2x 30mm guns from MSI-Defence Systems Ltd located on top of the helicopter hanger

Regarding sensors, the Malaysian Gowinds should come with: TMEO Mk2 - TMX/EO Electro-optical tracking and fire control system by Rheinmetall SMART-S Mk2 3D multibeam radar by Thales Thales Captas for sonar (We could not get confirmation on the type: Nano or another model) As expected, the combat managed system will be the SETIS by DCNS.

The generic Gowind designed by DCNS is a multi-mission corvette (100 metres, over 2,000 tonnes), A fully militarised platform, she has a comprehensive Mission Management System for full-scale multi-threat missions, including a complete ASW suite with towed array sonar and improved stealth and survivability.

Specifications of the Boustead built vessels (as of now) are as follow: Length: 107 meters Breadth: 16 meters Full load displacement: 2,730 tonnes Max speed: 28 knots Crew: 106 Range: 5,000 nm Endurance: 21 days We were told however that these figures were subject to change (as well as the final hull design) depending on the final configuration picked by the Royal Malaysian Navy. First cut of the head of class is expect for early next year (2013)

Swiss comparison beetween Gripen, Typhoon & Rafale

The Gripen does not meet the minimum expectations of air policing. This is the conclusion reached by two confidential reports Swiss Air Force which we publish extensive excerpts on our website. They contradict the statements of the Defence Minister Ueli Maurer which ensures that the aircraft Swedish "Helvetic meets military requirements." On November 30, at the press conference presenting the choice of the Federal Council, Maurer had even repeated six times.His whole argument was based on the idea that the Gripen, but not a Ferrari, was at least a good VW Golf which would greatly needs of Switzerland. But this is not true. For judgment in the Air Force documents obtained by "The Sunday Morning" is clear: the Gripen, even with the 98 elements that will be improved (engine, radar, tank, etc..), "Remains unable to achieve minimum capabilities for all types of missions reviewed. "These assessment reports are dated November 2009. The first is based on flight test, the second gives notes from the improvements announced by the manufacturers. Both are signed by the Chief of the Air Force and Markus Gygax were written in English ("The only way to be certain that Romands, Alemanni and Ticino to understand," says a senior.). Their authenticity is not disputed by the Swiss Air Force.Unfit for air policingGaps they highlight are particularly serious with regard to air policing. Serious because if Switzerland can give up to have a jet capable of going to drop a big bomb on a remote target of 5000? Kilometers, it has to be able to ensure the sovereignty of its airspace.This is the only mission that the Air Force are certain of having to take the next few years, for example to ensure the no-fly zone during the Davos Forum.Against all odds, it is precisely for this air policing mission of the score of MS21 Gripen is the worst. The MS21 is the technical name of the Gripen E / F that the Federal Council intends to buy, as confirmed by the spokesman for the Air Force Jürg Nussbaum. It was only 5.33? 10 points, well below the minimum limit of 6.0 determined at the beginning of the evaluation process. The Eurofighter and Rafale reached 6.48 6.98. Note the Gripen is mainly due to a reaction time for takeoff emergency too slow ("Quick Reaction Alert ': score 4.7), the flight performance inadequacy (5.5) and endurance largely insufficient (3.8).For all these areas, the minimum score of 6.0 was set based on the capabilities of the F/A-18 Helvetic currently operated. In short: the new aircraft which intends to equip Switzerland from 2016 to 3.1 billion francs, and which must remain in service until at least 2035, will be less efficient than the F/A-18, which came service in 1997 and regularly updated.In the documents in our possession, the Swiss Air Force explained that if the Gripen MS21 still had to be chosen, "it should at least make his flight evaluation in Switzerland [before deciding to buy it], to test its effectiveness real in this important mission. "Because during tests from Emmen in 2008, only the old model of the aircraft had been tested under real conditions. And the latter (the Gripen C / D) had a less powerful engine and much less equipment.Capabilities of future Gripen in terms of offensive air defense missions, exclusion of airspace or direct attack are also considered "average" by the Air Force (5.62).Including the range, the survivability or detection, which remain "weak". "The estimated effectiveness of MS21 Gripen remains insufficient [to accomplish these missions] with a good probability of success," the report said. The Eurofighter was rated 6.54 and 7.41 Rafale.For missions of defense against aircraft (DCA) as well as ground attack, the capabilities of the Gripen chosen by the Federal Council have again been deemed inadequate, with scores of 5.68 and 5.62. "The probability that the Gripen MS21 is unable to carry out missions DCA is significant, say the Swiss Air Force evaluators. And overall effectiveness of the Gripen MS21 is insufficient to win air superiority in the future threats, beyond 2015. "Lying by omission?In November, snippets of the report we cite were revealed by the Basler Zeitung, which had failed, however, to publish documents. Maurer was then scanned these reproaches the back of his hand, explaining that it was the other reports that had, for example those having evaluated other areas such as industrial holdings or military cooperation. "We circulated reports, added the minister of defense, but it's not really the prime cuts."Maurer has simply failed to mention that these reports evaluating the air quality, and we produce today, alone account for 60% of the total score of the evaluation, as confirmed by the spokesman of the Department defense, Silvia Steidle. Maurer also forgot to say that for most other assessment modules, the other two manufacturers competing were deemed equivalent or superior to Saab (17 -23.94%) Gripen, as confirmed by several sources who had access to final report.To top it off, the risk related to financial and technical modernization of the aircraft is described as "high" by the Air Force. Again, this assessment contradicts the statements of the DDPS, who remains confident that this risk was "manageable."Feeling sick at the baseAt Armasuisse and assessment teams Air Force, the disgust is sensitive since the choice of the Federal Council, based on financial criteria alone. Some even let go of the word "resignation". And is expected to be invited by parliamentarians to be explained. "If they ask me questions, I will answer them obviously very precisely," promises one of those people who wish to remain anonymous. How the Gripen was drafted for, ultimately, the stamp "meets the requirements of the company" and the overall score of 6.0 is still a mystery. "At the time of its delivery to the defense minister, the score of the military part of Gripen was insufficient, an official confirmed the assessment, also on condition of anonymity. Only the financial part allowed the Gripen to achieve the minimum score. "He too is eager to explain himself to MPs.Christian Democrat Jean-Rene Fournier is shocked to read these documents: "This is serious. If there are no new elements, I do not see how one could buy the Gripen. "The Valais propose to the Committee on Security Policy of the Council of States, with which he sits tomorrow at 10? Hours the parade of Bure, to join the sub-committee of the National to investigate how the assessment was conducted.Environmentalist Vaud Luc Recordon is tougher still reading reports of the Air Force: "It feels qu'Ueli Maurer wants us around. He offers to buy 2? CV to the price of a Porsche. "In that case, he concluded, much to stick to F/A-18.Faced with these criticisms, the DDPS refuses to comment on the findings of the evaluation. "Federal Councillor, he says in a written reply, informed on the results of the evaluation 30 November 2011, including notes and costs." He maintains that "the Gripen meets the military requirements ".