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ST Kinetics and Paramount Group Announce Collaboration on Armoured Wheeled Vehicles

13 Juni 2012

ST Kinetics Terrex 8x8 (photo : Jane's)

ST Kinetics and Paramount Group today announced a strategic collaboration to market a family of high mobility armoured wheeled vehicles. Under the agreement, the two companies will pool their expertise to jointly market, manufacture and support a family of protected wheeled vehicles.

ST Kinetics and Paramount Group recognise that modern conflicts demand highly protected wheeled vehicles with superb mobility that can increase the survivability of the crew and ensure mission success. The collaboration, which brings together the strengths of these two companies, will address the market needs for such highly protected and vastly manoeuvrable vehicles. It will allow their respective customers to enjoy highly cost effective solutions through global best sourcing and localised through-life support.

Paramount Group Matador 4x4 (photo : Paramount)

Resulting from this collaboration is a comprehensive range of wheeled vehicles for military and homeland security applications. These include ST Kinetics’ highly manoeuvrable and network-enabled TERREX 8x8 Armoured Personnel Carrier, and Paramount Group’s mine-protected and highly mobile MBOMBE 6x6 Armoured Fighting Vehicle, MAVERICK 4x4 Internal Security Vehicle, MARAUDER 4x4 Wheeled Troop Carrier and MATADOR 4x4 Multi-role Mine Protected Vehicle.

"ST Kinetics and Paramount Group each has a proven track record in the design and development of land systems vehicles. This partnership allows us to bring together the reputable products of Paramount Group with our capabilities in systems integration and manufacturing to offer cost effective protected mobility solutions to our customers.” ~ SEW Chee Jhuen, President, ST Kinetics

"Our collaboration with ST Kinetics represents an invaluable springboard into the Asia-Pacific region for Paramount Group. We are both ambitious, innovative businesses which understand our customers’ needs and the changing demands of modern defence and peace-keeping. Our in-region partnership means that we can be very quick to market and very quick to respond to customers’ changing needs. ”~ Ivor ICHIKOWITZ, Executive Chairman, Paramount Group

(STengg/ASDNews)

Singapore Army Gets New Training Ground

03 Juni 2012

Sukhothai, Thailand (image : Google Maps)

The Defence Ministry has proposed an additional training ground, possibly in Sukhothai, for the Singaporean military, Defence Minister ACM Sukumpol Suwanatat said yesterday.

He was speaking after a meeting with his Singaporean counterpart, Ng Eng Hen during his visit to the city state to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue, an inter-governmental security forum currently being held in Singaporeuntil tomorrow.

ACM Sukumpol said Singapore, which has leased the training ground at the Sai Yok army camp in Kanchanaburi, needs a larger space as its military might need to use live ammunition during training.

Both sides agreed to establish another training ground.

A military source said the ministry might set aside an area in Ban Dan Lan Hoy in Sukhothai for the Singapore military, in addition to the existing training ground in Kanchanaburi.

"Allowing Singaporean soldiers to conduct more training in our country is to help a friend," he said.

"It's a mutual interest and we have nothing to lose from this as soldiers from Singaporehave already been carrying out drills in Kanchanaburi for a long time," the defence minister said.

No matter where the Singaporean military will conduct its drills here in

Thailand

, the Thai military has full access to observe its activities, said ACM Sukumpol.

(Bangkok Post)

Singapore Army Wants Bigger Camp

01 Juni 2012

Singapore neither admit or deny it has Centurion tanks. The tank is believed to be stored in Thailand (photo : Military Factory)

Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwannarat and his counterpart from Singapore, Ng Eng Hen, on Friday discussed plans to look for a larger training camp for Singaporean soldiers.

ACM Sukumpol said Singapore's Defence Ministry did not want a permanent camp like Sai Yok in Kanchanaburi, where Singaporean soldiers have been training for more than 30 years.

Sources said the Singaporean army wanted to expand the scale of its excercises, for battle tanks and artillery.

The new site might be at Dan Lan Hoi village in Sukhothai, they said.

(Bangkok Post)

SAF Takes Delivery of Buffel ARVs

31 Mei 2012

Baffel Armoured Recovery Vehicles (all photos : xtemujin)

The- Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) have received two batches of Rheinmetall Buffel (Buffalo) Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs). IHS Jane's can reveal.

The ARV will be used to support the 66 Krauss Maffei Wegmann Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) already in service with the SAF. Final deliveries of the ARVs were made in 2011.

Germanysupplied 96 Leopard 2A4 MBTs to

Singapore

: the remaining 30 were used for spares. The Leopards have replaced obsolete AMX-1 3 light tanks that are being phased out.

The SAF Buffel ARVs are based on refurbished Leopard 2 hulls, with work carried out at Rheinmetall facilities at Kasseland Kiel. They have the same capabilities a new production ARVs and are fully equipped with winches, a hydraulic crane on the right side of the hull and a dozer/stabilizer blade at the front.

While the Buffel ARV has been sold to Germany (75), Greece(12), the Netherlands (25), Spain (16), Sweden(14) and Switzerland(25), this is the first sale of refurbished platforms.

Canada, which is following Singaporeby ordering eight Buffel ARVs based on rebuilt Leopard 2 hulls, leased two Buffels from the German Army to support its Leopard 2 MBT deployment to Afghanistan. A Rheinmetall upgrade to these ARVs prior to their deploymentn included an enhance protection package and air conditioning.

The SAF are also looking to replace their M60 based Armoured Vehicle Launched Bridge (AVLBs) and M728 Combat Engineer Vehicles (CEVs).

It is understood that Singapore is the first customer for the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann developed Leopard 2 Leguan AVLB, which has full armour protection and can launch one 26 m or two 14 m bridges horizontally over the front of the hull. By comparison, the M60 AVLB is fitted with a 19.2 m long scissors bridge that can span a gap of up to 18.2 m.

Singaporeis also believed to be planning to replace the M728 CEV with a platform based on a modified Leopard 2 hull. One such contender could be the Kodiak Armoured Engineer Vehicle (AEV), which is in production in Switzerland after being developed as a private venture y RUAG Defence and Rheinmetall. The Kodiak has been sold to the Netherlands (10), Switzerland (12) and Sweden (six).

Another contender could be the Wisent 2 Leopard Support Vehicle, which was developed by German company FFG and is also based on the chassis Leopard 2. The AEV version of the Wisent has been sold to Canada.

(Jan e’s)

RSAF Welcomes Inauguration of Heron 1 UAV

24 Mei 2012

The Heron 1 UAV (above) will replace the Searcher-class UAV that has been in service since 1994. (photo : Sing Mindef)

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) enhanced the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of the 3rd Generation Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) as it inaugurated the Heron 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) into 119 Squadron (SQN) on 23 May.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, who officiated at the inauguration ceremony at Murai Camp, pointed out that the SAF's vision for UAVs started as early as the 70s, quoting Singapore's first Defence Minister Dr Goh Keng Swee: "For our kind of terrain, we must have Remotely Piloted Vehicles. We must see the enemy without being seen."

"The UAVs have realised the vision of SAF’s founding pioneers but only through continued investments to develop this capability," he added. "As a result, the SAF today is an advanced user of UAVs... (which) are used routinely in exercises as well as in operations."

Highlighting the importance of the UAV in transforming the SAF into a modern and effective fighting force, Dr Ng noted that the Heron 1 UAV will "provide our commanders, planners and soldiers on the ground (with) better situational awareness to make timely and informed decisions to engage the adversary decisively and complete their missions effectively".

Featuring state-of-the-art avionics, detection capabilities and communication systems, the Heron 1 UAV will replace the Searcher-class UAV that has been in service since 1994.

Compared to its predecessor, which has a maximum operating altitude of 10,000 feet, the Heron 1 UAV can fly twice as high at 20,000 feet. It has a flight endurance of over 24 hours, more than three times that of the Searcher UAV (eight hours). Furthermore, the Heron 1 UAV has a maximum operating range of 200km, double that of the Searcher-class.

The advanced UAV is also equipped with an Automatic Take Off and Landing (ATOL) system, which allows a desired flight route to be scheduled prior to launch, and is able to return to a pre-designated recovery point at the end of its mission. This enhances the timeliness in which information is disseminated, as UAV operators can focus on collecting and processing information instead of flight operations.

Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Kenneth Won, Commanding Officer of 119 SQN, was proud of his squadron's achievements in being the first UAV squadron to operate the Heron 1.

"It's not always been smooth-sailing; there have been a lot of challenges along the way but we've achieved a key milestone in bringing in this new capability. More importantly, we have built a team in which the operational and logistics crew are strongly integrated."

The Heron 1 UAV (right) will replace the Searcher-class UAV (left) that has been in service since 1994. (photo : Sing Mindef)

He noted that the Heron 1 UAV's advanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities will provide the RSAF with "sharper eyes" in the skies, which will be an important component in the complex battle environment of the future.

Officer Commanding of 119 SQN and UAV Pilot Major (MAJ) Low Jun Horng commented on how the improved systems of the Heron 1 UAV have made it more mission-effective: "The Heron 1 provides us with an enhanced situational awareness of the battlefield as it has better detection capability and three times the flight endurance of the Searcher UAV... It also gives us the ability to see things in colour as compared to the monochrome video system of the Searcher UAV. This allows us to detect targets that could not have been detected previously with the Searcher."

Paying tribute to the personnel of 119 SQN, Dr Ng said: "The advanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities of the Heron 1 UAV are, however, only as effective as the people who operate and maintain them. I would like therefore to commend all of you, the men and women of 119 Squadron, who have worked tirelessly in the last year to ready the Heron 1 UAV systems to support the SAF's operations."

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Chief of Air Force Major-General Ng Chee Meng and senior officers from the SAF were also present at the ceremony.

(Sing Mindef)

Singapore Develops New 8x8 Artillery System

23 Mei 2012

155mm AMGS (image : STKinetics)

Singapore Technologies Kinetics (STK) is carrying out feasibility studies on the 155 mm Advanced Mobile Gun System (AMGS).

The AMGS is based on an 8x8 cross-country platform offering greater strategic mobility than a conventional tracked self-propelled (SP) artillery system and lower operating and support costs.

Gross system weight is 28 tonnes, including crew and ammunition, with a maximum road speed of 80 km/h, with 30 km/h across country.

(Jane's)

US Offers Singapore $435 Million F-15SG Support Package

02 Mei 2012

The munitions for F-15SG include 40 GBU-10 Paveway laser guided bombs and 85 GBU-12s (photo : nighteye)

The US government could sell Singapore a support package related to Republic of Singapore Air Force Boeing F-15SG detachment located at Mountain Home air base in Idaho.

The five year Foreign Military Sales (FMS) package includes a range of bombs and guidance units, as well as other support services related to the Singapore Peace Carvin V detachment, says the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. It values the deal at $435 million.

The announcement follows a request from the Singapore government. The munitions include 40 GBU-10 Paveway laser guided bombs and 85 GBU-12s.

"Singapore needs this training and munitions to support its F-15 aircraft," says the DSCA. "This program will enable Singapore to develop mission-ready and experienced pilots to support its current and future F-15 aircraft inventory. The

well-established pilot proficiency training program at Mountain Home air force base will support professional interaction and enhance operational interoperability with U.S. forces."

Given space constraints in Singapore, several units are based overseas on a semi-permanent basis. Singapore operates 24 F-15SGs.

(FlightGlobal)

Australia Extends Singapore Air Force's Access to Training Facilities

26 April 2012

The RSAF can deploy up to 12 Super Pumas along with 250 personnel and family members as RSAF’s 126Sqn (Training/Support for army exercises) at Oakey Army Aviation Centre. RSAF also deploys 19 × PC-21 (Basic Training) as RSAF’s 130 Sqn at RAAF Base Pearce (photo : abpic)

SINGAPORE: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard indicated on Monday that the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) would be allowed continued access to training facilities in Oakey, Queensland.

She was speaking in Singapore where she is on her first official visit as prime minister.

Earlier in the day, she was given a ceremonial welcome at the Istana.

Also present was Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

After the ceremony, Ms Gillard met Singapore's Acting President J Y Pillay at the Istana.

At an official dinner hosted in her honour, Ms Gillard said that Singapore was a "partner and friend with a capacity to bring pragmatic and far-sighted thinking to regional and global challenges".

"We share defence and strategic interests, underpinned by a commitment to multi-lateralism and regional cooperation," she added.

"Of course, we value our economic links and seek to learn from your example of adaptation and innovation as Australia remakes its economy for the demands of the 'Asian Century'."

Prime Minister Lee, who was in attendance at the dinner, said "Singapore and Australia enjoy a close and long-standing relationship".

"Australia was one of the first countries to recognise Singapore's independence in 1965. For that we will always be grateful," Mr Lee said.

"Since then, our relationship has remained close, underpinned by our shared strategic perspectives and wide-ranging cooperation."

Mr Lee added that defence cooperation is also key to the two countries' relationship.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has been warmly received during training exercises in Rockhampton, Oakey, Pearce and Tamworth in Australia, and had helped in disaster relief efforts during the floods in Queensland last year, he said.

Mr Lee added that Singapore would support Australia's bid for a seat on the UN Security Council in the year 2013-2014.

He also said Singapore shares a commitment with Australia on trade liberalisation, adding that Singapore is the fifth largest investor in Australia, and thanks to the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), economic ties are growing.

Australian investments in Singapore more than doubled between 2005 and 2010, with the number of Australians doing business in Singapore growing about 10 per cent a year.

Singapore gets close to a million Australian tourists annually, while Australia receives more than 300,000 visitors from Singapore each year.

There are more than 20,000 Australians living and working in Singapore and around 50,000 Singaporeans in Australia, including 10,000 students.

Ms Gillard said she hopes to find more ways for the two countries to work together when Mr Lee visits Australia this October.

Earlier in the day, Ms Gillard presented Singaporean businessman Ow Chio Kiat, with the award of "Honorary Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia".

Mr Ow, who is the executive chairman of Stamford Land Corporation, received the award for his service to the development of commercial relations and identifying business opportunities between Australia and Singapore.

Ms Gillard also had an orchid hybrid named after her at the National Orchid Garden.

The Dendrobium Julia Gillard bears dark purple flowers which measure up to 7 centimetres across.

(ChannelNewsAsia)

RSAF's Gulfstream 550 Airborne Early Warning Aircraft is Fully Operational

14 April 2012

Four RSAF's G550 have serial numbered 010, 016. 017, and 018 (photo : Airfighters)

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at a ceremony to mark the achievement of Full Operational Capability (FOC) status by the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) Gulfstream 550 Airborne Early Warning (G550-AEW) aircraft at Tengah Air Base this afternoon. Prior to the ceremony, the RSAF's 111 Squadron, which operates the G550-AEW aircraft, hosted Dr Ng to a familiarisation flight to observe a training mission.

The G550-AEW aircraft has a detection range of more than 200 nautical miles or 370km (photo : Mindef)

Speaking at the FOC ceremony, Dr Ng highlighted the significance of employing advanced AEW technology to enhance Singapore's networked air defence capabilities. He said, "The G550-AEW together with the RSAF's fighter squadrons and ground-based Air Defence units, are a powerful network that represents a quantum jump in the SAF's ability to identify potential aerial threats early and respond decisively, in peace or in war." Dr Ng also commended the men and women of 111 Squadron for their hard work in operationalising the capability. He said, "Today's parade to mark the full operational capability of the aircraft, just six months after the delivery of the fourth G550-AEW last October, shows the rapid progress achieved through hard work. It is a positive testament to the adaptability and professionalism of our people to master sophisticated systems systematically within a short span of time."

RSAF acquired four G550-AEW in 2007 to replace the RSAF's E-2C AEW that had served the Air Force for more than 20 years (photo : clubsnap)

With a detection range of more than 200 nautical miles, the G550-AEW aircraft allows the RSAF to see farther, and respond more effectively to aerial threats in various operational situations. Since the arrival of the first G550-AEW aircraft in Feb 2009, pilots, air warfare officers and maintenance crew of 111 Squadron have undergone intensive training to operate and maintain the aircraft, as well as to integrate the aircraft to support the Singapore Armed Forces' round-the-clock operations. During this period, the squadron also participated in major exercises such as Exercise Cope Tiger and Exercise Bersama Lima.

Also present at the ceremony were Minister of State for Defence and Education Mr Lawrence Wong, Chief of Air Force Major-General Ng Chee Meng as well as other senior officers from the SAF.

(Mindef)

Fearless 75 : Oman’s New Patrol Boats from Singapore

13 April 2012

Fearless 75 for Royal Oman Navy (all images : ST Marine)

ST Kinetics subsidiary Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd. has won a EUR 534.8 million (about USD $700 million) competitive contract from the Ministry of Defence of the Sultanate of Oman, to bolster that country’s inshore and mid-range patrol fleet.

The 4 patrol vessels will based on ST Marine’s Fearless 75 Class of 75m ships, which are in turn derived from Singapore’s own fleet of 12 Fearless Class 55m boats. The project will begin immediately, with the first vessel expected to be delivered in Q2 2015 and the final vessel in Q3 2016.

ST Marine’s Fearless boats were once planned to have missile Fast Attack Craft capabilities, but Singapore’s smaller 500t boats ended up limited to an Oto Melara 76mm gun, torpedoes, and a Simbad twin-launcher for very short range Mistral air defense missiles.

Oman’s larger vessels will add a landing pad for helicopters or UAVs, and could choose to introduce additional offensive capabilities like anti-ship missiles, which are explicitly specified [PDF] as options in the firm’s marketing materials.

Neither party is talking about those choices, yet, or about the replacements for the Israeli equipment used in Singapore’s boats.

Even without naval strike missiles, however, the new vessels will add punch to Oman’s presence guarding the tense Strait of Hormuz, the wider Persian Gulf, and/or to the country’s efforts against piracy around its Indian Ocean shores.

(Defense Industry Daily)

ST Marine Arm Secures S$880M Contract for Four Patrol Vessels for The Royal Navy of Oman

10 April 2012

Fearless class Patrol Vessel (photo : Militaryphotos)

Singapore – Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) today announced that its marine arm, Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd (ST Marine) has secured a contract worth €534.8m (about S$880m) to design and build four patrol vessels (PVs) and the provision of associated logistic support for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO).

This contract was awarded by the Ministry of Defence of the Sultanate of Oman through a competitive international tender. ST Marine will build four 75-metre PVs based on its proprietary Fearless Class of PVs. The project will commence immediately with the first vessel expected to be delivered in 2Q 2015 and the final vessel in 3Q 2016.

“We are honoured to be entrusted by the Royal Navy of Oman with this project. This is a significant contract to ST Marine and we are confident that we will live up to our reputation as a total naval solutions provider – from design to construction to logistics support and hopefully through life support for our customer’s vessels.” ~ NG Sing Chan, President ST Marine.

This contract is not expected to have any material impact on the consolidated net tangible assets per share and earnings per share of ST Engineering for the current financial year.

(STEngg)

Visits RSAF Fighter Detachment in US

07 April 2012

Under the Peace Carvin programme, the RSAF has an F-15SG fighter detachment (PC V) at the Mountain Home Air Force Base (MHAFB) in IDAHO, has an F-16C/D fighter detachment (PC II) at the Luke Air Force Base, ARIZONA since 1992, also has two training detachments in the US: the Peace Prairie CH-47D Chinook helicopter detachment in Grand Prairie, TEXAS, and the Peace Vanguard AH-64D Apache helicopter detachment in Marana, ARIZONA. (photo : Mindef)

Minister for Defence Visits RSAF F-15SG Fighter Detachment in US

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen visited the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Peace Carvin (PC) V F-15SG fighter detachment at the Mountain Home Air Force Base (MHAFB) in Idaho today (Singapore time), as part of his introductory visit to the US. The PC V detachment is home to about 180 RSAF personnel comprising pilots, Weapons Systems Officers (Fighter) and ground crew.

Dr Ng, who was accompanied by Commander of the USAF's 366th Fighter Wing Colonel Ronald Buckley and Commander of the RSAF's Fighter Group Colonel Ho Foo Sing, visited detachment facilities and was briefed on its training programme. Dr Ng also interacted with RSAF personnel and their families who were stationed at MHAFB, as well as members of the MHAFB leadership and local community leaders. The RSAF F-15SG detachment was inaugurated in 2009, marking a key milestone in the RSAF's development of its advanced fighter capabilities to deliver more effective air power for the 3rd Generation SAF.

Detachments and training in the US and other overseas locations allow the RSAF to overcome airspace constraints in Singapore. Under the PC programme, the RSAF has an F-16C/D fighter detachment (PC II) at the Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, which was established in 1992. The RSAF also has two other training detachments in the US: the Peace Prairie CH-47D Chinook helicopter detachment in Grand Prairie, Texas, and the Peace Vanguard AH-64D Apache helicopter detachment in Marana, Arizona. These training arrangements enable the SAF to build up its operational capabilities and readiness, and are testament to the excellent and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and US.

(Mindef)

Singapore and Thailand Conclude Bilateral Army Exercise

06 April 2012

Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicles from the SAF participating in Exercise Kocha Singa 2012. (photo : Mindef)

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Royal Thai Army (RTA) concluded an annual bilateral army exercise, codenamed Exercise Kocha Singa this afternoon. The closing ceremony was officiated by Chief of Army Major-General Ravinder Singh and Commander-in-Chief of RTA General (GEN) Prayut Chan-O-Cha in Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand. Thai Prime Minister Her Excellency Yingluck Shinawatra, Thai Minister of Defence Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat and Singapore's Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman attended the ceremony. As part of his programme, Dr Maliki also interacted with SAF troops who participated in the exercise.

BTR-3E1 from Royal Thai Navy also take part in this exercise (photo : Thaifighterclub)

The exercise, which was the 14th in the series, was held in Thailand from 20 Mar to 5 Apr 2012 and involved personnel from the 5th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment and the 1st Infantry Battalion from the 2nd Infantry Regiment of the RTA. The exercise included professional interactions, exchanges in motorised infantry operations and culminated in a combined live firing exercise.

First conducted in 1997, Exercise Kocha Singa underscores the close and longstanding defence ties between Singapore and Thailand, and also provides an excellent opportunity for the two armies to strengthen the professionalism and mutual understanding among their personnel.

(Mindef)

ST Marine Arm Forms Joint Venture Company with Kockums AB

04 April 2012

Kockums is part of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The company designs and builds submarines and naval surface vessels that incorporate the most advanced stealth technology. Other successful products include the Stirling Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, the Kockums Submarine Rescue System (URF) and mine clearance systems. (photo : Kockums)

Singapore – Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) today announced that its marine arm, Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd (ST Marine), has partnered with Swedish Kockums AB (Kockums) to form a joint venture company (JVC) called Fortis Marine Solutions Pte. Ltd. (Fortis Marine Solutions).

ST Marine will hold 51% stake in Fortis Marine Solutions and Kockums the remaining 49% stake. ST Marine and Kockums will inject $510,000 and $490,000 respectively as equity into the new JVC. Consequent to its incorporation, Fortis Marine Solutions is now a subsidiary of ST Marine.

ST Marine and Kockums have a long standing partnership managing several contracts for the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) submarines. The RSN’s Challenger and Archer classes of submarines were designed, constructed, tropicalised and delivered by Kockums; while ST Marine has been providing up to Depot level maintenance of the submarines. The JVC is formed with the primary objective of providing a higher level in-country capability in the refitting and life cycle support services for the submarine fleet of RSN.

“Kockums is proud to have been supplying the RSN with advanced naval solutions, since 1995. Fortis Marine Solutions is an important widening of our activities in Singapore and a strong sign of our long-term commitment to provide the RSN with the best support throughout the life time of our products. We look forward to establish this in-country capability together with our qualified partner ST Marine.” ~ Ola ALFREDSSON, Chief Executive Officer, Kockums AB.

“We are confident that the design and systems engineering capability of Kockums, combined with ST Marine’s skilled workforce capability will result in maintenance regimes that ensure high availability, safety and readiness for RSN.” ~NG Sing Chan, President, ST Marine.

The set up of Fortis Marine Solutions is not expected to have any material impact on the consolidated net tangible assets per share and earnings per share of ST Engineering for the current financial year.

(STEngg)

ST Marine Delivers 141M Landing Platform Dock to Royal Thai Navy

04 April 2012

HTMS Angthong 791 (all photos : Jojoelee Poonyaput - thaidefensenews)

Singapore, – ST Marine on 3 April held a ceremony for preliminary acceptance and delivery of the 141m Landing Platform Dock (LPD), which it designed and built for Royal Thai Navy at its Benoi yard. The ceremony held in the morning was graced by Admiral Surasak Rounroengrom, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, and His Excellency Mr Marut Jitpatima, Ambassador of Thailand to Singapore.

The design of the LPD is proprietary to ST Marine and is based on its Endurance Class of LPDs. The design is proven by the four 141m Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs) that ST Marine built for theRepublicofSingapore Navy. The LSTs have been deployed successfully on many occasions to provide peacekeeping duties in the Gulf, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts during the 2004 Indonesian tsunami and more recently as part of the international anti-piracy Combined Task Force in the Gulf of Aden.

With a displacement of about 7600 tonnes, the LPD has a well-dock with a stern as well as a side ramp designed for expedient embarkation and disembarkation of equipment and personnel. This versatile vessel is capable of supporting myriad missions, ranging from sea transportation, naval support operations, civil search and rescue to disaster relief missions. To support these missions, its heli-deck can land up to two medium-sized helicopters of about 10-tonnes each.

ST Marine secured this contract worth some S$200m, to design and build this LPD as well as two units of 23m Landing Craft Mechanised and two units of 13m Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel. Work for the LPD commenced in mid 2009 and the vessel was launched in March last year. After going through the mandatory and comprehensive acceptance sea trials, the LPD is now ready to sail to its base in Thailand for the final acceptance trials. Final delivery of the LPD is expected to be by 2Q2012.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to ST Marine for their efficient supervision and construction of the ship as well as their kind support to the Royal Thai Navy personnel throughout the period when they were working here at the yard.” ~ Admiral Surasak Rounroengrom, Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai Navy.

“ST Marine has always pride itself on our design capability as well as being able to deliver quality ships and excellent services to our customers. Through this LPD programme, we hope to be able to continue to build on our precious relationships with the Kingdom of Thailand and Royal Thai Navy in the years to come. We are very proud that we have once again delivered on our promise.” ~ NG Sing Chan, President, ST Marine.

(STEngg)

South China Sea Drives Regional Choices

02 April 2012

Singapore is planning to modernize the F-16s and is expected to choose the “V” upgrade Lockheed Martin unveiled at the Singapore Airshow last month. (photo : Raytheon)

The defense priority for Southeast Asian countries is monitoring and protecting their territories in the South China Sea in response to China’s increased assertiveness and claims to this region.
Chinese submarines, ships and aircraft patrol the area now, and many Southeast Asian nations fear China will build military installations on the islands, atolls and reefs, paving the way for it to exploit the oil and gas reserves under the seabed. China already has a permanent fort on Mischief Reef in the South China Sea.

The fact that China has such a large military has led all the coastal Southeast Asian nations—with the exception of Singapore—to conclude that they are inadequately equipped to protect their interests in the South China Sea. Each is now racing to invest in new fighters that will remain their mainstays beyond 2020. The importance of airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft and networked fighters has also caught on.

Singapore

Singapore, which has the largest defense budget of any Southeast Asian nation, has Gulfstream G550s equipped with ELTA Systems’ AEW mission suite. Its fighters include Lockheed Martin F-16s and Boeing F-15s. It is planning to modernize the F-16s and is expected to choose the “V” upgrade Lockheed Martin unveiled at the Singapore Airshow last month. This includes active, electronically scanned array (AESA) radar as well as data links allowing the F-16V to communicate with Lockheed Martin F-35s and F-22s. Singapore became a security cooperation participant on the F-35 program in 2003 and is expected to order the aircraft eventually.

Thailand

Thailand is widely expected to order another six Gripen fighters, bringing its fleet of the aircraft to 18. (photo : wing7rtaf)

No other Southeast Asian nation can afford all the equipment Singapore has, but some are seeking to develop similar capabilities. Thailand operates one Saab Erieye AEW aircraft and has one more on order. It has also received six Saab Gripen JAS 39C/Ds and ordered six more; first deliveries of the second tranche will start early next year. Equipment on its Gripens include Ericsson/GEC-Marconi PS-05/A pulse-doppler radar, RBS15 anti-ship missiles and the EWS 39 electronic warfare suite, the same suite used by the Swedish air force.

Thailand is widely expected to order another six Gripen fighters, bringing its fleet of the aircraft to 18. The country purchased Gripens to replace its Northrop F-5s based at Surat Thani air base because it is convinced of the merits of networked fighters. The Swedes argue that having better intelligence on your enemy’s whereabouts—through the use of Saab AEW—allows you to place fighters more effectively, creating an opportunity to defeat a larger enemy.

The networked solution is also being taken to the next level. Saab owns 40% of Thai company Avia Satcom, which has been tasked with developing a national tactical data link that will cover the AEW aircraft, Gripens and F-16s as well as the navy’s aircraft and ships. The Saab Erieye also works with Link 16, so it can feed data to U.S. platforms such as F-16s, but the advantage for Thailand in having a national data link is its control over the encryption.

Thailand is also undertaking a midlife upgrade of 18 F-16A/Bs. This involves installing: a more advanced mechanically scanned radar (Northrop Grumman APG-68V9), new friend-or-foe detection system (BAE Systems APX-113), electronic warfare management system (Terma ALQ-213), and system for protecting against enemy missiles (BAE ALE-47). Thai F-16s and Gripens are equipped with Raytheon’s AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missile and AIM-120 Amraam and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.

Malaysia

Boeing announced a contract to upgrade the RMAF’s eight Hornets with improved GPS and “identification friend or foe interrogation” capabilities as well as a joint helmet-mounted cueing system - JHMCS (photo : Boeing)

Malaysia is planning to add AEW aircraft networked to fighters, too. It has been considering the Northrop Grumman E-2D as well as the Erieye radar mounted on Embraer EMB-145s.

The new fighters Malaysia plans to order will replace RSK MiG-29s based at Kuantan air base overlooking the South China Sea. Contending to meet the requirement are Saab’s Gripen JAS 39C/D and Gripen NG, Boeing’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Eurofighter’s Typhoon and Dassault’s Rafale.

Malaysia already has eight older-variant Hornets so, in theory at least, it does not have to order many Super Hornets to form a squadron, as upgraded Hornets could work alongside the Super Hornets. The Boeing aircraft use many of the same weapons, too. At the Malaysia LIMA Airshow last December, Boeing announced a contract to upgrade the air force’s eight Hornets with improved GPS and “identification friend or foe interrogation” capabilities as well as a joint helmet-mounted cueing system (JHCS). The JHCS is needed because Malaysia is purchasing AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder missiles. The JHCS allows pilots to point an AIM-9X missile seeker and lock onto the target simply by looking at it.

The Rafale, like the Super Hornet, has been in active duty as a naval fighter. The maritime aspect is important, because the fighters at Kuantan air base are used to protect Malaysia’s South China Sea interests.

Indonesia

Indonesia wants to buy AEW aircraft that can be networked to the F-16s. (photo : Antara)

Indonesia also wants to protect its South China Sea territory. It is receiving 24 Lockheed Martin F-16C/Ds from the U.S. for free but will spend $750 million to upgrade these to the Block 52 standard, says the U.S. Defense Department. The modernization includes: friend-or-foe radar warning receivers (Raytheon ALR-69), modular mission computers, an electronic warfare management system (Terma ALQ-213), missile protection system (BAE ALE-47 countermeasures dispenser system), situational awareness data link and targeting pods.

In addition, the head of the Indonesian air force, Air Chief Marshal Imam Sufaat, told Aviation Week in February that the country wants to buy AEW aircraft that can be networked to the F-16s. It now has three Boeing 737-2X9 Surveillers equipped with side-looking airborne modular multimission radar.

(Aviation Week)

Boosting Defence Ties at Exercise Cope Tiger

26 Maret 2012

Fighter jets, namely the (from left) US Air Force's F-15 Eagle, RSAF's F-15SG and RTAF's JAS-39 Gripen, flying in formation during Exercise Cope Tiger. (photos : Mindef, RTAF)

For the past two weeks, there was much rumbling in the skies over Korat, Thailand, as Singapore, Thailand and the United States conducted a trilateral air exercise codenamed Cope Tiger.

Involving about 100 aircraft, 34 ground-based air defence systems and more than 2,000 personnel from the participating nations, this year's exercise also saw the maiden participation of the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF's) F-15SG fighter aircraft.

The exercise began last year with a command post exercise held at Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore from 19 to 23 Dec, followed by a flying training exercise in Korat Air Base from 12 to 23 Mar.

It concluded on 23 Mar at Korat Air Base with the closing ceremony officiated by Singapore's Chief of Air Force, Major-General Ng Chee Meng; Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), Air Chief Marshal Itthaporn Subhawong; and Commander of the United States 13th Air Force, Lieutenant-General Stanley Kresge.

On how the exercise has evolved over the years, RSAF Exercise Director Colonel (COL) Tommy Tan, who also heads the RSAF's Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command, said: "Exercise Cope Tiger has progressed steadily, both in scope and complexity. The assets involved are increasingly advanced, and this has helped to add realism to training, enhancing the training benefits for the participating forces."

RTAF Exercise Director Group Captain Thawonwat Chantanakom added that the annual exercise creates a good opportunity for the three air forces to work together and enhance interoperability, and to forge stronger bonds.

He said: "Exercise Cope Tiger is important because it helps to build friendship and defence relations between the three nations. It also serves as a great platform for exchanges and sharing so that our forces will be able to assist one another should the need arise."

On the sidelines of the exercise, the participants also took part in a three-day joint socio-civic programme, where they provided basic health and dental services to the local community in the vicinity of Korat Air Base and Chandy Range.

Since 1994, Exercise Cope Tiger has been conducted annually to enhance professionalism and interoperability among the participating forces, and foster closer rapport and mutual understanding among their personnel. This year's exercise is the 18th in its series.

(Mindef)

ST Kinetics and SAIC Team For Marine Personnel Carrier Programme

24 Maret 2012

STKinetics Terrex 8x8 (photo : Limkopi)

Singapore ST Kinetics, the land systems arm of ST Engineering, and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) today announced they will team for the upcoming U.S. Marine Corps Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC) programme.

The MPC will provide U.S. Marine infantry formations with an advanced generation eight-wheeled armoured personnel carrier. The MPC is intended to be a highly protected and swim-capable vehicle, with requirements shaped to provide a balance of performance, protection, and payload to ensure it is effective across the full range of military operations. The MPC programme calls for the production of approximately 100 units per year for up to 7 years, with initial awards for the testing and demonstration phase expected in April 2012.

"The SAIC and ST Kinetics team will base its offering on the modern TERREX 8x8 Armoured Personnel Carrier already fielded by the Singapore Armed Forces. By using existing and proven technology, tailored to Marine expeditionary requirements, we will be able to quickly deliver a simple, elegant, enduring and USMC-usable capability to meet the programme's critical needs and schedule." ~ Dan ZANINI, Senior Vice President and Landforce Systems Operation Manager, SAIC.

Under the teaming agreement, SAIC will serve as the prime contractor for the MPC programme, with both companies combining their ground vehicle integration, design, production, fielding, and support expertise to field and provide the best solution to the U.S. Marines.

"We are proud to field ST Kinetics' TERREX as the basis for our team's offering for the USMC MPC programme. We are confident that the advanced design of the TERREX, particularly in the areas of survivability and crew habitability, will underpin an effective and affordable solution usable by the US Marines in a myriad of tough environments." ~ Patrick CHOY, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, ST Kinetics.

About SAICSAIC is a FORTUNE 500® scientific, engineering and technology applications company that uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems of vital importance to the nation and the world, in national security, energy & environment, health, and cybersecurity. The company's approximately 41,000 employees serve customers in the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, other U.S. Government civil agencies and selected commercial markets. Headquartered in McLean, Va., SAIC had annual revenues of approximately $11 billion for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2011. For more information, visit http://www.saic.com.

(STEngg)

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