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Parts Row Delays Delivery of 6 Saab Aircraft

09 Juni 2012

RTAF’s Saab Gripen fighter aircraft (photo : TAF)

The delivery of six more Saab aircraft from

Sweden

has been delayed, a Royal Thai Air Force source said yesterday.

The delivery of the six Saab 340 AEW airborne early warning aircraft was set for last Tuesday at Don Muang military air base with the ceremony to welcome them scheduled for last Wednesday at Wing 7 in Surat Thani.

But this has now been put off because an American parts supplier has refused to sell some key products to the Swedish manufacturer for reasons that are unclear, said the source.

The Saab 340 AEW is used to control the Gripen fighter fleet.

"Certain key items of the jet parts and the radar system produced by the USfirm have not been granted permission to be sold to other countries," said the source. "And that has resulted in a delay in [the Swedish company's] assembling of the aircraft which I really have no idea when will be completed.

"I'm not sure if this is a game or not because the Royal Thai Air Force chose the Gripen from Swedenover the F series aircraft from the United States. The latter might not be happy with that," said the source.

Air force commander Itthaporn Subha-wong travelled to Sweden late last month to discuss the delivery with Saab but to no avail, said the source.

Previously, the air force bought a total of 12 Gripen fighter jets from Swedenalong with two Saab 340 AEW aircraft and one Saab 340 transport aircraft for a total of 34 billion baht.

The first batch of aircraft of six Gripen fighter jets, one Saab 340 AEW and one Saab 340 has been delivered and commissioned at Wing 7.

The second batch of another six Gripen jets and one more Saab 340 AEW aircraft are awaiting delivery.

(Bangkok Post)

Chakrinarubet Gets Major Overhaul

06 Juni 2012

HTMS Chakri Narubet 911 (photo : outie)

HTMS Chakrinarubet, Thailand's only aircraft carrier, is undergoing a major overhaul, its fourth since being commissioned into the Royal Thai Navy 15 years ago.

Capt Aniruth Sawasdee, commander of the ship, said HTMS Chakrinarubet was moved to the navy's Mahidol dockyard in Sattahip, Chon Buri, on June 4 for its fourth major overhaul.

The repairs were expected to take one month and the ship was expected to leave the dockyard on July 5.

Therefore, the ship will not be oprn for the people to visit during this period.

HTMS Chakrinarubet gets 30,000-40,000 visitors a month.

He said even without HTMS Chakrinarubet, people can still visit HTMS Similan, HTMS Phutthayodfa Chulalok, and HTMS Phutthalertla Napalai at Chuk Samet port in Sattahip.

The temporary absence of HTMS Chakrinarubet won't affect the navy's capability to protect the country's territorial waters, Capt Aniruth said.

(Bangkok Post)

Progress of Aircraft Ordered by Thailand

01 Juni 2012

Progress of Second Saab 340 AEW ordered by Thailand (photo : RTAF)

Air Chief Marshall Ittaporn Supawong visit to Linkoping Swedento look at the progress of the manufacture of Saab 340 AEW control and early warning aircraft.

Previously ACM Supawong have also seen progress in the manufacture of Saab Gripen C/D fighter.

Thailand

in the second batch has been ordered 6 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft and an Saab 340 AEW early warning and control aircraft.

(RT AF)

Thailand will Increase Defense Spending in Fiscal Year 2013

30 Mei 2012

Stingray Light Tank of the Royal Thai Army (photo : Aekz-53)

TSAMTO - Thailand plans to increase defense spending in FY 2013 7% - up to 180.8 billion baht (5.7 billion dollars). According to the budget committee of the government, the military budget in 2013 fiscal year 7.5% of total government spending, or about 1.45% of GDP.

According to "Jane's Defence Industry" in 2013 fiscal year that begins in October 2012, the needs of the Army will be sent to the country about half of the allocation for defense appropriations. Army will be 88.8 billion baht, Navy and Air Force - 35.2 and 33.9 billion baht, respectively.

The remaining 13 billion baht will be allocated between the Royal Guard, the Ministry of Defense and the Institute of Defence Technologies (DTi).

Funding DTi, established in 2008 to grow the most - by 35% (up to 1.2 billion baht). This step is carried out under the leadership of Thailand's efforts to increase the capacity of the national defense industry and research in the field of defense. In defense research organizations in Thailand have been some successes. In particular, in 2011 produced a prototype of the DTi MRL based on 302-mm setting WS-1 produced in China (Institute acquired the project and related technologies in China in 2009).

According to experts of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), resulting in devastating floods that occurred in 2011, the loss of the country amounted to nearly 50 billion dollars, bringing the country's GDP in 2011 will increase by only 0.1%.

At the same time, according to April's review of "World Economic Outlook," IMF experts believe that the Thai economy is the fastest growing in the region of Southeast Asia over the next two years. According to the forecast, Thailand's GDP will grow by 5.5% in 2012 and 7.5% in 2013.

(ArmsTrade)

Navy Gives Up on Subs Plan

26 Mei 2012

Type 206A submarine (photo : mant)

The navy has given up on its plan to buy six second-hand submarines and will opt for a high-capacity frigate instead.

A committee, chaired by navy chief Surasak Roonroengrom, recently met to discuss the navy's strategic defence plan and its budget.

It resolved to scrap the plan to buy six second-hand submarines for a total of 7.5 billion baht from Germany, a navy source said yesterday.

The navy's hopes for the submarines were dashed due to political intervention and heavy criticism from opponents.

The project hit several stumbling blocks after it was proposed by former navy chief Adm Kamthorn Pumhiran, said the source. There was also an internal rift among navy officers.

"Actually, it's the best opportunity for the country to buy the German-made submarines, which are good and recognised worldwide.

"As the chances have diminished, the navy has to look for other things," the source said.

The navy could not afford to buy new submarines as they cost about 20 billion baht each.

One report emerged that the submarine project had not been brought up at the recent cabinet meeting as the authorities were waiting for a reply from the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary and the Royal Household Bureau on whether the project was suitable or not. But Supreme Commander Gen Thanasak Patimapakorn strongly denied the rumour.

As the submarine project has been scrapped, the navy has also decided to give up on its plan to buy two anti-submarine helicopters worth about 2 billion baht. It would instead propose the procurement of one frigate, said the source.

The navy has been allocated a budget of 35 billion baht for this fiscal year.

(Bangkok Post)

Air Force Swaps 3 G222 Planes for 1 Saab 340B

14 Mei 2012

Acceptance ceremony for Saab 340B aircraft for RTAF (photo : RTAF)

Air force swaps 3 planes for 1

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has exchanged three G222 transport aircraft with a Saab 340B aircraft from Sweden as the G222 planes, which already had been grounded, had no spare parts.

The Saab 340B aircraft has arrived in Surat Thani and was handed over by Saab on May 2, a source at the RTAF said.

The air force earlier purchased 12 Gripen fighter jets, a Saab 340 AEW airborne early warning aircraft and a Saab 340 aircraft from the Swedish manufacturer.

The air force had six G222 planes and all had been grounded due to a lack of spare parts.

RTAF G-222 transport aircraft (photo : Plane Pictures)

Air Marshal Chumphon Chanthavani travelled to the USA to sign a contract to exchange the aircraft on Feb 23.

Saab handed over its aircraft to the air force at Wing 7 in Surat Thani on May 2.

Meanwhile, air force spokesman Monthon Satchukorn said an investigative team looking into an accident involving a Thai air force plane in Bangladesh has returned to Thailand and is assessing damages caused to the plane.

The ATR-72-500 aircraft lost control and skidded off a runway at a Bangladeshi airport on April 30.

Three passengers suffered minor injuries.

(Bangkok Post)

Thailand-China to Jointly Develop MLRS with a Guidance System

29 April 2012

In an earlier joint deal, Thailandand Chinadeveloped the DTI-1 system, DTI-1G [Guided]" will be more accurate and have a greater range than existing systems (photo : MThaiNews)

Top brass Chinavisit secures joint missile deal

BEIJING : Thailand and

China

have agreed to jointly develop multiple rocket launchers with a guidance system as part of a move to strengthen military ties.

The two sides reached the agreement during a visit to China by the Thai military top brass in what was described by Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat as a call by "the whole family" to Chinawhich is "our close relative".

It is the first time in 15 years that a defence minister has led all key military leaders ranging from the defence permanent secretary, supreme commander and armed forces chiefs to meet Chinese senior military officers, led by National Defence Minister Gen Liang Guanglie.

Under the new agreement, the Thai Defence Technology Institute will work with China to develop new multiple rocket launchers called "DTI-1G [Guided]" which will be more accurate and have a greater range than existing systems, said ACM Sukumpol after the meeting.

Multiple rocket launchers are known for their devastating capabilities and ability to deliver a large amount of ordinance simultaneously, but are not recognised for precision because they are not usually equipped with a guidance system.

In an earlier joint deal, Thailandand Chinadeveloped the DTI-1 system, which had a range of between 60 and 180km, but it lacked accuracy.

The new DTI-1G project will last three years and will be funded under a 1.5-billion-baht budget, ACM Sukumpol said.

Gen Liang also told the delegation that if Thailand wants to buy weapons from China, it will be willing to sell them at "friendly prices", ACM Sukumpol quoted Gen Liang as saying."The price of Chinese weaponry has increased greatly recently. Arms are not as cheap as before so we will have to consider this carefully," ACM Sukumpol said.

As well as technological cooperation, the Thai and Chinese defence ministries have also agreed to hold a joint military exercise involving their air forces for the first time.

"We will need to discuss more details of this because Thailand and China have different military doctrines in the aviation area," ACM Sukumpol said.

So far the two countries have held joint military drills involving the army's special warfare units and the navy's marine corps.

(Bangkok Post)

Saab to Upgrade C2 System of the HTMS Chakri Naruebet

27 April 2012

Sea Giraffe AMB radar (photo : Deagel)

The contract involve upgrading the aircraft carrier with the latest generation of command and control system, 9LV Mk4. Saab will also supply data-link equipment to the ship, which will allow communication between the ship and the Royal Thai Air Force’s Gripen fighter aircraft and the airborne radar system Erieye, carried by the Saab 340 AEW.

“Saab will further strengthen its position as supplier to the Royal Thai Navy through the upgrade of the command and control system on the Navy's flagship. Saab is now on the Navy's three major vessels and with links to the Royal Thai Air Force's Gripen and Erieye, capabilities and resources can used more efficiently,” says Gunilla Fransson, Head of Saab’s Business Area Security and Defence Solutions.

HTMS Chakri Naruebet aircraft carrier (photo : Naval Technology)

Saab is the main contractor to the Royal Thai Navy, and as well as supply of its own systems, its tasks will include procurement of third-party systems and responsibility for integration of all existing and new systems.

“This is the second 9LV Mk4 contract signed between the Royal Thai Navy and Saab. It further strengthens Saab's position in the country, which we are proud of,” says Gunilla Fransson.

The contract mainly concerns the Security and Defence Solutions business area as the supplier of the command and control system. The Electronic Defence Systems business area will supply the Sea Giraffe AMB surveillance radar system as well as data-link equipment for communication with Gripen and the Erieye airborne early warning systems.

(Saab)

Navy Officially Welcomes HTMS Ang Thong to Fleet

22 April 2012

Thailand’s first ship of this kind was built in Singapore at a cost of 4.94 billion baht. The navy plans to order more ships of the same type, because it decommissioned five old auxiliary vessels. (all photos : Bangkok Post, RTN, thaidefensenews)

CHON BURI : The navy officially received its new landing platform dock ship, HTMS Ang Thong, at Laem Thien port at Sattahip naval base yesterday.

HTMS Ang Thong is Thailand's first ship of this kind. It was built in Singapore at a cost of 4.94 billion baht.

Royal Thai Fleet commander Kanat Thongpoon said buying HTMS Ang Thong was worthwhile as it had a displacement of 7,600 tonnes and could carry up to 360 personnel for landing operations and 30 administrative officers.

It will be deployed during the US-Thai Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (Carat) exercise next month and on a peace-keeping mission together with HTMSSimilan to tackle Somali pirates next year.

According to Adm Kanat, HTMSAng Thong is also suitable for rescue missions because it has a sick bay, a minor operation room and a dentist room and has doctors on board.

The navy needs more landing ships, of this type he said. It has decommissioned five old auxiliary vessels and HTMS Ang Thong is the only replacement so far. The navy plans to order more ships of the same type.

According to HTMS Ang Thong commander Teerasan Khongman, the new landing craft has a well dock to conveniently launch tanks and boats. It can carry four landing craft with vehicles and personnel.

Also welcomed at the ceremony yesterday were the ship's crew numbering about 150 officers and men.

HTMS Ang Thong's crew members started training on the ship in Singapore two months ago and they will be ready for drills next month. In the Carat exercise, the ship will be used to receive and launch helicopters and amphibious assault vehicles.

(Bangkok Post)

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 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)

Philippine Navy Eyes Joint Maritime Exercises with Thai, Vietnamese Counterparts

29 Maret 2012

Naval Shipyard X46 or the Hai Long Shipbuilding Co. in Vietnam which is capable of building warships and military vessels (image : ttvnol)

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Navy plans to hold joint maritime exercises with its Vietnamese and Thai counterparts as part of efforts to strengthen ties with the navies of neighboring Asian countries, a military spokesman said.

Lieutenant Colonel Omar Tonsay disclosed this following the visit of a Philippine Navy delegation led by its chief, Vice Admiral Alexander Pama, to Vietnam on March 11-14 and Thailand on March 14-17.

The Philippine delegation toured the Naval Shipyard X46 or the Hai Long Shipbuilding Co. in Vietnam, which is equipped with state-of-the-art shipbuilding and repair facilities and which is capable of building warships and military vessels, Tonsay said.

“This visit is expected to provide opportunities for the conduct of joint maritime exercises in the West Philippine Sea (northeast of Vietnam) and other common maritime domains following proper diplomatic channels under guidance from the Department of National Defense,” Tonsay said.

“Sharing of shipbuilding expertise is clearly seen as one possible area for cooperation during this tour,” Tonsay added. The delegation, he said, suggested possible training for Philippine Navy personnel at the X46 shipyard.

Likewise, the leaders of the two navies discussed a proposal to establish a communication hotline between the operations centers of the Philippine Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) especially for search-and-rescue operations.

Pama and VPN’s commander in chief, Admiral Nguyen Van Hien, also signed the standard operating procedure regarding interactions among Philippine and Vietnamese navies’ personnel in the vicinity of Southeast Cay and the Northeast Cay Island, located between the two countries.

Nguyen offered to host the first “Navy to Navy Talks” with the Philippines in Vietnam in the last quarter of 2012, the Philippine Navy spokesman said.

“The visit paved the way for continued Staff to Staff Talks and exchange of visits between the Philippine Navy and VPN, which is hoped to sustain the active engagements of the Philippine Navy and the VPN and effectively address maritime security issues in common maritime domains,” Tonsay added.

In Thailand, Pama and other delegation members met with the Thai Ministry of Defense and held exploratory talks on avenues of cooperation for the Philippine Navy and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). Joint maritime exercises and ship visits by the Thai Navy to the Philippines were also discussed.
Likewise, the RTN also committed to host Navy to Navy Talks to further discuss matters that will strengthen the bilateral activities of both navies.

(Inquirer)

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)

Members of the Royal Thai Military Delegation to See Demo of Ukrainian Tank "Oplot"

21 Maret 2012

Oplot main battle tank (photo : Ukraina MoD)

On March 20, Royal Thai military delegation headed by the Chief of Royal Thai Army General Prayut Chan-O-Cha acquainted with Ukrainian main battle tank "Oplot".

Demo show was held at a military firing range of the 1st single tank brigade, stationed in Chernihiv.

Tank crew demonstrated the dynamic battle features andtechnology. In particular, tank carried practical shooting with a staff weapon "Oplot".

"I am convinced that Ukraine is a leading country in the world in tank body through construction. Striking evidence of this is a tank "Oplot" - a powerful, modern military machine", the Chief of Royal Thai ArmyGeneral Prayut Chan-O-Cha.

(Ukraina MoD)

HTMS Angthong 791 Undergoes Sea Trial

19 Maret 2012

Royal Thai Navy HTMS Angthong LPD (all photos : thaifighterclub)

In November 2008, ST Marine was awarded contract by Thailand to deliver one LPD and associated landing craft. Construction of the Thai LPD started in mid-2009 and delivery is scheduled for the second half of 2012.

The new ship, named HTMS Angthong (LPD-791), was launched in March 2011 and now undergoing sea trials by ST Marine.

The following are photos while undergoing sea trials, all these pictures were taken from thaifighterclub.

76mm Oto Melara super rapid naval gun has mounted

Well dock for fast craft utility

Heli deck attempted to be landed by chinook helicopter

(Defense Studies)

RTA Conducts Training Usage of Raven RQ-11B UAV

16 Maret 2012

Training usage of Raven RQ-11B small UAV for RTA (all photos : M-Landarch Aviation UAV)

Royal Thai Army conducts training usage of Raven RQ-11B small UAV. Training followed by members of the regular army and paramilitary.

Raven UAV procurement deal occurred in 2010, supplied by M-Landarch Co Ltd as agency of AeroVironment Inc. In the 2010 M-Landarch also successfully done the FLIR airborne payload camera with completed downlink transmission systems from Microwave Radio Communication (MRC) company onto the RTA’s Bell 212 and supplied Enstrom light training helicopter to the Army Aviation.

The RQ-11B Raven unmanned aircraft system comprises a 1.9 kg, backpackable, hand-launched sensor platform that provides day and night, real-time video imagery wirelessly to a portable ground control station for "over the hill" and "around the corner" reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition in support of tactical units. Each Raven system typically consists of three aircraft, two ground control stations and spares.

The Raven can be operated manually or programmed for autonomous operation, utilizing the system's advanced avionics and precise GPS navigation. With a wingspan of 137cm and a weight of 1.9 kg, the hand-launched Raven provides aerial observation, day or night, at line-of-sight ranges up to 10 kilometers and has a flight endurance of 60–90 minutes. The Raven delivers real-time color or infrared imagery to the ground control and remote viewing stations.

The RQ-11B Raven small UAV currently used by USA, Italy, Denmark, Netherlands, UK, Spain, France, Norway, Czech Republic, Thailand and Australia.

(Defense Studies)

Northrop Receives F-16 Radar Contract for Thailand and Other Countries

15 Maret 2012

APG-68(V)9 radar (photo : Defense Industry Daily)

Northrop Grumman has won an $87.8 million contract to provide 43 APG-68(V)9 pulse-Doppler radar sets for Iraq, Oman and Thailand.

A contract announcement by the US Department of Defense says Iraq will receive 22 units, Oman 15 and Thailand six. All work related to the contract is expected to be completed by 31 March 2015.

The APG-68(V)9 is designed to replace the APG-66 radar found on the Lockheed Martin F-16.

According to Northrop, the new radar is lighter, has 33% greater range in the air-to-air mode, and lower support costs than the radar it replaces. It can be fitted to an aircraft in approximately two days.

(FlightGlobal)

Submarine Procurement Project Scrapped

14 Maret 2012

U-206A submarine (photo : Militaryphotos)

Navy chief Admiral Surasak Runroengrom on Tuesday conceded that the Navy would no longer push for buying four used submarines with the Bt7.6 billion price tag from Germany.

"The deadline for purchase has passed since February 29 and the Navy will not seek to keep the buying option," he said.

Surasak said the Navy had done its best but failed to push through the deployment of submarines.

Following a series of reviews, Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat reportedly finalised his decision to sink the project. He has yet to instruct the Navy on whether to come up with a spending plan for new submarines.

(Nation Multimedia)

DSME Offers DW3000H Frigates to RTN and Negotiates Two Dokdo-class to RMN

13 Maret 2012

DSME DW3000H 3.000 tonnes frigates (photo : ADJ)

DSME–The Korean Ship Building Giant

Thailand

Bangkok: South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) made its presence felt in Defense & Security 2012 by showcasing its range of shipbuilding skills and technologies. DSME is at the Bangkok show to propose its latest frigate design to the Thai Royal Navy. The vessel proposed is a DW 3000H with 3,000 tonnes displacement and 114 metres in length.

DSME and NGVTech jointly build three training ship (1.270 tons and 75.9 m length) for Royal Malaysian Navy (photo : standdupper)

Malaysia

DSME is very active especially in the AsiaPacific. Last year the Korean giant signed an agreement with the Royal Malaysian Navy to build three training vessels and currently in negotiations with the RMN to build at least two Dokdo-class multi-purpose ship around 20,000 tonnage.

Malaysian sources said that the RMN need LPD similar to Dokdo, but weighs less than 8,000 tons. The similar ship was Italian San Giorgio class (7.650 tons and 133m length) that can carry 350 troops, 30 MBT or 36 APC, five Bell 412 helicopters. (photo : Italy DoD)

Indonesia

DSME recently won the bid in the Indonesian submarine programme when the shipyard is contracted to build three diesel-electric submarines.

United Kingdom

DSME hit another big contract in the European market last February. The Korean shipbuilder has won a £452 million ($715.2 million) deal to equip Britain’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) with new naval tankers. DSME was to build four 37,000 tonnes auxiliary oilers using a design from leading British naval consultants BMT Defence Services in South Korea. Sang-Tae Nam, the president and executive of Daewoo Shipbuilding, said: “This significant win in the UK, coupled with our recent Indonesian submarine order, helps to further broaden our international business credentials. Exporting these MARS tankers to the UK adds to our already strong and competitive portfolio”.

(ADJ-Defense & Security 2012 News)

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