LOCATIONS
MARITIME
11 Apr 19. DSME to deliver three more submarines to Indonesia. Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) signed a contract on 12 April with representatives from the South Korean and Indonesian governments to deliver a second tranche of three Type 209/1400 diesel-electric submarines to the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL). DSME said in a filing to the Korean stock exchange that the contract is worth KRW1.162 trillion (USD1.02 billion) and would be supported through a loan agreement. In a statement, South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said this funding would be provided by the Export–Import Bank of Korea.
DSME also said that the submarine contract starts immediately and will conclude in late March 2026. DSME did not confirm the significance of the latter date but it is likely to coincide with the scheduled delivery of the last boat in the tranche. The delivery schedule for the first and second boats has not yet been confirmed.
The contract was signed in Indonesia one day after Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL launched the TNI-AL’s third Type 209/1400 submarine, which was acquired through a USD1.1bn contract awarded to DSME in December 2011.
Under this initial tranche, the first two boats were delivered to the TNI-AL in 2017 and 2018 and PT PAL is constructing the third in Indonesia under licence from the South Korean shipbuilder. The third boat is scheduled to be commissioned later this year. A similarly collaborative programme is expected to support the construction of the second-tranche submarines. Jane’s has previously reported that the fourth submarine in the series will be built by DSME in South Korea, with PT PAL building two of the boat’s six modules in Indonesia. For the fifth submarine PT PAL will build four modules in Indonesia and DSME two, while on the sixth boat PT PAL will construct all six modules in Indonesia, with assistance from DSME. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
15 Apr 19. Indonesia bolsters amphibious assault capabilities with two more landing ships. Key Points:
- Indonesia has acquired two more amphibious landing ships for its navy
- The vessels will improve the mobility of Indonesia’s armoured vehicles, including its main battle tanks
Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence has awarded an IDR360bn (USD25.5m) contract to supply the country’s navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Laut: TNI-AL) with two more landing ship tanks (LSTs).
The contract was awarded to local shipbuilder Batam-based PT Bandar Abadi on 12 April. The vessels will be the eight and ninth in the Teluk Bintuni class overall and will be in service primarily as amphibious transports for the TNI’s armoured vehicles.
The LSTs will largely inherit its main features from earlier vessels that are under construction at PT Dok & Perkapalan Kodja Baharai and PT Daya Radar Utama, although there will be slight variances to accommodate requests from the customer, said a PT Bandar Abadi official who spoke to Jane’s on 15 April. These variances have yet to be finalised, he added.
The LST type has an overall length of 120m, beam of 18m, and a hull draught of 3m. Powered by two 8,810-hp diesel engines, the vessel has a top speed of 16kt and a standard range of 7,200n miles (16,300km) at 12kt.
The LST can be equipped with up to two 40mm naval gun systems on its foredeck and 12.7mm machine guns at various locations throughout the vessel. It can carry and launch up to 15 BMP-3F infantry fighting vehicles via a roll-on/roll-off ramp at its bow, and deploy 10-tonne helicopter from its flight deck. The BMP-3Fs are currently operated by the Indonesian Marine Corps. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
16 Apr 19. Chinese shipyard launches Malaysia’s first Littoral Mission Ship. Key Points:
- The first Littoral Mission Ship on order for the Royal Malaysian Navy has been launched
- Service is on track to receive the first-of-class by end-2019
China’s Wuchang Shipbuilding has launched the first Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) on order for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).
The vessel, which has been named Keris after a traditional Malay weapon, was launched on 15 April at Wuhan, China. This first-of-class has been given the pennant number 111. Keris is the first of four LMS signed under an MYR1.17bn (USD286.1m) contract between the Malaysian government and China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) in April 2017. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
AIR
15 Apr 19. USAF sends F-35A fighter aircraft for first deployment to Middle East. The US Air Force (USAF) has deployed F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighter aircraft to the Middle East for the first time. The fifth-generation multi-role aircraft belong to active duty 388th and reserve 419th Fighter Wings at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, US. Fighter jets are assigned to the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and arrived at the Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE. This is the first deployment of the F-35A aircraft to the US Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility.
US Air Forces Central Command commander lieutenant general Joseph Guastella said: “We are adding a cutting edge weapons system to our arsenal that significantly enhances the capability of the coalition. “The sensor fusion and survivability this aircraft provides to the joint force will enhance security and stability across the theatre and deter aggressors.”
The deployment will help improve the interoperability of the USAF throughout the region. During the stint, USAF crew will demonstrate the full range of the F-35A’s capabilities.
The F-35 fighter aircraft is available in three variants. The F-35A is the conventional take-off and landing variant. The combination of advanced stealth capabilities and advanced weapons technology enables the F-35A to provide increased operational capability. Built by Lockheed Martin, the aircraft is intended to fuse, integrate and share data with other battlefield assets. It is equipped with powerful and comprehensive integrated sensor packages. Furthermore, the fighter helps maintain air superiority with improved lethality, survivability and adaptability against emerging threats. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
15 Apr 19. Puerto Rico ANG 156th Wing transitions to new missions. Puerto Rico Air National Guard’s (ANG) 156th Airlift Wing has transitioned to newly assigned contingency response and combat communications missions. The US Air Force noted that the missions are in line with the requirements of the National Defense Strategy. As a result of the transition, the 156th Airlift Wing received a new name, the 156th Wing, and is now expected to expand by 18 airmen, including four full-time positions.
Air National Guard director lieutenant general Scott Rice said: “The new contingency response and combat communications missions are strategically aligned and capitalise on the unique capabilities, experiences and professionalism of Puerto Rico’s airmen.
“The missions also provide Puerto Rico’s territorial leadership tremendous resources for territorial emergency response.”
Contingency response missions involve the rapid deployment of specialised units to quickly establish air mobility operations.
The airforce added that combat communications require forces to provide voice and data capability to units performing overseas and local response operations.
Increasing the size of the wing and boosting existing capabilities will help enhance the Puerto Rico ANG’s ability to support global operations and assist territorial agencies that provide emergency response services.
Rice added: “The 156th (Wing) will be the first ANG wing with this particular combination of missions, and it joins a well-established contingency response and combat communications enterprise that already exists within the Air National Guard.
“The airforce and the Air National Guard are capitalising on the expertise of (Puerto Rico ANG) Airmen and Puerto Rico’s strategic location to support federal and territorial mission requests.”
The transition involves a 36-month conversion period to reach full operational capabilities. During this period, the unit will be supported by the Air National Guard. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
16 Apr 19. Albania to receive surplus US Black Hawks. Albania is to receive three Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk medium-lift utility helicopters from the United States, the country’s defence minister, Olta Xhacka, announced on 8 April during an interview with the Tirana-based TV station Vizion+. Xhacka said the acquisition will be part of a US military aid package for Albania that will be signed off during her visit to the US. The helicopters will be second hand but in very good condition, Xhacka noted, adding that they will enhance Albania’s military capabilities and modernise the country’s air force. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
11 Apr 19. IAF to begin inducting Apache helicopters in August. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is scheduled to take delivery in August of the first four of 22 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters it had ordered in September 2015 for INR139.5bn (USD2.02bn). Boeing sources told Jane’s on 11 April that the twin-engined helicopters will be transported by a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft to Pathankot Air Force Station in northern India, where they are to be assembled ahead of their formal induction into service by the end of the year. Delivery of the remaining 18 platforms is expected to be completed by the end of 2020, Boeing sources confirmed. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
11 Apr 19. Navy Adm. Bill Moran for reappointment to the rank of admiral, and assignment as chief of naval operations, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia. Moran is currently serving as vice chief of naval operations, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia.
11 Apr 19. Navy Vice Adm. Robert P. Burke for appointment to the rank of admiral, and assignment as vice chief of naval operations, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia. Burke is currently serving as deputy chief of naval operations for manpower, personnel, training and education (N1), Arlington, Virginia.
12 Apr 19. USMC LG Herman S. Clardy III for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general, and assignment as commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force; and commander, Marine Forces Japan. Clardy is currently serving as the military deputy to the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, Washington, District of Columbia.
16 Apr 19. MG Steven W. Ainsworth, U.S. Army Reserve, commander (Troop Program Unit), 377th Theater Sustainment Command, New Orleans, Louisiana, to commander (Troop Program Unit), 84th Training Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky.
16 Apr 19. MG Xavier T. Brunson, chief of staff, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to commanding general, 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
16 Apr 19. MG Willard M. Burleson III, commanding general, 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, to director of operations, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/U.S. Forces Korea, Republic of Korea.
16 Apr 19. MG Steven W. Gilland, commandant of cadets, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York, to commanding general, 2d Infantry Division (Combined), Eighth Army, Republic of Korea.
16 Apr 19. MG Mitchell L. Kilgo, director, J-6, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, to commanding general, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command and Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.
16 Apr 19. MG James E. Kraft Jr., director of operations, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/U.S. Forces Korea, Republic of Korea, to deputy commanding general, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
16 Apr 19. MG Dennis S. McKean, commanding general, 2d Infantry Division (Combined), Eighth Army, Republic of Korea, to chief of staff, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
16 Apr 19. MG Michael C. O’Guinn, U.S. Army Reserve, commander (Troop Program Unit), 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support), Salt Lake City, Utah, to deputy chief of Army Reserve (Individual Mobilization Augmentee), Office of the Chief of Army Reserve, Washington, District of Columbia.
16 Apr 19. MG Patrick B. Roberson, commander, Special Operations Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Inherent Resolve, Iraq, to commanding general, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
16 Apr 19. MG A C Roper, U.S. Army Reserve, deputy chief of Army Reserve (Individual Mobilization Augmentee), Office of the Chief of Army Reserve, Washington, District of Columbia, to deputy commanding general (Operations) (Individual Mobilization Augmentee), U.S. Army Reserve Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
16 Apr 19. MG Steven A. Shapiro, commanding general, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, U.S. Army Europe, Germany, to commanding general, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Illinois.
16 Apr 19. BG Kevin D. Admiral, deputy commanding general (Maneuver), 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado, to commandant, U.S. Army Armor School, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, Fort Benning, Georgia.
16 Apr 19. BG Joseph B. Berger III, commander, U.S. Army Legal Services Agency; and chief judge, U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to commanding general and commandant, U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School, Charlottesville, Virginia.
16 Apr 19. BG Gregory J. Brady, commanding general, White Sands Missile Range, White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, to commanding general, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Germany.
16 Apr 19. BG Thomas J. Edwards Jr., chief, General Officer Management Office, Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army, Washington, District of Columbia, to director, Officer Personnel Management Directorate, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky.
16 Apr 19. BG Susan K. Escallier, assistant judge advocate general for Military Law and Operations, U.S. Army, Washington, District of Columbia, to commander, U.S. Army Legal Services Agency; and chief judge, U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
16 Apr 19. BG Jonathan E. Howerton, deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army Pacific, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, to deputy director, White House Military Office, Washington, District of Columbia.
16 Apr 19. BG Robert P. Huston, commanding general and commandant, U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School, Charlottesville, Virginia, to assistant judge advocate general for military law and operations, U.S. Army, Washington, District of Columbia.
16 Apr 19. BG Stephen J. Maranian, deputy commanding general (Maneuver), 2d Infantry Division (Combined), Eighth Army, Republic of Korea, to deputy commandant, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College; and deputy commanding general-education, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
16 Apr 19. BG Stephen L. Michael, deputy director for strategic planning and policy, J-5, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii, to deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
16 Apr 19. BG James S. Moore Jr., commanding general, 593d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, to director, G-3/5/7, Installation Management Command, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas
16 Apr 19. BG Dion B. Moten, U.S. Army Reserve, deputy commander-signal (Troop Program Unit), 335th Signal Command (Theater), East Point, Georgia, to commanding general (Troop Program Unit), 335th Signal Command (Theater), Operational Command Post (Forward), Kuwait.
16 Apr 19. BG Scott M. Naumann, deputy commanding general (Support), 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas, to director, CJ3, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Inherent Resolve, Iraq.
16 Apr 19. BG Laura A. Potter, director, J-2, U.S. European Command, Germany, to commanding general and commandant, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca, Fort Huachuca, Arizona.
16 Apr 19. BG Joseph A. Ryan, deputy commanding general (Support), 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado, to chief of staff, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
16 Apr 19. BG Joel B. Vowell, deputy commanding general (Operations), 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, to deputy director for strategic planning and policy, J-5, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii.
16 Apr 19. BG Tony L. Wright, U.S. Army Reserve, deputy commanding general (Troop Program Unit), 88th Readiness Division, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to commander (Troop Program Unit), 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), Fort Benning, Georgia.
16 Apr 19. Col. (Promotable) John V. Meyer III, executive assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, District of Columbia, to deputy commander, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado.
16 Apr 19. Col. (Promotable) Jeth B. Rey, director of operations, G-3, U.S. Army Cyber Command, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to director, J-6, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
16 Apr 19. Cambridge Pixel announced that Elcome as its official distributor in the Middle East region, covering countries such as: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. Elcome is a well-established maritime system integrator and support services provider. Elcome’s team brings a wealth of experience and knowledge with them and they are well placed to provide efficient frontline support.