High resolution: F-15SG in flight

http://www.sflorg.com/aviation_gallery/albums/military/military_37.jpg

Are the colours (grey~black) of F-15SG the same ones as USAF's F-15E?

From the pics, it looks like the colours are of a greyish shade like our existing F-16s.

Source: Bernama

August 10, 2007 16:22 PM

Najib: RMAF Must Fully Exploit Sukhoi Su-30MKM Capability

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) needs to utilise the state-of-the-art technology of the new multi-role combat aircraft, Sukhoi Su-30MKM, in enhancing its combat effectiveness and overcoming limited resources.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the addition of this modern aircraft, a highly agile multi-role air fighter which could be effective as a strike and offensive capable aircraft, "augments the frontline combat capability of RMAF towards a balanced force development to enhance the national defence capability".

Najib, who is also Defence Minister, was speaking at the handing over of the Sukhoi Su-30MKM flight log book to him by Victor Komardin, the deputy director of Russia's Rosoboronexport, the manufacturer of Sukhoi, at the RMAF base in Subang, near here, Friday.

He said the handing over of the flight book signified another milestone in RMAF's modernisation programme to maintain combat capability.

"This is in line with the government's efforts to strike a reasonable balance between maintaining and sustaining the country's present capability and procuring new war fighting systems.

"What the RMAF lacks in size must be made up for with cutting-edge technological sophistication. Malaysia's new acquisitions are specifically a commitment to sustain and improve a well-balanced conventional force," he added.

Najib said the handing over of the Su-30MKM also marked continued good bilateral relations between Malaysia and Russia.

He said the cooperation that began with the MiG-29N deliveries in the 1990's which had now been supplemented by the Sukhoi aircraft with their greater range and powerful armament, was evidence of Russia's readiness to develop further cooperation with Malaysia, especially in the field of high technology.

In May 2003, Malaysia ordered 18 Sukhois at RM3.42 billion. Six of the aircraft had been received since June this year and are based at the RMAF base in Gong Kedak at the Kelantan-Terengganu border.

Meanwhile, RMAF chief Jen Tan Sri Azizan Ariffin said the Sukhoi squadron would be fully operational by the end of next year, and currently four pilots were undergoing training in Russia and more would be sent there after the first batch completed their course.

-- BERNAMA

Source: The Star Online

Friday August 10, 2007

Second batch of Sukhoi fighter jets expected next year

By MANJIT KAUR

SUBANG JAYA: The remaining 12 Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets will arrive in the country by October next year to complement the existing six.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the first batch of jets was received by Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief Jen Tan Sri Azizan Ariffin on behalf of the Government in May at the Irkutsk Aircraft Corporation in Russia.

Najib, who is also the Defence Minister, said the Russian-designed aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art technology arrived at the operating air base at Gong Kedak that is situated at the border of Kelantan and Terengganu in mid-June.

"We hope to have the complete fleet by October next year,'' he said in his speech before the flight log book was handed to him by Rosoboronexport deputy director-general Victor Komardin, which later Najib handed over to Jen Azizan at RMAF Subang near here today.

Rosoboronexport is the Russian aircraft design and production agency.

Najib reiterated that the Government was not acquiring the assets because the nation's security was under threat, but because it was a continuing process of modernisation and a replacement programme for RMAF.

"The security environment in South-East Asia at the present and in the foreseeable future is expected to be stable and peaceful.

"In fact, the region has not seen a single major military conflict for more than 25 years,'' he said, adding that therefore the acquisition of the jets should not be perceived as an intention to build an offensive inexplicable weapons build-up in the region.

Najib said the superior, highly agile multi-role air fighter would also play an effective role as a strike and offensive capable aircraft, and that the acquisitions were a commitment to sustain and improve a well-balanced force.

"We want to ensure that RMAF is a balanced, versatile and credible force that will enhance the nation's defence capabilities,'' he added.

He added that the handing over of the jets marked once again the good bilateral relationship between Malaysia and Russia, which began with the delivery of the MIG-29N jet fighters in the 1990s.

Later at a press conference, Jen Azizan said currently there were four instructors flying the jets and the full squadron would be ready by the end of next year.

The Nukleus team chief Lt/Kol Muhamad Norazlan Aris when interviewed said the first batch of four pilots and two weapon sensor officers had undergone training in Russia, while the next batch of four pilots and two officers would be sent for similar training in India by November.

Source: Bernama

June 01, 2006 15:50 PM

Learn Submarine Maintenance From Others First - RMN Chief

From Sakina Mohamed

BREST (France), June 1 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) personnel must take lessons on submarine repair and maintenance from foreign builders first before they can manage by themselves.

RMN Chief Admiral Datuk Seri Ilyas Din said the navy's long-term plan was to develop its own naval base maintenance crew.

There are several stages of maintenance, he told Bernama in an interview during his one-week visit to France to present the Dolphin Insignia and submarine course certificates to 60 RMN personnel undergoing training to handle submarines there.

The 37 RMN officers and 23 other ranks have just completed their basic course at the Centre De'Instruction Navel here.

While in France, Illyas also visited the French's shipbuilder DCN International's naval yard in Cherbourg where Malaysia's first two Scorpene submarines are being built by the company.

Ilyas, however, said it was highly likely that at the early stages of submarine ownership, the Navy would have to opt for a service provider like a dockyard.

"We've to remember the development of submarines cannot be seen as an operational requirement.

"To ensure we're contributing towards our country's development via the submarine platform, we need skilled workers and excellent infrastructures to support it," he said.

This may mean the navy might sign agreements with other shipbuilders or dockyards to help out with the development at the depot level.

"As with the other ships we owned, we need to spend the first three to 10 years to learn from the makers. After that, we'll do it ourselves," he said.

On another matter, Ilyas said the navy would decide whether or not it would bring back the Agosta-class submarine it acquired for sea training of Malaysian submariners in Brest by year-end.

He said the navy was conducting a study on the feasibility of bringing back the "OUESSANT", the overhauled ex-French navy submarine which was decommissioned in 2003.

"We may bring it back but perhaps not for operational use as the Agosta only has a lifespan of five years (after an overhaul) and that is just enough to train our men.

"Even if we decide to operate it upon bringing it home, it will be too costly," he said.

It would also be expensive to bring it back as a historical piece as it would be too complicated to de-assemble for transportation, re-assemble in Malaysia and maintain it, he added.

-- BERNAMA

Source: Strategy Page

New Sailors for New Subs

May 31, 2006: While the headlines have focused on Malaysia's purchase of French Scorpene-class submarines, one can be forgiven for asking what preparations are being made for first submarine's arrival in 2008. The answer is simple: The Malaysian Navy is already beginning the process of training personnel for the submarines, which are still under construction. This is an approach that will help the Malaysians hit the ground running once the first of the Scorpene-class submarines arrive.

The Scorpene is a modern French-Spanish diesel-electric submarine (a variant uses air-independent propulsion) that displaces 1700 tons, has a top speed in excess of 37 kilometers per hour, and is armed with six 21-inch torpedo tubes with eighteen torpedoes or SM.39 Exocet anti-ship missiles. Malaysia is acquiring two of these vessels, each of which requires a crew of 30.

So, Malaysia only has to train 60 sailors, right? Wrong. Malaysia is going to need a deeper pool, for a number of reasons. Some crewmen will not want to make the navy a career. Others will get sick or injured in the course of peacetime operations and have to be discharged. Other people just won't make the grade, or will develop claustrophobia. Submarine duty is very difficult, and a constant stream of well-trained personnel is necessary. Otherwise, Malaysia's new submarine force is little more than a money pit.

The way Malaysia is doing this is through classroom training, and the use of an older Agosta-class submarine as a "school". The Agosta displaces 1500 tons, has a top speed of 37 kilometers per hour, and is has four 21-inch torpedo tubes that can fire torpedoes or Exocet anti-ship missiles. The real benefit to the Agosta as a training vessel is the fact that it has a complement of 58, nearly twice that of the Scorpene. Despite being first commissioned in 1974, the Agosta is still a capable submarine, and is in service with Spain and Pakistan.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of Malaysia's new submarines will depend on how well they train their personnel. If the training provides good crews for the submarines, then Malaysia will be in a good position to defend its interests. If it doesn't… Malaysia has two submersible white elephants. – Harold C. Hutchison (haroldc.hutchison@gmail.com)

Source: Bernama

May 27, 2006 00:31 AM

Malaysia's First Subs 53 Pct Complete

From Sakina Mohamed

CHERBOURG (France), May 27 (Bernama) -- The construction of Malaysia's first two submarines at the DCN naval yard here is 53 per cent complete, Malaysian Chief of Navy Admiral Datuk Seri Ilyas Din said Friday.

Leading a Royal Malaysian Navy delegation, Ilyas visited the naval yard Friday where the front part of the two Scorpene submarines ordered by the Malaysian government was being built.

After a briefing by the DCN Malaysia Scorpene project manager, Eric Lavolle, the navy chief was taken on a tour to see the half-completed submarines.

Thursday, Ilyas told Bernama that the construction of the submarines was "ahead of schedule" and that the rear part of the submarines were being constructed at the Navantia dockyard in Cartegena, Spain.

Earlier, he promoted two senior officers of the RMN in a brief ceremony at the Scorpene submarine project office, here.

Commander Abdul Rahman Ayub was promoted to captain while Captain Rosland Omar was elevated to first admiral.

-- BERNAMA

Source: Bernama

May 25, 2006 10:06 AM

Submarine Sonar Operators Play It By The Ear

From Sakina Mohamed

BREST (France), May 25 (Bernama) -- Petty Officer Bruce ak Juhay can differentiate between the sound of a school of prawns and a school of crabs from 300 metres under the sea.

The knowledge used to distinguish sounds are also used to identify fishing boats and merchant vessels and calculate their approximate distance from the position of the submarine he is in.

The 32-year-old Bidayuh from Kuching is undergoing training as a graph bearing and sonar operator at the submarine school here operated by the semi-government French company NAVFCO, which also trains another 150 Malaysians on various submarine trades.

In addition to classroom and simulation training, trainees who make the grade would be given the chance to apply the knowledge and skill they have attained in the Agosta-class submarine OUESSANT, an overhauled ex-French navy submarine bought by Malaysia for sea training.

Bruce, who had been serving the Malaysian Navy for 13 years in the Electrical Technician (Radio) trade was assigned to classify, record and report every sonar-detected sound including that made by ships and marine life.

As a submarine cannot compromise its position by using active sonar as used by ships to determine the distance of objects, sonar operators on submarines have to listen intently to incoming sounds and use range predictions to calculate distances of potential threats.

Bruce admitted that his first experience in the cramped environment typical of a submarine was a little overwhelming.

"We had to stay underwater in the deep sea for 12 straight days...it was a different experience altogether from that on a surface ship.

"Imagine lining up to use the only available toilet and taking turns to eat because of the very limited space in the eating quarters," he said.

On top of that, he said, his movement and performance onboard would be watched and assessed by the trainer assigned to him.

However, he said, he felt much more at ease during the second week of training.

"I felt excited to be able to hear the beautiful sounds made by the whales and schools of dolphin. I now even look forward to sea training," he said.

Today, Bruce is one of the 60 Malaysian submariners from the first batch of trainees to be awarded the Royal Malaysian Navy Submarine insignia and Basic Submarine Course certificate, making him a qualified submariner.

He would soon be trained to man the soon-to-be-completed Scorpene-class submarines ordered by Malaysia, the first to be delivered in 2008.

-- BERNAMA

Source: Bernama

May 24, 2006 12:26 PM

First-Time Submariners, But Adapting Well

From Sakina Mohamed

BREST (France), May 24 (Bernama) -- If one were claustrophobic, one would probably not make it as a submariner.

That's what this reporter discovered when she stepped into Ouessant, the Agosta-class submarine used by Malaysia's first batch of submariners for initial training.

The corridors are so narrow, only one person can pass through at a time.

Its wardroom, or officer's mess, is considered a luxury of space at around 8x6 feet.

The kitchen, where over 100 meals are cooked a day, is so small that the chef can barely move a few steps before coming up against a wall.

In the morning, crew members would have to line up to use one of only two toilets in the submarine, one of which was just a urinal.

It is hard to imagine how over 70 men can spend up to 12 days in the cramped space in the submarine during sea training.

According to its commanding officer Jean Magne, the overhauled ex-French navy submarine was initially meant for an operational crew of only 58 men.

However, the Malaysian trainees hardly complained or exhibited difficulty in adapting to the packed environment.

"This is remarkable for a batch of trainees who have had no prior experience onboard a submarine," he told Bernama at the DCN dockyard where the submarine was berthed Tuesday.

The trainees are attending a submarine school here conducted by the Defense Conseil International and Navfco (the French Naval Company for Training and Advice) and monitored by the Authority of the French Submarine Force, or Alfost.

They attend classes on weekdays and are tested weekly on the subjects through written and oral examinations as well as performance on simulators.

Their demanding schedule required them to master various skills and knowledge, including navigational skills, electrical engineering as well as maintenance and operation know-how.

Those who make the grade would go on sea training onboard the Agosta for 12 days to gain hands-on experience in handling a submarine to prepare them for the more sophisticated Scorpene submarines, currently assembled in Cherboug, France and the Navantia dockyard in Cartagena, Spain

During each sea training, 25 trainees would be guided and assessed by a trainer each, mostly ex-French navymen who had once served on the Ouessant before it was decommissioned in 2003.

The school director, Loic Andrieu, said the trainees had to pass their examinations with excellence and complete at least 250 diving hours in the Ouessant before they could become qualified submariners.

After two years of training in the Agosta class, the training would continue in the same progression but would involve the Scorpene class instead, he said.

-- BERNAMA

Source: Flight International

DATE:02/05/06
SOURCE:Flight International

Air force prepares for arrival of Su-30MKM

Sukhoi is preparing to deliver the first batch of Su-30MKM ground support equipment and spare parts to the Malaysian air force, ahead of delivering the service's first six of 18 multi-role fighters early next year.

"We start to deliver ground support equipment, technical papers and training equipment by the end of this year," deputy general director Alexander Klementiev said during the DSA 2006 exhibition last week in Kuala Lumpur. Sukhoi plans to hand over Malaysia's first batch of six Su-30MKMs next March and Klementiev says all 18 aircraft will be delivered "within one year".

Sukhoi and Russia's Rosoboronexport sales agency are now also working with the air force to establish a service centre in Malaysia, which is required to open before delivery of the last fighter. Several Malaysian companies including RSK MiG-29 maintenance provider Aerospace Technology System have expressed interest in operating the new facility, but Klementiev says it will be air force-operated during a one-year warranty period, which could also be extended. "For the foreseeable future it will be operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force."

Klementiev says Sukhoi is now discussing with the air force a training schedule for its initial batch of Su-30MKM pilots and is also developing a simulator with assistance from Malaysian firm HeiTech Padu. Malaysia also last week signed a letter of intent with India's Hindustan Aeronautics covering training of Su-30 mechanics.

Malaysia is launch customer for Sukhoi's new Su-30MKM configuration, which features head-up and multifunction displays from Thales. Sukhoi blames Malaysia's late selection of Thales for earlier forcing first deliveries to slip from 2006 until next year, but does not anticipate any problems with integrating the French avionics. The design bureau says it has already received parts from Thales for configuration development and tests are to take place later this year. Thales is now training Malaysian company Zetro to handle maintenance of Su-30MKM avionics, the company says. Klementiev says Sukhoi is in discussion with several customers potentially interested in acquiring a similar configuration to the Su-30MKM, including Indonesia, which is negotiating the purchase of up to 14 aircraft.

Rosoboronexport declines to confirm that Malaysia is discussing an attrition purchase of two MiG-29s.

If current tensions between South Korea & Japan escalates, and leads to hostile actions between them, which side do you think will prevail?

And which side will US help in the unlikely event that war breaks out?

Will North Korea, China or Russia try to take advantage of the situation? Will Taiwan's position be vulnerable?

Food for thought...

Source: Bernama

March 29, 2006 15:40 PM

BAE Systems To Submit Report On Failed Missile To RMN

From Nor Baizura Basri

LONDON, March 29 (Bernama) -- BAE Systems, a UK-based transatlantic defence and aerospace company which manufactured the Sea Skua guided missiles, will submit its report from investigation into the March 16 failed test of a missile.

Its regional managing director for Asia Pacific, Steve Meighan, said the investigation had been completed and the report would be presented to Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) chief Admiral Datuk Ilyas Din tomorrow.

"We took this very seriously and have investigated all aspects of the incident. Hopefully, this will not happen again," he told reporters at a dinner reception here.

On March 16, a Sea Skua guided missile failed in the first test conducted in Southeast Asia, in the waters of Kuala Beruas near Pantai Remis in Perak.

In the test conducted by BAE Dynamics, the missile was fired at 11am from a Super Lynx 300 attack helicopter at the wreckage of a ship eight nautical miles away. It failed to hit the target and fell into the sea without exploding.

The RMN later located the missile about 32 nautical miles north of Kuala Beruas.

According to Meighan, all the anti-ship missiles produced by the company have always been in top form, including those supplied to RMN and ready for use at any time.

"We find that the problem was not the operator or the helicopter. It was the missile. We find this quite hard to believe as the Sea Skua missiles have been successful elsewhere," he said.\

The 2.5-metre-long Sea Skua, weighing 145 kilograms, is an all-weather, day-and-night sea skimming anti-ship missile equipped with a semi-active radar homing head that can sink a ship from a distance of 18 kilometres.

Sea Skua missiles were used in the Gulf War of 1991 and 2000, fired from the Lynx helicopters of the British Royal Navy.

The missiles are being used by the armed forces of Brazil, Germany, South Korea and Turkey.

The missile test was the first to be conducted in Southeast Asia because Malaysia is the only country in the region to purchase the missiles under a package costing about 20 million pounds.

An agreement to purchase the missiles was signed in 2001 and the supply to RMN began last year.

Asked about the possibility of a second test, Meighan said this would be carried out after the company was satisfied with the system's capability and able to overcome the problems which contributed to the failure of the first test.

However, he added, the second test is expected to be held before the Defence Services Asia Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur in April 24 this year.

-- BERNAMA

Source: New Straits Times

Navy: Missile lying on seabed not a threat to fishermen

P. Chandra Sagaran

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LUMUT, PERAK: Fishermen here have been assured that the missile lying somewhere on the seabed off the Perak coast will not pose a threat to them.

Lumut Navy Fleet Operations commander Datuk Abdul Aziz Jaafar said the fishermen need not be worried that it would explode.

He said the navy had located the missile the day after it was fired on March 16, about 50km west of Kuala Beruas.

The British-made Sea Skua guided missile dropped like a stone when its rocket booster failed to ignite, missing its target by several kilometres.

"We have taken all necessary precautions," Aziz told reporters after attending the closing of a nine-day joint naval exercise between the navies of Malaysia and the Philippines at the Maritime Tactical Centre at the RMN base here yesterday.

Fishermen in the area expressed fears that the misfired missile, which was yet to be salvaged from the seabed, may explode. He said a report had been submitted to RMN chief Admiral Datuk Ilyas Din pending salvage operations or demolition of the missile.

The missile, measuring 2.5m in length and 25cm in diameter, and weighing 145kg, has been used by Brazil, Germany, South Korea and Turkey.

Malaysia purchased the missiles and firing system from Britain through manufacturers Matra Bae Dynamics four years ago.

A Super Lynx, named Rentap Missile, fired the Sea Skua guided missile, intending to hit a 40-metre surface target barge eight nautical miles away.

The armed helicopter fired its starboard missile from an altitude of 90 metres but the booster failed to ignite as it should have, within 2.5 seconds of separation from the helicopter.

On the Malaysia-Philippine naval exercise, Aziz said it had given both navies a chance to be involved in war games. Among the objectives of the exercise was to enhance co-operation between the two navies and test their capabilities. Philippine Navy Fleet commander Rear Admiral Alfredo O. Abueg Jr said the exercise provided an opportunity for the two navies to co-operate on common objectives.

Source: Bernama

March 27, 2006 17:30 PM

Finance Ministry To Monitor Drop In Car Prices

EXCERPT OF ARTICLE

Asked on the failure in the first firing test of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN)'s Sea Skua guided missile on March 16, Najib said the Government would address the problem in accordance with the arms purchase contract.

The firing test using the Superlynx 300 helicopter, from a distance of eight nautical miles from its target - a damaged vehicle measuring 40 metres - failed due to technical error. It was conducted around 32 nautical miles in the west coast of Kuala Beruas near Pantai Remis, Perak.

The test was to gauge the extent to which the Superlynx helicopter system and the guided missile system could operate effectively.

The Sea Skua acquisition agreement was entered into with Matra Bae Dynamic (MBDA) from the United Kingdom in 2001. The RMN was equipped with the guided missile last year, with the full package costing 16 million pound sterling. - Bernama

Edit: Source updated

Source: Bernama

March 28, 2006 21:32 PM

Failed Missile May Be Destroyed, Says RMN

LUMUT, March 28 (Bernama) -- The ‘Sea Skua’ guided-missile which failed in its test which was carried out for the first time in the waters of Kuala Beruas last March 16 may be destroyed as a safety precaution, Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Fleet Commander Laksamana Muda Datuk Abdul Aziz Jaafar said.

He added that the missile, submerged about 62 metres under the sea bed, would be destroyed either at the test site or be transferred to the RMN base here.

"The RMN scuba team had determined the location of the missile which is about 32 nautical miles north of Kuala Beruas and we are awaiting further instruction on the action to be taken," he told reporters after a function here Tuesday.

Abdul Aziz said a report on the missile test had been handed over to RMN Chief Laksamana Datuk Ilyas Din.

On whether the missile would pose a danger to fishermen in the area, he said the fishermen need not worry because the missile would not explode on its own unless its tip was struck violently.

-- BERNAMA

Source: Bernama via Alert5

March 18, 2006 18:58 PM

M'sia Planning To Procure UAV, Says Army Chief


ARMY CHIEF GEN DATUK SERI ABD AZIZ ZAINAL… The procurement of UAVs would complete the defence assets of the army. Filepix: Noriani Ahmad

JOHOR BAHARU, March 18 (Bernama) -- The army has plans to procure Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), said army chief Gen. Datuk Seri Abdul Aziz Zainal.

Abdul Aziz said the procurement would complete the defence assets of the army.

"We' ve yet to own this aircraft. We are still in the planning stages in procuring the aircraft as part of our assets," he told reporters after attending the Passing Out Parade of the General Role Graduate Officers, Series 21/2005, at the Army College, Ulu Tiram, near here.

Also present was the deputy army chief Lt. Gen. Datuk Muhammad Ismail Jamaluddin and army field commander, Lt Gen Datuk Masood Zainal Abidin.

Gen. Abdul Aziz said this when asked on the UAV, believed to be owned by the Singapore Armed Forces, that was sighted in Gelang Patah, Johor.

The UAV is an unmanned aircraft that is used for aerial reconnaissance and can stay airborne up to eight hours.

Meanwhile, Gen. Abdul Aziz said the investigations on the Allouette III that crashed at the Mahkota Camp in Kluang on Feb 20 would be ready by next week.

The helicopter from the 881 Squadron of the Army Air Team crashed onto the tarmac at the base during a training exercise but all the three crew on board survived.

-- BERNAMA

Source: MINDEF

Searcher Unmanned Aerial Vehicle





Dimensions
Length: 5.00 m
Wing Span: 7.60 m

Performance
Max Speed: 60 kts
Endurance: 8 hrs
Range: 100 km

The Searcher Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is one of the system operated by the Tactical Air Support Command (TASC). It replaces the older UAV employed for providing real-time airborne reconnaissance and surveillance to SAF ground commanders to survey the battlefield without risking human lives. The older UAV was being used since the late 1980s.

The aircraft is fitted with a small piston engine. Measuring 5 meters in length, it has a wingspan of 7.6 meters. Similar to the older UAV, the Searcher UAV has a control range of up to 100 km, and being bigger, it can carry enough fuel to fly up to 8 hours. The aircraft is made of fiberglass with composite material to reduce radar and infra-red signatures which make them more difficult to detect.

The Searcher UAV utilises a Global Positioning System (GPS) for navigation, which enables it to fly accurately based on a pre-determined route. It also has many automated features, and multiple system redundancies for enhanced flight safety and reliability.

Like the older system, it is operated from a ground control station (GCS). Flight information and real time video images are sent from the UAV to the GCS through radio links. The video image is displayed on a television monitor in real time.

The Searcher UAV is used to detect details on the ground such as enemy troops and vehicles. The battlefield commander will be able to have more reaction time and take countermeasures against the enemy's operations with the real-time information provided. The Searcher UAV can provide battlefield surveillance even in high risk areas without risking the loss of personnel. It is a cost-effective means as it is only a fraction of the cost of a manned aircraft.

The UAV Training Simulator

The UAV Training Simulator is the latest trainer simulator system acquired by the RSAF. It is capable of simulating UAV take-off, flying and landing with realistic environmental settings. This allows for effective training of UAV operators in a controlled environment. It will complement actual UAV training in Singapore where the scope is very limited in view of the constraints of local training airspace. A major advantage offered by the training Simulator is that it enables the RSAF to overcome the problem of limited flying airspace in Singapore for UAV training. Additionally, training in the simulator reduces training costs.

Source: Utusan Malaysia Online

Dalam Negeri

Pesawat misteri dikenal pasti milik Singapura buatan Israel


IMEJ gambar pesawat tanpa pemandu yang berlegar dekat Johor Bahru, kelmarin.
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JOHOR BAHRU 17 Mac - Pesawat tidak dikenali yang dilapor berlegar di ruang udara Gelang Patah dekat sini seperti disiarkan akhbar semalam, dikenali pasti sebagai pesawat peninjau tanpa pemandu (UAV) buatan Israel milik Tentera Udara Republik Singapura, kata seorang penganalisis pertahanan.

``Ia jenis Searcher UAV buatan syarikat Israel Aircraft Industries. Ia bukan sesuatu yang rahsia, Singapura menggunakannya sejak dari 1998,'' kata penganalisis itu yang enggan namanya disiarkan.

Bernama difahamkan, operasi pesawat UAV terbabit dijalankan oleh Skuadron 40 Tentera Udara Republik Singapura yang berpangkalan di Kem Murai, tidak jauh dari sempadan dengan Malaysia.

Kehadiran pesawat itu menimbulkan keresahan penduduk Gelang Patah kerana menyebabkan bunyi bising ``hinggakan nelayan pun tidak dapat menangkap ikan''.

Laman web Kementerian Pertahanan Singapura menyebut ia menggunakan UAV jenis Searcher yang berupaya beroperasi sejauh 100 kilometer dari pangkalannya dan selama lapan jam tanpa henti.

Republik itu dilaporkan mempunyai sekurang-kurangnya 40 pesawat jenis itu.

Mengulas isu itu, Pengerusi Kelab Penyokong-Penyokong Kerajaan Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad, berkata negara jiran perlu memaklumkan kepada Malaysia mengenai operasi pesawat tentera mereka terutama yang berhampiran kawasan sempadan bagi mengelak rasa curiga dan bimbang di kalangan penduduk tempatan.

Katanya, tindakan memaklumkan tentang kehadiran dan operasi pesawat tentera negara jiran bukan sahaja akan membantu mengelak kekeliruan tetapi juga selaras dengan amalan berbaik-baik antara dua negara jiran yang rapat.

``Walaupun kehadiran pesawat terbabit adalah untuk mengawal sempadan atau mengelak kemasukan secara haram pendatang asing, mereka (negara jiran) patut membuat kenyataan dan memberitahu Malaysia (tentang kehadiran pesawat itu).''

``Apabila pihak berkuasa negara ini tahu mengenainya, mereka boleh menjelaskannya kepada penduduk tempatan agar tiada kekeliruan dan rasa curiga di kalangan mereka,'' katanya kepada Bernama di sini hari ini.

Shahrir berkata, apa yang berlaku di Gelang Patah adalah akibat kegagalan Singapura memaklumkan kepada Malaysia tentang kehadiran pesawat itu sehingga mengakibatkan keresahan di kalangan penduduk tempatan.

- Bernama

Source: Air Force Link via Alert5

F-15s, MiGs are allies in the sky

by John Monroe
18th Wing Public Affairs

3/15/2006 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFPN) -- Multinational pilots from the United States and Malaysia have joined forces in the Pacific skies for Cope Taufan ‘06, a three-week air-to-air training exercise designed to sharpen air combat tactic skills and promote closer relations between allies.

Cope Taufan, Taufan meaning “big storm” in Malaysian, is held bi-annually by the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the U.S. Air Force in Butterworth near the northwest coast of that country.

Eight F-15 Eagles and more than 114 18th Wing maintainers, munition handlers and pilots, are participating in the exercise that began March 10.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force are participating with MiG-29 Fulcrum, Hawk 208 and the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft.

“This exercise is a chance for Team Kadena, regardless of rank or specialty, to work with our counterparts from the Royal Malaysian Air Force to sharpen air combat capabilities and operational proficiencies,” said Lt. Col. Jeff Gustafson, 67th Fighter Squadron commander. “This global engagement is fostering mutually beneficial relations with Malaysia, which facilitates peace and stability in the Pacific region."

The Air Force has often found opportunities to train with the F/A-18 aircraft in joint-service exercises with the Navy. But this event marks one of the few times the Air Force has had an opportunity to train with the MiG-29, an aircraft usually employed by countries not friendly to the United States.

Air Force F-15 pilots have expressed great satisfaction in how the exercise is going so far.

"The chance to fly against a real MiG in simulated combat is the test of any fighter pilot,” said Navy Lt. Abe Bush, an F-15 pilot and 67th Fighter Squadron flight commander. “We train day in and day out to counter such threats as the MiG, though at Kadena we can only try to simulate it with another F-15; there is no substitution for seeing the real thing.”

Cope Taufan not only provides a rare opportunity to train against unique aircraft, it is also a chance to foster relationships with an ally in the Pacific region.

"After flying against one of their MiG-29 pilots, I can see they are no different than us when it comes to their love of their jets, love of flying and intense pride in their country,” said Capt. Kirby Ensser, 67th FS.

“The opportunity within Cope Taufan drives both countries to think about their respective capabilities and limitations,” the captain said. “The bottom line is that this deployment really benefits the entire spectrum of participants -- Team Kadena, the Air Force, and the Royal Malaysian Air Force -- because every warrior, no matter how skilled, knows there is always room for improvement."

Source: Bernama

March 17, 2006 16:15 PM

Unidentified Aircraft Heard Over Johor Not In M'sian Airspace, Says PM

PENANG, March 17 (Bernama) -- A preliminary probe indicated that an unidentified aircraft reported to have been circling in the airspace over Gelang Patah in Johor two days ago was actually outside Malaysian airspace, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Friday.

He said the findings of the initial investigation obtained from the police, Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and the Defence Ministry showed that the aircraft was in the airspace of neighbouring Singapore.

"The aircraft was most probably Singapore's and it was not in Malaysian airspace," he told reporters after opening the Northern Region Marine Police Base in Batu Uban, here.

Abdullah, who is also Minister of Internal Security, said the aircraft was circling an area not far from the Johor coast, and its drone seemed to come from somewhere close owing to Johor's proximity to Singapore.

When asked what could have been the motive of the aircraft, he said that the plane was not in Malaysian airspace and it was therefore unnecessary to determine the motive.

Two days ago, the residents of Gelang Patah had complained of the persistent drone of an unidentified aircraft circling in the airspace over their villagers, and the government initiated a probe.

In KUCHING, Chief of Defence Forces Admiral Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor said the whole process of the investigation was expected to be completed in a week.

Speaking to reporters after opening a 1st Division community rehabilitation centre here, he said the investigation was launched with interviews of eye-witnesses and ascertaining their location at the time they spotted the plane.

Mohd Anwar said the probe would ascertain whether the mystery aircraft was actually in Malaysian airspace or that of Singapore in view of the proximity of the two countries.

He also said that the armed forces would open more community rehabilitation centres at army camps in the country to help handicapped or special children of soldiers to get an education.

-- BERNAMA

Source: Bernama

March 17, 2006 22:17 PM

Air Control System Did Not Detect Violation Of Airspace, Says Najib

JOHOR BAHARU, March 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's air control system did not detect any violation of airspace by unauthorised foreign aircraft over Gelang Patah in Johor, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Friday.

He said the aircraft that reportedly circled above Gelang Patah two days ago was actually in Singapore airspace and had not entered Malaysian airspace at all.

"The Defence Ministry was informed of the matter and it is clear that our control system did not detect any trespassing aircraft," he told reporters after a visit to the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex project construction site in Bukit Chagar, here.

Najib said the ministry had identified the type of aircraft but no action could be taken as it was in Singapore airspace.

The people of Gelang Patah, especially Kampung Tebing Runtoh and several other villages, had complained of the persistent drone of an aircraft circling in the airspace above, and the ministry launched a probe that would be completed in a week.

-- BERNAMA

Source: New Straits Times

Faulty rocket booster foils missile test

LUMUT, Thurs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A British-made Sea Skua guided missile dropped like a stone into the Straits of Malacca today when its rocket booster failed to ignite.

Disappointed but undeterred, Royal Malaysian Navy chief Laksamana Datuk Ilyas Din told reporters that a second contractual firing test will be held by March 23.

"We will not accept the missiles unless they are proven to work," he said aboard the KD Mahawangsa after witnessing the contractual firing test.

Although Malaysia purchased the missiles and firing system from Britain through missile system maker Matra Bae Dynamics (MBDA) four years ago, it has yet to accept the missiles and pay the full price of £16 million (about RM104 million), he said.

On the failure of the test, Ilyas said it was due to a technical fault in the missile and not the firing system.

Neither were the skills of the pilot and tactical officer on the firing Super Lynx 300 MK100 helicopter in question, he added.

This was verified by MBDA engineers who conducted the tests and investigated the incident today, he added.

With nine ships and four helicopters involved in supporting the firing test today, Ilyas estimated today’s test to cost over RM250,000.

He said this should not be considered a waste as the exercise had provided training to the RMN, allowing it to test the missile firing system from the Super Lynx.

However, plans to fire a second missile at 12.45pm were aborted with Ilyas explaining that there was no point in launching it without knowing the source of the problem with the first missile.

Source: The Star

Sea Skua fails live fire test

By CHRISTINA KOH
ckoh@thestar.com.my

LUMUT: The Royal Malaysian Navy has tentatively scheduled next Thursday to test fire the Sea Skua guided missile after the first missile failed to hit its target during the inaugural test yesterday.

The missile developed technical difficulties at 11am and sank into the Straits of Malacca after its booster rocket failed to ignite.

The missile, launched from the navy's Super Lynx 300 MK100 helicopter from a height of 90m, was supposed to strike a barge about eight nautical miles away.

The test site is 32 nautical miles west of Kuala Beruas, 50km from here.

RMN chief Laksamana Datuk Ilyas Din said the test was a contractual firing between Matra Bae Dynamics (MBDA) and the navy, which had signed a contract with the British company in 2001.

The contractual firing yesterday, he said, was for two missiles but the navy decided to hold back the firing of the second missile until it had analysed the problem.

“It would be useless (to fire the second missile) if we don't know what the exact problem was,” he told a press conference on board the KD Mahawangsa in the Straits of Malacca.

“I was told a report should be ready in two or three days.”

Three MBDA engineers had been present during the test, which involved nine navy vessels and five helicopters.

Laksamana Ilyas said divers and ships were quickly sent out to search for the sunken missile, which will not detonate without ignition.

Laksamana Ilyas added that the navy would only pay MBDA the full amount for the missiles and firing system once the navy received proof that the missiles worked.

According to the contract, MBDA is obligated to replace any missile for future tests in the event of technical failure.