Otro guardacostas americano transferido a Vietnam

USCGS John Midgett (WHEC-726) is being Prepared for Transfer to the Vietnam

WHEC-726 John Midgett being prepared for fransfer to Vietnam (photos : VietDefense)

The United States continues to prepare USCGC John Midgett (WHEC-726) for transfer to the Vietnam Coast Guard. American insignias have been painted over with white while components such as the radar & Phalanx CIWS were spotted being removed. The vessel is expected to be painted with the insignia of the VCG before it leaves Seattle for a trip back home to Vietnam.


Remember that Vietnam requested three Hamilton class cutters from the United States thus making the Midgett the second vessel acquired by the Vietnam Coast Guard after the former USCGC Morgenthau (WHEC-722), itself currently serving as the patrol ship CSB-8020. This leaves the USCGC Douglas Munro (WHEC-724) & USCGC Mellon (WHEC-717) as the remaining Hamilton-class cutters in American service. If Vietnam is able to obtain either of those vessels from the United States upon retirement, the original request for 3 ships will be complete.

VietDefense

Australia desarrolla simulador de C-130

Australian Industry to Develop New Hercules Training Systems

Current C130J exterior simulator (photo : USAF)

Sydney-based CAE Australia has been awarded a $26 million contract to upgrade an aircraft simulator and other training systems as part of the C-130J Block Upgrade Program at RAAF Base Richmond, New South Wales.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP, said Defence’s partnership with CAE Australia would deliver game-changing capability for the Air Force.

“This will equip Defence with a state-of-the-art C-130J aircraft simulator so that our Air Force can access the highest quality of training available,” Minister Price said.

“A modern training system closely aligned with the upgraded C-130J aircraft configuration is essential to providing a robust and safe capability.

“This partnership demonstrates CAE Australia’s in-country expertise in this field, and their commitment to supporting these Air Force capabilities.”

Minister Price said the contract would also create seven new full-time jobs over the next four years.


“The first students will commence training on the new simulator and training systems in early 2023, which is designed to train 16 pilots, 8 loadmasters and up to 100 maintenance crew each calendar year,” Minister Price said.

Ministerio de defensa de Australia

Australia añade capacidad EW a sus Bushmaster

Australia to Get EW Attack Capability for Thales Bushmaster

Australian Army to acquire EW attack capability for Bushmasters Protected Mobility Vehicle (photo : BAE Systems)

Australian Army to acquire EW attack capability

Procurement of a new Australian Army electronic attack capability is set to begin this year. Indeed, acquisition of a force-level EW system that includes an attack component will be undertaken under Tranche 2 of Australia’s Land 555 Phase 6 programme.

Speaking to Shephard, a Defence spokesperson said an RfT is ‘indicatively scheduled for mid-2020,’ adding that this programme will allow the army’s EW capability ‘to be interoperable with joint and coalition partner electronic warfare systems’.

A contract is expected in 2021, with delivery completed by 2023. This is a year later than anticipated when Tranche 2 secured first pass approval in 2018 with the release of an invitation to tender.

That invitation stated the EW system would include electronic attack capable of jamming techniques, electronic support for detection, and C2 for networking and communication at the tactical, operational and strategic levels, and with battle management capabilities.

The spokesperson said Tranche 2 ‘is currently under review to further define capability requirements', but the new system will be ‘more tailored to specific missions and will allow the Australian Army to undertake more coordinated mobile electronic attacks and support ADF operations’.

The new EW systems will be fitted to Bushmaster vehicles and will be interoperable with EW systems acquired by the RAAF, Royal Australian Navy and Five Eyes partners.

Meanwhile, under Tranche 1 the construction of facilities to support 72 EW Squadron, part of the army’s 7th Signals Regiment at Borneo Barracks in Queensland are due to commence in July for completion by year’s end.

Tranche 1 will procure an additional six army EW systems beyond those purchased under the earlier Land 500 Phase 1 contract.

That saw Chemring Australia provide its Resolve 3 EW manpack system for A$18 million ($11.5 million) to replace the army’s existing Manpack Electronic Surveillance System. The company received an industry capability grant in 2013 to develop a range of military electronics systems in Australia.

The new facilities will ensure the army can support this new equipment in-country and contribute to further EW developments.

The Resolve manpack can provide full-spectrum surveillance to provide instant threat warnings, and direction finding to locate its origin. When operating with other units, it can use angle-of-arrival techniques to fix a target’s position.

The spokesperson said new systems procured under Tranche 1 ‘are required to be suitable for fitment to the Protected Mobility Electronic Platform variant Bushmaster, a trailer or other in-service protected mobility options’.

Elsewhere, the Land 4120 EW Rolling Programme is not expected to seek first pass government approval until 2024. Land 4120 aims to regularly enhance land EW capability based on immediate priorities to respond to emerging threats.

It is anticipated Land 4120 will ‘take an iterative approach to the project scope’ as a ‘multi-decade programme’ to ensure Australia can ‘maintain a technological edge over potential adversaries,’ and that investment in R&D and technology ‘is anticipated to be an enduring theme for Land 4120’.

Shephard

Filipinas compra 50 camiones

Army Acquires 50 Troop Carriers

50 KM250 truck for PA (all photos : Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army has acquired 50 KM250 troop carriers under the the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP).

In line with this, a blessing ceremony was held at the Headquarters Philippine Army Grandstand, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City today, May 19, 2020.

Army chief Lieutenant General Gilbert I. Gapay graced the event as keynote speaker.



The Army said the vehicles will augment the Army’s existing mobility assets and were temporarily issued to the Army Support Command (ASCOM) to further increase its mobility readiness and to be utilized in the operations against the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

“KM250s, along with their other counterparts, have become synonymous to the Army’s sustainment operations. These 2 ½ ton-workhorses are all over the country – in Internal Security Operations, development efforts, reliefs, partnerships, and now in our pandemic operations. Let us take care of our vehicles, and keep them always on top working condition. As more transports enable us to become more mobile, we ensure that our service keeps rolling smoothly,” Lieutenant General Gapay said.

(Mintfo)

Australia comisiona su HMAS Sydney AWD

Royal Australian Navy Commissioned of HMAS Sydney AWD

HMAS Sydney AWD (photo : Aus DoD)

Final Air Warfare Destroyer HMAS Sydney V takes its place in the RAN

The Morrison Government’s Air Warfare Destroyer program has officially come to an end with the commissioning of HMAS Sydney at sea.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds, CSC said her commissioning marks a significant milestone in the Morrison Government’s $90 billion Naval Shipbuilding Plan.

“The commissioning of the final Hobart Class Destroyer not only marks the beginning of a new era for the Navy, but also demonstrates the success of this Government’s Australian Naval Shipbuilding Plan,” Minister Reynolds said.

“The Navy is now equipped with a new level of flexibility and lethality to protect maritime task groups operating in an increasingly complex region, while also allowing us to work even closer with our allies.”

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, AO, RAN, said as the fifth warship to bear this name, she inherits an important legacy.

“Sydney was technically upgraded during her build to integrate the MH-60R ‘Romeo’ Seahawk submarine-hunting helicopter and her Close-in Weapons Systems, making her Australia’s most lethal ship,” Vice Admiral Noonan said.

“She is designed to protect task groups by providing air defence to accompanying ships, in addition to land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas, and self-protection against missiles and aircraft.”

Ministerio de defensa de Australia

Vietnam considera modernizar sus T-62s

Vietnam Army Considers to Upgrade T-62 Tank

T-62 tank of the Vietnamese Army (photo : Soha)

For decades, the Soviet Union and Russia primarily focused on developing variants of the 125 mm 2A46 smoothbore gun and 125mm ammunition for the tanks such as the T-64+. This led to the U-5TS 2A20 cannon and 115mm ammunition for the T-62 being discontinued.

The T-62 and it's U-5TS cannon were considered redundant anyway after better ammunition for the D-10T 100mm cannon was developed. For countries that use the T-62 including Vietnam, ammunition has been rarer each year, each country saving whatever rounds they have rather than firing them off and ending up having to worry about a source of purchase due to lack of manufactures that still produce 115mm rounds.




M1150 armour-piercing munition (photo : armscom)

After the Vostok 2018 military exercises however, Russian tank manufacturer Uralvagonzavod announced they would restart production of the 2A20 cannon for the T-62M, accompanied by the development of some new types of ammunition. French weapons manufacturer Nexter Systems also recently developed the M1150 armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot round compatible with the main gun of the T-62 tank.

According to Nexter, the French ammunition has a muzzle velocity of 1635m/s and is capable of 500mm RHA penetration from a distance of 2,000m - just as capable as the Russian 125mm 3BM32 round or American 120mm M829 round.


These would be good considerations should the People's Army of Vietnam choose to upgrade their T-62s in a similar manner to the T-54M. At the very least the tank's 115mm cannon doesn't need to be changed and can be just as effective as the newer/larger caliber guns.

VietDefense

Corea del Sur desarrolla su propio CIWS

S. Korea to Develop Close-in Weapon System for Warships

30mm Goalkeeper CIWS on ROKS Yulgok Yi I (DDG-992) (photo : WarshipPorn)

SEOUL (Yonhap) -- South Korea decided Tuesday to develop an indigenous close-in weapon system (CIWS) for its warships by 2030.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said the defense project promotion committee approved the 350 billion-won (US$283.51 million) project that will be launched next year.

The CIWS is designed to detect and destroy short-range anti-ship missiles and aircraft that have penetrated outer defenses. Currently, South Korea uses the U.S. CIWS system.

The new weapon is expected to be mounted on the country's major naval ships, including its 6,000 ton-class destroyers, which have been built under the Korean Destroyer Next Generation (KDDX) project, and 3,000-ton Batch-III Ulsan-class frigates, according to the DAPA.

Yonhap

Real Fuerza Aérea Tailandesa busca dos vehículos blindados ligeros

RTAF will Procure 2 Light Armored Vehicles from Chaiseri or Panus Thailand

Panus Assembly AMV-420P (photo : AAG)

In 14 May 2020 Department of Transport, Royal Thai Air Force published a document announcing the middle price for the purchase of 2 Light-Armored Vehicles for the amount of 25,000 baht ($ 780,518.25), price/unit 12,500,000 baht ($ 390,259.12), setting the middle price (reference price) on 25 March 2020 Source of medium price (reference price) Thailand Panus Assembly Co Ltd. and Chaiseri Metal and Rubber Co. Ltd. Thailand by selection method.

It is understood that the two Light Armored Vehicles will be provided for evaluation purposes for Armored Car Regiment Department of Special Operations Armored Security Vehicle, Security Force Command which currently has two armored car companies : the Cadillac Gage V-150 Commando 4x4, equipped with an M2 .50cal heavy machine gun and 12 MG3 7.62mm co-axes and 12 Rheinmetall Condor 4x4 Germany with 20mm machine guns and 7.62 co-axes. mm, total 18 vehicles.


Chaiseri First Win 4x4 (photo : miltech)


Although there is still no details about the characteristics of the light armored vehicles that the Thai Air Force wants to procure 2 vehicles, but specifying the median price from the Thai company Chaseri and Panus is an indication that this will competition between results Light Armored Vehicles of both companies.

The product of the Chaiseri is the First Win 4x4 armored armored vehicles which have been stationed in the Police Force and Thai Security Agencies and exported abroad.

The product of the Panus-Assembly is AMV-420P Mosquito 4x4 tire armored vehicle which unveiled at the Defense and Security 2019.

AAG

¿Terrorismo? Asesinan a 3 infantes de marina uruguayos

Decretan duelo nacional por el asesinato de tres infantes de la marina en el Cerro

El presidente Luis Lacalle Pou envío "nuestro pésame y profundo respeto a los familiares de los tres servidores de la patria asesinados".
El País


García y Larrañaga se hicieron presentes en el lugar. Foto: F. Flores.

Este domingo fueron hallados tres funcionarios uniformados de la Marina sin signos vitales en un destacamento en el Cerro. Las víctimas son Juan Manuel Escobar, Alex Guillenea y Alan Rodríguez, confirmaron fuentes policiales a El País.

Dos de ellos se encontraban en la guardia, en el suelo y con heridas de arma de fuego a la altura de la cabeza. El tercero fue encontrado tendido en un colchón.

Dos son de Rivera y uno de Tacuarembó. Tenían 31, 25 y 22 años, según consignó Telemundo.

Se constató el faltante de sus armas de reglamento, tres pistolas 9MM, no se llevaron tres chalecos balísticos y armas largas que también estaban en el lugar.

El presidente de la República Luis Lacalle Pou dijo que "nos inclinamos ante la dolorosa situación pero nos paramos firmes ante los criminales y delincuentes. Los vamos a combatir, perseguir y serán juzgados" y decretó duelo nacional.

Nuestro pésame y profundo respeto a los familiares de los tres servidores de la patria asesinados.
Nos inclinamos ante la dolorosa situación pero nos paramos firmes ante los criminales y delincuentes. Los vamos a combatir, perseguir y serán juzgados.
Decretaremos duelo nacional.— Luis Lacalle Pou (@LuisLacallePou) May 31, 2020

El ministro de Defensa Javier García y el ministro del Interior Jorge Larrañaga llegaron a la Fortaleza del Cerro esta mañana tras constatarse los hechos.

García expresó que se utilizará a "toda la fuerza del Estado" para resolver este crimen. "Acabo de hablar con las familias para expresarles solidaridad, el pésame y la voluntad absoluta de llegar a la verdad", dijo el ministro.

"Tres marinos ejecutados a sangre fría, es algo de una gravedad de la que yo no tengo recuerdo", "es una atrocidad", aseguró García.

"Es momento de que todo el Uruguay estemos juntos para solidaraznos con las familias de estos muchachos", concluyó.


Javier García llegó al Cerro tras constatarse los hechos. Foto: F. Flores.



#Ahora en el Cerro: el ministro del Interior Jorge Larrañaga se retira sin hacer declaraciones https://t.co/74uWNPHLkO pic.twitter.com/uVfukdUa0g— EL PAÍS (@elpaisuy) May 31, 2020

Asimismo se hizo presente en el lugar la fiscal de homicidios de segundo turno Mirta Morales, que en rueda de prensa dijo que "falta mucho todavía, no voy a manejar hipótesis porque nada se descarta" y pidió "calma y tiempo porque es una escena compleja que requiere de una buena investigación". La fiscal afirmó que hay cámaras que estaban muy cerca del lugar y ese registró será incluido en la investigación.

Policía Científica, Bálística y el Instituto Técnico Forense trabajan en el caso.



Fiscal de homicidios de segundo turno Mirta Morales. Foto: F. Flores.

El senador del Frente Amplio Mario Bergara asistió también al Cerro y expresó "toda la solidaridad y alineamiento del sistema político con las autoridades para que esto se dilucide cuanto antes", también aseguró que el caso "va a implicar un seguimiento permanente".

REPERCUSIONES

Políticos manifestaron repudio en redes sociales

El senador de Cabildo Abierto, general Guido Manini Ríos, fue de los primeros en repudiar el "alevoso el asesinato de tres militares que cumplían con su deber" y expresó "solidaridad con las familias de los tres efectivos".

Nuestra solidaridad con las familias de los tres efectivos asesinados y con todo el Personal de la Armada Nacional...— Gral. Guido Manini (@GuidoManiniRios) May 31, 2020

A estas declaraciones se sumaron más mensajes de dirigentes políticos durante la mañana.



Hacemos llegar nuestras condolencias y respeto a las familias de los tres Infantes de Marina asesinados en las últimas horas.
Como sociedad debemos exigir un rápido esclarecimiento de este hecho.— Daniel Salinas (@DrDanielSalinas) May 31, 2020


Yo le tengo total confianza al Presidente , al Ministro de Defensa y al Ministro del Interior que esta cobardía no va a quedar impune. No saben con quien se metieron. Fuerza hay un país detrás de ustedes— Sebastian Da Silva (@camboue) May 31, 2020


Horror!!! Nuestra total solidaridad con las familias de los marineros asesinados y con la Armada Nacional. Todo nuestro respaldo al Ministerio del Interior en la lucha frontal contra la delincuencia y el crimen organizado. https://t.co/VEFJouzlAB a través de @elpaisuy— Pablo Mieres (@Pablo_Mieres) May 31, 2020


Dolor y solidaridad ante lo ocurrido en el Cerro. Mataron a tres hijos del pueblo, herederos y prolongadores del ejército de Artigas. Tenían familia, amores, sueños, muchos años por vivir. Nuestras más sentidas condolencias.— Pablo da Silveira (@pdasilve) May 31, 2020


Toda la solidaridad con las víctimas y sus familias. Como sociedad debemos reaccionar con firmeza, seriedad y unidos para combatir este horror. Hay que poner toda la institucionalidad a trabajar y todos respaldar, hay mucho en juego ante estás atrocidades. https://t.co/4wiJuQ8LDj— Pablo Ferreri (@pabloferreri) May 31, 2020


Triste noticia, asesinaron a 3 militares de la Armada en base naval del Cerro. Me contacté con el Ministro Defensa y con el Comandante, nos pusimos a disposición de lo que se necesite. Hay que investigar a fondo y ver que hay detrás. El más sentido pésame a sus familias.— Gerardo Nuñez (@gera_nunez1001) May 31, 2020

Preocupados por el grave incidente en la fortaleza del Cerro y doloridos por la vida de tres jóvenes soldados (dos de Rivera y uno de Tacuarembó). Mis más sinceros pésames a sus familias.— Gerardo Amarilla (@GerardoAmarilla) May 31, 2020

Dolor por estos crímenes aberrantes, solidaridad con la familia de las víctimas y apoyo a las autoridades en la búsqueda de los criminales. Son hechos que conmueven al país entero. https://t.co/TOuAyhzZ0K— Pablo Abdala (@pabloabdala66) May 31, 2020



Operativo en el Cerro tras constatación del asesinato de tres marinos. Foto: F. Flores