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Dua Howitzer Caesar 155 mm Tiba di Jakarta

22 September 2012

Howitzer Caesar 155mm buatan Nexter Prancis (all photos : ARC)

JAKARTA– Dua howitzer tipe truck mounted berkaliber 155mm tiba di bandara Halim Perdana Kusumah, jakarta diangkut dengan pesawat Rusia tipe Il-76. Howitzer Caesar buatan Nexter Prancis ini digolongkan sebagai Self Propelled Howitzer/howitzer yang dapat bergerak sendiri dengan bentuk yang lebih inovatif dibandingkan howitzer jenis tersebut yang sebelumnya menggunakan roda rantai (tracked).

Sejalan dengan percepatan modernisasi TNI, maka Angkatan Darat direncanakan mendapatkan dua batalion howitzer Caesar ini. Satu batalion Artileri Medan terdiri dari 3 baterai, dimana 1 baterai terdiri dari 6 meriam, dengan demikian jumlah howitzer Caesar untuk TNI AD akan mencapai jumlah 36 unit.

Saat ini TNI AD memiliki 2 batalion howitzer gerak sendiri, masing-masing adalah Yon Armed 7/105 GS di Cikiwul Bekasi (Kodam Jaya), dan Yon Armed 5/105GS Cimahi Jawa Barat (Kodam Siliwangi). Howitzer yang digunakan adalah AMX Mk-61 eks Belanda berjumlah 50 unit yang diperoleh pada akhir 1970-an hingga tahun 1982. Howitzer beroda rantai dengan berat 13,7 ton ini memiliki meriam kaliber 105mm.

TNI AD juga memiliki howitzer caliber 155mm tipe tarik (towed) yang diperoleh dari Singapura pada tahun 1997. Howitzer FH-88 ini (di Indonesia sering disebut FH-2000) mempunyai bobot 12,9 ton dan digunakan oleh Batalyon Armed 9 Kostrad di Sadang, Purwakarta.

Menilik dari jangkauan tembakan maka pilihan atas howitzer Caesar ini menjadikan korps Artileri Medan memiliki jangkauan tembakan yang meningkat drastis. Bila AMX Mk-61 hanya mempunyai jangkauan tembakan 15km, dan FH-88 mempunyai jangkauan tembakan maksimal 30 km, maka Caesar mampu melakukan tembakan dengan jangkauan hingga 42-50 km. Jauh-dekatnya jangkauan tembakan ditentukan pula oleh pilihan proyektil yang dipakainya.

Howitzer Caesar juga digunakan oleh Thailand, negeri gajah putih tersebut membeli 6 unit pada tahun 2006 dan semua unit telah diterima pada tahun 2010. Pembelian oleh Thailandini merupakan perolehan order ekspor pertama-kali bagi Caesar.

Howitzer Caesar bersifat air-transportable, dapat diangkut dengan pesawat seperti C-130 Hercules ataupun A-400M, ini sangat memudahkan bagi howitzer ini untuk dapat disebar ke daerah konflik dengan cepat.

Dua howitzer Caesar yang telah datang di Indonesia ini akan mengikuti parade militer pada hari ulang tahun TNI tanggal 5 Oktober 2012. Setelah parade militer tersebut, Caesar dapat dilihat dari dekat oleh public pada Pameran Alutsista di Lapangan Monas pada tanggal 6-8 Oktober 2012.

(Defense Studies)

Self-Propelled Howitzers Project Scrapped

26 Juni 2012

K9 from Korea proposed for AS-9 Land 17 project (photo : Raytheon)

The largest single project to be cancelled in the budget – as opposed to deferred – were Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPH) at a stated saving of $225 million. APDR has been tracking this acquisition, designated LAND 17 Phase 1C, for years and has smelt a rat for a long time. It has been clear that since at least 2008 that Army and sections of the Defence bureaucracy did not like the outcome of their competitive tender process and did everything in their power to avoid signing a contract with the preferred bidder.

Even in defending the announcement on Sky News, Stephen Smith continued a long tradition of disinformation – some would say lies – about this matter. The Minister explained:

“There were issues with the self-propelled howitzer, including the type of ammunition that we could use, but also it's 80 tonnes and it can't be moved other than by its own propulsion.”

The first and most absurd howler in this statement is the weight claim. The preferred vehicle – the Raytheon Australia / Samsung Techwin AS/9 – comes in at just under 50 tonnes. It is lighter than an M1A1 Main Battle Tank – of which Australia has 59 – and can be moved by low loader, C-17 transport aircraft and anything else that can shift an MBT. The Minister has either made up this nonsense or he is simply parroting demonstrable rubbish produced by the Department.

The second matter he alludes to is ammunition compatibility. This seems to refer to a Departmental internal study that has breathlessly concluded that ammunition for an existing 39 calibre howitzer will not deliver adequate range when fired from the AS/9. That is hardly a surprise because the AS/9 uses a longer 52 calibre barrel and simply requires the ammunition to match. Again, either the Minister or the Department seems to operate in isolation from inconvenient things called facts.

In evidence given to Senate Estimates, Chief of Army LT GEN David Morrison agreed with the statement that the SPHs had been dropped because of financial cutbacks, saying on May 29:

“I do not believe that there is any need to prevaricate in answering. The simple answer is yes.”

K-9 and K-10 (photo : Defense Industry Daily)

The General then went on to explain that there were acceptable substitutes in the form of the M-777 towed howitzer, currently being acquired from the US under a Foreign Military Sales contract. The General alluded to changed circumstances but did not explain in detail what they were. The true story is far murkier and does no credit to Defence.

It is very difficult to see what has changed since the process to acquire SPHs started in 2006 when this capability was deemed to be a vital element of the new doctrine of Hardening and Networking the Army. What did change was Army’s thinking that they wanted a tracked system rather than a wheeled solution, which had been their original preference. After seeing a tracked, armoured Dutch PzH2000 based at Tarin Kowt lobbying shells into the distance, the powers that be decided they wanted one of those. Accordingly, the tender process was “tweaked” to exclude anything other than tracked solutions.

But then things went adrift. As APDR has amply reported on previous occasions, it seemed that only the PzH 2000 would do. Once it became clear that the AS/9 was the only product meeting Army’s own requirements, Defence slowed down the acquisition to an extent that would have been comical if the matter was not so serious. Process was added on to process, delay followed delay – all while the Department continued to assert that everything was above board and in accordance with Defence Capability Plan schedules. Defence itself has spent $11 million on this wasted process.

Rather like a spoilt child in a toyshop, Defence only wanted one brand of ray gun or tricycle and obstinately refused to accept any substitute. An AS/9 was brought to Australia for firing trials at Port Wakefield, but to no avail. Local SMEs contributed world-leading track technology and add-on armour. Prime contractor Raytheon Australia demonstrated end-to-end functionality of firing the Excalibur 155mm precision-guided round, produced by the company’s US parent.

None of these things made the slightest bit of difference to the eventual outcome. Defence has been prepared to drag out the process until eternity – waiting until finally circumstances have enabled them to recommend to an obliging and compliant Minister that he terminate the acquisition – to the eternal shame of all those involved.

(ADPR)

Artillery Control Systems Contract Signed

05 Juni 2012

M777 155mm towed howitzer (photo : freerepublic)

A contract has been signed with Rockwell Collins

Australia

for the acquisition of 96 digital terminal control systems (DTCS) under Project Land 17 Phase 1B.

The digital terminal control system allows Special Forces and artillery forward observers to identify targets with greater accuracy through the use of precision targeting software.

The system allows soldiers to rapidly engage enemy targets more effectively and with greater accuracy.

Australian troops will use these systems to call on fire support from land, sea or airborne weapon system, including the Army’s new M777 towed artillery.

The contract with Rockwell Collins Australia has a total value of around $63 million including in-service support arrangements.

This contract provides the Army with control terminals, tactical full motion video systems, laser target designators and training.

This contract follows the Government’s approval in 2010 for the acquisition of 56 digital terminal control systems for use in Afghanistan. The DTCS are used to support Australian and ISAF operations.

Rockwell Collins Australiahas been operating in

Australia

for over 40 years and produces cutting edge avionics, navigation and communications technology.

(Aus DoD)

Singapore Develops New 8x8 Artillery System

23 Mei 2012

155mm AMGS (image : STKinetics)

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

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

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

(Jane's)

Komisi I DPR Setujui Hibah 6 Salute Gun kepada Timor Leste

16 Mei 2012

Meriam salute gun Paspampres (photo : Kaskus Militer)

Komisi I DPR Setujui Hibah Enam Meriam Milik TNI AD Kepada RDTL

Jakarta, DMC – Komisi I DPR RI Bidang Pertahanan menyetujui rencana pemerintah dalam hal ini Kementerian Pertahanan (Kemhan) untuk menghibahkan barang milik Negara berupa enam pucuk meriam Salute Gun TNI AD kepada Pemerintah Republik Demokratis Timor Leste (RDTL).

Persetujuan hibah enam meriam Salute Gun kepada pemerintah RDTL ini disampaikan Ketua Komisi I DPR, Mahfudz Siddiq, dalam forum Raker Anggota Komisi I DPR dengan Menteri Pertahanan, Purnomo Yusgiantoro dan Panglima TNI Laksamana TNI Agus Suhartono, Selasa (15/5) di gedung DPR, Jakarta.

Sebelumnya, pada kesempatan Forum Raker tersebut, Menhan Purnomo Yusgiantoro, menyampaikan bahwa hibah dari enam meriam salute gun tersebut dalam rangka mendukung hari kemerdekaan Negara RDTL yang ke-10 yang akan dihadiri banyak tamu negara asing. Selain itu kegiatan hibah ini juga memiliki arti penting dalam menjaga hubungan Bilateral antara Pemerintah Indonesia dengan Pemerintah Timor Leste.

Lebih lanjut Menhan menjelaskan, TNI AD sebelumnya memiliki 18 pucuk meriam salut gun Kaliber 75 MM, yang berada di Batalion Armed VII di Bekasi. Ditambahkan Menhan Pemerintah Indonesia sebelumnya juga pernah melakukan hibah meriam salut gun kepada pemerintah Papua New Guinea (PNG) sejumlah 6 pucuk. Untuk itu, diungkapkan Menhan, dengan dihibahkannya kembali 6 pucuk meriam salut gun kepada pemerintah Timor Leste, maka TNI hingga kini memiliki 6 pucuk.

Sehubungan dengan hal tersebut, Menhan menuturkan pemerintah memiliki rencana untuk mengadakan kembali 12 pucuk meriam untuk jenis sama, yang mana rencananya ini telah dimasukan dalam anggaran penghematan APBN-P dan optimalisasi untuk tahun 2012.

Menhan mengharapkan adanya dukungan politik anggaran untuk merealisasikan target pemerintah dalam pencapaian modernisasi untuk mengganti 12 pucuk Meriam Salute Gun yang telah dihibahkan kepada dua negara tetangga tersebut.

Turut hadir dalam Raker tersebut, perwakilan dari pemerintah, Wamenhan, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Kepala Staf Angkatan Laut, Laksamana Soeparno, Wakasad Letjen TNI Budiman, S.IP, Dirjen Asia Pasifik dan Afrika Kementerian Luar Negeri, Yuri Thamrin, dan Sekjen Kemhan, Marsdya TNI Eris Herryanto.

(DMC)

Royal Thai Marines Training with 155mm Howitzer

12 Maret 2012

155mm towed howitzer GHN-45 of the Royal Thai Marines (all photos : Artillery Marines)

Thailand marines firing exercises with 155mm towed howitzer. This exercise was held in Long Beach, Sattahip.

Armed forces of Thaliand has 72 units 155mm towed howitzer of GHN-45 made by NORINCUM Austria.

Total of 42 units GHN-45 howitzer operated by the Royal Thai Marines. The howitzer weighed 11 tons and has a total firepower of up to 40km.

(Royal Thai Marines)

Thailand Mengembangkan Mobile Howitzer 155mm

25 Agustus 2011

Mobile Howitzer dengan platform truk milik Angkatan Darat Thailand (all photos : TAF)

Seiring dengan berkembangnya radar penanda lokasi penembakan artileri maka pasukan artileri modern membutuhkan jenis artileri yang dapat cepat berpindah. Pengadaan meriam gerak sendiri dengan roda rantai sekarang dirasakan terlalu mahal bila dibandingkan dengan meriam gerak sendiri yang bertumpu di atas platform truk.

Thailand juga menyadari hal tersebut. Solusi yang praktis adalah mengkonversi howitzer tarik miliknya dan menjadikannya sebagai mobile howitzer dengan platform di atas truk.

Baru-baru ini Angkatan Darat Thailand melansir mobile howitzer 155mm dengan platform truk. Kendaraan truk yang digunakan sebagai platform adalah truk Volvo N720. Truk ini mampu membawa beban hampir 11 ton.

Howitzer yang digunakan diyakini sebagai ex howitzer tarik 155mm GHN-45 buatan NORINCUM Austria. Meriam dengan berat total 11 ton ini mempunyai daya tembak 40km. Thailand dilaporkan memiliki 72 unit howitzer tipe ini yang diperoleh dari pembelian pada tahun 1992, 1996, dan tahun 1998.

Sebelumnya, diketahui bahwa Thailand telah mengembangkan mobile howitzer 105mm yang dipasang di atas truk REO. Jane's menuturkan bahwa howitzer yang dipakai adalah M101 A1 buatan AS yang telah diupgrade oleh Nexter dengan menggunakan laras meriam LG1.

Thailand saat ini juga mengoperasikan howitzer 155mm Caesar buatan Prancis. Order pembelian pertama berupa 6 unit mobile howitzer ini ditandatangani pada bulan Juli 2006. Howitzer buatan Nexter ini dipasang di atas truk Sherpa 5 6x6 dari Renault Trucks Defense. Thailand merupakan negara pertama di luar Prancis yang mengoperasikan sistem Caesar ini.

(Defense Studies)

South Africa Completed Test Firing of Wheeled SPH

02 Agustus 2011

The LSPH firing at a RDM shoot at Alkantpan in April 2011 (photo : Defenceweb)

South African Light Self-Propelled Howitzer Test Firing was Done

July 2011 between 4 and 10 in Armaments Corporation of South Africa(Armscor)'s Alkantpan testing range in the Northern Cape, Daniel Land Systems launched its own light howitzer (LSPH). The 105 mm howitzer Light Experimental Ordnance (LEO) of their own models, using 58-calibre, has successful in test firing high explosive projectiles at a maximum range of 31km.

Light self-propelled howitzer (LSPH) jointly developed Daniel Land Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems, Daniel's 105 mm turret will installed in the LAV III light armored vehicle platform. The gun was originally designed to meet the U.S. Army's NLOS cannon project's needs. U.S. Army decided to adopt the 155 mm gun after the suspension of development. In 2009 U.S. Army NLOS cannon project was canceled, and therefore light self-propelled howitzers to restart the project in 2010.

Based on 8x8, the LSPH's weight only 18.2 tonnes, air transportable with C-130 Hercules but can fire HE projectile for 31 km range (photo : casr)

Light self-propelled howitzer weight 18.2 tons, with a wheeled chassis, the inherent self-deploy mobility, firing without having to install stable bracket, only a very short time to enter battle. The gun fitted with Daniel's automatic navigation and targeting systems, based on the Denel Arachnida II Weapon Management System and Selex Fin 3110 of Italy's Inertial Navigation Unit, the amount of capacity of shells made from 60 to 38, C-130 transport aircraft available, with three crew.

The gun is equipped with 105 mm Series munitions, including shells fitted with interchangeable tail cone of the projectile or the bottom row of cells and modules charge the system. The maximum range on the gun in the probability of error is less than 0.3%, bias error of 0.5 miles. In the early 2011's during shooting demonstration, three shots that were fired from howitzers through the same hole in a wall at 1,000 m distance.

(DSTI)

See Also :

Denel Land Systems' LEO Leaps Forward
18 Juli 2011

(Defenceweb)

Howitzer KH-178 Perkuat Tiga Batalyon TNI AD

27 Juni 2011

Howitzer KH-178 buatan Korea Selatan (photo : Kodiklat, Pussenarmed)

Kesenjataan Artileri Medan sejaktahun 1982 telah menggunakan meriam jenis meriam 105 mm M 101 A1 buatan Amerika Serikat. Alutsista ini telah memperkuat persenjataan TNI AD serta meningkatkan Profesionalisme Prajurit Armed dalam mempertahankan keutuhan wilayah NKRI.

Dalam kurun waktu 24 tahun sesuai dengan kemajuan teknologi dan kebutuhan dalam pembentukan satuan baru sesuai Renstra 2009 s/d 2014, maka pimpinan TNI menyetujui untuk pembentukan satuan meriam 105 mm dan rematerialisasi satuan meriam 76 mm.

Setelah melalui beberapa proses pemilihan dan peninjauan maka pimpinan TNI memilih meriam 105 mm KH 178 buatan Korsel sebagai Alusista yang akan memperkuat TNI AD.

Sejumlah 3 Batalyon meriam KH 178 pada tahun 2010 dan 2011 akan dialokasikan untuk Rematerialisasi.

(Kodiklat)

TNI Uji Coba Howitzer Korea di Lumajang

20 April 2011

Howitzer KH-178 buatan Korea Selatan (photo : PusdikArmed)

Pasca Bentrok Kebumen, Uji Coba Meriam TNI Dipindah ke Lumajang

Surabaya - Bentrok antara aparat TNI dengan warga di Kebumen, Jawa Tengah yang dipicu penolakan uji coba Alutsista (Alat Utama Sistem Pertahanan) milik TNI AD berupa meriam Howitser, berdampak pada pengalihan lokasi pengujiannya.

Mabes TNI AD kemudian memutuskan untuk memindahkan lokasi uji coba dari Kebumen ke kawasan Air Shooting Range (lapangan tembak udara) di wilayah Desa Pandanwangi, Kecamatan Tempeh, Lumajang.

Uji coba ini sendiri dilaksanakan, Selasa (19/4/2011) siang, yang dihadiri sejumlah Perwira Tinggi dari Mabes TNI AD di Jakarta bersama sejumlah konsultan Alutsista yang terbang langsung ke kawasan air shooting range Desa Pandanwangi, dengan menggunakan sebuah helikopter milil TNI AD.

Dalam rombongan Perwita Tinggi Mabes TNI AD ini, terdapat Asisten Operasional (ASSOPS) KSAD Mayjend Hariyadi Soetanto bersama Panglima Divisi 2 Kostrad, Asrena KSAD. Wadan Pusen Armed dan sejumlah konsultan dalam negeri yang menghubungkan dengan pabrik Alutsista di Korea Selatan yang khusus mendatangkan meriam Howitser keliber 105 yang diuji-cobakan kali ini.

Dalam uji coba ini, Mayjend Hariyadi Soetanto kepada detiksurabaya.com menyampaikan, pemilihan areal Air Shooting Range di Desa Pandanwangi ini, dipilih karena memang merupakan daerah latihan untuk dicoba untuk senjata.

”Yang ideal memang uji coba meriam Howitser yang baru kami datangkan dari Korea Selatan ini dilaksanakan di sini. Kalau di Kebumen, jangkauan tembaknya tidak mencapai jarak ideal 11,8 kilometer. Tadinya memang mau diuji-cobakan di Kebumen, tapi jaraknya tidak sampai. Sedangkan kalau di lapangan tembak Pandanwangi, bisa mencapai jarak ideal 11,8 kilometer,” bebernya.

Dikatakan lebih lanjut oleh ASSOPS KSAD ini, alutsista jenis Howitser 105 yang diberi dari Korea Selatan ini berjumlah 18 pucuk. Sedianya yang ujicobakan di kawasan Air Shooting Range Desa Pandanwangi, sebanyak 6 pucuk yang dipilih secara random.

”Setelah nanti dipastikan semuanya telahd iujicobakan dan berfungsi baik, maka akan ditempatkan sebagai alutsista untuk Armed Kostrad di Purwakarta. Selanjutnya, TNI AD akan mengembangkan penambahan meriam Howitser dari Korea Selatan ini, sampai jumlah keseluruhan 54 pucuk,” urai Mayjend Hariyadi Soetanto.

Dalam ujicoba meriam Howitser yang dilajksanakan di areal tertutup untuk umum ini, dinyatakan ASSOPS KSAD berjalan bagus.

”Tadi uji-cobanya bagus. Amat sangat layak untuk kemudian ditindaklanjuti sebagai bagian untuk memenuhi Alutista Angkatan Darat. Tadi, 78 butir peluru kaliber 105 yang ditembakkan dari meriam Howitser yang didatangkan dari Korea Selatan. Akurasinya bagus, dan berkisar antara 21 meter saja. Dan untuk tembakan armed itu sangat bagus. Sejauh ini memang ada kerjasama dengan korea selatan. Untuk alutsista TNI AD, 18 pucuk dengan keseluruhan 54 pucuk meriam dari Korea Selatan ini,” sambungnya.

Seputar insiden bentrok antara aparat TNI AD dengan warga di Kebumen, Mayjend Hariyadi Soetanto berpendapat, sangat mungkin dalam peristiwa itu ada kelompok-keompok tertentu yang mempunya kepentingan hingga menyebabkan bentrokan tersebut terjadi. ”Kan wilayah itu tanah TNI AD. Tapi, saya tidak begitu tahu siapa orang atau kelompok-kelompok itu,” pungkas Mayjend Hariyadi Soetanto.

(Detik)

Breaking Out The Big Gun : Gunners Put M777A2 Howitzer to the Test at Puckapunyal

13 April 2011

M777A2 new 155mm field howitzer for Royal Australian Army (all photos : Australian DoD)

The bombardier's sharp commands precede a deafending boom, shattering a crisp Puckapunyal morning and signalling a new age for the Royal Australian Artillery.

The inaugural firing of the M777A2 155mm Lightweight Towed Howitzer on April 1 was a first for Australian gunners, bringing the ADF a complete joint fires capability.OC New Equipment Training Team Maj.

Pete Wiles said the M777A2 matched the firepower of current generation 155mm towed systems at about half the weight or the M198 it was designed to replace. replace.

"The lighweight design allows the gun to be deployed by fixed wing or rotary aircraft," Maj Wiles said.

"The on-board GPS, inertial navigation system and digital fire-control system allow it to be brought into action more quickly than other towed howitzers.

"The digital tranmission of fire orders and gun data can greatly reduce the possibillity of human error."

The firing was the culmination of the pilot M777A2 operator's course, concluded by the School of Arty's Gininery Training Team (GTT). The three-man team spent six weeks with the US Army training on the gun.

Senior SM Instructor Gunnery WO2 Darrin Free said the US instructors were very experienced, each with more than 20 years in artillery.

The instruction was thorough," W02 Free said.

"It was used as a base for us to develop drills required of an Australian detachment, deploying and using artillery the Australian way,"GTT instructor Bdr Mathew Nunn said it was an eye-opener to work with the US gunners and that exposure was handy for introducing the gun into Australian service."As soon as we got back from the States we went straight into it, writing doctrine and converting US drills into Australian and thinking about how we are going to introduce the gun," Bdr Nunn said.

"It’s been hard work right up to the first course and it’s rewarding to finally get through it and fire the gun.”Bdr Nunn made history as the first qualified Australian artillerymen to fire the M777A2.
"I've only been in the Army four years and to have the rank of bombardier and to be the number one of a now piece of kit, it's quite a privilege," he said.

The decision to replace the current indirect fire support fleet was taken in the 2005 Defence White Paper and confirmed by subsequent white papers. The M777A2 was identified as the ideal solution in 2008.

In 2009 the government decided to further enhance the indirect combat power available to the Army's combined-arms teams with the acquisition of new 155mm artillery system able to fireprecision munitions at very long ranges with high rates of fire.

Combined Arms Training Centre Commandant Col Sean Ryan said the Army had moved into the 21st century in terms of combat power.

He said a person on the forward edge of the battle could give data to the gun almost instantly, gaining the protection of indirect fire sooner.Col Ryan mid when combined with other state-of-the-art technology such as the Excalibur round and the computer-based Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS), the M777A2 provided Australia with a capability that would lead it into the future.

He said with the AFATDS "capacity to link, into Air Force and Navy systems, we're now truly got a joint-fires capability for the ADF."Some trainees from the first Course on the gun will work with the GTT as required to develop and deliver training to other instructors from the School of Arty and the regiment s of the RAA.

WO2 Free said the qualified soldiers would also help the GTT train other soldiers from 53 Btyand instruct initial employment training courses within Joint Fires Wing.

“Overall we have achieved the aim of the course, but there is a little bit of room for improvement," he said."It's very early days for the gun so we're still learning as we go, getting better every day.”

NEW CAPABILITY

THE M777A2 is capable of firing four rounds per minute for two minutes, then two rounds per minute sustained.

At 4500kg, the M777A2 is about half the weight and is smaller than the M198 it is designed to replace, without sacrificing the range, stability, accuracy or durability.

The M777A2 is currently in service with the Australian Army, US Marine Corps, US Army and Canadian Forces.

Effective range is 24km with standard 155mm ammunition, 30km with Rocket Assisted Projectiles and up to 40km with Excalibur precision guided projectiles.

The Excalibur precision guided projectile is a precise GPS-guided munition capable of being used in close support situations with friendy units.

(The Australian Army Magazine)

RI Bisa Hibah Meriam ke Papua Nugini

28 Maret 2011

Meriam salute gun Paspampres (photo : Kaskus Militer)

JAKARTA (Suara Karya): Hibab empat unit meriam Salute Gun dari Republik Indonesia (RI) kepada militer Papua Nugini semakin terbuka. Ini menyusul persetujuan seluruh fraksi di DPR. Rencananya, persetujuan itu akan ditetapkan pada Sidang Parupurna DPR, Selasa (29/3).

"Dalam rapat internal di Komisi I DPR sebelumnya, seluruh fraksi yang ada telah menyetujui hibah tersebut. Selasa, tinggal ketuk palu," ujar Ketua Komisi I DPR Mahfudz Siddiq, di Jakarta, akhir pekan lalu.

Anggota Komisi I DPR dari Fraksi Partai Golkar Fayakhun Andriadi mengatakan, sebelum ketuk palu, Komisi I DPR akan melakukan pembahasan internal pada Senin (27/3). Agenda rapat, membahas pandangan fraksi dan dilanjutkan pengambilan keputusan. "Senin akan di-clear dalam rapat internal Komisi I," katanya.

Mahfudz menjelaskan, seluruh fraksi Komisi I DPR punya pandangan bahwa hibah itu tak akan memengaruhi kekuatan militer Indonesia. Artinya, ketersediaan meriam Indonesia masih mencukupi. Apalagi, meriam Salute Gun yang akan dihibahkan merupakan seri lama. "Hibah meriam itu, didasari bahwa Indonesia memiliki kelebihan stok," ujarnya.

Alasan lain, tutur Mahfudz, hibah empat unit meriam Salute Gun untuk mengurangi biaya perawatan meriam itu. Masyarakat, tutur Mahfudz, tak perlu khawatir karena meriam yang dihibahkan itu bukan termasuk kategori persenjataan perang atau alutsista. "Ini bukan kategori alutsista kok, jadi tidak perlu curiga berlebihan. Kecuali menyangkut persenjataan berat, yang memang kita sendiri masih membutuhkannya," katanya.

Sementara itu, mantan anggota Komisi I DPR Muhammad AS Hikam menyatakan, jika memang betul hibah itu ditujukan pada Papua Nugini, harus dibatalkan. Hibab itu tak dapat dibenarkan karena melanggar penjanjian internasional. "Apalagi jika hibah itu untuk kelompok separatis Papua Nugini, itu jelas mesti dibatalkan hibahnya, karena akan mendapat kecaman dunia internasional," katanya.

AS Hikam sendiri belum mendapatkan informasi lengkap, kepada siapa hibah itu diberikan Indonesia. Yang pasti, menurut dia, kebijakan pemerintah Indonesia untuk mengibahkan meriam Salute Gun terlalu berlebihan (over acting). Pemerintah dan DPR perlu meninjau ulang, di tengah kondisi militer Indonesia masih banyak membutuhkan alat utama sistem persenjataan (alutsista).

Menurut dia, Indonesia masih minus dalam hal persenjataan tersebut. Sehingga sangat ironis, jika alutsista yang dibeli dengan uang rakyat dari impor itu, justru diberikan pada pihak lain.

"Sayang kalau peralatan itu masih bagus dan kita masih memerlukannya kenapa mesti disumbangkan pada negara lain. Apalagi jika alutsista tersebut di impor dan dibeli dari uang rakyat," kata Hikam.

Pendapat senada disampaikan pengamat militer dan intelijen Suripto, bahwa hibah meriam itu tak perlu direalisasikan. Indonesia masih perlu melengkapi alutsistanya untuk menjaga kedaulatan NKRI.

Apalagi dalam era sekarang ini, dia mengatakan, hampir seluruh negara di Asia sedang membangun kekuatan militer dan melengkapi alutsistanya. (Feber S)

(Suara Karya)

Pelatihan Meriam KH 178

28 Maret 2011

Pelatihan meriam KH-178 105mm untuk Angkatan Darat (photo : pussenarmed)

Danpussenarmed Brigjen TNI Ediwan Prabowo, S.IP di dampingi staf membuka PELATIHAN OPERATOR MERIAM 105 MM KH 178 pada tanggal 16 Maret 2011 bertempat di Batalyon Armed 9/KOSTRAD. Kegiatan ini merupakan langkah nyata yang dilaksanakan oleh Pussenarmed, sebagai tindak lanjut dari program rematerialisasi alut sista guna menuju strategi kekuatan pokok minimum (Minimum Essential Force).

Pelatihan ini bertujuan untuk membekali para peserta pelatihan dalam mengawaki meriam 105 mm KH 178. Dalam amanatnya Danpussenarmed menyampaikan agar kegiatan penataran dapat dilaksanakan dengan baik dan penuh kedisiplinan (Self Dicipline), sehingga nantinya para peserta pelatihan dapat menjadi kader pelatih di lembaga pendidikan maupun di satuan.

(PussenArmed)

Alutsita Pasukan Armed akan Diganti

16 Desember 2010

WR-40 Langusta - peluncur roket dengan 40 tabung 122 mm buatan Polandia (photo : Agencia Gazeta)

Magelang, CyberNews. Komandan Pusat Pendidikan dan Latihan Armed TNI AD (Danpussenarmed Kodiklat TNI AD) Brigjen A. Agung Gde Suardhana mengatakan alat utama sistem senjata (alutsita) Artileri Medan (Armed) TNI AD Kostrad akan diregenerasi menjadi lebih canggih.

Langkah ini dilakukan demi mengikuti perkembangan teknologi yang sangat cepat. Diharapkan regenerasi alutsita ini akan membantu Armed dalam menjawab tantangan zaman yang lebih kompleks dan berat.

Menurut Brigjen Agung Gde Suardhana meriam 76 MM yang telah lama digunakan Armed digantikan meriam 105 MM KH 178 buatan Korsel yang lebih mutakhir. Pasukan Armed juga akan mendapat tambahan senjata baru yakni roket WR 40 Langusta buatan Polandia.

KH-178 - howitzer 105mm buatan Korea (photo : naver)

"Penambahan dan regenerasi beberapa alutsita ini harus dijadikan tantangan untuk terus maju. Jangan dianggap sebagai kendala," tegas Brigjen A. Agung Gde Suardhana dalam pengarahan kepada 350 prajurit Armed 3/105 Tarik Magelang di Mako Armed 3, Kamis (16/12).

Dia berharap seluruh prajurit TNI AD khususnya di Armed 3 agar cepat belajar dan terus belajar agar tidak ketinggalan dalam penguasaan teknologi. Apalagi perkembangan iptek sekarang sangat cepat dan terus berubah.

Suadharna mengatakan pihaknya akan membentuk tiga divisi baru yakni divisi lintas udara (linud), raider (serang) dan divisi mekanis (mesin). Ketiga divisi tersebut untuk menggantikan Divisi Malang dan Jawa Barat.

Penambahan divisi ini dimaksudkan untuk mendukung pembinaan kesatuan agar lebih baik. "Jangan sampai prajurit Armed ketinggalan zaman dan teknologi. Kita harus terus belajar dan belajar," kata dia.

(Suara Merdeka)

Questions Over Land 17's Future

12 Oktober 2010

The PZH2000, from KMW in consultation with BAE Systems, and the Raytheon Australia/Samsung Techwin AS-9 are in the running for Land 17 artillery replacement program. (photo : Raptor4333 & Militaryphotos)

As Prime Minister Gillard questions the value of Abrams tanks in Afghanistan recently, others are wondering what is happening with the selection of self-propelled 155mm artillery under Land 17 and their potential for fire support to the ADF in the MEAO.

Rather than announcing a preferred bidder after what would seem to be a fairly exhaustive and longwinded evaluation phase since tenders closed in April 2008, Defence has arranged a further offer definition and refinement process (ODRP).

While Raytheon offering the AS-9 complied, KMW in consultation with BAE Systems declined to participate in the process, disagreeing with the terms and conditions of the ODRP.

Nevertheless their tender was not withdrawn and as far as KMW was concerned it stood.
Now there are dark rumours that the SPH requirement will not be considered in the latter half of 2010 – when tender validity in both cases will have run out – and that the requirement will be shelved until 2012 when it will again come up for consideration.

By then the Government may well have second thoughts about the need for heavily armoured, tracked, self-propelled heavy artillery, and how relevant such systems might be in the context of contemporary warfighting experience and future hostilities.

In which case it might invoke the balance of the M777A2 lightweight towed gun systems approved by Congress in mid-2008 for sale to Australia and thus satisfy the ADF’s requirement for 155mm gun systems, able to fire the most advanced ammunition types, and fully networked with the AFATDS command and control system.

(Australian Defence)

Sights on Howitzer Sale

30 Juli 2010

Nexter Caesar (photo : norev)

PETALING JAYA: Foreign arms manufacturers are eyeing a possible tender to supply the Malaysian army with up to 18 self-propelled howitzers (SPH). An SPH, or artillery, is mounted on a tracked or wheeled motor vehicle. An armoured tracked SPH usually resembles a tank.

The Malay Mail was informed by defence industry sources that at least four manufacturers were eyeing the programme which is expected to be funded under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

The SPH programme was included in the two previous Malaysian plans but procurement was never finalised due to budget cuts and other priorities. However, there has been no official word from the Defence Ministry or the army on the matter.

BAe-Bofors Archer (photo : bofors)

The lack of official announcement has not stopped manufacturers from promoting their products, leading to speculation that a tender will be called soon.

At the recent Eurosatory land defence exhibition in Paris, a Malaysian army delegation was extensively briefed by exhibitors displaying their SPHs.

Our army, which operates up to 30 G5 and FH-70 towed 155mm howitzers, purchased some 30 years ago, reportedly hoped to procure 18 SPHs to form a single battalion for its armoured brigade.

Among the four interested manufacturers reportedly eyeing the SPH tender were Sweden's Bae Systems Bofors Archer, France's Nexter Caesar, Germany's KMW PzH 2000 and South Korea's Samsung Techwin K9 Thunder.

Both the Archer and Caesar are truck-mounted SPHs while the German and Korean contenders are tracked vehicles.

K-9 Thunder (photo : military today)

In recent years, the trend for SPHs has progressed towards truck-mounted vehicles as exemplified by Archer and Caesar as they are considered more mobile than their tracked counterparts. Being truck-mounted, these vehicles also offer lower maintenance and life-cycle costs, and an extended service life.

The Archer has a combat weight of 30 tonnes while the Caesar has a relatively lower weight of 17 tonnes. The PzH 2000 combat weight is 53 tonnes while the Korean entry comes in at 49 tonnes.

Although both the Archer and Caesar may suit the Malaysian army requirements better compared with tracked vehicles, they reportedly cost US$10 million (RM32 million) and US$5 million each, respectively, mostly due to the limited number of units.

Only 48 Archers have been procured so far, all of which were ordered by the Swedish and Norwegian armies, while up to 200 units of the Caesar have been ordered by the French, Thai and Saudi armies.

PzH 2000 (photo : military pictures)

The PzH 2000 reportedly costs US$4.5 million each although the ones being offered to Malaysia are completed vehicles which were used by the Dutch army may have brought down the price.

The Thunder is probably the cheapest contender with a reported per unit cost of US$3 million although it also comes with supply vehicles designated K10 Armoured Resupply Vehicle (ARV). The ARV, which uses the same chassis, is responsible for re-arming the K9.

South Korean SPH battalions with 18 Thunder also operate 18 K10s. Some 550 K9 Thunder have been procured by the South Korean and Turkish armies. Turkey locally manufactures the Thunder under the designation T-155 Firtina.

Denel G6-52 (photo : military today)

Apart from those four manufacturers, Denel of South Africa is also expected to enter the fray when the tender is offered. The South African firm is expected to offer its G6-52 wheel chassis SPH. The G6 reportedly costs around US$4 million per unit.

(MalayMail)

China Upgrades Self-Propelled Artillery

26 Juli 2010

China's PLZ-05 self propelled howitzer (photo : Army Recognition)

China has deployed a fifth battalion of its new 35 ton PLZ 05 self-propelled howitzers. Each battalion has three batteries, of six howitzers each. There is also a support battery for carrying more ammo and for equipment maintenance. There is also an artillery spotting radar and a weather radar (to improve the accuracy of unguided shells). At least four other battalions have entered service since 2007.

The PLZ 05 is a further development of the 33 ton PLZ 45, which entered service in the 1990s as an export item. This system had a crew of five and a semi-automatic loader. The PLZ 04/04 use an automatic loader, thus a crew of only four is required. Kuwait, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia bought PLZ 45s in the last decade.

Dimensions of both vehicles are 10.5 meters (1 meter=3.1 feet) long, 3.3 meters wide and 2.6 meters high (3.5 meters if you include the 12.7mm machine-gun usually mounted on top of the turret.) The PLZ 05 barrel is 15.5 percent longer than the one on the PLZ 45.

There is another model, the PLZ 04, with a slightly (4 percent) longer barrel than the PLZ 05. For all of these vehicles, the 155mm barrel is good for about 2,500 rounds. Computerized control systems and satellite navigation enable the weapon to be ready for firing within minutes. The vehicle carries 30 rounds of 155mm ammo, with 24 ready to be used by the autoloader. Max rate of fire (for a few minutes) is ten rounds a minute (five in the PLZ 45). Max range of the howitzer is 50 kilometers (with rocket assisted shells). Normal shells are good got about 39 kilometers and laser guided shells for 20 kilometers. All three of these systems use a lot of technology stolen from the Russians.

The Russian and Chinese systems compete with the fifty year old U.S. M-109 design, which is a 25 ton vehicle with a crew of five.

(Strategy Page)

Australia to Procure 35 M-BAE Systems M777 Howitzer Programme Exceeds £1bn Sales19 Jul 2010 | Ref. 152/2010 777 Howitzer

21 Juli 2010

M-777 lighweight howitzer (photo : libnot)

BAE Systems M777 Howitzer Programme Exceeds £1bn Sales

Farnborough, UK - BAE Systems has received an order for 93 additional M777 howitzers, taking the order book to 955 systems and taking sales for the programme to over £1bn.

The US is buying 58 guns for the US Army and U.S. Marine Corps while Australia is acquiring 35 through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The order makes Australia the third customer for the M777 system after the U.S. and Canada.

Mike Smith, managing director for BAE Systems’ European Weapons business, commented on the gun acquisition contract: “The purchase of additional howitzers is further endorsement of M777 as the most effective howitzer system of its kind. Its proven combat effectiveness means we expect more orders through 2011 as we continue to promote the system globally.

“The U.S. government is currently discussing the provision of 145 systems to India as well as several other countries. In parallel, BAE Systems is responding to requests for information from a large number of countries wishing to expand their indirect fire capability.”

BAE System’ facility at Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is responsible for final integration and test of the weapon system. The prime contract management of the M777 program and manufacture and assembly of the complex titanium structures and associated recoil components are undertaken at Barrow-in-Furness in the United Kingdom.

The M777 continues to provide artillery support to coalition forces in Afghanistan where its performance exceeds expectations. The gun can fire the “smart” Excalibur round, co-developed by BAE Systems, up to 40 km (25m) accurately enough to target a specific room within a building, reducing the chance of innocent casualties and allowing supporting fire to be brought down much closer to friendly troops.

BAE Systems has also recently agreed to provide an $18m (£12m) support package for M777 directly with Canada, which is procuring 37 guns via FMS. The contract covers the supply of spares and engineering support.

Weighing in at less than 4200kg, the revolutionary M777 is the world’s first artillery weapon to make widespread use of titanium and aluminium alloys, resulting in a howitzer which is half the weight of conventional 155mm systems.

This allows it to be deployed by medium-lift helicopter quickly and beyond the reach of roadside bombs to otherwise inaccessible areas, extending its reach over the theatre of operations.

The M777 effort is managed by the US Army/Marines Light Weight 155mm Joint Program Office at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey.

(BAE System)

Philippine Army Looking For 155mm Howitzer

04 June 2010

Philippine Army with 105mm howitzer (photo : sulekha)

DND Shopping Around for Heavy Weapons, Trucks

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) is in the market for heavy guns as well as military trucks for the Philippine Army (PA) in line with its ongoing efforts to modernize the military.

While there was no mention of the exact amount allotted for the procurement, Defense Undersecretary Antonio Romero said they are looking forward to the purchase of 155mm howitzers for the Army.

At present, the Army is heavily dependent on 105mm howitzers, which only have a maximum range of less than 12 kilometers (air distance), for its counterterrorism, counterinsurgency and anti-lawlessness campaign, especially in Mindanao.

The 155 mm howitzers, which have a range of 15 kilometers (air distance), will boost the Army’s reach into enemy lines, considering that most areas of conflict in the country are confined to rugged terrain.

Also being programmed for acquisition by the defense department are M35 military transport trucks to facilitate the mobility of Army troops on the ground.
But Romero admitted that in so far as the Army’s armor needs is concerned, it is unlikely that the department will program the purchase of heavy tanks since this fighting vehicle is designed to do combat in deserts and plains.

“Also, the country’s road networks and bridges have been designed for light and medium military tanks. If we purchase 60-ton heavy tanks our roads and bridges will be damaged because they are designed for 20-ton vehicles,” Romero said.
The defense department has already sealed a P2.8-billion deal with Poland for the acquisition of eight brand-new combat utility helicopters for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Delivery of the four units is expected to happen within a year.

Palace: No AFP midnight deal

Malacañang yesterday gave its full backing to the deal with Poland, saying it was a long overdue step towards the modernization of the Armed Forces.Deputy presidential spokesman Rogelio Peyuan said the deal was “definitely above board” and there is no sufficient reason for it to be blocked.Aside from the eight brand-new helicopters, the DND is also looking at Canada or

France for the acquisition of fighter jets, which the Air Force also needs.

“For now only Canada has a funding scheme for us if we are going to purchase fighter jets from them,” Romero said.

The Philippine Navy is also procuring two MVRs (multi-role vessels), at P5 billion each.

“We fully back the position of the Secretary of National Defense. His office is open to those who have concerns (regarding the acquisition). The documents are available for the proper scrutiny of anyone who’s interested to find out the transparency of the purchase of these choppers,” Peyuan told reporters.“It (deal) is not an overnight idea. We’ve been hearing this modernization thing of the Armed Forces and the entire defense system even during the time of President Fidel Ramos,” he said.Peyuan urged Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to support the acquisition once he assumes the presidency on June 30.He said defense officials involved in the deal would be able to justify the purchase.“(The government) has already started attending to the modernization efforts of the AFP. So, I would think that the entire defense organization and the AFP will be presenting the same position to the incoming leadership in due time,” Peyuan said. – Paolo Romero

(PhilStar)

ST Kinetics Confident of Bagging Indian Army’s Howitzers Contract

24 Maret 2010

STK's iFH-2000 (photo : IndianDefence)

New Delhi (ANI): Singapore Technologies (ST) Kinetics, which is vying for India’s order of 400 towed 155mm/52 calibre field howitzers, is looking for a long term association with the Indian Army and is confident of bagging the contract.

Artillery acquisition is central to the Indian Army’s modernization programme. This tender involves outright purchase of 400 towed guns and transfer of technology for manufacture of another 1180 guns.

“Actually, we have a whole lot of products to offer Indian Army. Basically howitzers. We are participating in both howitzer categories and also couple of embodied system,” said Ong Meng Hua Patrick, Director Regional Marketing of the ST Kinetics.

STK's Pegasus lighweight howitzer (photo : IndianDefence)

“At present our light weight assault rifle is under going trial rounds. We are happy and able to supply to the Indian Armed forces in the near future. We have 42 years of experience in engineering and defence products,” he said on Thursday on the sidelines of the DEFEXPO 2010 held in New Delhi.

“Indian Army is a very good customer for howitzers and we are more competent than other people in the market. We have a 155 mm double barrel howitzer, and we are first in the world to produce it,” said Patrick.

He said that ST Kinetics lightweight howitzer has got artillery power unit (APU), which enables it to load quickly by pressing a button rather than running round the chamber, and helps soldiers to use them in high altitude and cold weather a lot.

“ST Kinetics is partnering Punj Llyod group. We are confident that they will be able to furnish the requirement of our Indian customers,” Patrick said when asked about fulfilling India’s Offset clause in the defence contract.

ST Kinetics FH-2000 towed howitzer made by Singapore Technologies (ST), a government-held firm, will face-off with the Bae Land Systems (formerly Bofors) FH77B05.

Two more howitzers in the race were rejected following technical scrutiny of the tender bids, the Rheinmetall’s RWG-52 and Israeli Soltam’s Athos.

Indian Army bought the Bofors FH77B02 artillery guns more than 22 years back. (ANI)

(Thaindian)