Thai Cabinet Approves to Procure Two Frigates for the Royal Thai Navy

07 Agustus 2025

One frigate will be puchased in 2026, then second ship would be provide later, maybe in 2027 (photo: RTN)

The Cabinet meeting on August 5, 2025, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Bhumtham Wechayachai, acting as Prime Minister, considered and approved several important projects for the Armed Forces, both new and existing.

The Cabinet has approved in principle a project to procure two frigates worth 35 billion baht, but in the 2026 budget, only one frigate will be purchased, worth 17.5 billion baht.

According to the Navy's strategic plan, which has deployed naval forces on the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman coasts , there must be a total of 8 operational frigates by 2037. 

There are currently four ships: HTMS Bhumibol, HTMS Taksin, HTMS Naresuan, and HTMS Rattanakosin (which has been upgraded to a frigate class).

After this, the Royal Thai Navy will set up a committee to select the design. Five foreign companies are on the list: the Netherlands, South Korea, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Once the desired design is finalized, it will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval and then contract signing.

See full article BangkokBizNews

Menhan Sjafrie Bicara Penjajakan Alutsista Saat Lawatan ke Belarus

07 Agustus 2025

Pertemuan delegasi Kemhan RI dan Belarus (photo: Kemhan)

Jakarta, IDM – Menteri Pertahanan RI Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin mengaku membahas penjajakan alat utama sistem persenjataan (alutsista) saat melawat ke Belarus, akhir Juli lalu.

Menhan Sjafrie mengatakan bahwa pemerintah sedang mengobservasi pembelian alutsista dari Belarus.

“Biasanya negara-negara yang ada di sekitar konflik itu alutsistanya canggih. Karena mereka juga untuk menjaga kedaulatannya. Kita observasi ke sana,” ujar Sjafrie saat ditemui di kantor Kementerian Pertahanan RI, Jakarta Pusat, Selasa (5/8).

Namun, kata Sjafrie, observasi itu juga harus disesuaikan dengan kebutuhan militer Indonesia, termasuk soal teknologi.

Kemhan diduga mengincar bom pintar untuk melengkapi pesawat Su-27/30 (infographic: Army Recognition)

“Yang paling penting kita cocokan dengan platform anggaran kita. Jadi masih observasi semua. Kan (kita) negara bebas aktif, boleh kan,” kata Menhan RI.

Diketahui, Sjafrie bertemu dengan Kepala Staf Umum yang juga Wakil Menteri Pertahanan Pertama Republik Belarus atau Chief of the General Staff and First Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Belarus Mayjen Pavel Nikolaevich Muraveyko di Belarusia pada Senin (28/7).

Siaran pers Kemhan RI menyatakan, lawatan Sjafrie itu membahas sejumlah kerja sama pertahanan, khususnya dalam pengembangan industri pertahanan, pendidikan dan pelatihan militer, serta pertukaran teknologi.

Pertemuan sekaligus memperkuat hubungan pertahanan Indonesia–Belarus dan memberikan kontribusi positif bagi kepentingan nasional kedua negara serta perdamaian dan stabilitas kawasan. 

(IDM)

Malaysia Tembakkan Torpedo Aktif dari Kapal Selam Scorpène untuk Pertama Kalinya

07 Agustus 2025

Loading torpedo Black Shark ke KD Tun Razak, pada tahun 2014, TLDM menguji penembakan torpedo Black Shark dari kapal selam KD Tun Razak, namun berupa torpedo latih (photo: TLDM)

Malaysia telah menembakkan torpedo aktif dari salah satu kapal selam diesel-listrik (SSK) kelas Perdana Menteri (Scorpène) untuk pertama kalinya, 16 tahun setelah kapal tersebut diresmikan.

Menanggapi permintaan klarifikasi dari Janes, seorang perwakilan dari Angkatan Laut Kerajaan Malaysia (TLDM) mengonfirmasi pada 5 Agustus bahwa penembakan perdana senjata jenis tersebut terjadi pada Latihan ‘Taming Sari 23/25’ yang baru saja berakhir.

Dalam pernyataan yang dikeluarkan pada 29 Juli untuk menandai keberhasilan penyelesaian latihan, TLDM menyatakan bahwa SSK KD Tun Razak untuk pertama kalinya menembakkan torpedo Black Shark yang "dikonfigurasi untuk perang".

Perwakilan TLDM mengonfirmasi bahwa ini merujuk pada versi aktif torpedo Black Shark, dan satu putaran senjata ditembakkan dari Tun Razak selama latihan untuk memvalidasi kemampuan tempur kapal selam tersebut.

Selain penembakan torpedo aktif perdana, kapal saudara Tun Razak, KD Tunku Abdul Rahman, juga melakukan aktivitas penembakan rudal terkoordinasi dengan korvet kelas Kasturi, KD Lekir, dan fregat kelas Lekiu pertama, KD Lekiu.

Baik Lekir maupun Lekiu masing-masing meluncurkan rudal antikapal Exocet MM40, sementara Tunku Abdul Rahman menembakkan rudal Exocet SM39 yang diluncurkan dari tabung torpedo selama latihan yang berlangsung di Laut Cina Selatan.

"Keberhasilan penembakan ini jelas menunjukkan keseriusan TLDM dalam hal kemampuan dan tekad kami dalam mempertahankan kedaulatan dan integritas zona maritim Malaysia," demikian pernyataan TLDM pada 29 Juli.

(Jane's)

Tinjau Alutsista di UAE, KSAL Pelajari Teknologi dan Cari Opsi Modernisasi

06 Agustus 2025

KSAL Laksamana Muhammad Ali menerima paparan mengenai ranpur amfibi Rabdan 8x8 produksi Edge Group saat kunjungan kerja ke UEA, pada Mei 2025 (photo: TNI AL)

Jakarta, IDM – Kepala Staf Angkatan Laut (KSAL) Laksamana Muhammad Ali berupaya mencari opsi modernisasi kemampuan tempur TNI AL, salah satunya meninjau teknologi alutsista dari negara Uni Emirat Arab (UEA).

Hal itu diungkapkan oleh Kepala Dinas Penerangan Angkatan Laut (Kadispenal) Laksamana Pertama Tunggul saat menanggapi unggahan akun Instagram resmi @republikorp, Selasa (5/8) tentang lawatan Ali ke UEA.

Rabdan 8x8 tank dengan kanon 2A70 kaliber 100 mm (photo: EDGE)

Dalam unggahan tersebut, Ali bersama Panglima Angkatan Laut UEA Mayjen Humaid Mohammed Alremeithi tengah menyimak paparan dari perusahaan pertahanan Edge Group, mengenai spesifikasi kendaraan tempur (ranpur) amfibi Rabdan 8×8.

“KSAL mengunjungi Edge Group untuk menyaksikan demonstrasi mobilitas dan kemampuan ranpur amfibi Rabdan 8×8 yang merupakan salah satu andalan angkatan bersenjata UEA,” ungkap Tunggul kepada Indonesia Defense Magazine, Jakarta, Rabu (6/8).

Disinggung soal rencana pembelian ranpur Rabdan untuk memperkuat kemampuan tempur TNI AL, khususnya Korps Marinir, Tunggul mengatakan modernisasi alutsista menjadi suatu keharusan bagi militer Indonesia.

Rabdan IFV dengan RCWS Shaheen 30 kaliber 30mm (photo: AFP)

“Meninjau alutsista produksi negara-negara sahabat sudah tentu bertujuan untuk mempelajari teknologi terkini, menjalin kerjasama pertahanan, dan mencari opsi terbaik untuk modernisasi alutsista TNI AL,” kata Tunggul.

Dalam mendukung Indonesia Emas 2045, TNI AL dalam postur pembangunan kekuatan sampai 2044 mengangkat visi untuk menjadi angkatan laut yang modern, menggentarkan di kawasan (regionally-deterrent), dan berproyeksi global (globally-projected).

Visi itu mengakui ke depan TNI AL bakal menghadapi ragam tantangan dan risiko yang berkembang pesat, yang kompleks, dan tak dapat diprediksi baik dalam lingkup global, regional, maupun nasional. Oleh karena itu, TNI AL dituntut untuk tangkas, adaptif, dan punya resiliensi yang baik.

Kendaraan taktis 4x4 Ajban Mk 2 (photo: EDGE) 

Gambaran lingkungan strategis saat ini yang dinamis dan kompleks, seperti konflik di Rusia-Ukraina, Israel-Hamas, krisis di Laut Merah, atau pun di tingkat kawasan seperti ketegangan di Selat Taiwan dan Laut Cina Selatan, kemudian di dalam negeri ada masalah keamanan di Papua.

Kompleksitas juga ditemukan pada kemajuan teknologi pertahanan yang saat ini terlihat dari penggunaan teknologi berbasis siber, kecerdasan buatan (AI), dan alutsista nirawak (unmanned system).

Faktor-faktor itu turut mempengaruhi perencanaan pembangunan kekuatan TNI AL baik dalam dokumen renstra-nya maupun postur pembangunan kekuatannya untuk jangka panjang. 

(IDM)

Australian Government Approves Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement with Austal

06 Agustus 2025

Landing Craft Medium for Australian Army (image: Austal)

Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) is pleased to announce that it has finalised its Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA) with the Commonwealth of Australia (“CoA” or “the Commonwealth”), which will appoint a newly created Special Purpose Vehicle and Austal subsidiary, Austal Defence Shipbuilding Australia (“Austal Defence Australia”), as the Commonwealth’s strategic shipbuilder for Tier 2 surface combatants at Henderson, Western Australia.

The Commonwealth Government has now approved the terms of the SSA. Following this approval, the formal SSA and related contract documentation are currently being prepared and will be executed imminently. This follows Austal’s announcement to ASX of the Heads of Agreement to establish the SSA on 23 November 2023.

Under the SSA, Austal Defence Australia will become the prime contractor for the build and delivery for the LAND 8710 programs - Landing Craft Medium (expected to be 18 vessels) and Landing Craft – Heavy (expected to be 8 vessels), previously announced as the pilot shipbuilding programs under the SSA. Austal and the Commonwealth are currently in discussions to finalise contractual arrangements for each of the two pilot programs and, subject to conclusion of those discussions, details of each pilot program will be announced separately.

Austal CEO Paddy Gregg said: “The government’s approval of the SSA is a defining moment for Austal. It will establish Austal Defence Australia as the Commonwealth of Australia’s strategic shipbuilder for Tier 2 vessels in Western Australia and reflects both Austal’s excellent defence shipbuilding record and the capabilities that Austal possesses to help the Australian Government to achieve its defence objectives.

“The Commonwealth seeks to ensure Australia’s Defence procurement possesses sovereignty and greater certainty and resilience across the naval ship supply chain in an increasingly complex strategic environment and in alignment with the Commonwealth’s continuous naval shipbuilding policies. Through the SSA, Austal is committed to helping the CoA meet these objectives while establishing Austal Defence Australia as the CoA’s shipbuilder of choice in WA.”

The SSA will establish a management framework and common terms through which Austal Defence Australia will deliver the Commonwealth’s key Tier 2 surface shipbuilding programs in Western Australia under shipbuilding contracts, using a variety of key contractors and suppliers including, but not limited to, Austal’s other shipbuilding entities. Shipbuilding programs under the SSA will generally be structured on a ‘Target Cost Incentive’ basis which will provide reimbursement of the SSA entity’s allowable costs plus a profit margin, which will be subject to ‘painshare/gainshare’ adjustments. The SSA will also seek to develop a robust supply chain in the Henderson shipbuilding precinct to deliver the Commonwealth’s continuous naval shipbuilding capability in Western Australia and meet strategic objectives for the development of Australian sovereign shipbuilding capability (“Strategic Objectives”).

Although details of the SSA pilot programs are still being determined, Austal anticipates that Austal Defence Australia will generate significant revenue from the SSA (for its management and delivery of the Landing Craft-Medium program) over the 8-year term of the proposed Landing Craft-Medium contract, in addition to the construction revenue that will be accrued by Austal Ships. The revenue earned by Austal Defence Australia for management and delivery of the Landing Craft – Heavy project, if awarded, remains to be determined although it is noted that this would be a substantially larger project than the Landing Craft – Medium project.

Other Strategic Objectives include the provision of timely and efficient capability acquisition to ensure Defence readiness; to deliver a sovereign and continuous naval design and shipbuilding capability that consistently supports the delivery of schedule and budget targets; and to develop the involvement of the local Supply Chain in design, build and through-life support.

“Utilising our decades of experience, Austal can contribute significant expertise to Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding base to reduce costs and improve the performance of vessels for the Australian men and women who work tirelessly to protect our shores,” Mr Gregg said.

The design and construction of the Landing Craft Medium (“LCM”) is intended to be the first program to be awarded and delivered under the SSA. The CoA and Austal expect contracts for the LCM program to be finalised in Q1 FY2026 and that these will provide for the construction of 18x LCMs for the Australian Army over eight years for a price of A$1-1.3 billion. The final vessel is expected to be scheduled for delivery in 2032.

Subject to resolution of contractual discussions, delivery of the 8 x Damen-designed LST100 Landing Craft Heavy vessels for the Australian Army, announced by the Commonwealth in November 2024, is expected to follow the Landing Craft – Medium, with the Commonwealth and Austal expected to be under contract by the end of the 2025 calendar year.

See full article Austal

Singapore and Indian Navies Conclude Annual Maritime Bilateral Exercise

06 Agustus 2025

RSS Supreme-73 and RSS Vigilance-90 sailing in formation with INS Satpura F48 during SIMBEX’s sea phase (photos: Sing Mindef)

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indian Navy (IN) conducted the annual Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) from 28 July to 1 August 2025. This year’s exercise comprised a shore phase held at RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base, followed by a sea phase held in the southern reaches of South China Sea. The sea phase involved ships from both navies, and aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

The RSN deployed a Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme and a Victory-class missile corvette RSS Vigilance, supported by MV Mentor. The IN participated with a Shivalik-class frigate INS Satpura. An S70B naval helicopter, two Fokker-50 maritime patrol aircraft and two F-15SG fighter aircraft from the RSAF also participated in the exercise.

INS Satputra F48 a Shivalik-class frigate (photo: Swarajyamag)

During the shore phase, both navies participated in joint planning, simulator training, professional exchanges and sports. At the Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, both navies shared best practices related to Maritime Air Operations and Compliant Boarding Procedures. At sea, the participating forces conducted complex warfare serials including gunnery firing, air defence exercises and maritime security drills. The sea phase concluded with a sail-past of participating ships.

Air defence exercises, Precision targeting with surface & aerial platforms (photos: Indian Navy)

The successful conduct of SIMBEX 2025 underscores the enduring partnership between the IN and the RSN. Commanding Officer of RSS Supreme, Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Koh said, “SIMBEX is a testament to the long-standing bilateral ties between the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Indian Navy. Over the years, the exercise has served as a valuable platform for generations of sailors to hone operational competencies, enhance mutual understanding and build enduring people-to-people ties."

First held in 1994, SIMBEX marks the 32nd edition of the exercise, making it one of the RSN’s longest running bilateral maritime exercise and the longest continuous bilateral naval exercise that India has had with any other country. This iteration of SIMBEX takes place at a significant time as both countries commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Over the years, the complexity of SIMBEX has expanded to incorporate elements of maritime security and exercise serials in the air, surface and sub-surface domains. Apart from SIMBEX, the two navies also interact regularly through a range of activities, including professional exchanges, staff talks, and training courses. 

(Sing Mindef)

Thai Cabinet Approves Replacing German Engines with Chinese CHD620 Engines and Purchase of 4 Gripen Fighter

06 Agustus 2025

A scale model of the proposed S26T attack submarine developed for Thailand (photo: CSOC)

The Cabinet has approved a contract amendment for the submarine, replacing the German engines with Chinese CHD620 engines, after a 7.7 billion baht payment was already made.

On August 5, 2025, reporters reported that the Cabinet approved a contract amendment for the Yuan Class S26T submarine project, which Thailand signed a government-to-government (G2G) agreement with China. This includes replacing the original German MTU396 engine with a Chinese CHD620 engine, and extending the ship's construction time by another 1,217 days.

Reporters stated that the Yuan Class S26T submarine procurement project, for which the Royal Thai Navy signed a contract with CSOC of the People's Republic of China to build the ship in 2017, was hampered by China's inability to procure the German MTU 396 engines specified in the contract, resulting in the shipbuilding being suspended in 2021.

Currently, 64% of the process has been completed. 10 installments of the total 18 installments, totaling 7.7 billion baht, have been approved for payment. However, 40% of the remaining 5.5 billion baht is still outstanding. (Khaosod)

Cabinet approves purchase of 1 squadron of 4 Gripen aircraft

On August 5, 2025, reporters from Government House reported that the Cabinet approved the purchase of a squadron of four Gripen aircraft along with submarines, as proposed by the Air Force and Navy.

For the first phase of the procurement project for the purchase of four Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft, or Gripen E and F models, from Sweden, valued at 19.5 billion baht, as proposed by Deputy Minister of Defense Gen. Nattapol Nakphanit, in accordance with the needs of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), after the details of all three phases of the procurement process were completed.

Saab Gripen E/F fighter (infographic: RTAF)

It was reported that the Gripen procurement project was scheduled to be submitted to the Cabinet last week, but due to document issues, the proposal was moved to August 5th for approval.

Reporters noted that previously on June 4th, Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee Pattanakul, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, stated that Thailand's F-16 fighter jets would be gradually decommissioned between 2028 and 2035 after 37 years of service. Failure to procure replacement aircraft would impact national defense readiness. The Royal Thai Air Force is therefore required to procure replacement fighter jets under the Fighter Attack Aircraft Replacement Project.

The Royal Thai Air Force has jointly concluded that it will purchase Saab JAS 39 Gripen (Gripen) fighter jets, the latest models, from Sweden, one squadron, totaling 12 aircraft, worth 60 billion baht, from a total of 20 selections.

The aircraft procurement format is through the Swedish government, or G2G. The project is divided into three phases within a 10-year timeframe (by 2035). Phase 1 includes four aircraft, valued at 19.5 billion baht, to be delivered by 2029 (4 years).

The Royal Thai Air Force's Facebook page posted the message "Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F... Ready for Take Off." The Cabinet has approved the purchase of replacement Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets for the Royal Thai Air Force, strengthening its ability to maintain sovereignty over the airspace.

Reporters reported that Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee Pattanakul, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, is preparing to travel to sign a contract for the purchase of four new Gripen fighter jets between August 23-27.

However, the new squadron of Gripen fighter jets has become an issue after the Royal Thai Air Force used its in-service Gripens to protect sovereignty along the Thai-Cambodian border. (Khaosod)