Sputnik EXCLUSIVE: Secret Document Tells Daesh Not to Attack US Coalition Planes The document, discovered in the recently-liberated Iraqi city of Bakhdida, about 32 km southeast of the Daesh-held stronghold of Mosul, explicitly tells jihadis not to attack any coalition aircraft over Mosul or its suburbs. According to Sputnik Arabic, the decree was discovered by Assyrian Christian militia on an information stand in central Bakhdida, at a so-called Daesh 'mobilization center'. Such centers were established by the terrorist group to mobilize the local population and train new recruits. The text of the decree reads: 'It is strictly forbidden to shoot down, using any weapons whatsoever, any aircraft that is in the air, no matter what height they are flying at, even if the aircraft lands on the rooftop of houses.' The document is signed by local Daesh leader Abu Muawia. The decree was discovered by the Nineveh Plain Protection Units, a militia group composed mostly of Assyrian Christians, who are concentrated in northern Iraq. The militia was formed in late 2014 to defend against Daesh, which has treated those who refused to convert to their faith with extreme brutality.

'It should be noted,' Sputnik Arabic stressed, 'that the competency to conduct airstrikes against Daesh in the Nineveh region lies [strictly] with planes of the international coalition led by the United States, which has repeatedly been accused of airstrikes on forces of the People's Militia and the Iraqi military, and of dropping humanitarian and military aid which has ended up in Daesh's hands.' The US and its allies began a massive campaign of airstrikes against Daesh targets in and around the northern Iraqi city of Mosul in mid-October, after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi announced a campaign to liberate the key Daesh stronghold. Thales Australia delivers Hawkei military vehicles CANBERRA, Australia, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- The Australian military has received Hawkei armor-protected vehicles from Thales Australia, part of an intial production from a local plant. The delivery was witnessed by Australia's Minister for Defense Industry Christopher Pyne.

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'The Hawkei, built right here in Australia, is another triumph of the capability of our defense industry, which is able to compete with the world's best,' he said. 'Hawkei production will involve about 170 jobs in the Bendigo region [of Queensland]. It's expected approximately 60 additional jobs will be created in Thales' supply chain to support the production of the Hawkei vehicle.' The Hawkei is a 4x4 that carries four troops and can be airlifted by Chinook helicopters. They are for reconnaissance, liaison, command and utility functions.

It has an operational range of about 373 miles. The Department of Defense signed a billion-dollar contract with Thales Australia last year for production of 1,100 Hawkei vehicles and more than 1000 companion trailers. The initial production run is 10 vehicles.

Full-rate production begins in 2018. QUOTE(KLboy92 @ Nov 16 2016, 06:30 PM) As ever, I believe its budget issue as well as operational requirements 6 Kedahs x 8 missiles x about EUR 1m each = Rm224 million Thats not chump change. Even if we arm just 2 Kedahs at a time, thats Rm75M. Its the choice between up gunning the Kedahs with token* antiship weapons or buying another 1.5 LMS platforms. *with the vast array of SAMs and CIWS in existence the best antship weapon is a sublaunched torpedo.

Thats the Western doctrine anyway. RAM missile is the same price and come in 21 round launcher. You figure that price out I already rclxub.gif Damn it looks big! The ships are old. If it saves money to decom then, we should. Similar to UK Armed Forces, suck up a capability gap for 5-10 years then come back into the game with a bigger wallet EUR 1 million get ASM?

Well Exocet MM40 Block 3 cost usd 3.5-4 million each, even NSM also cost 2.8-3 million each. And kedah class only design with 4 ASM (2X2 formation).

And i think you confuse with RAM Missile & launcher, only missile is cost usd 1m+- MK49 Launcher with hold 21 missiles cost 8 million,plus support, training, installation may cost up to 10 million usd. Assume 1 kedah class: 4pcs NSM + Launcher = usd 16 million + 30pcs RIM116c missile @1m each (21 in hole+ remaining for spare and training/testing) + launcher = 40million total usd 56 million per-ship. (a LMS price) My view priority still install searam (RIM116c) with Mk49 launcher first, since new version now can attack small fast moving boat. This post has been edited by waja2000: Nov 17 2016, 10:05 AM. The Nashville Number System Ebook. WW2-era wrecks of British and Dutch warships sunk of Java Island goes 'missing' The cruiser HMNLS De Ruyter, one of the allied ships sunk in 1942 by the Japanese off Java Island has gone missing, presumably broken apart by illegal metal scavengers The wrecks of three British warships that sank during the Second World have been destroyed by illegal metal scavengers. An investigation was launched after divers also discovered three Dutch ships that were torpedoed in the same place off the coast of Indonesia in 1942 during the Battle of the Java Sea had vanished.

HMS Exeter, a 175m heavy cruiser, and destroyers HMS Encounter and HMS Electra, were destroyed by Japanese forces in March 1942. Three Dutch vessels - HMNLS De Ruyter, Java and Kortenaer - all sank on February 27, 1942, in the Battle of the Java Sea off the coast of Indonesia. The wrecks have been almost completely removed from the seabed by illegal scavengers, an act condemned by The Ministry of Defence.

A government spokesman said: 'The UK government condemns the unauthorised disturbance of any wreck containing human remains. 'We have contacted the Indonesian authorities to express our serious concern at this news and to request that they investigate the reports and take appropriate action to protect the sites from any further disturbance.' He added, the desecration of wrecks of war causes distress to loved ones of those lost on board and is against international law. The shocking discovery was made by an international expedition which sailed to the wreck site in preparation for next year's 75th anniversary of the battle, the Dutch defence ministry said. EUR 1 million get ASM?

Well Exocet MM40 Block 3 cost usd 3.5-4 million each, even NSM also cost 2.8-3 million each. And kedah class only design with 4 ASM (2X2 formation). And i think you confuse with RAM Missile & launcher, only missile is cost usd 1m+- MK49 Launcher with hold 21 missiles cost 8 million,plus support, training, installation may cost up to 10 million usd. Assume 1 kedah class: 4pcs NSM + Launcher = usd 16 million + 30pcs RIM116c missile @1m each (21 in hole+ remaining for spare and training/testing) + launcher = 40million total usd 56 million per-ship. (a LMS price) My view priority still install searam (RIM116c) with Mk49 launcher first, since new version now can attack small fast moving boat. Harpoon Block 2 claimed USD 1.2M, Exocet claimed EUR 800K in previous years, then I mark up a bit.

Tomahawk cruise missile is USD 1.1M-1.2M also. Kongsberg NSM is quoted to be around or slightly lower than Tomahawk ie USD 1M or a bit less. RAM also, yes per shot, I didn't check RAM launcher price but it should be expensive since RAM's standout point is in its rapidfire systems and radar. Of course this is from Jane's, defence news and US govt budget data. If you have better source it would be great. I didn't know Kedah only supposed to have 4 biji total This post has been edited by KLboy92: Nov 17 2016, 11:48 AM. The MD-530Gs will not be delivered this year.

It is likely that the first aircraft will only be ferried here by the middle of 2017. And the training of PUTD pilots selected for the MD-530Gs will only commenced early next year, a delay as much as six months.

The training – basic aircraft handling and weapon system familiarization to safely release ordnance – will be conducted at MD Helicopters facilities in Mesa, Arizona. And by that, it will take at least another 24 months before the helicopters could be declared operationally ready. Why the delay then? As funding for the helicopters was not included in 2016 allocation, payment – even the initial one – need to be green lighted under the 2017 Budget. No one from the Treasury will take the chance to pay for something that had yet to be funded.

In certain cases, they will but the helicopters are not priority items. Well, i wouldnt underestimate the will of the PRC. While its not appropriate to bring politics into this thread, it has an effect on national security and geo politics. 1st najis already makan dedak prc, 2nd both klang n jb have industries nearby mlk dont have therefore its role as an export import port wont work, might it be a regional transshipment port like sg? No, that's in the hands of western shipping companies and the biggest market in the region indonesia wont buy into it.

So what's left? Resupply port? Which is most likely. 3rd, other port near south asia can be a precedence of what's to come.

4th short term it would be good for msia, but the populus wont benefit much as like most big prc projects they bring in their own materials and people. Long term wise, msia loses that portion of waterfront. Harpoon Block 2 claimed USD 1.2M, Exocet claimed EUR 800K in previous years, then I mark up a bit. Tomahawk cruise missile is USD 1.1M-1.2M also. Kongsberg NSM is quoted to be around or slightly lower than Tomahawk ie USD 1M or a bit less. RAM also, yes per shot, I didn't check RAM launcher price but it should be expensive since RAM's standout point is in its rapidfire systems and radar. Of course this is from Jane's, defence news and US govt budget data.

If you have better source it would be great. I didn't know Kedah only supposed to have 4 biji total. Well we must see on hole packages cost not single unit price, US missile sell locally is national price, also it only missile price, not include packages.

Mainly refilll the stock. You can see other country order Harpoon price price include all packages can from usd 3-7 million if average out for single unit price。 also US missile usually cheaper than euro missile due to large quantity production。 now small small missile also usd 1++ million. But you know lah use US missile weapon must follow there role & policy。. Well we must see on hole packages cost not single unit price, US missile sell locally is national price, also it only missile price, not include packages. Mainly refilll the stock.

You can see other country order Harpoon price price include all packages can from usd 3-7 million if average out for single unit price。 also US missile usually cheaper than euro missile due to large quantity production。 now small small missile also usd 1++ million. But you know lah use US missile weapon must follow there role & policy。. China’s Ministry of National Defense disclosed that a burning helicopter was pushed off the deck of Type 071 LPD Changbai Shan during the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Military Medicine (MM) / Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise in September. The aircraft is likely to be a Changhe Z-8, a Chinese copy of the SA 321 Super Frelon, according to an earlier press release by the ministry. It had to make a force landing aboard the ship and was on fire, the deputy commanding officer of the vessel made a decision to push the aircraft off the deck after he discovered fuel was leaking while putting out the fire.

Suka dia org. Boat plane ke, tank plane ke, boat car ke. Janji indon bahagia.

Anyone tried out such a platform before? I wonder how accurate is the gun while on water. Integrated force. Indons are getting smarter. Their konstrad seems to be well trained the last time a ruski vessl berth and was stranded at indon port near kalimantan due to demurrage issues. 18 of the 40 crew died after bringing on board moonlighted drinks laced with industrial alcohol.

Noone expected them to drink so much hidup prc!!! Msia boleh serbis byk byk. Syukur myr jatuh. I think he shit in his pants laughing. On 21 June 2011, after having been anchored off Muara Asam Asam in Kalimantan, Indonesia, for almost two months due to a commercial dispute on a quality of loaded nickel ore, seven crew members managed to purchase three litres of pure spirits from a ship chandler to have a party. Unbeknownst to them, the captain of the ship had asked the ship chandler to deliver ethanol for the ship's medical kit, but had rejected the suspicious-looking bottles because they had no prints proving that the content was suitable for medical use. Instead of 90–95% ethanol spirit the liquid in the bottles contained 36% of methanol, and four of the seven crew members involved in the party died as a result of methanol poisoning.

You could imbibe small doses of ETHANOL and it will give you a buzz. Not so much METHANOL though, that stuff is totally toxic to the human body and will kill no matter the dose.

Wed Nov 16, 2016 4:54 AM EST Japan gives Malaysia two patrol boats Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Wednesday that Tokyo will give Malaysia two patrol boats, a move that visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak welcomed as an aid to promoting stability in the South China Sea. Najib arrived in Japan on Tuesday on a visit that comes just weeks after he was in China on a six-day visit in which he agreed to buy four Chinese patrol boats in his nation's first significant defense deal with China. 'Today's agreement - Japan is willing to hand over two decommissioned patrol vessels to our maritime enforcement agency - shows the nature of our relationship is now broad-based,' Najib said.

Malaysia, along with three other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - the Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei - are among the countries contesting territorial claims with China over the South China Sea. China claims nearly the entire body of water as its territory. Najib said talks with Abe touched on this issue, adding: 'Malaysia continues to play its part to ensure the South China Sea will be an area of peace and stability, without which we cannot achieve prosperity.' Discussions also included the planned high-speed rail link between Singapore and the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, set to be built by 2026 and with the two neighbors set to finalize a bilateral agreement in December. Japan has expressed interest in the project, and Najib said he had assured Abe that the bidding process would be conducted in a fair and transparent way. RAF Typhoons Claim Win In Exercise With Malaysian Flankers Oct 28, 2016 Bradley Perrett Aviation Week & Space Technology The Royal Air Force (RAF) does not usually claim victory in an exercise—it prefers to stay quiet about such matters.

But British Eurofighter Typhoon pilots report that they defeated Malaysian Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flankers in mock battles this month, with a new helmet-mounted sighting system regarded as essential. Warm-up drills for Exercise Bersama Lima 16, held in Malaysia Oct.

4-21, provided the first opportunity for RAF Typhoons to be pitched against the Su-30MKMs of the Royal Malaysian. Link, but no account to read all report. RAF Typhoons Claim Win In Exercise With Malaysian Flankers Oct 28, 2016 Bradley Perrett Aviation Week & Space Technology The Royal Air Force (RAF) does not usually claim victory in an exercise—it prefers to stay quiet about such matters. But British Eurofighter Typhoon pilots report that they defeated Malaysian Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flankers in mock battles this month, with a new helmet-mounted sighting system regarded as essential.

Warm-up drills for Exercise Bersama Lima 16, held in Malaysia Oct. 4-21, provided the first opportunity for RAF Typhoons to be pitched against the Su-30MKMs of the Royal Malaysian. Link, but no account to read all report. US Government Approves $21.1Bln Sale to Qatar of F-15 Fighter Jet Package WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US government approved the sale of an F-15 fighter jet package that will include 72 aircraft, support and training worth an estimated $21.1 billion to Qatar, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a press release. “The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Qatar for F-15QA aircraft with weapons and related support, equipment, and training. The estimated cost is $21.1 billion,” the release stated on Thursday. The release added that the proposed sale enhances the national security of the United State by helping to improve the security of a friendly country.

Qatar, a wealthy Persian Gulf nation, is part of the Saudi Arabian-led coalition that is engaged in an air war against Shia Houthi rebels in the neighbouring country of Yemen. The approval of Qatar’s latest weapons request follows US sales of $33 billion in military hardware to Persian Gulf nations since May 2015, according to the State Department. Almost two decades after buying the hull from Ukraine in 1998, China’s sole aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, has finally been declared combat ready. China’s aircraft carrier, as well as the rest of its rapidly modernizing navy, puts Beijing in an elite club with the greatest naval powers in the world. The development has raised eyebrows in the Pacific and globally, as China ignores international law, builds and militarizes artificial islands in the South China Sea, and threatens and bullies its neighbors. US Government Approves $21.1Bln Sale to Qatar of F-15 Fighter Jet Package WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US government approved the sale of an F-15 fighter jet package that will include 72 aircraft, support and training worth an estimated $21.1 billion to Qatar, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a press release.

“The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Qatar for F-15QA aircraft with weapons and related support, equipment, and training. The estimated cost is $21.1 billion,” the release stated on Thursday. The release added that the proposed sale enhances the national security of the United State by helping to improve the security of a friendly country. Qatar, a wealthy Persian Gulf nation, is part of the Saudi Arabian-led coalition that is engaged in an air war against Shia Houthi rebels in the neighbouring country of Yemen. The approval of Qatar’s latest weapons request follows US sales of $33 billion in military hardware to Persian Gulf nations since May 2015, according to the State Department.

US Government Approves $21.1Bln Sale to Qatar of F-15 Fighter Jet Package WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US government approved the sale of an F-15 fighter jet package that will include 72 aircraft, support and training worth an estimated $21.1 billion to Qatar, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a press release. “The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Qatar for F-15QA aircraft with weapons and related support, equipment, and training. The estimated cost is $21.1 billion,” the release stated on Thursday. The release added that the proposed sale enhances the national security of the United State by helping to improve the security of a friendly country. Qatar, a wealthy Persian Gulf nation, is part of the Saudi Arabian-led coalition that is engaged in an air war against Shia Houthi rebels in the neighbouring country of Yemen. The approval of Qatar’s latest weapons request follows US sales of $33 billion in military hardware to Persian Gulf nations since May 2015, according to the State Department.

South Korea to buy Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures from U.S. WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department has approved a proposed foreign military sale of Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure systems to South Korea.

Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures, or LAIRCM, are pods integrated onto aircraft to assist pilots with detecting and avoiding incoming threats. The devices are capable of countering advanced missile systems with no action required by the crew. The LAIRCM program was launched by Northrop Grumman to protect large aircraft from man-portable missiles. The industry giant is listed as the principal contractor for the sale. The proposed $141 million sale includes LAIRCM systems for up to 4 A-330 multirole tanker aircraft. Each system is comprised of 3 Guardian Laser Terminal Assemblies, 6 Ultra-Violet Missile Warning Systems, and additional equipment. According to the U.S.

Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which manages the FMS program, South Korea is seeking the devices to support its aerial refueling and troop transport capabilities, enabling their forces to project air power across larger distances. The State Department says the sale advances U.S. Security interests, noting the close military and economic alliance with South Korea. The Kuwaiti deal is worth approximately $10.1 billion for 32 E-model Super Hornets, 8 F-models, their associated F414-GE-400 engines and spares, 41 AN/APG active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars and a slew of weapon systems, including 20mm guns, 240 guided missile launchers, 45 AN/ALR-67(V)3 radar warning receivers, 12 AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER advanced targeting pods, 48 Link-16 systems, eight conformal fuel tanks among others. The sale also includes associated support and logistics services.

The agreement with Qatar would bring in approximately $21.1 billion for the aircraft and their associated weapons systems, US-based training, maintenance support equipment, and logistics support, among other items. The country is considering splitting the 72-jet purchase between Boeing’s F-15 and the Eurofighter Typhoon. This post has been edited by KLboy92: Nov 19 2016, 04:02 PM.

Iraq: ISIS Retreat from More areas in Mosul Countryside Iraqi forces have made more agains against the ISIS terrorist group in the countryside of Iraqi city of Mosul. Iraqi security forces have libearted the villages of Umarkan and Tawajinat south the ISIS-controlled city. The Popular Mobilization Units have taken control of the villages of Zariqi and Khidr al Yas west of Mosul. Now the PMU is advancing on the key ISIS-controlled town of Tal Afar. If the PMU is able to liberate it from ISIS, the terrorist group will be cut off from their supply lines heading to Syria. The MoD is used to having Harpoon missiles, however due to budgetary concerns the Navy will be forced to use its 4.5 inch gun with a range of just 17 miles. Without the Harpoon Block 1C system, the Navy's escort fleet — that is, Type 45 anti-aircraft destroyers and Type 23 anti-submarine frigates — will be left with purely defensive missile weapons, various automatic guns of up to 30mm caliber and a single 4.5' medium gun.

As a result, the Royal Navy warships will now be less capable of fighting enemy vessels than they were in the 19 century. RAF Typhoons Claim Win In Exercise With Malaysian Flankers Oct 28, 2016 Bradley Perrett Aviation Week & Space Technology The Royal Air Force (RAF) does not usually claim victory in an exercise—it prefers to stay quiet about such matters. But British Eurofighter Typhoon pilots report that they defeated Malaysian Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flankers in mock battles this month, with a new helmet-mounted sighting system regarded as essential. Warm-up drills for Exercise Bersama Lima 16, held in Malaysia Oct. 4-21, provided the first opportunity for RAF Typhoons to be pitched against the Su-30MKMs of the Royal Malaysian.

Link, but no account to read all report. How prepared is Singapore for an attack? The scene: With their submachine guns raised, police officers stormed into the Century Square shopping mall in Tampines. Moving swiftly in teams of two to four, they took aim and fired.

Moments later, the 'terrorists', who had earlier 'killed' shoppers and taken others hostage, lay dead on the floor. The reality: These were the police's new Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) responding to a mock terror attack during an islandwide counter-terrorism exercise last month. These crack troops, who are trained in counter-assault skills, will be one of the first responders to any terrorist attack. They were commissioned in June and it is not uncommon to see them with their HK-MP 5 submachine guns and kevlar helmets patrolling the heartlands or city area. The threat of a terror attack is at its highest ever in recent times and security agencies have been packing more muscle to deal with the possibility of a strike. This year, the police, Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Singapore Armed Forces have held a series of drills simulating mock strikes on different types of civilian targets, ranging from shopping malls to a hospital. These culminated in an islandwide exercise last month that involved coordinated attacks on multiple targets across the island.

Two months ago, the SG Secure national movement was launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in an effort to sensitise, train and mobilise Singaporeans to prevent terror incidents and respond to them. Under the campaign, the Government is hoping to equip at least one person in every household with basic emergency skills such as CPR. The National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS) has ramped up its Let's Stand Together initiative to make people aware they can play a role in staying alert. It put out ads and animated videos at bus and train stations based on eyeball figures who flag suspicious objects and raise the alarm.

'Eyeball characters were used because our eyes are our first defence in spotting and reporting threats; also, a play on the word 'I', which can represent each and every Singaporean,' the NSCS said. These measures amount to Singapore's largest counter-offensive against the terror threat, but has this been enough? A WORK IN PROGRESS At a panel discussion organised by Insight last Monday, experts said the nation still has some way to go. Associate Professor Kumar Ramakrishna, head of policy studies at the S.

Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said these efforts will go some way towards boosting awareness of the threat and could 'pay dividends' in future. But it is still very much a work in progress. Last Monday, Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said at a dialogue at the National University of Singapore that there was a real risk of citizens seeing no need to be concerned about the threat.

'The real challenge for us is how to make our population more sensitised and not that they will overreact,' he said. Professor David Chan, director of the Singapore Management University's Behavioural Sciences Institute, told the roundtable that, to some, a terror attack in Singapore is still a distant possibility and campaigns that do not make the danger relatable are at risk of being dismissed as 'just another tagline'. 'Think about Marina Bay, its famous skyline, and think about a rocket hitting that place, can it happen? Even if it misses, it can hit somewhere else,' said Prof Chan, referring to a recent plot by a Batam terror cell to fire a rocket from the Indonesian island to Marina Bay. While the plot was foiled by Indonesian police in August, it is proof that the threat of an attack is ever present and not a remote possibility, said Prof Chan.

Another wake-up call came this year when six Bangladeshi workers were jailed for two to five years after being caught raising money in Singapore to fund acts of terror in their homeland. They were the first to be convicted under the Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act. Drawing on his own experience to illustrate Singaporeans' indifference to the terror threat, Prof Chan cited a recent example where he saw an unattended bag left near an escalator at the Harbourfront Ferry Terminal. Even though there was a considerable crowd, no one had reported it.

There is a scientific explanation for this, he said, adding that research has shown that when there are more people around, the impetus to take responsibility and do something is reduced. 'The responsibility is diffused and you begin to wonder: Is it my job?'

His advice: 'Don't wait. If I keep waiting, nobody would do it.

But if I know this and if I do it, then maybe I can prevent something.' DANGER OF COMPLACENCY This indifference might be due to the fact that although Singapore has disrupted the Jemaah Islamiah terror network and foiled its plots, and detected radicalised persons, it has not had a terror attack for decades. The last one happened in 1991 when four Pakistani hijackers seized Singapore Airlines plane SQ117.

Two other significant attacks have happened in Singapore's history. In 1965, at the height of Konfrontasi, two Indonesian commandos set off a bomb at MacDonald House in Orchard Road, killing three people. And in 1974, the Laju ferry was hijacked off Pulau Bukom by four terrorists from the Japanese Red Army and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Prof Chan said the Government has been doing such a good job of preventing attacks since then that Singaporeans are inured to the threat.

He called it the 'paradox of success'. Contrast the attitudes of Singaporeans with people in Israel - there, those who can afford it buy cars for their children so that they can drive to school and avoid taking the bus, said Dr Kumar.

Because the suicide bombers targeted the buses and public transport. So the threat is very palpable. You don't need to convince them, they know this is what you need to do,' he added. While buying a car to avoid taking public transport here would be quite extreme, Singaporeans could instead take small steps such as keeping their eyes peeled for suspicious characters and unattended bags in public, said accountant Rama Diwakar, 45. 'We can all play a part by being the eyes and ears of the authorities,' said Madam Rama.

She is an example of a concerned person who has gone one step further - she is a trained community responder with the SCDF, knows basic triage and could be activated if there is an emergency in her vicinity. Dr Kumar, meanwhile, said that the challenge is cultivating 'situational awareness' in all people here. Some effort has been made to encourage this with SG Secure and the mobile app that was launched along with it. The app can broadcast important alerts during major emergencies and it can also be used to alert the police to incidents or to request help. The problem is, since there has not been an attack here in recent years, people do not use it regularly, said fellow panellist Remy Mahzam, an associate research fellow at the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research. 'We can't wait for something to happen before we get up and use this app,' he said. Prof Chan said the real challenge was to engage people with technology on a day-to-day basis: 'Everybody needs to realise that you can make a real difference, not just to yourself and your family, but the entire country.'

Approves sale of 40 F/A-18 fighters to Kuwait WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $10.1 billion foreign military sale of 40 F/A-18 aircraft to the government of Kuwait. The potential purchase includes 32 F/A-18E fighters and 8 F/A-18F aircraft. If Congress approves the whole package, Kuwait will also receive spare engines and modules, 41 AN/APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array radars, 44 M61A2 20mm gun systems, and other supporting equipment. In a statement announcing the State Department's approval, the U.S.

Defense Security Cooperation Agency adds Kuwaiti military personnel will also have access to engineering and program support as well as U.S. Government and contractor engineering services. The agency said the potential sale will bolster defensive capabilities for a major non-NATO ally, adding this will lead to political and economic progress in the region. The Boeing-made F/A-18 Hornet attack aircraft was the first strike fighter designed for the United States Armed Forces. The craft was built for both traditional strike operations in addition to close air support. If the foreign military sale to the government of Kuwait is approved, the country will use the aircraft for homeland defense in addition to replacing aging aircraft.

Prime contractors for the sale include Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and General Electric. ASIA PACIFIC China puts army on high alert after fighting in northeastern Myanmar SHANGHAI: China has said its army is on high alert after armed groups in Myanmar attacked military and police posts close to their shared border at the weekend and that it is providing shelter for a number of people who fled the fighting. The official Xinhua news agency said in a report late on Sunday three armed groups simultaneously attacked security posts in the border towns of Muse and Kutkai in Myanmar's northeastern Shan state earlier in the day. Xinhua, citing unidentified sources, said there were military and civilian casualties but gave no other details.

China's defence ministry said in a statement on its website it hoped that calmness and restraint would be exercised to prevent further escalation. 'The Chinese army is on high alert and will take the necessary measures to safeguard the country's sovereignty and safety, as well as protect the lives and property of Chinese citizens living along the border,' the ministry statement said. The Chinese embassy in Myanmar urged an immediate ceasefire on Sunday and for stability to be returned to the border region, according to a statement on its website.

The Chinese government was temporarily housing an undisclosed number of Myanmar citizens who crossed the border into China to avoid the fighting, the statement said. Thousands of people have been displaced by decades of fighting between the military and ethnic armed groups in Shan state, which is home to several large groups operating close to the borders with China and Thailand. China was infuriated last year when five Chinese people were killed when the fighting spilled over into Chinese territory. (Reporting by Brenda Goh; Additional reporting by Beijing newsroom; Editing by Paul Tait) - Reuters. Taiwan says it plans rescue drills in South China Sea this month TAIPEI: Taiwan's coastguard has said it plans to hold rescue drills in waters around Taipei's sole territorial holding in the disputed South China Sea at the end of this month, and that the drills could involve its navy. The exercises to be held around Itu Aba, known by Taiwan as Taiping, would include drills in rescuing shipwrecked personnel, the coastguard said.

More details would be released later, it said in a statement on its website late on Sunday. 'Currently the navy regularly patrols near Taiping Island. We don't rule out the navy playing a supporting role in future humanitarian rescue drills being held near Taiping,' the Coast Guard Administration said in the statement. China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei also have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, through which US$5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year.

Taiwan has largely kept out of disputes between China and its neighbours, but the planned drills would be the first since President Tsai Ing-wen took power in May. In July, a judgment by an international court classified Itu Aba was a rock and not an island, thereby making it ineligible to own a greater economic zone of resources off its coast. Taiwan's coastguard has had direct oversight of Itu Aba since 2000, when it took over from the Taiwanese military. More than 100 coastguard personnel are stationed on Itu Aba. China distrusts Tsai and her ruling independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, but Beijing has previously maintained that Beijing and Taipei had a common duty to protect Chinese sovereignty in the waterway. The United States, Taiwan's only major political ally, criticised former president Ma Ying-jeou for visiting Itu Aba earlier this year because it did not want tensions to escalate in the South China Sea. (Reporting by J.R.

Wu; Editing by Paul Tait). They pay 'Protection fees' to US as many military people said. Also one of reason is they buy long maintenance packages up to 20 year until Mid life upgrade or SLEP。 but just wanner why so small country like Kuwait & Qatar need so many 4th generation fighter? Even MY much bigger country only few 4 gen fighter also hard to get more unit. Really look like is 'political buy' even other they buy like Rafale, C-17, Apache etc。。。。what Qatar need C-17 for doing what? To team up as Arab forces? This post has been edited by waja2000: Nov 21 2016, 04:18 PM.

Navy's size slashed to a dangerous low: UK MPs warn shrunken fleet needs more ships to defend our shores and the Falklands The Royal Navy has been shrunk to a ‘dangerous and historic low’ and now does not have enough ships to combat global threats, MPs warn today. The naval force must be increased if the country is to continue to protect its shores and the Falkland Islands, while contributing to Nato and other commitments, they caution. The current fleet of 19 frigates and destroyers – of which only 17 are usable – is ‘woefully low’ and to cut it any further would be ‘completely unacceptable’, a report concludes. Compared to 35 ships in 1997, the fleet is ‘way below the critical mass required for the many tasks which could confront it’, the review by the Commons’ defence committee found. The cross-party MPs said: ‘As an island nation, the important of the Royal Navy to UK defence must not be underestimated. ‘The current number of frigates, destroyers and personnel inadequately reflects the potential threats and vulnerabilities facing the UK and its interests overseas.’ The dire assessment comes weeks after it emerged the Ministry of Defence has to refit the engines of all six Type 45 destroyers because they cannot cope with warm seas.

Navy's size slashed to a dangerous low: UK MPs warn shrunken fleet needs more ships to defend our shores and the Falklands The Royal Navy has been shrunk to a ‘dangerous and historic low’ and now does not have enough ships to combat global threats, MPs warn today. The naval force must be increased if the country is to continue to protect its shores and the Falkland Islands, while contributing to Nato and other commitments, they caution. The current fleet of 19 frigates and destroyers – of which only 17 are usable – is ‘woefully low’ and to cut it any further would be ‘completely unacceptable’, a report concludes. Compared to 35 ships in 1997, the fleet is ‘way below the critical mass required for the many tasks which could confront it’, the review by the Commons’ defence committee found. The cross-party MPs said: ‘As an island nation, the important of the Royal Navy to UK defence must not be underestimated. ‘The current number of frigates, destroyers and personnel inadequately reflects the potential threats and vulnerabilities facing the UK and its interests overseas.’ The dire assessment comes weeks after it emerged the Ministry of Defence has to refit the engines of all six Type 45 destroyers because they cannot cope with warm seas.

According to Mike Winnerstig, security policy analyst at the Swedish Defense Research Agency, this decision embodied Sweden's efforts to boost its defense capabilities. 'If you group together these kinds of systems on Gotland, you can control quite a lot of territory in the mid-Baltic,' Mike Winnerstig told the Swedish tabloid newspaper Expressen. Whereas Winnerstig acknowledged that Sweden hardly is a primary goal for Russia, he argued that the price of invading Gotland has increased significantly, calling the missile defense a 'tripwire.' In September, Sweden stationed 150 troops on Gotland, to boost the defense of the strategically important island. 'We have about 150 men on Gotland, which is not much. In the past, when you wanted to defend Gotland for real, there were regiments that could mobilize about 25,000 troops to the island's defense. There's a certain difference,' Mike Winnerstig told Expressen.

Tal Afar, a city 40 miles west of ISIS-held Mosul, is poised to become “the city of revenge” for Iraq’s powerful Shia militias who were forced out of the city after an insurgency by the Islamic State’s predecessor, al-Qaeda in Iraq, in 2005. “The scene is set for an extremely dangerous episode to unfold in Tal Afar, between Shia militias, who are seeking revenge for the devastation wrought on them by Sunni jihadists since 2005, and ISIS fighters who, if history is our guide, would prove to be highly capable in their defense of the town,” Gareth Stansfield, a Global Fellow at the Wilson Center and professor of Middle East politics at the University of Exeter, wrote earlier this month. Shia militiamen backed by Iran — known as the Hashd al-Shaabi — have already begun the move to recapture the strategic city. Recapturing Tal Afar from ISIS would mean severing one of the jihadists’ last remaining corridors from Iraq into Syria. “The worst [ISIS] killers of all come to Tal Afar,” a senior Iraqi official told The Independent on the condition of anonymity earlier this week.

But the city’s liberation will inevitably be tinged by sectarian motivations. “We are coming to Tal Afar to avenge Hussein,” Qais al-Khazali, the leader of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq Shi’a militia, said in Baghdad last month, referring to the third Imam of Shia Islam. Another wild card that could further complicate the impending battle for Tal Afar is Turkey, which feels an obligation not only to protect Sunni Turkmen in the city but also to quell Iran’s influence in northern Iraq and Syria by keeping the Iran-backed Shia militias at bay. Turkey infuriated Baghdad — and its Russian and Iranian allies — last December when it ignored Iraq’s request to stay out of the Mosul battle and deployed roughly 500 troops to a military base near Bashiqa, Iraq, to train and advise local forces. Tensions have been growing between the Turks and the Iraqis ever since. Monday, 21 November 2016 MYT 4:05 PM AG Report: Unqualified contractors blamed for delay in Mindef's Sukhoi service centre project BY RAHIMY RAHIM PETALING JAYA: The construction of a RM73mil service technical centre (STC) for the maintenance of Sukhoi SU-30MKM fighter aircraft at TUDM Gong Kedak, Terengganu Air base was less than satisfactory, according to the 2015 Auditor-General's Report (Series 2). The report revealed that a slow construction progress during the first 10 months which resulted in a takeover by a nominated sub-contractor on Jan 15 last year.

'The progress of the project within the first 10 months between March and Dec 2014, was not satisfactory as it only reached 3.3% progress compared to its target of 39.1% based on the actual working schedule,' said the report. The construction of the centre was part of the Government's obligation under a countervailing programme for the acquisition of Sukhoi SU-30MKM fighter aircraft which includes an issuance of aircraft components with the Federal State Unitary Enterprise (Rosoboronexport), Russia. The project consisted of a hangar building, ADZ bay, POL store, AGSV/E garage, shelter, ramp service, apron area and a special equipment procurement site. The Defence Ministry (Mindef) on Apr 15 had engaged the Public Works Department (JKR) as the implementing agency for the project. 'The construction of the STC is to ensure that Sukhoi SU-30MKM fighter aircraft will always be at an optimum level to be operated during mission or training purposes,' said the report. The Ministry of Finance Malaysia (MOF) had appointed Sharikat Pembenaan Setia Jaya Sdn Bhd (SPSJ) as the contractor, with a contract value of RM71.49mil through a 'Design and Build' approach. 'SPSJ was selected via a restricted tender process and a Letter of Award was granted on March 10, 2014 followed by a formal contract which was signed on July 7, 2014 within a completion period of 78 weeks.

The report noted that the appointment of an unqualified and financially unsound contractor had affected project implementation and progress. Popular Mobilization Units Complete Encirclement of Mosul (Documentary) yZmlvyIMm50 Following the liberation of Tal Afar Airbase, the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) have launched an operation to liberate the key town of Tal Afar from the ISIS terrorist group. With the liberation of Tal Afar, ISIS terrorists will be completely cut off from all aid, support and reinforcement from its allies in Syria. SouthFront is releasing documentary footage from this operation with help from the Popular Mobilization units Media Team. Thanks to Islamic World News and TAHA.K for the Mosul operation map used in the first part of the video.

See me at the rafael booth Jom datang shopping: Announcing IMDEX Asia 2017 - 16 to 18 May 2017 in Singapore FdCkQ4asNIM For close to two decades, IMDEX Asia has served the maritime defence community by providing the ultimate avenue for high-profile stakeholders, key industry players and naval engineering professionals to network, exchange ideas and do business. Organised by Experia Events Pte Ltd and supported by the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Defence Science and Technology, the event is recognised globally as a choice platform for the industry to address challenges, co-create solutions and stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies.

The next edition of IMDEX Asia, the 11th in the series, will be held from 16-18 May 2017 in Singapore at the Changi Exhibition Centre. BAE building combat vehicles inspired by ironclad beetles LONDON, Nov.

21 (UPI) -- BAE Systems plans to utilize a bendable titanium alloy inspired by the shells of ironcald beetles to develop future military vehicles. BAE engineers say the flexible material will allow the suspension to 'bounce back' into shape after impact, allowing operators to continue their mission with the vehicle. The material, referred to as 'memory metal alloy,' was initially developed by the United States Naval Ordnance Laboratory in the 1960s. BAE officials believe their latest project marks the first time it will be used to build an entire suspension system.

'This unique use of memory metals could prove a real game-changer for combat vehicles taking part in operations,' BAE Systems Mobility chief Marcus Potter said in a press release. 'Being able to adapt to changing situations is hugely important to maintaining effectiveness, and this application of bendable titanium could give armed forces the required flexibility – and survivability -- to complete tasks in challenging areas.' A test team has already constructed a prototype of the system, which builds upon other protections in combat vehicles such as hulls designed to protect passengers from blasts such as mines or improvised explosive devices. A small-scale model was subjected to five powerful explosive tests, and showed significant resilience against them.

BAE Systems officials say the memory metal suspension system could make its appearance on the battlefield within the next 10 years. The new station, which will cover a key direction from which the country can be targeted by a missile strike, is intended to complete a missile attack warning system circuit on the perimeter of Russian territory. Russian defense enterprises are to build a heavy-duty radar station to warn of potential missile strikes on Russia, according to Sergei Boyev, chief executive of the holding company that will construct the missile attack warning system. The Voronezh-DM type radar station will be deployed in Russia's northwest near the city of Murmansk (1,160 miles north of Moscow), where Boyev says it 'will cover the main missile-threat direction' in the western area.

The new station will be able to detect ballistic, space and aerodynamic objects, including cruise missiles. How the missile attack detection system works The Voronezh-type radar station allows the Russian Defense Ministry to see, in sectors, what is happening around Russian territory at a distance of up to 3,600 miles (6,000 km). The station is one of three elements of an integrated missile attack warning system. Russia receives first Il-22PP Porubschik electronic countermeasures planes Russia receives first Il-22PP Porubschik electronic countermeasures planes 'The first level concerns space. For example, our Tundra-type satellites, which the Russian Defense Ministry sent into orbit last year, report on the launches of ballistic missiles from potential enemy territory,' said a source from Russia's defense industry. In his words, the Voronezh type radar station, or those equivalent to it, then tracks the warhead's flight trajectory and aims the missile defense systems at the warhead. 'The satellites record the launch and then we must determine where the missile is heading – to Russia or South America.

It’s this system that gives the target designation to the antimissile defense systems. And such a radar station covers the distance from St. Petersburg to the U.S. Coast,' added the source. Total Immersion: Watch a Su-33 Blast Off From Admiral Kuznetsov in 360 Video pFg8WjH3tgM The spherical video shows a flight crew hauling a Su-33 to its launching site along the busy deck. The footage then displays another aircraft roaring past the camera onto the sky-jump ramp and taking off into the cloudy skies over the Mediterranean.

Admiral Kuznetsov is part of a naval group deployed to the Syrian shores earlier this month. Russia's sole aircraft carrier, accompanied by the Pyotr Veliky battle cruiser, the Severomorsk and Admiral Kulakov anti-submarine destroyer and support vessels, was sent to the eastern Mediterranean to conduct military exercises and take part in the Moscow-led counterterrorism operation in Syria. A Russian jet which crashed into the sea after a reconnaissance mission in Aleppo ran out of fuel, according to reports.

The MiG 29 was forced to circle the Admiral Kuznetsov carrier after an emergency affected two planes in front of it and the runway had to be repaired. While it was in the holding area waiting to land, both the plane's engines cut out, and it plummeted into the Mediterranean on November 13. The pilot, who has been described as experienced, had to use his ejector seat to escape. The wreckage was later recovered from the sea. Well partially not correct, usually mostly still via tender, and in tender document also have list pass project, but at the end capability is other story, every project is different. Well not all project give to class A contractor (tier 1 contractor), usually some also give to c,d,e class contractor maybe no have strong capability/resources/financially if facing problem. Personally i think Gov should increase those contractor grade with more higher capital in bank, engineering staff, qualification, information technology, etc etc.

Too low for currently specially for low grade contractor. This post has been edited by waja2000: Nov 23 2016, 10:07 AM. Well partially not correct, usually mostly still via tender, and in tender document also have list pass project, but at the end capability is other story, every project is different.

Well not all project give to class A contractor (tier 1 contractor), usually some also give to c,d,e class contractor maybe no have strong capability/resources/financially if facing problem. Personally i think Gov should increase those contractor grade with more higher capital in bank, engineering staff, qualification, information technology, etc etc. Too low for currently specially for low grade contractor. Well partially not correct, usually mostly still via tender, and in tender document also have list pass project, but at the end capability is other story, every project is different.

Well not all project give to class A contractor (tier 1 contractor), usually some also give to c,d,e class contractor maybe no have strong capability/resources/financially if facing problem. Personally i think Gov should increase those contractor grade with more higher capital in bank, engineering staff, qualification, information technology, etc etc. Too low for currently specially for low grade contractor. China, Malaysia militaries launch joint exercise to cement ties Source China Military Editor Huang Panyue Time 2016-11-23 SELANGOR, Malaysia, Nov. 23 (ChinaMil) -- The China-Malaysia joint military exercise codenamed 'Peace and Friendship 2016', kicked off in Selangor of Malaysia on November 22, 2016. Themed on humanitarian assistance joint operations, the exercise is divided into two phases, namely desktop deduction and actual-troop drill.

Nearly 300 troops in total will be put into the exercise by both sides with 195 Chinese servicepersons, who are from China's Central Military Commission (CMC) departments, the Southern Theater Command and the PLA Hong Kong Garrison. General Fang Fenghui, member of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and chief of the Joint Staff Department under the CMC, and Chief of the Malaysian Defense Force General Zulkifeli Bin Mohd Zin attended the exercise opening ceremony, they both delivered a speech at the ceremony. Fang pointed out in his speech that the Chinese President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to the development of China-Malaysia comprehensive strategic partnership, and the Peace and Friendship-2016 joint military exercise is an important measure to implement the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries.

The exercise also serves as an important mechanism to promote the exchange and cooperation between the two miltaries, an important approach to improve their combat capability and an important platform for the two militaries to jointly cope with challenges and safeguard regional peace and stability, Fang said. Fang hopes that the two militaries can make continuous joint efforts in combating terrorism, addressing maritime threats, safeguarding maritime security and promoting regional peace and stability. China has always advocated peaceful resolution of disputes through friendly consultations and negotiations, Fang continued. We have consistently opposed interference and undermining of the peace and stability in the South China Sea by any outside force as well as any actions that may complicate the situation or escalate tensions in the region, stated Fang. Zulkifeli said in his speech that this joint exercise is a microcosm of the cooperation between China and Malaysia, which shows the friendly relations and the broad prospects of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two nations.

Zulkifeli called the joint exercise as a milestone marking the increasingly strengthened bilateral relations, and he believe that it will help strengthen ties and deepen the friendship between the two militaries and have a significant and profound impact on the relations between the two nations and their militaries. Fang, Zulkifeli and Sitthichai, director of the joint exercise planning office of the Royal Thai Army Command observed together the jungle survival drill staged by the Chinese and Malaysian participating troops and inspected the joint exercise command post. Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Huang Huikang and Lieutenant General Tan Benhong, commander of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison, alsoattended the above-mentioned activities. Hong Kong customs seize shipment of nine armoured military vehicles from Taiwan bound for Singapore Sources say it may be one of the biggest seizures of strategic commodities in two decades; details about owner, sender and consignee still being investigated Nine armoured military vehicles, along with components and accessories, have been confiscated by Hong Kong customs in a routine inspection at the Kwai Chung terminal, marking one of the biggest seizure of strategic commodities in two decades. Preliminary investigation showed the consignment was being shipped from Taiwan to Singapore, the Post has learned. “Hong Kong was not its final destination.

It is not known why the consignment was unloaded here,” a government source with knowledge of the matter said. ****** clear is SG Terrex 8x8, news from TWsaid use in taiwan for training, after traning ship back to SG, but cargo ship go to HK for other cargo shipment, not plan upload those vehicles, but not sure why those cargo ship off load to port. Than get HK custom seize. This post has been edited by waja2000: Nov 24 2016, 05:46 PM. North Korea, a nuclear weapons state, has already deployed over a thousand ballistic missiles -- three hundred of which have the range to strike Japan and U.S. Bases in the Western Pacific. Iran has ballistic missiles that can reach most of the Middle East.

Tehran just received its first Russian S-300 air defense system. Hezbollah, the Shiite terrorist group, is reported to have an arsenal with tens of thousands of rockets and ballistic missiles. ISIS has employed Russian-made anti-tank guided missiles capable of destroying U.S.-made M-1 tanks operated by the Iraqi Army. The pair analysed photos of a J16 taking off with two of the very long range air to air missile (VLRAAM) 'Reports are that the size would put into the category of a very long range air to air missile (VLRAAM) with ranges exceeding 300 km (roughly 186 miles), likely max out between 250 and 310 miles.' 'Additionally, the VLRAAM's powerful rocket engine will push it to Mach 6 speeds, which will increase the no escape zone (NEZ), that is the area where a target cannot outrun the missile, against even supersonic targets like stealth fighters,' they said.