South Korea selects GE as KFX engine provider
Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
27 May 2016
The South Korean KFX fifth-generation fighter project is progressing with the recent announcement of a radar supplier and now the selection of GE to provide the engines. Source: IHS/Gareth Jennings
South Korea has selected General Electric (GE) to provide the powerplant for its developmental KFX fifth-generation fighter aircraft, national media reported on 26 May.
The US company has been chosen over its European rival Eurojet to provide engines for 120 of the twin-jet aircraft that are to be built under the KRW18 trillion (USD15.3 billion) KFX project, according to the Yanhop News Agency.
GE's bid was centred around its F414 turbofan, which powers the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, while Eurojet was pushing its EJ200, which powers the Eurofighter Typhoon. IHS Jane's previously reported that the winning engine would be decided on performance, price, and proposed defence offset packages including technology transfer deals. At least half of the engine's components are expected to be manufactured in South Korea.
Under the terms of the deal, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) will assume the role of the prime contractor as the overall lead for the KFX programme, although it is likely to subcontract to other South Korean companies that specialise in aviation powerplants, such as Hanwha Techwin, Korean Air Aerospace Division, Korea Lost-Wax, Nexcoms, Neuros, and Yulkok. According to the Yanhop News Agency report, GE is expected to receive a contract in June.
The Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) recently selected Hanwha Thales as the preferred bidder for the aircraft's radar system. The powerplant selection is a major milestone in the administration's bid to begin building KFX fighters by the end of the 2020s.
http://www.janes.com/article/60777/south-korea-selects-ge-as-kfx-engine-provider
Indonesia, Philippines launch coordinated border patrols to curb maritime piracy
Jumat, 27 Mei 2016 17:15 WIB | 768 Views
Surabaya, E Java (ANTARA News) - The navies of Indonesia and the Philippines have launched coordinated border patrols to address maritime piracy and other international crimes in the shared maritime border of the two countries, an Indonesian navys spokesman stated.
The coordinated border patrols involve Indonesias warship KRI Sura-802 and the Philippines BRP Pangasinan (PS31), spokesman of the Indonesian Navys Eastern Fleet Lt Col Maman Sulaeman noted in a press statement made available to ANTARA here on Friday.
The coordinated patrols, under the codename "Corpat Philindo XXX-16," will be carried out in the shared maritime border of Sulawesi waters from May 28 to June 1 after the two navies launched a preparation phase on May 25-28 in North Sulawesis cities of Bitung and Manado, he remarked.
The official opening of this mission was held in Surabaya, East Java, on May 26, Sulaeman revealed, adding that the two navies not only focused on the military but also social, cultural, and economic aspects to address international crimes taking place in the maritime border shared by the two countries.
For Indonesia, the coordinated border patrols were also a manifestation of its navys role in securing the archipelagic states outer islands that share a maritime border with the Philippines, Sulaeman pointed out.
The Corpat Philindo XXX-16 was also a testament to the sound ties shared between Indonesia and the Philippines, including the navies of the two countries, he affirmed.
In March and April 2016, 14 Indonesian sailors were held captive by the Philippine Abu Sayyaf militant group, which hijacked their vessels, but the hostages were freed recently.(*)
http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/1...inated-border-patrols-to-curb-maritime-piracy
