British Prime Minister Gordon Brown Attacks Pakistan Terror Threat

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown Attacks Pakistan Terror Threat

(NSI News Source Info) April 9, 2009: Gordon Brown has said Pakistan's government "has to do more" to root out "terrorist" elements in its country. The prime minister was speaking after police arrested 12 men, including 11 Pakistani nationals, in anti-terror raids across north west England. Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown (top R) gestures as he talks with police officers during a visit to the new headquarters of Cumbria Police Constabulary in Carlisle, northern England, April 9 2009. Mr Brown said police had to move early to foil "a very big terrorist plot". He said he would speak to Pakistan's president to raise concerns about what he termed "increasing" terror links between Pakistan and the UK. Mr Brown said: "We know that there are links between terrorists in Britain and terrorists in Pakistan. That is an important issue for us to follow through". He added: "One of the lessons we have learned from the past few years is that Pakistan has to do more to root out terrorist elements in its country as well." "That's why I'll be talking to the Pakistan president Mr Zardari. We want the closest co-operation between Britain and Pakistan to deal with countering terrorism."

The alleged target of the suspected terror plot, which BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner said could possibly have involved an explosive device, has not been identified. But Mr Brown said police had been following the plot "for some time", before Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick accidently revealed a secret document to photographers. The blunder forced police to bring forward their plans to arrest suspects in Manchester, Merseyside and Lancashire. Mr Brown said : "We had to act pre-emptively to ensure the safety of the public." Police moved quickly to dampen down speculation the alleged plot involved bomb attacks on a shopping centre and nightclub in Manchester. Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable, Peter Fahy said: "The locations mentioned in the media are pure speculation. "I have no hesitation in using these locations and there is no particular threat against locations mentioned in the media." Mr Fahy refused to reveal the alleged target of the plot, or what was found inside the properties raided by police on Wednesday. He said: "We are evaluating all the material we are finding, interviewing people and the investigation will take a long time." Although he did not confirm a reported al-Qaeda link to the alleged plot, Mr Fahy also stressed the nationality of those arrested so far was significant. He told reporters: "We know what is the nature of the threat to this country and we know where it comes from. A man was arrested at Liverpool John Moores University "Clearly links with other countries will feature in this investigation. The reporting of the fact 11 of those arrested are Pakistani nationals is a matter of public knowledge." Mr Gardner said police moved fast because they felt there was a "clear and present danger to the public." Although he said there were "unconfirmed reports" that an explosive device was involved, his understanding was that no device had yet been found. "If there was a terror plot, it was at the aspirational rather than operational stage," he said.

Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Says Ready For Nuclear Talks

Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Says Ready For Nuclear Talks

(NSI News Source Info) ISFAHAN, Iran - April 9, 2009: Iran's president says his country is open to talks offered by the U.S. and other countries over its nuclear program, if the negotiations based on "respect" for Iran's rights. Hard-line leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says past negotiations fell apart because of the West's demands that it rein in its nuclear program. But he says "the Iranian nation has always been for talks," but that negotiations have "to be based on justice and respecting rights." The United Nations has demanded Iran suspend uranium enrichment, fearing it could be used to produce a nuclear weapon. Iran denies any intention to build a bomb and has refused to halt enrichment. Ahmadinejad spoke at a ceremony in this central Iranian town Thursday. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below. ISFAHAN, Iran (AP) — Iran's president has inaugurated a new facility producing uranium fuel for a planned heavy-water nuclear reactor. The West fears the reactor could eventually be used for producing a nuclear weapon. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has announced the plant's opening during a ceremony in the central city of Isfahan. The plant will produce pellets of uranium oxide to fuel the heavy-water research reactor, which is scheduled to be completed in 2009 or 2010. Iran denies any intention to build a nuclear weapon. The U.S. and its allies have expressed concerns Iran could reprocess spent fuel from the heavy-water reactor into plutonium for building a warhead. The process is distinct from uranium enrichment, which produces fuel for a light-water reactor. Highly enriched uranium can be used to build a warhead as well. Iran's enrichment program presents more immediate concerns to the West than the hard-water reactor, because it is far more advanced. The announcement comes a day after the United States announced it would participate directly in group talks with Iran over its nuclear program, another significant shift from President George W. Bush's policy toward a nation he labeled part of an axis of evil. Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia announced Wednesday they were inviting Iran to a new session of negotiations aimed at breaking a deadlock in the talks. Iran has not yet replied to the invitation. Tehran has rejected U.N. demands it halt uranium enrichment, saying it has a right to develop nuclear technology for a program it says is peaceful, aimed only at producing electricity. Ahmadinejad was attending celebrations for Iran's National Day of Nuclear Technology, which marks the day in 2006 when Iran enriched uranium for the first time. Iran has been building the 40-megawatt hard-water reactor in the central town of Arak for the past four years. Hard-water reactors do not need enriched uranium for fuel, and can instead use more easily produced uranium oxide ore, fashioned into pellets.

British Army Orders Dune Buggies For Afghanistan / Combat Buggies Ordered For Afghanistan

British Army Orders Dune Buggies For Afghanistan / Combat Buggies Ordered For Afghanistan

(NSI News Source Info) April 9, 2009: A fleet of brand new all-terrain vehicles has been ordered by the Ministry of Defence to move vital equipment to troops on the front line in Afghanistan. British Army Orders Dune Buggies For Afghanistan / Combat Buggies Ordered For Afghanistan. Unmodified prototype of the Springer dune buggy [Picture: MOD] A £7m contract has been awarded to Derbyshire-based Enhanced Protection Systems Ltd (EPS) to supply around 75 Springer vehicles which will hold a crew of two and have the ability to carry a combat load of one tonne. The Springer, which is expected to be delivered to the MOD this summer, will be specifically focused on moving combat supplies from helicopter landing sites into the forward operating bases. Dr Andrew Tyler, Chief Operating Officer for MOD Defence Equipment and Support, said: "This new vehicle will enable the delivery of vital equipment to front line troops. It is designed specifically for rugged, desert conditions - which means it is well-matched to the operational environment in Afghanistan. "[Springer] is designed specifically for rugged, desert conditions - which means it is well-matched to the operational environment in Afghanistan." Dr Andrew Tyler "The Springer dune buggy will be an added capability for troops at Forward Operating Bases in Afghanistan. This contract demonstrates that we're continuing to invest in vehicles for the front line." Managing Director of EPS, Sue Maltby, said: "EPS UK Ltd prides itself on delivering quality products to the defence and security industry and is delighted to be involved with the MOD with our Springer vehicle, which will provide valuable service to our soldiers on operations." The Springer will be the first vehicle of its kind to be used by British forces in theatre and will provide battlefield commanders with additional transport capabilities on the front line.

Russia Unaware Of Plans To Unite Paris And Moscow Air Shows

Russia Unaware Of Plans To Unite Paris And Moscow Air Shows

(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW - April 9, 2009: Russian officials are unaware of any plans to hold popular French and Russian international air shows together, a deputy general director of Russia's Aviasalon company said on Thursday. Anne-Marie Idrac, the French secretary of state for foreign trade, told a news conference in Moscow earlier on Thursday that France planned to hold its famous Le Bourget Air Show together with Russia's MAKS air show, which has grown in popularity in the past few years. "I have not heard of these plans before, although I think it is an interesting idea. I was at the Le Bourget-2009 presentation at the French embassy in Moscow the day before, but the director of the French air show did not mention anything like that in his speech," Nikolai Zanegin said commenting on the statement. He added that Le Bourget and MAKS officials had maintained cordial relations and even exchanged some of their experiences in organizing the shows, but had never considered the possibility of bringing the shows together. The 48th Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, which marks 100 years of technological innovation in aeronautics and space conquest, will be held on June 15-21, while the MAKS is scheduled for August 18-23 in Zhukovsky in Moscow Region. Both exhibitions are held once every two years. The most recent MAKS-2007 air show attracted more than 600,000 visitors who were able to see over 260 aircraft, most of them made domestically, and watch 35 types of planes perform some 200 demonstration flights. The value of contracts signed at the show exceeded $3 billion. Zanegin said the unification issue could be discussed at the next meeting of a Russian-French working group on cooperation in the sphere of aeronautics.

Pakistan: Sufi Mohammed Calls Off Swat Peace Deal

Pakistan: Sufi Mohammed Calls Off Swat Peace Deal

*Sufi Mohammed calls off Swat peace deal DAWN News Pakistan Thursday, 09 Apr, 2009 02:45 PM PST

(NSI News Source Info) SWAT - April 9, 2009: The chief of outlawed Tehreek e Nifaz e Shariat Mohammedi has withdrawn from the peace deal with the government and has said all peace camps in the region will be abolished, DawnNews has reported. Sufi Mohammed calls off Swat peace deal....‘ From now on, President Zardari will be responsible for any situation in Swat.' Mohammed, who brokered the peace deal between the Taliban and the government of Pakistan has claimed that the authorities have used delaying tactics in imposing the Nizam-i-Adal (Islamic courts) in the Swat region. The announcement casts serious doubt on the durability of a cease-fire in the Swat valley that U.S. officials worry will create another sanctuary for allies of al-Qaida responsible for a rising tide of violence in the nuclear-armed country. Imposing Islamic law in Swat, a one-time tourist haven, was the key plank of an accord worked out in February between the provincial government and Sufi Muhammad, a cleric who once led thousands of volunteers to fight U.S. forces in Afghanistan but has since renounced violence. Thanks in part to Muhammad's mediation, the agreement ended 18 months of terror and bloody clashes that had left hundreds dead and forced up to one-third of the previously prosperous valley's 1.5 million residents to flee. But the militants have retained their arms and this week pushed into a neighboring area where they fought deadly gunbattles with villagers and police. President Asif Ali Zardari has said he will only sign an order introducing Islamic law in the region once peace has been restored _ without saying how that would be determined. Muhammad, who had been camped out in the valley's main town of Mingora with hundreds of black-turbaned supporters, said they were leaving to protest Zardari's 'negative attitude.' 'From now on, President Zardari will be responsible for any situation in Swat, ‘ the white-bearded cleric told reporters. 'The provincial government is sincere and our agreement with the provincial government is intact, but we are ending our peace camp.' Television footage showed dozens of Muhammad's supporters crammed into a column of cars and driving out of Mingora, some of them clutching black and white flags. Mian Iftikhar Hussain, the information minister for the government of North West Frontier Province, said he believed the federal government was 'sincere' in supporting the peace effort, but said he couldn't say when the Islamic law bill would be signed. 'We are committed to bringing about a durable peace and we will continue our efforts in the changed situation,' Hussain said. Zardari aides said officials were looking into the matter but gave no further comment. Hasan Askari Rizvi, a political and military analyst, said Zardari may have delayed signing off on the agreement because of concerns within the year-old civilian government over negotiating with militants. 'The opinion is divided,' Rizvi said. 'A good number of people in the government think that this is not the right approach.' Zardari's foot-dragging also lets him save face with Western critics of the deal, he said. Under former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan struck a series of peace deals with militants along the Afghan border that U.S. officials say let the Taliban and al-Qaida regroup and focus their energy on attacking American and NATO troops in Afghanistan. President Barack Obama has made a sharp increase in financial aid to Pakistan conditional on it demonstrating more commitment to rooting out al-Qaida and other extremist groups. U.S. envoy Richard Holbrooke said Tuesday after meeting Zardari in Islamabad that the situation in Swat had helped persuade more of Pakistan's political elite of the need to combat extremism at America's side. Pakistan desperately needs economic aid to ease the fallout from an economic crunch. It also faces an exodus of foreign investors in the face of rising violence and political uncertainty. On Thursday, one policeman died and five more were injured as protests erupted across the southwestern province of Baluchistan after the discovery of the mutilated bodies of three missing political activists. The trio included the leader of one of an array of Baluch groups campaigning _ or fighting _ for more autonomy and control over natural resources in the impoverished province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran. Activists immediately blamed Pakistan's spy agencies for the political activists' deaths. Police said they were investigating. Over the weekend, a previously unknown Baluch group freed an American U.N. worker after holding him for two months to press the government to release political prisoners.

U.S. Envoy To Afghanistan And Pakistan Richard Holbrooke's Trip Exposes Standoff Between U.S., Pakistan

U.S. Envoy To Afghanistan And Pakistan Richard Holbrooke's Trip Exposes Standoff Between U.S., Pakistan

*Analysis: Is Pakistan right to say ‘no’ to joint operations with US? Muhammad S Alvi says: April 8th, 2009 at 2:25 pm Yes, get rid of the Barbarians (Taliban). But it seems that Pakistan alone cannot do it. US help under Pakistani control is necessary. Taliban are the greatest enemy of Pakistan. US is offering plenty of civilian help for education and other civil uplift work in Pakistan. But most of it will go into corruption. When Zardari and company hears ‘no blank check’ they become disinterested. I believe that this is the reason why Pakistani government is taking a tough stand against US - they want US to soften its control on money. They want a ‘blank check’. (DTN Defense-Technology News)

(NSI News Source Info) ISLAMABAD - April 9, 2009: The visit by Richard Holbrooke, U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, and Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, to the region has, for the first time, exposed sharp differences between the United States and Pakistan with regard to anti-terror operations. Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen (L) speaks as Richard Holbrooke, special U.S. envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, watches during a news conference in New Delhi April 8, 2009. Holbrooke will meet Indian officials on Wednesday amid concern in New Delhi that Washington's new regional strategy for Afghanistan is pandering to its old foe Pakistan. "The stance of the Pakistan side came as a rude shock to Americans," Pakistani newspapers on Wednesday quoted a source in the U.S. delegation visiting Islamabad as saying after parleys between the two sides. Differences between Washington and Islamabad with regard to their mutual cooperation in the war against terrorism, now called international contingency operations, had been simmering since long. However, their 'trust deficit' has emerged more vividly in the wake of announcement of the new U.S. policy on Afghanistan and Pakistan, which has given a regional aspect to the Afghan problem. This trust deficit now seems to have changed into a full-grown standoff. "Islamabad has flagged certain red lines that cannot be crossed by the United States," uttered a seemingly defiant Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the foreign minister of Pakistan, while addressing a joint conference with Richard Holbrooke and Mike Mullen, after their talks in Islamabad on Tuesday. He categorically said: "Pakistan has made it clear to the United States that it would not accept any foreign boots on the Pakistani soil." Islamabad has been criticizing the U.S. drone attacks in the tribal areas along the Afghan borders, ever since their commencement in August last year. However, Washington persistently says these attacks have proved effective and would be continued. U.S. drones have so far made over 35 missile strikes in the tribal areas, killing more than 300 people, including a large number of foreign militants. U.S. officials claimed that 13 of the top 20 Al-Qaeda leaders have been eliminated in these drone attacks. However, Pakistan said these attacks are hampering its efforts to eliminate terrorism. Rather, Islamabad on Tuesday demanded drone technology and authority to itself carry out these attacks. For its part, the United States - alleging links between ISI, Pakistan's top military intelligence agency and Taliban - does not seem to trust the Pakistani forces. "There are challenges associated with the ISI," Admiral Mike Mullen explicitly said at a joint briefing in Islamabad, while addressing Pakistan's concern against U.S. allegations against the Pakistani spy network. "There is support (in the ISI) for some (militant) organizations," he further asserted. Perhaps that is the reason that General Asif Shuja Pasha, the ISI chief, reportedly refused to hold separate meeting with the visiting U.S. officials. Besides the ISI issue, differences also surfaced during the talks on the issue of carrying out joint military operations against militants in the tribal agencies. "Pakistan rejects the U.S. proposal for carrying out joint operations against militants," newspapers quoted Pakistan government sources as saying. Last week, there were reports in British and American media that U.S. and Pakistani forces contemplated joint operations in South Waziristan tribal agency to eliminate Baitullah Mehsud, the chief of Pakistani Taliban, for whom Washington has fixed 50 million dollars bounty. Earlier, while charting out the new war on terror policy of his administration, President Obama had said that the U.S. and Pakistani forces would continue cooperation to eliminate terrorism. However, Yousuf Raza Gilani, the prime minister of Pakistan, rejected these reports the other day, saying they were mere speculations. The new defiant posture of Pakistan is not an instant flare up of sentiments on the part of the Pakistani leaders. There are reports that Pakistan's defiant mood came after a collective decision of the government and the security establishment to adopt a tough posture. "The Pakistan Army chief, General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, expressed Pakistan's concern (to the U.S. delegation) without mincing his words," Pakistani government sources said. Pakistan seems to be not bothered even about the tempting 1.5 billion dollar annual aid package, which Washington has promised in response to Islamabad's cooperation in the war on terror. "Blank check policy should be for both sides," Shah Mahmood Qureshi said in his press briefing, referring to a last week report, which quoted U.S. officials as saying that while extending aid, Washington would not give any blank check to Pakistan and would rather 'hold Pakistan accountable' for the spending it makes on war on terror. If the impression gathered from the joint press conference of Holbrooke and Qureshi and the ensuing media reports are some things to believe in, Islamabad appears determined not to 'do more,' at the call of Washington - as has always been alleged by the opponents - if not fully parting ways with its long-time ally.

U.S. Air Force Helicopter Pilots Train Japanese Forces JASDF On Air Refueling

U.S. Air Force Helicopter Pilots Train Japanese Forces JASDF On Air Refueling

(NSI News Source Info) KADENA AIR BASE, Japan - April 9, 2009: A team of HH-60G Pave Hawk pilots here provided a three-day intensive course on air refueling to Japanese Self Defense Forces helicopter rescue pilots in late March over Japan.

The training, given by pilots from the 33rd Rescue Squadron, gave JASDF members hands-on helicopter air refueling training.

An HH-60G-Pave Hawk from the 33rd Rescue Squadron receives fuel from an MC-130 during a three-day intensive air refueling course March 24 at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Pilots from the 33rd RQS put together a refueling training program for Japanese Self Defense Force helicopter pilots to provide them the tools to begin conducting long-range rescue missions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Chrissy Best)

American pilots put together a refueling training program for four JASDF helicopter pilots with the hopes of providing them the tools to begin conducting long-range rescue missions.

"This training will significantly help the JASDF forces by giving them the ability to refuel in the air and increasing their range for rescue operations," said Capt. Kyle Kimberlin, an HH-60 pilot from the 33rd RQS. "So if there's a rescue mission that's outside the (normal) range of a helicopter they will now have the ability to go even further out over the water to pick guys up and help them out."

The air refueling training was a joint endeavor with support from Marines from VMGR-152 who flew a KC-130J tanker and the 17th Special Operations Squadron who flew an MC-130 tanker. Coordination with the two tanker teams took place in the days prior to the training, ensuring the location, altitudes and air speeds were prepared for the training flights.

"The main goal for the Air Force was basically to help the JASDF get this capability by taking this first step," said Capt. Andy Gray, a 33rd RQS HH-60 pilot. "For the ground training, we basically put together a training syllabus specifically for guys who were very experienced in the aircraft -- the JASDF pilots -- but had no experience air refueling."

The training syllabus centered on the JASDF becoming familiar with air refueling operations and included a day of ground training and two hours of actual hands-on refueling for each of the four JASDF pilots.

The air refueling training was a four-part process which included pre-air refueling, what to do on approach with the tanker, how to get off the tanker, and post-air refueling procedures. In addition, they also practiced training in an emergency situation.

"One thing that we got out of it is, we got to talk to those guys, hear their techniques, and build our coordination and our standard terminology because the language barrier is one of the big things we have to overcome when we work with the JASDF," Captain Gray said. "Mainly we just shared that professionalism between the units so that when we do have to operate together we'll be able to do it smoothly."

This exercise gave the JASDF forces an insight on the standard way the Air Force does training, the captain said. The next step is to understand the way the JASDF does training by going through a Japanese training program.

JASDF Maj. Sekine Eiji, a UH-60J pilot with the Akita Air Rescue Squadron, said the training was the first step of the JASDF's new program to obtain C-130 and rescue helicopter air refueling capability.

"In the beginning of the training, I was nervous because I had never come as close to a C-130 as we did in order to connect to the drogue," the major said. "I had to maintain precise aircraft control within a 1-inch margin for every motion. In the end, myself and the other JASDF pilot each successfully refueled our aircraft."

The expectation for this training was to build a stepping stone for the Japanese to begin their own training program on how to do daytime helicopter refueling. The next step is to teach night refueling.

"Personally I just enjoy instructing in general but this was extra special because you know that they're going to develop their program now," said Capt. Gabe Brown, a 33rd RQS HH-60 pilot. "They are the first ones to do this and they are going to pyramid the JASDF air refueling capability and it's going to be neat to look back and know that we started that."

HAL Hands Over First G-150 Rear Fuselage To IAI / HAL Hands Over First Rear Fuselage For Gulfstream (G-150) Aircraft To IAI

HAL Hands Over First G-150 Rear Fuselage To IAI / HAL Hands Over First Rear Fuselage For Gulfstream (G-150) Aircraft To IAI (NSI News Source Info) April 9, 2009: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Tuesday strengthened its position as a leading aerospace export house when it handed over the first rear fuselage for the Gulfstream (G-150) aircraft to Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI). Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, based in Savannah, Georgia, announced the wide-cabin, high-speed G150 business jet in September 2002. The G150 is a wide-cabin version of the successful G100 business jet. The aircraft was developed by Gulfstream and Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI). The first fight was successfully completed in May 2005. *G150 flight deck The aircraft is equipped with a Rockwell Collins Pro Line21 integrated avionics suite. The flight deck accommodates two crew and is fitted with a Rockwell Collins EFD-4077 electronic flight information system which provides data to the four 18.4cm display screens. The dual UNS-1C flight management systems have an integrated global positioning system and Rockwell Collins FCC-4005 autopilot. The navigation systems include dual AHC-85E attitude and heading reference systems, ADC-850C air data systems, VIR-432 navigation markers, DME-442 distance measuring equipment, single automatic direction finder ADF-462, an ALT-55B radio altimeter, a terrain collision avoidance system TCAS-94, a Honeywell EGPWS electronic ground proximity warning system and TWR-850 colour weather radar. The communications suite comprises VHF-422C cockpit radios, RTU-4220 tuners and TDR-94D transponders, Baker B12135 audio sets, Magnastar flight telephones, Rockwell Collins HF 9000 radio, Motorola NA-1335 Selcal selective calling unit, Artex ELT emergency locator transponder and a Universal CVR-30B cockpit voice recorder. *Gulfstream G150 performance The G150 has a long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.75 (895km/h), flying four passengers non-stop up to 5,467km (3,397 miles), equivalent to non-stop New York to Los Angeles, London to Moscow, or Rio de Janeiro to Santiago. The aircraft can reach speeds up to 1,015km/h (Mach 0.85) and altitudes up to 13,716m (45,000ft). The wings are fitted with pneumatic de-icing systems. HAL Chairman Mr Ashok Nayak handed over the documents of the HAL-built Aft (rear) fuselage for G-150 to Mr Shlomi Karako, General Manager, Business Jets Division, IAI, at a simple function at HAL’s Aircraft Division in Bangalore. Gulfstream (G-150) is a business executive aircraft built in Israel and transported to the United States for further furnishing. The G-150 is marketed the world over by the US-based Gulfstream Corporation. Ready for more challenges, says Nayak: The Aircraft Division has made a mark on the international export map over the years by supplying several types of door assemblies to Boeing, Airbus and other global firms. “With the G-150 fuselage delivery HAL has now entered a fairly advanced manufacturing level of building major structural assemblies for global players in the civil sector. The G-150 project augurs well not only for HAL, but also for the national objective of producing a civil aircraft of international standards,” Mr Ashok Nayak said. He also attributed the success of the project to the involvement of the private sector and expressed hope that the Company would bag more orders in the future. “The G-150 programme has given us huge confidence in taking up bigger challenges. We are now looking forward to the G-250 programme and we have made our strong presence felt in the bidding process. HAL-IAI has a time-tested partnership and we are here to capitalize on the vast potential in the business jet market,” Mr Nayak added. Quality at its best, says Israel: HAL’s ability to deliver the G-150 fuselage on time came in for praise from the strong contingent of IAI officials. “To us, this is a champion product. We have seen closely HAL’s capabilities in handling new technologies and new IT processes. For us the Gulfstream fuselage is a perfect example of synergy and quality,” Mr Shlomi Karako of IAI said. About the project: The IAI approached HAL with a request for quotation (RFQ) for building the fuselage in December 2006, since they required a partner to build the fuselage from digital data for the first time. (This process was against the legacy of paper drawings from which hundreds of aircraft were built in Israel.) The contract for producing 200 ship-sets of G-150 fuselages was signed in 2007, and a dedicated state-of-the-art hangar came up in Bangalore within nine months. The programme also saw significant and close collaborative efforts between HAL and IAI in realizing the hardware through web-based design data transfer. It also brought together the Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI). HAL has a seven-year schedule to deliver 200 fuselage ship-sets to Israel.

Raytheon Achieves Critical Dual Band Radar Testing Milestone

Raytheon Achieves Critical Dual Band Radar Testing Milestone

(NSI News Source Info) TEWKSBURY, Mass. - April 9, 2009: Raytheon Company and the U.S. Navy successfully completed initial "lightoff" testing of the Dual Band Radar. The Dual Band Radar is an integrated active phased-array radar suite composed of the X-band AN/SPY-3 Multi-Function Radar and the S-band Volume Search Radar, both of which radiated at high power during lightoff at the Navy's Engineering Test Center, Wallops Island, Va. "This is an enormous milestone for Raytheon and the Navy -- demonstrating the reliability and effectiveness of the most advanced naval surface radar in the world," said Raytheon Integrated Defense System's Bob Martin, vice president and deputy of Seapower Capability Systems. "The Dual Band Radar provides unmatched mission capabilities and functionality, while delivering commonality and affordability for the fleet." The system will be installed on the Zumwalt-class destroyer (DDG 1000), Ford-class aircraft carrier (CVN 78), and other future surface combatants to provide superior surveillance capabilities and support ship self-defense across a broad range of missions. The Dual Band Radar leverages proven technologies to meet mission requirements in deep water and littoral, or near shore, environments. The radar supports a wide variety of mission requirements, including ship self-defense and anti-air warfare; anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface ship warfare; situational awareness; land attack; naval gunfire support; surface search; navigation; and air traffic control. The radar's capabilities include horizon search; volume surveillance; fire control tracking; missile guidance; and illumination functionality for the Evolved SeaSparrow missile and Standard missile family. Following this successful lightoff testing, the radar suite will begin an extended period of operational performance testing. Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Global Capabilities Integration, providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security. Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

Hungarian Military Orders Force Protection Cougar Vehicles / Hungary Orders Cougar MRAP Vehicles

Hungarian Military Orders Force Protection Cougar Vehicles / Hungary Orders Cougar MRAP Vehicles

(NSI News Source Info) April 9, 2009: Force Protection, Inc. April 7., announced that the Hungarian Ministry of Defence has ordered three Cougar vehicles. The contract calls for delivery of vehicles, spare parts and training by June 2009. The value of the award totals $1.3 million.

Cougar MRAP: Proven combat survivability is the key to sending personnel out with a go anywhere, do anything and get home to tell about it attitude. The advanced ballistic and blast-protected MRAP Cat I Cougar boasts an outstanding occupant survival rate. The Cougar 4x4, which can transport up to six passengers plus equipment, has been a workhorse for the U.S. Marine Corps combat engineers in Iraq since 2004. The Cougar is the paragon of troop transports in Iraq and Afghanistan, where it has withstood literally thousands of IED/landmine attacks. As for the survivability of the Cougar itself, not only is the vehicle built to drive into danger, its reparability typically allows it to return to service within a matter of hours. The Cougar’s reliability has gained it global notoriety and is being sold to foreign allies in Canada, Iraq and the UK.

“We are extremely pleased to provide the battle proven Cougar to the Hungarian Ministry of Defence. Cougar’s reputation for providing survivability to its occupants is certainly world renowned. This award is important to Force Protection in that part of our long term strategy is to continue to grow our customer base. This award further demonstrates our capability to enter into commercial agreements with appropriate foreign governments,” said Michael Moody, Chief Executive Officer of Force Protection.

About Force Protection, Inc.

Force Protection, Inc. is a leading American designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions, predominantly ballistic- and blast-protected wheeled vehicles currently deployed by the U.S. military and its allies to support armed forces and security personnel in conflict zones. Force Protection’s specialty vehicles, the Cougar, the Buffalo and the Cheetah, are designed specifically for reconnaissance and urban operations and to protect their occupants from landmines, hostile fire, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs, commonly referred to as roadside bombs). Force Protection also is the developer and manufacturer of ForceArmor™, an armor package providing superior protection against explosively formed projectiles (EFPs), now available for a wide range of tactical-wheeled vehicles. Force Protection is one of the original developers and primary providers of vehicles for the U.S. military’s Mine Resistant Ambush Protected, or MRAP, vehicle program. For more information about Force Protection and its vehicles, visit http://www.forceprotection.net/.

Force Protection, Inc. Safe Harbor Language

This press release contains forward looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Force Protection’s beliefs and expectations are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on beliefs and assumptions by Force Protection’s management, and on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Force Protection undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. These include, but are not limited to, the benefits of Force Protection’s products to the Hungarian Ministry of Defence and the effects of establishing direct commercial relationships. A number of important factors could cause actual result to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Examples of these factors include, but are not limited to, Force Protection’s ability to fulfill the order for the Cougar vehicles on a timely basis, Force Protection’s ability to manage its relationship with the Hungarian Ministry of Defence and other strategic partners, Force Protection’s ability to effectively manage the risks in its business; the reaction of the marketplace to the foregoing; and other risk factors and cautionary statements listed in Force Protection’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

U.S. Air Force First European-Based C-130J Arrives At Ramstein / Lockheed Martin's Proven C-130J Super Hercules Strengthens Airlift in Europe

U.S. Air Force First European-Based C-130J Arrives At Ramstein / Lockheed Martin's Proven C-130J Super Hercules Strengthens Airlift in Europe

(NSI News Source Info) RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany - April 9, 2009: Today, April 8., representatives of the U.S. Air Force welcomed the first of 14 new Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules aircraft that will be permanently based at Ramstein Air Base. During a ceremony that included dignitaries from across Europe, U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) Commander Gen. Roger Brady acknowledged the C-130Js critical contribution to the mission of USAFE.

The first C-130J-30 Super Hercules is greeted by fire engines on ts arrival at Ramstein air force base in Germany.

"I am especially pleased to celebrate the delivery of the first C-130J Super Hercules to the United States Air Forces in Europe. USAFE truly does bring a lot to the fight, in particular the vital airlift capability we provide in the global war on terror and vital humanitarian operations the world over. The C-130J Super Hercules will give us an even greater capacity to perform all those missions," Brady said.

Ten C-130Js will be delivered to Ramstein this year, with four more scheduled for delivery in 2010. These 14 new Js will support the Ramstein-based 37th Airlift Squadron, 86th Airlift Wing that has been flying C-130Es. The new aircraft are the longer C-130J-30 configuration, which is now the standard for recapitalizing the USAF and many other air forces around the world. "Today sees yet another milestone in the evolution of this amazing aircraft," said Ross Reynolds, Lockheed Martin's vice president for C-130 programs. "The C-130J is a proven aircraft that can meet the airlift needs of many, many countries. The greater range and cargo capacity of the C130J provide a much needed capability to USAFE."

C-130Js are engaged in high-tempo operations in multiple combat theaters and are routinely deployed in support of both peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. The C-130J is a proven airlifter that has been selected by 10 nations, with 173 aircraft delivered to date. The C-130J is a flexible, multimission aircraft that has been delivered in multiple and varied configurations to meet a wide range of operational needs. The C-130J fleet has accumulated over 500,000 flight hours.

U.S., Indian Air Forces Discuss Partnership Efforts

U.S., Indian Air Forces Discuss Partnership Efforts

(NSI News Source Info) HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii - April 9, 2009: Senior air force officials from India and the United States met here March 25 through 29 to discuss operational concepts and to chart the way ahead for future training exchanges and exercises.

This year's executive steering group meeting focused on the review and assessment of joint and combined training events.

Lt. Gen. Chip Utterback leads a tour of the USS Arizona Memorial for Air Marshal Dinesh Chandra Kumaria and others March 26 at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. General Utterback is the 13th Air Force commander. Air Marshal Kumaria is the director of general operations for the Indian air force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Vanessa Perez)

The group was was co-chaired by Lt. Gen. Chip Utterback, the 13th Air Force commander, and Indian air force Air Marshal Dinesh Chandra Kumaria, director of general operations for the Indian air force.

"Our militaries continue to have a supportive working relationship that is vital to the stability of the Asia-Pacific region," General Utterback said. "I look forward to continuing the cooperative efforts we have developed over the years."

India and the United States share three executive steering groups to foster ties between their armies, air forces and navies.

During the four-day meeting, U.S. Air Force representatives briefed India military officials on security exercises, flight safety, medical logistics, the function of an air and space operations center, E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system subject matter expert exchanges, and on the capabilities of the C-17 Globemaster III.

Additionally, Indian air force officials discussed their involvement with the Joint Prisoners of War-Missing in Action Accounting Command in recovering six downed U.S. bombers from World War II.

This year's meeting also allowed both air forces to work out a precise schedule for joint exercises, training and visits for the next two years.

"We have seen very tangible benefits from our exchanges," Air Marshal Kumaria said. "The progress, year after year, in the content and the comprehensiveness, has continued to increase."

American Airmen made time to show their Indian guests around the Hawaiian Islands as they toured the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor and attended a luau.

"General Utterback and his team made us feel very welcome and at home during our time here in Hawaii," the air marshal said.

Thirteenth AF is responsible for command, control and execution of air, space, and information operations capabilities across the full range of military operations in the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility, excluding the Korean theater of operations.

Pakistan: Violence Breaks Out In Balochistan After 3 Nationalist Leaders Killed

Pakistan: Violence Breaks Out In Balochistan After 3 Nationalist Leaders Killed

(NSI News Source Info) ISLAMABAD - April 9, 2009: Violence broke out in some parts of southwestern Pakistan on Thursday after dead bodies of three leaders of nationalist groups found. Angry protesters torched a United Nations vehicle in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, and also attacked banks and several government buildings, the News Network International (NNI) news agency quoted police as saying. A Pakistani policeman walks past burning tyres set alight by protesters in Karachi April 9, 2009. The protesters were demonstrating against what they said were the killing of political activists in Balochistan. Police officer in district Turbat Ayaz Baloch said bodies of the chief of Baloch Nationalist Movement (BNM), Ghulam Muhammad Baloch, leader of Baloch Republican Party, Sher Muhamamd Bugti and BNM leader Lala Munir were found late Wednesday night. They were kidnapped last Friday from the office of a local lawyer by unidentified gunmen, police said. People took to the streets in Quetta after the bodies were identified on Thursday morning and attacked vehicles and buildings, police said. The police fired tear gas to disperse the protesters. Baloch leaders alleged that the nationalist leaders were kidnapped by the government people, the charge denied by the authorities, according to the NNI. Witnesses said that the slain Baloch leaders were shot dead after they were kidnapped. No group claimed responsibility for the kidnapping and killings. The government has put the security forces on alert in Balochistan to counter nay backlash of the incident.

Iranian President Welcomes 'Honest' Talks With US

Iranian President Welcomes 'Honest' Talks With US

(NSI News Source Info) CAIRO - April 9, 2009: Iran's hard-line president Mahmoud Ahmedinejad said his country would welcome talks with the United States if President Barack Obama proves to be "honest" in extending a hand towards Iran. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, gestures to supporters in Isfahan 400kms (240 miles) south of Tehran on Wednesday April 8, 2009. Iran's hard-line president said Wednesday that his country welcomes talks with the United States should the American president prove to be "honest" in extending its hand toward Iran, one of the strongest signals yet that Tehran welcomes Barack Obama's calls for dialogue. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad greets supporters in Isfahan, south of Tehran, 08 Apr 2009Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, speaking to several hundred-thousand people in the city of Isfahan, responded to recent U.S. overtures for dialogue by indicating his country would welcome such a dialogue if it was "honest."

Sounding a conciliatory note in his speech, Mr. Ahmedinejad said the "Iranian nation welcomes a hand extended to it, should it be really and truly based on honesty, justice and respect."

President Barack Obama said in January that his administration is prepared to reach out to erstwhile U.S. foes if they are "willing to unclench their fists."

But the Iranian president offered some veiled criticism to Mr. Obama, taking a stab at his campaign theme of "change".

"If you say you are after change, then change your policies, change your rhetoric, change your ways'" he said.

In March, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave a chilly response to President Obama's video message to the Iranian people for the Persian New Year, underlining that Tehran is waiting for concrete changes in U.S. policies.

Other top Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani have also continued to stress Tehran will move forward with its controversial nuclear program, despite U.S. overtures.

Analysts are also expecting President Ahmedinejad to make a provocative declaration, Thursday, marking Iran's self-proclaimed "nuclear day," noting the country's nuclear accomplishments during the past year. The United States has accused Iran of using its nuclear program as part of an effort to acquire nuclear weapons, a charge Iran denies.

U.S. Crew Regain Control Of Hijacked Ship, Negotiate Captain's Release

U.S. Crew Regain Control Of Hijacked Ship, Negotiate Captain's Release

(NSI News Source Info) April 9, 2009: American crew members aboard a U.S.-flagged ship hijacked by Somali pirates Wednesday were able to regain control of the vessel, but the ship's captain is still being held hostage, FOX News confirms. A defense official said the Maersk Alabama's captain is being held captive on board a lifeboat belonging to the sihp.

Wednesday April 8, 2009 by Maersk Line, shows the 17,000-ton container ship Maersk Alabama, when it was operating under the name Maersk Alva, which has been hijacked by Somalia pirates with 20 crew members aboard while sailing from Salalah in Oman to the Kenyan port of Mombassa via Djibouti. Four pirates are in the lifeboat and according to the official there is no clear evidence that a pirate remains captive with the U.S. crew. Speaking on the ship's satellite phone, one of the 20 crew members said they had been taken hostage but managed to seize one pirate and then successfully negotiate their own release. He said negotiations are under way for the captain's release. "All the crew members are trained in security detail in how to deal with piracy," Maersk CEO John Reinhart told reporters. "As merchant vessels we do not carry arms. We have ways to push back, but we do not carry arms." John Harris, CEO of HollowPoint Security Services, which specializes in maritime security, said that the crew's overtaking the pirates could help prevent future hijackings, especially since the military can't protect the entire high seas.

"Any time you can get intel from them, they can give you any kind of significant information, they more than likely will not, but anything we can get will always help us in the future," Harris told FOX News. "Naval vessels ... can't be everywhere at one time, just like law enforcement," he said, noting that the U.S. Navy has been protecting the most vulnerable shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean. "If you saturate an area long enough in the shipping lanes, if you saturate it with war ships long enough, they venture out. In this case that's what they did. They want 350 miles out of the coast where no Naval vessels were present," he said. As for the boldness of the pirates taking a ship operating under a U.S. flag, Harris said pirates don't care which ship they grab. "We have not seen it matters at all. This is a business to them. They are not intended on carrying what cargo we're carrying. All they want to do is see a dollar figure. They know if they catch a big ship, they get big money. All they want is ransom out of this. They are not worried about crew or cargo," Harris said. Pentagon Spokesman Bryan Whitman said earlier Wednesday he has "no information to suggest the 20 crew members of the Maersk Alabama have been harmed by the pirates." During its one communication with the ship, Maersk was told the crew was safe, Reinhart said. He would not release the names of the crew members. Cmdr. Jane Campbell, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Navy's Bahrain-based 5th Fleet, said that it was the first pirate attack "involving U.S. nationals and a U.S.-flagged vessel in recent memory." Wednesday's incident was the first such hostage-taking involving U.S. citizens in 200 years. In December 2008, Somali pirates chased and shot at a U.S. cruise ship with more than 1,000 people on board but failed to hijack the vessel. The top two commanders of the ship graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, the Cape Cod Times reported Wednesday. Andrea Phillips, the wife of Capt. Richard Phillips of Underhill, Vt., said her husband has sailed in those waters "for quite some time" and a hijacking was perhaps "inevitable." The Cape Cod Times reported his second in command, Capt. Shane Murphy, was also among the 20 Americans aboard the Maersk Alabama. Capt. Joseph Murphy, a professor at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, says his son is a 2001 graduate who recently talked to a class about the dangers of pirates. The newspaper reported the 33-year-old Murphy had phoned his mother to say he was safe. The 17,000-ton Maersk Alabama was carrying emergency relief to Mombasa, Kenya, at the time it was hijacked, for the Copenhagen-based container shipping group A.P. Moller-Maersk. Robert A. Wood, Deputy State Department Spokesman, told reporters the ship was carrying "vegetable oil, corn soy blend and other basic food commodities bound for Africa."