DTN News: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Says Venezuela To Get Russian Missiles

DTN News: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Says Venezuela To Get Russian Missiles

*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media

(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - September 12, 2009: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has said that Caracas is to receive Russian short-range missiles. Chavez was speaking after returning home from a 10-day world tour, including a visit to Russia. "Soon some little rockets are going to be arriving," he said at the presidential palace. "They can fly 300 kms. And they don't miss their targets." "We are not going to attack anybody, these are just defence tools, because we are going to defend our country from any threat, wherever it may come from," he went on. He did not say how many missiles would be delivered. Chavez also said Venezuela would buy Russian T-72 and T-90 tanks. Venezuela is embroiled in a dispute with neighboring Colombia over its plans to allow U.S. troops to deploy to the country. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday after Kremlin talks with Chavez that Russia would sell Venezuela tanks and other types of military equipment. His announcement came after Chavez had said that Venezuela would recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Russia recognized the former Georgian republics as independent states shortly after last August's war with Georgia, which began when Georgian forces attacked South Ossetia in a bid to bring it under central control.

DTN News: Royal Navy's Most Advanced Attack Sub Prepares For Sea Trials

DTN News: Royal Navy's Most Advanced Attack Sub Prepares For Sea Trials *Source: DTN News / BAE Systems (NSI News Source Info) Barrow-in-Furness, UK - September 12, 2009: The largest, most powerful and stealthiest nuclear attack submarine ever built for the Royal Navy is preparing to leave the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness for sea trials. BAE Systems is building three Astute Class nuclear-powered attack submarines for the UK Royal Navy. BAE Systems is responsible for the design, build and initial in-service support for the Astute submarine class currently under construction at the company's shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness. The first of class HMS Astute is undergoing final test and commissioning work before leaving for extensive sea trials prior to entering service with the Royal Navy. A further three Astute class vessels, Ambush, Artful and Audacious are currently under construction with long lead orders placed for equipment for a fifth submarine. The keel for Audacious was laid at the shipyard earlier this year. Design and construction of the Astute class involves over 7,000 design drawings and more than 1 million components. The construction method for a nuclear submarine means that the first of class presents the challenges of both a prototype and a first production model, with many of the design elements proved and refined during the construction cycle, takes from concept design to a finished nuclear powered submarine. Powered by a nuclear reactor more complex than those found in power stations, Astute is designed to operate over 25 years without refuelling, patrolling for up to 90 days submerged and undetected. Safety is a primary consideration as the boat's 98 crew live and work in close proximity to the reactor while operating in the harshest environment on the planet, the deep ocean. Astute is capable of undertaking a variety of mission roles including anti-ship and anti submarine action, intelligence gathering and support for land forces. She is armed with heavyweight Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles capable of delivering pinpoint strikes up to 1000 kilometres from the coast. Astute is also equipped with the latest stealth technology to avoid detection and the advanced Sonar 2076 system to locate and identify other vessels.

DTN News: BAE Systems Unveils Contender For British Army Recce Vehicle

DTN News: BAE Systems Unveils Contender For British Army Recce Vehicle

*Source: DTN News / BAE Systems

(NSI News Source Info) LONDON, England - September 12, 2009: BAE Systems has released the first images of its new demonstrator vehicle for the Scout variant of the multi-billion pound UK FRES SV (Future Rapid Effect System Specialist Vehicles) competition.

The vehicle is based on a modified version of its highly-successful CV90 chassis with an all-new turret and cannon.

The UK-developed turret will allow accurate firing on the move, a first for a medium-calibre vehicle weapon system in British service, while the cannon features a revolutionary new 40mm “cased telescoped” design from the BAE Systems/Nexter joint venture CTAI.

This will give much greater punch than existing medium-calibre designs against armour, buildings and dismounted troops. BAE Systems has delivered more than 1,000 CV90 vehicles to six nations, with more than hundred more on order.

It is currently in service in Afghanistan with Swedish and Norwegian forces, while Denmark will deploy it there next year. Through these programmes, taxpayers have seen real value for money, new jobs have been created in the customer nations and technology has been transferred successfully in each case.

Commenting on the vehicle system design, BAE Systems FRES SV Campaign Director Arne Berglund said: “Each successive contract has resulted in further development and CV90 is a mature, fully-digitised, very mobile, reliable and well-protected vehicle.

It is ideally suited for the range of variants required by the FRES SV programme. “The demonstrator vehicle has allowed us to integrate complex systems and gives confidence that we can meet the demanding UK Ministry of Defence timescales for the high-priority FRES SV programme.

It incorporates technology and learning from our very successful MTIP2 turret programme which integrated the CT40 gun and culminated in a successful live firing demonstration in January this year, from a moving Warrior vehicle against a moving target.”

FRES SV consists of three Blocks of Reconnaissance vehicles, plus Medium Armour and Manoeuvre Support. Up to 1300 could be required in total. Recce Block 1, which consists of Scout, Repair, Recovery and Protected Mobility variants, is the biggest and seen as the highest priority.

BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.

DTN News: Lockheed Offered HAL Longbow Hellfire For Weaponised Dhruv

DTN News: Lockheed Offered HAL Longbow Hellfire For Weaponised Dhruv *Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin (NSI News Source Info) BANGALORE, India - September 12, 2009: Lockheed-Martin is looking to engage Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd in a bid to push the AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire chopper-launched anti-armour missile system for the weaponised Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, also called the Dhruv-WSI (weapons systems integrated). The Hellfire Air-to-Ground Missile System (AGMS) provides heavy anti-armor capability for attack helicopters. The first three generations of HELLFIRE missiles use a laser seeker. The fourth generation, Longbow HELLFIRE, uses a radar frequency seeker. The first generation of Laser HELLFIRE presently is used as the main armament of the U.S. Army's AH-64 Apache and U.S. Marine Corps' AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters. The second generation currently is available for deployment. Laser HELLFIRE homes on a laser spot that can be projected from ground observers, other aircraft, or the launching aircraft itself. This enables the system to be employed in a variety of modes: autonomous, air or ground, direct or indirect, single shot, rapid, or ripple fire.

The proposal is charted out as one of Lockheed's long-term proposals for India, though the company confirms that "[HAL] requires large quantities of Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) systems to be installed on its Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) for the Indian Army requirement.

This opportunity is being developed in consultation with the USG and GOI."The Indian Nag anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) has been cleared for production for the Indian Army in the ground-launched variant, though the Helina (HELIcopter-launched NAg) will take atleast another 18 months to be ready for operations and integration on the Dhruv-WSI.

The Helina, incidentally, has similar stated range and other parameters to the Longbow Hellfire. The missile is expected to enter its live test phase this November.

The Army has 104 Dhruv choppers on order from HAL at the moment.

DTN News: USAF Europe And Africa Airlift Missions Strengthened By Another C-130J Super Hercules Delivery

DTN News: USAF Europe And Africa Airlift Missions Strengthened By Another C-130J Super Hercules Delivery

*Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin

(NSI News Source Info) MARIETTA, Ga., - September 12, 2009: Maj. Gen. Ronald “Ron” Ladnier, commander, 17th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Africa, recently accepted the fifth of 14 Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] C-130Js to be based at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The C-130J is the newest tactical inter-theater transport aircraft fielded with the US Air Force and several international air forces. capable of flying higher, farther and faster than previous C-130 models while carrying more cargo. “We are excited about getting another C-130J,” Maj. Gen Ladnier said. “When you look across the Department of Defense at what this country is doing, you can’t help but be proud of our soldiers, our sailors, our Airmen and our Marines. If you think about it a minute or two longer you realize you have to get to a fight to fight the fight; you’ve got to sustain the fight to stay in the fight; you’ve got to get to the disaster area if you are going to lend a helping hand. You quickly come to the conclusion that the C-130J is a big part of anything we do in this country ─ and we certainly couldn’t live without it.” The C-130Js based at Ramstein will also support the airlift needs of the newly established Africa Command. “When you look at the power of the C-130J, and the legs (range) that it has, it is ideally suited to the size of the African continent and our mission there,” Gen. Ladnier 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 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. Gen. Ladnier accepted the newest aircraft on Sept. 1. 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 177 aircraft delivered through the second quarter of this year. 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. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

DTN News: BAE Systems Debuts New Generation Fighting Vehicle

DTN News: BAE Systems Debuts New Generation Fighting Vehicle *Source: DTN News / BAE Systems (NSI News Source Info) LONDON, England - September 12, 2009: BAE Systems launched the latest 6x6 addition to the battle-proven RG range at the Defence Systems & Equipment International (DSEi) exhibition today – the RG35 Mine Protected multi-purpose fighting vehicle. The company rolled out the RG35 at the Defence Systems & Equipment International (DSEi) exhibition in London this morning. The RG35 combines the high levels of survivability of the RG31 Mine Protected Vehicle with much of the tactical capability of a modern combat vehicle, the company says. BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa MD Johan Steyn says the RG35 incorporates the best of 30 years experience in mobility, protection and sustainability, while meeting current challenges and threats. It further meets modern warfare protection requirements, but also offers tactical on-and off-road mobility. “RG35 offers unprecedented versatility and will be equally suitable in peace support and conventional operations,” says Steyn. “We continuously develop and enhance our vehicles to support our customers’ operational needs.” RG35 combines the high levels of survivability of the RG31 Mine Protected Vehicle with much of the tactical capability of a modern combat vehicle. RG35 incorporates the best of 30 years experience in mobility, protection and sustainability, while meeting current challenges and threats. It meets modern warfare protection requirements, but also offers tactical on- and off-road mobility. “RG35 offers unprecedented versatility and will be equally suitable in peace support and conventional operations,” said Johan Steyn, Managing Director, BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa. “We continuously develop and enhance our vehicles to support our customers’ operational needs.” The versatile RG35 can carry light and medium turrets and direct and indirect-fire weapons. It can also be configured in all the variants of a fighting unit (ambulance, weapon carriers, command posts and others) and can be customized in various sizes such as the 4x4 and 6x6, for various missions to meet customer needs. RG35 is a 6x6 mine protected multi-purpose fighting vehicle 7.4 meters in length, 2.5 meters in width and 2,7 meters in height with a ground clearance of 458 millimeters. The RG35 gross vehicle mass is 33,000kg with a payload of 14,870kg and 15sqm volume under armour. The RG35 has a turning circle of 15m and seats driver plus 15 crew members. About BAE Systems BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.

DTN News: India Gets 2 Fast Attack Boats To Fight Terrorists

DTN News: India Gets 2 Fast Attack Boats To Fight Terrorists

*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media

(NSI News Source Info) MUMBAI, India - September 12, 2009: The Indian Navy has received two fast attack boats that will be used to counter sea-based terrorism and will be built by state-owned Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers of Calcutta. The delivery Sept. 10 is part of a bigger order for scores of the vessels, which are called water jet-propelled fast-attack craft, or WJFACs. (Image: INS Cheriyam) WJFACs are designed to be effective even in shallow waters, and have day-night surveillance capability and firepower that will enhance coastal security, an Indian Navy official said. The 325-ton WJFACs just delivered, the INS Cheriyam and INS Cora Divh, can achieve speeds in excess of 30 knots and measure about 50 meters in length. The Navy is likely to receive more than 50 WJFACs in the next three years, the official added. After the Mumbai terrorist attacks Nov. 26, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers received orders for 78 WJFACs from the Indian Home Ministry to be deployed along state coastlines. The Navy is acquiring the WJFACs to replace the existing Seaward Defence Boats. India has put the acquisition of anti-terror weapons on its fast track in the wake of the Mumbai attacks, including fighting terrorists on the sea. The Ministry of Defence has cleared equipment and weaponry under this category worth more than $1 billion, boats, including fast attack boats, interceptor craft, hovercrafts and offshore patrol vessels.

DTN News: "US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference 2009" To Discuss Taiwan`s Strategy For Integration, Innovation, And Military Transition

DTN News: "US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference 2009" To Discuss Taiwan`s Strategy For Integration, Innovation, And Military Transition *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) ARLINGTON, Va., - September 12, 2009: The US-Taiwan Business Council today announced that it will host the 8th annualUS-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference from September 27-29, 2009 inCharlottesville, Virginia. Keynote speakers at the conference will include Wallace "Chip" Gregson,Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian & Pacific Security Affairs; DavidShear, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for China, Hong Kong, Taiwan &Mongolia; and a senior representative from Taiwan`s Ministry of NationalDefense. Council Chairman Dr. Paul Wolfowitz will be the conference host. This annual conference focuses on US-Taiwan defense and military cooperation andTaiwan`s future defense and national security needs. This year, conferencesessions will examine Taiwan`s military transition and transformation strategy,force modernization and integration, and defense innovation. Special breakoutsessions will cover each of the services: Army, Navy, and the Air Force. Rupert Hammond-Chambers, President of the Council, said "We are honored to haveGeneral Gregson and Mr. Shear as keynote speakers. Their views and insights onthe U.S.-Taiwan defense and security relationship, and on current and futurechallenges for Taiwan, will be both valuable and timely." Hammond-Chambers added "The Defense Industry Conference is the most importantprivate event reviewing US-Taiwan defense and security issues each year. Ahigh-caliber group of leading U.S. and Taiwan experts - including members ofthink tanks and academia, as well as representatives from the defense industry -will address many important topics and will engage our attendees in aninformative dialogue on shared issues and concerns." Visit the US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference website at www.us-taiwan.org/defense/2009. About the US-Taiwan Business Council:The US-Taiwan Business Council (www.us-taiwan.org) is a membership-basednon-profit association, founded in 1976 to foster trade and business relationsbetween the United States and Taiwan. The Council provides its members withbusiness intelligence, offers access to an extensive network of relationships,and serves as a vital and effective representative in dealing with business, trade, and investment matters. US-Taiwan Business Council Lotta Danielsson-Murphy, 703-465-2930 LottaDM@us-taiwan.org

DTN News: Air Arabia And Travco Group To Launch A New Low-Cost Carrier Based In Egypt

DTN News: Air Arabia And Travco Group To Launch A New Low-Cost Carrier Based In Egypt 1. Air Arabia ‘Egypt’ to operate as joint venture between Air Arabia and Travco Group

2. Carrier to serve Europe, Middle East and Africa markets

3. Airline to contribute to growth of travel and tourism in Egypt, wider region

*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) CAIRO, Egypt - September 12, 2009: Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, and the Travco Group, the Middle East’s largest travel and hospitality group, announced today the signing of a joint venture agreement to launch a new low-cost carrier based in Egypt. The new carrier will serve the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) markets, and will represent Air Arabia’s third hub after the UAE and Morocco. Building upon Air Arabia’s existing service to 57 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, the new airline will contribute to the ongoing development of the Egyptian travel and tourism sector as well as offer a larger base of customers the best value-for-money air travel options. “The enormous commercial success of Air Arabia in the six years since the carrier was launched makes clear the strength of its business model, which we are confident will allow Air Arabia ‘Egypt’ to reach new heights,” said Hamed El Chiaty, Chairman and CEO of the Travco Group. “As the country’s most qualified tourism and hospitality group, the Travco Group will provide its own keen insights into the European and Egyptian markets as well as the wider region.” “On behalf of the Air Arabia Group, I am delighted to announce this new partnership with the Travco Group, which will expand Air Arabia services in Egypt and across the wider Europe, Middle East and Africa region,” said Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia. “At a time when the global aviation industry is witnessing serious challenges as a consequence of the worldwide financial crisis, we continue to move forward with our strategic expansion strategy, as demonstrated by this important announcement. Through this new partnership, we look forward to replicating the success Air Arabia has already achieved from its existing hubs” The new carrier, whose operations will be managed by the Air Arabia Group, will follow the successful low-cost model pioneered in the Middle East and North Africa by Air Arabia. Further information regarding the new joint venture will be communicated in the near future. Air Arabia, which currently operates a total fleet of 20 new Airbus A320 aircraft, launched service from Sharjah, UAE, in October 2003. In May this year, the airline launched its second hub at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, currently providing service to 11 destinations across Europe and North Africa. The airline has a confirmed order with Airbus for the purchase of 44 A320 aircraft. The Travco Group, a leading travel and hospitality group, employs over 24,000 professionals, generating over €1 billion in revenues. The Travco Group operates an extensive collection of 146 hotels, resorts and cruises in Europe, Egypt and the Middle East, including the management of the prestigious 81 Steigenberger and InterCity hotels; two mega-real estate developments on Egypt’s North Coast and the Red Sea; a large fleet of 1,200 tourist transport vehicles; and a full range of aviation services, including the nationwide presence of ticketing offices and aircraft ground handling services. The Travco Group operates through its head office in Egypt in coordination with its international network of offices in the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Syria and representative offices in the UK and Germany, with further expansion fully underway. About Air Arabia: Air Arabia (PJSC), listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is the Middle East and North Africa’s leading low-cost carrier (LCC). Air Arabia commenced operations in October 2003 and currently operates a total fleet of 20 new Airbus A320 aircraft, serving 57destinations from its hubs in the UAE and Morocco. Air Arabia is an award-winning airline that focuses on offering comfort, reliability and value-for-money air travel. For further information, please visit: www.airarabia.com About Travco: The 13-year award-winner Travco Group has permeated every facet of Egypt’s tourism industry, with a unique, fully integrated business model. Travco Group International Holding umbrella includes the following brands; Travco Travel the flagship destination management company (DMC) of the group handles more than 1.3 million tourists annually; Their renowned hospitality brands are the luxury hotel brand Jaz, Iberotel Sol Y Mar Hotels & Resorts and Travcotels Nile cruises. This is in addition to the leading German hotel chains recently acquired, Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts and InterCity Hotels. Travco Properties is Travco’s real estate development arm and features two mega developments namely Almaza Bay on Egypt’s North Coast and Madinat Makadi on the Red Sea. Travco Transport and Prestige Cars oversee the transportation fleet. For further information about the Travco Group, please visit: www.travcogroup.com