Source: DTN News By Roger Smith
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 15, 2010: We Wish All our Readers and Viewers a Happy Chinese New Year with Great Prosperity and Good Luck in the Year of the Tiger!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
DTN News: Happy Chinese New Year ~ Year Of The Tiger
DTN News: Happy Chinese New Year ~ Year Of The Tiger
*
Source: DTN News By Roger Smith
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 15, 2010: We Wish All our Readers and Viewers a Happy Chinese New Year with Great Prosperity and Good Luck in the Year of the Tiger!
Source: DTN News By Roger Smith
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 15, 2010: We Wish All our Readers and Viewers a Happy Chinese New Year with Great Prosperity and Good Luck in the Year of the Tiger!
DTN News: BAE Systems At DefExpo - A Towering Display Of Artillery Power
DTN News: BAE Systems At DefExpo - A Towering Display Of Artillery Power
*Source: DTN News / BAE Systems
(NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - February 15, 2010: Two of the 
world's most powerful howitzers will dominate the BAE Systems' presence at DefExpo in Delhi starting Feb 15th. The BAE Systems FH77 B05 towed howitzer, and M777, the ultra light howitzer, will both be part of BAE Systems' biggest ever presence at DefExpo.
BAE Systems will be co-located with Defence Land Systems India, the Mahindra and BAE Systems joint venture company which will soon be up and running.
Andrew Gallagher, President BAE Systems India said:"BAE Systems' commitment to the development of a long term domestic business in India, with a full range of skills and capabilities, is unmatched. We firmly support the Indian Government's aim of procuring 70% of defence equipment domestically and see the establishment of Defence Land Systems India as a major contribution towards this objective."
M777, the world's lightest 155mm howitzer, will grace the BAE Systems stand. Next to the M777, on the Defence Land Systems India stand, will be the FH77 B05. This is the significantly upgraded and more powerful big brother of the FH77 B02 in service with the Indian Army, which performed so admirably during the Kargil conflict.
The BAE Systems FH77 B05 is bidding for the Indian Army requirement for towed 52cal 155mm howitzers. Trials with the India Army are due to start after DefExpo. The new upgraded howitzer, FH77 B05, has all round greater performance including increased range over the 39cal FH77 B02. It is intended that Defence Land Systems India would have a significant and increasing role in the production of FH77 B05, toward the intended goal of Defence Land Systems India becoming an artillery centre of excellence in India.
The M777 ultra light weight howitzer is now in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process for a possible FMS purchase between the US and Indian Governments. M777 is, by some considerable margin, the lightest 155mm howitzer in the world, and the only one proven in battle. BAE Systems stands ready to support both governments in a possible FMS purchase.
DefExpo will also see the launch of the MPVI (Mine Protected Vehicle India). A mine protected vehicle specifically designed for Indian conditions - the vehicle will make its first public appearance at the show on Defence Land Systems India's stand. The result of collaboration between Mahindra and BAE Systems, MPVI brings battle proven life saving vehicle protection technology to India in an affordable package, based on an indigenously assembled chassis and drive train. MPVI will be built at Defence Land Systems India's Faridabad manufacturing facility.
The UK's new tactical communications system, Falcon, will also be on display. Falcon will enter service with the British Army and Royal Air Force this year and is the world's first tactical comms system based on an all IP (Internet Protocol) open architecture. FALCON provides secure deployable broadband voice, data and video, delivering the core of Network Enabled Capability. FALCON interoperates with all NATO systems, enabling better information sharing and exploitation, improving military commanders' awareness and decision-making, and ultimately mission success. BAE Systems intends to use elements of what has been produced for Falcon in the bid for the Indian Army's Tactical Communications System programme.
Anjani and BAE Systems recently announced a new partnership that will see the two companies collaborate to produce survivability and protection equipment for soldiers and vehicles in India. Anjani and BAE Systems will be displaying these capabilities on their stands. Anjani is bidding for the Central Reserve Police Force's (CRPF) requirement for 59,000 bullet proof vests. If successful the vests will be produced by Anjani in India using BAE Systems' Tensylon technology. The Tensylon ballistic material, made from high performance polyethylene fibre, provides superior performance and a lighter-weight, cost-effective solution.
DefExpo also sees the India launch of BAE Systems' on-board power management system, which more than doubles the electrical power output of military vehicles to increase mission effectiveness. The system also provides power that can be exported from the vehicle during natural disasters and to support facilities and equipment such as field hospitals, command centres, and water purification systems.
BAE Systems will also be showcasing a whole range of products, including infantry fighting vehicles, high mobility vehicles, unmanned autonomous systems, protection equipment, and helmet mounted display technology.
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.
Source: DTN News / BAE Systems
(NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - February 15, 2010: Two of the 
world's most powerful howitzers will dominate the BAE Systems' presence at DefExpo in Delhi starting Feb 15th. The BAE Systems FH77 B05 towed howitzer, and M777, the ultra light howitzer, will both be part of BAE Systems' biggest ever presence at DefExpo.
BAE Systems will be co-located with Defence Land Systems India, the Mahindra and BAE Systems joint venture company which will soon be up and running.
Andrew Gallagher, President BAE Systems India said:"BAE Systems' commitment to the development of a long term domestic business in India, with a full range of skills and capabilities, is unmatched. We firmly support the Indian Government's aim of procuring 70% of defence equipment domestically and see the establishment of Defence Land Systems India as a major contribution towards this objective."
M777, the world's lightest 155mm howitzer, will grace the BAE Systems stand. Next to the M777, on the Defence Land Systems India stand, will be the FH77 B05. This is the significantly upgraded and more powerful big brother of the FH77 B02 in service with the Indian Army, which performed so admirably during the Kargil conflict.
The BAE Systems FH77 B05 is bidding for the Indian Army requirement for towed 52cal 155mm howitzers. Trials with the India Army are due to start after DefExpo. The new upgraded howitzer, FH77 B05, has all round greater performance including increased range over the 39cal FH77 B02. It is intended that Defence Land Systems India would have a significant and increasing role in the production of FH77 B05, toward the intended goal of Defence Land Systems India becoming an artillery centre of excellence in India.
The M777 ultra light weight howitzer is now in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process for a possible FMS purchase between the US and Indian Governments. M777 is, by some considerable margin, the lightest 155mm howitzer in the world, and the only one proven in battle. BAE Systems stands ready to support both governments in a possible FMS purchase.
DefExpo will also see the launch of the MPVI (Mine Protected Vehicle India). A mine protected vehicle specifically designed for Indian conditions - the vehicle will make its first public appearance at the show on Defence Land Systems India's stand. The result of collaboration between Mahindra and BAE Systems, MPVI brings battle proven life saving vehicle protection technology to India in an affordable package, based on an indigenously assembled chassis and drive train. MPVI will be built at Defence Land Systems India's Faridabad manufacturing facility.
The UK's new tactical communications system, Falcon, will also be on display. Falcon will enter service with the British Army and Royal Air Force this year and is the world's first tactical comms system based on an all IP (Internet Protocol) open architecture. FALCON provides secure deployable broadband voice, data and video, delivering the core of Network Enabled Capability. FALCON interoperates with all NATO systems, enabling better information sharing and exploitation, improving military commanders' awareness and decision-making, and ultimately mission success. BAE Systems intends to use elements of what has been produced for Falcon in the bid for the Indian Army's Tactical Communications System programme.
Anjani and BAE Systems recently announced a new partnership that will see the two companies collaborate to produce survivability and protection equipment for soldiers and vehicles in India. Anjani and BAE Systems will be displaying these capabilities on their stands. Anjani is bidding for the Central Reserve Police Force's (CRPF) requirement for 59,000 bullet proof vests. If successful the vests will be produced by Anjani in India using BAE Systems' Tensylon technology. The Tensylon ballistic material, made from high performance polyethylene fibre, provides superior performance and a lighter-weight, cost-effective solution.
DefExpo also sees the India launch of BAE Systems' on-board power management system, which more than doubles the electrical power output of military vehicles to increase mission effectiveness. The system also provides power that can be exported from the vehicle during natural disasters and to support facilities and equipment such as field hospitals, command centres, and water purification systems.
BAE Systems will also be showcasing a whole range of products, including infantry fighting vehicles, high mobility vehicles, unmanned autonomous systems, protection equipment, and helmet mounted display technology.
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: Eurocopter Reinforces Its Commitment To India At Defexpo 2010 ~Will Showcase AS550 C3 Fennec, EC725 And Panther At Defexpo 2010
DTN News: Eurocopter Reinforces Its Commitment To India At Defexpo 2010 ~Will Showcase AS550 C3 Fennec, EC725 And Panther At Defexpo 2010
*Source: DTN News / Eurocopter
(NSI News Source Info) MARIGNANE, France - February 15, 2010: Eurocopter, the world leading helicopter manufacturer, will show a significant presence at Defexpo 2010, with its star product, the AS 550 C3, participating in the ongoing trials for the Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopter requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. The premiere defence Airshow in Asia, being organized by the Indian Ministry of Defence will see Eurocopter present its range of military helicopters and state-of-the-art technology.
As Norbert Ducrot, Eurocopter Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Asia points out,“By participating in the key RFPs with our best products, we hope to continue to support India acquire the right mission equipment and develop a strengthened aerospace industry. Over the next few months we will also further our relationship with India by exploring opportunities for setting up joint ventures with our long time partners and establish a stronger footprint to provide end-to-end service to the country."
The AS550 C3 which is undergoing trials for the Indian Army and Air Force requirement of Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopters will be one of the key products to be showcased at the event. Also showcased will be specification and mock-up models of the EC 725, which is Eurocopter’s key offering for the Indian Multi-role Helicopter requirements and the Panther, which is best suited for the requirements of the Indian Coast Guards.
With reference to both the Indian military and civil markets, Eurocopter currently holds a leading position achieved through strong partnerships. In the military space, Eurocopter has had a fruitful association with India for over 4 decades through two co-operation agreements with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).The relationship started with a license production enabling HAL to manufacture more than 600 helicopters of the Alouette 3 and Lama type (Cheetah/Chetak). In 1984, HAL associated with Eurocopter in the development of the Advanced Light Helicopter. The cooperation with HAL has been further strenghtened with Eurocopter outsourcing metallic and composite work packages and today, HAL is part of Eurocopter global supply chain by producing Ecureuil/Fennec airframes, joining the ranks of very few select tier one suppliers.
In the civil space, Eurocopter has successfully formed partnerships in both public and private sector with Pawan Hans Helicopter Limited and Indocopters. These partnerships cover the entire spectrum of helicopter activities, from manufacturing to operations, maintenance and product support.
Key attractions at DEFEXPO 2010
AS550 C3 Fennec- Best in class product for the RSH requirements
FENNEC is a reference helicopter regarding Extremely Hot / Desertic operations and, since 2005, it has demonstrated the capability of landing on the Top of the World, Mount Everest. The AS550 C3 FENNEC is a military combat proven helicopter and the most powerful version in the FENNEC family. Its exceptional performances have made it a worthy replacement of the Cheetah for work at high altitudes and in hot weather. The increased power and proven reliability features make it a front runner. The Fennec is operating in the Chilenean Andes at altitudes over 5000 m and it has already landed at Sziachin glacier in 2005.
EC 725- Unrivalled mission package both for civil and military demands
Originally designed to perform various missions, including SAR, Combat SAR, long distance tactical transport missions, the EC 725 can also perform medical transport and logistical services. Additionally, it can be perfectly fitted for naval missions. It is an upgraded version of the internationally succesful Cougar family. The aircraft has an exceptional fuel capacity and boasts a flight endurance of five-and-a-half hours and can be refuelled in flight. Recently, the Brazilian armed forces also recognized the multi-role capability of the aircraft and signed a contract for 50 EC725 helicopters. The French Air Force operates today a fleet of 19 EC725 helicopters.
Panther
The Eurocopter AS565 Panther is the military version of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin medium-weight multi-purpose twin-engine helicopter. The Panther is used for a wide range of military roles, including combat assault, fire support, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search & rescue, offshore patrolling, counter-terrorism and MEDEVAC. Quiet and cost effective, the AS565 significantly multiplies a surface ship’s ability to conduct surveillance, Anti-Surface unit Warfare (ASuW) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). With an endurance of four hours, the AS565 is an affordable and valuable alternative to medium-class helicopters which are limited in their ability to perform full anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare (ASW/ASuW) missions.
About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2009, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.6 billion Euros, orders for 344 new helicopters, and a 52 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 18 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,500 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.
Source: DTN News / Eurocopter
(NSI News Source Info) MARIGNANE, France - February 15, 2010: Eurocopter, the world leading helicopter manufacturer, will show a significant presence at Defexpo 2010, with its star product, the AS 550 C3, participating in the ongoing trials for the Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopter requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. The premiere defence Airshow in Asia, being organized by the Indian Ministry of Defence will see Eurocopter present its range of military helicopters and state-of-the-art technology.
As Norbert Ducrot, Eurocopter Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Asia points out,“By participating in the key RFPs with our best products, we hope to continue to support India acquire the right mission equipment and develop a strengthened aerospace industry. Over the next few months we will also further our relationship with India by exploring opportunities for setting up joint ventures with our long time partners and establish a stronger footprint to provide end-to-end service to the country."
The AS550 C3 which is undergoing trials for the Indian Army and Air Force requirement of Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopters will be one of the key products to be showcased at the event. Also showcased will be specification and mock-up models of the EC 725, which is Eurocopter’s key offering for the Indian Multi-role Helicopter requirements and the Panther, which is best suited for the requirements of the Indian Coast Guards. With reference to both the Indian military and civil markets, Eurocopter currently holds a leading position achieved through strong partnerships. In the military space, Eurocopter has had a fruitful association with India for over 4 decades through two co-operation agreements with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).The relationship started with a license production enabling HAL to manufacture more than 600 helicopters of the Alouette 3 and Lama type (Cheetah/Chetak). In 1984, HAL associated with Eurocopter in the development of the Advanced Light Helicopter. The cooperation with HAL has been further strenghtened with Eurocopter outsourcing metallic and composite work packages and today, HAL is part of Eurocopter global supply chain by producing Ecureuil/Fennec airframes, joining the ranks of very few select tier one suppliers.
In the civil space, Eurocopter has successfully formed partnerships in both public and private sector with Pawan Hans Helicopter Limited and Indocopters. These partnerships cover the entire spectrum of helicopter activities, from manufacturing to operations, maintenance and product support.
Key attractions at DEFEXPO 2010
AS550 C3 Fennec- Best in class product for the RSH requirements
FENNEC is a reference helicopter regarding Extremely Hot / Desertic operations and, since 2005, it has demonstrated the capability of landing on the Top of the World, Mount Everest. The AS550 C3 FENNEC is a military combat proven helicopter and the most powerful version in the FENNEC family. Its exceptional performances have made it a worthy replacement of the Cheetah for work at high altitudes and in hot weather. The increased power and proven reliability features make it a front runner. The Fennec is operating in the Chilenean Andes at altitudes over 5000 m and it has already landed at Sziachin glacier in 2005.
EC 725- Unrivalled mission package both for civil and military demands
Originally designed to perform various missions, including SAR, Combat SAR, long distance tactical transport missions, the EC 725 can also perform medical transport and logistical services. Additionally, it can be perfectly fitted for naval missions. It is an upgraded version of the internationally succesful Cougar family. The aircraft has an exceptional fuel capacity and boasts a flight endurance of five-and-a-half hours and can be refuelled in flight. Recently, the Brazilian armed forces also recognized the multi-role capability of the aircraft and signed a contract for 50 EC725 helicopters. The French Air Force operates today a fleet of 19 EC725 helicopters.
Panther
The Eurocopter AS565 Panther is the military version of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin medium-weight multi-purpose twin-engine helicopter. The Panther is used for a wide range of military roles, including combat assault, fire support, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search & rescue, offshore patrolling, counter-terrorism and MEDEVAC. Quiet and cost effective, the AS565 significantly multiplies a surface ship’s ability to conduct surveillance, Anti-Surface unit Warfare (ASuW) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). With an endurance of four hours, the AS565 is an affordable and valuable alternative to medium-class helicopters which are limited in their ability to perform full anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare (ASW/ASuW) missions.
About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2009, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.6 billion Euros, orders for 344 new helicopters, and a 52 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 18 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,500 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.
DTN News: Afghanistan TODAY February 15, 2010 ~ NATO Says Its Rockets Killed 12 Afghan Civilians
DTN News: Afghanistan TODAY February 15, 2010 ~ NATO Says Its Rockets Killed 12 Afghan Civilians
*Source: DTN News / Reuters
(NSI News Source Info) MARJAH, Afghanistan - February 15, 2010: NATO rockets killed 12 Afghan civilians on Sunday, the second day of an offensive designed to impose Afghan government authority on one of the last big Taliban strongholds in the country's most violent province. 
A U.S. soldier returns fire as others run for cover during a firefight with insurgents in the Badula Qulp area, west of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010. The unit is operating in support of a U.S. Marine offensive against the Taliban in Marjah area.
The assault, one of NATO's biggest against the Taliban since the war began in 2001, tests President Barack Obama's plan to send 30,000 more troops to seize insurgent-held areas before a planned 2011 troop drawdown. NATO apologized for the civilian casualties that also damaged efforts to win local support.
A day after the attack started with waves of helicopters ferrying troops into the town of Marjah and the nearby Nad Ali district, Marines came under intense fire in the heart of Marjah as they sought to root out pockets of insurgents.
The United States' top military officer on Sunday said the assault on the Taliban stronghold of Marjah in Afghanistan's Helmand province had gotten "off to a good start."
"It's actually very difficult to predict (the end)," Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters during a visit to Israel. "We have from a planning standpoint talked about a few weeks, but I don't know that."
The offensive has been flagged for weeks, to persuade Taliban fighters to leave so the area can be recaptured with minimal damage or loss of civilian life, in the hope that the 100,000 people there will welcome the Afghan administration.
"This is not focused on the Taliban, and it is a strategy not just to clear the area but to hold it and then build right behind it so that there is a civilian component here and there is a local governance," Mullen said.
CIVILIANS KILLED
Despite the best efforts, two rockets fired by NATO troops missed militants firing on them, instead slamming into a house and killing 12 people. Afghan President Hamid Karzai expressed sadness and said the victims were members of the same family.
"Upon hearing the news, Hamid Karzai immediately ordered an investigation as he had previously ordered that the operation should be carefully done to prevent innocent civilians being killed," a statement from the president's office said.
NATO commander U.S. General Stanley McChrystal in a statement extended apologies to Karzai, and said the use of that type of rocket had been suspended pending review. The number of civilians killed by NATO has declined since he took command in mid-2009.
Taliban fighters unleashed automatic gunfire at NATO helicopters flying in and out Marjah town, and fired on Marines during a ceremony to raise the Afghan flag over the compound to mark progress in the offensive.
Captain Ryan Sparks compared the intensity of the firefights to the U.S.-led offensive against militants in the Iraqi town of Fallujah in 2004.
"In Fallujah, it was just as intense. But there, we started from the north and worked down to the south. In Marjah, we're coming in from different locations and working toward the center, so we're taking fire from all angles," Sparks said.
U.S. forces fired mortar rounds against a Taliban position, and the militants fired a round back which landed in the Marines' compound but failed to explode. The Marines responded by firing rockets at the suspected militant position.
NATO forces had advised civilians not to leave their homes, advice human rights groups say gives the coalition additional legal and moral responsibility to avoid heavy fighting that could harm innocent people.
HOSTAGE VIDEO
Most of the population has stayed put. Some residents said the Taliban had heavily booby-trapped Marjah. It was unclear how many Taliban stayed to fight.
"There is no Taliban here now, they have already fled. Now this area is calm and stable," villager Abdul Raziq told Reuters.
Taliban spokesman Qari Mohammad Yousuf said on the group's website it had launched direct attacks on NATO-led troops in several parts of Marjah and had surrounded some in one area.
Marjah has long been a breeding ground for insurgents and lucrative opium poppy cultivation, which Western countries say funds the insurgency. The scale of the problem was glaring at the compound taken over by the Marines.
Bags of drugs worth hundreds of thousands of dollars had been discovered, as were sacks of chemicals capable of producing 100 pounds of explosives, said Tim Coderre, a civilian adviser to Marine officials.
Also on Sunday, the Taliban released a video of two French journalists kidnapped on December 30, showing them pleading for their release. They were on assignment for France 3 television when they were kidnapped in Kapisa province, north of Kabul.
"We have been held prisoner for three weeks and we want the French government to hold negotiations with these people so that we can be released as quickly as possible," one of the hostages says in the video.
France 3 had no immediate comment, while the French Foreign Ministry again condemned the kidnapping.
"State services are fully mobilized since December 30 and are doing their best to obtain the liberation of our two compatriots," the ministry said.
(Additional reporting by Sayed Salahuddin and Bryson Hull in Kabul, Ismail Sameem in Kandahar; Astrid Wendlandt in Paris and Ori Lewis in Tel Aviv; Writing by Bryson Hull; Editing by Michael Georgy)
Source: DTN News / Reuters
(NSI News Source Info) MARJAH, Afghanistan - February 15, 2010: NATO rockets killed 12 Afghan civilians on Sunday, the second day of an offensive designed to impose Afghan government authority on one of the last big Taliban strongholds in the country's most violent province. A U.S. soldier returns fire as others run for cover during a firefight with insurgents in the Badula Qulp area, west of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010. The unit is operating in support of a U.S. Marine offensive against the Taliban in Marjah area.
The assault, one of NATO's biggest against the Taliban since the war began in 2001, tests President Barack Obama's plan to send 30,000 more troops to seize insurgent-held areas before a planned 2011 troop drawdown. NATO apologized for the civilian casualties that also damaged efforts to win local support.
A day after the attack started with waves of helicopters ferrying troops into the town of Marjah and the nearby Nad Ali district, Marines came under intense fire in the heart of Marjah as they sought to root out pockets of insurgents.
The United States' top military officer on Sunday said the assault on the Taliban stronghold of Marjah in Afghanistan's Helmand province had gotten "off to a good start."
"It's actually very difficult to predict (the end)," Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters during a visit to Israel. "We have from a planning standpoint talked about a few weeks, but I don't know that."
The offensive has been flagged for weeks, to persuade Taliban fighters to leave so the area can be recaptured with minimal damage or loss of civilian life, in the hope that the 100,000 people there will welcome the Afghan administration.
"This is not focused on the Taliban, and it is a strategy not just to clear the area but to hold it and then build right behind it so that there is a civilian component here and there is a local governance," Mullen said.
CIVILIANS KILLED
Despite the best efforts, two rockets fired by NATO troops missed militants firing on them, instead slamming into a house and killing 12 people. Afghan President Hamid Karzai expressed sadness and said the victims were members of the same family.
"Upon hearing the news, Hamid Karzai immediately ordered an investigation as he had previously ordered that the operation should be carefully done to prevent innocent civilians being killed," a statement from the president's office said.
NATO commander U.S. General Stanley McChrystal in a statement extended apologies to Karzai, and said the use of that type of rocket had been suspended pending review. The number of civilians killed by NATO has declined since he took command in mid-2009.
Taliban fighters unleashed automatic gunfire at NATO helicopters flying in and out Marjah town, and fired on Marines during a ceremony to raise the Afghan flag over the compound to mark progress in the offensive.
Captain Ryan Sparks compared the intensity of the firefights to the U.S.-led offensive against militants in the Iraqi town of Fallujah in 2004.
"In Fallujah, it was just as intense. But there, we started from the north and worked down to the south. In Marjah, we're coming in from different locations and working toward the center, so we're taking fire from all angles," Sparks said.
U.S. forces fired mortar rounds against a Taliban position, and the militants fired a round back which landed in the Marines' compound but failed to explode. The Marines responded by firing rockets at the suspected militant position.
NATO forces had advised civilians not to leave their homes, advice human rights groups say gives the coalition additional legal and moral responsibility to avoid heavy fighting that could harm innocent people.
HOSTAGE VIDEO
Most of the population has stayed put. Some residents said the Taliban had heavily booby-trapped Marjah. It was unclear how many Taliban stayed to fight.
"There is no Taliban here now, they have already fled. Now this area is calm and stable," villager Abdul Raziq told Reuters.
Taliban spokesman Qari Mohammad Yousuf said on the group's website it had launched direct attacks on NATO-led troops in several parts of Marjah and had surrounded some in one area.
Marjah has long been a breeding ground for insurgents and lucrative opium poppy cultivation, which Western countries say funds the insurgency. The scale of the problem was glaring at the compound taken over by the Marines.
Bags of drugs worth hundreds of thousands of dollars had been discovered, as were sacks of chemicals capable of producing 100 pounds of explosives, said Tim Coderre, a civilian adviser to Marine officials.
Also on Sunday, the Taliban released a video of two French journalists kidnapped on December 30, showing them pleading for their release. They were on assignment for France 3 television when they were kidnapped in Kapisa province, north of Kabul.
"We have been held prisoner for three weeks and we want the French government to hold negotiations with these people so that we can be released as quickly as possible," one of the hostages says in the video.
France 3 had no immediate comment, while the French Foreign Ministry again condemned the kidnapping.
"State services are fully mobilized since December 30 and are doing their best to obtain the liberation of our two compatriots," the ministry said.
(Additional reporting by Sayed Salahuddin and Bryson Hull in Kabul, Ismail Sameem in Kandahar; Astrid Wendlandt in Paris and Ori Lewis in Tel Aviv; Writing by Bryson Hull; Editing by Michael Georgy)
DTN News: US Airborne Laser Missile- An Answer To Iranian, Korean Missiles
DTN News: US Airborne Laser Missile- An Answer To Iranian, Korean Missiles
*Source: DTN News / ABH News
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - February 15, 2010: US have yet 
moved a step ahead of its competitor as it marks its victory with its new Air borne Laser. This is a missile which has the ability to downsize the defense of the other countries to point of “no existence”.
This Pentagon’s Airborne Laser prototype weapons system destroyed a ballistic missile that was in flight giving a green signal for future use confirming the news is Boeing Missile Defense Systems (as Boeing is the chief contractor for the project).
The plane uses a combination of lasers such as; Track illuminator, Beacon illuminator to lock on to the missile and track its trajectory, and then it hunts down with a ¬single shot fired from the nose turret, all in less than 12 seconds.
This is a feat which is worth a praise but the real question arises whether this can deliver performance with respect to distance or suppose it does whether this can eject the shot of laser continuously i.e., one after the other. If yes, then the Korean and the Iranian missiles have something to fear from.
Source: DTN News / ABH News
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - February 15, 2010: US have yet 
moved a step ahead of its competitor as it marks its victory with its new Air borne Laser. This is a missile which has the ability to downsize the defense of the other countries to point of “no existence”.
This Pentagon’s Airborne Laser prototype weapons system destroyed a ballistic missile that was in flight giving a green signal for future use confirming the news is Boeing Missile Defense Systems (as Boeing is the chief contractor for the project).
The plane uses a combination of lasers such as; Track illuminator, Beacon illuminator to lock on to the missile and track its trajectory, and then it hunts down with a ¬single shot fired from the nose turret, all in less than 12 seconds.
This is a feat which is worth a praise but the real question arises whether this can deliver performance with respect to distance or suppose it does whether this can eject the shot of laser continuously i.e., one after the other. If yes, then the Korean and the Iranian missiles have something to fear from.
DTN News: India To Spend $200 Billion On Defence Systems By 2022
DTN News: India To Spend $200 Billion On Defence Systems By 2022
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - February 15, 2010: India is set to spend a whopping $200 billion on defence acquisitions over the next 12 years to replace its outdated Soviet-vintage inventory.
Boeing announced on Jan. 8, 2010 that the U.S. government has received a Letter of Request from India's Ministry of Defence and the Indian Air Force regarding the potential acquisition of 10 C-17 Globemaster III advanced airlifters.
The C-17 Globemaster III ~ A high-wing, 4-engine, T-tailed military-transport aircraft, the multi-service C-17 can carry large equipment, supplies and troops directly to small airfields in harsh terrain anywhere in the world day or night. The massive, sturdy, long-haul aircraft tackles distance, destination and heavy, oversized payloads in unpredictable conditions. It has delivered cargo in every worldwide operation since the 1990s.
Capabilities and Functionality
The C-17's ability to fly long distances and land in remote airfields in rough, land-locked regions make it a premier transporter for military, humanitarian and peacekeeping missions. It can:
*Take off from a 7,600-ft. airfield, carry a payload of 160,000 pounds, fly 2,400 nautical miles, refuel while in flight and land in 3,000 ft. or less on a small unpaved or paved airfield in day or night.
*Carry a cargo of wheeled U.S. Army vehicles in two side-by-side rows, including the U.S. Army's main battle tank, the M-1. Three Bradley infantry-fighting vehicles comprise one load.
*Drop a single 60,000-lb. payload, with sequential load drops of 110,000 lb.
*Back up a two-percent slope.
*Seat 54 on the sidewall and 48 in the centerline.
According to a study by the India Strategic defence magazine, nearly half of this funding, or $100 billion, will go to the Indian Air Force (IAF) which would need to replace more than half of its combat jet fleet as well as the entire transport aircraft and helicopter fleet.
The Army needs new guns, tanks, rocket launchers, multi-terrain vehicles while the Navy needs ships, aircraft carriers, an entire new range of submarines including nuclear-propelled and nuclear-armed.
The Army has the largest requirement of helicopters while the Navy needs both combat jets, helicopters, and a fleet of nearly 100 carrier-borne combat jets. The details of the study will be published in March but according to a brief report in India Strategic's DefExpo show daily being published Monday, it is not that India has military ambitions but just that more than 70 per cent of the inventory of the Indian Armed Forces is 20-plus years old, and needs to be replaced as well as augmented with the sophistication of modern technology.
There have been few defence deals after the allegations over the acquisition of Bofors in the 1980s, and Russia, which inherited the Soviet military infrastructure, is unable to meet all the requirements. According to official Russian reports, only 10 per cent of the Russian weapons could be described as modern.
All the three services as well as the Coast Guard and paramilitary organisations also need satellites and net centricity. Plans to acquire surveillance aircraft, lesser in capability though the IAF's Phalcon AWACs and the Navy's P8-I Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) are also being worked out.
Pilotless intelligence aircraft (drones) generally called UAVs, including those armed, are also on the top of the list of the three arms of the forces. The report says that the Pakistani 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai, in which scores were brutally killed and wounded, has given a wake up call to India and that the authorities had realised that 24-hour, 360-degree eyes and ears and preparedness to meet any attack were a necessity.
That also meant increased diplomatic and security cooperation with other countries. It may be noted that the only major aircraft to be acquired by the IAF is the Su-30 MKI, some 280 of which have already been ordered in successive follow-on deals that do not involve fresh tendering and are easy to go through procedurally.
IAF has a plan to build 45 combat squadrons (about 900 aircraft), up from its maximum effective strength of 39.5 squadrons a few years ago. Many of its aircraft have been phased out due to simple ageing.
Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - February 15, 2010: India is set to spend a whopping $200 billion on defence acquisitions over the next 12 years to replace its outdated Soviet-vintage inventory.Boeing announced on Jan. 8, 2010 that the U.S. government has received a Letter of Request from India's Ministry of Defence and the Indian Air Force regarding the potential acquisition of 10 C-17 Globemaster III advanced airlifters.
The C-17 Globemaster III ~ A high-wing, 4-engine, T-tailed military-transport aircraft, the multi-service C-17 can carry large equipment, supplies and troops directly to small airfields in harsh terrain anywhere in the world day or night. The massive, sturdy, long-haul aircraft tackles distance, destination and heavy, oversized payloads in unpredictable conditions. It has delivered cargo in every worldwide operation since the 1990s.
Capabilities and Functionality
The C-17's ability to fly long distances and land in remote airfields in rough, land-locked regions make it a premier transporter for military, humanitarian and peacekeeping missions. It can:
*Take off from a 7,600-ft. airfield, carry a payload of 160,000 pounds, fly 2,400 nautical miles, refuel while in flight and land in 3,000 ft. or less on a small unpaved or paved airfield in day or night.
*Carry a cargo of wheeled U.S. Army vehicles in two side-by-side rows, including the U.S. Army's main battle tank, the M-1. Three Bradley infantry-fighting vehicles comprise one load.
*Drop a single 60,000-lb. payload, with sequential load drops of 110,000 lb.
*Back up a two-percent slope.
*Seat 54 on the sidewall and 48 in the centerline.
According to a study by the India Strategic defence magazine, nearly half of this funding, or $100 billion, will go to the Indian Air Force (IAF) which would need to replace more than half of its combat jet fleet as well as the entire transport aircraft and helicopter fleet.
The Army needs new guns, tanks, rocket launchers, multi-terrain vehicles while the Navy needs ships, aircraft carriers, an entire new range of submarines including nuclear-propelled and nuclear-armed.
The Army has the largest requirement of helicopters while the Navy needs both combat jets, helicopters, and a fleet of nearly 100 carrier-borne combat jets. The details of the study will be published in March but according to a brief report in India Strategic's DefExpo show daily being published Monday, it is not that India has military ambitions but just that more than 70 per cent of the inventory of the Indian Armed Forces is 20-plus years old, and needs to be replaced as well as augmented with the sophistication of modern technology.
There have been few defence deals after the allegations over the acquisition of Bofors in the 1980s, and Russia, which inherited the Soviet military infrastructure, is unable to meet all the requirements. According to official Russian reports, only 10 per cent of the Russian weapons could be described as modern.
All the three services as well as the Coast Guard and paramilitary organisations also need satellites and net centricity. Plans to acquire surveillance aircraft, lesser in capability though the IAF's Phalcon AWACs and the Navy's P8-I Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) are also being worked out.
Pilotless intelligence aircraft (drones) generally called UAVs, including those armed, are also on the top of the list of the three arms of the forces. The report says that the Pakistani 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai, in which scores were brutally killed and wounded, has given a wake up call to India and that the authorities had realised that 24-hour, 360-degree eyes and ears and preparedness to meet any attack were a necessity.
That also meant increased diplomatic and security cooperation with other countries. It may be noted that the only major aircraft to be acquired by the IAF is the Su-30 MKI, some 280 of which have already been ordered in successive follow-on deals that do not involve fresh tendering and are easy to go through procedurally.
IAF has a plan to build 45 combat squadrons (about 900 aircraft), up from its maximum effective strength of 39.5 squadrons a few years ago. Many of its aircraft have been phased out due to simple ageing.
DTN News: China Dismissive Of India’s Missile Power
DTN News: China Dismissive Of India’s Missile Power
*Source: TibetanReview.net
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 15, 2010: China has claimed to be far ahead of India in missile technology despite what the top Indian military scientist has said about the greater accuracy of the latter’s missiles, according to People's Daily online, mouthpiece of the Communist party of China, Feb 12, citing its Beijing-based international edition Global Times.
It also cited Chinese military strategists as dismissing media claims about India being far ahead of China in developing interceptor technology.
The Chinese report came as India’s 3,500-km Agni-III nuclear-capable missile cleared tests and became ready for induction. India is also to test within a year an Agni-V nuclear-capable missile with a range of more than 5,000 kilometres.
Both the Agni-III and Agni-V will add muscle to India's "dissuasive deterrence" position on China, the Times News Network (India) had reported Feb 11.
"We feel our accuracy is better than China's DF 21," The Telegraph (India) Feb 11 quoted India’s chief military scientist, VK Saraswat, as saying of Agni-III.
The People's Daily report cited Chinese Rear Admiral Zhang Zhaozhong, a professor at the Chinese National Defense University, as saying India was still 10 to 15 years behind China in terms of missile technology. He was also not sure whether Agni-III was really ready for use as claimed. “And it might take at least another five years to ready the Agni-V," Zhang was quoted as saying.
Zhang has also dismissed Saraswat’s claim, reported by the Hindustan Times Feb 11, that India was ahead of China in the ballistic missile defence (BMD) system technology. "India's technology for its measurement and control system, which is used to trace launched missiles, remains at a very low level, and they are unable to constitute a complete and reliable missile defence system," Zhang was quoted as saying.
The Chinese report noted that Beijing had test-fired its first missile interception system in Jan’10, and successfully tested its anti-satellite system in 2007. It noted that the United States and Russia were the only two countries that had actually deployed missile-interceptor technology so far.
Disclaimer statement
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied herein, DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Unless otherwise indicated, opinions expressed herein are those of the author of the page and do not necessarily represent the corporate views of DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News.
Source: TibetanReview.net
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 15, 2010: China has claimed to be far ahead of India in missile technology despite what the top Indian military scientist has said about the greater accuracy of the latter’s missiles, according to People's Daily online, mouthpiece of the Communist party of China, Feb 12, citing its Beijing-based international edition Global Times. It also cited Chinese military strategists as dismissing media claims about India being far ahead of China in developing interceptor technology.
The Chinese report came as India’s 3,500-km Agni-III nuclear-capable missile cleared tests and became ready for induction. India is also to test within a year an Agni-V nuclear-capable missile with a range of more than 5,000 kilometres.
Both the Agni-III and Agni-V will add muscle to India's "dissuasive deterrence" position on China, the Times News Network (India) had reported Feb 11.
"We feel our accuracy is better than China's DF 21," The Telegraph (India) Feb 11 quoted India’s chief military scientist, VK Saraswat, as saying of Agni-III.
The People's Daily report cited Chinese Rear Admiral Zhang Zhaozhong, a professor at the Chinese National Defense University, as saying India was still 10 to 15 years behind China in terms of missile technology. He was also not sure whether Agni-III was really ready for use as claimed. “And it might take at least another five years to ready the Agni-V," Zhang was quoted as saying.
Zhang has also dismissed Saraswat’s claim, reported by the Hindustan Times Feb 11, that India was ahead of China in the ballistic missile defence (BMD) system technology. "India's technology for its measurement and control system, which is used to trace launched missiles, remains at a very low level, and they are unable to constitute a complete and reliable missile defence system," Zhang was quoted as saying.
The Chinese report noted that Beijing had test-fired its first missile interception system in Jan’10, and successfully tested its anti-satellite system in 2007. It noted that the United States and Russia were the only two countries that had actually deployed missile-interceptor technology so far.
Disclaimer statement
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied herein, DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Unless otherwise indicated, opinions expressed herein are those of the author of the page and do not necessarily represent the corporate views of DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News.