Monday, June 14, 2010

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Receives Awards Valued At $173 Million To Supply New And Recapitalized HEMTT A4s To U.S. Army

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Receives Awards Valued At $173 Million To Supply New And Recapitalized HEMTT A4s To U.S. Army
Source: DTN News / Oshkosh Corporation
(NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wis. - June 15, 2010: Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, has received a two awards valued at $173 million from the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC) for more than 600 new and recapitalized Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT). Oshkosh has the capacity and production expertise to remanufacture and recapitalize heavily used vehicles back to like-new condition, offering significant cost savings to the government and taxpayer. The vehicles are returned to Oshkosh, stripped to their frame rails and completely rebuilt, and upgraded to the next-generation A4 configuration if needed. “We leverage our world-class operations to supply recapitalized vehicles that are as advanced, reliable and high-performing as our new vehicles, but at a reduced cost for our military customers,” said Mike Ivy, vice president and general manager of Army Programs for Oshkosh Defense. “These vehicles undergo the same tests and inspections as new vehicles, and have the same bumper-to-bumper warranty, before being supplied to our Warfighters.” Under one award, valued at more than $138 million, Oshkosh will produce and deliver more than 480 M983A4 HEMTT Light Equipment Transporters (LET) and one M1120A4 HEMTT Load Handling System (LHS). Production and delivery of these vehicles is expected to begin in October 2010 and be completed in August 2011. For the second award, valued at more than $34 million, Oshkosh will recapitalize and deliver 140 HEMTT A4 LHS and cargo truck variants. Work for this award will run June 2010 through March 2011. The Oshkosh® HEMTT is the backbone for the U.S. Army’s logistics fleet. HEMTT LETs support soldiers with the transportation of light equipment in challenging environments and as part of the Stryker Recovery System. The HEMTT LHS uses the Oshkosh-produced Multilift load handling system to lift and transport payloads of up to 13 tons. The HEMTT cargo truck is used to haul equipment and supplies.

DTN News: Navistar Defense And Tatra Unveil Two Tactical Vehicles At Eurosatory Tatra’s Proven Backbone-Tube Chassis Complements Navistar Capabilities

DTN News: Navistar Defense And Tatra Unveil Two Tactical Vehicles At Eurosatory - Tatra’s Proven Backbone-Tube Chassis Complements Navistar Capabilities Source: DTN News / Navistar Defense
(NSI News Source Info) PARIS, France- June 14, 2010: Navistar Defense, LLC and Tatra, a.s., today unveiled the ATX6 universal container carrier and the ATX8 troop carrier at the Eurosatory Exposition in Paris, France. The team’s tactical vehicles utilize proven Navistar and Tatra technology.
The vehicles on display include Navistar engines and other components in addition to Tatra’s proven backbone-tube chassis design and independent suspension system. Tatra’s chassis concept uses swinging half-axles for world class tactical vehicle mobility and added resistance against chassis wear and tear.
“The Navistar-Tatra alliance positions this team well to compete for new vehicle programs with U.S. and Allied Forces,” said Archie Massicotte, president, Navistar Defense. “Both our companies have extensive histories when it comes to vehicle design, production and support and we are proud to display our combined expertise in tactical vehicle technology at this year’s Eurosatory Exposition.”
Under the strategic alliance formed in October 2009, Navistar and Tatra branded trucks will be marketed under Navistar Defense in all North American markets, which includes sales to the United States military and foreign military sales financed by the United States government. Tatra will also source parts and components through Navistar’s global parts and support network for Tatra trucks delivered in markets outside of North America.
“Our technical and business teams have put their shoulders to the wheel to develop these vehicles in a matter of a few months,” said Ronald Adams, board of director’s chairman and CEO, Tatra. “It is gratifying to have the first two products ready for customers’ review at Eurosatory. These are truly exceptional tactical vehicles that will be offered through the combined Navistar and Tatra distribution channels.”
Navistar and Tatra have also agreed to market and sell Navistar-Tatra trucks in their respective existing markets around the world. Navistar will manufacture vehicles.
About Navistar
Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce® brand diesel engines, IC Bus™ brand school and commercial buses, Monaco® RV brands of recreational vehicles, and Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. It also is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The company also provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at http://www.navistar.com/newsroom
Tatra, a.s.
Tatra, a.s., located in the Czech Republic, is a long-time manufacturer of heavy-duty, all-wheel-drive, off-road trucks and chassis-cabs. Tatra’s products range from 5-ton payload 4x4’s up to 39-ton payload 12x12’s utilizing Tatra’s unique chassis technology. Tatra also manufactures a line of air-cooled diesel engines, transmissions and portal axles. The company’s integrated line of commercial and military products are distributed globally through Tatra dealers and other affiliated companies. Additional information is available at http://www.tatra.cz/
Media contact:
Elissa Koc, Navistar Defense, +1 630 753 2669
Duncan Sellars, Tatra, +1 703 319 9237 Investor Contact
Heather Kos, Navistar, +1 630 753 2406

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 14, 2010

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 14, 2010 Source: U.S. DoD issued June 14, 2010 (NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - June 14, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued June 14, 2010 are undermentioned; CONTRACTS NAVY ~Lockheed Martin, Mission Systems and Sensors (LM MS2), Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $131,622,735 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-5101) for production of four multi-mission signal processor equipment sets, four ballistic missile defense 4.0.1 equipment sets, and six Aegis weapon system upgraded equipment sets to support fielding Aegis modernization capabilities. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J. (82 percent); Clearwater, Fla. (13 percent); and Eagan, Minn. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $9,124,835 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity. ~Navistar Defense LLC, Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded a $60,072,325 firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0013 modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for the procurement of sustainment parts to maintain the independent suspension system that is being installed to retrofit the entire 1,222 MaxxPro DASH vehicles. The objective of these vehicle systems is to support the operations in Afghanistan. Work will be performed in Warrenville, Ill., and work is expected to be completed by the end of March 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $60,072,325 willexpire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. ~Navistar Defense LLC, Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded a $17,247,894 firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0011 modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for sustainment support needed to maintain Category I Mine Resistant Ambush Protected low rate initial production vehicles in theater. This order will also be used to support the procurement of field service representatives support in the Central Command area of responsibility. Work will be performed in Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq, and work is expected to be completed by the end of June 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. ~ManTech Systems Engineering Corp., Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $17,087,023 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00421-08-D-0008) to exercise an option for the procurement of warfare analysis, modeling and simulation software development, and analytic program support for the Naval Air Systems Command’s Warfare Analysis and Integration Department. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md. (85 percent) and Lexington Park, Md., (15 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. ~Science Applications International Corp., Lexington Park, Md. (N00421-10-D-0016); ~Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., McLean, Va. (N00421-10-D-0017); ~L-3 Communications Corp., Mount Laurel, N.J. (N00421-10-D-0018); and ~National Technologies, Inc., Alexandria, Va. (N00421-10-D-0019), are being awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contracts to provide business financial management and program and business analysis services in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft. The estimated level of effort for these contracts is 100,609 man-hours. A combined not-to-exceed ceiling of $9,386,597 exists for the ordering period and each contractor will be provided a fair opportunity to compete for individual task orders. Work will be performed at Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Patuxent River, Md. (89.9 percent) and NAWCAD Lakehurst, N.J. (10.1 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These contracts were solicited under a multiple award electronic request for proposals; four offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. ~Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Ft Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $6,938,513 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00019-07-C-0097) for the procurement of diminishing manufacturing sources parts and common components in support of Joint Strike Fighter low rate initial production Lot 5-8 aircraft. Work will be performed in Ft. Worth, Texas (34 percent); Melbourne, Fla. (33 percent); and El Segundo, Calif. (33 percent); and is expected to be completed in June 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $2,950,035 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. ~Electric Boat Corp.,, Groton Conn., is being awarded a $6,665,509 modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-2101) for procurement of vendor services to support Electric Boat’s redesign effort of the Common Weapon Launcher (CWL). The CWL is a commercial-off-the-shelf based software weapons launch capability for Virginia Class submarines. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va., and is expected to be completed by January 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE ~Environmental Tectonics Corp., Southampton, Pa., was awarded a $ 38,313,811 which will provide program and design, development, manufacturing, testing, installation, integration, the provision of initial spares and support equipment, and the delivery of a man-rated set or suite of four hypobaric research altitude chambers with supporting data for research and equipment qualification testing missions. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 647 AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8626-10-C-2101). ~Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va. was awarded a $10,168,561 contract which will provide vulnerability and survivability analysis and assessment for Headquarters Pacific Air Force Command combat readiness and mission assurance. At this time, $1,084,041has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380). ~Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va. was awarded a $6,448,371 contract which will provide combat survivability and vulnerability analysis for the Second Air Force. At this time, $387,897 has been obligated. CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity(SP0700-03-D-1380). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY ~BAE Systems Controls Inc., Fort Wayne, Ind., is being awarded a maximum $32,162,200 firm-fixed-price contract for control units. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There were originally two proposals solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is June 14, 2015. The Defense Logistics Agency, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (SPRRA1-10-D-0041). ~MinXray, Inc.*, Northbrook, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $15,000,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for radiology systems, subsystems and components. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was Web solicited with 43 responses. The date of performance completion is June 16, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activitiy (SPM2D1-09-D-8335). ~Crowley Petroleum Distribution, Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a maximum $5,040,275 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance include Cape Romanzof, Alaska and Tin City, Alaska. Using service is Air Force. There were originally 12 proposals solicited with two responses. The date of performance completion is September 30, 2011. The Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-08-D-1009). *Small business

DTN News: China Says Farewell To J-6 Fighters

DTN News: China Says Farewell To J-6 Fighters
Source: DTN News / Ria Novosti
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / BEIJING, China - June 14, 2010: People's Liberation Army Air Force held on Saturday an official farewell ceremony for the J-6, a Chinese-built version of the Soviet MiG-19 Farmer fighter aircraft, Chinese television reported. Although the Soviet Union stopped production of MiG-19s in 1957, the Chinese came to value the plane's agility and powerful armament and produced about 4,000 J-6 fighters from 1958 to mid-1980s. The J-6 was the core of the Chinese fighter fleet until mid-1990s. It was exported to many developing nations and took part in a number of armed conflicts, including the Vietnam War. China retired J-6s from combat duties in 2005. However, they have been used up to now in small numbers as remote control target drones and pilot trainers. The export version of the aircraft, the F-6, is reportedly still in active service in Iran, Myanmar, North Korea and Sudan. The J-6 has a maximum speed of Mach 1.45 and a service ceiling of 17,900 m (58,700 ft). Combat radius with two drop tanks is about 640 km (400 mi). In addition to the powerful cannon armament, most versions of the aircraft have a maximum payload of 500 kg (1,100 lb).
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com

DTN News: Boeing Begins Fuselage Assembly For First 747-8 Intercontinental

DTN News: Boeing Begins Fuselage Assembly For First 747-8 Intercontinental
Source: DTN News / Boeing Dt. June 14, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) EVERETT, Wash., - June 14, 2010: Boeing (NYSE: BA) began fuselage assembly of the first 747-8 Intercontinental at the factory in Everett, Wash. Mechanics loaded panels for the 31-foot, 8-inch (9.6 m) long front section of the new airplane into the assembly tool. The panels are part of section 41, the area of the fuselage that houses the flight deck on the upper deck and the forward passenger cabin on the main deck, an area that most airlines typically configure with first class seating.

Boeing 747-8-1

Boeing 747-8-2

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The 747-8 Intercontinental is the new, high-capacity 747 that offers airlines the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large passenger airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance. Boeing has 109 orders for the 747-8 -- 33 for the 747-8 Intercontinental and 76 for the 747-8 Freighter. The first 747-8 Intercontinental is scheduled to deliver in late 2011. Neg. K64959-10 Contact: Tim Bader 747 communications +1 425-717-0672 tim.s.bader@boeing.com More information: http://www.boeing.com/newairplane/747/design_highlights/

DTN News: Eurocopter Hands Over EC145 Stylence Helicopter To ‘Spedition & Helicopterservice Linke GmbH’ From Germany

DTN News: Eurocopter Hands Over EC145 Stylence Helicopter To ‘Spedition & Helicopterservice Linke GmbH’ From Germany
Source: DTN News / EADS Dt. June 10, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) BERLIN, Germany - June 14, 2010: The VIP-configured EC145 Stylence helicopter which is presented in the ILA HeliCenter Static Display was handed over to ‘Spedition & Helicopterservice Linke GmbH’, a Northern Germany-based logistic company, on June 10th, 2010. The customer will use its new EC145 Stylence mainly for corporate transport missions as well as for helicopter trainings.
At the Berlin Air Show, Eurocopter Germany delivers the EC145 Stylence in Germany to the ‘Spedition & Helicopterservice Linke GmbH” from Wanzleben. The new aircraft is one if the first of its kind in Germany and will transport mainly VIP passengers all over the country.
"The helicopter offers an enormous advantage to corporate customers as it saves them precious time," said Dr. Wolfgang Schoder, CEO at Eurocopter Germany. "What's more, the EC145 Stylence can carry eight passengers along with the two pilots. With the enhanced comfort and cabin size offered by this configuration, in-flight meetings can be held."
The EC145 Stylence that will be delivered to the ‘Spedition & Helicopterservices Linke GmbH’ in Germany offers passengers excellent flight visibility and has sophisticated equipment packages. The helicopter is equipped for single /dual pilot instrument flight rules (IFR) with an automatic flight control system (AFCS), a cockpit voice and flight data recorder (CVFDR), a traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) and a navigation system, a so called moving map system. Furthermore the configuration includes fixed provisions for weather radar, rescue winch and an external load hook. The EC145 also offers simplified maintenance and impressive flight endurance (up to 680 km). It merges ergonomics and advanced technology to provide fully-equipped in-flight offices for business executives and companies.
"We are very pleased to be one of the first companies in Germany to receive an EC145 Stylence from Eurocopter. This helicopter combines design with state-of-the-art technology, perfectly developed for the needs of VIPs and business people,“ said Detlef Linke, general manager of the ‚Spedition & Helicopterservice Linke GmbH“ during the delivery ceremony.
The EC Stylence family - A combination of Style and Silence
The latest addition to Eurocopter’s Stylence family, the EC145 merges ergonomics and advanced technology to provide fully-equipped in-flight offices for business executives and companies. If further optional equipment is integrated, business executives can thus work in peace and quiet whilst having access to all telecommunication means such as built-in telephones, internet and e-mails.
After the presentation of the first EC130 Stylence in 2003, the EC145 is the 5th Eurocopter helicopter to enter the Stylence series following the EC120, EC130, AS350 B2 / B3 and the AS 355 NP. Since its recent introduction on the market, five EC145 Stylences have been sold throughout the world. 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: U.S. Navy And U.S. Marine Corps Leadership Join Forces To Christen The Northrop Grumman-Built San Diego (LPD 22)

DTN News: U.S. Navy And U.S. Marine Corps Leadership Join Forces To Christen The Northrop Grumman-Built San Diego (LPD 22)
Source: DTN News / Northrop Grumman Dt. June 12, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) PASCAGOULA, Miss., - June 14, 2010: The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC - News) June 12, christened the sixth LPD 17 class amphibious transport dock ship San Diego (LPD 22) in front of more than 1,000 guests at the company's Shipbuilding sector facilities in Pascagoula, Miss. "Since 1775 when the Continental Congress created the Navy and the Marine Corps, sailors and Marines have gone to sea in ships to defend our great nation," said Gen. James F. Amos, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, who delivered the ceremony's principal address. "As America grew in power, our ships grew bigger and more sophisticated. The San Diego is no exception. She and her sister ships are extraordinary in their capability and capacity. This is both necessary and good because she can expect to be called upon time and time again to take her crew and her compliment of Marines into harm's way." A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://media.globenewswire.com/noc/mediagallery.html?pkgid=7599 In his ceremony remarks, Mike Petters, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, recognized several shipbuilders constructing LPD 22 and how their work ethic demonstrates the shipyard's overall effort to improve first-time quality. "Quality is a major focus on every LPD with the incorporation of lessons-learned, better measuring tools and a rigorous class build plan," said Petters. San Diego, which is 77 percent complete, is the most complete LPD to-date at time of launch. Ship's sponsor Linda Engel Winter, wife of former Secretary of the Navy Don Winter, capped off the day's activities when she smashed a bottle across the bow of the ship officially christening LPD 22, San Diego. "The skill, the strength, the experience and the knowledge the shipbuilders have put into building this ship is as much a part of that ship as whatever spirit that I, as sponsor, am able to give her," said Mrs. Winter. LPD 22 honors the city of San Diego which is home to a large number of the Pacific Fleet's ships. Three previous ships carried the name San Diego - the armored cruiser (ACR 6) named in 1914, the World War II-era cruiser (CL 53) commissioned in 1942 and the combat stores ship (AFS 6) commissioned in 1969. Sean Stackley, assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition, was working on the LPD program on Sept. 11, 2001. "That day was met by new resolve," said Stackley. "The hard-working, dedicated shipbuilder on the Gulf Coast brought to work not only his hard hat and toolkit, but his pride and patriotism. We must be singular in our purpose and in our actions to take care of these men and women who wear the blue and green...to place in their hands the tools that they need to win the war we're in and to return home safely." Cmdr. Jon Haydel, of Houston, Texas, is the ship's prospective commanding officer and will lead a crew of 360 officers and enlisted Navy personnel and three Marines. The ship is capable of embarking a landing force of up to 800 Marines. "We place unique standards of excellence on our engineers and shipbuilders, for they are building ships that must take our Sailors and Marines, America's sons and daughters, into and out of harm's way," said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. William E. Landay III, program executive officer, Ships. "I can tell you there are no more dedicated, skilled or passionate artisans anywhere in the world. The United States Navy is the preeminent naval power in the world because of the powerful combination of the American sailor and the American shipbuilder." San Diego is 684 feet in length, has an overall beam of 105 feet, a navigational draft of 23 feet and displaces approximately 24,900 tons. Four turbo-charged diesels power the ship to sustained speeds of 22 knots. As an element of future expeditionary strike groups, LPD 22 will support the Marine Corps "mobility triad," which consists of the landing craft air cushion vehicle (LCAC), the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) and the Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft (MV-22). The ship will provide improved warfighting capabilities including an advanced command-and-control suite, increased lift-capability in vehicle and cargo-carrying capacity and advanced ship-survivability features. Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/ for more information.

DTN News: Pakistani Government 'Training Taliban Fighters'

DTN News: Pakistani Government 'Training Taliban Fighters'
Pakistan's ISI intelligence agency gives the Afghan Taliban far greater backing than previously thought, a report says.
Source: DTN News / ABC News By Europe correspondent Emma Alberici
(NSI News Source Info) ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - June 14, 2010: New evidence has emerged of strong political and financial links between the Taliban and Pakistan's ISI intelligence service. A report based on a series of face-to-face interviews with Afghan insurgents, published by the London School of Economics, alleges that the Pakistani government helps the Taliban in strategic decision-making and coordination of insurgency tactics. The report says the ISI provides Taliban fighters with training, cash and sanctuary as they fight Western troops in Afghanistan. It also claims that Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari made a secret visit to 50 high-ranking Taliban prisoners in a Pakistani jail earlier this year to arrange their release. The Pakistani government has dismissed the report as "rubbish". But author Matt Waldman, a Harvard researcher, says he drew his conclusions from interviews with nine Taliban field commanders in Afghanistan. "I think [what is] significant firstly is the scale and extent of the support form Pakistan's intelligence service for the insurgency," he said. "The interviews suggest the support is extensive and is in a range of areas, including arms and ammunition. "The interview suggests that it is official ISI policy. This is not the work of just one or two or another small number of rogue individuals or retired officers. The interviews strongly indicate that this is official ISI policy. "Thirdly, the interview suggests that the ISI have strong operational and strategic influence on the movement, and that means that they have influence both in terms of what happens in the field in Afghanistan and at the highest levels of the movement ... [in the] Quetta Shura, the supreme leadership council." The report's claims that ISI intelligence officers are even represented on the Taliban's supreme leadership council are expected to raise tensions between Pakistan and the United States, which has provided billions of dollars in military assistance to the country to help fight the Taliban.