DTN News - RUSSIAN DEFENSE NEWS: KAMAZ-63968 Typhoon-K MRAP

DTN News - RUSSIAN DEFENSE NEWS: KAMAZ-63968 Typhoon-K MRAP 

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Defense News
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 31, 2015: Kamaz Typhoon is a family of Russian multi-functional, modular, armoured, mine resistant MRAP vehicles. The Typhoon family is part of Russia's Typhoon program launched in 2010. Both Kamaz and Gaz-Group are taking part in Typhoon program and develop their own family of vehicles. 

Kamaz already develop the KAMAZ-53949 Typhoon-K 4x4 modular armoured and Gaz the Ural Typhoon 6x6 multi-purpose armoured truck. Kamaz-63968 6x6 Typhoon-K (Taifun) has a mass of 21 tonnes and can carry up to 16 people in its personnel compartment.

Kamaz-63969 Typhoon is an advanced, special-purpose mine-resistant armoured wheeled vehicle designed and manufactured by KAMAZ, a truck maker based in Russia, for the Russian Army.

The new generation 6x6 armoured vehicle can be deployed in reconnaissance, surveillance, command and staff, engineer reconnaissance, medical evacuation, nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) reconnaissance and surveillance, fire support, special attack and armed escort missions.

The Typhoon MRAP can also be used to convoy other vehicles for combat missions and to transport soldiers, medical units and other equipment. It offers increased protection for troops in high threat environments.

The Kamaz Typhoon family of 6x6 armoured vehicles also consists of Kamaz-63968 (Typhoon-K) vehicle, which can accommodate two crew and up to 16 troops. The vehicle took part in the Interpolitex-2013 security exhibition in October 2013. A total of 14 Typhoon-K vehicles participated in Russian Victory Day military parade held in May 2014 in Moscow.

The Kamaz-63969 armoured vehicle has been developed under the Typhoon (Tayfun) MRAP programme, which is part of the Russian Federation Armed Forces' plan to produce military vehicles for the period up to 2020. The programme was initiated in January 2010. The Typhoon was originally demonstrated during an exhibition in Bronnizy, Russia in 2011.

The first prototype was completed and demonstrated to the Russian military department in June 2013. The Kamaz-63969 was also exhibited during the Russian Arms Expo (RAE) 2013 and the Kazakhstan Defence Expo (KADEX) 2014.

Kamaz-63969 Typhoon design and features
The Kamaz-63969 MRAP-type vehicle features monocoque hull made from new armoured steel. It incorporates on-board information systems, control units, sensors and a number of advanced defence solutions.

The armoured vehicle is 7.8m long, 2.52m wide and 2.75m high. It has a kerb weight of 19,703kg and a gross weight of 23,703kg.

The Typhoon can carry two crew and up to ten soldiers. Its cockpit is fitted with two monitors to display the information of the vehicle. The functional area is also fitted with a monitor.

Armament of Kamaz-63969
The Kamaz-63969 Typhoon is armed with a remotely controlled weapon system provided by Elektromashina JSC. The weapon station is mounted with PKT machine guns with the Russian 7.62?54mmR calibre rounds.

A rocket propelled 30mm AGS-30 automatic grenade launcher can also be mounted on the weapon station. It can store up to 30 rounds of ammunition and can fire belt-fed GPD-30, VOG-30 and VOG-17M 30mm grenade rounds at a rate of 400 rounds per minute. The 16.5kg grenade launcher is fitted with a day-night sight and has an effective firing range of 2,100m.

Protection features of Kamaz-63969 Typhoon
The versatile Kamaz-63969 Typhoon armoured vehicle is equipped with enhanced protection features. It is built using integrated ceramic armour for all-round protection against 14.5mm bullets, B-32 armour-piercing shells and high-explosive armour-piercing incendiary bullets.

The vehicle also features glass cover and bulletproof windows for protection against large-calibre firearms in the combat environment. The mine resistant seats provide enhanced protection to the crew and troops against land mines. The vehicle can also be protected from blast effects equivalent to 8kg of TNT.

Kamaz-63969 engine and mobility
The 6x6 Kamaz-63969 Typhoon vehicle is powered by KAMAZ 740/354-450, V8 diesel engine that generates a maximum output power of 330.9kW and a maximum torque of 190kgm. It is also equipped with independent, hydropneumatic suspension and automatic transmission system.

The vehicle is fitted with 10.00-20 wheels and 16.00 R20 bullet-resistant tires with blast-resistant inserts. It can attain a maximum speed of 105km/h on road and has a ground clearance of 0.47m and gradient of 60%. The maximum range of the Kamaz-63969 is 1,200km.

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DTN News - RUSSIA DEFENSE NEWS: ‘Missile Defense Killer’- Russia Finalizes Testing On Prototype ICBM

DTN News - RUSSIA DEFENSE NEWS: ‘Missile Defense Killer’- Russia Finalizes Testing On Prototype ICBM

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Russia Today
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 10, 2013: Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces have reported a successful launch of a next-generation ICBM that can supposedly pierce any anti-ballistic missile (ABM) system. The test came after the US announced it would resume its ABM program in Europe.

The test missile launched from a mobile pad at 9:45pm (17:45 GMT) on Thursday, the Defense Ministry said Friday. The test was carried out in the Astrakhan region, deep inside Russian territory, and the prototype’s payload successfully hit the Balkhash range in Kazakhstan.

“The test launch was a success as the [simulated] warhead hit a designated target within the set timeframe,” the Russian Defense Ministry statement said. “This test launch was intended to confirm technical characteristics of the missile, as well as to check the safety of the launch procedures and equipment.”

The launch was the fourth successful test of the prototype ICBM. The development of a new solid-fuel ICBM was officially announced in 2012, and is set to gradually replace the existing Topol-M and later the recently developed Yars missile complex. 

Russia will put the new strategic missile complex on combat alert by the end of the year, and deployment of the first regiment will start in 2014, announced the Head of the Main Operations Directorate of the Joint Staff Colonel-General, Vladimir Zarudnitsky.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin about assigning officers to higher military ranks.

"In the framework of the approved plan of development of the armed forces of the Russian Federation last night we conducted a test launch of the perspective intercontinental ballistic missile complex Rubezh (‘frontier’) with increased accuracy," Zarudnitsky said, adding that the test launch was ordered to work out "the new combat equipment."

"We assess the launch results as successful, all the blocks (warheads) hit their targets. To complete the tests one more launch is needed, it is scheduled to take place by the end of the year. Then ‘Rubezh’ system will be adopted by the strategic missile forces," Zarudnitsky said.

Tactical training exercises of Air Defense Forces at Kapustin Yar range. Troops prepare the anti-aircraft missile system S-300V to detect and destroy air targets. (RIA Novosti / Kirill Braga)

He also revealed that infrastructure preparations are underway for the new complex, as is personnel training and the coordination of combat crews.

"The new missile complex will have a significantly improved, compared with the existing complexes, maneuvering characteristics that significantly enhance the potential of Russia's nuclear forces to ensure strategic deterrence," Zarudnitsky concluded.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin welcomed the test, calling the new ICBM a “missile defense killer... Neither current nor future American missile defense systems will be able to prevent that missile from hitting a target dead on.”

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin. (RIA Novosti / Sergey Mamontov)

Russia maintains at least 58 silo-based Soviet-made P36M ('SS-18 Satan' NATO classification) ballistic missiles, believed to be the most powerful in the world with up to 10 megaton-class warheads. The Strategic Missile Forces have 160 mobile Topol-M ('SS-25 Sickle') missile systems, 50 silo-based and 18 road-mobile Topol-M ('SS-27 Sickle B') systems, and 18 RS-24 Yars systems.

In recent years, two missile divisions were rearmed with the newest Topol-M and Yars systems, and more will follow in 2013. The Defense Ministry is also preparing to introduce the latest automated battle management system (ASBU), enabling rapid retargeting of ICBMs.

Russia sped up development of new intercontinental ballistic missile systems after the US announced plans to continue deploying its missile defense system in Eastern Europe, near Russian borders.

 

Tactical exercises of the Air Defense Forces at Kapustin Yar range. Anti-aircraft S-300V missile system. (RIA Novosti / Kirill Braga)

The issue of the US missile shield in Europe has become a major stumbling block in Russia-US relations. Moscow has demanded legal guarantees from Washington that missile defense systems deployed in Europe would not target Russia's strategic nuclear deterrence capabilities. But Washington refused, citing a need to protect Europe from ‘rogue states' like Iran and North Korea.

In mid-March of 2013, Washington attempted to engage Moscow in new talks about further nuclear arms reduction, after presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev agreed to reduce their nuclear stocks with the New START arms reduction treaty. The US said it would no longer deploy SM-3 IIB ballistic missile interceptors in Poland until 2022.

Nevertheless, Moscow still demands legally binding guarantees from Washington that the system's intentions are peaceful.

On Monday, US Secretary of State John Kerry met with the Polish Foreign Minister, and committed to deploy missile defenses in Poland by 2018 as planned. “We are on track to deploy a missile defense site in Poland by 2018 as part of NATO’s modernized approach to our security,” Kerry said.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Russia Today
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DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing, Air Astana Announce Order For Four 767-300ERs And Three 787 Dreamliners

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing, Air Astana Announce Order For Four 767-300ERs And Three 787 Dreamliners
- Represents single largest order for commercial airplanes in Kazakhstan
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 1, 2012: Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Air Astana have announced an order for four 767-300ERs (Extended Range) and three 787-8s. The order is valued at $1.3 billion at current list prices, making this the largest single order for commercial airplanes in Kazakhstan's history.

"Our decision to order the Boeing airplanes is part of Air Astana's long-term growth strategy to expand and modernize our fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes to serve domestic, regional and international routes," said Peter Foster, president, Air Astana.  "In addition, we want to offer an enhanced travel experience for our customers which we shall be able to do on these airplanes."          

In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to mid-size airplanes, the 787 provides airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency using 20 percent less fuel than today's similarly sized airplanes. Passengers will also see improvements on the 787, from an interior environment with higher humidity to increased comfort and convenience.  

The Boeing 767 family is a complete family of clean, quiet, fuel-efficient airplanes that provide maximum market versatility in the 200- to 300-seat market. Boeing has delivered more than 1,000 767s that are flown by over 120 operators around the world.

"We are extremely pleased that Air Astana has partnered with Boeing to participate in the region's growing air transport market," said Marty Bentrott, vice president of sales for Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Today, airlines are increasingly looking at lower operating costs and fuel efficiency without compromising on technological innovations and customer experience. We are confident that both the 767-300ER and the 787 Dreamliner will play an important role as Air Astana continues with its expansion plans."

Contact:

Saffana Michael
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
+9 7150-4590651
Saffana.michael2@boeing.com

Photo and caption will be available here: http://boeing.mediaroom.com

 
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DTN News - KAZAKHSTAN VIOLENCE: Kazakhstan Probes Police Use Of Weapons After Deaths

DTN News - KAZAKHSTAN VIOLENCE: Kazakhstan Probes Police Use Of Weapons After Deaths

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources BBC News
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 29, 2011: Prosecutors in Kazakhstan have opened a criminal inquiry into the use of weapons by police after 16 protesters were killed earlier this month.

The deaths occurred in clashes between police and oil protesting workers in Zhanaozen on 16 and 17 December.

A "criminal enquiry into the use of weapons by the security forces" had been opened, the prosecutor-general's office said on Thursday.

The violence was the worst since Kazakhstan's independence 20 years ago.

The investigation comes after video footage emerged on the internet appearing to show security forces beating and shooting people.

Eyewitnesses said police fired on unarmed oil workers, who had been protesting for months, in the town of 90,000.

But police say they were forced to defend themselves. A 20-day curfew is in effect until 5 January.

"General prosecutors opened a criminal enquiry into the use of weapons by the security forces which were aimed at hitting (their targets) and caused death," the prosecutors' spokesman Nurdaulet Suindikov said in a statement.

"An investigation group headed by a special prosecutor will carry out the investigation to ensure impartiality," the statement added.

The move marks the first time since the incident that Kazakh prosecutors have accused the police of firing on the protesters. Last week Kazakhstan asked the UN to help investigate the violence.

Separately, the privately-owned Interfax-Kazakhstan news agency reports that 18 people accused of taking part in the disturbances and looting have been arrested.

The governor of the Mangistau region, where the clashes occurred, has reportedly been sacked, along with the local boss of the state oil firm.

President Nursultan Nazarbayev has fired his son-in-law, Timur Kulibayev, from his position as head of Kazakhstan's sovereign wealth fund, which holds stakes in the companies whose workers were striking.

Correspondents say Mr Nazarbayev is keen to maintain his country's reputation as a bastion of stability in central Asia.
 
*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources BBC News 
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DTN News: Kazakhstan Seeks Defence Deal For 45 EC145s

DTN News: Kazakhstan Seeks Defence Deal For 45 EC145s

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Craig Hoyle - Flight International

(NSI News Source Info) HONG KONG - November 11, 2010: Kazakhstan could acquire up to 45 Eurocopter EC145 medium-twin helicopters for military applications, under a new memorandum of understanding signed with the European company, its parent EADS and the nation's defence ministry.

Eurocopter says the nation should take delivery of the new aircraft within a six-year period under the proposed deal, which was signed by Kazakh president Nursultan Abishuly Nazarbayev during his visit to France in late October.

A related agreement calls for the establishment of a new joint venture with local company Kazakhstan Engineering, which will complete the newly designated KH145s in Astana. It should deliver the first batch of six aircraft in late 2011, Eurocopter says, with the co-production pact expected to become operational next month. "The agreement also includes the development of local maintenance and training activities," the company adds.

Eurocopter chief executive Lutz Bertling says the arrangement will create "several hundreds of highly qualified jobs" and also "foster helicopter usage in Kazakhstan". He also believes the new joint venture will be able to compete for additional business in Belarus, Russia and central Asia, with other applications including parapublic operations and supporting the oil and gas sector.

Sales of the EC145 have now topped 400 aircraft, Eurocopter says. This includes the UH-72A Lakota variant being delivered to the US Army by American Eurocopter under the service's light utility helicopter programme. The company has so far handed over its 114 of the aircraft, says Flightglobal's HeliCAS database.

Kazakhstan Engineering also recently signed a memorandum of co-operation with France's Sagem on a proposed joint venture to produce, sell and market tactical unmanned air vehicles.

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com

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DTN News: Russian, Kazakh Pilots To Hone Live-Firing Skills Prior To CSTO Drills

DTN News: Russian, Kazakh Pilots To Hone Live-Firing Skills Prior To CSTO Drills

Source: DTN News / Ria Novosti

(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - October 23, 2010: Russian and Kazakh combat pilots will take part on Friday in live-firing exercises in preparation for the upcoming large-scale exercises of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the Russian Defense Ministry said.

The CSTO Collective Rapid Reaction Force drills will take place on October 25-29 at the Chebarkul training ground in Russia's Urals region of Chelyabinsk.

"On October 22, pilots of the Russian Su-24 and Su-27 aircraft and Mi-24 helicopters together with Kazakh Su-25 pilots will conduct drills with live firing at the Chebarkul training grounds in the Central military district," a spokesman for the ministry said on Thursday.

The upcoming CSTO drills will involve 1,700 servicemen, 250 armored vehicles and over 30 combat aircraft and helicopters.

The CSTO is a security grouping comprising the former Soviet republics of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.

Five of the seven members signed an agreement on the creation of the Collective Rapid Reaction Force in February 2009. Belarus, which initially refrained from signing the deal because of a trade dispute with Russia, joined later last year.

The CSTO members say the rapid reaction force is designed to improve the security of the CSTO members against existing and potential threats, including terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and natural disasters, and to enhance the organization's role in ensuring international security.

However, many observers see the creation of a powerful military contingent in former Soviet Central Asia by members of the Russian-dominated security grouping as a bid to counterbalance NATO.

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DTN News: Kazakh Parliament Ratifies Deal On Post-Soviet Rapid Reaction Force

DTN News: Kazakh Parliament Ratifies Deal On Post-Soviet Rapid Reaction Force *Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti (NSI News Source Info) ASTANA, Kazakhstan - February 5, 2010: Kazakhstan's parliament ratified an agreement on Thursday on establishing a post-Soviet security group's rapid reaction force. The creation of a powerful military contingent in former Soviet Central Asia by members of the Russian-dominated Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is seen as Moscow's bid to counterbalance NATO. But its formation has run into problems caused by the regional rivalries of some members. Speaking at a plenary session, the Central Asian state's defense minister, Bolat Sembinov, said the rapid reaction force is designed "to improve the security of the CSTO members against the backdrop of existing and potential threats," including terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, natural disasters and to enhance the organization's role in ensuring international security. The CSTO comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Observer status is enjoyed by Iran, India, Mongolia and Pakistan. Five of the seven members signed the agreement in February 2009. Belarus, which initially refrained from signing the deal because of a trade dispute with Russia, joined it later last year. Uzbekistan has so far refused to join the force, saying it opposes stronger Russia's role in Central Asia. Uzbekistan is also at odds with regional neighbor Kyrgyzstan, which hosts a Russian airbase. The Collective Rapid Reaction Force held two-week military exercises in southern Kazakhstan in October 2009, with more than 7,000 personnel from Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan taking part. Russia's security strategy until 2020, recently approved by President Dmitry Medvedev, envisions the CSTO as "a key mechanism to counter regional military challenges and threats."

DTN News: Kazakhstan, Iran Deny Uranium Deal

DTN News: Kazakhstan, Iran Deny Uranium Deal *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) ASTANA, Kazakhstan - January 03, 2010: Kazakhstan angrily denied on Wednesday that it planned to sell purified uranium ore to Iran, calling media reports to this effect "groundless insinuations." The story was also denied by Tehran, which called it "utterly fabricated and baseless." Kazakhstan "categorically repudiates certain news media reports alleging Kazakhstan's connection to a possible deal to supply uranium to the Islamic Republic of Iran," the country's foreign ministry said. The government "considers them groundless insinuations damaging the reputation of our country." In Tehran, the foreign ministry said "the news circulating in some media that Iran is on the threshold of inking a covert deal to import 1,350 tonnes of purified uranium ore from Kazakhstan is utterly fabricated and baseless." "This propaganda is one of the links in the chain that serves the political intentions of the oppressive powers," a statement added. The denials by both countries came a day after the United States, reacting to media reports that a deal was close to being sealed, warned that such a transfer was prohibited under UN sanctions on Iran. "The transfer of uranium to Iran is prohibited, unless the uranium in question is low enriched and the uranium is incorporated in assembled nuclear fuel elements for use in light water reactors (LWRs)," US State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said in Washington. Concern over Iran's nuclear plans is again rising. On Tuesday, Washington warned Tehran that December was "a very real deadline" to accept a UN-drafted deal to swap enriched uranium for nuclear fuel or face further sanctions. The United States and some other Western countries suspect Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian nuclear power programme. Tehran adamantly denies this, saying its nuclear programme is strictly for the production of energy. Kazakhstan, which on January 1 becomes the first ex-Soviet republic to take the helm of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), stressed that it is committed to international nuclear non-proliferation rules. "Kazakhstan is firmly committed to the principles of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and tough control over the turnover of dual-use materials," the foreign ministry statement said. It noted that Kazakhstan had renounced the world's fourth-largest nuclear and missile arsenal -- a stockpile it inherited from the days it was part of the Soviet Union -- and had shut down its Soviet-era nuclear test site. The Central Asian state also called on the Vienna-based UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, to weigh in publicly on the reports saying Kazakhstan was to ship uranium to Iran. "Kazakhstan expects the IAEA to give an appropriate assessment of the information being disseminated by the news media," the statement said. It said all operations involving nuclear materials, "including our cooperation regarding peaceful use of atomic energy with foreign countries, are subject to IAEA comprehensive safeguards." Separately, Kazakhstan said it had become the world's largest producer of uranium, overtaking Canada, after it increased production by 63 percent in 2009. Kazatomprom said it had mined 13,500 tonnes of the radioactive metal as of December 21 and will have mined at least another 400 tonnes by year's end. Citing the Ux Consulting Company, a US nuclear consulting firm, the statement said Canada was expected to produce 9,934 tonnes of uranium and Australia 8,022 tonnes this year. Kazakhstan plans to increase production to 18,000 tonnes in 2010, Nurlan Ryspanov, Kazatomprom vice-president said in a statement. "The republic will gain the leading position in uranium mining at the time of maximum demand for it," Ryspanov said.

DTN News: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev To Visit Kazakhstan On October 15-16

DTN News: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev To Visit Kazakhstan On October 15-16

*Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti

(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - October 14, 2009: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will arrive in Kazakhstan on Thursday for a two-day working visit, the Kremlin said in a statement Tuesday. Medvedev will attend an exercise of the Collective Rapid Reaction Force of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the statement said. The CSTO comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The joint force began the two-week exercise at Kazakhstan's Matybulak training grounds on October 2, with more than 7,000 personnel from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan taking part. According to the CSTO Secretariat, the exercise is aimed at practicing the deployment of the force in crisis situations on the territory of member states. Analysts say the creation of a powerful military contingent in Central Asia reflects Moscow's drive to make the CSTO a pro-Russian military bloc, rivaling NATO forces in Europe. Russia's security strategy until 2020, recently approved by Medvedev, envisions the CSTO as "a key mechanism to counter regional military challenges and threats."

CSTO Related News....for full stories click on the links below ~ Belarus set to join post-Soviet rapid reaction force ~ Post-Soviet states to hold military drills in Kazakhstan ~ CSTO leaders sign rapid-reaction force deal without Belarus ~ CSTO summit prepares documents on rapid-reaction force

DTN News: Kazakh Su-24 Attack Aircraft Drops A Bomb On Residential Area

DTN News: Kazakh Su-24 Attack Aircraft Drops A Bomb On Residential Area

*Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti

(NSI News Source Info) ASTANA, Kazakhstan - October 13, 2009: An Su-24 Fencer fighter-bomber has accidentally dropped a bomb on a house in southern Kazakhstan, which did not explode, Kazakh military prosecutors said. Designed from the outset as an all-weather, low-level attack aircraft, the Sukhoi Su-24 'Fencer' bears a resemblance to the American F-111, altough the Soviet jet is somewhat smaller. Entering service after the F-111, but before the Tornado, the 'Fencer is comparable in performance with the two premier Western interdictors, being somewhat faster and with better rough field capability, but having less advanced avionics and attack systems. The Su-24 Fencer has a combat radius only 300 km less than that of the F 111E/F and equal to the Mirage IV A, At least 500 attack 'Fencers' were built. The type is also used for maritime strike/reconnaissance and for electronic jamming/Sigint/reconnaissance. The eight weapons pylons beneath the Su-24's fuselage, wing gloves and outer wing panels can carry a wide variety of weaponry, ranging from tactical and defence-suppression bombs and missiles through to nuclear weapons. The wings are high-mounted, variable, swept-back, and tapered. There are twin turbofan engines. The air intakes are tapered away from the body, rectangular-shaped, and mounted on the body forward of the wings’ leading edges. There are twin exhausts. The fuselage is long, slender, with pointed, solid nose, and rectangular-shaped body from the air intakes to the exhausts. There are two belly fins and four pylons. There is a bubble canopy. The dorsal spine extends from the cockpit to the tail. The tail fin is swept-back and tapered with square tip. The flats are high-mounted on the fuselage, swept-back, and tapered with angular tips.The chief designer of the plane between 1965 and 1985 was Ye.S. Felsner, and then, from 1985, work was headed by L.A. Logvinov. The total production of the Su-24 type was about 1,400 planes. The Su-24/Su-24M was the only type of modern domestically-produced frontline bomber and forms the backbone of the strike capability of the frontal aviation of the Air Forces of the RF and Ukraine. The Design Bureau has been implementing a joint program with the Air Forces to upgrade combat aircraft since 1999.* The 120-mm high-explosive bomb fell off the plane during a training flight in the Almaty region at about 07.00 GMT on Monday. "The bomb fell on a house but did not explode. There were no casualties in the accident," Kazakhstan's main military prosecutor's office said in a statement. According to the prosecutors, who launched a probe in the accident, the sappers have already disarmed the bomb. Kazakhstan's Air and Air Defense Forces have at least 30 Su-24 attack aircraft in active service.

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DTN News: French Military Has An Alternate Route To Afghanistan Via Kazakhstan

DTN News: French Military Has An Alternate Route To Afghanistan Via Kazakhstan *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media

(NSI News Source Info) ASTANA, Kazakhstan - October 9, 2009: Kazakhstan agreed on last week to allow French military personnel and equipment to transit through the Central Asian state to Afghanistan. A soldier from the French Foreign Legion, a unit of the French army, patrols in Deh Sabz district of Kabul province October 3, 2009. About 800 legionnaires are stationed in Afghanistan as part of NATO efforts to contain the Taliban insurgency. Picture taken October 3, 2009. Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev and visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy oversaw the signing of the transit agreement by their foreign ministers. Afghan school boys watch military vehicles from the French Foreign Legion, a unit of the French army, on patrol in Deh Sabz district of Kabul province October 3, 2009. About 800 legionnaires are stationed in Afghanistan as part of NATO efforts to contain the Taliban insurgency. Picture taken October 3, 2009. It was not immediately clear whether Kazakhstan, which has no direct border with Afghanistan, will be used as a transit point for French airlifts, or it will be part of a land route also involving Russia and other ex-Soviet states. Earlier this year, Kazakhstan allowed the United States to ship non-lethal supplies for its Afghan troops through its territory as Washington tried to diversify supply routes due to frequent attacks on convoys in Pakistan. The deal follows a similar agreement between the United States and Russia which has said it would also negotiate transit for US allies including France. The US-led coalition has boosted troop numbers in Afghanistan in an effort to suppress the Taliban insurgency which, according to some analysts, threatens to spill into Central Asia. France is also in talks with Kazakhstan's southern neighbour Kyrgyzstan to renew an agreement allowing French military to use the Kyrgyz Manas air base to support Afghan operations.

DTN News: Astrium Signs Major Contract With Kazakhstan During President Sarkozy’s Visit To Astana

DTN News: Astrium Signs Major Contract With Kazakhstan During President Sarkozy’s Visit To Astana

*Astrium will build two Earth observation satellites for the Republic of Kazakhstan *This contract follows the decision of the Republic of Kazakhstan in choosing France and Astrium as strategic partners for the development of its space activities

*Source: DTN News / EADS (NSI News Source Info) ASTANA, Kazakhstan - October 7, 2009: The partnership between Astrium and JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary (KGS), the national company charged with the development of Kazakhstan’s space programme, has reached another major milestone with the signature of a contract for two Earth observation satellites, and the foundation documents to create a Joint Venture for the construction of an Assembly, Integration and Test Facility in Astana.

Kazakh President Noursoultan Nazarbaev welcomes French President Nicolas Sarkozy prior a bilateral meeting in Ak Orda Presidential Palace in Asatana on October 6 2009. President Nicolas Sarkozy praised the strategic importance of Kazakhstan Tuesday, as French firms signed deals worth six billion dollars with the Central Asian state despite concerns on its rights record. The most significant deal was an agreement worth one billion euros (1.5 billion dollars) between Total and GDF Suez and the Kazakhstan state energy company to develop the Khvalynkskoye gas field in the Caspian Sea.

Astrium and KGS signed the two agreements during the State visit of the French President, Mr Sarkozy, to Mr Nazarbaev, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the 5th and 6th October.

François Auque, CEO of Astrium declared after the signature:

“2009 is a great year for the partnership of KGS and Astrium. This new space system will provide the Republic of Kazakhstan with access to a wide range of civil applications including monitoring natural resources and agriculture as well as providing mapping data and rescue operation support in the event of a disaster. It will also put the Republic of Kazakhstan at the forefront of current space technology and complement the country’s space heritage, most famous for the Baikonur spaceport. The images from the Earth observation satellites will also be distributed globally by Astrium’s subsidiary Spot Image.”

Under the satellites contract Astrium will: Provide a space system with two Earth observation satellites - one of high resolution with a ground resolution of 1m, the other medium resolution with a ground resolution of 7m and a wide coverage swath.

The high resolution satellite will be entirely provided by Astrium in France and will be based on the already well known platform of THEOS and Formosat-2. The camera will be based on the Silicon Carbide technology that is now used on all Astrium optical instrument design. This technology, developed by Astrium and unique in the world, has already been used on numerous instruments on board satellites, including the recent Herschel-Planck ESA mission.

The medium resolution satellite is also remarkable as it is the result of the first collaboration between Astrium and its recently acquired subsidiary SSTL in the UK. Under this contract, SSTL will provide the satellite based on the SSTL 150 platform. Provide the associated Ground Segment, both for the control and for the image data reception, which will be implemented in Astana Train Kazakh engineers in satellite technology. Under the foundation agreement, Astrium and KGS have agreed to set up a Joint Venture in Kazakhstan. Objectives of this Joint Venture will be: To implement an Assembly, Integration and Test facility in Astana To jointly manage this facility and implement the Republic of Kazakhstan’s space programme The two companies have already concluded the preliminary design of the Centre for Integration and Test of Satellites that will soon be established in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. This first step was signed in June 2009 during the Paris Air Show.

Kazakhstan has been involved in spaceflight since the very beginning. In 1957, the USSR chose Baikonur as the launch site for the first satellite, the legendary Sputnik 1. Then, in 1961, the world’s first astronaut, Yuri Gagarin, took off from Baikonur. Baikonur is still Russia’s primary launch site under lease from the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is now developing new ambitions in space as part of the programme "A New Kazakhstan in a New World".

One of the goals of this programme – launched ten years ago by the President of the Kazakh Republic, Mr Nursultan Nazarbayev – is to provide the country with the most advanced technology and to develop Kazakhstan’s own industrial expertise. Astrium, the European leader in space technology, is offering the Kazakhs its know-how via a strategic and technological partnership that will help the country fulfil its space ambitions. Worldwide position in Earth Observation solutions This contract allows Astrium to confirm its worldwide position as the predominant provider of Earth observation solutions from space. As the leading space company in Europe, Astrium has been successful in both the telecommunications and Earth observation markets, achieving major successes for countries wishing to develop their space activities in a cooperative manner. About JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary is the National Company in charge of the development of the Space Program in Kazakhstan. The Company headquarter is located in Astana City. President is Mr Gavyllatyp Murzakulov. The Company reports directly to the National Space Agency Kazcosmos, headed by Mr Talgat Musabaev (Former Cosmonaut and hero of the Republic of Kazakhstan). KGS Company has been founded in 2005 and has already established technical centres located in Almaty and Baikonur. About Astrium Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. In 2008, Astrium had a turnover of €4.3 billion and 15,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment and Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2008, EADS generated revenues of €43.3 billion and employed a workforce of more than 118, 000.

DTN News: Russia To Start Construction Of New Space Center In 2011

DTN News: Russia To Start Construction Of New Space Center In 2011

*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - September 7, 2009: The construction of a new space center in Russia's Far East will start in 2011, a government official said on Monday. Specialists are busy at Russia's mission control center in Korolyov, outside Moscow, as Soyuz capsule carrying a Russian cosmonaut, docks at the international space station. Russia currently uses two launch sites for space carrier rockets and ballistic missiles tests: the Baikonur space center in the Central Asian Republic of Kazakhstan, which it has leased since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the Plesetsk space center in northwest Russia. Army Gen. Nikolai Abroskin, head of the Federal Service for the Production of Special Construction Work, said construction of the new Vostochny station would be carried out in three stages, and would be completed in 2018. "In all, seven launch pads are to be built at the space center, including two for manned flights and two for space freighters," the general said. He said an inter-agency working group had been created, and that work to design elements of the station's infrastructure was in progress.

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Air Traffic Management Automation System For Republic Of Kazakhstan Achieves Full Operation

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Air Traffic Management Automation System For Republic Of Kazakhstan Achieves Full Operation *Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin

(NSI News Source Info) ROCKVILLE, Md., - September 2, 2009: A SkyLine automated air traffic management (ATM) system supplied by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has gone into full operation at the Aktobe Area Control Center (ACC) and three remote towers in Kazakhstan. The system, installed under contract with Kazaeronavigatsia, the air navigation authority for Kazakhstan, is part of a major modernization program using advanced technologies to achieve the highest standards of quality, safety and security in air traffic management for the region. The system achieved site acceptance ahead of schedule earlier this year and completed the transition in late June. A comprehensive commercial, off-the-shelf automation system, SkyLine ATM includes flight data processing and surveillance data processing capabilities that can function as a tower, terminal area, procedural or flow monitoring system service. It provides a flexible configuration of features and functions to fit user requirements. At Aktobe, the system provides en route and approach control at the Aktobe ACC, as well as tower control at Aktobe and the airfields at Uralsk, Atyrau, and Aktau. The contract also includes a Lockheed Martin Omnyx air sovereignty system at the Astana area control center that provides air surveillance across the country and is the foundation for an interagency coordination center in that city, which is the Kazakhstan capital. “We have been pleased to work with Lockheed Martin on this project, which enhances the safety, capacity and reliability of our national airspace,” said Sergey Kulnazarov, the director general of Kazaeronavigatsia. “It has significantly advanced our progress toward achieving an integrated, national ATM program.” “Thanks to the efforts of Director General Kulnazarov, Kazaeronavigatsia and the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the international community recognizes the quality and safety of air navigation services provided by Kazaeronavigatsia,” said Jeff Oltchick, senior manager international aviation programs with Lockheed Martin. “We are proud to be a part of their vision and to help them advance air traffic management modernization in Central Asia.” 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.