DTN News: North Korea Pardons US Journalists

DTN News: North Korea Pardons US Journalists *Source: DTN News / VOA By Jim Malone

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, USA - August 5, 2009: North Korean state media reports that leader Kim Jong Il has pardoned two American journalists and ordered their release during a surprise visit by former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Word of the release came on a day when official Washington said little about Mr. Clinton's mission. North Korea's leader Kim Jong-il talks as former U.S. President Bill Clinton looks on in Pyongyang in this photo released by North Korean official news agency KCNA August 4, 2009. Clinton made a surprise visit to North Korea on Tuesday to try to win the release of two jailed American journalists, and met the country's reclusive leader Kim. Bill Clinton traveled to North Korea to secure the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee. The two women were arrested in March for illegally crossing the border from China into North Korea. They were working on a story about refugees for Current TV, which was co-founded by Mr. Clinton's former vice president, Al Gore.

Throughout the day Tuesday, U.S. officials said little about Mr. Clinton's mission, describing the effort as private and sensitive.

Presidential spokesman Robert Gibbs briefed reporters at the White House.

"I put out a statement that this was a private mission that we weren't going to comment on while the former president was on the ground in North Korea, and as a result of that I don't have anything more to add on this at this time," he said.

Reporters also pressed State Department spokesman Robert Wood to comment on the Clinton mission, but without success.

"I don't have anything I can add to it. The White House statement spoke for itself. At this point I don't have anything further on it, so you might want to save your questions," he said.

Mr. Clinton undertook his mission at a time of heightened tension between the United States and North Korea over its nuclear program. Pyongyang conducted a nuclear test in May and has also tested several ballistic missiles in recent months.

Since news of the Clinton mission to North Korea broke, there has been discussion among some experts and policy makers that the visit could set the stage for an improvement in U.S. relations with the government in Pyongyang. Senator Lindsay Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, spoke about that on NBC's Today program.

"You would expect that you would not send a former president knowing that he is not likely to be successful. From the family point of view of the young ladies, this is great news and maybe we can build upon this to do something better when it comes to nuclear weapons," he said.

Many analysts believe that Mr. Clinton would not have gone to North Korea without a reasonable expectation for success.

Juan Zarate worked on the National Security Council during the George W. Bush administration and is now an expert on international threats at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

"If President Clinton returns without having secured their release, it would be a major problem for the Obama administration and I think it would be a problem for the North Koreans too. I think it would show that they are not acting in good faith. For that reason, President Clinton is probably thinking that this is going to be a successful mission," said Zarate.

Mr. Clinton is the second former U.S. president to visit North Korea. Former President Jimmy Carter led a mission in 1994 that eventually led to a breakthrough accord on North Korea's nuclear program.

DTN News: No Easy, Short Term Solutions For Somalia, Says Analyst

DTN News: No Easy, Short Term Solutions For Somalia, Says Analyst

*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, USA - August 5, 2009: U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will not visit Somalia on her Africa tour, but the situation there will be addressed. Mrs. Clinton is expected to meet with Somalia's president Thursday in Nairobi. Hardline Somali Islamist militants take position during a stand-off between them and government forces north of Mogadishu July 21, 2009. Intense fighting is making it increasingly difficult to deliver aid to Somalia, where it is crucial to combat cholera outbreaks and maintain food supplies, U.N. agencies said on Tuesday. The ongoing conflict between the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and Islamist militias has created one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Daniel Volman, director of the African Security Research Project and a member of the board of directors of the Association of Concerned Africa Scholars, spoke to VOA about where Somalia falls on Mrs. Clinton's list of priorities. "I'd say it's very much in the top three to five issues. She does have a lot of very important Africa-related issues on her agenda – oil, democracy, conflict, etc. – as well as her announced agenda of food security and promoting trade and investment and political reform," he says. How tough a problem to solve? "They're all really tough issues to solve. And I have to say I don't think that the Obama administration has a very good understanding of a lot of the complexities of these issues or of what needs to be done to solve them. But it's certainly one of the more complicated," he says. He blames that in part on the fact that the TFG actually controls very little of the country. Volman, who's an expert in security and military policy, says the Obama administration lacks a broad approach to Somalia, as have past US administrations. "President Obama himself and…most of his advisers, continue to believe that militaryinstruments…are, if not the best and preferable instruments for pursuing US policy, that they're really the only instruments that they have at hand…and need to rely on them," he says. Volman also disagrees with the current strategy of waging a global war on terrorism. "I think it makes absolutely no sense to define terrorism as a military issue and to try to use military instruments to deal with it," he says. But he says that policy affects how the US responds to Somalia, just as it does to Afghanistan. Available options "The primary principle that needs to be employed here is first do no harm. That in the rush to do something, they're making serious errors of judgment in the belief that they have to respond immediately,' he says. Volman says a longer term view and policy are needed for Somalia and warns against politicians basing decisions on election cycles and opinion polls. "This is a bipartisan problem in American foreign policy…. By rushing in to provide security assistance to the Transitional Federal Government…we delegitimize that government. We stigmatize it as an agent of American policy. We make it much more difficult for it to reach out and achieve any kind of broad-based political solutions," he says. He says the US needs to develop alternative approaches and instruments to these problems. "President Obama himself has spoken quite eloquently about the need to address these problems – to take a global approach – to use his phrase "transnational means," he says. Volman says such an approach means working through the African Union, the United Nations and other multi-lateral institutions. What the US can do Somali women displaced by violence protest lack of water near an IDP camp in Mogadishu on 20 Jul 2009"The United States government itself has to develop its own capacity to engage much more multi-laterally. Part of that is to develop the (US) Agency for International Development (USAID). Another part of that is to really push for serious reform at the United Nations and to do whatever it can to make the African Union a much more effective organization," he says. "Part of President Obama's problem is that the only instrument he has at his disposal is the Pentagon. He doesn't have an effective State Department because it's been denuded of its resources and its personnel. The (US) Agency for International Development is in even worse shape," he says. Many vacancies went unfilled during the past several years in what some critics have said was an attempt by the Bush administration to weaken the department in favor of the Pentagon. Long-term solution to Somalia could take a long time "It's going to take decades to solve these problems just as it took decades to create them. You have to take a long term view of how you're going to solve them. And there's no guarantee that you're going to solve them," he says. The Somalia conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of people, while millions are in need of emergency food aid and other assistance.

DTN News: Russia In Talks On Buying French Warship

DTN News: Russia In Talks On Buying French Warship *Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti

(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - August 5, 2009: Russia is discussing the purchase of a French Mistral-class amphibious assault ship worth between 300 and 400 million euros ($430-580 mln), a high-ranking source close to the talks said Tuesday. The first of the Mistral amphibious assault ship (LHD) was commissioned in 2006. Two of these ships are in service with the French Navy, named Mistral and Tonnerre. The third ship will be ordered in 2009 and forth is planned. Primary mission for these ships are amphibious landing operations. They also provide command and force projection capability. The Mistral class vessels are the largest combatants in the French Navy service after the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. They replaced the Ouragan class LSDs. The new vessel uses four mechanized landing craft (LCM) or two hovercraft (LCAC) in the stern deck to deliver troops and vehicles ashore. It can carry a full tank battalion with up to 40 Leclerc MBTs, or up to 70 lighter vehicles. Ship provides accommodation for 450 marines, however surge capacity is 900. The Mistral class LHD has six helicopter landing spots. Up to 16 medium (NH90, Tigre) or 35 light helicopters can be carried and stored in the hangar deck. It is worth mentioning that every helicopter, operated by the French military, can land on these ships. Currently this class can not operate V/STOVL aircraft, as it has got no ski-jump bow associated equipment. Ships are equipped with 69-bed hospitals, furthermore hangar can also be converted into a modular field hospital. The Mistral class can be deployed as command and control vessels. Command center can host up to 150 personnel. Vessel is armed with two Simbad launchers for Mistral surface-to-air missiles and two 30-mm Breda-Mauser guns. The Mistral class uses new propulsion technology, which gives ships significant maneuvering capabilities. It is an all-electric warship. Power is generated by four diesel generators, providing 20.8 MW. These vessels have a range of 10 700 nautical miles (20 000 km) at 14 knots. "Such talks are being held at the level of experts; the Russian side is represented by the Navy, the United Shipbuilding Corporation, and plants' representatives. In September we will provide a final conclusion for the Russian Defense Ministry," the source told RIA Novosti. Earlier a French business daily, La Tribune, said Russia is planning to purchase a Mistral class assault ship from France. The purchase, if successful, would be the first large-scale arms import deal concluded by Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Russia first expressed an interest in bilateral cooperation with France in naval equipment and technology in 2008, when Navy chief Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky visited the Euronaval 2008 arms show in France. The admiral said at the time that the Russian Navy was interested in "joint research and also direct purchases of French naval equipment." According to military sources, the possibility of buying a Mistral class amphibious assault ship was discussed at the naval show in St. Petersburg in June this year. A Mistral class ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 vehicles including 13 main battle tanks, and 450 soldiers. The ship is equipped with a 69-bed hospital. The Russian Kommersant business daily confirmed on Tuesday the possibility of the deal, but said Russian military experts were skeptical about it. "The Russian Navy lacks the means to finance even the production of corvettes and missile boats, let alone the purchase of large combat ships," the paper quoted Mikhail Barabanov, science editor of the Eksport Vooruzheny (Arms Export) journal, as saying. Ruslan Pukhov, director of the Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, said "although the practice of arms imports will become more common in Russia in the future, the Mistral deal is rather questionable from a military standpoint, as well as Russia's hopes for the transfer of advanced technologies from France." Russia's current weapons procurement program through 2015 does not envision construction or purchases of large combat ships, so the possible acquisition of a French Mistral class ship is most likely to happen under the new program for the years up to 2020, which is still in the development.

DTN News: Dushanbe Four Takes On Afghan Issue

DTN News: Dushanbe Four Takes On Afghan Issue *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media

(NSI News Source Info) DUSHANBE, Tajikistan - August 5, 2009: Judging by everything, Russia's permission to transport NATO and U.S. military cargoes via its air space has been only the beginning of the Kremlin's new policy in Afghanistan. This has been followed by the summit of the Dushanbe Four - the presidents of Russia, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Its importance should by no means be reduced to its official objective - to discuss electricity supplies from Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan. First and foremost, the summit demonstrates that on resolving the Afghan issue Moscow has ultimately abandoned its previous position of "let's wait and see how you do without us". This is a correct decision since it makes more sense to join the others and make money in the process. Furthermore, Moscow has supported Dushanbe's position on a new format for the discussion of the Afghan issue. It has done this appropriately - without disputing the authorship of the initiative or trying to become a co-author. President Dmitry Medvedev has come to appreciate the indisputable merits of the Dushanbe Four. The proposed format allows all of its participants to partake of the enormous cash flow earmarked by the wealthy part of the international community - G8, G20 and so on - for resolving the region's economic and social problems. Incidentally, the projects carried out jointly by Russia and Tajikistan, for instance CASA-1000 to build a regional power transmission line worth $680 million, is a good example of international crossborder projects. This line will make it possible to transfer electricity surplus to Kabul and north-western regions of Pakistan in summer time. But this is not the main point. Principally, the format of the Four will allow them to discuss all major regional problems - from developing economic cooperation to countering drug trafficking and terrorism, which are a headache for both Russia and Tajikistan. Afghanistan could benefit from contacts and cooperation with its eastern neighbor Pakistan. Kabul has been continuously raising the problem of the open border, which allows the Taliban to find refuge on the Pakistani side. This problem can also be resolved in the format of the Four. It goes without saying that Tajikistan is interested in creating the Dushanbe Four format, all the more so since Tehran, Dushanbe's traditional rival in Afghanistan, has already held two trilateral summits - Iran-Afghanistan-Pakistan and Iran-Afghanistan-Tajikistan. Tehran's intentions are very clear. It wants to become the regional leader in resolving the Afghan issue, and for this reason the appearance of the Dushanbe Four has been good for Tajikistan. As for Pakistan, Islamabad has long expressed its readiness for closer cooperation with Moscow on resolving regional issues, particularly issues like Afghanistan. The only sensitive question that may come up is Islamabad's request to Moscow to supply the Pakistani army with helicopters, aircraft, and other hardware. Needless to say, such a request will be justified by the need to modernize the army and to counter new regional challenges. Finally, at the all-Afghan forum of the Afghan diaspora, Afghan MPs, politicians and experts have made a big step forward toward Russia. They stopped attributing the social crisis in Afghanistan to foreign factors, which traditionally included the Soviet involvement. In other words, they stopped linking all Afghan troubles to foreign influence and started looking for the main reasons behind them on the domestic scene. It was noted at the forum that the war in Afghanistan is putting regional cooperation to the top of the list of priorities, and that it is time Russia played a befitting role in this respect. Moscow has made an adequate response by supporting Dushanbe's initiative.

DTN News: Russian Company Develops Heavy UAV For military Use

DTN News: Russian Company Develops Heavy UAV For military Use

*Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti (NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - August 5, 2009: Russia's Kronshtadt defense company has developed a new- generation heavy unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for military purposes, a senior company official said on Tuesday. "The Kronshtadt engineers have developed a heavy Dozor-3 UAV with a lift-off weight of 600 kg and a payload of 100 kg, which could be used as a strike aircraft," said Viktor Godunov, member of the company's board of directors. "It can carry various types of reconnaissance equipment and weaponry," he added. The Russian military stressed the need to provide its Armed Forces with advanced means of battlefield reconnaissance in the wake of a brief military conflict with Georgia last August, when the effectiveness of Russian military operations was severely hampered by the lack of reliable intelligence. According to various estimates, the Russian military needs up to 100 UAVs and at least 10 guidance systems to ensure effective battlefield reconnaissance. At present, Russia's Vega Radio Engineering Corp. is the only domestic company which manufactures UAVs for the Russian Armed Forces. The company's new-generation Tipchak mobile aerial system has been designed for reconnaissance and target designation purposes on the battlefield in any weather conditions. The first Tipchak system was put in service at the end of 2008. Tipchak operates up to six UAVs launched from a pneumatic catapult. Each UAV has a range of 40 kilometers (25 miles) and a 3-hour endurance. It can provide targeting for artillery and theater-based ballistic missiles at distances up to 350 km (about 220 miles). The new Dozor-3 UAV takes off and lands as a regular aircraft, and has a 6-hour endurance. Russia Russia has also bought 12 unmanned aerial vehicles from Israel in a recent deal worth $53 million.

DTN News: North Korea Reissues Story Clinton Has Left

DTN News: North Korea Reissues Story Clinton Has Left

*Source: DTN News / Reuters (NSI News Source Info) SEOUL, South Korea - August 5, 2009: North Korea's KCNA news agency reissued an earlier story on Wednesday saying that former U.S. President Bill Clinton had left the country. In this photo released by Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service in Tokyo, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, seated left, meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, seated right, in Pyonggyang, North Korea, on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009. Third from left, back row, is former White House chief of staff John Podesta, others are unidentified. Former US President Bill Clinton met Tuesday with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il on the first day of a surprise visit to Pyongyang, holding "exhaustive" talks that covered a wide range of topics, state-run media said. It had earlier withdrawn the story on its English language service, but gave no reason. The latest story was issued on both its English and Korean services. Clinton had flown to Pyongyang on Tuesday to secure the release of two jailed U.S. journalists. The North's leader Kim Jong-il subsequently issued a special pardon for the two. It was not clear whether the two had left with Clinton.

DTN News: US Has Contracted To Supply UAE With 362 HELLFIRE Missiles

DTN News: US Has Contracted To Supply UAE With 362 HELLFIRE Missiles *Source: DTN News / Defense Security Cooperation Agency

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, USA - August 5, 2009: The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress on August 4, of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of 362 HELLFIRE Missiles, 15 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) four radar-warning receivers, and related equipment and services. The estimated cost is $526 million. The Hellfire Air-to-Ground Missile System (AGMS) provides heavy anti-armor capability for attack helicopters. The first three generations of HELLFIRE missiles use a laser seeker. The fourth generation, Longbow HELLFIRE, uses a radar frequency seeker. The first generation of Laser HELLFIRE presently is used as the main armament of the U.S. Army's AH-64 Apache and U.S. Marine Corps' AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters. The second generation currently is available for deployment. Laser HELLFIRE homes on a laser spot that can be projected from ground observers, other aircraft, or the launching aircraft itself. This enables the system to be employed in a variety of modes: autonomous, air or ground, direct or indirect, single shot, rapid, or ripple fire. The AGM-114A Basic HELLFIRE tactical missile is the originally designed Hellfire missile, which is no longer purchased by the Army. A total of 31,616 were produced by both Martin Marietta and Rockwell International since 1982. AGM-114As in the inventory are released for live-fire training when they are replaced with AGM-114Cs. The Government of the United Arab Emirates has requested a possible sale of 362 AGM-114N3 HELLFIRE Missiles, 15 AAR-57 CMWS, 21 AN/APR-39A (V) four Radar Warning Receivers, eight AN/APX-118 Transponders, 19 AN/PRC-117 Radios, 15 AN/ASN-128D Doppler Radars, six AN/ARC-231 Radios, 15 Data Transfer Modules/Cartridges. Also included are engineering and installation, transportation, engineering change proposals, depot maintenance, communications equipment, repair and return, support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, contractor technical and logistics support services, and other related support elements.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. The proposed sale of the weapons will allow the United Arab Emirates to deploy aircraft to materially assist the U.S. in overseas contingency operations. The support equipment will strengthen the effectiveness and interoperability of a potential coalition partner, reduce the dependence on U.S. forces in the region, and enhance any coalition operations the U.S. may undertake. The United Arab Emirates will have no difficulty absorbing this support into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this weapon system will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractors will be: - Science and Engineering Services, Inc (SES-I) Columbia, Md. - British Aerospace Engineering (BAE) Rockville, Md. - L3 Corporation Canton, Mass. - Boeing Aircraft Corporation Mesa, Ariz. - Lockheed Martin Corporation Orlando, Fla - Northrop Grumman Baltimore, Md - Lockheed Martin Systems Integration Owego, N.Y. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the UAE. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

DTN News: EPA Recognizes Lockheed Martin As A Top Green Power Purchaser

DTN News: EPA Recognizes Lockheed Martin As A Top Green Power Purchaser

*Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin

(NSI News Source Info) Bethesda, MD - August 5, 2009: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] as one of the country’s top green power purchasers. The corporation is a member of the EPA’s Green Power Partnership. In the EPA’s July 2009 Top Partner Rankings, Lockheed Martin ranked 17th on the agency’s Fortune 500 Challenge List and 35th on its National Top 50 List, which is comprised of the top green power purchasers from industry, government, and colleges and universities. In 2009, Lockheed Martin purchased 98,063,334 kilowatt-hours (kwh) of green power, which represents 5 percent of the corporation’s total electricity usage. According to EPA calculations, Lockheed Martin’s green power purchase is the equivalent of purchasing enough electricity to power nearly 9,768 average American homes annually or the equivalent of avoiding the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of nearly 12,898 passenger vehicles per year. The EPA’s Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program that encourages organizations to buy green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with purchased electricity use. The partnership currently has hundreds of partner organizations voluntarily purchasing billions of kilowatt-hours of green power annually. The combined purchases from the National Top 50 List amount to nearly 12.3 billion kwh annually. “It is an honor to be recognized by the EPA for our partnership,” said Dr. David Constable, vice president, Lockheed Martin Energy, Environment, Safety & Health. “Lockheed Martin’s purchase of green power is an important component of a corporate energy strategy that also includes lowering energy demand and reducing emissions. Our energy strategy is a critical piece of our overall efforts to build sustainable business practices across Lockheed Martin.” Lockheed Martin's Go Green program supports the corporation's business strategies, its commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen, and its customers' conservation objectives. With a goal to reduce energy use by 25 percent by 2012, Lockheed Martin continually looks for new ways to reduce its energy usage and to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, the corporation is reducing its energy usage by building and operating greener, more-efficient buildings, embarking on Green IT activities, constructing on-site renewable energy projects, and purchasing renewable energy credits. Green power purchasing is an integral component of Lockheed Martin's overall greenhouse gas reduction strategy. In addition to reducing its own environmental impact, Lockheed Martin is working with its customers to address the nation’s energy and climate challenges in the areas of energy efficiency, management, next-generation alternative energy generation, and climate monitoring. The Corporation provides a full range of energy solutions to the government and regulated industry, including the Department of Energy, state and regional energy organizations, utilities and businesses. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 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. Media Contact:Gail Rymer, (301) 535-9500; e-mail: gail.rymer@lmco.com For additional information, visit our Web site: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

DTN News: Raytheon Corporation To Supply Jordan With 85 AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM Missiles

DTN News: Raytheon Corporation To Supply Jordan With 85 AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM Missiles

*Source: DTN News / Defense Security Cooperation Agency (NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, USA - August 5, 2009: On Aug. 3, 2009 the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible foreign military sale to the Government of Jordan of 85 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and associated equipment, parts and logistical support at an estimated cost of $131 million. The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM, is a modern Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile (AAM) capable of all weather day and night performance. It is also commonly known as the Slammer in USAF service. When an AMRAAM missile is being launched, NATO pilots use the brevity code Fox Three. The Government of Jordan has requested a possible sale of 85 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), 6 120C Captive Air Training Missiles, missile containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $131 million. The proposed sale will enhance the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a key regional partner who has proven to be a vital force for political stability and peace in the Middle East. The proposed sale will improve Jordan’s capability to meet current and future threats of enemy air-to-air weapons. Jordan will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense. Jordan will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractor will be the Raytheon Corporation of Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require bi-annual trips to Jordan involving up to six U.S. Government and four contractor representatives for one-week intervals for program management reviews. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law. It does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

DTN News: Modernized Guided Missile Cruiser USS Bunker Hill Runs Lockheed Martin’s Aegis Open Architecture In Combat Tests

DTN News: Modernized Guided Missile Cruiser USS Bunker Hill Runs Lockheed Martin’s Aegis Open Architecture In Combat Tests *Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin (NSI News Source Info) MOORESTOWN, NJ - August 5, 2009: The guided missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), recently modernized with Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]’s open architecture Aegis Weapon System, completed an operational trial of its full combat system.USS BUNKER HILL was built by Ingalls Shipbuilding Division of Litton Industries, Pascagoula, Mississippi. It was commissioned in Boston on 20 September 1986, within sight of the historical monument commemorating the namesake battle. After commissioning, BUNKER HILL entered the Pacific Fleet via the Panama Canal. BUNKER HILL made its first deployment in July 1987, nearly one year ahead of schedule. During the deployment, the ship provided an anti-air warfare umbrella for the USS MISSOURI (BB 63) and USS RANGER (CV 61) battle groups and U.S. flagged tankers and ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. In August 1988, the ship moved to Yokosuka, Japan joining the USS MIDWAY (CV 41) battle group. Shortly thereafter, the ship departed for a four month deployment in the U.S. Seventh Fleet area and was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation.From November 1990 through March 1991, BUNKER HILL was deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The ship directed the tactical employment of 26 ships and over 300 combat aircraft from six nations. BUNKER HILL also launched a total of 28 Tomahawk cruise missiles against targets in Iraq. The cruiser was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal for its exceptional performance. In July 1991, BUNKER HILL escorted the USS MIDWAY to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for a turnover with USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62). In March 1992, BUNKER HILL was part of the last battle group to visit the U.S. Naval Base at Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines. In April 1992, BUNKER HILL departed Yokosuka for a seven month deployment to the Arabian Gulf. The cruiser was instrumental in the planning and execution of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, the enforcement of the United Nations no-fly zone over Southern Iraq. The Combat System Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT) evaluated the ship’s Aegis Combat Systems for combat readiness through comprehensive surface and anti-air warfare exercises, including manned raids and electronic attack scenarios, as well as thorough testing of the systems' tactical data link and air defense capabilities. The air defense testing was the culmination of the CSSQT, when the Aegis Weapon Systems onboard USS Bunker Hill successfully engaged multiple missile targets. “This qualification trial underscores the operational value the Aegis modernization program delivers to the fleet,” said Orlando Carvalho, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Surface/Sea-Based Missile Defense line of business. “The same systems engineering excellence that developed the original Aegis Combat System for the USS Bunker Hill is now delivering an enhanced system that leverages the speed and affordability of commercial-off-the-shelf hardware and open architecture software, while continuing the Aegis warfighting imperative to pace the threat.” The Aegis Weapon System is the world’s premier proven naval defense system. Its precision S-band SPY-1 radar and missile system seamlessly integrate with its own command and control. Its ability to detect, track and engage targets ranging from sea-skimming cruise missiles to ballistic missiles in space is unmatched. The 91 Aegis-equipped ships currently in service around the globe have more than 1,000 years of at-sea operational experience and have launched more than 3,500 missiles in tests and real-world operations. In addition to the U.S., Aegis is the maritime weapon system of choice for Australia, Japan, Norway, South Korea and Spain. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 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. Media Contact: Kathy Baier, 856.722.3006; 609.472.7954 (cell) Kathleen.m.baier@lmco.com For additional information on Lockheed Martin Corporation, visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/