DTN News: Royal Welsh Make Final Preparations For Helmand, Afghanistan

DTN News: Royal Welsh Make Final Preparations For Helmand, Afghanistan *Source: DTN News / Ministry of Defence UK (NSI News Source Info) LONDON, UK - December 5, 2009: Armed Forces Minister Bill Rammell visited 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh yesterday as they took part in their final training exercise before deploying to Afghanistan.Soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh decamping from a Chinook helicopter during a training exercise at their barracks in Chester [Picture: Stuart Bingham, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009] It is the soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh that are making up the 500 extra British troops that Gordon Brown announced would be deploying to Afghanistan in early December. The battalion was undertaking a training exercise involving them decamping from a Chinook helicopter on a sports field at their barracks in Chester yesterday, Thursday 3 December 2009. Amongst the soldiers on the exercise was Fusilier Martyn Ellis, who explained the importance of helicopters: "The Chinooks, they are a life-saver, as well as the Sea Kings. When the casualties are coming in thick and fast you need air support," he said. Mr Rammell, watching the exercise, said the soldiers will partner Afghan forces in preparation for the eventual hand-over of control. He described the soldiers as dedicated professionals and said: "I know they are going to do a fantastic job." Soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh onboard a Chinook helicopter [Picture: Stuart Bingham, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009] Explaining why the extra soldiers are deploying, the Minister added: "It allows us to build up the Afghan forces' capabilities so we can eventually withdraw. "We can't withdraw at the moment because if we did the Taliban would return and the terrorists could target this country and others." 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Lock, explained the mentoring process further. He said: "We will be living together, eating together, planning together, to improve their capabilities so that eventually they can stand on their own two feet." Adding that his men will focus on providing a secure environment for the people of Afghanistan, he said: "I am fully confident in their skills and preparation. We have been on standby for some time and are now focused on getting out there and doing the job. "This is my second Christmas away and it doesn't get any easier but it is something we can get on with. "There are stacks of parcels going out there and we make sure everyone can speak to their families back home." Soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh board a Chinook helicopter [Picture: Stuart Bingham, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009] Among the battalion's soldiers is 18-year-old Fusilier Matthew Pearce, one of the youngest in the battle group. He said: "My family is behind me and have only said good things about it and they will see me when I come back." Another, Lance Corporal Matthew Thacker, who deployed to Afghanistan in 2007, said: "We knew the announcement was coming. I've been before so I know what to expect. I just want to get out there and get it done. "My wife is a bit gutted but it is what we joined the Army for. It is a good life and the lads are all great. You have to be close in this job." For Corporal Steven Evans, this will be his first time to Afghanistan. He said: "We have been training for nearly a year for this. The job is there to be done. I am excited to go out there, get it done and get back. "I have got a nine-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl and my family are concerned but they have confidence in the training we do and they are very proud of me."

DTN News: Northrop Grumman To Upgrade Navigation Systems For U.S. Navy Patrol Craft

DTN News: Northrop Grumman To Upgrade Navigation Systems For U.S. Navy Patrol Craft *Source: DTN News / Northrop Grumman (NSI News Source Info) CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - December 5, 2009: Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Sperry Marine business unit has been awarded contracts to upgrade the navigation systems on three U.S. Navy Cyclone-class patrol craft. The primary mission of these ships is coastal patrol and interdiction surveillance, an important aspect of littoral operations outlined in the Navy's strategy, "Forward...From the Sea." These ships also provide full mission support for Navy SEALs and other special operations forces. The Cyclone class ships are assigned to Naval Special Warfare. Of the thirteen ships, nine operate out of the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, and four operate from the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. These ships provide the Naval Special Warfare Command with a fast, reliable platform that can respond to emergent requirements in a low intensity conflict environment. The Patrol Coastal Combat Retrieval System (CCRS) program will modify the aft deck of Cyclone Class Patrol Coastal ships to be capable of retrieving various combatant craft. The current crane and ship’s boat will be removed and replaced with an aft deck ramp - which extends down to below the water line. This modification significantly increases the ship’s capability to provide NSW support. Work is budgeted to occur in FY00-03. The bridge upgrade program for the patrol craft is being performed under two cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts from the Naval Ship Systems Engineering Station, Philadelphia, and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic. Northrop Grumman will equip each of the vessels with an integrated bridge system running under the fleet-standard Voyage Management System (VMS) software. The three-node system is an upgrade to the currently installed Sperry Marine system on the patrol craft. The installations will include the naval electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS-N), an adaptive autopilot and gyrocompass. Northrop Grumman will also provide installation support services. "The patrol craft bridge upgrades will give the 1990s-era patrol craft the same navigation technology that is standardized across the rest of the U.S. Navy fleet," said J. Nolasco DaCunha, vice president of Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine. "They will provide improved situational awareness and enhanced navigation safety for the ships' watchstanders, giving them a real-time, constantly updated picture of the ship's position and movement relative to navigation aids and hazards on a large high-resolution screen." Sperry Marine's VMS is the standard electronic navigation software for U.S. Navy surface ships and submarines. It is the only system that has been certified to meet the Chief of Naval Operations requirements for converting the fleet from hand plotting on paper nautical charts to automated navigation and piloting on computerized chart displays. The Cyclone-class patrol craft were originally built in the 1990s to support Navy SEALS and other special operation forces. They are now being modernized to support new operational requirements for littoral warfare, coastal gunfire support and mobile training programs. Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine, headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., and with major engineering and support offices in New Malden, United Kingdom and Hamburg, Germany, provides smart navigation and ship control solutions for the international marine industry with customer service and support through offices in 16 countries, sales representatives in 47 countries and authorized service depots in more than 250 locations worldwide. 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.

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense and Armed Forces Foundation To Raise Funds At December 7th Green Bay Packers Game

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense and Armed Forces Foundation To Raise Funds At December 7th Green Bay Packers Game *Source: DTN News / Oshkosh Corporation (NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wis. - December 5, 2009: Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), is supporting the Armed Forces Foundation’s (AFF) Rumble With a Cause sweepstakes as it partners with the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin National Guard to sponsor the Green Bay Packers’ Military Appreciation Game. Game attendees will get an up-close look at an MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) and have the chance to participate in the Rumble With a Cause sweepstakes. The Rumble With a Cause sweepstakes will have two winners, each receiving a custom-painted Harley-Davidson® Fat Boy® motorcycle, donated to the AFF by Oshkosh Defense. In an effort to raise funds to support active and retired members of the U.S. military and their families, the AFF launched the Rumble With a Cause sweepstakes in October 2009 with the support of Oshkosh. AFF employees will be on site throughout the event to collect donations. The sweepstakes will have two winners, each receiving a custom-painted Harley-Davidson® Fat Boy® motorcycle, donated to the AFF by Oshkosh Defense. The sweepstake closes in April 2010. “We are thrilled to collaborate with these two outstanding organizations to show our gratitude and appreciation to members of the U.S. military,” said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense. “We hope to generate visibility for the Foundation and the great work that they provide to military families and to raise significant donations at the game to help our troops.” Other activities during the game include giveaways to all game attendees, the national anthem performed by a local Army soldier who will be retiring soon after 20 years of service, and video greetings from Wisconsin National Guard members in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, four individuals and their families, two from the Wisconsin Army National Guard and two from the Wisconsin Air National Guard, will be recognized on the field during a brief halftime ceremony. In addition to on-site entries, tax-deductible donations to Rumble With a Cause can be made at http://www.oshkoshdefense.com/news/www.rumblewithacause.org (no donation or purchase is necessary to enter). Individuals will receive one entry for each $10 donation made up to a total of $200 or 20 entries. All rules, including instructions for entry without donation and eligibility requirements, are available on the sweepstakes Web site. About Oshkosh Defense

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection. For more information, visit http://www.oshkoshdefense.com/. About Oshkosh Corporation

Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corp. manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, BAI™, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, log on to http://www.oshkoshcorporation.com/.

DTN News: Lockheed Martin To Leverage Its Capabilities For Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Development And Sustainment

DTN News: Lockheed Martin To Leverage Its Capabilities For Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Development And Sustainment *Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin (NSI News Source Info) HUNTSVILLE, Ala., - December 5, 2009: Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced today that it will leverage its capabilities for the Development and Sustainment Contract for the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system and associated facilities in the competitive acquisition that the U.S. Missile Defense Agency intends to conduct. “Lockheed Martin welcomes the opportunity to apply our talent and experience to a broader set of requirements for this important missile defense system,” said retired Major Gen. John W. Holly, vice president, Missile Defense Systems, Lockheed Martin Space Systems. The scope for the GMD Development and Sustainment Contract acquisition announced by the agency Nov. 25 includes “future development; fielding; test; systems engineering, integration and configuration management; equipment manufacturing and refurbishment; training; and operations and sustainment support.” The announcement explained that this represents “significant requirements beyond GMD operations and logistics support,” which the agency previously had announced as the potential scope. “Lockheed Martin’s solid mission understanding and domain expertise will assure a seamless transition in supporting and extending the life of this crucial fielded weapon system,” continued Holly. “Our credentials include more than 30 years of experience in midcourse missile defense development, production and testing, more than 50 years of experience in strategic weapon system operations and sustainment, and award-winning PBL expertise.” Through PBL, Lockheed Martin ranks as one of the few corporations in the world that can reliably deliver a given level of system availability. “We accomplish this by providing high value-added services and products, solving hard problems, and providing outstanding customer service,” said Lou Kratz, vice president of Logistics & Sustainment, Lockheed Martin. “Lockheed Martin is committed to assuring effective mission outcomes through strong partnerships with our government customers. We look forward to the opportunity to combine the best of government and industry, assuring consistent, performance-based outcomes for our war fighters across the GMD life cycle.” Lockheed Martin is a world leader in systems integration and the development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, including the first operational hit-to-kill missile. The company makes significant contributions to most major U.S. missile defense systems and participates in several global missile defense partnerships. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

DTN News: Raytheon Awarded $17 Million To Upgrade South Korea's Patriot Systems

DTN News: Raytheon Awarded $17 Million To Upgrade South Korea's Patriot Systems

*Source: DTN News / Raytheon

(NSI News Source Info) TEWKSBURY, Mass., - December 5, 2009: Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been awarded a $17.2 million Foreign Military Sales contract modification to deliver capability upgrades for South Korea's Patriot Air and Missile Defense System. The MIM-104 Patriot is a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, the primary of its kind used by the United States Army and several allied nations. It is manufactured by the Raytheon Company of the United States. The Patriot System replaced the Nike Hercules system as the U.S. Army's primary High to Medium Air Defense (HIMAD) system, and replaced the MIM-23 Hawk system as the U.S. Army's medium tactical air defense system. In addition to these roles, Patriot has been given the function of the U.S. Army's anti-ballistic missile (ABM) system, which is now Patriot's primary mission. Patriot uses an advanced aerial interceptor missile and high performance radar systems. Patriot was developed at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, which had previously developed the Safeguard ABM system and its component Spartan and Sprint missiles. The symbol for Patriot is a drawing of a Revolutionary War-era Minuteman. Patriot systems have been sold to the Republic of China (Taiwan), Egypt, Germany, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Spain. The Republic of Korea is also in the process of purchasing several second-hand Patriot systems after North Korea test-launched ballistic missiles to the Sea of Japan and proceeded with underground nuclear testing in 2006. During August 2008, the United States and Poland signed a Declaration on Strategic Cooperation, in which they agreed to “the deployment of a U.S. Army Patriot air and missile defense battery in Poland. We intend to begin this cooperation next year (note: 2009) and to expand it with the aim of establishing by 2012 a garrison to support the U.S. Army Patriot battery.” With emphasis on upgrading the global Patriot fleet, Raytheon will deliver prime-power equipment as an alternative power source for Patriot system operations and will deliver communications equipment to enhance Patriot interoperability with air defense command centers. This contract from the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., augments Raytheon's ongoing efforts as systems integrator for South Korea's Patriot SAM-X program. To date, Raytheon has been awarded more than $280 million in contracts to support the Patriot SAM-X program. "This is an opportunity to further our working relationship with the South Korean industry," said Sanjay Kapoor, vice president for Patriot Programs at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS). "Raytheon's major subcontract partner in South Korea, EHWA Technologies Information, has a robust and proven portfolio of products in power systems for the Republic of Korea Air Force and will be a key partner for these improvements." EHWA Technologies Information will produce the frequency converter kits that will provide the option for Patriot system components to be powered via the central power infrastructure, removing the dependence on mobile tactical generators as the only source of power. This will significantly reduce system maintenance costs and enhance operational flexibility. Work under this contract will be performed by Raytheon IDS at its Integrated Air Defense Center in Andover, Mass., and at Raytheon subcontractor facilities in South Korea. Raytheon IDS is the prime contractor for both domestic and international Patriot air and missile defense systems and systems integrator for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles. Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Global Capabilities Integration providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security. Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

DTN News: Saab In New Thai Joint Venture

DTN News: Saab In New Thai Joint Venture *Saab has entered into a partnership with Thai company Avia Satcom Co. Ltd., to form a joint venture for developing high technology products within aviation and defence.

*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) BANGKOK, Thailand - December 5, 2009: The new company, Avia Saab Technologies, will initially focus on the development of a National Tactical Datalink in the Gripen fighter, which has been ordered by the Royal Thai Air Force.

Kajohnsak Watanangura, Avia Satcom manager, and Kaj Rosander, Saab’s Campaign Director for Gripen in Thailand, signed the joint venture in Bangkok.

The company will be established in 2009 and is to be based in Bangkok, Thailand. “The joint venture will offer locally developed products for the Thai Armed Forces and the export market. It will also bring investments and leading edge technology to Thailand, and create highly advanced job opportunities for Thai professionals,” says Kaj Rosander, Saab’s Campaign Director for Gripen in Thailand. Creating high-tech job opportunities in Thailand “This is really special for Thailand,” says Kajohnsak Watanangura, Avia Satcom’s manager responsible for the joint venture programme. “Firstly, the technology transferred must be developed further before it can be incorporated into the product. This definitely calls for employees who are highly technologically competent, which Thailand has and over time the skill levels will rise even further.” Among future prospects besides the Tactical Datalink, are Command & Control Systems, Simulators, Training, Mission Support Systems, Electronic Warfare Systems, Upgrade Programs and Logistic Support. Background Thailand ordered six Gripen fighters and one Saab 340 Erieye for Airborne Early Warning from the Swedish Government in 2008. Deliveries will begin in 2011. Use the links on the right to learn more about the Thai orders.

DTN News: Boeing AH-64D Apache Block III Structures Test Aircraft Makes 1st Flight

DTN News: Boeing AH-64D Apache Block III Structures Test Aircraft Makes 1st Flight *Source: DTN News / Boeing (NSI News Source Info) MESA, Ariz.,- December 5, 2009: The Boeing [NYSE: BA] AH-64D Apache Block III program has completed the first flight of its structures test aircraft. The test, conducted Nov. 23 in Mesa, demonstrated flight characteristics and handling maneuvers. Tests to continue to expand the helicopter's flight envelope are expected to continue for the next several weeks. Block III technologies being tested include the composite main rotor blade, composite horizontal stabilator, and -701D engines, which include an enhanced digital electronic control unit. The aircraft also features a split-torque face gear transmission that increases power throughput by more than 20 percent within the same physical operating space as the legacy transmission. "This flight demonstration is another crucial step as the U.S. Army and Boeing work together to meet the objectives of the Apache Block III program," said Col. Shane Openshaw, Army Apache project manager. "The Apache Block III helicopter meets the Army's requirement to sustain the aircraft for its life cycle while providing superior capabilities to Army aviators, battlefield commanders and soldiers." The program's avionics test aircraft, which made its first flight ahead of schedule in June 2008, completed the Army's Limited User Test according to schedule, in November, at the Yuma (Ariz.) Proving Ground. "Meeting calendar objectives while integrating new capabilities confirms the maturity of the multiple technologies conceived, designed and developed by Boeing and our key partners for the Apache Block III helicopter," said Al Winn, Boeing Apache Programs vice president. "Our success highlights the value of cooperative development." The Army and Boeing continue to work toward an anticipated Department of Defense acquisition process Milestone C decision in April 2010. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

DTN News: 2009 Jet Order Tally So Far ~ Airbus 194, Boeing 91 / Boeing Losing Out Again In Commercial Orders War With Airbus

DTN News: 2009 Jet Order Tally So Far ~ Airbus 194, Boeing 91 / Boeing Losing Out Again In Commercial Orders War With Airbus *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) NEW YORK, USA - December 5, 2009: Airbus’ commercial airplanes backlog got a boost in November when an unnamed customer ordered 52 of its single-aisle A320 jets. The request lifts Airbus’ net order tally to 194 through the first 11 months of 2009, the company said Thursday. The European jet maker leads rival Boeing in net orders this year. Boeing, which updates its orders Web site weekly, lists 93 net orders through Dec. 1. Boeing won an order for two 737s in the last week from an unidentified customer, bringing its net orders up from 91. The Chicago-based jet maker has been plagued by order cancellations this year, particularly for its delayed 787 Dreamliner. Boeing has received 204 gross orders through Dec. 1 but has logged in 111 cancellations - 83 for its 787. The company confirmed this week that it still plans to put the fuel-efficient 787 in the air before year’s end. Boeing recently finished a crucial test on its 787, one that will verify whether a modification for a structural weakness works. Boeing should have the test results next week. For the month of November, Airbus picked up 74 new jet orders, announcing several of the new requests at the Dubai Air Show. The company has won 225 gross orders through Nov. 30. Airbus also leads Boeing in the race to deliver the most commercial aircraft this year. The Toulouse, France-based company has handed over 437 jets through the first 11 months of the year. Airbus delivered 38 aircraft in November. Boeing has delivered 430 jets this year, including 36 aircraft in November. The company plans to deliver between 480 and 485 airplanes total before the end of the year. Boeing will have to hand over at least 50 aircraft in December to meet its goal.

DTN News: Pakistan TODAY December 4, 2009 ~ 14 Reported Dead In Pakistan Mosque Attack

DTN News: Pakistan TODAY December 4, 2009 ~ 14 Reported Dead In Pakistan Mosque Attack *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - December 4, 2009: Gunmen attacked a mosque during Friday prayers in a city near Pakistan's capital of Islamabad, with at least 14 people reported killed.Pakistan's army soldiers arrive at the site of a suicide bomb blast in Rawalpindi, in the outskirts of the capital Islamabad. A suspected Taliban suicide bomb killed at least 14 people in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi on Friday, officials said, as the government announced a reward for the capture, dead or alive, of the group's leader. Police officials said gunmen stormed the mosque following an explosion at a checkpoint at an army installation near the military headquarters in Rawalpindi.Pakistan's Army troops take positions near the site of a suicide attack in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009. At least two militants stormed a mosque close to Pakistan's army headquarters during Friday prayers, firing and throwing grenades before blowing themselves up in an attack that killed tens of people, officials said. An army official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said at least 14 people had been killed in the attack. Rawalpindi is a few kilometres from Islamabad. Pakistan's Army troops gather at the site of a suicide attack in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009. At least two militants stormed a mosque close to Pakistan's army headquarters during Friday prayers, firing and throwing grenades before blowing themselves up in an attack that killed tens of people, officials said. Violence in Pakistan has increased since the country launched an offensive in mid-October against Taliban militants in the restive area of South Waziristan near the border with Afghanistan.

DTN News: North Korea Military On Guard Against Unrest ~ Reports

DTN News: North Korea Military On Guard Against Unrest ~ Reports *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) SEOUL, South Korea - December 4, 2009: North Korea's military was on guard as public anger grew over the communist country's shock currency revaluation, reports said Thursday. PANMUNJOM, SOUTH KOREA - DECEMBER 02: North Korean soldiers walk to participate in the repatriation ceremony for a North Korean army sergeant at the Panmunjom on December 2, 2009 in South Korea. South Korean Navy vessels rescued a North Korean army sergeant from a small boat in the Korean west sea. The United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission and members of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission interviewed the soldier. During these interview the North Korean soldier answered questions about this rescue and subsequent care by United Nation Command, and he also expressed his desire to be repatriated to the North Korea. The revaluation implemented Monday has sparked fury and frustration as some citizens saw much of their savings wiped out, according to reports and observers. They said the North had tightened security against possible agitation, with a curfew reportedly imposed in a border region and shops closed across the country during the changeover period to a new currency, which ends Sunday. Military authorities have strengthened vigilance and are monitoring people's movements to forestall unrest, South Korea's Yonhap news agency said, citing North Korean merchants in China. Media reports and embassies in Pyongyang said people had been given a week to exchange money at the rate of 100 old won for one new won -- but the total they can change is heavily restricted. Reports said authorities initially limited the total sum that an individual can exchange for new currency to 100,000 won. The limit was later raised to 150,000 won in cash and 300,000 won in bank savings. DailyNK, an online newspaper with informants in the North, said the rule has now been changed a second time. It said the exchange rate is still 100:1 for the first 100,000 old won. But people can now change the rest of their money at a rate of 1,000:1. The official exchange rate for the old currency was 135 to the dollar but the black market rate was between 2,000 and 3,000. Analysts said the move, still not announced by official media, appears aimed at clamping down on burgeoning free markets in an attempt to reassert the regime's control. "This move is part of Pyongyang's broader effort to curtail the rise of market activities and the development of pathways to wealth -- and potentially power -- beyond state control," Marcus Noland of the Peterson Institute for International Economics wrote in the Asian Wall Street Journal. South Korea's Chosun Ilbo newspaper said North Koreans are publicly voicing their anger despite the increased presence of security agents on the streets. "There are accounts of people loudly cursing the government in the markets in major cities," it said. Prices of goods have soared but it is still unclear whether authorities will cut prices to match the new currency, the daily said. The regime has already taken steps to curb free street markets. These sprang up after the national food distribution system collapsed during famines in the 1990s, but are now seen as threatening the state's grip. "Residents are lamenting bitterly that this was the disaster they were talking about when people mentioned that this is the year of disaster," Kim Keun-Soo, a fruit trader in the northern border city of Sinuiju, told Good Friends. The Seoul welfare group has extensive contacts in the North. "I would not complain about it if they provided food rations. Nothing can stop people after starving for three days. I get depressed when I think of the bleak future."