The North has about 600 Scud missiles capable of hitting targets in South Korea, and possibly also of reaching Japanese territory in some cases. There are another 200 Rodong-1 missiles which could reach Tokyo. In addition the North has three times test-launched long-range Taepodong missiles, most recently in April.*
General Lee Sang-Eui, named as next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Seoul had a list of major targets its forces would strike first should a conflict erupt.
Nuclear weaponry would pose the greatest threat, he told a parliamentary confirmation hearing, pledging to "mobilise all means available to precisely and swiftly strike" such bases.
New Defence Minister Kim Tae-Young told his own confirmation hearing last week that Seoul knew where the North was storing its nuclear arsenal.
Kim said Seoul could strike the sites through quick consultations with Washington if North Korea tried to fire a nuclear weapon at the South.
Lee, quoted by Yonhap news agency, said the North was believed to have up to 40 kilograms (88 pounds) of plutonium, enough to build at least six nuclear bombs.
After months of hostility including missile and nuclear tests, Pyongyang began making peace noises to Washington and Seoul in August.
South Korean officials have expressed scepticism about the overtures, saying the hardline communist state has not changed its fundamental attitude.
Foreign Minister Yu Myung-Hwan accused the North last week of developing nuclear weapons to launch an attack on the South and "communise" the peninsula.
Lee in Friday's parliamentary hearing said Seoul should seek longer-range missiles to deter threats from its neighbour.
"As North Korea is threatening us with various missiles such as Rodongs and Scuds, we also need to upgrade our missile capability," Lee said.
"We will study, over the long term, ways to bolster missile capability while taking into account our security needs."
Under an agreement with the United States, which stations 28,500 troops in South Korea, Seoul restricts its missiles to a maximum range of 300 kilometres (187 miles).
There have been calls to end the pact since North Korea launched a long-range rocket in April and staged its second nuclear test in May.
But in July General Walter Sharp, commander of US forces in South Korea, said he saw no immediate need for South Korea to develop longer-range missiles.
The North has about 600 Scud missiles capable of hitting targets in South Korea, and possibly also of reaching Japanese territory in some cases.
There are another 200 Rodong-1 missiles which could reach Tokyo.
In addition the North has three times test-launched long-range Taepodong missiles, most recently in April.
The two Koreas have remained technically at war since their 1950-1953 war ended with an armistice and not a peace treaty.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
DTN News: South Korea Could Swiftly Hit North Korea Nuke Bases Says General Lee Sang-Eui
DTN News: South Korea Could Swiftly Hit North Korea Nuke Bases Says General Lee Sang-Eui
*Source: DTN News / Defense Media
(NSI News Source Info) SEOUL, South Korea - September 26, 2009: South Korea could mount swift and precise attacks on North Korea's nuclear bases should war break out on the peninsula, Seoul's incoming top military officer said Thursday. The North has about 600 Scud missiles capable of hitting targets in South Korea, and possibly also of reaching Japanese territory in some cases. There are another 200 Rodong-1 missiles which could reach Tokyo. In addition the North has three times test-launched long-range Taepodong missiles, most recently in April.*
General Lee Sang-Eui, named as next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Seoul had a list of major targets its forces would strike first should a conflict erupt.
Nuclear weaponry would pose the greatest threat, he told a parliamentary confirmation hearing, pledging to "mobilise all means available to precisely and swiftly strike" such bases.
New Defence Minister Kim Tae-Young told his own confirmation hearing last week that Seoul knew where the North was storing its nuclear arsenal.
Kim said Seoul could strike the sites through quick consultations with Washington if North Korea tried to fire a nuclear weapon at the South.
Lee, quoted by Yonhap news agency, said the North was believed to have up to 40 kilograms (88 pounds) of plutonium, enough to build at least six nuclear bombs.
After months of hostility including missile and nuclear tests, Pyongyang began making peace noises to Washington and Seoul in August.
South Korean officials have expressed scepticism about the overtures, saying the hardline communist state has not changed its fundamental attitude.
Foreign Minister Yu Myung-Hwan accused the North last week of developing nuclear weapons to launch an attack on the South and "communise" the peninsula.
Lee in Friday's parliamentary hearing said Seoul should seek longer-range missiles to deter threats from its neighbour.
"As North Korea is threatening us with various missiles such as Rodongs and Scuds, we also need to upgrade our missile capability," Lee said.
"We will study, over the long term, ways to bolster missile capability while taking into account our security needs."
Under an agreement with the United States, which stations 28,500 troops in South Korea, Seoul restricts its missiles to a maximum range of 300 kilometres (187 miles).
There have been calls to end the pact since North Korea launched a long-range rocket in April and staged its second nuclear test in May.
But in July General Walter Sharp, commander of US forces in South Korea, said he saw no immediate need for South Korea to develop longer-range missiles.
The North has about 600 Scud missiles capable of hitting targets in South Korea, and possibly also of reaching Japanese territory in some cases.
There are another 200 Rodong-1 missiles which could reach Tokyo.
In addition the North has three times test-launched long-range Taepodong missiles, most recently in April.
The two Koreas have remained technically at war since their 1950-1953 war ended with an armistice and not a peace treaty.
The North has about 600 Scud missiles capable of hitting targets in South Korea, and possibly also of reaching Japanese territory in some cases. There are another 200 Rodong-1 missiles which could reach Tokyo. In addition the North has three times test-launched long-range Taepodong missiles, most recently in April.*
General Lee Sang-Eui, named as next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Seoul had a list of major targets its forces would strike first should a conflict erupt.
Nuclear weaponry would pose the greatest threat, he told a parliamentary confirmation hearing, pledging to "mobilise all means available to precisely and swiftly strike" such bases.
New Defence Minister Kim Tae-Young told his own confirmation hearing last week that Seoul knew where the North was storing its nuclear arsenal.
Kim said Seoul could strike the sites through quick consultations with Washington if North Korea tried to fire a nuclear weapon at the South.
Lee, quoted by Yonhap news agency, said the North was believed to have up to 40 kilograms (88 pounds) of plutonium, enough to build at least six nuclear bombs.
After months of hostility including missile and nuclear tests, Pyongyang began making peace noises to Washington and Seoul in August.
South Korean officials have expressed scepticism about the overtures, saying the hardline communist state has not changed its fundamental attitude.
Foreign Minister Yu Myung-Hwan accused the North last week of developing nuclear weapons to launch an attack on the South and "communise" the peninsula.
Lee in Friday's parliamentary hearing said Seoul should seek longer-range missiles to deter threats from its neighbour.
"As North Korea is threatening us with various missiles such as Rodongs and Scuds, we also need to upgrade our missile capability," Lee said.
"We will study, over the long term, ways to bolster missile capability while taking into account our security needs."
Under an agreement with the United States, which stations 28,500 troops in South Korea, Seoul restricts its missiles to a maximum range of 300 kilometres (187 miles).
There have been calls to end the pact since North Korea launched a long-range rocket in April and staged its second nuclear test in May.
But in July General Walter Sharp, commander of US forces in South Korea, said he saw no immediate need for South Korea to develop longer-range missiles.
The North has about 600 Scud missiles capable of hitting targets in South Korea, and possibly also of reaching Japanese territory in some cases.
There are another 200 Rodong-1 missiles which could reach Tokyo.
In addition the North has three times test-launched long-range Taepodong missiles, most recently in April.
The two Koreas have remained technically at war since their 1950-1953 war ended with an armistice and not a peace treaty.
DTN News: Capgemini Competing For Scorpion Architect Contract
DTN News: Capgemini Competing For Scorpion Architect Contract
*Source: DTN News / Defense Media
(NSI News Source Info) PARIS, France - September 26, 2009: Consulting 
firm Capgemini is a contender for the architect's contract in the French Army's Scorpion 10 billion euro ($15 billion) modernization program, defense executives said. (Image: The Rotem KW1 Scorpion armored personnel carrier is fully amphibious).
EADS, meanwhile, has enlisted U.S. consulting company SAIC as a subcontractor in its bid for the architect's job. SAIC worked with Boeing on the Future Combat Systems before the U.S. Army canceled portions of the complex program.
The tender for architect has attracted a great deal of industry attention and information systems specialist Capgemini works on a number of important contracts for the Defense Ministry, an executive said.
Nexter and Thales have made a joint bid to be architect, Safran's Sagem has partnered with Boeing, while the CS consultancy has teamed with Ineo, a division of energy group GDF Suez.
Scorpion is intended to deliver a coherent system of systems comprising command-and-control networks and new armored vehicles.
Industry has now received the Scorpion tender terms and conditions from the Délégation Générale pour l'Armement procurement office and have until the end of October to reply. A selection is expected around March.
The bidders are free to reform their industrial teams in the light of the terms and conditions."
firm Capgemini is a contender for the architect's contract in the French Army's Scorpion 10 billion euro ($15 billion) modernization program, defense executives said. (Image: The Rotem KW1 Scorpion armored personnel carrier is fully amphibious).
EADS, meanwhile, has enlisted U.S. consulting company SAIC as a subcontractor in its bid for the architect's job. SAIC worked with Boeing on the Future Combat Systems before the U.S. Army canceled portions of the complex program.
The tender for architect has attracted a great deal of industry attention and information systems specialist Capgemini works on a number of important contracts for the Defense Ministry, an executive said.
Nexter and Thales have made a joint bid to be architect, Safran's Sagem has partnered with Boeing, while the CS consultancy has teamed with Ineo, a division of energy group GDF Suez.
Scorpion is intended to deliver a coherent system of systems comprising command-and-control networks and new armored vehicles.
Industry has now received the Scorpion tender terms and conditions from the Délégation Générale pour l'Armement procurement office and have until the end of October to reply. A selection is expected around March.
The bidders are free to reform their industrial teams in the light of the terms and conditions."
DTN News: White House Again Threatens Veto Over F-22, F-35 Engine, VH-71
DTN News: White House Again Threatens Veto Over F-22, F-35 Engine, VH-71
*Source: DTN News / Defense Media
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, USA - September 26, 2009: Just days before the new fiscal year, the Obama administration Sept. 25 issued a new warning to Congress that he will veto 2010 defense spendin
g that includes monies for F-22 fighter, a second F-35 power plant or additional funds for the VH-71 Presidential Helicopter programs.
"The administration appreciates that the committee does not include unrequested funding" for the three programs because such actions "could result in a veto" of the spending bill, according to a Sept. 25 Statement of Administration Policy.
Congressional sources have said lawmakers are poised to offer amendments either on the Senate floor or during a coming House-Senate conference to hammer out a final version of the appropriations measure that would add funds for several of those efforts. It is expected such a move will be taken by proponents of the alternate F-35 engine, most likely in conference.
"The Congress is urged to oppose funding these programs during floor action and in conference," according to the policy statement.
Additionally, the statement urges lawmakers to support the Pentagon's desires to stop C-17 production. The measure would add $2.5 billion for 10 Boeing-made C-17s the administration says defense officials have concluded are not needed for future missions.
The White House also opposes lawmakers' stripping $900 million from an account to fund efforts to build up Afghanistan security forces. "Accelerating the growth … of the Afghanistan National Security Forces is a key component of the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan," according to the policy statement. "The president's full request reflects the commander's plan for Afghan forces to assume a greater share of responsibility for security as quickly as possible."
The administration also highlights its "significant concerns" with other funding reductions in the Senate bill for several classified cybersecurity programs.
For C-17, the Afghanistan effort and the cyber work, the administration merely urges lawmakers to act as it desires. The statement does not threaten the president will veto a bill that sustains lawmakers' plans for those things.
g that includes monies for F-22 fighter, a second F-35 power plant or additional funds for the VH-71 Presidential Helicopter programs.
"The administration appreciates that the committee does not include unrequested funding" for the three programs because such actions "could result in a veto" of the spending bill, according to a Sept. 25 Statement of Administration Policy.
Congressional sources have said lawmakers are poised to offer amendments either on the Senate floor or during a coming House-Senate conference to hammer out a final version of the appropriations measure that would add funds for several of those efforts. It is expected such a move will be taken by proponents of the alternate F-35 engine, most likely in conference.
"The Congress is urged to oppose funding these programs during floor action and in conference," according to the policy statement.
Additionally, the statement urges lawmakers to support the Pentagon's desires to stop C-17 production. The measure would add $2.5 billion for 10 Boeing-made C-17s the administration says defense officials have concluded are not needed for future missions.
The White House also opposes lawmakers' stripping $900 million from an account to fund efforts to build up Afghanistan security forces. "Accelerating the growth … of the Afghanistan National Security Forces is a key component of the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan," according to the policy statement. "The president's full request reflects the commander's plan for Afghan forces to assume a greater share of responsibility for security as quickly as possible."
The administration also highlights its "significant concerns" with other funding reductions in the Senate bill for several classified cybersecurity programs.
For C-17, the Afghanistan effort and the cyber work, the administration merely urges lawmakers to act as it desires. The statement does not threaten the president will veto a bill that sustains lawmakers' plans for those things.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
DTN News: Britain To Upgrade Chinooks in Afghanistan
DTN News: Britain To Upgrade Chinooks in Afghanistan
*Source: DTN News / Defense Media
(NSI News Source Info) ODIHAM AIRBASE, England - September 24, 2009: Britain announced September 24 a 408-million-pound upgrade for its Chinook helicopters in Afghanistan, following criticism of a shortage of air power there. 
The Chinook is a multi-mission, heavy-lift transport helicopter. Its primary mission is to move troops, artillery, ammunition, fuel, water, barrier materials, supplies and equipment on the battlefield. Its secondary missions include medical evacuation, disaster relief, search and rescue, aircraft recovery, fire fighting, parachute drops, heavy construction and civil development.
The 38 aircraft will be fitted with more powerful Honeywell engines and more advanced digitized cockpits, to enable them to work more effectively in high altitudes and extreme temperatures in Afghanistan, officials said.
The $660 million (445-million-euro) upgrade to the twin-rotor heavy lift choppers will notably allow them to fly longer without refueling, and to spend longer on the frontline without needing to be serviced.
"The Chinook is the cornerstone of our helicopter support effort in Afghanistan," said junior defence minister Quentin Davies.
"These improvements will increase its capability and ensure it can play an even more valuable role in supporting our forces and NATO coalition allies in tackling insurgency in Afghanistan," he added.
Claims of a shortage of helicopters were at the center of a political row over inadequate equipment for the armed forces amid a surge in the British death toll in Afghanistan earlier this year.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has defended the government's strategy in Afghanistan, after British forces have in recent months suffered their highest casualty rate since the U.S.-led invasion of the country in 2001.
The surge in deaths to more than 200 has been in particular due to an increase in roadside bombs planted by Taliban insurgents - critics claim such casualties could be lowered by using helicopters more to move troops.
Last month two British Chinooks were lost within days of each other, when one crash landed and had to be destroyed to prevent it falling into enemy hands, while another was hit by enemy fire and exploded.
The Chinook is a multi-mission, heavy-lift transport helicopter. Its primary mission is to move troops, artillery, ammunition, fuel, water, barrier materials, supplies and equipment on the battlefield. Its secondary missions include medical evacuation, disaster relief, search and rescue, aircraft recovery, fire fighting, parachute drops, heavy construction and civil development.
The 38 aircraft will be fitted with more powerful Honeywell engines and more advanced digitized cockpits, to enable them to work more effectively in high altitudes and extreme temperatures in Afghanistan, officials said.
The $660 million (445-million-euro) upgrade to the twin-rotor heavy lift choppers will notably allow them to fly longer without refueling, and to spend longer on the frontline without needing to be serviced.
"The Chinook is the cornerstone of our helicopter support effort in Afghanistan," said junior defence minister Quentin Davies.
"These improvements will increase its capability and ensure it can play an even more valuable role in supporting our forces and NATO coalition allies in tackling insurgency in Afghanistan," he added.
Claims of a shortage of helicopters were at the center of a political row over inadequate equipment for the armed forces amid a surge in the British death toll in Afghanistan earlier this year.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has defended the government's strategy in Afghanistan, after British forces have in recent months suffered their highest casualty rate since the U.S.-led invasion of the country in 2001.
The surge in deaths to more than 200 has been in particular due to an increase in roadside bombs planted by Taliban insurgents - critics claim such casualties could be lowered by using helicopters more to move troops.
Last month two British Chinooks were lost within days of each other, when one crash landed and had to be destroyed to prevent it falling into enemy hands, while another was hit by enemy fire and exploded.
DTN News: Taiwan Secures MAWS for P-3s
DTN News: Taiwan Secures MAWS for P-3s
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) NEW YORK, USA - September 24, 2009: U.S. company Alliant Techsystems' Integrated Systems Division will supply Taiwan with the AAR-47 Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) under a $1.7 million contract awarded by the Pentagon.
The systems will be installed on 12 P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft now on order from Lockheed Martin for Taiwan. 
The aircraft can carry weapons in the bomb bay and on ten underwing pylons. The bomb bay is in the underside of the fuselage forward of the wing. It is capable of carrying a 2,000lb mine such as the mk25, mk39, mk55 or mk56. Alternative ordnance includes 1,000lb mines, depth bombs, torpedoes, or nuclear depth bombs. The underwing pylons can carry 2,000lb mines, torpedoes, rockets, rocket pods and 500lb mines. The US Navy P-3C aircraft are equipped to carry the Harpoon AGM-84 anti-ship and stand-off land attack missile. During the late 1990s the US Navy P-3C Orions armed with the Harpoon were deployed in Yugoslavia. US Navy P-3Cs are also being upgraded with the WESCAM 20 multi-sensor system, which includes thermal imager and CCD sensors. In February 2004, the Boeing SLAM-ER standoff land attack missile completed integration on the US Navy P-3C Orion. 59 aircraft are to be modified to carry the missile by the end of 2004.
The deal, announced Sept. 22, will include 60 AAR-47 A(V)2 optical sensor converters, 15 AAR-47 A(V)2 control indicators and 15 AAR-47A(V)2 computer processors. Work is expected to be completed by March 2012.
MAWS is a passive missile approach warning system."
The aircraft can carry weapons in the bomb bay and on ten underwing pylons. The bomb bay is in the underside of the fuselage forward of the wing. It is capable of carrying a 2,000lb mine such as the mk25, mk39, mk55 or mk56. Alternative ordnance includes 1,000lb mines, depth bombs, torpedoes, or nuclear depth bombs. The underwing pylons can carry 2,000lb mines, torpedoes, rockets, rocket pods and 500lb mines. The US Navy P-3C aircraft are equipped to carry the Harpoon AGM-84 anti-ship and stand-off land attack missile. During the late 1990s the US Navy P-3C Orions armed with the Harpoon were deployed in Yugoslavia. US Navy P-3Cs are also being upgraded with the WESCAM 20 multi-sensor system, which includes thermal imager and CCD sensors. In February 2004, the Boeing SLAM-ER standoff land attack missile completed integration on the US Navy P-3C Orion. 59 aircraft are to be modified to carry the missile by the end of 2004.
The deal, announced Sept. 22, will include 60 AAR-47 A(V)2 optical sensor converters, 15 AAR-47 A(V)2 control indicators and 15 AAR-47A(V)2 computer processors. Work is expected to be completed by March 2012.
MAWS is a passive missile approach warning system."
DTN News: Israel To Supply Radar Systems to South Korea
DTN News: Israel To Supply Radar Systems to South Korea
*Source: DTN News / Defense Media
(NSI News Source Info) JERUSALEM, Israel - September 24, 2009: Israel Aerospace Industries announced September 23 it has been awarded two contracts to sell radar systems worth $280 million to South Korea. 
The T-50 Golden Eagle, formerly known as the KTX-2, jet trainer and light attack aircraft is being built for the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF). The aircraft is being developed in the T-50A advanced trainer and T-50B lead in fighter trainer versions. The T-50 LIFT is called the A-50 by RoKAF. The T-50 is designed to provide pilot training for current and next-generation fighters like advanced F-16s, F-22s and the joint strike fighter. The first flight of the T-50 took place in August 2002. The RoK Air Force has a requirement for 50 T-50 trainers and 44 T-50 LIFT. RoKAF placed a production contract for the first 25 T-50 in December 2003 and the first production aircraft was rolled out in August 2005.
Under the terms of one contract, IAI subsidiary ELTA Systems will develop and supply an advanced radar system specifically for the FA/TA jets South Korea is developing.
The radar enhances a fighter jet's air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-sea capabilities, enabling long-range target detection and high-resolution mapping, the company said.
The second contract is for the supply of an advanced air defense system, also ELTA Systems Ltd.
Officials in Seoul announced earlier this month South Korea will buy the Green Pine Block-B radar system from Israel to detect and track North Korean ballistic missiles.
The radars would be capable of monitoring ballistic missiles in flight at ranges of up to 500 kilometers (312 miles), covering nearly all North Korean soil if deployed in South Korea by 2012, the officials said.
North Korea has about 600 Scud missiles capable of hitting targets in South Korea, and possibly Japanese territory in some cases.
There are another 200 Rodong-1 missiles, which could reach Tokyo"
The T-50 Golden Eagle, formerly known as the KTX-2, jet trainer and light attack aircraft is being built for the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF). The aircraft is being developed in the T-50A advanced trainer and T-50B lead in fighter trainer versions. The T-50 LIFT is called the A-50 by RoKAF. The T-50 is designed to provide pilot training for current and next-generation fighters like advanced F-16s, F-22s and the joint strike fighter. The first flight of the T-50 took place in August 2002. The RoK Air Force has a requirement for 50 T-50 trainers and 44 T-50 LIFT. RoKAF placed a production contract for the first 25 T-50 in December 2003 and the first production aircraft was rolled out in August 2005.
Under the terms of one contract, IAI subsidiary ELTA Systems will develop and supply an advanced radar system specifically for the FA/TA jets South Korea is developing.
The radar enhances a fighter jet's air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-sea capabilities, enabling long-range target detection and high-resolution mapping, the company said.
The second contract is for the supply of an advanced air defense system, also ELTA Systems Ltd.
Officials in Seoul announced earlier this month South Korea will buy the Green Pine Block-B radar system from Israel to detect and track North Korean ballistic missiles.
The radars would be capable of monitoring ballistic missiles in flight at ranges of up to 500 kilometers (312 miles), covering nearly all North Korean soil if deployed in South Korea by 2012, the officials said.
North Korea has about 600 Scud missiles capable of hitting targets in South Korea, and possibly Japanese territory in some cases.
There are another 200 Rodong-1 missiles, which could reach Tokyo"
DTN News: Singapore Seeks More F-16 Training In U.S.
DTN News: Singapore Seeks More F-16 Training In U.S.
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) TAIPEI, Taiwan - September 24, 2009: The Singapore Air Force plans to continue F-16 pilot training in the United States. 
RSAF four-ship of the original Peace Carvin I program over the Singapore skyline. Alpha's #881 and #882 and Bravo's #885 and #887. [Photo by Peter Steineman]
On Sept. 9, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the U.S. Congress of two F-16 pilot training programs - a $250 million deal with Singapore to continue the Continental United States (CONUS) pilot proficiency training program for the Singapore Peace Carvin program at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.; and a $75 million CONUS program at Springfield Air National Guard Base, Ohio, where the Singapore Air Force will lease U.S. Air Force F-16s.
The deal will include 35,000 20mm cartridges, aircraft modification kits, maintenance, participation in joint training exercises, flight training and logistical support.
"Singapore is a firm supporter of U.S. overseas contingency operations," a DSCA press release said. "This program will enable Singapore to develop mission-ready and experienced pilots through its CONUS training program to support Singapore's current and future F-16 aircraft inventory."
Singapore's 425th Fighter Squadron, nicknamed the Black Widows, has about a dozen F-16C/D Block 52 fighters assigned to Luke. Singaporean F-16 pilots have undergone training under Peace Carvin at Luke since the 1990s.
RSAF four-ship of the original Peace Carvin I program over the Singapore skyline. Alpha's #881 and #882 and Bravo's #885 and #887. [Photo by Peter Steineman]
On Sept. 9, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the U.S. Congress of two F-16 pilot training programs - a $250 million deal with Singapore to continue the Continental United States (CONUS) pilot proficiency training program for the Singapore Peace Carvin program at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.; and a $75 million CONUS program at Springfield Air National Guard Base, Ohio, where the Singapore Air Force will lease U.S. Air Force F-16s.
The deal will include 35,000 20mm cartridges, aircraft modification kits, maintenance, participation in joint training exercises, flight training and logistical support.
"Singapore is a firm supporter of U.S. overseas contingency operations," a DSCA press release said. "This program will enable Singapore to develop mission-ready and experienced pilots through its CONUS training program to support Singapore's current and future F-16 aircraft inventory."
Singapore's 425th Fighter Squadron, nicknamed the Black Widows, has about a dozen F-16C/D Block 52 fighters assigned to Luke. Singaporean F-16 pilots have undergone training under Peace Carvin at Luke since the 1990s.
DTN News: Iranian Military Planes Crashes In Annual Parade
DTN News: Iranian Military Planes Crashes In Annual Parade
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) - TEHRAN, Iran: September 24, 2009: Iran's sole Simorgh AWACS aircraft was lost during a military parade Sept. 22, one of two Iranian military aircraft that crashed in Tehran while participating in a display to mark the anniversary of the start of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War. 
Iranian fighter jets fly over the mausoleum of late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, during a military parade ceremony marking the 29th anniversary of the start of the 1980-1988 Iraq-Iran war, just outside Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009. An Iranian military plane crashed into fields just south of Tehran early Tuesday, according to the state IRNA news agency, saying the plane flew in the air force show that was part of the parade, but there is no immediate word of casualties or details about the plane.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force operated a single Simorgh, a former Iraqi Air Force Adnan. The Adnan AWACS was in turn a modification of a Soviet-built Ilyushin Il-76 transport.
The Simorgh collided with one of the Air Force's Northrop F-5E Tiger II fighters over the area of the Imam Khomeyni Shrine, southern Tehran. According to eyewitnesses, the crash occurred immediately after the parade. Apparently, no mayday call was issued.
Both aircraft crashed in flames. Initial reports indicate that seven crewmembers were killed in the crash. 
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (2nd L), President of Iran, is greeted by officials after speaking during the United Nations General Assembly September 23, 2009 at UN headquarters in New York.
In total, Iraq built three AWACS aircraft, one Baghdad, and two Baghdad-2s, the latter later renamed Adnans. One Adnan and the Baghdad were evacuated to Iran during the 1991 Gulf War, while the second Adnan was destroyed on the ground by a coalition air strike in January 1991.
The exact status of the Iranian Simorgh and its onboard systems was long uncertain. However, photographs suggest that the aircraft was equipped with a newly fitted functioning radar suite.
Iranian fighter jets fly over the mausoleum of late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, during a military parade ceremony marking the 29th anniversary of the start of the 1980-1988 Iraq-Iran war, just outside Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009. An Iranian military plane crashed into fields just south of Tehran early Tuesday, according to the state IRNA news agency, saying the plane flew in the air force show that was part of the parade, but there is no immediate word of casualties or details about the plane.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force operated a single Simorgh, a former Iraqi Air Force Adnan. The Adnan AWACS was in turn a modification of a Soviet-built Ilyushin Il-76 transport.
The Simorgh collided with one of the Air Force's Northrop F-5E Tiger II fighters over the area of the Imam Khomeyni Shrine, southern Tehran. According to eyewitnesses, the crash occurred immediately after the parade. Apparently, no mayday call was issued.
Both aircraft crashed in flames. Initial reports indicate that seven crewmembers were killed in the crash. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (2nd L), President of Iran, is greeted by officials after speaking during the United Nations General Assembly September 23, 2009 at UN headquarters in New York.
In total, Iraq built three AWACS aircraft, one Baghdad, and two Baghdad-2s, the latter later renamed Adnans. One Adnan and the Baghdad were evacuated to Iran during the 1991 Gulf War, while the second Adnan was destroyed on the ground by a coalition air strike in January 1991.
The exact status of the Iranian Simorgh and its onboard systems was long uncertain. However, photographs suggest that the aircraft was equipped with a newly fitted functioning radar suite.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
DTN News: Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown To Offer To Cut Royal Navy Nuclear Submarine Fleet
DTN News: Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown To Offer To Cut Royal Navy Nuclear Submarine Fleet
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) LONDON, UK - September 23, 2009: Prime Minister Gordon Brown will announce Britain is prepared to scale back its nuclear capability as part of global disarmament efforts, Downing Street confirmed Wednesday. 
BAE Systems is building three Astute Class nuclear-powered attack submarines for the UK Royal Navy. The largest, most powerful and stealthiest nuclear attack submarine ever built for the Royal Navy is preparing to leave the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness for sea trials.
Brown will reveal Thursday at a special session of the UN Security Council plans to cut the number of planned replacement nuclear submarines from four to three, a spokeswoman confirmed.
Brown will say it is time for "statesmanship not brinkmanship" on nuclear disarmament if the ambition to create a nuclear-free world is genuine, in a speech to the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
"If we are serious about the ambition of a nuclear-free world we will need statesmanship, not brinkmanship," the prime minister will say.
Brown will then outline the move at the special session of the UN Security Council devoted to the issue of nuclear non-proliferation, and presided over by US President Barack Obama.
The United States will also hold talks with its five counterparts -- Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia -- that have for years been negotiating with Iran on its nuclear programme.
Brown will reaffirm Britain's commitment to maintaining an independent nuclear deterrent, but is prepared to reduce the number of new submarines that can launch nuclear missiles, if other countries also move on the issue.
Britain's move comes ahead of next year's review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which aims to limit the spread of nuclear weapons around the world, and follows a decision by Washington and Moscow to negotiate a successor to the landmark 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START).
Brown's government has already outlined its willingness to cut nuclear arms before talks in 2010, to persuade Iran and North Korea to give up their nuclear ambitions. Britain has the fifth largest nuclear arsenal in the world, according to experts.
The move on submarines could cut billions of pounds (dollars) from the defence budget over the next decade, reports said, at the same time as the government looks to cut spending to reduce public debt following a binge of spending to pull Britain out of a deep recession.
Britain's Vanguard fleet is set to be replaced by the Trident nuclear weapons system at a cost of some 20 billion pounds (22 billion euros, 32 billion dollars) and is forecast to go into service in the 2020s.
The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament welcomed the move as a "serious and positive first step" towards the elimination of all nuclear weapons.
Opposition Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg also applauded the proposal.
"It's just unrealistic for us to believe that we can foot the 100 billion pound like-for-like replacement costs for Trident over the next 25 years," Clegg told the BBC.
"I think the strategic context in which that decision is taking place is very different as well - we're not facing the Cold War threat in the same way that we once were."
BAE Systems is building three Astute Class nuclear-powered attack submarines for the UK Royal Navy. The largest, most powerful and stealthiest nuclear attack submarine ever built for the Royal Navy is preparing to leave the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness for sea trials.
Brown will reveal Thursday at a special session of the UN Security Council plans to cut the number of planned replacement nuclear submarines from four to three, a spokeswoman confirmed.
Brown will say it is time for "statesmanship not brinkmanship" on nuclear disarmament if the ambition to create a nuclear-free world is genuine, in a speech to the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
"If we are serious about the ambition of a nuclear-free world we will need statesmanship, not brinkmanship," the prime minister will say.
Brown will then outline the move at the special session of the UN Security Council devoted to the issue of nuclear non-proliferation, and presided over by US President Barack Obama.
The United States will also hold talks with its five counterparts -- Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia -- that have for years been negotiating with Iran on its nuclear programme.
Brown will reaffirm Britain's commitment to maintaining an independent nuclear deterrent, but is prepared to reduce the number of new submarines that can launch nuclear missiles, if other countries also move on the issue.
Britain's move comes ahead of next year's review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which aims to limit the spread of nuclear weapons around the world, and follows a decision by Washington and Moscow to negotiate a successor to the landmark 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START).
Brown's government has already outlined its willingness to cut nuclear arms before talks in 2010, to persuade Iran and North Korea to give up their nuclear ambitions. Britain has the fifth largest nuclear arsenal in the world, according to experts.
The move on submarines could cut billions of pounds (dollars) from the defence budget over the next decade, reports said, at the same time as the government looks to cut spending to reduce public debt following a binge of spending to pull Britain out of a deep recession.
Britain's Vanguard fleet is set to be replaced by the Trident nuclear weapons system at a cost of some 20 billion pounds (22 billion euros, 32 billion dollars) and is forecast to go into service in the 2020s.
The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament welcomed the move as a "serious and positive first step" towards the elimination of all nuclear weapons.
Opposition Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg also applauded the proposal.
"It's just unrealistic for us to believe that we can foot the 100 billion pound like-for-like replacement costs for Trident over the next 25 years," Clegg told the BBC.
"I think the strategic context in which that decision is taking place is very different as well - we're not facing the Cold War threat in the same way that we once were."
DTN News: BAE Systems Has Announced A New Contract With The US Navy
DTN News: BAE Systems Has Announced A New Contract With The US Navy
*Source: DTN News / BAE Systems
(NSI News Source Info) LONDON, UK - September 23, 2009: BAE Systems,
the defence, security and aerospace company that has locations throughout the northwest, has won a new contract from the US Navy.
The company will supply missile launching canisters as part of the $41.1 million (£25 million) deal.
It will deliver Mk 13 and Mk 25 canisters, which will provide safe storage, transport and launch capabilities for the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System.
Mk 13 canisters fire the Standard Missile-2, Block II and III, while Mk 25 canisters fire Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles.
Gary Tatge, program director of navy launching systems for BAE Systems, said the canisters "contribute to systems that provide critical defensive weapon support to sailors, giving them an advantage at sea and keeping them safe".
Under another contract with the US Navy and Army, BAE will provide identification friend or foe digital transponders and upgrade kits.
The $20 million (£12.2 million) deal will help navy and army personnel identify friendly forces, thereby reducing the risk of friendly fire.
the defence, security and aerospace company that has locations throughout the northwest, has won a new contract from the US Navy.
The company will supply missile launching canisters as part of the $41.1 million (£25 million) deal.
It will deliver Mk 13 and Mk 25 canisters, which will provide safe storage, transport and launch capabilities for the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System.
Mk 13 canisters fire the Standard Missile-2, Block II and III, while Mk 25 canisters fire Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles.
Gary Tatge, program director of navy launching systems for BAE Systems, said the canisters "contribute to systems that provide critical defensive weapon support to sailors, giving them an advantage at sea and keeping them safe".
Under another contract with the US Navy and Army, BAE will provide identification friend or foe digital transponders and upgrade kits.
The $20 million (£12.2 million) deal will help navy and army personnel identify friendly forces, thereby reducing the risk of friendly fire.
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