Finland Open To NATO Membership

Finland Open To NATO Membership

(NSI News Source Info) HELSINKI - January 30, 2009: Finland remains open to the possibility of joining NATO, according to the Finnish government's latest Security and Defense Policy Report (SDPR). NATO's military and security objectives mirror Finland's concerns and tasks in parallel areas, Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen said in a press conference. Military observers say NATO membership for Finland may happen as soon as 2011. However, Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb said it is "highly unlikely" that Finland would join NATO before 2011. "NATO continues to be a future option for Finland, but before that we should take actions to strengthen crossborder defense cooperation in the Nordic countries," Stubb said. The SDPR noted that "a broad political consensus" was essential before any formal decision could be made on NATO membership. "NATO's objectives, tasks and obligations correspond with the foreign and security policy goals of Finland and the European Union," Vanhanen said. "There is and will continue to be a strong case to consider Finland's membership of NATO in the future. Finland regards NATO as the most important military security cooperation organization." Finland joined NATO's Partnership for Peace program in 1994, the Planning and Review Process in 1995, and the alliance's Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council in 1997.

France Rules Out New Troops For Afghanistan

France Rules Out New Troops For Afghanistan

(NSI News Source Info) DAVOS, Switzerland - January 30, 2009: French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner ruled out on Jan. 29 increasing the number of French troops deployed in Afghanistan. Asked about a proposed build-up in U.S. troops in Afghanistan and likely pressure from Washington for contributions from other NATO members, he said there were no plans to increase the French contingent. "We have just increased the number of our soldiers. There is no prospect of sending more troops for the time being, and it has not been asked," he told a panel discussing the country here. France is the fourth-largest contributor to the international military force in Afghanistan with more than 2,600 troops deployed in the region, mainly around Kabul and in forward bases in the east of the country. Paris has also stationed six Mirage 2000 fighter jets outside the southern city of Kandahar to support U.S. and NATO-led troops on the ground.

India: "Sankalp Class" Indian Coast Guard Ship Patrolling Coastlines

India: "Sankalp Class" Indian Coast Guard Ship Patrolling Coastlines

(NSI News Source Info) January 29, 2009: January 29, 2009: The Indian Coast Guard has received the second of two Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel class ships.

The 2,200 ton ship was built in India and is 325 feet long and armed with a 30mm auto-cannon and several machine-guns. It can operate a small helicopter. Top speed is 43 kilometers an hour, and the ship can stay at sea for 20 days at a time. The crew of 126 is trained to operate the boat in patrol mode 24/7.

This is the largest, indigenously-designed vessel to be built for the Coast Guard and will be used for patrolling & policing maritime zones, pollution control, external fire fighting and in search & rescue operations. India Defence Consultants reported on 26 June 2005, that Raytheon Marine partnered with Noris Automation GMBH of Germany has been awarded the order for supply of an Integrated Navigation & Machinery Control System by Goa Shipyard Limited. The system operates from a series of multi-function consoles, together with a fire detection system, a GMDSS radio system, as well as a redundant Ethernet network. The first vessel is due for delivery in 2007 and will be named Sankalp, meaning resolute determination. The hull structure will be built entirely of steel. Auxiliary systems aboard these vessels include an oily bilge water separator, a sewage & vacuum toilet system, a fresh water generating system and an active fin stabilizer. *The Indian Coast Guard were particularly proud for the seizure of the hijacked vessel and the apprehension of all the international hijackers of MV Alondra Rainbow as this was the first such recovery in the history of international maritime efforts against international high sea piracy.

There are two cranes for putting two fast (inflatable) boats in the water, so that ships can be boarded and inspected. The ship is of Indian design and construction.

India is developing a world class warship manufacturing capability, and is currently designing and building everything from patrol boats to aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines.

Greek Navy Half-Way Through “S” Frigate Modernization / Delivery of Frigate “LIMNOS” - Program of Mid Life Modernization of Six “S” Class Frigates

Greek Navy Half-Way Through “S” Frigate Modernization / Delivery of Frigate “LIMNOS” - Program of Mid Life Modernization of Six “S” Class Frigates

(NSI News Source Info) SKARAMANGAS, Greece - January 29, 2009: On Wednesday January 28th, 2009, the “S” Class Frigate “LIMNOS” was delivered to the Hellenic Navy, during a ceremony that took place at the premises of Hellenic Shipyards S.A. in Skaramangas.

Rear Admiral I. Karaiskos H.N., Chief of Fleet, attended the ceremony. The ceremony also attended Mrs. Krinio Kanellopoulou, Member of the Parliament for the Constituency of Ileia and President of the Standing Committee on Defense and Foreign Affairs and Mr. Nerantzis Anastasios 3rd Vice President of the Parliament.

Elli-class vessels are a group of frigates operated by the Hellenic Navy. The ships are of Dutch origin. The first two ships (the Elli and the Limnos), which had lengthened hangars and different armament were built specifically for the Hellenic Navy. The remaining ships are ex-Royal Netherlands Navy S-frigates of the Kortenaer-class transferred to the Hellenic Navy in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Elli (F-450), for which the class is named, is itself named after two famous Greek cruisers, one of which was sunk during World War II. There is a midlife modernization programme for six of the ten Greek ships.The program is in progress at HSY and will be completed in 2009. The Kountouriotis (F-462) and the Adrias (F-459) have been modernized. The other four ships are the Navarinon (F-461), the Limnos (F-451), the Elli (F-450), and the Aegaeon (F-460).

The Frigate “LIMNOS” is the fourth of the six “S” Class frigates to be modernized for the Hellenic Navy. HS “LIMNOS”, underwent extensive and demanding sea trials following her modernization, having had all her systems successfully tested and is now ready to join again the Hellenic Navy.

The Hellenic Ministry of Defense awarded the “S” class Frigates contract to Hellenic Shipyards in 2003 and the foreseen end of this program is October 2009. The first frigate “KOUNTOURIOTIS” was delivered to the Hellenic Navy in September 2006.

The modernization scope of work is mainly the renewal of most of the sensors and weapon systems, the installation of a new tactical combat system, the modernization of the communication and navigation systems, the replacement of the propulsion, monitoring and control system (IPMS) and some other platform modernization works. These developments render the vessels particularly effective in meeting the specific operational needs of the Hellenic Navy and represent a significant and important step in the process of modernization that the Hellenic Navy is carrying out.

Two more frigates are being currently modernized at the premises of Hellenic Shipyards S.A., Frigate “ELLI” and Frigate “AEGEON”. Frigate “ELLI” is planned to be delivered to the Hellenic Navy within spring 2009.

With regard to the frigate delivery, Mr. Ioannis Manolemis, Member of the BoD, Naval Sales Director and Director of Naval Projects Management of Hellenic Shipyards S.A. stated: “Frigate Limnos along with all the other vessels that have been delivered to Hellenic Navy, consists an eloquent example of the excellent work that is performed by the experienced personnel of Hellenic Shipyards S.A. We are proud of the projects that we have completed as well as for the projects that are carried out by our company.”

Raytheon Chosen To Help Provide US DoD Biometrics Ops And Support Services

Raytheon Chosen To Help Provide US DoD Biometrics Ops And Support Services

(NSI News Source Info) January 29, 2009:The U.S. Army Biometrics Task Force has selected Raytheon Company to provide biometric-related services and support to enhance the ability of the Department of Defense infrastructure, architecture and standard for biometric defense capabilities. The Biometrics Operations and Support Services - Unrestricted (BOSS-U) award is an indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity contract for five years, with a three-year base period and two one-year option periods. The maximum cumulative dollar ceiling value of all contracts in this multiple award procurement is $497 million. "As a proven worldwide leader in biometrics, Raytheon has delivered cutting-edge technology that has significantly enhanced our customers' capabilities," said Guy Swope, chief biometrics architect for Raytheon's Intelligence and Information Systems. "We have a solid combination of program experience, research and development ability and technical talent to provide mission-critical biometrics solutions." Based in Garland, Texas, Raytheon Intelligence and Information Systems is a leading provider of information and intelligence solutions to the government. IIS had annual revenues in 2007 of approximately $2.7 billion and employs more than 9,000 engineering and technical professionals worldwide.

Israeli Warplane Bombs Gaza Border

Israeli Warplane Bombs Gaza Border

(NSI News Source Info) January 29, 2009: An Israeli warplane on Thursday bombed an area of the Gaza Strip border known to contain smuggling tunnels to Egypt after Palestinian militants fired a missile, the Israeli military said.

"An aerial attack took place against a site used to manufacture weapons in an area of the city of Rafah following the firing of a rocket into southern Israel in the evening," an Israeli army spokesperson told AFP.

Witnesses said the attack took place in eastern Rafah, an area known to contain smuggling tunnels, and that no one was injured.

A Palestinian child leads his horse as they pass destroyed homes in the area of east Jebaliya, in the northern Gaza Strip, that was devastated in the last Israeli military offensive, Wednesday Jan. 28, 2009. U.S. President Barack Obama's new Mideast envoy George Mitchell sought Wednesday to strengthen a 10-day-old Gaza cease-fire that was thrown into turmoil, as Israeli warplanes pounded Gaza smuggling tunnels in retaliation for a Palestinian bombing on Tuesday that killed a soldier.

Earlier the Israeli military said the missile was fired from the Gaza Strip towards the town of Ofakim, which fell in an unpopulated area.

The rocket attack was claimed by the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, an offshoot of moderate Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction.

Later the Israeli military said that early on Thursday a second missile was fired into southern Israel, but caused no damage or injuries.

It was the second launch of a missile since the end of the Gaza war, which Israel launched following repeated rocket attacks by Palestinian militants.

On Wednesday, the ruling Islamist movement Hamas said it had fired several mortar rounds at Israeli troops making an incursion into the Gaza Strip.

The first major violation of the truce which ended Israel's 22-day onslaught against Hamas in the Gaza Strip took place on Tuesday, when Palestinian militants killed an Israeli soldier in a bomb blast near the border.

South Korea's DSRV II Achieves Record-Breaking Dive

South Korea's DSRV II Achieves Record-Breaking Dive

(NSI News Source Info) January 29, 2009: The Republic of Korea Navy's (RoKN's) new deep submergence rescue vehicle (DSRV) achieved a depth of 507 m during sea acceptance tests - the deepest recorded dive in the navy's history - programme partner Lloyd's Register announced on 19 January. Built by UK-based James Fisher Defence, RoKS DSRV II is intended to lock onto the escape hatch of a disabled submarine and transfer up to 16 personnel under pressure into a decompression facility on board a mothership. On 8 December, the submersible mated with the Chang Bogo-class (Type 209/1200) submarine RoKS Na Daeyong at a depth of 150 m. The next day DSRV II achieved its record-breaking dive and completed an inclination test.

General Dynamics Wins $81M For Abrams Tank Upgrade

General Dynamics Wins $81M For Abrams Tank Upgrade

(NSI News Source Info) January 29, 2009: General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Jan. 21, 2009, a $80,741,022 firm fixed price contract for Award Program-Year Two (PY 2), Increment Two of the Abrams Multi-Year Contract for a quantity of 24 M1A2 Systems Enhancement Package Version Two (SEPv2) Upgrade Vehicles. The M1 Abrams entered U.S. service in 1980, replacing the 105 mm gun, full tracked M60 combat tank. It did, however, serve for over a decade alongside the improved M60A3, which had entered service in 1978. Three main versions of the M1 Abrams have been deployed, the M1, M1A1, and M1A2, incorporating improved armament, protection and electronics. These improvements, as well as periodic upgrades to older tanks have allowed this long-serving vehicle to remain in front-line service. It is the principal combat tank of the United States Army and Marine Corps, and the armies of Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and as of 2007, Australia. This action also provides for Increment One of PY 3 for a quantity of 6 M1A2 SEPv2 Upgrade Vehicles. Work will be performed at Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2012. One bid was solicited and one bid received. Tank & Automotive Command (TACOM) Life Cycle Management Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

EADS Defence & Security Delivers 5,000 T/R Modules For MEADS Radar

EADS Defence & Security Delivers 5,000 T/R Modules For MEADS Radar

(NSI News Source Info) January 29, 2009: The joint US-Italian-German MEADS (Medium Extended Air Defense System) air defence programme gains momentum. As reported by EADS Defence & Security (DS) on Monday, its Defence Electronics business unit has delivered a first batch of 5,000 transmit / receive (T/R) modules and related electronics for the MEADS Multifunction Fire Control Radar (MFCR). EADS DS is thus the first European company to mass produce the core components for the new AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar technology on an industrial scale. The MEADS programme thereby obtains a global strategic lead in the deployment of AESA technology.

Within the framework of the MEADS design and development programme, Defence Electronics had been awarded a contract worth about € 120 million for the production of approx. 40,000 T/R modules and associated electronic components, so-called manifolds, which will make the MEADS fire control radar the most powerful radar of its type in the world. These modules are key elements in the new generation of radar systems which are based on AESA technology. AESA radar systems use electronic beam scanning, which is made possible by thousands of T/R modules. This concept offers completely new possibilities for deployment and will therefore be used for most of the future military radars in the world. EADS DS staff from Defence Electronics, Defence and Communications Systems and LFK are cooperating closely on this to ensure the success of the MEADS programme. LFK GmbH / MBDA Germany are responsible for the complete radar antenna.

“The high demands placed on the capabilities of the MEADS radar cannot be met without AESA technology,” declares Bernd Wenzler, CEO of Defence Electronics. “The joint efforts of the various EADS Defence & Security partners have advanced this development to a point where we can supply the participating countries with tens of thousands of deployable modules within a relatively short period.”

MEADS is a mobile air and missile defence system that will incorporate the hit-to-kill PAC-3 MSE missile in a system that includes 360-degree surveillance and fire control sensors, netted-distributed battle management / communication centres and high-firepower launchers. The system will combine extensive flexibility with superior protection for forces deployed and critical infrastructures against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft.

MEADS’ open architecture will provide for 21st century air and missile defence system-of-system integration capabilities that allow operational mission-tailoring for homeland defence or defence of manoeuvre forces in various theatres countering air-breathing and tactical missile threats. MEADS is intended to provide significant operation and support cost savings.

In May 2005, MEADS International signed a definitized contract valued at $2 billion plus €1.4 billion for MEADS design and development. A multinational joint venture headquartered in Orlando, Florida, MEADS International’s participating companies are MBDA in Italy, LFK in Germany and Lockheed Martin in the United States. Together, these companies have focused an international engineering team in Orlando to develop systems and technologies for the MEADS programme, which is closely watched as a model for collaborative transatlantic development.

The MEADS programme is financed by the three partners in the NATO Medium Extended Air Defense System Management Organization (NAMEADSMO), which are the United States (58 percent), Germany (25 percent) and Italy (17 percent). The programme’s management agency NAMEADSMA is located in Huntsville, Alabama.

Defence Electronics is an integrated activity of EADS Defence & Security (DS). DS is a systems solutions provider for armed forces and civil security worldwide. Its portfolio ranges from sensors and secure networks through missiles to aircraft and UAVs as well as global security, service and support solutions. In 2007, DS – with around 22,000 employees – achieved revenues of € 5.5 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of € 39.1 billion and employs a workforce of about 116,000.

EADS To Aid Flight Trials Of Indian LCA

EADS To Aid Flight Trials Of Indian LCA

(NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI - January 29, 2009: The Indian Defence Ministry has short-listed EADS on a $20 million contract to aid in the flight trials of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). The deal is expected to be signed during Aero India 2009, from Feb. 11-14 at Bangalore, said a senior Defence Ministry official. The HAL Tejas is a lightweight multirole fighter aircraft developed by India. It is a tailless, compound delta wing design powered by a single engine. Originally known as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) – a designation which continues in popular usage – the aircraft was officially named "Tejas"., by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on 4 May 2003. Limited series production of the Tejas commenced in 2007; it is currently projected to achieve limited initial operational clearance (IOC) with the Indian Air Force (IAF) by 2008, followed by full operational clearance (FOC) by the end of 2010. A two-seat trainer variant is also in development (exited the production line as of November 2008), as is a naval variant capable of operating from the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers. The IAF is reported to have a requirement for 200 single-seat and 20 two-seat conversion trainers, while the Indian Navy may order up to 40 single-seaters to replace its Sea Harrier FRS.51 and Harrier T.60. The LCA naval variant is expected to take to the skies by 2009. India's Aeronautical Development Agency, which designed, developed and monitors the LCA, had sought overseas partners to carry out design-and-development work in the flight-testing stage. The consulting company would help speed the flight testing through initial operational clearance and final operational clearance. Technical and commercial bids had been invited from EADS, Saab of Sweden, Dassault of France, Boeing and Lockheed Martin of the United States, and MiG Corp. of Russia. LCA development areas that EADS would aid include flight envelope expansion; flight testing for high angle of attack; aero database validation; external stores carriage with emphasis on stores separation modeling and testing; wake modeling and penetration flight tests; and refinements to existing simulation models. LCA is preparing to enter into the weapon-integration stage, and the first aircraft are expected to be inducted into the Air Force by 2010, nearly 15 years behind schedule. The Air Force has ordered 20 LCAs valued at more than $500 million. State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics is expected to roll out eight aircraft annually. The aim of the current flight trial program is to achieve initial operational clearance with the multimode radar integrated with a weapon suite. It could take three years and about 1,500 hours of flight testing to move into final operational clearance. Eight limited series production aircraft, along with two technical demonstrators and five prototypes, are part of the LCA's design-and-development program. The LCA is a single-seat, single-engine, supersonic multirole air superiority fighter jet designed for air-to-air, air-to-ground and air-to-sea combat roles.