DTN News - KOREAN PENINSULA ON HIGH TENSIONS: North Korea Set To Install Satellite On Rocket

 DTN News - KOREAN PENINSULA ON HIGH TENSIONS: North Korea Set To Install Satellite On Rocket
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources AFP
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 10, 2012: North Korea is set to complete the assembly of its latest rocket by installing the satellite payload later Tuesday, a senior space official said.

"We are expecting to complete assembly by today," Ryu Kum-Chol, deputy director of the space development department at the communist state's Committee for Space Technology, told foreign journalists in Pyongyang.

Ryu also insisted that debris from the launch, which is scheduled between April 12 and 16 to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of North Korea's founding leader, posed no danger to countries in the region.

"We've chosen a safe trajectory. The first stage will fall 100 miles (160 kilometres) from land (in the Philippines), and the second stage 120 miles from land," he said.

But in case of any problem with the trajectory, the official said that the rocket was "capable of self-destruction" from ground control.

Impoverished but nuclear-armed North Korea says the rocket will propel the 100-kilogram (220-pound) Kwangmyongsong-3 (Shining Star) satellite into orbit to collect data on forests and natural resources within its territory.

However, the United States and other nations say the rocket launch is a pretext for a ballistic missile test, in defiance of United Nations resolutions and a US-North Korean deal concluded just in February.

Russia joined the international condemnation on Tuesday, saying the rocket launch showed disregard for UN Security Council resolutions on North Korea's nuclear and weapons programmes.


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*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources AFP
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - LAAD SECURITY 2012: Oshkosh Defense Exhibits Protected Vehicle Capabilities At LAAD Security

DTN News -  LAAD SECURITY 2012: Oshkosh Defense Exhibits Protected Vehicle Capabilities At LAAD Security
*Protected, highly maneuverable SandCat TPV on display April 10-12 in Rio de Janeiro
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources  Oshkosh Defense
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 9, 2012: Personnel protection in Latin America is an increasing concern for corporate, municipal, federal and other government forces. Security and safety professionals will have an opportunity this week to learn more about the protected vehicle offerings from Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), at the LAAD Security 2012 exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 10-12.

Oshkosh will display its SandCat Tactical Protector Vehicle (TPV) at the show. The SandCat TPV combines the agility and drivability of a consumer truck with the protection capabilities of a tactical military vehicle.

“Our SandCat TPV is a highly customizable vehicle designed for public safety officials needing to increase their protective detail for special events such as the FIFA World Cup™ and the Olympic Games, as well as provide critical support needed for daily patrols in urban environments or off-road terrain,” said Serge Buchakjian, senior vice president and general manager of International Programs for Oshkosh Defense. “We back our vehicles and products with full life-cycle sustainment and support services anywhere in the world.”

Oshkosh Defense has more than 90 years of experience designing, manufacturing and sustaining world-class vehicles for governments and militaries around the world. Oshkosh uses a collaborative, integrated approach to meet customers’ needs, from vehicle design and flexible manufacturing to training and aftermarket sustainment. Oshkosh can also provide in-country manufacturing capabilities to provide lasting value to local economies. The company has produced more than 100,000 military-class trucks and trailers, with vehicle payloads that cover the complete light-to-heavy spectrum.

Oshkosh vehicles have been proven on severe off-road terrain and against a variety of modern threats, and used by militaries, special forces units and government agencies around the world. Oshkosh’s advanced technologies deliver capabilities such as extensive off-road mobility, exportable power, autonomous operation and integrated on-board diagnostics.

Oshkosh’s aftermarket solutions cover the complete spectrum of vehicle life-cycle support, including training services, instruction manuals, maintenance and repairs, parts supply, and fleet restoration services. Oshkosh Field Service Representatives (FSR) travel globally to ensure vehicles and personnel are at peak operational readiness. The company’s robust operator and maintenance training services provide systems-level expertise on the platforms and technologies they support, with classes offered at the Oshkosh Product Training Center, regional service centers around the world or in-theater. Additionally, Oshkosh’s parts-supply network is available around the clock to provide instant access to spare and repair parts for all vehicle makes and models.

The SandCat TPV is part of the Oshkosh SandCat family of vehicles and can be configured to meet individual performance, protection and payload needs. The vehicle’s armor system can be customized based on the threat level and mission profile. Seating capacity can be adjusted to accommodate four to nine passengers. The vehicle also can be equipped with standard or customized storage, and is typically integrated with a wide array of weapons and communications systems. The SandCat TPV’s compact design, combined with a 14-inch vertical step capability and 42-foot curb-to-curb turning circle, enables mobility in both tight urban settings and rugged rural landscapes.

The SandCat family of vehicles also includes the base vehicle, Special Operations Vehicle (SOV) and Mine-Resistant Light Patrol Vehicle (M-LPV). These variants are based on the same lightweight, highly maneuverable platform for eased maintenance and repairs worldwide. Oshkosh has received orders for the SandCat from Mexico, the United States, Sweden, Bulgaria, Canada, Nigeria and Israel.

Oshkosh Defense leadership will be available at LAAD Security to discuss the company’s full range of vehicle and service offerings at booth #J19.

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 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 Corporation manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, 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, visitwww.oshkoshcorporation.com.

®, TM All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that the Company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the expected level and timing of the DoD’s procurement of products and services and funding thereof, including the impact of the DoD’s allocation of certain tires which will restrict and delay certain FHTV sales; risks related to reductions in government expenditures in light of U.S. defense budget pressures and an uncertain DoD tactical wheeled vehicle strategy; the cyclical nature of the Company’s access equipment, commercial and fire & emergency markets, especially during periods of global economic uncertainty, lower municipal spending and tight credit markets; the Company’s ability to produce vehicles under the FMTV contract at targeted margins; the duration of the ongoing global economic weakness, which could lead to additional impairment charges related to many of the Company’s intangible assets and/or a slower recovery in the Company’s cyclical businesses than equity market expectations; the potential for the U.S. government to competitively bid the Company’s Army and Marine Corps contracts; the consequences of financial leverage, which could limit the Company’s ability to pursue various opportunities; increasing commodity and other raw material costs, particularly in a sustained economic recovery; the ability to pass on to customers price increases to offset higher input costs; risks related to costs and charges as a result of facilities consolidation and alignment, including that anticipated cost savings may not be achieved; risks related to the collectability of receivables, particularly for those businesses with exposure to construction markets; the cost of any warranty campaigns related to the Company’s products; risks related to production or shipment delays arising from quality or production issues; risks associated with international operations and sales, including foreign currency fluctuations and compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; the potential for increased costs relating to compliance with changes in laws and regulations; risks related to disruptions in the Company’s distribution networks; risks related to actions of activist shareholders; and the Company’s ability to successfully execute on its strategic road map and meet its long-term financial goals. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update information contained in this press release. Investors should be aware that the Company may not update such information until the Company’s next quarterly earnings conference call, if at all.


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Oshkosh Defense
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - CANADA DEFENSE NEWS: Canadian Defence Minister Peter MacKay Goes Defensive Account F-35 Costs

DTN News - CANADA DEFENSE NEWS: Canadian Defence Minister Peter MacKay Goes Defensive Account F-35 Costs
*Defence minister goes on the defensive 
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Kristy Kirkup ,Parliamentary Bureau
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 8, 2012: Defence Minister Peter MacKay stood up for himself and his department Sunday, insisting the F-35 fiscal flub outlined in a recent auditor general's report was a miscommunication matter.

Auditor general Michael Ferguson published his debut report last week, indicated the stealth fighter jets would cost $25 billion -- not $15 billion as indicated by the federal government.

But in an interview with CTV's Question Period, MacKay blamed accounting issues for a $10 billion gap between the government's account of F-35 costs and the auditor general's projections.

"The $10 billion is money we are paying right now," MacKay said. "That is the money that goes to pay the pilots of the F-18 program and fuel, oil, upkeep of the existing fleet."

MacKay said he knew the full estimated cost of the jets in 2010 but insists Canadians were not misled.

"We have included that figure in estimates and information provided to the auditor general and that information goes back to 2010. Those figures are there for all to see," he said. "I don't agree that there was a manipulation of information."

Opposition parties disagree.

"We're talking about mismanagement here as well as dishonesty," NDP defence critic Jack Harris said on the same Sunday broadcast.

MacKay said the government and the auditor general worked from different timelines, causing the confusion.

The auditor general and a parliamentary budget officer used a 36-year model for their evaluations of the fighter jet program, but the Department of National Defence used a 20-year period.

The F-35s are expected to have a 36-year lifespan.

The government hasn't signed a contract with F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin, but it has penned a memorandum of understanding (MOU). If the government decided to change course, penalties would be attached.

"There are obligations under the MOU and by that I mean there would be consequences for withdrawing from it," MacKay said.

The minister indicated the government has accepted the auditor general's conclusions but he doesn't plan to offer his resignation over the controversy.

Kristy.Kirkup@sunmedia.ca

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Kristy Kirkup - Parliamentary Bureau
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DTN News - KOREAN PENINSULA NEWS: China Troubled By North Korean Rocket Launch Plans

DTN News - KOREAN PENINSULA NEWS: China Troubled By North Korean Rocket Launch Plans

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources AP

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 8, 2012: China's foreign minister said Sunday that Beijing is troubled by North Korea's plan to launch a long-range rocket and has urged more diplomacy to handle the situation, a measured response to a provocation that has unsettled the region.

Yang Jiechi said he discussed North Korea's launch plan during trilateral talks with his counterparts from Seoul and Tokyo in the eastern Chinese city of Ningbo.

The foreign ministers of Japan and South Korea both said that a launch by North Korea would violate UN Security Council resolutions -- indicating their belief that the North should face sanctions if it goes through with the plan.

But China, the North's closest ally, didn't echo that view and instead urged further dialogue and communication.

"The Chinese side is troubled by the developments, and strongly encourages everyone involved on all sides, at high and low levels, to remain calm and reasonable," Yang told reporters. "These issues need to be worked out in a diplomatic and peaceful manner."
North Korea says the rocket will carry a satellite into orbit to study crops and natural resources. Washington and others call the launch a cover to test missile systems that could target parts of the United States.

There have been fears in Japan and South Korea that debris could fall from the rocket, expected to be launched in the coming week. Japan's defence minister has ordered missile units to intercept the rocket if it or its fragments threaten to hit Japan. Seoul has also warned it might shoot down any parts of the rocket heading for its territory.

Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said the key result of the talks was a plan to continue to work together to stop the launch.

However, Japan's Kyodo News service quoted Gemba as saying that the three sides failed to reach consensus on the launch, an apparent reference to China's softer approach.

"We were able to increase our common views," Kyodo quoted Gemba as saying. "But frankly speaking, I would not say the three countries completely shared the same view."

South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported Saturday that South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan told Yang during bilateral talks that Beijing should play a larger role in mediating international concerns over the launch.

The North Korean launch is meant as a showcase of national power and technology during celebrations of the centennial of the April 15 birth of national founder Kim Il Sung. While North Korea has conducted tests of two nuclear devices, analysts don't believe it has yet mastered the technology needed to shrink a nuclear weapon and mount it on a missile.

North Korea has conducted three such launches since 1998. The last launch, in 2009, led to UN condemnation. The North then walked away from six-nation nuclear disarmament talks, and weeks later carried out its second nuclear test.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources AP
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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