US ready to act on Syria outside UN?

The US has hinted at taking actions against the Syrian regime bypassing the authority of the UN Security Council. This comes as pressure is piling up on Damascus following massacre in Houla that claimed over 100 lives.

US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice has said that if the council does not take swift action to pressure Syrian authorities to end 14-month crackdown on the anti-government uprising, the Security Council members may have no choice but to consider acting outside the UN.

“Members of the international community are left with the option only of having to consider whether they are prepared to take actions outside of the Annan plan and the authority of this council,” Rice said on Wednesday after the 15-member council met in a closed door session to discuss last week’s massacre.

The United Nations is conducting its own investigation of who exactly is responsible for the bloodshed in the town of Houla. However the US and its allies seem to have come to their own conclusion, saying that the Assad government is solely responsible for the violence.

Rice did not specify what “actions” she meant. However the US and European countries had earlier imposed their own sanction on Syria outside the UN. So there are fears that her words could mean the threat of military action.

The US envoy said the worst but most probable scenario in Syria is a failure of Annan's peace plan and a spreading conflict that could create a major crisis not only in Syria but also in the entire region.

"The Syrian government has made commitments. It has blatantly violated those commitments, and, I think it's quite clear, as we have said for many weeks if they continue to do so there should be consequences," Rice said.

Meanwhile, Syria’s Ambassador to the UN Bashar Jaafari has stated Wednesday that the massacre in the town of Houla was carried out by “professional terrorists” who were seeking to ignite a sectarian conflict in the country.

“Many Syrian innocents got killed because of this misbehavior of these outsiders. The Syrian people need one clear-cut message that the international community, if there is an international community, is there to help settling the conflict in Syria," he said referring to last Friday's violence.

Russia’s envoy tot the UN Vitaly Churkin stated that both the authorities and opposition leaders should understand that the current situation in Syria is unacceptable.

Kosovo pattern in Syria?

Susan Rice’s comment became a disturbing reminder of what happened in 1999 when the US and NATO intervened in the former Yugoslavia without a UN Security Council mandate.

“The precedent is already there – we’ve mentioned Kosovo. It’s exactly what happened – you had an allegation of a massacre, which was the village of Racak; you had a UN decree that was severely bullied by the US ambassador who was leading the observation mission on the ground; you had claims that it was brutal unprovoked massacre of innocent civilians by government troops. Serbia was blamed, presented with the ultimatum and then bombed,” historian and author Nebojsa Malic told RT.

“We have the same pattern repeating itself in Syria.”

Blogger Rick Rozoff believes that the US has warned Russia and China that it will push forward military action no matter what.

“Ambassador Rice is basically telling Russia and China and other members of the Security Council that if they do not go along with Western plans for more stringent sanctions and other actions against Syria, the US and its NATO allies reserve a right to act outside the Security Council as they did with Yugoslavia 13 years ago and launch military actions against Syria,” Rozoff told RT.

By rt.com

US ready to act on Syria outside UN?

The US has hinted at taking actions against the Syrian regime bypassing the authority of the UN Security Council. This comes as pressure is piling up on Damascus following massacre in Houla that claimed over 100 lives.

US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice has said that if the council does not take swift action to pressure Syrian authorities to end 14-month crackdown on the anti-government uprising, the Security Council members may have no choice but to consider acting outside the UN.

“Members of the international community are left with the option only of having to consider whether they are prepared to take actions outside of the Annan plan and the authority of this council,” Rice said on Wednesday after the 15-member council met in a closed door session to discuss last week’s massacre.

The United Nations is conducting its own investigation of who exactly is responsible for the bloodshed in the town of Houla. However the US and its allies seem to have come to their own conclusion, saying that the Assad government is solely responsible for the violence.

Rice did not specify what “actions” she meant. However the US and European countries had earlier imposed their own sanction on Syria outside the UN. So there are fears that her words could mean the threat of military action.

The US envoy said the worst but most probable scenario in Syria is a failure of Annan's peace plan and a spreading conflict that could create a major crisis not only in Syria but also in the entire region.

"The Syrian government has made commitments. It has blatantly violated those commitments, and, I think it's quite clear, as we have said for many weeks if they continue to do so there should be consequences," Rice said.

Meanwhile, Syria’s Ambassador to the UN Bashar Jaafari has stated Wednesday that the massacre in the town of Houla was carried out by “professional terrorists” who were seeking to ignite a sectarian conflict in the country.

“Many Syrian innocents got killed because of this misbehavior of these outsiders. The Syrian people need one clear-cut message that the international community, if there is an international community, is there to help settling the conflict in Syria," he said referring to last Friday's violence.

Russia’s envoy tot the UN Vitaly Churkin stated that both the authorities and opposition leaders should understand that the current situation in Syria is unacceptable.

Kosovo pattern in Syria?

Susan Rice’s comment became a disturbing reminder of what happened in 1999 when the US and NATO intervened in the former Yugoslavia without a UN Security Council mandate.

“The precedent is already there – we’ve mentioned Kosovo. It’s exactly what happened – you had an allegation of a massacre, which was the village of Racak; you had a UN decree that was severely bullied by the US ambassador who was leading the observation mission on the ground; you had claims that it was brutal unprovoked massacre of innocent civilians by government troops. Serbia was blamed, presented with the ultimatum and then bombed,” historian and author Nebojsa Malic told RT.

“We have the same pattern repeating itself in Syria.”

Blogger Rick Rozoff believes that the US has warned Russia and China that it will push forward military action no matter what.

“Ambassador Rice is basically telling Russia and China and other members of the Security Council that if they do not go along with Western plans for more stringent sanctions and other actions against Syria, the US and its NATO allies reserve a right to act outside the Security Council as they did with Yugoslavia 13 years ago and launch military actions against Syria,” Rozoff told RT.

By rt.com

Soviet discovery of lunar water ignored by West

Clear evidence of water on the moon would have created tremendous opportunities for mankind. And yet, the results of the last Soviet lunar mission, which returned in 1976 with water-rich rocks from beneath the moon’s surface, remained unnoticed.

­Talks of lunar bases are becoming increasingly common in some leading space powers, such as Russia or China. With these plans in mind, solid evidence of water presence on the moon would be more than topical. And it seems that the evidence has begun to mount in recent years, says a report on TechnologyReview.com.

It began, perhaps, with NASA’s Clementine mission in 1994, which searched for water by bouncing radio waves off the lunar surface – the returning waves indicated that there was enough water in the moon’s polar craters. However, some doubted the interpretation of the results.

Lunar Prospector – another NASA’s mission – kicked off in 1998 and was in part aimed at finding possible polar ice deposits by measuring the amount of neutrons emitted from the surface. Some evidence later came from Galileo's fly-by of the moon on its way to Jupiter. In 2009, the Indian spacecraft Chandrayaan-I used an infrared camera to search for water in lunar rocks.

These missions have clearly demonstrated that the moon is not as dry as once thought. All samples delivered by Apollo expeditions did have traces of water, but those were believed to be the result of contamination.

But what remained unnoticed in the West is the Soviet discovery of water in moon rocks as early as the 1970s.

The Soviet Luna-24 sample-return mission landed on the surface of Earth’s moon in August 1976. The spacecraft extracted 300 grams of rock from the depth of two meters and delivered it to Earth. Soviet scientists then analyzed the sample and reported that water made up 0.1 per cent of its mass. They published their results in 1978 in the Soviet scientific journal Geokhimiya, which also has an English version, but it not widely read in the West.

“No other author has ever cited the Luna 24 work,” says Arlin Crotts of the Columbia University in New York City. The settled value for the lunar bulk water content, as of 2006, was below one part per billion. The present view, Crotts went on to explain, is that the proportion well exceeds one part per million.

If Western science, built on the dominance of the English language, had been less dismissive of other scientific schools, this and many other discoveries might have found their way into practical use a little sooner.

By rt.com

Soviet discovery of lunar water ignored by West

Clear evidence of water on the moon would have created tremendous opportunities for mankind. And yet, the results of the last Soviet lunar mission, which returned in 1976 with water-rich rocks from beneath the moon’s surface, remained unnoticed.

­Talks of lunar bases are becoming increasingly common in some leading space powers, such as Russia or China. With these plans in mind, solid evidence of water presence on the moon would be more than topical. And it seems that the evidence has begun to mount in recent years, says a report on TechnologyReview.com.

It began, perhaps, with NASA’s Clementine mission in 1994, which searched for water by bouncing radio waves off the lunar surface – the returning waves indicated that there was enough water in the moon’s polar craters. However, some doubted the interpretation of the results.

Lunar Prospector – another NASA’s mission – kicked off in 1998 and was in part aimed at finding possible polar ice deposits by measuring the amount of neutrons emitted from the surface. Some evidence later came from Galileo's fly-by of the moon on its way to Jupiter. In 2009, the Indian spacecraft Chandrayaan-I used an infrared camera to search for water in lunar rocks.

These missions have clearly demonstrated that the moon is not as dry as once thought. All samples delivered by Apollo expeditions did have traces of water, but those were believed to be the result of contamination.

But what remained unnoticed in the West is the Soviet discovery of water in moon rocks as early as the 1970s.

The Soviet Luna-24 sample-return mission landed on the surface of Earth’s moon in August 1976. The spacecraft extracted 300 grams of rock from the depth of two meters and delivered it to Earth. Soviet scientists then analyzed the sample and reported that water made up 0.1 per cent of its mass. They published their results in 1978 in the Soviet scientific journal Geokhimiya, which also has an English version, but it not widely read in the West.

“No other author has ever cited the Luna 24 work,” says Arlin Crotts of the Columbia University in New York City. The settled value for the lunar bulk water content, as of 2006, was below one part per billion. The present view, Crotts went on to explain, is that the proportion well exceeds one part per million.

If Western science, built on the dominance of the English language, had been less dismissive of other scientific schools, this and many other discoveries might have found their way into practical use a little sooner.

By rt.com

Enrichment 'not a step towards a bomb': Ahmadinejad

Iran's enrichment of uranium to 20 percent "is our right" and "is not a step towards a bomb," President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Wednesday in an interview with the satellite television network France 24.

The enrichment activity, which world powers are trying to curb in fraught talks with Iran, "is one of our rights in terms of international law," Ahmadinejad said.

"There have been lies about our programme... Enriching uranium to 20 percent is not a step towards a bomb," he said, speaking Farsi through translators.

Ahmadinejad added that the heads of the UN nuclear watchdog should make world powers "provide us with uranium at a 20 percent enrichment level, but so far they have not done so."

As a result, he said, Iran "decided to move forward on our own" with enrichment.

His remark in Farsi on Iran being supplied with 20 percent enriched uranium was rendered differently when translated into English for the channel.

Ahmadinejad hinted, however, that Iran could be open to stopping 20 percent enrichment -- if world powers offered significant concessions.

"If others do not wish for us to fully benefit from this right, they need to explain to us why. And also they have to say what they are willing to give to the Iranian people in exchange."

The UN Security Council has issued six resolutions demanding Iran suspend all uranium enrichment. It has also imposed four sets of sanctions on Iran, which Western powers have hardened with their own harsh economic sanctions.

The five permanent UN Security Council member nations plus Germany -- the so-called P5+1 group -- are especially intent on getting Iran to stop enrichment to 20 percent as it is just a few technical steps short of bomb-grade 90-percent uranium.

The West suspects Tehran is developing nuclear weapon capability.

Iran, which insists its nuclear programme is peaceful, enriches uranium to 3.5 percent for its Bushehr atomic energy plant in the south of the country, and says it needs 20 percent uranium to create medical isotopes in its Tehran research reactor.

"Why should the 20 percent enrichment create doubt? The Western powers have nuclear bombs. Should we trust them? Which is more dangerous: an atomic bomb or the 20 percent (enrichment)?" Ahmadinejad asked.

The 20 percent enrichment issue is at the heart of the talks with the P5+1 that are to resume June 18-19 in Moscow.

Ahmadinejad said that, as much as Iran would like to see the nuclear dispute resolved, "we do not expect to see a miracle" in Moscow.

"We have solid proposals that will be presented at the right time," he said. "Iran deserves a change in behaviour (by the West). The language used against us is not the right language to use."

The last round of talks, in Baghdad last week, nearly collapsed as it became clear that there was a gulf between the two sides.

While Ahmadinejad often asserts Iran's position in the nuclear dispute, all decisions on the matter are ultimately up to the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has in recent years put limits on the president's authority.

Khamenei will on Sunday commemorate the death of the Islamic republic's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, with a closely watched speech that could give insight into his view on the developing showdown between Iran and the West.

The United States and its ally Israel -- the sole, if undeclared, nuclear weapons power in the Middle East -- have warned that military action against Iran was an option if diplomacy fails.

"Why does no one in the Western governments protest when they (Israel) threaten us?" Ahmadinejad protested in the interview.

"We are not afraid of their threats. The Iranian people have shown they know how to deal with such situations," he said.

by Staff Writers
Tehran (AFP) May 30, 2012

Enrichment 'not a step towards a bomb': Ahmadinejad

Iran's enrichment of uranium to 20 percent "is our right" and "is not a step towards a bomb," President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Wednesday in an interview with the satellite television network France 24.

The enrichment activity, which world powers are trying to curb in fraught talks with Iran, "is one of our rights in terms of international law," Ahmadinejad said.

"There have been lies about our programme... Enriching uranium to 20 percent is not a step towards a bomb," he said, speaking Farsi through translators.

Ahmadinejad added that the heads of the UN nuclear watchdog should make world powers "provide us with uranium at a 20 percent enrichment level, but so far they have not done so."

As a result, he said, Iran "decided to move forward on our own" with enrichment.

His remark in Farsi on Iran being supplied with 20 percent enriched uranium was rendered differently when translated into English for the channel.

Ahmadinejad hinted, however, that Iran could be open to stopping 20 percent enrichment -- if world powers offered significant concessions.

"If others do not wish for us to fully benefit from this right, they need to explain to us why. And also they have to say what they are willing to give to the Iranian people in exchange."

The UN Security Council has issued six resolutions demanding Iran suspend all uranium enrichment. It has also imposed four sets of sanctions on Iran, which Western powers have hardened with their own harsh economic sanctions.

The five permanent UN Security Council member nations plus Germany -- the so-called P5+1 group -- are especially intent on getting Iran to stop enrichment to 20 percent as it is just a few technical steps short of bomb-grade 90-percent uranium.

The West suspects Tehran is developing nuclear weapon capability.

Iran, which insists its nuclear programme is peaceful, enriches uranium to 3.5 percent for its Bushehr atomic energy plant in the south of the country, and says it needs 20 percent uranium to create medical isotopes in its Tehran research reactor.

"Why should the 20 percent enrichment create doubt? The Western powers have nuclear bombs. Should we trust them? Which is more dangerous: an atomic bomb or the 20 percent (enrichment)?" Ahmadinejad asked.

The 20 percent enrichment issue is at the heart of the talks with the P5+1 that are to resume June 18-19 in Moscow.

Ahmadinejad said that, as much as Iran would like to see the nuclear dispute resolved, "we do not expect to see a miracle" in Moscow.

"We have solid proposals that will be presented at the right time," he said. "Iran deserves a change in behaviour (by the West). The language used against us is not the right language to use."

The last round of talks, in Baghdad last week, nearly collapsed as it became clear that there was a gulf between the two sides.

While Ahmadinejad often asserts Iran's position in the nuclear dispute, all decisions on the matter are ultimately up to the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has in recent years put limits on the president's authority.

Khamenei will on Sunday commemorate the death of the Islamic republic's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, with a closely watched speech that could give insight into his view on the developing showdown between Iran and the West.

The United States and its ally Israel -- the sole, if undeclared, nuclear weapons power in the Middle East -- have warned that military action against Iran was an option if diplomacy fails.

"Why does no one in the Western governments protest when they (Israel) threaten us?" Ahmadinejad protested in the interview.

"We are not afraid of their threats. The Iranian people have shown they know how to deal with such situations," he said.

by Staff Writers
Tehran (AFP) May 30, 2012

China nukes no 'direct threat,' says US commander

China's nuclear weapons do not pose a "direct threat" to the United States, the man in charge of America's arsenal said Wednesday in calling for greater dialogue with the Chinese.

"We would like to have routine contact and conversations with China's military," General Robert Kehler, head of Strategic Command, which oversees US nuclear deterrence, told the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington.

"We think there would be tremendous benefit to that in both China and the United States, in particular to help us avoid some misunderstanding or some tension in the future."

The STRATCOM commander said that although the United States and Russia account for roughly 90 percent of the world's nuclear weapons, dealing with the Chinese on the matter would become increasingly important.

"I do not see the Chinese strategic deterrent as a direct threat to the United States. We are not enemies," he said.

"Could it be (a threat)? I suppose if we were enemies it could be and therefore we at least have to be aware of that."

Kehler admitted concerns over the 2013 budget as the Pentagon tightens its belt following the global economic downturn, saying he was most worried about investment in the actual nuclear weapons, not their delivery systems.

"There is investment money there for long-range strike aircraft, there's investment there for a follow on to the Ohio class ballistic missile submarine," he said.

"I am most concerned that we make sure that we have the appropriate investment in place for the weapons complexes."

Fiscal pressure has forced US military chiefs to scale back projected spending by $487 billion over the next decade, a task they have described as tough but manageable.

But a threat of even more dramatic defense cuts also looms on the political horizon.

If Congress fails to agree by January 2013 on how to slash the ballooning deficit, dramatic defense reductions of about $500 billion would be automatically triggered under a law adopted last year.

by Staff Writers
Washington (AFP) May 30, 2012

China nukes no 'direct threat,' says US commander

China's nuclear weapons do not pose a "direct threat" to the United States, the man in charge of America's arsenal said Wednesday in calling for greater dialogue with the Chinese.

"We would like to have routine contact and conversations with China's military," General Robert Kehler, head of Strategic Command, which oversees US nuclear deterrence, told the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington.

"We think there would be tremendous benefit to that in both China and the United States, in particular to help us avoid some misunderstanding or some tension in the future."

The STRATCOM commander said that although the United States and Russia account for roughly 90 percent of the world's nuclear weapons, dealing with the Chinese on the matter would become increasingly important.

"I do not see the Chinese strategic deterrent as a direct threat to the United States. We are not enemies," he said.

"Could it be (a threat)? I suppose if we were enemies it could be and therefore we at least have to be aware of that."

Kehler admitted concerns over the 2013 budget as the Pentagon tightens its belt following the global economic downturn, saying he was most worried about investment in the actual nuclear weapons, not their delivery systems.

"There is investment money there for long-range strike aircraft, there's investment there for a follow on to the Ohio class ballistic missile submarine," he said.

"I am most concerned that we make sure that we have the appropriate investment in place for the weapons complexes."

Fiscal pressure has forced US military chiefs to scale back projected spending by $487 billion over the next decade, a task they have described as tough but manageable.

But a threat of even more dramatic defense cuts also looms on the political horizon.

If Congress fails to agree by January 2013 on how to slash the ballooning deficit, dramatic defense reductions of about $500 billion would be automatically triggered under a law adopted last year.

by Staff Writers
Washington (AFP) May 30, 2012

Boeing EA-18G Growler To Get BEL Produced Cockpit Sub-Assembly

India’s Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd will deliver the indigenously produced cockpit sub-assembly for the Boeing’s EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft.

Boeing delivered its first EA-18G to the US Navy earlier this month. The aircraft’s cockpit will receive floodlighting that is compatible with the onboard Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS).

BEL has produced other parts for the EA-18G which include a complex-machined stowage panel for the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System connector cable, and an avionics cooling system fan test switch panel with an NVIS-compatible floodlight assembly.

The BEL-made cockpit subassemblies will also be installed on Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. The initial contract was awarded to BEL in March 2011 with the option to renew annually for up to four years. Boeing has recently exercised that option and has renewed the contract for another year.

“BEL continues to demonstrate its capabilities and its position as a valued partner to Boeing,” said Dennis Swanson, Vice President of International Business Development for Boeing Defense, Space & Security in India. “BEL’s work on P-8I, Super Hornets and Growlers is another example of how Indian companies are becoming a part of the global supply chain while Boeing helps them expand their opportunities across the global aerospace industry”.

Headquartered in Bangalore, BEL also provides Identification Friend or Foe interrogators and Data Link II communications systems for the Indian Navy’s fleet of P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft.


By defensenews

Boeing EA-18G Growler To Get BEL Produced Cockpit Sub-Assembly

India’s Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd will deliver the indigenously produced cockpit sub-assembly for the Boeing’s EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft.

Boeing delivered its first EA-18G to the US Navy earlier this month. The aircraft’s cockpit will receive floodlighting that is compatible with the onboard Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS).

BEL has produced other parts for the EA-18G which include a complex-machined stowage panel for the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System connector cable, and an avionics cooling system fan test switch panel with an NVIS-compatible floodlight assembly.

The BEL-made cockpit subassemblies will also be installed on Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. The initial contract was awarded to BEL in March 2011 with the option to renew annually for up to four years. Boeing has recently exercised that option and has renewed the contract for another year.

“BEL continues to demonstrate its capabilities and its position as a valued partner to Boeing,” said Dennis Swanson, Vice President of International Business Development for Boeing Defense, Space & Security in India. “BEL’s work on P-8I, Super Hornets and Growlers is another example of how Indian companies are becoming a part of the global supply chain while Boeing helps them expand their opportunities across the global aerospace industry”.

Headquartered in Bangalore, BEL also provides Identification Friend or Foe interrogators and Data Link II communications systems for the Indian Navy’s fleet of P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft.


By defensenews

Severnaya Verf Shipyard Put Corvette Stoiky Afloat

30.05.2012

Text: RusNavy.com
Photo: Lead ship of the series, corvette Stereguschiy. wikipedia.org

Solemn launching ceremony of corvette Stoiky was held at JSC Severnaya Verf shipyard in St. Petersburg. The ceremony was attended by Baltic Fleet (BF) Deputy Commander Rear Admiral Sergei Farkov.

Recall that corvette Stoiky is the third multirole littoral zone ship built in series of Project 20380 (lead ship is corvette Stereguschiy). Such ships are designed for antiship/antisubmarine/antiaircraft warfare and gunfire support of landing operations. To lower radar signature, stealth technology was applied in the project design.

Full displacement of the corvette is over 2,000 tons; length is about 110 meters; full speed is 27 knots; cruising range at 14 knots is 4,000 nautical miles; complement (with air wing personnel) is about 100 men including 14 officers.

Corvette Stoiky will be commissioned in Nov 2013 upon termination of all shipyard's and state acceptance trials.


By Russian navy

Severnaya Verf Shipyard Put Corvette Stoiky Afloat

30.05.2012

Text: RusNavy.com
Photo: Lead ship of the series, corvette Stereguschiy. wikipedia.org

Solemn launching ceremony of corvette Stoiky was held at JSC Severnaya Verf shipyard in St. Petersburg. The ceremony was attended by Baltic Fleet (BF) Deputy Commander Rear Admiral Sergei Farkov.

Recall that corvette Stoiky is the third multirole littoral zone ship built in series of Project 20380 (lead ship is corvette Stereguschiy). Such ships are designed for antiship/antisubmarine/antiaircraft warfare and gunfire support of landing operations. To lower radar signature, stealth technology was applied in the project design.

Full displacement of the corvette is over 2,000 tons; length is about 110 meters; full speed is 27 knots; cruising range at 14 knots is 4,000 nautical miles; complement (with air wing personnel) is about 100 men including 14 officers.

Corvette Stoiky will be commissioned in Nov 2013 upon termination of all shipyard's and state acceptance trials.


By Russian navy

Royal Netherlands Navy Divers Clear WWII Mine Off Coast of Estonia

Royal Netherlands Navy divers cleared a Second World War mine off the coast of Estonia. The German-made mine weighed in at 1,000 kilograms.

This so-called GN influence mine is one of the most infamous explosives of the Second World War. Not only was the monster equipped with acoustic and magnetic fuses, it was also fitted with booby traps. The Defence Diving Group’s very shallow water team, trained to carry out mine countermeasures operations unobserved, succeeded in detonating the mine at a safe location.

By http://navaltoday.com

Royal Netherlands Navy Divers Clear WWII Mine Off Coast of Estonia

Royal Netherlands Navy divers cleared a Second World War mine off the coast of Estonia. The German-made mine weighed in at 1,000 kilograms.

This so-called GN influence mine is one of the most infamous explosives of the Second World War. Not only was the monster equipped with acoustic and magnetic fuses, it was also fitted with booby traps. The Defence Diving Group’s very shallow water team, trained to carry out mine countermeasures operations unobserved, succeeded in detonating the mine at a safe location.

By http://navaltoday.com

U.S. Military Denies Parachuting into North Korea

SEOUL, South Korea — The U.S. military on May 29 vehemently denied a media report that special forces had parachuted into North Korea on intelligence-gathering missions and said a source had been misquoted.

Current affairs magazine The Diplomat quoted Brig. Gen. Neil Tolley, commander of special forces in South Korea, as saying soldiers from the U.S. and South Korea had been dropped across the border for “special reconnaissance” missions.

But Col. Jonathan Withington, public affairs officer for U.S. Forces Korea, said some reporting of the conference had taken Tolley “completely out of context.”

“Quotes have been made up and attributed to him,” he said. He denied that any U.S. or South Korean forces had parachuted into the North.

“Though special reconnaissance is a core special operations force (SOF) mission, at no time have SOF forces been sent to the North to conduct special reconnaissance,” he said in a statement.

The Diplomat quoted Tolley as saying that North Korea had built thousands of tunnels since the 1950-53 Korean War.

“The entire tunnel infrastructure is hidden from our satellites,” the magazine reported him as saying at a press conference in Florida last week. “So we send (South Korean) soldiers and U.S. soldiers to the North to do special reconnaissance.”

According to the magazine, he said commandos parachute in with minimal supplies to watch the tunnels undetected.

At least four of the tunnels built by Pyongyang go under the Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Korea, Tolley was reported as saying. “We don’t know how many we don’t know about.”

May. 29, 2012 - 10:41AM |

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

U.S. Military Denies Parachuting into North Korea

SEOUL, South Korea — The U.S. military on May 29 vehemently denied a media report that special forces had parachuted into North Korea on intelligence-gathering missions and said a source had been misquoted.

Current affairs magazine The Diplomat quoted Brig. Gen. Neil Tolley, commander of special forces in South Korea, as saying soldiers from the U.S. and South Korea had been dropped across the border for “special reconnaissance” missions.

But Col. Jonathan Withington, public affairs officer for U.S. Forces Korea, said some reporting of the conference had taken Tolley “completely out of context.”

“Quotes have been made up and attributed to him,” he said. He denied that any U.S. or South Korean forces had parachuted into the North.

“Though special reconnaissance is a core special operations force (SOF) mission, at no time have SOF forces been sent to the North to conduct special reconnaissance,” he said in a statement.

The Diplomat quoted Tolley as saying that North Korea had built thousands of tunnels since the 1950-53 Korean War.

“The entire tunnel infrastructure is hidden from our satellites,” the magazine reported him as saying at a press conference in Florida last week. “So we send (South Korean) soldiers and U.S. soldiers to the North to do special reconnaissance.”

According to the magazine, he said commandos parachute in with minimal supplies to watch the tunnels undetected.

At least four of the tunnels built by Pyongyang go under the Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Korea, Tolley was reported as saying. “We don’t know how many we don’t know about.”

May. 29, 2012 - 10:41AM |

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

S. Korea Shortlists 3 for Attack Helo Contest

ANKARA — South Korea has narrowed the field of contenders for its multibillion-dollar attack helicopter contest to three, a South Korean government official said May 29 during a visit here — Boeing, Bell Helicopter Textron and an AgustaWestland-Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) team.

Chicago-based Boeing builds the U.S. Army’s AH-64 Apache attack helicopter; Bell Helicopter Textron, Fort Worth, Texas, makes the U.S. Marine Corps’ Cobra family; and AgustaWestland and TAI are teaming on the T-129, a Turkish version of the Italian company’s A-129 Mangusta International, the South Korean official said.

Boeing and Bell have sold gunships to scores of countries, while AgustaWestland and TAI will deliver nine of 59 T-129s to Turkey this year.

A Turkish procurement official confirmed that a South Korean team will attend performance tests in July for the T-129.

Seoul is expected to select a winner to build its 50 helicopters in October. The exact cost of the South Korean program will depend on the helicopter chosen, the configuration and the number bought.

South Korea is expected to use the attack helicopters mainly against fast gunboats deployed by North Korea in the Yellow Sea, west of the two countries.

May. 30, 2012 - 05:18PM |

By UMIT ENGINSOY and BURAK EGE BEKDIL

S. Korea Shortlists 3 for Attack Helo Contest

ANKARA — South Korea has narrowed the field of contenders for its multibillion-dollar attack helicopter contest to three, a South Korean government official said May 29 during a visit here — Boeing, Bell Helicopter Textron and an AgustaWestland-Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) team.

Chicago-based Boeing builds the U.S. Army’s AH-64 Apache attack helicopter; Bell Helicopter Textron, Fort Worth, Texas, makes the U.S. Marine Corps’ Cobra family; and AgustaWestland and TAI are teaming on the T-129, a Turkish version of the Italian company’s A-129 Mangusta International, the South Korean official said.

Boeing and Bell have sold gunships to scores of countries, while AgustaWestland and TAI will deliver nine of 59 T-129s to Turkey this year.

A Turkish procurement official confirmed that a South Korean team will attend performance tests in July for the T-129.

Seoul is expected to select a winner to build its 50 helicopters in October. The exact cost of the South Korean program will depend on the helicopter chosen, the configuration and the number bought.

South Korea is expected to use the attack helicopters mainly against fast gunboats deployed by North Korea in the Yellow Sea, west of the two countries.

May. 30, 2012 - 05:18PM |

By UMIT ENGINSOY and BURAK EGE BEKDIL

Iran: Submarine Fixed Without Russian Help

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran said on May 29 it has managed to overhaul one of the three Russian-made submarines it has in its fleet, despite Moscow rejecting requests for plans and parts.

“At first it was a very difficult task. But with perseverance and determination, our navy proved that it was a doable task,” the commander of the Iranian navy, Adm. Habibollah Sayari, was quoted as saying by the state television website.

The three Kilo class diesel-electric submarines were bought from Russia two decades ago as centerpieces of a navy that relies on them and a half-dozen frigates or destroyers, most of which were bought before Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution.

The sub that was overhauled, “Tareq,” had various parts changed, including engine components and the diving system, and the ailerons, propellers, pumps and electronic units, with replacements all made in Iran, Sayari said.

The Russians, he added, had refused to supply plans of parts. “They insisted that the submarine’s repair be carried out in their country’s shipyard,” he said.

Iran declined that offer because it wanted independence militarily — and also because “if we had returned this submarine to its manufacturer, perhaps we would not have had Tareq returned,” the admiral said.

Iran’s relationship with Russia is largely based on military purchases.

However, disputes between the two nations have been occurring since 2006, when Moscow signed on to U.N. resolutions calling for Tehran to curb its disputed nuclear program.

In 2010, Russia backed out of a commitment to sell an advanced anti-aircraft missile system to the Islamic republic.

May. 29, 2012 - 10:51AM |

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Iran: Submarine Fixed Without Russian Help

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran said on May 29 it has managed to overhaul one of the three Russian-made submarines it has in its fleet, despite Moscow rejecting requests for plans and parts.

“At first it was a very difficult task. But with perseverance and determination, our navy proved that it was a doable task,” the commander of the Iranian navy, Adm. Habibollah Sayari, was quoted as saying by the state television website.

The three Kilo class diesel-electric submarines were bought from Russia two decades ago as centerpieces of a navy that relies on them and a half-dozen frigates or destroyers, most of which were bought before Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution.

The sub that was overhauled, “Tareq,” had various parts changed, including engine components and the diving system, and the ailerons, propellers, pumps and electronic units, with replacements all made in Iran, Sayari said.

The Russians, he added, had refused to supply plans of parts. “They insisted that the submarine’s repair be carried out in their country’s shipyard,” he said.

Iran declined that offer because it wanted independence militarily — and also because “if we had returned this submarine to its manufacturer, perhaps we would not have had Tareq returned,” the admiral said.

Iran’s relationship with Russia is largely based on military purchases.

However, disputes between the two nations have been occurring since 2006, when Moscow signed on to U.N. resolutions calling for Tehran to curb its disputed nuclear program.

In 2010, Russia backed out of a commitment to sell an advanced anti-aircraft missile system to the Islamic republic.

May. 29, 2012 - 10:51AM |

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Norway: NATO Begins New Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise

Between 29 May and 06 June 2012, NATO will conduct a new Anti-Submarine Warfare exercise. DYNAMIC MONGOOSE 12, as the exercise is called, will take place off the coast of Norway and involve four submarines, 11 aircrafts and four surface ships provided by seven NATO nations.

The objective is to provide the best anti-submarine warfare training to NATO naval forces and to guarantee their interoperability in a multi-national environment.

Four submarines from Germany, the Netherlands and Norway are scheduled to join the exercise. Each submarine will have the opportunity to conduct a variety of submarine operations either in a ‘hunting’ or in a ‘hunted’ situation. Four surface warships from France, Germany and Norway will participate in the exercise under the tactical command of the Norwegian Warship HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen. Maritime Patrol Aircrafts (Canadian, French, German and Norwegian) and Anti-Submarine Helicopters (Polish, French and British) will operate from air bases in Sola, Norway and Nordholz, Germany. These two air bases will also ensure control of air operations.

The exercise will be directed from the NATO Maritime Headquarter in Northwood, United Kingdom by Commander Submarines North (COMSUBNORTH) and Commander Maritime Air (COMMARAIR).

By http://navaltoday.com

Norway: NATO Begins New Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise

Between 29 May and 06 June 2012, NATO will conduct a new Anti-Submarine Warfare exercise. DYNAMIC MONGOOSE 12, as the exercise is called, will take place off the coast of Norway and involve four submarines, 11 aircrafts and four surface ships provided by seven NATO nations.

The objective is to provide the best anti-submarine warfare training to NATO naval forces and to guarantee their interoperability in a multi-national environment.

Four submarines from Germany, the Netherlands and Norway are scheduled to join the exercise. Each submarine will have the opportunity to conduct a variety of submarine operations either in a ‘hunting’ or in a ‘hunted’ situation. Four surface warships from France, Germany and Norway will participate in the exercise under the tactical command of the Norwegian Warship HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen. Maritime Patrol Aircrafts (Canadian, French, German and Norwegian) and Anti-Submarine Helicopters (Polish, French and British) will operate from air bases in Sola, Norway and Nordholz, Germany. These two air bases will also ensure control of air operations.

The exercise will be directed from the NATO Maritime Headquarter in Northwood, United Kingdom by Commander Submarines North (COMSUBNORTH) and Commander Maritime Air (COMMARAIR).

By http://navaltoday.com

Iran's Fajr 1 Delayed...... Again

by Robert Christy FBIS
Scarborough, UK (SPX) May 30, 2012

Fajr 1 was originally mentioned by Iran as "ready to launch" early in August 2010 when an Iranian government minister said the lift off was scheduled for the period Aug 24-30. Then, on Aug 16, came an announcement referring to launch of both Fajr 1 and Rasad (another satellite) by the "end of the current Iranian year", March 20, 2011, and mentioning delays due to testing.

At the start of February 2011, Iran said the launch of both Fajr and Rasad could come in the second week of that month, hinting at a dual launch. When the date came round, a new announcement said "early in the new (Iranian) year" - ie after March. Delays in testing Fajr were again mentioned.

At about the same time, some Iranian news sources reported that Fajr had been handed over to the launching agency to go into orbit during April.

April passed and, in May, a further pronouncement said Fajr 1 would be in orbit "by September" but nothing transpired and it simply disappeared from public view. It reappeared ten months later, in February 2012, when a planned launch attempt was again postponed for three months.

On May 13, Iranian Defence MinisterBrigadier GeneralAhmad Vahidi was simultaneously quoted by different Iranian news agencies as saying launch would occur both "between May 23 and May 30", and "during June".

Mehdi Farahi, head of Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization confirmed the May 23 date. It is possible there was some confusion converting from the Iranian calendar as the months overlap those of the conventional calendar.

Either way, the launch will not be taking place for a while. As of May 29, Iran is saying only that it will occur sometime before the end of the current Iranian year - ie March 2013.

Fajr 1 would have been Iran's fourth satellite in five launch attempts starting in 2008. It was to have used the same Safir rocket. This, together with previous references to 'testing delays' indicates that the problem is with the satellite and not the launch vehicle.

Fajr is Iran's most complex satellite to date. It has a mass of about 50 kilogrammes and is based on Iran's first satellite, Omid. An advance over Omid is its extensive use of solar cells rather than simple batteries.

It is also reported as being equipped with a cold-gas thruster to maintain the orbit but it is likely to be experimental rather than essential to the mission. Like Omid, it is equipped with a GPS receiver to help in orbit measurement.

Its purpose is imaging, though little has been said about the hoped-for resolution that will depend to a degree on how well it is stabilised. Omid was not stabilised and tumbled in orbit. There is no obvious stabilisation system in photographs of Fajr but it may use magnets to interact with the Earth's magnetic field.

Previous Iranian satellites have functioned for only short periods of time although Iran has a habit of not announcing mission-end until re-entry after 2-3 months, giving the impression of much longer operating lives.

By virtue of a 300-450 kilometre orbit, some 50-100 kilometres higher than its predecessors, it will stay up for about 18 months. Iran is saying it will operate for all of that period but this is probably in line with the way it described the lifetime of the earlier satellites.

We now wait to see how long it takes Iran to resolve the issues, that might be with stabilisation and the thruster system, and whether the next time we hear it mentioned will be as it goes into orbit.

Robert Christy has been analysing and documenting space events since the early 1960s and currently provides information via his web site.

Iran's Fajr 1 Delayed...... Again

by Robert Christy FBIS
Scarborough, UK (SPX) May 30, 2012

Fajr 1 was originally mentioned by Iran as "ready to launch" early in August 2010 when an Iranian government minister said the lift off was scheduled for the period Aug 24-30. Then, on Aug 16, came an announcement referring to launch of both Fajr 1 and Rasad (another satellite) by the "end of the current Iranian year", March 20, 2011, and mentioning delays due to testing.

At the start of February 2011, Iran said the launch of both Fajr and Rasad could come in the second week of that month, hinting at a dual launch. When the date came round, a new announcement said "early in the new (Iranian) year" - ie after March. Delays in testing Fajr were again mentioned.

At about the same time, some Iranian news sources reported that Fajr had been handed over to the launching agency to go into orbit during April.

April passed and, in May, a further pronouncement said Fajr 1 would be in orbit "by September" but nothing transpired and it simply disappeared from public view. It reappeared ten months later, in February 2012, when a planned launch attempt was again postponed for three months.

On May 13, Iranian Defence MinisterBrigadier GeneralAhmad Vahidi was simultaneously quoted by different Iranian news agencies as saying launch would occur both "between May 23 and May 30", and "during June".

Mehdi Farahi, head of Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization confirmed the May 23 date. It is possible there was some confusion converting from the Iranian calendar as the months overlap those of the conventional calendar.

Either way, the launch will not be taking place for a while. As of May 29, Iran is saying only that it will occur sometime before the end of the current Iranian year - ie March 2013.

Fajr 1 would have been Iran's fourth satellite in five launch attempts starting in 2008. It was to have used the same Safir rocket. This, together with previous references to 'testing delays' indicates that the problem is with the satellite and not the launch vehicle.

Fajr is Iran's most complex satellite to date. It has a mass of about 50 kilogrammes and is based on Iran's first satellite, Omid. An advance over Omid is its extensive use of solar cells rather than simple batteries.

It is also reported as being equipped with a cold-gas thruster to maintain the orbit but it is likely to be experimental rather than essential to the mission. Like Omid, it is equipped with a GPS receiver to help in orbit measurement.

Its purpose is imaging, though little has been said about the hoped-for resolution that will depend to a degree on how well it is stabilised. Omid was not stabilised and tumbled in orbit. There is no obvious stabilisation system in photographs of Fajr but it may use magnets to interact with the Earth's magnetic field.

Previous Iranian satellites have functioned for only short periods of time although Iran has a habit of not announcing mission-end until re-entry after 2-3 months, giving the impression of much longer operating lives.

By virtue of a 300-450 kilometre orbit, some 50-100 kilometres higher than its predecessors, it will stay up for about 18 months. Iran is saying it will operate for all of that period but this is probably in line with the way it described the lifetime of the earlier satellites.

We now wait to see how long it takes Iran to resolve the issues, that might be with stabilisation and the thruster system, and whether the next time we hear it mentioned will be as it goes into orbit.

Robert Christy has been analysing and documenting space events since the early 1960s and currently provides information via his web site.

Poland Eyes Light Strike Vehicles for Spec Ops in Afghanistan

WARSAW — The Polish Ministry of Defense has announced it is inviting offers from manufacturers to supply the Polish armed forces with 118 Light Strike Vehicles (LSVs).

The four-wheel-drive vehicles are expected to carry a crew of at least three and weigh a maximum of 1.7 tons, the ministry’s Armament Inspectorate said in a statement.

The new LSVs are intended to be supplied to the country’s Special Operations Forces, which are currently deployed to the Afghan province of Ghazni.

Under the ministry’s preliminary requirements, the vehicles must have a minimum range of 497 miles, a maximum speed of at least 63 mph on-road, and an off-road maximum speed of at least 38 mph. The LSVs are also to be equipped with blast-absorbing seats and four-point seat belts.

Offers, including the vehicles’ technical specification, eventual delivery schedule, price tag and utilization costs, are to be submitted to the Armament Inspectorate by June 6, 2012, at the latest, the statement said.

The LSVs are to be fitted with 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine guns, and 40mm automatic grenade launchers, according to the Polish ministry.

May. 29, 2012 - 05:16PM |

By JAROSLAW ADAMOWSKI

Poland Eyes Light Strike Vehicles for Spec Ops in Afghanistan

WARSAW — The Polish Ministry of Defense has announced it is inviting offers from manufacturers to supply the Polish armed forces with 118 Light Strike Vehicles (LSVs).

The four-wheel-drive vehicles are expected to carry a crew of at least three and weigh a maximum of 1.7 tons, the ministry’s Armament Inspectorate said in a statement.

The new LSVs are intended to be supplied to the country’s Special Operations Forces, which are currently deployed to the Afghan province of Ghazni.

Under the ministry’s preliminary requirements, the vehicles must have a minimum range of 497 miles, a maximum speed of at least 63 mph on-road, and an off-road maximum speed of at least 38 mph. The LSVs are also to be equipped with blast-absorbing seats and four-point seat belts.

Offers, including the vehicles’ technical specification, eventual delivery schedule, price tag and utilization costs, are to be submitted to the Armament Inspectorate by June 6, 2012, at the latest, the statement said.

The LSVs are to be fitted with 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine guns, and 40mm automatic grenade launchers, according to the Polish ministry.

May. 29, 2012 - 05:16PM |

By JAROSLAW ADAMOWSKI

Panetta To Discuss New U.S. Asia Policy, Indian Ties During Trip

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta plans to give two major policy speeches in Asia in the coming days that will address a greater Pentagon emphasis on the Pacific and the broadening of a partnership with India, according to senior defense officials.

“We just see India as a partner with whom we have a lot of common interests and a lot of things we can achieve together — a lot of areas we can work well together,” a senior defense official said May 29.

Panetta plans to discuss the new U.S. strategic military guidance, announced in January, that puts a greater emphasis on the Pacific region and makes mention of India as a strategic partner.

“We’re really shifting to a point at which our defense interactions with India are becoming routine,” the official said. “We expect cooperation, and we’re moving to an era in which we think defense cooperation with India is just going to be on a steady roll. [Panetta is] going to be really focusing on how we continue to move forward that partnership.”

The U.S. wants to expand the relationship beyond weapon purchases to a point where interaction is routine, the official noted.

“We’re trying to have a relationship with India that is broad, strategic and continual, that is not focused on a given transaction for a given trip,” the official said.

The Pentagon is working with India on a “host of things” that will “enable technology cooperation,” and “work better with the Indians in terms of overall aligning our systems.”

The visit to India is part of Panetta’s nine-day trip, his second to the region and first visit since the Pentagon released the new military strategy. Panetta is also scheduled to give a major policy speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a meeting of global defense leaders in Singapore.

The speech at the Shangri-La summit will “give a comprehensive account to partners and everyone in the region about what the rebalance to the Asia Pacific will mean in practice,” the official said.

Panetta is also expected to meet with a number of his counterparts from the region, including defense officials from Singapore and Thailand. There is also the possibility for trilateral meetings as DoD officials finalize the secretary’s schedule.

The Pentagon’s delegation to the meetings also will include Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Adm. Samuel Locklear, commander of U.S. Pacific Command.

Panetta also has a meeting scheduled with Locklear at Pacific Command headquarters in Hawaii on the way to Shangri-La.

Panetta will spend two days in Vietnam where he will discuss several areas of cooperation with defense officials there. The senior defense official said the U.S. has a “very robust relationship” and “very healthy” military-to-military relationship with Vietnam.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta will travel to India during his nine-day trip to meet with Pacific leaders. (File photo / Agence France-Presse)

May. 30, 2012 - 10:15AM |

By MARCUS WEISGERBER

Panetta To Discuss New U.S. Asia Policy, Indian Ties During Trip

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta plans to give two major policy speeches in Asia in the coming days that will address a greater Pentagon emphasis on the Pacific and the broadening of a partnership with India, according to senior defense officials.

“We just see India as a partner with whom we have a lot of common interests and a lot of things we can achieve together — a lot of areas we can work well together,” a senior defense official said May 29.

Panetta plans to discuss the new U.S. strategic military guidance, announced in January, that puts a greater emphasis on the Pacific region and makes mention of India as a strategic partner.

“We’re really shifting to a point at which our defense interactions with India are becoming routine,” the official said. “We expect cooperation, and we’re moving to an era in which we think defense cooperation with India is just going to be on a steady roll. [Panetta is] going to be really focusing on how we continue to move forward that partnership.”

The U.S. wants to expand the relationship beyond weapon purchases to a point where interaction is routine, the official noted.

“We’re trying to have a relationship with India that is broad, strategic and continual, that is not focused on a given transaction for a given trip,” the official said.

The Pentagon is working with India on a “host of things” that will “enable technology cooperation,” and “work better with the Indians in terms of overall aligning our systems.”

The visit to India is part of Panetta’s nine-day trip, his second to the region and first visit since the Pentagon released the new military strategy. Panetta is also scheduled to give a major policy speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a meeting of global defense leaders in Singapore.

The speech at the Shangri-La summit will “give a comprehensive account to partners and everyone in the region about what the rebalance to the Asia Pacific will mean in practice,” the official said.

Panetta is also expected to meet with a number of his counterparts from the region, including defense officials from Singapore and Thailand. There is also the possibility for trilateral meetings as DoD officials finalize the secretary’s schedule.

The Pentagon’s delegation to the meetings also will include Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Adm. Samuel Locklear, commander of U.S. Pacific Command.

Panetta also has a meeting scheduled with Locklear at Pacific Command headquarters in Hawaii on the way to Shangri-La.

Panetta will spend two days in Vietnam where he will discuss several areas of cooperation with defense officials there. The senior defense official said the U.S. has a “very robust relationship” and “very healthy” military-to-military relationship with Vietnam.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta will travel to India during his nine-day trip to meet with Pacific leaders. (File photo / Agence France-Presse)

May. 30, 2012 - 10:15AM |

By MARCUS WEISGERBER

Israeli army soldiers to be equipped with miniature Iron Dome anti-rocket defense system.

GOC Ground Forces Maj. Gen. Shlomo (Sami) Turgeman of IDF (Israel Defense Forces) spoke at the Conference on Air and Land Jointness in a Complex Environment yesterday (Wednesday, May 23), presenting the IDF Ground Force's plans for improving its firepower. Among other topics, he discussed a future project to supply soldiers in the field with equipment capable of intercepting rockets, similar to the successful anti-rocket defense system, the Iron Dome. (Author: Iddan Sonsino - IDF Israel Defense Forces)

The Israeli Iron Dome is an effective and innovative mobile defense solution for countering short range rockets and 155 mm artillery shell threats with ranges of up to 70 km.

"Our vision is to utilize soldiers in order to combat the threat of high-trajectory missiles," Maj. Gen. Turgeman explained. "We can use our maneuvering power at the front for advanced interception of rockets, as a sort of small Iron Dome." He elaborated that the new system, which soldiers can carry with them, will enable rocket interception on enemy territory and will provide a quick method of accurately locating launch sites. "In addition to preventing injuries among civilians and soldiers, the new system will provide information telling us in real time what the enemy is firing and from where. This way of locating rockets will let us close the fire circle in seconds." Additionally, Maj. Gen. Turgeman discussed a new organizational method establishing a firepower headquarters."In order to accommodate our growing fire capabilities to the crowded, urban battle environment, we must take the same weapons that so far have been concentrated at the division level and move them to a firepower headquarters in each brigade. The brigade firepower headquarters will know how to utilize the advanced capabilities that we have built over the course of decades, while harnessing comprehensive intelligence that will reach the fire headquarters. This will be a very effective body - a shrunken and efficient command." GOC Ground Forces also discussed the threat of anti-tank missiles posed by terrorist, which he said is "the challenge that most influences our maneuvering tactics." In coping with this threat, he said, "the forward battle crews, which so far have been relatively visible on the battlefield, will receive new capabilities. We will greatly expand the intelligence power of the combat soldiers. In real time, they will receive information from all levels - visual intelligence, field intelligence, intelligence from wiretaps, and information assembled everyday will all reach the soldiers in the field."

By http://www.armyrecognition.com

Israeli army soldiers to be equipped with miniature Iron Dome anti-rocket defense system.

GOC Ground Forces Maj. Gen. Shlomo (Sami) Turgeman of IDF (Israel Defense Forces) spoke at the Conference on Air and Land Jointness in a Complex Environment yesterday (Wednesday, May 23), presenting the IDF Ground Force's plans for improving its firepower. Among other topics, he discussed a future project to supply soldiers in the field with equipment capable of intercepting rockets, similar to the successful anti-rocket defense system, the Iron Dome. (Author: Iddan Sonsino - IDF Israel Defense Forces)

The Israeli Iron Dome is an effective and innovative mobile defense solution for countering short range rockets and 155 mm artillery shell threats with ranges of up to 70 km.

"Our vision is to utilize soldiers in order to combat the threat of high-trajectory missiles," Maj. Gen. Turgeman explained. "We can use our maneuvering power at the front for advanced interception of rockets, as a sort of small Iron Dome." He elaborated that the new system, which soldiers can carry with them, will enable rocket interception on enemy territory and will provide a quick method of accurately locating launch sites. "In addition to preventing injuries among civilians and soldiers, the new system will provide information telling us in real time what the enemy is firing and from where. This way of locating rockets will let us close the fire circle in seconds." Additionally, Maj. Gen. Turgeman discussed a new organizational method establishing a firepower headquarters."In order to accommodate our growing fire capabilities to the crowded, urban battle environment, we must take the same weapons that so far have been concentrated at the division level and move them to a firepower headquarters in each brigade. The brigade firepower headquarters will know how to utilize the advanced capabilities that we have built over the course of decades, while harnessing comprehensive intelligence that will reach the fire headquarters. This will be a very effective body - a shrunken and efficient command." GOC Ground Forces also discussed the threat of anti-tank missiles posed by terrorist, which he said is "the challenge that most influences our maneuvering tactics." In coping with this threat, he said, "the forward battle crews, which so far have been relatively visible on the battlefield, will receive new capabilities. We will greatly expand the intelligence power of the combat soldiers. In real time, they will receive information from all levels - visual intelligence, field intelligence, intelligence from wiretaps, and information assembled everyday will all reach the soldiers in the field."

By http://www.armyrecognition.com

USC to Deliver Five Borey Class Nuke Subs to Russian MoD

Reportedly, no further details are known about the contract signing, which was brought to a question in the aftermath of failed talks on agreeing on pricing conditions.

The talks have been back on track after Russian President Vladimir Putin intervened, urging his Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov to come to terms with USC and agree on the final price.

Under the contract, the Russian Navy should renew its fleet with additional 10 new Borey class strategic nuclear submarines by 2020, outfitted with Bulava ballistic missiles.

Just a few hours upon Vladimir Putin’s inauguration ceremony in Kremlin, the newly elected Russian President passed his first decisions as the country’s leader, putting a focus on defense and foreign policy strategies, followed by modernization of weaponry and intelligence improvement.

The move stems from a desire to protect Russia’s strategic interests and strengthen its position as military super power. Having that in mind, the Russian government has allocated five trillion rubles ($156 bln) or a quarter of the entire armament procurement budget until 2020 for the purpose.

A contract for delivery of a set consisting of five Borey class nuclear submarines has been signed on Friday by the Russia’s Defense Ministry and United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), Alexei Kravchenko confirmed to RIA NOVOSTI on May 28.

By Nevaltoday

USC to Deliver Five Borey Class Nuke Subs to Russian MoD

Reportedly, no further details are known about the contract signing, which was brought to a question in the aftermath of failed talks on agreeing on pricing conditions.

The talks have been back on track after Russian President Vladimir Putin intervened, urging his Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov to come to terms with USC and agree on the final price.

Under the contract, the Russian Navy should renew its fleet with additional 10 new Borey class strategic nuclear submarines by 2020, outfitted with Bulava ballistic missiles.

Just a few hours upon Vladimir Putin’s inauguration ceremony in Kremlin, the newly elected Russian President passed his first decisions as the country’s leader, putting a focus on defense and foreign policy strategies, followed by modernization of weaponry and intelligence improvement.

The move stems from a desire to protect Russia’s strategic interests and strengthen its position as military super power. Having that in mind, the Russian government has allocated five trillion rubles ($156 bln) or a quarter of the entire armament procurement budget until 2020 for the purpose.

A contract for delivery of a set consisting of five Borey class nuclear submarines has been signed on Friday by the Russia’s Defense Ministry and United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), Alexei Kravchenko confirmed to RIA NOVOSTI on May 28.

By Nevaltoday

3-fold hike in financial powers of service headquarters

NEW DELHI (PTI): Aiming to accelerate procurement process in the Indian armed forces, Defence Minister A K Antony has approved a three-fold hike-from Rs 50 crore to Rs 150 crore-in the financial powers of Service headquarters.

The decision was taken on Monday during a security review meeting with the three Service chiefs--Admiral Nirmal Verma, General V K Singh and Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne--during which the Defence Minister also had a detailed review of the current security situation.

Defence Secretary Shashikant Sharma was also present in the meeting.

"To accelerate the process of procurement for the armed forces, the Defence Minister on Monday gave his in-principle approval to a three-fold hike in the delegation of financial powers to Service headquarters--from the current Rs 50 crore to Rs 150 crore," a Defence Ministry spokesperson said.

Antony had agreed to provide more financial powers to the three services during the meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in April for speedier acquisition of arms and equipment.

Antony had also directed the three services to streamline their acquisition process and fix accountability in case of delays in procurement of critical equipment.

Recently, the Ministry has approved the 15-year Long Term Integrated Perspective Planning (LTIPP) and the 12th Defence Plan which would project requirements of the armed forces to be met through indigenisation and robust involvement of private sector.

By brahmand.com

3-fold hike in financial powers of service headquarters

NEW DELHI (PTI): Aiming to accelerate procurement process in the Indian armed forces, Defence Minister A K Antony has approved a three-fold hike-from Rs 50 crore to Rs 150 crore-in the financial powers of Service headquarters.

The decision was taken on Monday during a security review meeting with the three Service chiefs--Admiral Nirmal Verma, General V K Singh and Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne--during which the Defence Minister also had a detailed review of the current security situation.

Defence Secretary Shashikant Sharma was also present in the meeting.

"To accelerate the process of procurement for the armed forces, the Defence Minister on Monday gave his in-principle approval to a three-fold hike in the delegation of financial powers to Service headquarters--from the current Rs 50 crore to Rs 150 crore," a Defence Ministry spokesperson said.

Antony had agreed to provide more financial powers to the three services during the meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in April for speedier acquisition of arms and equipment.

Antony had also directed the three services to streamline their acquisition process and fix accountability in case of delays in procurement of critical equipment.

Recently, the Ministry has approved the 15-year Long Term Integrated Perspective Planning (LTIPP) and the 12th Defence Plan which would project requirements of the armed forces to be met through indigenisation and robust involvement of private sector.

By brahmand.com

Zvezdochka Shipyard to Deliver Two SSBN (Projet 667BDRM Delfin – Delta-IV) and One SSK (Kilo) to Russian Navy

Zvezdochka Shipyard plans to deliver to the Russian Navy two nuclear-powered submarines and one diesel-electric submarine undergoing overhaul and upgrade at the shipyards by the end of 2012. Zvezdochka Shipyard will hand over this year two Delta class submarines IV-class SSBN Verkhoturye (K-51), SSBN Novomoskovsk (K-407) and diesel-electric KILO-class SS Kaluga (B-800). Besides, the shipbuilder plans to deliver to India the submarine "Sindurakshak" by the end of this year, undergoing maintainance and upgrade at the shipyards.

Refited Verkhoturye SSBN (Project 667BDRM Delfin) during the ceremony at Zvezdochka shipyard (Picture: http://kuleshovoleg.livejournal.com/34689.html)

Severodvinsk-based Shipbuilding Center ‘Zvezdochka’ is a diversified shipbuilding enterprise. It has two covered slipways with 7 shipbuilding sites which are designed for overhaul and construction of vessels with a launching weight of up to 18,000 tons. The firm is majority owned by Northern Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Center, part of JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation. Project 667BDRM Delfin nuclear-powered subs are basic assets of Russia’s maritime nuclear deterrence force. Their construction was started in 1981 at Sevmash shipyard. In total, the Russian Navy received seven submarines of the class between 1984 till 1990. Presently, Russian Navy operates six of them. Zvezdochka shipyard has repaired and modernized all of them from 1999 to 2012. Verkhoturye SSBN – lead sub of the class– was laid down at Sevmash shipyard in February 1981.

By http://www.navyrecognition.com

Zvezdochka Shipyard to Deliver Two SSBN (Projet 667BDRM Delfin – Delta-IV) and One SSK (Kilo) to Russian Navy

Zvezdochka Shipyard plans to deliver to the Russian Navy two nuclear-powered submarines and one diesel-electric submarine undergoing overhaul and upgrade at the shipyards by the end of 2012. Zvezdochka Shipyard will hand over this year two Delta class submarines IV-class SSBN Verkhoturye (K-51), SSBN Novomoskovsk (K-407) and diesel-electric KILO-class SS Kaluga (B-800). Besides, the shipbuilder plans to deliver to India the submarine "Sindurakshak" by the end of this year, undergoing maintainance and upgrade at the shipyards.

Refited Verkhoturye SSBN (Project 667BDRM Delfin) during the ceremony at Zvezdochka shipyard (Picture: http://kuleshovoleg.livejournal.com/34689.html)

Severodvinsk-based Shipbuilding Center ‘Zvezdochka’ is a diversified shipbuilding enterprise. It has two covered slipways with 7 shipbuilding sites which are designed for overhaul and construction of vessels with a launching weight of up to 18,000 tons. The firm is majority owned by Northern Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Center, part of JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation. Project 667BDRM Delfin nuclear-powered subs are basic assets of Russia’s maritime nuclear deterrence force. Their construction was started in 1981 at Sevmash shipyard. In total, the Russian Navy received seven submarines of the class between 1984 till 1990. Presently, Russian Navy operates six of them. Zvezdochka shipyard has repaired and modernized all of them from 1999 to 2012. Verkhoturye SSBN – lead sub of the class– was laid down at Sevmash shipyard in February 1981.

By http://www.navyrecognition.com

Al-Qaida’s No. 2 leader killed in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan — The U.S.-led NATO force in Afghanistan killed al-Qaida's second-highest leader in the country in an airstrike in eastern Kunar province, the coalition said Tuesday.

Sakhr al-Taifi, also known as Mushtaq and Nasim, was responsible for commanding foreign insurgents in Afghanistan and directing attacks against NATO and Afghan forces, the alliance said. He frequently traveled between Afghanistan and Pakistan, carrying out commands from senior al-Qaida leadership and ferrying in weapons and fighters.

The airstrike that killed al-Taifi and another al-Qaida militant took place Sunday in Kunar's Watahpur district, the coalition said. A follow-on assessment of the area determined that no civilians were harmed, it said.

The U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan was carried out because al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden used the country as his base to plan the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in New York and Washington.

Most of al-Qaida's senior leaders are now believed to be based in Pakistan, where they fled following the U.S. invasion. The terrorist organization is believed to have only a nominal presence in Afghanistan.

Many senior al-Qaida commanders have died in U.S. drone attacks in Pakistan's northwest tribal region, and bin Laden was killed by U.S. commandos in the Pakistani town of Abbottabad last May.

Bin Laden advised al-Qaida militants to leave Pakistan's North and South Waziristan tribal areas because of the threat of drone attacks, according to letters seized from the compound where he was killed. The documents were later released by the U.S.

In one of the letters, bin Laden recommended they go to Afghanistan's Kunar province because of "its rougher terrain; too many mountains, rivers, and trees that can accommodate hundreds of brothers without being spotted by the enemy," according to the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, which published the documents.

Elsewhere in Pakistan, two would-be suicide bombers riding in a vehicle packed with explosives in eastern Nangarhar province were killed when the vehicle exploded prematurely, said a local government official, Shakrulla. Three others in the vehicle were severely wounded. The explosion occurred on the main highway between Jalalabad city and Torkham, a town on the Pakistani border.

By Sebastian Abbot - The Associated Press