Wednesday, July 15, 2009

DTN News: Yonex-Sunrise Present The First Badminton World Championship In India

DTN News: Yonex-Sunrise Present The First Badminton World Championship In India *The First Ever World Championship in Olympic Sport to be held in India at Hyderabad
*Source: DTN News / Business Wire India (Click for link) (NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - July 15, 2009: World’s No.1 Badminton brand YONEX and its international Distributor for South East Asia including India, Sunrise & Co. Pte Ltd have come together to present the first ever BWF World Championship 2009 at Hyderabad to take place between August 10th-16th. Organized by the Badminton World Federation and Badminton Association Of India in association with YONEX-SUNRISE, this is the first time ever for India to be hosting a World Championship event for an Olympic sport in over 20 years! Amongst the leading international badminton players Taufik Hidayat (Indonesia), Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia), Peter Gade (Denmark), the Indian Badminton sensation Saina Nehwal will also be participating in the tournament.. It will see approximately 500 participants from 45 countries such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Denmark, Japan, China, Sweden, Vietnam, England, Korea, France, Austria, Belgium, Thailand etc. competing for the top honors.
Says Mr. V. K. Verma, President, Badminton Association of India, “It is a privilege for us to be organizing the World Championship and indeed a great landmark event for it to be held in India. Yonex, the World’s No.1 badminton brand has a major role in promoting and fostering talent in the sport internationally and it is only with their support and contribution together with the participation of Sunrise Sports that this huge opportunity has been made possible.” Mr. Verma also acknowledges significant support received from the Ministry of Sports, Government of India In promoting this event.
Mr. D. K. Seth, MD, Sunrise & Co. (PTE) Ltd, said, “The World Championship is a tournament where the best players of the world get to compete for the ultimate honor and being associated with such an event is a matter of pride for us. We strongly believe in providing the best equipment and support for nurturing young talent in badminton and this year’s BWF World Championship 2009 will be a great platform for some of them to showcase their talent in an international arena. Team India will be coached by the veteran badminton player, Pulella Gopichand and we are eagerly looking forward to seeing some super performances!”
The draws for the YONEX Sunrise World Championship 2009 will be announced on 21st July, 2009 at Hotel Taj Palace in the presence of Dr.M.S.Gill - Sports Minister of India, Mr. Suresh Kalmadi-President, Indian Olympic Association, Mr. Mike Fennell–President, Commonwealth Games Federation, Ms. Sindhushree Khullar Secretary (Ministry of Sports), Mr. Paisan Rangsikitpho, Deputy President, Badminton World Federation and Mr.D.K.Seth- Managing Director Sunrise & Co, Pte Ltd. and Mr.V.K.Verma-President Badminton Association of India. The draws will be announced for the following categories:
1. Men’s singles ~ o Men’s singles (64 entries)
2. Women’s singles ~ o Women’s singles (57 entries)
3. Men’s doubles ~ o Men’s doubles (52 entries)
4. Women’s doubles ~ o Women’s doubles (43 entries)
5. Mixed doubles ~ o Mixed Doubles (50 entries)
About BWF World Championships:
The BWF World Championships is held every year except for the year of an Olympic Games. It is a showcase of the very best in the sport and it determines the World Champions in each of the five disciplines – men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles. The first World Championships was hosted in Malmo Sweden in 1977, and a Championship was held every three years until 1983, after which, it became a biennial event.
Since 2005 however, the BWF World Championships has become an annual tournament, being hosted every year except in the year of the Olympic Games.
The BWF World Championships is an individual event and each Member Association is invited to enter their players in the men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles and the mixed doubles events. For each event, the third place winner gets a bronze medal, the runner-up a silver and the winner is awarded a gold medal and title “World Champion”.
About YONEX:
Yonex the No. 1 in world badminton is also the undisputed market leader in India and has established itself firmly in the local sports firmament. YONEX is a world leader in racquet and shaft technology.
Yonex has also made its name as a trusted equipment supplier to major international events like Sydney Olympics and Atlanta Centennial Olympic games from the year 1992 up till date. It has been chosen as the official supplier to the BWF Badminton Asia Confederation, Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, South East Asian Games and majority of badminton tournaments around the world.
Most of the world’s top badminton players use YONEX as their racquet of choice like Taufik Hidayat, Lee Chong Wei, Peter Gade, Saina Nehwal etc. In the 2004 Olympics, 75% of badminton players used YONEX racquets and 22 out of 24 medals were won by YONEX equipped players. In the 2008 Olympics, all medals were won by YONEX equipped players.
About Sunrise & Co. PTE Ltd.:
Sunrise & Company PTE Ltd. is a multinational conglomerate focused on distribution & wholesale of branded sporting equipment, accessories, sports apparels and sports footwear. The group has network companies and offices in China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Phillipines, Singapore & Vietnam. Apart from these, the group also has business relations in Brunei, Macau & Sri Lanka.
Sunrise & Company PTE Ltd. was established in 1979 by Mr. R.L.Seth who turned the company into a business venture by obtaining the sole agency rights for the distribution of internationally acclaimed YONEX products in countries across Asia. Sunrise, along with YONEX, sponsors international badminton tournaments in various countries within the company's network. They have also been the suppliers of the official attire to the national contingents of several countries participating in the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and SEA Games.
For press backgrounder on Yonex click here
Media contact details
Neha Sharma,
IPAN Hill & Knowlton,
+91 (11) 42492113,
Prashant Subramanian,
IPAN Hill & Knowlton,
+91 (11) 42492111,

DTN News: France Laid Out A Red Carpet For Defence Deals

DTN News: France Laid Out A Red Carpet For Defence Deals
*Source: DTN News / The Telegraph ~ Calcutta India....By SUJAN DUTTA
(NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - July 15, 2009: When contingents from the Indian armed forces led the Bastille Day parade in the Champs Elysees this morning, France was according India a rare honour. Indian Army guest-troops march down the Champs Elysees avenue during rehearsal early on July 11, 2009, in Paris, in preparation of the Bastille Day parade where the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be guest of honour. Joining the French troops, some 310 soldiers will parade down the Champs Elysees on July 14 to the sound of Indian martial music played by a 90-member military band. France’s charm offensive is not without reason: India’s armed forces hold out the possibility of billions of euros worth of orders for France’s military industrial complex. France lost out on two major deals that it thought it was close to clinching. In 2007, the defence ministry cancelled a tender for 197 helicopters for the Indian Air Force, an order that Eurocopter, with France and Germany in the lead, was convinced it was winning by edging out the US’s Bell Textron. Two years earlier, after protracted negotiations, India awarded the contract for 66 Hawk advanced jet trainers to British Aerospace. France’s Alphajet was an early competitor in the race but tardy Indian procedures edged it out. History repeated itself when Dassault Aviation decided in 2006 that it could not keep its assembly line for the Mirage 2000-V open in anticipation of an Indian order that may or may not materialise. The liberalisation of Indian defence procurement policies means that there are more orders for which France can bid, even as France seeks to build on traditional ties it has. But France is also noting the orders that Russia and the US have won without going through an open tender process. French companies have been expecting that an order to upgrade the IAF’s fleet of Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft — a favourite of Indian fighter pilots — that has been in the works for more than two years now would be contracted during the Prime Minister’s visit. The order could be worth more than $2 billion (Rs 10,000 crore), generating business for French majors Dassault Aviation and Thales. The Mirage 2000, that the IAF used in air-to-ground attacks in the 1999 Kargil war, are of French origin. But the French are facing stiff competition from Israeli firms to upgrade the aircraft’s avionics and weapon systems to extend service life by another 20 years. Defence secretary Vijay Singh, who is a member of the Prime Minister’s delegation to France, was widely expected to lead the negotiations and clinch an agreement this time. Singh is now headed back to India. A defence delegation from France, too, is expected. Other orders that France is expecting from India are: Coastal security software and hardware. Last month, Indian coast guard and navy officers visited France that is using its system of Napoleonic coastal fortresses networked with an EADS (European Aeronautic Defence & Space Company) system called Spationav. In 2005, India contracted six Scorpene submarines for $3 billion. Three are to be delivered by France (DCN Thales) fully made and three are to be made in Mazgaon Docks under transfer of technology. The project is delayed. The submarines are to be delivered between 2010 and 2015. Reports speak of the possibility of a delay in the transfer of technology. In that event, prices could escalate and France may ask for a renegotiation. India is renegotiating the Gorshkov aircraft carrier deal with Russia. The IAF wants to buy the Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) instead of the Russian-built Ilyushin-78 air-to-air tanker. But the cabinet committee on security has not yet decided, unsure whether it is wise to irk the Russians. The Ilyushin and Airbus platform were competing for the tender announced by the ministry of defence three years ago, consisting of six mid-air tanker aircraft worth nearly $1 billion. France wants India to issue the contract soonest. The Rafale was one of the six fighter jets competing for India's tender for 126 multi-role fighters. In April 2009, news reports stated the Dassault Rafale has been disqualified from the competition for not meeting minimum performance requirements of the Indian Air Force. Other competing aircraft, namely Mikoyan MiG-35, F-16, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, JAS 39 Gripen and Eurofighter Typhoon, qualified for the next round of evaluation. However, the Indian Defense Ministry denied this report; an IAF spokesman stated, "we have not ruled anyone out yet in the MMRCA competition". The biggest of them all — the order for 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft for the IAF that could total as much as $12 billion. France is aggressively marketing the Rafale (Dassault). It is in competition with the F-16 Super Viper (Lockheed, US), F-18 Super Hornet (Boeing, US), MiG35 (RSK MiG Corp, Russia), Eurofighter Typhoon (EADS, European Consortium excluding France) and JAS 39 Gripen (Saab Gripen, Sweden). The governments are lobbying to win the order through diplomatic leverage. France’s plus point — it did not sanction India after the 1998 nuclear tests. Also Dassault, the maker of the Rafale, has a long-standing relationship with the IAF.

DTN News: President Nicolas Sarkozy Calls For High-Tech Military Spending

DTN News: President Nicolas Sarkozy Calls For High-Tech Military Spending *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) PARIS, France - July 15, 2009: President Nicolas Sarkozy opened the traditional Bastille Day military parade to Indian and German troops Tuesday, as France looks to expand its global military influence. French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner attend the traditional garden party at the Elysee Palace following the Bastille day military parade in Paris, July 14, 2009. French forces marched with precision down the Champs Elysees along with Indian troops in colorful uniforms and German soldiers in sober dress. Attack jets in tight formation roared across blue skies overhead to the delight of thousands of cheering onlookers. The mood in the city was unaffected by violent clashes overnight in a Paris suburb. The annual holiday parade marks the July 14, 1789, storming of the Bastille prison in eastern Paris that helped spark the French Revolution. French companies have been seeking new markets for their military and nuclear technology, and Sarkozy pledged Tuesday that despite the economic crisis he would not seek to cut French military spending on high-tech weapons or intelligence gathering. French President Nicolas Sarkozy and French Army Chief of Staff Jean-Louis Georgelin open the Bastille Day military parade on their command car, at the top of the Champs Elysees avenue in Paris, on July 14, 2009. Indian troops star at France's Bastille Day military parade, with a proud 400-strong detachment marching down the Champs Elysees under the eyes of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The French military is in the midst of restructuring that has forced the closing of some military bases in France and Africa as the country expands in the Persian Gulf. France hopes its presence there will bolster international efforts to fight piracy and guard shipping lanes while giving France more leverage with Iran and the Gulf states. Sarkozy paid tribute to the effort of "modernization without precedent," and said he would put "an absolute priority on everything concerning intelligence" while emphasizing spending on military technology, especially that which could be used in the civilian sector. Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, greeted children who were treated in France for wounds received in wars and conflicts overseas, and also paid tribute to French troops serving with other NATO troops in Afghanistan. Indian troops parade on the Champs-Elysees during the Bastille Day's celebrations, on July 14, 2009 in Paris. Indian troops star at France's Bastille Day military parade, with a proud 400-strong detachment marching down the Champs Elysees under the eyes of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. "I told President Obama that we would help because this country (Afghanistan) must regain the conditions of its freedom. We are not going to let the Taliban cut off the hands of little girls because they put on nail polish," Sarkozy said. The German troops marching in Tuesday's parade, under the review of German President Horst Koehler, were part of a joint brigade deployed in the eastern French city of Strasbourg. As part of France's return to the NATO command structure this year after a 43-year absence, France welcomed the German troops into the Strasbourg brigade The focus on India was part of French attempts to extend its influence in regions where it has been overshadowed by Britain and the United States and to find new markets for its military and nuclear technology.

DTN News: Boeing Delivers 12-Nation Strategic Airlift Capability’s 1st C-17 Globemaster III

DTN News: Boeing Delivers 12-Nation Strategic Airlift Capability’s 1st C-17 Globemaster III *Source: DTN News / Boeing Company
(NSI News Source Info) LONG BEACH, Calif., - July 15, 2009: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] yesterday delivered the first Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) C-17 Globemaster III during a ceremony at its final assembly facility in Long Beach, paving the way for the advanced airlifter’s historic arrival at Pápa Air Base, Hungary, later this month. The SAC’s approach to shared use of the strategic airlifter is regarded as a model for the pooled acquisition and management of defense capabilities. “I salute the 12 nations that have joined together to form the Strategic Airlift Capability,” said U.S. Air Force Col. John Zazworsky, the first commander of Pápa Air Base’s Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW). “This aircraft, along with the two that will follow, is a direct result of their commitment to giving SAC advanced airlift capabilities that will save lives around the world. We look forward to our first mission.” The HAW is the operational unit responsible for conducting airlift missions in support of national requirements. “We’ve dreamed about this day for many years, and now it’s here,” said Gunnar Borch, who serves as General Manager of the NATO Airlift Management Agency (NAMA). “This historic partnership shows how much can be accomplished when nations work together to achieve a common goal.” NAMA is responsible for the acquisition, day-to-day management, and support of the C-17 fleet on behalf of NATO and all participating SAC nations. “What you are doing is being watched and admired around the world,” said Jean Chamberlin, Boeing vice president and general manager of Global Mobility Systems. “It is truly remarkable to see 12 great nations working together to secure the world’s most advanced airlifter to support military, humanitarian, disaster-relief and peacekeeping missions. We thank you for choosing the C-17 and its unequaled readiness for any mission, anywhere, any time.” The SAC group includes 10 NATO nations -- Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, United States -- and Partnership for Peace members Sweden and Finland. They will share acquisition and operating costs for the eventual fleet of three C-17s over the nearly 30-year agreement. The first SAC C-17 will arrive at Pápa Air Base just prior to the activation of the HAW on July 27. Boeing will deliver the two remaining C-17s in September and October. The SAC’s first C-17 bears the number 01 on its nose, symbolizing the first aircraft delivered to the SAC group. Because Hungary is the host nation for the HAW, the airlifter's tail is marked with red, white and green stripes. The air base’s name, "PAPA," is painted on a blue background that runs across the vertical stabilizer. The HAW will be operated by multinational crews from the 12 participating nations. A Boeing team will provide support for the SAC C-17s, including material management and depot maintenance support, under Global Services & Support’s C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership program. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

DTN News: Boeing, Denmark’s IFAD TS A/S Sign MOU To Advance Super Hornet Aircrew Training Computer Network

DTN News: Boeing, Denmark’s IFAD TS A/S Sign MOU To Advance Super Hornet Aircrew Training Computer Network
*Source: DTN News / Boeing Company (NSI News Source Info) ODENSE, Denmark - July 15, 2009: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and IFAD TS A/S, a Danish leader in aviation simulation and networked training products, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore opportunities to support F/A-18E/F Super Hornet training systems facility requirements. The Boeing Integrated Defense Systems strategy is to understand the enduring needs of customers and provide value-added solutions to meet their requirements. The strategy includes understanding the art of using current and emerging technologies to improve the capabilities of existing products and delivering new solutions. Boeing, a leader in delivering global training solutions, has provided F/A-18 training for more than 20 years. Under this MOU, the IFAD and Boeing engineering teams will pursue opportunities to work together to enhance Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) computer technology within Denmark’s Super Hornet training facility should Denmark select the Super Hornet in its New Combat Aircraft competition. The two companies may also pursue opportunities in continuing support and enhancement of Super Hornet training systems for the Royal Danish Air Force. The MOU signing took place at IFAD headquarters in Odense, attended by representatives from both companies. “This alliance can ensure that future mission-critical hardware and software used to train aircrews in support of Denmark’s tactical fighter jets will be the latest and most advanced there is,” said IFAD CEO Benny Mortensen. “Collaborating to explore new methods to upgrade possible Royal Danish Air Force Super Hornet LAN and WAN computer systems with modern platforms can also strengthen Denmark’s defense-based aviation training network.” Boeing Northern Europe President Jan Närlinge said the Boeing and IFAD collaboration is based on more than a decade of partnership and is the latest step in a growing relationship between Boeing and Danish industry. “We’ve partnered with IFAD on past competitions and projects, and we share strong visions of the future of aviation training,” Närlinge said. “Combining Boeing’s customer focus and program management expertise with IFAD’s ability to produce state-of-the-art mission-critical software and support networks creates a win-win situation.” IFAD, established in 1986, is a 100-percent Danish-owned company. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

DTN News: Lockheed Martin To Develop Concept For New U.S. Navy Air And Missile Defense Radar

DTN News: Lockheed Martin To Develop Concept For New U.S. Navy Air And Missile Defense Radar
*Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin (NSI News Source Info) MOORESTOWN, NJ, - July 15, 2009: The U.S. Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a $10 million firm-fixed-price contract to perform concept studies for the Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR), a scalable solid-state radar suite for future surface combatants. Comprised of an S-Band radar, an X-Band radar and a Radar Suite Controller (RSC), AMDR is intended to significantly enhance a ship’s defensive capability against advanced anti-ship and ballistic missile threats. Lockheed Martin was one of three industry teams to receive AMDR contracts, which will focus on the S-Band radar and RSC during this six-month concept studies phase. The Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, D.C., leads the procurement for AMDR. Under the contract, Lockheed Martin will evaluate potential system configurations. Subsequent phases, including technology development, engineering and manufacturing development, production and follow-on support, will be the subject of future competitive procurements. The work will be performed at Lockheed Martin’s Moorestown, NJ facility. Lockheed Martin is a leader in S-Band radar system development and production. With more than 100 operational systems deployed worldwide, Lockheed Martin supports a range of naval radar programs providing advanced anti-air warfare and ballistic missile defense mission capability. “AMDR will provide a scalable radar suite that will deliver enhanced capability against evolving threats for current and future ship platforms,” said Carl Bannar, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Radar Systems. “Through our established partnership with the Navy, Lockheed Martin will build on our 30-year naval radar heritage to meet the challenging mission requirements envisioned for AMDR with an open, capable, and affordable system solution.” Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Awarded Apache Performance Based Logistics Follow-On Contract

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Awarded Apache Performance Based Logistics Follow-On Contract *Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) ORLANDO, FL, - July 15, 2009: The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a follow-on Performance Based Logistics (PBL) contract to support the Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (TADS/PNVS) and Modernized TADS/PNVS (M-TADS/PNVS) systems on the AH-64 Apache helicopter. The contract has a potential value of $89 million for 2009. The Arrowhead advanced targeting and pilotage sensors fielded on the Apache helicopter in June 2005 and drew the praise of Army Aviation pilots, who commented: "The detail is excellent. Now, I can see the wires." The original PBL contract, awarded in early 2007, established a system of continuous improvements supporting the AH-64 Apache TADS/PNVS and M-TADS/PNVS programs. The PBL contract provides complete post-production supply chain management, including spares planning, procurement, repairs, maintenance, modifications and inventory management of fielded systems. The value of the first year of the contract was $117.8 million and the 2008 contract was worth $76.6 million. “PBL is a strategy for system product support that employs an integrated, affordable performance package designed to optimize system readiness,” said Dave Belvin, Apache TADS and Support Programs director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “PBL is intended to save operating and support costs by having the prime contractor assume responsibility for the total performance of a system. Our team is in position and is providing a cost-effective support solution that meets the needs of our Warfighters.” As part of Lockheed Martin's centralized logistics management, damaged components are expedited directly back to a repair center, significantly reducing the length of the supply pipeline and enabling the U.S. Army to receive spare parts more quickly and efficiently. Lockheed Martin’s PBL supply management reduces operation and support cost burdens, providing funds for continuing system modernization and reliability improvements. To date, the Apache TADS/PNVS PBL program has been credited by the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command with improving fleet readiness, requisition fill rates, and reducing the U.S. Army’s life cycle cost. “This PBL program is a partnership with the Army and industry that leverages the strengths of the collective organizations to provide the best possible performance outcomes. The success of the program is based on continuous improvement,” said Belvin. “The program continues to be innovative to meet our customer’s challenging and rapidly changing objectives.” Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

DTN News: NATO Air Defense Drills Begin In The Baltics

DTN News: NATO Air Defense Drills Begin In The Baltics
*Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti
(NSI News Source Info) TALLINN, Estonia - July 15, 2009: NATO states will start in the Baltic states on Tuesday a series of air defense exercises involving Czech fighter jets, the Estonian Defense Ministry said. The two-day drills are focused on improving air interoperability and developing NATO air forces' capabilities in defending the air space over the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The exercises will involve four Czech JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets, based at the Lithuanian Siauliai Air Base, and a U.S. C-130 Hercules military transport plane. The exercises are a continuation of NATO's air policing drills, held last October and this April. NATO's air policing is one of the key aspects of common security and defense for the Alliance. In the case of the three Baltic states, the alliance rotates air policing capabilities. The Czech Air Force took over Baltic air policing from the Royal Danish Air Force on May 1. At the end of its leg, the Czech Republic will hand over the NATO mission to the German Air Force later this year. A NATO agreement on airspace security over Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia is set to expire in 2011, and the three countries are currently pushing for the agreement to be extended to 2018.

DTN News: Pirates Become Major Arms Merchant

DTN News: Pirates Become Major Arms Merchant *DTN News: China’s Re-emergence As An Arms Dealer ~ The Return Of The King?....(DTN Defense-Technology News July 11, 2009) Click here
*Source: DTN News / Strategy Page
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - July 15, 2009: China's efforts to develop the capability to design and manufacture high tech weapons has also turned them into a major exporter of weapons. While many nations export low tech weapons, only a few can manufacture the higher-priced (and more complex) stuff. Thus, the top exporters have been the United States, Russia, Germany, France, and Britain. While it's no surprise that Israel is moving up the list, China's sudden surge in arms sales is something of a surprise. According to official Chinese sources, the J-10 is said to have been developed from the now canceled Chengdu J-9. However, there have been conflicting reports about a possible relationship between the J-10 and the Israeli IAI Lavi fighter program, the latter having a similar canard-configuration. The J-9 program predated both of the other aircraft. In an interview, the general designer of J-10, Mr. Song Wencong said, "Our nation's new fighter's external design and aerodynamics configuration are completely made by us and did not receive foreign assistance, this made me very proud. Our nation developed J-9 in the 1960s, this adopted the canard configuration. So, those statements that said J-10 is a copy of Israeli Lavi are just laughable."
In April 2006, the media reported that the Pakistani government intends to procure at least 36 J-10s (designated FC-20 or FC-10, depending on the report). The Business Recorder claims that the Pakistani official document it obtained said the Cabinet "has allowed PAF to set up Joint Working Group (JWG) with CATIC for procurement of 36 FC-20 aircraft". PAF would soon induct fourth and fifth generation high-tech fleet of fighter-bomber aircraft with the aim to modernize the country's air force which includes the induction of 2 squadrons of Chengdu J-10 aircraft. The J-10 export deal is estimated to cost a total of $1.5 billion USD, with a flyaway price of $41 million USD for each J-10 fighter with maintenance and parts inclusive.
Iran was reported to have signed a deal to purchase 24 J-10s from China in October 2007. The agreement is estimated at a cost of about $1 billion, with deliveries of the 24 jets expected between 2008 and 2010 to replace MiG-29 jets. However China later denied that such a sale had taken place. But over the last two decades, China has poured billions of dollars into developing the ability to design and manufacture high-performance jet engines for combat aircraft. This is what has kept so many industrialized nations out of the warplane export market. Only a few nations (the U.S., Britain, France, and Russia) have dominated this market for decades. Now China is joining this club, and no longer has to get permission from another nation before it exports high performance military aircraft. China began by building, under license, British and Russian engines. Now they are designing and building their own. Oddly enough, the most popular Chinese export, is the K-8 trainer, which uses a less complex business jet class engine. There are many models of this type of engine available, which gives K-8 buyers several vendors to choose from. The most popular Chinese combat aircraft export is the F-7, which began, decades ago, as a copy of the Russian MiG-21. But the F-7 has undergone many improvements, and China stresses the ability to install Western radars and other electronics in the basic F-7. For any nation looking for a basic jet fighter, the F-7 is always a formidable competitor, especially on price. For those looking to step up, China is offering the JF-17. This is a 13 ton fighter, costing about $20 million and pitched as an alternative to the American F-16. But the JF-17 is only considered the equal to earlier versions of the F-16. The JF-17 originally used the same Russian engine, the RD-93, that is used in the MiG-29. The JF-17 design is based on a cancelled Russian project, the MiG-33. Most of the JF-17 electronics are Western, with Italian firms being major suppliers. The JF-17 can carry 3.6 tons of weapons and use radar guided and heat seeking missiles. It has max speed of Mach 1.6, an operating range of 1,300 kilometers and a max altitude of 55,000 feet. The JF-17 was developed as a joint venture with Pakistan. The next step up is the J-10, which is based on the F-16 (or, rather, the cancelled Israeli Lavi fighter.) Originally, the J-10 used a Russian AL-31FN engine, but China has been working for a decade to manufacture their own version of this, the WS10A. This was something of an acid test for them, as the WS10A is a powerful military engine, and a complex piece of work. Russia refused to license China to produce the AL-31FN, so the Chinese stole as much of the technology as they could and designed the WS10A. This engine has been tested, and officially approved for production, but apparently still has quality control and performance problems. But with the WS10A, China can step up production of their unauthorized copy of the Russian Su-27, the J-11. This puts China in the big leagues, although Russia has threatened to sue if China tries to export the J-11 (which contains stolen Russian design technology, as well as the WS10A, itself a copy of the Russian engine used in the Su-27.) A major competitor for these aircraft has been Cold War surplus F-16s. These are combat proven aircraft, which have been well maintained by their American or European users. China is also exporting a lot of missiles, with some success. These include air-to-air (both heat seeking and radar guided), anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles, ballistic missiles and smart bombs. All of these use a lot of stolen technology (from the West, as well as Russia.) China uses a lot of this purloined Russian technology to offer for sale a range of military radars. China has had less success with warships and armored vehicles. Most Chinese warship exports have been smaller, and less expensive, ships (patrol boats and frigates.) With armored vehicles, China has been hurt by the large number of Cold War surplus T-72s available. China has had more success with artillery (multiple rocket launchers) and wheeled armored personnel carriers (mainly the WZ 551, which is a 6x6 vehicle that carries 13 soldiers, and a 25mm cannon. This one appears to be based on the French VAB, not Russian models.) China has a further advantage in that it will sell to anyone who can pay. International protests about "arming tyrants" does not bother China, only the inability to pay.

DTN News: Russian Military Confirms Test-Launch Of Sineva Ballistic Missile

DTN News: Russian Military Confirms Test-Launch Of Sineva Ballistic Missile
*Source: DTN News / Ria Novosti
(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - July 15, 2009: Russia has successfully test-launched a Sineva sea-based ballistic missile, a source in the Defense Ministry confirmed on Tuesday. The modernized version of the R-29RM (SS-N-23) missile, known as Sineva, has been officially accepted for service. This step formally completes the missile development process. The flight tests of the missile were completed several years ago (in 2004 or 2005) and it has been deployed on submarines of the Project 667BDRM (Delta IV) class that are currently undergoing overhaul. The missile was reported to carry new nuclear warheads. "The launch was conducted on Monday from a Delta IV class strategic nuclear-powered submarine in service with Russia's Northern Fleet," the source said. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Monday that Russia had successfully test-launched a ballistic missile from a strategic submarine, but did not specify the type of missile or the name of the submarine. "The target was hit and the pieces of the missile landed in the designated area," the president said at a meeting with Navy personnel in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi. The RSM-54 Sineva (NATO designation SS-N-23 Skiff) is a third-generation liquid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile that entered service with the Russian Navy in July 2007. It can carry four or 10 nuclear warheads, depending on the modification. Russia is planning to equip its Delta IV class submarines with at least 100 Sineva missiles.

DTN News: Yonex Sunrise Badminton Asia Youth Under 19 Championships – Malaysia To Face Japan In Semis

DTN News: Yonex Sunrise Badminton Asia Youth Under 19 Championships – Malaysia To Face Japan In Semis
*Source: DTN News / Badminton Association of Malaysia
(NSI News Source Info) KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - July 15, 2009: MALAYSIA, as expected, breezed past Hong Kong to advance to the semi-finals of the Yonex-Sunrise Asian Junior Championships at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara yesterday. The hosts, who beat India 4-1 to top Group B in the morning, continued their run with an overwhelming 3-0 win over Hong Kong in their quarter-final.
The national juniors will face surprise package Japan, who upset fourth seeds South Korea 3-1 yesterday, in today's semi-finals.
Ow Yao Han-Lai Pei Jing turned in a superb display to beat Hong Kong's Lee Chun Hei-Tse Ying Suet 21-16, 21-15 in the opening mixed doubles match to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, the national boys' Under-18 singles champion, continued with his fine form by disposing Ng Ka Long 21-18, 21-11. In the girls' singles, Ti Jing Yee, a Uber Cup shuttler, overcame Poon Lok Yan 21-17, 21-15 to earn Malaysia's winning point.
Team manager How Kim Tho said his players are back to their best after yesterday's performance.
"They started erratically on Sunday but have gained confidence since and should be ready for the semi-final against Japan," said Kim Tho.
"We have achieved our semi-final target and anything beyond that will be a bonus to the team. I predict that the tie against Japan will be close."
He added: "Iskandar and Jing Yee are playing quite well and so are our doubles.
"Japan's strength is in the boys' singles and doubles and the girls' singles."
Watanabe Tatsuya and Mitani Minatsu are Japan's top boys' and girls' singles players while Hoshino Shohei- Kobayashi Akira are their main boys' doubles pair.
Yonex-Sunrise sponsore of BWF World Championships Super Series
RESULTS -- Morning session -- Group A: China 4 Japan 1, Sri Lanka 5 Cambodia 0; Group B: Malaysia 4 India 1 (Iskandar Zulkarnain bt Reddy Sumeeth 21-5, 21-18; Goh Jian Hao-Pang Zheng Lin lost to Chopra Pranav-Sai Praneet 21-12, 16-21, 17-21; Tee Jing Yi bt Reddy Sikki 21-12, 21-19; Ng Hui Ern-Lai Pei Jing bt Reddy Sikki-P. C. Thulasi 21-16, 21-14; Ow Yao Han-Lai Pei Jing bt Chopra Pranav-Sawant Prajakta 21-7, 21-16), Vietnam 5 Mongolia 0; Group C: South Korea 3 Indonesia 2, Taiwan 4 Laos 1; Group D: Thailand 5 Hong Kong 0, Singapore 5 Kazakhstan 0.
Afternoon session: Q-Finals: China 3 Indonesia 0, Thailand 3 India 1, Japan 3 South Korea 1; Malaysia 3 Hong Kong 0 (Iskandar Zulkarnain bt Ng Ka Long 21-18, 21-11; Tee Jing Yi bt Poon Lok Yan 21-17, 21-15; Ow Yao Han-Lai Pei Jing bt Lee Chun Hei-Tse Ying Suet 21-16, 21-15). TODAY'S FIXTURES -- S-Finals: China v Thailand; Japan v Malaysia. (9am, Juara Stadium, Bukit Kiara)