Thursday, August 13, 2009

DTN News: Russia TODAY August 13, 2009 ~ Russia To Showcase Su-35, MiG-35 Fighters At MAKS Air Show

DTN News: Russia TODAY August 13, 2009 ~ Russia To Showcase Su-35, MiG-35 Fighters At MAKS Air Show
*Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti
(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - August 13, 2009: Russia's leading combat aircraft manufacturers Sukhoi and MiG will exhibit their most advanced aircraft, the Su-35 Flanker and the MiG-35 Fulcrum-F multirole fighters at the MAKS-2009 air show in Russia. Over 711 companies, including 465 Russian firms, will participate in the biennial air show outside Moscow on August 18-23. The Sukhoi company said it will also showcase its Su-32 fighter-bomber (an export version of the Su-34 Fullback aircraft to be put in service with the Russian Air Force) and the Superjet 100 mid-haul passenger airliner. Overall, 1,449 exhibits will be on display, including 470 full-scale models. MAKS bills itself as "a demonstration of the advantages and development trends of Russian science and industry in such high-tech areas as aviation, space, missile engineering." Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport has said military aircraft will continue to dominate the company's foreign sales in 2009, and will total about $2.6 billion.

DTN News: Philippines TODAY August 13, 2009 ~ 43 Philippine Soldiers, Rebels Killed In Clash Says Army

DTN News: Philippines TODAY August 13, 2009 ~ 43 Philippine Soldiers, Rebels Killed In Clash Says Army
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) ZAMBOANGA, Philippines - August 13, 2009: At least 23 soldiers and 20 Abu Sayyaf militants were killed when the army raided a training camp run by the Al-Qaeda-linked rebels in the southern Philippines, the military said Thursday. Fourteen other soldiers were also wounded when the military launched a major offensive on the Islamist militants' camp in the town of Ungkaya Pukan on the remote island of Basilan Wednesday, officials said. Government troops managed to overrun the camp, but reports from the field said day-long clashes that followed were fierce and led to the heavy casualties, regional commander Major General Benjamin Dolorfino said. Numerous home-made bombs, ready for detonation, were recovered along with 13 high-powered firearms, he said. The fighting was the heaviest since at least 29 soldiers were killed in two separate clashes with the Abu Sayyaf in July and August 2007 -- with the bodies of 10 soldiers later being found mutilated. The military "launched a decisive law enforcement operation targeting the Abu Sayyaf's main training camp in the province", army spokeswoman Lieutenant Steffani Cacho said. "Recovered from the camp were sizeable quantities of IEDs (improvised explosive devices) rigged to explode while others were ready for use," she said. The military said they were going after about 200 Abu Sayyaf militants who were involved in the clash and that additional troops may be poured into the remote area. "The terrain is really very difficult to penetrate," said Lieutenant Colonel Romeo Brawner, overall armed forces spokesman in Manila. "Follow (up) operations are ongoing and we hope we will be able to get the remnants of this Abu Sayyaf group." He said the military was "studying whether we need to pour in more troops into the area." Soldiers who airlifted their dead comrades to a military base in nearby Zamboanga City said those who died were hit by sniper fire. The clashes were over, General Dolorfino said, but troops were still clearing the area to ensure no insurgents remained. The Abu Sayyaf was formed in the early 1990s by Islamic firebrand Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani upon his return from Afghanistan, where he fought the Soviets alongside Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Janjalani formed the Abu Sayyaf (Bearers of the Sword) ostensibly to fight for an independent Islamic state. He was however killed in a 1998 clash with police, and the group quickly degenerated into a terror organisation specialising in bombings and high-profile kidnappings. The group has raised money by ransoming hostages but has also killed some, mostly through beheading, when they were not paid promptly. While the Philippine military has killed and captured many Abu Sayyaf leaders -- partly with US assistance -- the extremists remained active and in January they held three international Red Cross workers hostage for several months. Two hostages were freed in April while the last, Italian Eugenio Vagni, was released on July 12 after nearly six months in captivity. The Abu Sayyaf is also believed to be working alongside some 30 foreign militants from the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) who are operating in the southern Philippines. The JI, blamed for the 2002 bombings in Bali, Indonesia that killed 202, is said to be working with the Abu Sayyaf in plotting bombings in this mostly Catholic nation of 90 million, intelligence officials earlier told AFP. Filipino intelligence officials said JI militants may also have helped the Abu Sayyaf carry out a spate of bombings in Mindanao in July that killed eight people.

DTN News: Malaysia TODAY August 13, 2009 ~ Bulldozers To Demolish Malaysian Indian Village

DTN News: Malaysia TODAY August 13, 2009 ~ Bulldozers To Demolish Malaysian Indian Village *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - August 13, 2009: Bulldozers moved in Thursday to demolish a village of ethnic Indian cowherds to make way for a condominium complex, raising tensions in a confrontation that has focused attention on the lack of traditional land rights in Malaysia. Ethnic Indians are sprayed water by riot police during a street protest in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia marks the 40th anniversary of the riots, an explosion of violence that was never repeated on that scale, new squabbles over racial rights are bubbling up, blocking hopes of turning this veneer of harmony into true camaraderie among ethnic communities. A police barricade separated scores of slogan-chanting villagers from the demolition team in a tense standoff in Buah Pala village, political blogger and journalist Anil Netto wrote on his blog. A court bailiff posted a demolition order on one of the houses, Netto wrote from Penang, the northern resort island where the village is located. Indian activists and police officials at the scene were not immediately available for comment. It was not clear whether the demolition would start Thursday. Some 300 residents of Buah Pala were told to vacate their homes after the government sold the land in 2005 to a cooperative of state government workers to build condominiums. Malaysia's top court ruled in June that the villagers must vacate the land without compensation. Villagers say officials should have consulted them before selling the land where their ancestors have lived since the 1850s. But they never formally owned the land, highlighting the lack of clear land rights for traditional communities. "The demolition team marched into the village followed by the two bulldozers. A crowd of chanting villagers goes up close and eyeballs them. A police barricade separates the two sides. About a hundred (police) Light Strike Force personnel are at the scene," Netto wrote on his blog. Some villagers brought out mounds of cow dung in an apparent threat to hurl it at the demolition team. The villagers earlier this month refused the cooperative's offer to provide them with new houses elsewhere, saying they also want other compensation. Some argue their village has immense cultural value because it is their oldest remaining settlement in Penang state. Cooperative chairman Abdul Razak Mansor has said the court-sanctioned demolition will go ahead even though the villagers have appealed to the Federal Court to review its decision. Their application is set to be heard Friday. Ethnic Indians comprise about 8 percent of Malaysia's 27 million people and are among the country's poorest citizens.

DTN News: China TODAY August 13, 2009 ~ China Warns Against Missile Defence Systems

DTN News: China TODAY August 13, 2009 ~ China Warns Against Missile Defence Systems
*Source: DTN News / AFP
(NSI News Source Info) GENEVA, Switzerland - August 13, 2009: China's foreign minister warned on Wednesday that there was a "looming danger" of an arms race in outer space, as he urged countries not to deploy missile defence systems that could undermine global security. "The practice of seeking absolute strategic advantage should be abandoned," Yang Jiechi told the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva. "Countries should neither develop missile defence systems that undermine global strategic security nor deploy weapons in outer space," he added. US President Barack Obama has been reviewing a planned missile defence shield championed by his predecessor, which remains a major source of tension with Russia. The Obama administration has not backed down from the shield, which would partly be based in Poland and the Czech Republic, but insists that is not directed against Russia. Russia's air force commander said on Monday that Moscow was developing new missiles to counter space-based systems that could soon be deployed by the United States. "Outer space is now facing the looming danger of weaponisation," said Yang. "Credible and effective multilateral measures must be taken to forestall the weaponisation and arms race in outer space," he added, calling such steps of "high strategic significance." Both Russia and China have proposed a new treaty banning the use of weapons in space, but the idea has been rejected by the United States. Nonetheless, the issue is one of those up for international discussion under the Conference on Disarmament's recent landmark decision to revive talks after more than a decade of deadlock. In a speech reaffirming China's commitment to international nuclear weapons safeguards and disarmament, Yang backed attempts to strengthen the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency and to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. "The international security situation is undergoing the most profound change since the end of the Cold War," Yang acknowledged. "Unprecedented opportunities now exist in international disarmament." Yang reiterated China's insistance on a peaceful resolution of the nuclear standoffs with North Korea and Iran, and called on the IAEA to play a greater role in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy. That should include "the possibility of establishing a multilateral nuclear fuel supply mechanism," he added. Western countries have been sceptical of the idea proposed by Russia. The Chinese foreign minister stopped short of signalling Beijing's swifter ratification of a ban on nuclear tests. "The Chinese government is dedicated to promoting early ratification of the treaty and will continue to make active efforts toward this end," Yang said, pledging to work with the international community for "early entry into force." Although China was amongst the first to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, it is one of nine nations that are preventing its entry into force because they have either not ratified or signed it. The only other traditional nuclear power not to have ratified is the United States. However, Obama announced in April that he wanted to press ahead with US ratification, reversing the stance of George W. Bush's administration. The other outstanding ratifications are Egypt, Indonesia, Iran and Israel. India, Pakistan, and North Korea have not signed the test ban treaty, which is regarded as a cornerstone of efforts to stop the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament.

DTN News: Singapore TODAY August 13, 2009 ~ Police Set Up Service Centre To Better Manage Lost & Found Items

DTN News: Singapore TODAY August 13, 2009 ~ Police Set Up Service Centre To Better Manage Lost & Found Items
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) SINGAPORE - August 13, 2009: It is now easier to check if anyone has found and reported an item you have lost. The Singapore Police Force has set up a one—stop service centre to better manage lost and found items. The new service centre, which began operating on August 1, aims to conduct faster contact tracing, and provide better service to the public. "The police have set up a found and unclaimed property office to better manage found and unclaimed properties. This includes having a service hotline (6842—9645) for members of the public to make enquiries," said Edmund Chung, assistant director of the Police Logistics Base. "Previously, all the six land divisions conduct their own tracing efforts, which we found may not be optimal," he added. An average of 118,000 lost—item reports are made every year. Topping the list are cash cards and identification cards. When found, these items are kept only for a month. Then there are other more unusual items, such as pets and even groceries. But do not expect to find them at the service centre. Pets, for example, will be sent to relevant organisations like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). But if you were to lose something in a cab, calling the taxi operator may still be your best bet. The different companies conduct their own tracing efforts. And there are currently no plans for the police to actively collaborate with taxi operators to find the owners of lost items. Members of the public can call the hotline number 6842—9645 to lodge a report or enquire about a possible find at the police centre.

DTN News: Terrorism TODAY August 13, 2008 ~ Role Of Pakistan To Counter Global Terrorism

DTN News: Terrorism TODAY August 13, 2008 ~ Role Of Pakistan To Counter Global Terrorism *Source: DTN News / AFP By Mohammed Idris Khan
(NSI News Source Info) ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - August 13, 2009: The international community feels constantly threatened over growing menace of terrorism, extremism and militancy. The community maintains that the terrorists have openly declared war on the world and humanity at large in the name of Islam. Given this distressing state of affairs, peace continues to remain elusive. Without peace, security and stability, no activity for socio-economic development is possible. The world community is, therefore, pushing for making a concerted effort to counter these evil forces. Pakistan strategic and geographic location in the region, links interest of the whole world. This position thus carves a role of front- line state of Pakistan. (Photo: A detained alleged teenage suicide bomber in Mingora in Swat valley. AFP) Aftermath of 9/11 After September 11, 2001, when symbols of Americ economic might, the Twin Towers in New York, the nerve-centre of its military, the Pentagon, and the White House were simultaneously subjected to attack, America held Al-Qaeda responsible for the same. In order to rout the organization, it decided to assail Afghanistan. Once again, America wooed Pakistan. This time it was support for the US war on terror that topped the agenda and for this Islamabad succumbed to acquiesce. Since March 2004, Pakistan is confronted with mounting threat of Talibanization, which has spread from the autonomous Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) along the Afghan border deeper into the NWFP, with Swat becoming a major stronghold for Pakistani Taliban. Foreign fighters (Uzbeks, Tajiks, Chechens) including Al-Qaeda militants are also operating in tribal areas. The Kalashinkov culture following the Afghan- Russia war was converted into terrorism and militancy. The militants have gained strength with the help of local criminals, drug mafia, arms dealers and foreign hands joining them on the way. Precarious situation Pakistan lost its great leader Mohatarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed to terrorists. Around 2,000 Pakistanis lost their lives in more than 600 terror related incidents last year alone. A direct and indirect loss of more than $35 billion has been inflicted on Pakistan economy. Unless and until the nation gets rid of terrorism, attention could not be paid to other challenges like inflation, power generation and the economic meltdown. The situation became precarious as the militants descended from their mountain hide-outs in Swat. They were in possession of many strategic points and intended to take control of additional areas. They were out to impose their lifestyle on civil society. Taliban combatants terrified the people. They attacked the Security Forces, kidnapped the people and beheaded them dubbing them as spies. They desecrated mosques and funeral prayers and destroyed schools, hospitals and killed innocent people including children. Their threats to journalists, politicians and others reflected their intention to rule by force and unleash their barbaric sway. They had captured emerald mines. They seized houses and Government buildings. They piled up money by collecting ransom. They also looted a number of branches of the banks. They resorted to destruction of girls schools. Restrictions were placed on women from coming out of their homes. There was public flogging of a young girl by militants in Swat. They attacked the saint shrines and mausoleums of Sufis and religious figures. They destroyed the shrine of Rehman Baba. These negated the basic teachings of Islam. They in fact wanted to crumble the federation. They were widely considered as the enemy of Islam, humanity, peace and stability and future of the country. Breach of agreement Contrary to their commitment that after implementation of Nizam e- Adl they would discontinue their activities, they continued to display arms and carry out their activities, even after signing of the peace agreement. Sufi Muhammad, the head of the Tanzim Nifaz Shariat- e- Muhammadi (TNSM) declared that democracy was un-Islamic and that sharia must be enforced across Pakistan. Taliban militants wanted to enforce their own brand of laws in the region and started challenging writ of the Government by attacking Government buildings, courts and security forces in Buner, Dir and Shangla. The militant tactics used off the war area included booby traps, roadside bombs and other type of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) besides suicide bombers. The continued wave of bomb blasts against law- enforcing agencies in NWEP and Punjab was intended to divert attention of Pakistan Armed Forces from concentration of militants. Massive operation The blatant challenging of the writ of the Government constrained Pakistan Armed Forces to launch a massive operation called operation Rah-e- Raast since April, 2009, so as to flush out the anti-state elements in the north-west of the country. The Army with the support of Pakistan Air Force carried out operations in swat, Bajaur, lower Dir and Buner against the militants and extremists. Pakistan Armed Forces have indeed the support of all segments of society against terrorism and militancy. The Taliban and other Jihadi cohorts have lost their appeal. A recent survey showed 81 percent Pakistanis think that the activities of the Taliban and other extremists are a critical threat, up from last 34 percent in September 2007. The Security Forces hunted down the Taliban militants. Pakistan Armed Forces in operation Rah-e- Raast in Swat cleared the town of Mingora, Charbagjh city overcoming stiff resistance. Militants strongholds in Mingora, Peochar, Kabal, Khwazakhela, and Shangla had been attacked successfully. Resultantly, Pakistan Armed Forces succeeded in defeating the insurgents by ejecting them from Buner, Dir and other adjacent areas. So far, over 3000 militants have been killed including high profile commanders like Ibne Amin, Zainuddin and Taliban, Swat chapter. Their command and control, logistics and training infrastructure has been destroyed. Substantial number of middle and low level leadership has been wiped out. According to Army sources, there was least possibility of return of the leadership of the Taliban to regroup and operate in the valley. The operation conducted by the Armed Forces in Swat to flush out around 5,000 militants and led 3.5 million people to shift to camps in Peshawar, Charsada, Mardan and Swabi. Operation Rah-e- Raast is advancing to its successful culmination paving way for the safe return of IDPs of Malakand Division including Swat. No-go areas like Peuchar, Skahra and Biha valleys have been secured. The Security Forces cleared mines and defused Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and destroyed hide- outs of the terrorists. Setting up a cantonment A number of training centres having tunnels and bunkers have also been destroyed. On completion of the Operation Rah-e- Raast, the Army has now launched the Operation Subh-e- Nau for repatriation of IDPs. The Emergency Responsive Unit (ERU) has been formed to deal with the issue of IDPs. Chairman of Special Support Group (SSG) indicated that IDPs repatriation would be completed in four phases. In the wake of evolving security constraints, the Government has decided to establish a cantonment in Swat. An elite force is also being constituted for Malkand and services of 1,800 ex-army men have been hired. Confrontations With the approval of Chief of Army Staff. Besides, community policing system is being introduced in the affected areas. Checkpoints are being set up on entrance and exit points. Latest scanning equipment is also being installed at each check point. The Armed Forces are now engaged in the operation Rah-e- Nijat against Baithullah Mashud and his network in south Waziristhan Agency. He and his terrorists have wreaked havoc on Pakistan people’s lives and properties and indeed are posing a civilization threat to the homeland. He spearheads terrorist attacks in settled areas. There are reportedly 12000 Mehsud fighters. The Security Forces have also to confront three other terrorist chiefs and their networks operating in Waziristhan, namely Maulvi Nazir, Hafiz Gul Bahadur and the deadliest of them all, Jalaluddin Haqqani, a national of Afghanistan. The US has reportedly made 40 drone sorties inside the Pakistan border in the last 10 months killing hundred of persons. The ever increasing bitterness and resentment amongst the local population in particular and public in general against the US drone attacks involving extensive collateral damage is vitiating overall atmosphere. Thereby impacting negatively on Armed Forces gains. Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik asserts that Pakistan efforts to take on the Taliban on its side of the border are being hampered by the failure of American and British troops in Afghanistan to monitor their side. Two years ago we were being criticized by the West for our ISI (Inter Services Intelligence agency) helping the Taliban cross into Afghanistan. The Minister maintained, we have stopped the border crossing. Now we re finding the same situation. They’re coming from the other side, bringing arms and fighters from Helmand into Baluchistan and into Waziristhan. Should we say it Afghan or western intelligence helping them? An IDP Pakistani family in Swat Valley. AFP The Armed Forces are also closely safeguarding nuclear weapons as western nations apprehend that Taliban sympathizers within Pakistan Army could help the terrorist organizations acquire some of the country nuclear weapons. Pakistan Armed Forces despite heavy odds are putting up a tenacious fight against terrorism and militancy. The Taliban make use of the battlefields of southern Afghanistan as a training ground. They have turned into a disciplined fighting force and the terrain suits them whereas the Pakistan Forces are mainly trained in conventional warfare. Heavy death toll In hilly terrain, the infantry has to make use of tracks made by animals adding to its logistic problems. Moreover, so long Pakistan military is preoccupied by any potential threat from India, it could not appropriately concentrate on eliminating the Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces. In the war on terror, around 1500 Armed Forces personnel have embraced martyrdom since September 2001. These sacrifices are being commended by the international allies in war on terror. Admiral Mike Mullen, US chairman Joint Chief of Staff said: A year ago, not many people would have said that the Pakistan military could pull that Swat off, and yet they have made an awful lot of progress. The G-8 Summit held in Italy in July this year, said in a statement that they stand with Pakistan in its fight against the recent surge in Taliban activity in the northwest of country, where military is trying to push back a growing insurgency. British Foreign Secretary David Miliband recently announced that the UK fully recognized Pakistan immense sacrifices in war against terrorism. Pakistan Armed Forces’ operation against extremists and militants has achieved a great success. As a matter of fact, the victory of the Armed Forces over the perpetrators of violence and terrorism remains a major determinant of a viable future of Pakistan and sustainable peace all the world over.

DTN News: Ethiopian Airlines Postpones Airbus Purchasing Order

DTN News: Ethiopian Airlines Postpones Airbus Purchasing Order
*Source: DTN News / Afrik.com (NSI News Source Info) ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - August 13, 2009: Ethiopian Airlines has warned that it is going to postpone a purchase order of 12 Airbus A350 XWB for an unidentified period of time until they ascertain the technical performance of the aircraft. This comes in a backdrop of a massive one hundred sixty five per cent performance boost for the Ethiopian national carrier. The Airbus purchase is expected to diversify the airlines’ fleet. According to an official source, “any responsible company should be confident before making any … procurements and that is why we need to postpone the set time limit... before going ahead with the purchase”. Ethiopian airlines was expected to confirm the purchase order within two months according to a memorandum of understanding signed two weeks ago with Airbus. The purchase should diversify the airlines’ fleet and also loosen their one way ties with Boeing. Girma Wake, CEO of the Ethiopian national carrier, revealed last Friday August 7, 2009 during a press briefing that the airlines was faced with some uncertainties. He recently confirmed an agreement with Boeing for the delivery of five B777. “Yes, we signed the agreement (with Airbus) but we have not tested the performance of the aircraft and are relying on what Airbus engineers have told us” he told journalists. He also indicated that his engineers are currently consulting with the airline’s management, who have in turn queried Airbus on a number of issues. Meanwhile, the delivery of five B777 aircrafts, valued at $ 1.3 billion, is expected by next year, while the purchase of the 12 Airbus A350, which is currently on the drawing board, will cost Ethiopian Airlines some US $ 2.9 billion if an agreement is reached. The source also revealed that the purchase postponement is not an issue of concern to Airbus. Performance boost Unveiling the concluded 2008/09 budget year performance, Ethiopian CEO Girma Wake last Friday told reporters that the airline has generated 12.2 billion birr in operating revenue, a 32.8 increase from the previous year. But although the previous fiscal year, 2007/08, had generated only 9.2 billion birr, it had out performed the latest revenue as it had grown by 34 per cent from 2006/07. During last week’s press conference, Girma Wake revealed that the airline was only a few hundred millions short from almost tripling the previous year’s 507 million birr net profit. With a net profit of 1,345 million birr, the airlines has registered a staggering one hundred sixty five per cent performance boost.

DTN News: Taiwan TODAY August 13, 2009 ~ Taipei Aerospace And Defense Show To Open Thursday (Aug.13 Today)

DTN News: Taiwan TODAY August 13, 2009 ~ Taipei Aerospace And Defense Show To Open Thursday (Aug.13 Today)
*Source: DTN News / Taiwan News
(NSI News Source Info) TAIPEI, Taiwan - August 13, 2009: Taipei, Aug. 12 (CNA) The biennial 2009 Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE) will be staged at the Taipei World Trade Center from Aug. 13-16, with 680 booths showcasing top notch products for the benefit of professional and business visitors. "2009 Taipei International Aerospace and Defense Industry Exhibition" 4 days starting on the 13th will be on display at the Taipei World Trade Center. The photo shows the simulation display area to display the IDF fighter flight simulator. Central News Agency photo Su-san-bin 98-year August 12 The event, sponsored by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of National Defense (MND) , and Ministry of Transportation and Communications, is one of the leading aerospace and defense shows in the Asia-Pacific region, said the organizer, the semi-official Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). Apart from the MND, TAITRA said, the show will also feature the products of private companies from home and abroad, including the Taichung City-based Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. and U.S.- based Lockheed Martin Corp. The MND will erect its largest ever TADTE pavilion, which will showcase the MND's advanced equipment for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Combined Logistics, Chung-shan Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST), and its Material Production and Manufacturing Center. The pavilion will unfold in six sections, which will highlight weapons and equipment, simulation systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) , space technology, defense technology R&D, and dual-purpose technology. The defense technology section will feature the Hsiung-Feng (HF) III Anti-Ship Missile and Tien-Kung III Anti-Air Missile, while the dual-use technology section will introduce platforms for converting military technologies into business opportunities. A series of conferences and seminars will also be held during the exhibition to give visitors and firms a better understanding of the latest developments in the defense industry. The guest speakers will be Lou Kratz and Tom Goudreau from Lockheed Martin and Ian McDonald and Alfred Wu from Oracle Company. The forum, organized by National Space Organization (NSPO), will highlight opportunities for cooperation between the government and civil enterprises in the area of manufacture and supply of satellites, sub systems and related components. For the air show, Songshan Air Force Base will be opened free of cost to the general public Aug. 15-16. The air show will include mid-air spirals by F-16s and IDF jet fighters, an S70C low-altitude performance, and paratrooper display. There will be displays of 13 anti-air weapons and vehicles, including 35mm guns, Patriot II Missiles, Hawk Missiles, vehicle-mounted Sky Sword I Missiles and M109A2 self-propelled howitzers. Also on show will be 9 models of aircraft, including AH-1W Attack Helicopters, C-130 transport planes, and E-2K early-warning aircraft.

DTN News: Yonex-Sunrise BWF World Championships 2009 ~ Malaysia Chalk Five Wins In World Championship Second Round

DTN News: Yonex-Sunrise BWF World Championships 2009 ~ Malaysia Chalk Five Wins In World Championship Second Round
*Source: DTN News / BWF (NSI News Source Info) HYDERABAD, India - August 13, 2009: Malaysian women's doubles pair Chin Eei Hui and Wong Pei Tty, top seeded in the Yonex-Sunrise World Badminton Championship, lived up to their billing by edging Sweden's Emelie Lennartsson-Emma Wengberg in the second round of the competition here Wednesday.
The Malaysian pair crushed the Swedish team 21-13, 21-11 in advancing to the third round tomorrow.
However, two other Malaysian women's doubles pairs ended their campaign in Hyderabad.
Fong Chew Yen and Mooi Hing Yau lost to Indonesia's Shendy Puspa Irawati and Meilliana Jauhari 21-14, 13-21, 18-21 while South Korean pair Lee Hyo Jung-Lee Kyung Won upset Chong Chin Sook and Woon Khe Wei 21-12, 21-11.
In the men's doubles, Malaysia's Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong thrashed Nigeria's Ola Fagbemi-Jinkan Ifraimu pair 21-5, 21-6.Earlier in the day, Datuk Lee Chong Wei and Wong Choon Hann had qualified for the third round of the men's singles while Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif and Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari won in the men's doubles.
But Malaysia's top women's singles player Wong Mew Choo was knocked out of the competition.
Second round results (involving Malaysians):
Men's singles: Chong Wei (MAS) bt Fagbemi (NGR) 21-11, 21-14; Choong Hann (MAS) bt Must (EST) 21-12, 7-21, 21-16.
Women's singles: Goto (JPN) Mew Choo (MAS) 18-21, 21-12, 23-21.
Men's doubles Mohd Zakry /Mohd Fairuzizuan bt Hirobe/Komiyama (JPN) 21-14, 23-21; Kien Keat/Boon Heong (MAS) bt Fagbemi/Ifraimu (NGR) 21-5, 21-6.
Women's Doubles: Eei Hui/Pei Tty (MAS) bt Emelie-Emma (SWE) 21-13, 21-11; Shendyi/Meilliana (INA) bt Yen Foong/Hing Yau (MAS)14-21, 21-13, 21-18; Hyo Jung/Kyung Won (KOR) bt Sook Chin/Khe Wei (MAS) 21-12, 21-11.

DTN News: Official Data Shows Abductions, Murders Sharply Up In Chechnya

DTN News: Official Data Shows Abductions, Murders Sharply Up In Chechnya
*Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti (NSI News Source Info) GROZNY, Chechnya - August 13, 2009: The number of kidnappings and murders in Chechnya has increased dramatically since the start of the year, Russia's main investigations agency said on Wednesday. "The number of abductions in the first six months of the year grew 475% year-on-year from four to 23, while the number of murders increased 50%, from 52 to 78," the Russian Prosecutor General's Office Investigations Administration for Chechnya said. It also said there had been a 40% rise in crimes involving the stealing of arms, ammunition and explosives and a 175% increase in the number of thefts or unlawful seizure of motor vehicles. At the same time, the number of crimes of "a terrorist nature" fell almost 5%. The administration recorded about 1,700 crimes in the first half of the year, starting criminal proceedings in 355 cases. A total of 173 cases went to court, including 38 on corruption charges. Moscow formally ended its decade-long antiterrorism operation in the volatile North Caucasus republic in mid-April, but violence has been seen to have increased in the past few months.

DTN News: Putin Visits Abkhazia, Confirms Russian Aid Commitments

DTN News: Putin Visits Abkhazia, Confirms Russian Aid Commitments *Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti
(NSI News Source Info) SUKHUMI, Abkhazia - August 13, 2009: Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin arrived in Abkhazia on Wednesday for a one-day working visit, confirming Moscow's pledges of financial aid to the former Georgian republic. It is the first visit of a high-level Russian delegation to the republic, which Russia recognized as an independent state last August after a five-day war with Georgia over breakaway South Ossetia, which Moscow also recognized as independent. Meeting with Abkhazian President Sergei Bagapsh, Putin reiterated that despite major cuts in the federal budget triggered by the ongoing economic crisis, the level of financial assistance to Abkhazia would not change. "The funds agreed on for three years have been earmarked," Putin said. Under cooperation agreements signed earlier this year, Moscow pledged 2.36 billion rubles ($68 million) to Abkhazia and 2.8 billion rubles ($81 million) to South Ossetia to help balance their budgets and promote socioeconomic development. Prior to the visit, Putin also said Russia would allocate 15-16 billion rubles (over $465 million) in 2010 to strengthen Abkhazian borders, frontier troops and bases. Tensions have been high in border areas between the regions and Georgia, fueling fears of a new conflict. Russia has maintained peacekeepers in the regions since the bloody post-Soviet conflicts in the early 1990s, when Abkhazia and South Ossetia broke away from Georgia. It deployed more troops there after the war with Georgia, which attacked South Ossetia to regain control of it. Nicaragua has been the only other country to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The West condemned Russia's "excessive" use of force against the Caucasus state and recognition of the territories. Moscow accused Western powers of supporting Georgian aggression. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited South Ossetia in July, a trip that Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili called "immoral" and "despicable." Bagapsh also reaffirmed commitment to cooperation plans with Russia on Wednesday. In an interview ahead of the visit, Putin said he had last visited Abkhazia in Soviet times, when its Black Sea resorts were a popular holiday destination. He said he had earned money as part of a student labor brigade and "bought an overcoat, which I wore for 15 years."

DTN News: Russians Believe Georgia Needs New, Better President

DTN News: Russians Believe Georgia Needs New, Better President *Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti
(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - August 13, 2009: Nearly eight in 10 Russians believe Georgia needs "a different, more worthy president," and a similar proportion views Russian-Georgian relations as damaged beyond repair, a poll released on Wednesday showed. According to the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM), 79% of Russians think Georgia should change its president, while 11% respect Georgians' choice even though Saakashvili does not appeal to them personally. Only 2% of Russians feel sympathy and respect towards the Georgian president, while 9% did not answer. Russians' views on relations with Georgia are similarly bleak, with 78% believing they are irreparably broken. Just 14% think things can be patched up, down from 40% five years ago. Eight percent of those surveyed did not give a response. Several years of tension in Georgian-Russian relations boiled over last August when Georgia attacked South Ossetia. On August 8, 2008, Georgian troops carried out a ground and air assault on Tskhinvali, South Ossetia's capital, but were expelled by Russian forces in five days of fighting. Russia subsequently recognized the independence of South Ossetia and another former Georgian republic, Abkhazia, causing Tbilisi to sever diplomatic relations with Moscow. VTsIOM surveyed 1,600 people in 42 Russian regions, giving a margin of error of not more than 3.4%.

DTN News: Arleigh Burke Wraps Up APS Mission In Tanzania

DTN News: Arleigh Burke Wraps Up APS Mission In Tanzania
*Source: DTN News / U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NSI News Source Info) DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania - August 13, 2009: Africa Partnership Station (APS) Arleigh Burke arrived in Tanzania’s largest city yesterday Aug. 12, marking the final stop of the guided-missile destroyer’s APS initiative in South and East Africa. The USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51), named for Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, USN (1901–1996), is the lead ship of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers. She was laid down by the Bath Iron Works company at Bath, Maine, on 6 December 1988, and launched on 16 September 1989 by Mrs. Arleigh Burke. The Admiral himself was present at her commissioning ceremony on 4 July 1991, held on the waterfront in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. While in port, USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) will participate in community relations projects and office calls with local officials. The ship will also host tours for invited guests and a reception aboard the ship. Arleigh Burke is deployed as part of the multinational APS initiative developed by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa which aims to work cooperatively with U.S. and international partners to enhance maritime safety and security on the African continent. Although Arleigh Burke will conclude its APS initiative in Tanzania, the ship will continue to conduct operations in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility as part of its regularly scheduled deployment along the east coast of Africa. Arleigh Burke, homeported in Norfolk, Va., is the second APS platform to visit South and East Africa, and recently conducted theater security cooperation operations with partners in Djibouti, Kenya, Mauritius, Reunion, and Seychelles. The ship also visited South Africa for exercises at sea with the South African Navy.

DTN News: ITT Awarded $43 Million U.S. Army Follow-On Order For Enhanced Night Vision Goggles

DTN News: ITT Awarded $43 Million U.S. Army Follow-On Order For Enhanced Night Vision Goggles
*Source: DTN News / ITT
(NSI News Source Info) ROANOKE, Va., - August 13, 2009: ITT Corporation has been awarded $43 million in follow-on orders from the U.S. Army's Research, Development and Engineering Command Acquisition Center for the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle (ENVG), and associated spare parts. ITT Night Vision offers a variety of specialty image intensifier products, components and services including high-performance inverting image intensifier tubes, non-inverting image intensifier tubes, photomultiplier tubes, sensors and components. "Our unmatched capability, technology and customer support are at the heart of these most recent awards," said Mike Hayman, president of ITT's Night Vision business. "By continuing to deliver the industry's most advanced night vision goggle, we are providing our warfighters with unrivalled capabilities required for current and future battlefield operations." ENVG optically combines an image intensification image, and proven thermal infrared technology, allowing for improved mobility and situational awareness—through clear target detection and improved target recognition. The ENVG combines the strengths of both technologies into one helmet-mounted unit, allowing warfighters to complete their missions more effectively, even when confronted by low-light or obscured conditions. ITT's Night Vision business, based in Roanoke, Va., is the world's leading developer, producer and supplier of head- and helmet-mounted night vision solutions and image intensifiers for U.S. and allied military forces as well as the homeland security market. ITT has served the U.S. military with premier research, development, production and logistics for analog and digital fusion solutions for 50 years. ITT delivered its one millionth Gen 3 image intensification tube in 2007. To learn more, visit http://www.nightvision.com/ About ITT Corporation ITT Corporation is a high-technology engineering and manufacturing company operating on all seven continents in three vital markets: water and fluids management, global defense and security, and motion and flow control. With a heritage of innovation, ITT partners with its customers to deliver extraordinary solutions that create more livable environments, provide protection and safety and connect our world. Headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., the company generated 2008 sales of 11.7 billion. http://www.itt.com/

DTN News: EADS Defence & Security To Develop Electronic Components For The New Communications System Of The German Armed Forces

DTN News: EADS Defence & Security To Develop Electronic Components For The New Communications System Of The German Armed Forces *EADS Defence & Security ensures the protection of soldiers in operations abroad *Ultra high frequency technology enables high data rates, long ranges and excellent resistance to jamming
*Source: DTN News / EADS (NSI News Source Info) BONN, Germnay - August 13, 2009: EADS Defence & Security (DS) is responsible for developing highly specialized electronic components for the new communications system of the German Armed Forces.
According to an announcement by the company, the Federal Office for Information Management and Information Technology of the Bundeswehr (IT-AmtBw) has awarded Defence Electronics, an integrated activity of DS, a contract in the double-digit million euro range for the development of the broadband module of a new generation of radio terminals. This order forms part of the project for designing the Bundeswehr’s software-defined joint radio system “SVFuA” (Streitkräftegemeinsame Verbundfähige Funkgeräteausstattung), which is intended to optimise the German Armed Forces’ mobile voice and data communication in the coming decade.
“Secure radio communications are a necessary precondition for protecting our soldiers, especially during operations abroad,” explains Bernd Wenzler, CEO of Defence Electronics. “Thanks to our experience with ultra high frequency equipment and the use of new technologies, for example on the basis of gallium nitride, we are in a position to offer an excellent solution for the most complex component of the new radio system.”
Owing to the large frequency bandwidth, the broadband module is one of the most challenging elements of the new radio system. The broadband capability enables the transmission of large data volumes over great distances, while at the same time ensuring optimum resistance to jamming. Similar radio frequency components are already being delivered by Defence Electronics for NATO’s data link programme MIDS (Multifunctional Information Distribution System). For this purpose, the company has set up specialized development and production facilities at its Munich, Ulm and Friedrichshafen locations.
Defence Electronics is an integrated activity of EADS Defence & Security (DS). DS is a systems solutions provider for armed forces and civil security worldwide. Its portfolio ranges from sensors and secure networks through missiles to aircraft and UAVs as well as global security, service and support solutions. In 2008, DS – with around 23,000 employees – achieved revenues of € 5.7 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2008, EADS generated revenues of € 43.3 billion and employs a workforce of about 118,000.

DTN News: Afriqiyah Airways Takes Delivery Of First Airbus A330

DTN News: Afriqiyah Airways Takes Delivery Of First Airbus A330 *Bringing the benefits of Airbus commonality to its rapidly expanding network *Source: DTN News / EADS (NSI News Source Info) BLAGNAC, France - August 13, 2009: Afriqiyah Airways has taken delivery of their first Airbus A330-200 aircraft, becoming a new operator of this aircraft type. The new A330 will seat 230 passengers in a two-class cabin and will serve long-haul operations on routes from Tripoli to Africa and Europe. Afriqiyah Airways is an airline based in Tripoli, Libya. It operates domestic services between Tripoli and Benghazi and international scheduled services to over 20 destinations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Its main base is Tripoli International Airport. The name Afriqiyah comes from the Arabic language word for African. The 9.9.99 logo on the side of Afriqiyah's airplanes refers to the date of the Sirte Declaration which marked the formation of the African Union. The idea was for Afriqiyah to be the "Airline of Africa" with its hub in Tripoli. The new A330-200, the first of three ordered in 2006, will join Afriqiyah's existing all Airbus fleet of two A319s and five A320s. This brings the unique benefits of Airbus aircraft commonality to Afriqiyah, who can use the same pool of pilots, cabin crew and maintenance engineers across its entire Airbus fleet. The airline will take delivery of a further 10 A320 family aircraft in the coming years, and has also selected the A350 XWB, with six A350-800s ordered in 2007. "We are looking forward to introducing the A330 on our rapidly expanding network," said Ramah Ettir, CEO of Afriqiyah Airways. "Its outstanding economics and commonality with our existing fleet, will enable Afriqiyah to continue to expand our affordable and reliable services and further strengthen our market position." "Afriqiyah Airways has achieved impressive growth since it first entered the market in 2001, and we are very proud to have been their partner during this time," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. "The A330 has unbeatable economic efficiency and will enable Afriqiyah's continued expansion. We look forward to continuing our partnership." With a true wide-body fuselage allowing very high comfort standards, the A330-200 is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit the diverse customer requirements. It has a range of up to 6,750 nm / 12,500 km with a full passenger load. Its large under-floor cargo holds can also carry standard pallets and containers side-by-side. It also has the excellent operational flexibility necessary to serve a wide range of route structures, providing operators with very low operating cost per seat. Its proven record of economy and superior passenger comfort provides operators with a significant competitive advantage in the market today. The twin engine A330 is one of the most widely used widebody aircraft in service today. Airbus has won more than 1,000 orders for the aircraft and more than 600 A330s are in operation worldwide with more than 70 operators. The combined fleet has achieved more than 13 million flight hours and serves around 300 destinations worldwide.

DTN News: Boeing Delivers Qatar's 1st C-17 Globemaster III

DTN News: Boeing Delivers Qatar's 1st C-17 Globemaster III
*Source: DTN News / Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) LONG BEACH, Calif., - August 13, 2009: Boeing [NYSE: BA] on Aug 11., delivered Qatar's first C-17 Globemaster III airlifter to the Qatar Emiri Air Force during a ceremony at the company's facility in Long Beach. "With this C-17, and the one that will be delivered later this year, the Qatar Emiri Air Force now has unequaled tactical and strategic airlift capabilities -- including high reliability and operational flexibility -- that enhance our ability to transport troops and equipment and to support humanitarian operations throughout the Middle East and South Asia," said Brig. Gen. Ahmad Al-Malki, head of Qatar's airlift selection committee. Qatar became the first Middle East nation to order the C-17 when it signed an agreement with Boeing on July 21, 2008, for the purchase of two advanced airlifters and associated equipment and services. "We pledge that Qatar's commitment to the C-17 will be matched by our expertise and dedication to give them the finest airlifter the world has ever known," said Jean Chamberlin, Boeing vice president and general manager, Global Mobility Systems.
Brig. Gen. Ahmad Al-Malki of the Qatar Airlift Selection Committee addresses Boeing employees and guests in Long Beach at today's delivery ceremony for Qatar's first C-17 Globemaster III airlifter. Photo Credit: Boeing photo by Paul Pinner
"We are proud to extend our mission -- to deliver and support the C-17 -- to an area of the world where the aircraft will be used effectively and efficiently to help keep the peace and to provide aid on a moment's notice." Boeing will deliver Qatar's second C-17 later this year. The company will provide operational support, including material management and depot maintenance support, under the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership. "Qatar's selection of the C-17 reflects the strong international interest we continue to see in this advanced airlifter -- especially in the Middle East, where it brings unparalleled capabilities for military, humanitarian and disaster-relief missions," said Tommy Dunehew, Boeing Global Mobility Systems vice president of Business Development. There are currently 205 C-17s in service worldwide. With today's delivery, 16 have been placed with international customers. The U.S. Air Force, including active Guard and Reserve units, has 189. International customers include Qatar, the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Australian Air Force and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability consortium of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations. The United Arab Emirates announced on Feb. 24 that it also will acquire four C-17s. 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.