Saturday, December 05, 2009

DTN News: EADS Wins $247 Million Order 45 More UH-72As For U.S. Army

DTN News: EADS Wins $247 Million Order 45 More UH-72As For U.S. Army *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) NEW YORK, USA - December 6, 2009: EADS North American Defense, Arlington, Va., was awarded on Dec. 1, 2009, a $247,242,722 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the funding of program year 2005 of the Army's Light Utility Helicopter program for 45 light utility helicopters (UH-72A), 30 medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) mission equipment packages, 30 MEDEVAC B-kits, 30 hoist B-kits, four very important personnel mission equipment packages, 11 engine inlet barrier filters, 34 environmental control units, and 45 airborne radio communication 231s.The UH-72A Lakota is the best-value solution for the U.S. Army's new multi-mission Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) requirement.
Work is to be performed in Columbus, Miss., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received.
U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command, CCAM-BH-C, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0194).

DTN News: US Plans $2 Billion Sale Of 16 CH-47F Chinooks To United Arab Emirates

DTN News: US Plans $2 Billion Sale Of 16 CH-47F Chinooks To United Arab Emirates *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, USA - December 6, 2009: The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates of 16 Chinook helicopters, and communication equipment, as well as associated parts, equipment, training and logistical support for a complete package worth approximately $2.0 billion.The Pentagon has notified Congress of the planned sale of 16 CH-47F Chinooks to the UAE for about $2 billion, including some equipment and spares. (US Army photo)
The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has requested a possible sale of 16 CH-47F Chinook Helicopters, 38 T55-GA-714A Turbine engines, 20 AN/APX-118 Transponders, 20 AN/ARC-220 (RT-1749) Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS) with Electronic counter-countermeasures, 40 AN/ARC-231 (RT-1808A) Receiver / Transmitters, 18 AN/APR-39A(V)1 Radar Signal Detecting Sets with Mission Data Sets, flight and radar signal simulators, support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, site survey, construction and facilities, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.
The estimated cost is $2.0 billion.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a critical and key partner/ally, which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.
The proposed sale will provide the United Arab Emirates the capability to transport equipment and troops in the region, as well as to support U.S. and NATO airlift requirements in Afghanistan.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractor will be Boeing Integrated Defense Systems in St. Louis, Missouri. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of four contractor representatives in the UAE for a period of one year with an option for two additional years. One additional U.S. government and four contractor representatives will be required for a one-week interval for quality assurance during helicopter delivery.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

DTN News: Israeli Pilots Forced To Fly Economy

DTN News: Israeli Pilots Forced To Fly Economy *Source: Strategy Page (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 6, 2009: Israel is planning on buying some more CH-53 helicopters, and refurbishing the ones they already have. But helicopter pilots would prefer the new U.S. V-22. The U.S. Department of Defense has ordered several hundred V-22 tilt-rotor transports, for about $63 million each.The Bell-Boeing V-22Delivers like no other. Range, speed and flexibilty. Hard rules once defined by the limitations of legacy helicopters. The V-22 offers twice the speed, three times the payload, five times the range, and can fly more than twice as high as older rotorcraft it is destined to replace. It is the world's first production tilt rotor combining the vertical performance of a helicopter with the high speed and range of a fixed wing aircraft. The V-22 not only rewrites the rules of mobility, it mobilizes the rules of engagement.* The U.S. buying up to 35 V-22s a year. The V-22s can carry 24 troops 700 kilometers (vertical take-off, level flight, landing, and return) at 400 kilometers an hour. The V-22 is replacing the CH-46E helicopter, which can carry 12 troops 350 kilometers at a speed of 200 kilometers an hour. The MV-22 can carry a 10,000-pound external sling load 135 kilometers, while the CH-46E can carry 3,000 pounds only 90 kilometers. But in Israel, it's all about money, as the V-22 is much more expensive than refurbished, or even new, helicopters with similar carrying capacity. Israeli refurbs to their 38 CH-53s, will enable them to last until 2025, and be much better protected from small missiles. The CH-53 refurb includes a nearly complete upgrade or replacement of all the electronics. This will make the helicopter more reliable, cheaper to maintain and easier to fly. With rebuilding and careful maintenance, these helicopters can be kept in the air indefinitely. The 20 ton CH-53 entered service in the mid-1960s, and the first one entered Israeli service in 1968. The CH-53 has a max speed of 290 kilometers an hour, and can stay in the air for over three hours per sortie. It can carry 35 passengers, or 3.5 tons of cargo (including artillery slung beneath). Israel has considered replacing the CH-53s with the V-22, but the longer range, and higher speed, of the tilt-rotor aircraft was not a plus. The CH-53 could still haul more people and cargo, and Israel is a small country, with little need for the faster, and longer range, V-22. Israel finds the slower CH-53s adequate to their needs because most operations are inside Israel, or for short forays into adjacent countries. The helicopter pilots would like the faster V-22s, because these aircraft are able to spend less time in hostile airspace. Disclaimer statement Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied herein, DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Unless otherwise indicated, opinions expressed herein are those of the author of the page and do not necessarily represent the corporate views of DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News.

DTN News: Pakistan TODAY December 6, 2009 ~ Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan Chief’s Aide Captured In Hangu

DTN News: Pakistan TODAY December 6, 2009 ~ Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan Chief’s Aide Captured In Hangu *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) KOHAT, Pakistan - December 6, 2009:Maulvi Rafiuddin, a ‘commander’ of militants and key aide to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan chief, was among seven militants who were captured in Hangu on Saturday.In this photo taken on Monday, Sept. 7, 2009, Taliban commander Baz Mohammed, center, speaks during an interview with the Associated Press at his headquarters in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. Mohammed, a commander in a pro-government militia, is supported by the government as both share a common enemy, the Pakistan Taliban serving under the replacement of their chief Baitullah Mehshud, killed during a CIA missile strike last month. A large quantity of arms and ammunition was also seized by security forces during the operations. Maulvi Rafiuddin was caught last year along with five accomplices but had to be swapped with 10 government officials whom militants had kidnapped in sharp reaction to his arrest.More than 60 government servants, including 35 police recruits, were kidnapped by militants in separate incidents. Soldiers carry the flag-draped casket of Major General Umer Bilal, one of 40 who were killed in an attack on a mosque near the military headquarters a day earlier, before his funeral in Rawalpindi December 5, 2009. Pakistani officials on Saturday mourned those killed near the country's military headquarters in an attack that raised questions over how militants penetrated the security of the regional nuclear power. As Pakistan battles Taliban insurgents who have responded to offensives with bombings that have killed hundreds since October, it also faces U.S. pressure to root out militants who cross the border to fight Western troops in Afghanistan. Seven of the hostages were beheaded to put pressure on authorities for the release of Maulana Rafiuddin and his accomplices. The militants then had also laid siege to the Doaba police station and gunned down 12 personnel of Frontier Constabulary. The other militant arrested along with Maulvi Rafiuddin on Saturday was ‘commander’ Haji Gulzar who ran camps astride Hangu’s borders with Orakzai Agency and Kurram Agency. Maulvi Rafiuddin and Haji Gulzar were arrested at a military checkpoint in Spin Thall area when they were going to North Waziristan Agency carrying a huge quantity of heavy and small weapons. Officials termed their arrest a big triumph. Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani (3rd R), army chief Ashfaq Kiyani (3rd L), chairman joint chief of staff committee Tariq Majeed (2nd R) and Interior Minister Rehman Malik with other relatives attend a funeral prayer of three out of the 40 people who were killed in an attack on a mosque near the military headquarters in Rawalpindi December 5, 2009. Pakistani officials on Saturday mourned those killed near the country's military headquarters in an attack that raised questions over how militants penetrated the security of the regional nuclear power. As Pakistan battles Taliban insurgents who have responded to offensives with bombings that have killed hundreds since October, it also faces U.S. pressure to root out militants who cross the border to fight Western troops in Afghanistan. Maulvi Rafiuddin and Haji Gulzar used to send militants on suicide missions and plant explosive devices at the Kohat-Parachinar highway which is frequently used by troops. They also masterminded several attacks on the families of police officials who took action against them. The officials said that a third important TTP leader, Aziz, and four other militants were arrested in Shahu Khel area of the Hangu district. The area was retaken by security forces a fortnight ago after a week-long battle with militants.

DTN News: Sri Lanka Navy ~ The First Guardian Of The Emarald Island

DTN News: Sri Lanka Navy ~ The First Guardian Of The Emarald Island *Source: Asian Tribune is published by World Institute For Asian Studies (NSI News Source Info) COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - December 6, 2009: History of the Sri Lanka Navy runs back to as far as 1937. In January 1938 the first Officers were commissioned (two English and Two Sri Lankan) and subsequently with an Officer intake of experienced British seamen and a greater number of Ceylonese followed by an intake of Signalman Gunners paved way for the establishment of the Ceylon Naval Volunteer Force (CNVF). On 31st August 1939, the CNVF was mobilized for war duties. Three years later, CNVF was absorbed into the Royal Navy (RN) as the Ceylon Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve (CRNVR) and continued to be under RN till March 1946. The first Commanding Officer of the CRVNR was Captain W.G.Beauchamp, VRD, CBE. After the war he was succeeded by Cdr. G.R.M De Mel as the Commanding Officer CRVNR with 9 Officers and 91 Sailors making up the force. With the dawn of a new era, after laps of just over two years after the independence on 9th December 1950, the Navy Act, chapter 358 of the legislative enactments of Ceylon was passed writing a new chapter in the history of Ceylon. The then Naval Advisor to the Government, Capt WE Banks, CBE, DFC was appointed to act as the Commanding Officer of the Royal Ceylon Navy. The Navy grew in size gradually and by 1957- 58 the complement was read as 136 Officers and 1650 sailors. "When a crisis confronts the nation, the first question often asked by policymakers is: 'What naval forces are available and how fast can they be on station?' “-- Admiral C.A.H. Trost, USN Chief of Naval Operations Proceedings, May 1990 In 1972 with Ceylon becoming the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, the Royal Ceylon Navy became the Sri Lanka Navy. Ever since its inception until 1980 apart from assisting the Military and Civil Powers during the 1971 insurrection, the Navy’s Role had been basically ceremonial. But with the outbreak of separatist terrorism in the county the Navy had to adopt a fast but effective transition from a ceremonial Navy to fully trained and highly motivated fighting Navy which could take on enemy at anywhere on the sea at any time in whatever the magnitude. The brave sailors of mother Lanka fought hard relentlessly to decimate the LTTE’s military infrastructure, severe communication and supply lines, smash weapon arsenals, and destroy morale of the enemy. Today, with the years of experience in the harsh operating environments of the battle against one of the most ferocious terrorist organizations in the world, Sri Lankan Naval forces are ready to respond to any kind of international and regional crises but will focus largely to protect Sri Lankan interests and citizens. Sri Lanka Navy after defeating the LTTE’s sea activities at sea remain the only naval element in Sri Lanka which can carry guns to the sea. The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) being the only Naval Arm of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces is classed as the most vital defence force of Sri Lanka, due being an island. Sri Lanka Navy has approximately 50,000 personnel on active duty as of today. It conducts maritime operations at sea for the defence of the Sri Lankan nation and its interests. Sri Lanka being situated in the middle of major sea lanes passing through the Indian Ocean has always been a magnet for sea farers. Sri Lanka stands amidst major sea routes connecting Africa, Middle East, South Asia and East Asia with Europe and chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca. The Leadership The Elam War IV erupted with renewed virulence in year 2006 and was fought in all fronts of the battle until the leadership of the LTTE met its nemesis in May 2009. The sea battles were very decisive as the SL Navy was effectively led, directed and controlled by the charismatic Commander of the Navy then, Admiral WKJ Karannagoda. He was succeeded by the then Chief of Staff, a highly intellectual and dedicated leader, Vice Admiral TSG Samarasinghe he is a great product of Royal Collage, Colombo and has held an unblemished and a promising service career for virtually 35 years when he was appointed as the 16th Commander of Navy by His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksha on 15th July 2009. His vision regarding the future of the Navy was clearly mirrored when he made an eloquent speech recently at the historic 19th International Sea Power Symposium in Rhode Island, USA It is noteworthy to quote some interesting parts of his speech for the benefit of the readers of this article. The survival of the global population is dependent on maritime trade. SLOCS today are highly vulnerable to terrorist and pirate attacks, which threaten this critical lifeline….Preparation to counter maritime terrorism, cannot be undertaken alone, and needs transnational support, unlike combating terrorist activity on land…..Maritime terrorism is global and asymmetric. Our response must be global, appropriate and pre emptive. We can deter, and defeat terrorism at sea if the right steps are taken at the right time in a cooperative effort……Together, trust, collaborative action, dialogue, talk, shares, coordination, breaking barriers, common understanding, unity of effort are….. We need to put those words in to practice…..We in Sri Lanka have done exactly that and given a strong message to Insurgents and terrorists worldwide that they can be decisively defeated. The Sri Lanka navy in this regard has done her duty in eradicating a maritime terrorist group supporting terrorists on land. Now the ball is in our court in supporting Sri Lanka and other countries in denying them from raising their ugly head again. --- The Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Tisara Samarasinghe at the historic 19th International Sea Power Symposium in Rhode Island, USA. Contribution to the War Effort Sri Lanka Navy proved its might by venturing out to deep sea for thousands of miles away from our coasts with its “men of war” and hunting down the LTTE floating warehouses thereby depriving the LTTE of the logistic support which is an important principle in any kind of warfare for a force to sustain in battle. This, without an iota of doubt, was one important factor which helped the ground forces to move forward against de moralized groups of fighters who found themselves to be in the doldrums with munitions stocks dried down to a terrifying condition. All these warships did a remarkable job round the clock to run the naval barriers and blockades to keep the enemy at bay and quarantine the enemy held shores of receiving any kind of support from the outside world. The most daring force of all time sea battle and the cutting edge of SLN was the Fast Attack Craft (FAC) Squadron, which from its inception in 1984 have held the line tight and stayed together against all odds at sea. FACs were invariably among the first on the scene of action in time of trouble at sea. Never in the history of Naval Warfare in the world have we seen such brave men of honour who dared taking the Sea Tiger’s “Kamikaze” Suicide Craft head on. This was so evident when a Dvora rammed a Suicide craft in an unforgettable heroic feat of the recent past in a valiant effort to save 710 Service personnel onboard MV Pearl Cruise. It was thanks to the same kind of heroes another 854 servicemen’s lives were spared when the Passenger Carrier Jet Liner – A 545 came under attack. The Special Boats Squadron (SBS) along with the Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS) opened a new concept in littoral combat especially within the sphere of asymmetric warfare to effectively counter the swarming tactics of the Sea Tigers. As cleverly foreseen by the former Commander of the Navy Admiral WKJ Karannagoda, Sri Lanka Navy proved its might in littoral warfare where even the most formidable navies in the present context with all their state of the art war machines are yet to prove themselves. The Role of the Sri Lanka Navy in the Present Context During the past 59 years, especially during the last three decades of war, Sri Lanka Navy has been gradually structured to provide four fundamental military and non military capabilities. First is control of the sea to assure Sri Lanka can use the oceans for economic and military purposes while denying such access to opponents in time of crisis or war. Second is the ability to project power ashore with naval gunfire, rockets, and marine forces--either in support of sea-control or to support a joint campaign ashore. Third, the Navy provides Aid to Civil Power in time of unrest or any civil disturbances. Finally, the Navy provides aid by way of men, expertise and material in times of natural calamities. Now the war is over. Yet the battle for success; to free our nation from the manacles of human suffering caused by the savagery of LTTE’s war of attrition has just begun. Sri Lanka as a nation must look back and ponder if they really want to look beyond. Most of us are unaware of the fact that we are standing amidst a vastly resourceful ocean. This is not a time for us to point fingers at our predecessors and kill time and let such valuable resources to which we all Sri Lankans heir to be locked down unutilized or let anyone else to exploit to their advantage. If not the future recorder of the history of our country might well say that Sri Lanka remains a failed nation because its people could not preserve and utilize the resources of the sea around the island nation to the best of its advantage. With regard to this aspect let’s now see how and why the Sir Lanka Navy being in the vanguard of protecting the island nation during the war will still continue to do so and help the people of Sri Lanka to be a free and determined nation to enjoy a much prospect full and happier living. Protection of Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCS)
As we all know Sri Lanka claims a total land mass of 65 610 km2 with a costal belt of approximately 1200 km long. Being situated in the centre of the Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) of east west trade in the Indian Ocean it has become so important for many nations who are involved with the art of Sea Faring. The growing concern for protecting trade at sea in the ever increasing attacks mounted on merchant vessels by the sea pirates in the Indian Ocean has put all seagoing nations on red alert. Hence, the duties and responsibilities of each sea going nation will be very demanding and especially the entire world will now look up to the masters of such warfare, the SL Navy. Continuous Surveillance and Naval Operation Sri Lanka Navy will not abdicate nor alienate their duties and responsibilities as the first line of defence of Sri Lankan. Therefore, as envisaged by the policy makers of SLN, it will keep their Warships and all other naval craft in all probable states of readiness and use its state of the art array of Marine Surveillance Radar system installed along the coast. These Radars capable of detecting any inbound threat or any unwanted guest in the sea for a distance of 400km (200 NM) from the coast. All these radars are positioned at strategically important coastal locations and with time to come, will be definitely fortified and expanded as deemed necessary. Today the SLN is among the most experienced Naval forces specially that of an island Nation in the world. As the newly appointed Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral TSG Samarasinghe emphasises; The primary role of protecting the country from any threat projected from the seaward both in time of war and peace alike remain unchanged but the duty to serve the nation with unwavering dedication in all fronts will be the order of the day for the SLN for the rest of its voyage. Protection of Maritime Resources and Fishing Industry
We all are aware of the fact that Sri Lanka being an island, by the rights granted by the United Nations Convention of the Law Of the Sea (UNCLOS), can claim a sea area of 21 times of its size of land area and as per the regulations and rights granted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) we can scientifically claim an area equivalent to 27 times that of land area on the continental shelf. More importantly, all the living and non living marine resources therein are belonged to us. These include the crude oil deposits, minerals and marine life. It is incumbent on the Navy to protect these resources being illegally exploited and preserve them for the generations to come. SLN will render any assistance to in all endeavours to use them for the country’s requirements. It is very evident that the optimum utilization of these resources at sea will undoubtedly make Sri Lanka the fastest growing economy in the region. It is equally important to protect our fishing vessels in cases of natural disasters or even form any kind of atrocities by illegal fishermen on our vessels and above all from the perpetrators of gunrunning, drug trafficking and human smuggling. Hence constabulary duties in the waters extending up to 200 NM from the coastal lines like assisting the Sri Lanka Customs to stop contraband stuff coming into the country and thereby prevent huge losses to the government in terms of revenue from imports, will be among the major tasks of the SLN. Assisting the Government in Development Activities
The civil administration of the northern islands is carried out with the assistance of the Navy. Recently nearly ten thousand (10 000) IDP s were resettled in the northern islands by the Sri Lanka Navy in liaison with government agents under the Government’s Resettlement Programme. Transit centres for IDP s with domestic facilities have been established by the Navy in the Northern Islands and the registrations and resettlement process is carried out with the assistance of the Navy. Medical clinics and other welfare activities for the IDP s are also facilitated by the Navy. SLN has been playing a vital role in assisting the government to lift up the living standards of the peoples. The SLN is very much instrumental in making 1509 houses for war heroes at Ipalogama Housing Project and thereby have helped save 423 million Rupees for the governments. The Navy plays a vital role in recommencing and developing of the fishing industry in the North. Fishing marshalling points have been established by the Navy and fishermen are allowed to indulge in their traditional ways of livelihood twenty four hours of the day without any interruptions. After taking over the North-western coastal area by the Navy, much development activities have been undertaken there. Naval troops involved in these projects had to clear the area of mines and booby traps before beginning the road contraction projects Silavathura to Mullikulam (27km), Silavathura to Arippu (07Km), Silavathura to Murukkan (11 km), Kokkupadayan to Mahavilachchiya (32km) and Mullikulam to Eluvankulam (33km) are some of the road reconstruction projects which have already been completed and work on Kurulukuda to Pookkulam (30km) road is underway. Providing Professionals for the Development of the Country As SLN as a force full of intellectuals and all kind of tradesmen, apart from the fact that they are skilled sea forces, is always prepared to assist our country’s projects in whatever the available means with special emphasis to Research and Development (RND). Naval personnel serving in specialties from medicine, marine, electrical and civil engineering, diving, search and rescue operations, navigations, gunnery to mine warfare with the reservists will undoubtedly make a good force in the Endeavour of making this country a better place for us. The sailors who retire after and ocean full of knowledge and expertise of their fields of interest have a massive demand both in public and private sector. The Navy is very much inclined towards self development of its members. SLN Officers and sailors get a variety of courses in their fields of interests not only in Sri Lanka but in other countries like USA, UK, Germany, China etc. The mammoth exposure Naval personnel get is unmatched to what their counterparts get in other organization in Sri Lanka. Hence, it is always agreeable to refer to Sri Lanka Navy as the “University of Mid Ocean” – Maha Sayura Meda Sarasaviya” Naval Diplomacy and Strengthening of International Relations
Naval Role doesn’t cease at the limits of maritime boundaries but goes far beyond. Navy makes good will visits to certain countries and even invite them to do combine Naval exercise to instil confidence and cooperation among such navies. The beauty of the Navy is by traditions, customs and even by the modus operandi virtually every Navy in the world is similar to each other. The SLN does the role of a diplomat in such interactions. Sri Lanka Navy is playing an important role in enhancing bilateral relations with our closest neighbour India by conducting combined training exercises and all other multi faceted interactions with the Indian Navy. Providing Assistance During Natural Calamities and Disasters and Conducting SAR Missions
As per the agreements with the International Maritime Organization and International Hydrographic Organization, littoral countries have allocated with sea areas of responsibility for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. The search and rescue region allocated to Sri Lanka extends up to a vest sea area and is about twenty seven times of the land mass. Sri Lanka Navy upholds its moral principal of helping anyone who is in troubled waters both at sea and on land in times of manmade or natural disasters by conducting Search and Rescue (SAR) missions. SLN is a force capable of doing search and rescue missions at times of disaster at sea, during floods or in any event where the requirements divers and life savers are required. Naval divers and rescue teams are ready to respond to any disastrous situation at a short notice where ordinary man power and human skill would not match the demands of such situations. Protection to Life Lines of the Nation Most of the important water reservoirs in the country are guarded and patrolled by the Sri Lanka Navy. Naval personnel are called in to activate harbour facilities during state of unrest and even where uninterrupted supply of essential services is required. Contribution to Sports and Recreation The Navy which is constituted of physically and mentally fit personnel who excel in all kind of water sports and other field sport activities help promote sailing, swimming, rowing and others kind of aquatic sports and recreation among the people of Sri Lanka. Also they take part in international sports events and have brought credit to Sri Lanka. Organizational Ethics The SLN being a force renowned for its ethical behaviours towards the environment displays strict compliance with the standards of environmental protection and stands firm against sea pollution by any means. It also exemplifies its pious attitude by helping all kind of communities to arrange religious festivals and help construct and renovate places of worship. SLN also actively participate in the educational process of the country by training the School Naval Cadets of the National Cadet Corps and even conducting awareness programmers on disaster management through participatory lectures, seminars and even through the mass media. Hence, it has to be borne in our mind that the Sri Lanka Navy is doing a mammoth and respectful service to the public as well as to the government of Sri Lanka to maintain peace and boost up economy in the country. No person with a sense of gratitude can ever forget the noble service the SLN has done for the country and its people ever since its inception. The days of terror is no more but still the Navy is always awake to preserve the National interests. As the Sri Lanka navy sets sail for the 60th year it we are morally obliged to remember those “Few Dood Men” who paid the supreme sacrifice to keep our nation’s Lion Flag flying high. The nation is forever indebted to our heroes who sacrificed life, limb and liberty for our country. They are among the best of our country and a shining example to all in our nation. It’s an honor to say that we were your comrade sailors.
There is no group of people that we hold in higher regard than our fallen sailors. The flag that draped over their casket during their last journey is the same flag that they fought, bled, and died for. We feel you in every wave that laps ashore, every breath we take and in every flower we smell and touch. It is because of you that we live in the greatest, freest and proudest country in the world.After 59 years of excellence in valour, glamour and grandeur, SLN today, is a formidable, determined and professional force which will be blessed with fair winds and following seas in the voyage they steer our country for the glory.
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Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied herein, DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Unless otherwise indicated, opinions expressed herein are those of the author of the page and do not necessarily represent the corporate views of DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News.

DTN News: Conrad Black ~ Between Empires

DTN News: Conrad Black ~ Between Empires *Source: National Post By Conrad Black ~ cbletters@gmail.com (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 6, 2009: Not too much should be expected from Stephen Harper’s visit to China. The Middle Kingdom, the only country that has oscillated several times between greatness and degradation — and, with Russia and the United States, the only country that has historically been unconquerable — does what it wishes, ignores the opinions of other countries, and doesn’t give much away. There is no point to raising civil rights, other than that their relative absence in China diminishes the moral respect China would otherwise receive. About 10 years ago, an associate of mine, in conversation with the Chinese ambassador in London, recited Voltaire’s famous formula that it is better for 10 guilty men to go free than for one innocent one to be condemned. The ambassador stared quizzically and said: “Better for whom?” In China, as in other traditionally non-Western countries, such as Russia and Japan (largely westernized as they are), there is a tension between the nativists and the Western emulators. To the minimal extent we can, we should encourage those Chinese that would be more co-operative with the West than not. But the only way to do this is to impress China with the power of the West, a task that is not assisted by the Chinese ownership of over $1-trillion in U.S. Treasury notes, and by the bizarre spectacle of the president of the United States making the international rounds apologizing for the conduct of some of the West’s greatest leaders — including (as he put it in London last April) the remaking of the world by “just Roosevelt and Churchill sitting in a room with a brandy,” and Truman dropping atomic bombs on two small cities of a country that savagely attacked the United States and its allies without the stuffy heirlooms of a casus belli or declaration of war. Similarly, for President Obama to have declined to see the Dalai Lama, in deference to Chinese sensitivity, was as cowardly and misjudged an act of appeasement as President Ford’s refusal to meet Alexander Solzhenitsyn in 1975. Educated Chinese never forget that China was the most powerful and advanced empire in the world in the seventh and eighth centuries (Tang Dynasty), the 13th century (under the Mongols), and the fifteenth century (Ming Dynasty), and feel their turn is coming again. At the time of Columbus’s discovery of the New World, China had hundreds of nine-masted “treasure ships,” (whose rudders were longer than Columbus’s flagship, the Nina), which carried huge iron cannons and up to 3,000 tons of cargo. They were 10 times the size of analogous western vessels, the Queen Mary or Normandie compared to the Noronic. The Chinese navy contained over 4,000 ships, commanded by Muslim Arab eunuch-admirals, and was vastly greater than western navies. (Henry V invaded France with four fishing ships, which carried a hundred soldiers each per cross-Channel trip.) The Chinese governed almost all of Asia, and in the 13th century surged into Poland, Germany and Hungary, routed the Western knights and effectively destroyed European feudalism. Even in the seventh century, China exchanged embassies or trade representatives with 300 cities or states, including the Portuguese and Swedes. Kublai Khan was a relatively liberal ruler who tolerated all religious views in the times of pre-Inquisition Europe and reduced the imposition of the death penalty to a lower per capita frequency than in the United States today. China discovered gunpowder, the printing press, and the magnetic compass long before the West did. And no matter how tattered, decrepit, or bloodied China has been at intervals, it has never in thousands of years considered itself inferior to, or even equalled by, other nationalities. It may not come naturally to Stephen Harper to speak in such epochal terms, but to the extent he can express confidence in the West, notwithstanding current indispositions, as having see-sawed with China as the world’s most advanced culture for 2,500 years, he should promote the solidarity of great and ancient rivals over competitive irritations. It is something of a fad to be awe-struck by the recent economic progress of China. Stephen Harper is not going to that country to affront his hosts, but there is a good deal of flim-flam in its figures. Nearly one billion Chinese peasants live largely as they did 2,000 or 3,000 years ago. Indicators such as electricity production do not confirm claimed economic growth rates, and the Chinese practices of adding to GDP at once any expense when it is approved but not made (the state controls almost 40% of the economy), and of manufacturing narrow lines of products and of considering them sold when shipped from the factories, replicate some of the notorious frailties of the command economy. The prime minister should not be lecturing the Chinese about carbon emissions. That misguided task has been taken up by Obama and some European analogues. Their harangues on this subject have no doubt been met with almost as much astonishment as that experienced by long-serving Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who famously listened to New York governor Nelson Rockefeller’s lectures on the need for bomb shelters in the late fifties. The Chinese, like the Indians, have quite correctly taken the position that the advanced Western industrial powers are responsible for most of the carbon emissions that have occurred, while promoting their own industrial growth, and are still the largest sources, per capita, of carbon emissions. Apart from whatever forays into the history of civilizations and long-term geo-strategy that Stephen Harper may be comfortable making, he arrived in China with the strong hand of the head of a country that is, or could be, a major supplier to China of base and precious metals, energy, forest products, and agriculture, and of a country that has carefully managed its trade balances and cash flows with China and the world. There are spectacular possibilities for building this relationship imaginatively. Raw-material importing countries can no longer create a buyers’ market, as Japan once did before the economic rise of China and India forced up demand. Now, it is a producers’ market, and there may be long-term possibilities for exchanging guaranties of quantities for guaranties of price. This could be streamed to assist Canada in expanding its ownership of its own resources, without mistreating or discouraging foreign investors in this country. Although the Chinese political establishment is proverbially inscrutable, any informed intuition the prime minister has acquired of Chinese intentions would also be useful. It is a myth that China has had no historic vocation beyond its own borders. As mentioned, they were the most adventurous navigators in the world until the Europeans unlocked and plundered the riches of the Americas and the Indies, whereupon the Chinese became perversely isolationist and scrapped their navy and merchant fleet in the 17th century. The Chinese leaders are unlikely to be overly informative about their long-term geopolitical ambitions. But if Stephen Harper doesn’t lecture or scold or plead, discusses what interests the Chinese, Canada’s resources (they aren’t remotely interested in anything else about this country), with authority and imagination, listens carefully, and doesn’t make it look like another photo opportunity for a vote-hunting, transitory Western office-holder, it will have been a successful visit. Disclaimer statement Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied herein, DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Unless otherwise indicated, opinions expressed herein are those of the author of the page and do not necessarily represent the corporate views of DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News.

DTN News: India, Russia Likely To Sign Various Agreements During Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s Moscow Visit

DTN News: India, Russia Likely To Sign Various Agreements During Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s Moscow Visit *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - December 6, 2009: During Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s three-day official visit to Moscow which begins on Sunday, India and Russia are likely to sign a host of agreements of significance, which will be a reflection of the breadth of their relationship and particularly, the depth of their cooperation in the defence sector, said Foreign Secretary Nirupama Roa in the capital on Saturday. Breifing media persons ahead of the visit, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao stated the list of likely agreements during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit. The list of probable agreements during this Dr.Singh’s Moscow visit include: • Agreement on extending the Programme for Military and Technical Cooperation for the period 2011-2020; • Agreement on After Sales Support for Russian arms and military equipment supplied to India; • Protocol to the Agreement on Cooperation in Development and Production of Multi-Role Transport Aircraft (MTA); • Dollar credit line Agreement between Vnesheconombank of the Russian Federation and the Exim Bank of India for the extension of a 100 million dollar credit to Russia for certain imports of equipment from India; • MoU on cultural exchanges between India and the Russian Federation. “ A Joint Declaration will be issued by the two leaders during the visit on deepening our strategic partnership to meet global challenges,” Rao informed. “In addition to these, we are currently in the advanced stages of finalizing a bilateral framework Inter-Government Agreement on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. Several rounds of negotiations have already taken place between our experts and we are hopeful that the agreement will be finalised during the visit. This agreement envisages broad-based cooperation on a range of technologies and know-how in the realm of peaceful uses of nuclear technology,” Rao informed. India has an existing agreement with Russia (of 1988) for cooperation in the construction of two 1000 MW nuclear power units. India and Russia defense cooperation has for long been a key element of their relationship. “We have moved well beyond a buyer-seller relationship to joint production through the transfer of relevant technologies. In fact, the development of the Indian defence industry has been in large measure due to the strong relationship we have had with Russia and the Soviet Union earlier. A very robust bilateral institutions mechanism exists to discuss the defence relationship. The apex of this structure is the inter-governmental commission headed by the two Defence ministers on military-technical cooperation.” During the annual summit, this relationship will be reviewed at the highest level, Rao stated. In the hydrocarbon sector, cooperation in which is another critical element of India-Russia relationship. “We are hoping to intensify this cooperation with further participation in oil and gas fields in the Russian Far-East,” the Foreign Secretary informed.

DTN News: Vietnam Could Become Key Importer Of Russian Weaponry

DTN News: Vietnam Could Become Key Importer Of Russian Weaponry
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) HANOI, Vietnam - December 6, 2009: Vietnam could become a key importer of Russian weaponry if several contracts on the purchase of diesel submarines and aircraft are signed in the near future, a Russian newspaper said. Russia will supply 12 Su-30MK2 Flanker multi-role fighters to Vietnam under a contract worth more than $500 million, a Russian business daily reported recently, according to Russia's RIA Novosti.Vedomosti said the contract, which does not include weaponry, was signed between Russian arms export monopoly Rosoboronexport and the Vietnamese Defense Ministry in January, but was not disclosed until now. According to the Vedomosti business daily, Moscow and Hanoi are close to sign deals on the purchase of six Kilo class diesel-electric submarines and 12 Su-30MK2 Flanker-C multirole fighters. The submarine contract, worth an estimated $1.8 billion, includes the construction of on-shore infrastructure and training of submarine crews and will be the second largest submarine contract concluded by Russia since the Soviet era after the 2002 deal on the delivery of eight subs to China. The Project 636 Kilo class submarine is thought to be one of the most silent submarine classes in the world. It has been specifically designed for anti-shipping and anti-submarine operations in relatively shallow waters. Russia has built Kilo class submarines for India, China and Iran. Vedomosti also cited sources in Russia's aircraft manufacturing industry as saying a new contract on the delivery of 12 Su-30MK2 fighter jets in addition to eight aircraft of the same type ordered by Vietnam in January 2009. Su-30MK2 is an advanced two-seat version of the Su-27 Flanker multirole fighter with upgraded electronics and capability to launch anti-ship missiles. The new contract could be worth at least $600 million, not including the price of on-board weaponry. In addition, Russia could sign a deal with Vietnam on the delivery of a large number of Mi-17 helicopters, a source in the Russian Helicopters company said during the LIMA 2009 arms show in Malaysia on Wednesday. According to Russian military analyst Konstantin Makiyenko, the new deals will push Vietnam to the top of the list of major buyers of the Russian weaponry, as the share of China and India in Russia's arms exports is gradually declining.

DTN News: Indian Panel OKs Joint Aircraft Effort With Russia

DTN News: Indian Panel OKs Joint Aircraft Effort With Russia *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - December 6, 2009: India's highest decision-making body on security matters gave its approval Dec. 3 to the joint development with Russia of a multirole transport aircraft (MTA).The Multirole Medium Aircraft (MTA) project was initiated by Russia's Ilyushin in 1996. It is also referred to as Il-214 Ilyushin and "Indo-Russian Transport Aircraft (IRTA) or MRTA by its Indian partner HAL. Russia and India entered into negotiations for the co-development of the aircraft in 1999. An agreement was signed in June 2001 between Ilyushin, Irkut and HAL. The clearance by the Cabinet Committee on Security here will pave the way for a formal agreement to be signed during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Russia, beginning Dec. 6. The plan calls for India and Russia to jointly build 210 MTAs, with Russia buying 100 and India buying the rest. The agreement will include an option for India to buy 100 more MTAs for its Army and other security forces. Despite a 2002 memorandum of understanding to forge a joint venture to build the aircraft in India, no headway has been made on the project. The formal agreement likely will be inked during Singh's Moscow visit, an Indian Defence Ministry official said. Russia's Irkutsk Aviation and Industrial Association, llyushin Aviation Complex and Rosoboronexport have decided to participate in the MTA program with India's state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) on an equity-sharing basis. The Russians will finance nearly $300 million of the aircraft's development costs, the Defence Ministry official said. HAL also will supply $300 million for the effort after getting firm orders for the 15-ton MTA from the Indian Air Force, the ministry official added. The MTA is intended to replace the Air Force's transport aircraft, most of which were bought from Russia. India has about 100 medium-lift An-32s and about 20 heavy-lift Il-76s. In 2008, India signed a contract for the purchase of six C-130 Hercules transport planes from the U.S.

DTN News: Eastern Africa Standby Brigade (EASB) Is Holding Exercise In Djibouti

DTN News: Eastern Africa Standby Brigade (EASB) Is Holding Exercise In Djibouti
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) NAIROBI, Kenya - December 5, 2009: Eastern Africa Standby Brigade (EASB) is holding the exercise involving 1,500 troops - from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Sudan, Burundi, Comoros, Seychelles and Somalia. The aim is to build a proper African peacekeeping force which will be able to respond to wars or crisis throughout the continent and have the backing of major Western powers, as this is their first big exercise.
Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh (front L) arrives for the closing ceremony of the Field Training Service (FTS) in exercise Amani Carana by the Eastern Africa Standby Brigade in the Arta region of Djibouti, December 4, 2009.
Members of the Eastern Africa Standby Brigade (EASB) from Rwanda parade during the closing ceremony of the Field Training Service (FTS) in exercise Amani Carana in the Arta region of Djibouti, December 4, 2009.
Members of the Eastern Africa Standby Brigade from Uganda queue to board a French tactical aircraft C160 Transall at the French Air Base 188 in Djibouti,
Members of the Eastern Africa Standby Brigade from Rwanda parade during the closing ceremony of the Field Training Service (FTS) in exercise Amani Carana in the Arta region of Djibouti, December 4, 2009.
Members of the Eastern Africa Standby Brigade from Somalia parade during the closing ceremony of the Field Training Service (FTS) in exercise Amani Carana in the Arta region of Djibouti, December 4, 2009. Members of the Eastern Africa Standby Brigade from Ethiopia parade during the closing ceremony of the Field Training Service (FTS) in exercise Amani Carana in the Arta region of Djibouti, December 4, 2009.