Monday, June 07, 2010

DTN News: Joint Military Excercise Of U.S. Marines With Indonesian Armed Forces In Indonesia

DTN News: Joint Military Excercise Of U.S. Marines With Indonesian Armed Forces In Indonesia Source: DTN News By Roger Smith (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 8, 2010: U.S. Marines of 2nd battalion, 24th Marines, takes his position with his Indonesian counterparts during a joint-excercise in Situbondo, East Java, Indonesia, Saturday, May 29, 2010. The strong tradition of U.S.-Indonesian security cooperation that was bolstered by joint humanitarian assistance following natural disasters in 2004 and 2009 took another step forward with Indonesia’s recent decision to pursue ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. The United States is grateful to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the Indonesian government for “responsible leadership in the global effort to reinforce the nuclear nonproliferation regime,” President Obama said in a May 4 statement praising Indonesia’s announcement. Indonesia’s action is the most recent demonstration of the two nations’ shared vision for a peaceful, prosperous, democratic world. After a 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, U.S. Navy vessels arrived within days to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. In the weeks and months that followed, U.S.-Indonesian military cooperation was vital for transporting relief supplies and aid workers to remote parts of the enormous area affected by the tsunami. More recently, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Richard Landolt arrived in Padang, Indonesia, shortly after the September 30, 2009, earthquake. Working closely with Indonesian armed forces, Landolt led U.S. military relief efforts. The U.S. humanitarian assistance and survey team coordinated medical support, civil engineering and supply needs with the Indonesian government, nongovernmental organizations and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Those humanitarian partnerships gave rise to several important security relationships. In March, members of the U.S. Air Force’s technical coordination groups inspected and repaired portions of Indonesia’s fleet of U.S.-made fighter and cargo aircraft. Indonesian-operated C-130 transport planes, capable of carrying 19,000 kilograms (42,000 pounds), were vital for ferrying disaster relief supplies to isolated parts of the country. In May, the Indonesian government and the U.S. Army co-hosted in Jakarta, Indonesia, the 20th Asia Pacific Military Medicine Conference. The annual gathering featured discussions on humanitarian relief deployments, medical administration, triage and casualty evacuation, and methods to combat infectious diseases. The United States and Indonesia also share a strong interest in improving maritime security and fighting trafficking in persons. Under the Global Train and Equip Program, the United States from 2006 to 2009 provided Indonesia with more than $47 million to fight smuggling, piracy and trafficking. This Department of Defense program sponsored the installation of several radar systems to improve maritime security throughout the archipelago, particularly in the Malacca and Makassar straits. According to the International Maritime Bureau, incidents of maritime crime in Indonesian waters decreased 77 percent from 2003 to 2008. Working with Indonesians to fight human trafficking, the U.S. departments of State and Labor in 2008 and 2009 funded more than $6 million in projects to prevent trafficking, protect victims and prosecute traffickers in Indonesia. As security partners, the United States and Indonesia joined Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Singapore for the Cobra Gold military exercise in February. Cobra Gold is the largest multinational military exercise in the world. Its joint training programs include command post exercises, civil engineering projects and field exercises. The June 2009 Garuda Shield joint exercise allowed U.S. and Indonesian forces to discuss bomb-detecting methods and equipment. In 2009, the U.S. and Indonesian militaries co-hosted the Garuda Shield multilateral military exercise in Bandung, Indonesia. This training program focused on peace support operations and included more than 1,000 soldiers and marines from nine countries. The co-director of the exercise, U.S. Major General Vernon Miyagi, praised Indonesia for taking “a lead role in supporting peacekeeping worldwide.” Joint military exercises such as these are part of the close training and counterterrorism relationship that the United States and Indonesia share. U.S.-Indonesian counterterrorism cooperation has been especially strong since the Bali bombings of October 2002, and the United States has “very good cooperation with the Indonesian government on counterterrorism issues,” said Jeff Bader March 15. Bader is the senior director for Asian affairs at the National Security Council. *This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com

DTN News: IAI/ELTA Systems Awarded $33 Million (USD) In Contracts For Airborne Maritime Surveillance Radars (MSR)

DTN News: IAI/ELTA Systems Awarded $33 Million (USD) In Contracts For Airborne Maritime Surveillance Radars (MSR)
Source: DTN News / Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) June 7, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) TEL AVIV, Israel - June 8, 2010: Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) ELTA Systems Ltd. (IAI/ELTA), an IAI Group and Subsidiary, has been awarded several contracts worth $33 million from foreign customers for the development and production of the EL/M-2022A Maritime Surveillance Radar (MSR) for Maritime Patrol Aircraft. IAI/ELTA's MSRs are recognized worldwide for their contribution to operational missions, including maritime warfare operations, surveillance and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrol, anti-drug enforcement operations, coast guard and fishery supervision, and search and rescue operations.ELTA's airborne radar systems are a well-known, widely used product in operational service with customers worldwide. Recently, a number of news items have been published regarding maritime patrol aircraft employing ELTA's radars to monitor the volcanic ash cloud in Iceland and the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. ELTA Systems Ltd., a Group and wholly-owned subsidiary of IAI, is one of Israel's leading defense electronics companies and a leader in Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), Early-Warning Command & Control, Home-Land Security, Self-Protection and Self-Defense, and Fire-Control applications on board both manned and unmanned aircraft. In the picture:
Maritime Surveillance Radar
Maritime Patrol Aircraft For further information, please contact:
Doron Suslik
Deputy Corporate VP for Communications
Tel: +972-3-935-8509
Fax: +972-3-935-8512

DTN News: U.S., European Military To Discuss Air Defense Cooperation

DTN News: U.S., European Military To Discuss Air Defense Cooperation
Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti Dt. June 7, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) TALLINN, Estonia - June 8, 2010: U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) top brass will attend a Building Partnership Seminar under the Unified Engagement series in Estonian capital, Tallinn, on June 7-11. A U.S. delegation led by USAFE Commander, General Roger A. Brady, will join military officials from seven European countries to discuss interoperability and future cooperation. The event, co-hosted by USAFE and the Estonian Defense Ministry, is the third such seminar held in Europe. Other participants this year include Denmark, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden. Estonia has been a full member of the NATO since 2004. The Unified Engagement series is a wargame designed to explore future joint warfare concepts and capabilities.

DTN News: U.S. Marines Arrive In Estonia To Take Part In Baltops 2010 Drills

DTN News: U.S. Marines Arrive In Estonia To Take Part In Baltops 2010 Drills
Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti Dt. June 6, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) TALLINN, Estonia - June 8, 2010: Over 300 U.S. marines arrived in Estonia to take part in the Baltops-2010 naval exercises in the Baltic Sea on June 7-18, the press service of Estonia's General Staff said. They will join 200 U.S. marines who already arrived in the Baltic state. The Baltops exercise has been held annually since 1994 within the framework of the NATO Partnership for Peace Program. It is aimed to promote a mutual understanding of maritime interoperability between U.S. Navy, NATO, and non-NATO participants. This year, the exercise will be held in Latvia and Estonia and will involve about 3,000 servicemen from the U.S., Belgium, Estonia, Denmark, France, Russia, Latvia, the U.K., Lithuania, Germany and Sweden. A total of 36 vessels, two submarines and other military vehicles will take part in the drills, including Russia's amphibious assault landing ship, the Kaliningrad. Kaliningrad class ships are capable of carrying up to 500 tons of cargo, 13 tanks and more than 200 naval infantry. The warship represented Russia at the BALTOPS drills five times since 2003.

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 7, 2010

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 7, 2010 Source: U.S. DoD issued June 7, 2010 (NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - June 8, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued June 7, 2010 are undermentioned; CONTRACTS AIR FORCE ~Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Herndon, Va. (FA8720-10-D-0001); ~Boeing Co., Saint Louis, Mo. (8720-10-d-0002); ~DCS Corp., Alexandria, Va. (FA8720-10-D-0003); ~BAE Systems National Security Solutions Inc., San Diego, Calif. (FA8720-10-D-0004); and ~Lockheed Martin Corp., Owego, N.Y. (FA8720-10-D-0005), were awarded a $919,640,000 contract which will provide for the software development of mission planning systems to provide the warfighter with the tools to plan missions and transfer required data to the aircraft avionics. At this time, no money has been obligated. 951 ELSG/PK, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity. ~Lockheed Martin Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., was awarded an $183,030,499 contract which will provide for the definization of the Space Based Infrared Systems Geosynchronous Earth Orbit Satellite and highly elliptical earth orbit payload production and ground systems modification. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. SMC/ISSW, Los Angeles Air Force Base, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8810-08-C-0002). ~Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., was awarded an $18,868,387 contract which will provide for non-personal services under the military satellite communications orbital operations and logistics support contract to support the operations and sustainment of Milstar and the Defense Satellite Communications System. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. HQ MCSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8808-10-C-0002). ~Lockheed Martin Corp., Marietta, Ga., was awarded a $5,711,354 contract which will provide for the C-5M reliability enhancement and re-engineering program low rate initial production, contact change proposal support equipment, forward operating bases. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 716 AESG, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-07-C-6471). ARMY ~Textron Systems Corp., Slidell, La., was awarded on May 28 an $84,705,030 firm-fixed-price contract for eight command-and-control armored security vehicles; 72 extended personnel carriers; three years of spares support for all 80 vehicles; 80 English/Arabic operator manuals; five English/Arabic maintenance and parts manuals; one English/Arabic CD of manuals; and two field service representatives to provide logistics, maintenance and training support for 24 months. Work is to be performed in Slidell, La., with an estimated completion date of May 28, 2013. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Contracting Center, Warren, CCTA-ATB-D, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-10-C-0044). ~AM General, LLC, South Bend, Ind., was awarded on May 28 an $18,049,690 firm-fixed-price contract to add 100 Humvees to contract. Work is to be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, CCTA-ATA-C, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001). ~Carson & Associates, Inc., Little Rock, Ark., was awarded on May 26 a $17,630,560 firm-fixed-price contract for an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act steam line replacement for the sustainment, renovation and modernization of several warehouses and storage buildings located at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Pine Bluff, Ark. Work is to be performed in Pine Bluff, Ark., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Little Rock, Ark., is the contracting activity (W9127S-10-D-6005). ~Arrowpoint Corp., Alexandria, Va., was awarded on May 27 a $15,957,254 labor contract to provide program management and support services for the Army National Guard. Work is to be performed in Arlington, Va., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2015. Bids were solicited via the General Services Administration with 10 bids received. National Guard Bureau, ZC-AQ, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (W9133L-10-F-0145). ~GM GDLS Defense Group, LLC, JV, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on May 28 a $14,366,117 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the engineering support for the Stryker Family of Vehicles. Work is to be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Contracting Center CCTA-AI, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112). ~BAE Systems, York, Pa., was awarded on May 28 a $10,728,276 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of material and installation of M113 Crew II A-kits for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Work is to be performed in York, Pa., with an estimated completion date of September 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army, TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005). ~AM General, LLC, South Bend, Ind., was awarded on May 28 an $8,546,999 firm-fixed-price contract to add 53 Humvees to contract. Work is to be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, CCTA-ATA-C, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001). ~Promotions Plus, Inc., North Royalton, Ohio, was awarded on May 28 an $8,158,624 firm-fixed-price contract for 203,000 pairs of Marine Corps flame resistant organizational gear gloves. Work is to be performed in Fort Dodge, Iowa, with an estimated completion date of May 18, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with four bids received. U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Natick Contracting Center, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-10-F-0109). ~Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., was awarded on May 28 an $8,158,607 firm-fixed-price contract for 128,482 pairs of Marine Corps flame resistant organizational gear gloves. Work is to be performed in Virginia Beach, Va., with an estimated completion date of May 28, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with four bids received. U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Natick Contracting Center, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-10-F-0108). ~Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., was awarded on May 28 a $7,583,807 firm-fixed-price contract to provide engineering services for the design, development, qualification testing, and analyses required for the Rolls-Royce 250-C30R/3 engine “Single Channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control System Model #EMC-35A Electronic Control Unit Upgrade.” This contract will have a 12-month period of performance. Work is to be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., with an estimated completion date of May 28, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, CCAM-AR-B, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-D-0072). ~Avox Systems, Inc., Lancaster, N.Y., was awarded on May 28 a $7,012,454 firm-fixed-price contract to produce and deliver 2,411 mask protective unit masks. Work is to be performed in Lancaster, N.Y. (90 percent), and Frederick, Md. (10 percent), with an estimated completion date of Oct. 20, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Acquisition Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground Contracting Division, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (F41624-03-C-1007). ~Harris Corp., Melbourne, Fla., was awarded on May 28 a $6,219,750 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of controlled image base one-meter and five-meter products produced from WorldView imagery. Work is to be performed in Melbourne, Fla., with an estimated completion date of May 27, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, ACSM, Saint Louis, Mo., is the contracting activity (MNA302-03-D-0006). U.S. TRANSPORTATION COMMAND ~Presidential Airways, Inc., an Aviation Worldwide Services Co., Camden, N.C., is being awarded a $24,289,339 task order for fixed-wing aircraft, personnel, equipment, tools, material, maintenance and supervision necessary to perform passenger and cargo air transportation services. Work will be performed in Afghanistan. The task order will start June 4, 2010, to be completed by May 31, 2011. This contract was a competitive acquisition. U.S Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-10-D-R016). ~Evergreen Helicopters of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a $14,490,000 task order for fixed-wing aircraft, personnel, equipment, tools, material, maintenance and supervision necessary to perform passenger and cargo air transportation services. Work will be performed in Afghanistan. The task order will start June 4, 2010, to be completed by May 31, 2011. This contract was a competitive acquisition. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-10-D-R017). NAVY ~FN Manufacturing, LLC, Columbia, S.C., is being awarded an $11,498,167 firm-fixed-price contract for the MK 48 Mod-1 light weight machine gun (LMG) in support of the Navy Small Arms program. The MK 48 Mod-1 LMG is a compact, man-portable, belt-fed, air-cooled weapon system that is capable of engaging targets out to 1,000 meters. This weapon system is extremely rugged, highly reliable, corrosion resistant, and capable of being maintained and operated by one man in combat. Work will be performed in Columbia, S.C., and is expected to be completed by January 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $11,498,167 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-10-C-JN06).

DTN News: Indian SU-30 MKIs To Participate In Exercise Garuda In France

DTN News: Indian SU-30 MKIs To Participate In Exercise Garuda In France
Source: DTN News Roger Smith
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 8, 2010: An Indian Air Force contingent of 230 Air Warriors was flagged off from Air Force Station Bareilly by Air Marshal S Varthaman, Senior Air Staff Officer, Central Air Command at a formal ceremony today. The IAF contingent would be taking part in Exercise Garuda scheduled from 14 Jun to 25 Jun 2010, at Istres Air Base, France. The IAF assets taking part in exercise include 6 Sukhoi – 30 MKIs Air Dominance fighter aircraft , 3 Ilushin – 78 Flight Refueller Aircraft & 1 Ilushin – 76 Heavy Lift Transport Aircraft. The SU-30 MKIs would be taking part in an exercise in France for the first time. Earlier SU-30 KAs had participated. Also a team of Garud Special Forces would be taking part in Exercise Garuda for the first time. Addressing the contingent members at the flagging off ceremony Air Mshl Varthaman said “Indeed it is a proud & privileged honour for him to bid the team good flying & happy landings. We have prepared well for last 6 to 8 months and I am sure you will excel with your professionalism. So fly safe, fly well, make friends, win hearts & touch the sky with glory.” At the Exercise Garuda the French Air Force would be participating with their Mirage 2000s & Rafael Aircraft. It should also be noted that the Republic of Singapore Air Force would also be participating in Ex-Garuda with their F-16 Block 52 Aircraft. Gp Capt J Mishra is the Team Leader under whose supervision the IAF contingent would perform in France. Gp Capt NN Sinha of IAF would be the Exercise Director, who would be planning, coordinating & executing different aspects of the flying & ground maneuvers at Ex Garuda. According to DTN News, a joint exercise of this nature enhances mutual operational understanding. It also refines the procedural aspects and provides for tremendous learning experience, for all the participating Air Forces. It also enables the operators to understand each other’s capability. Exercise Garuda continues to enhance & cement the close military ties between the Indian and the French Air Forces.
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com

DTN News: U.S. Navy Version Of Lockheed Martin F-35 Makes First Flight

DTN News: U.S. Navy Version Of Lockheed Martin F-35 Makes First Flight
Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin Dt. June 7th, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) FORT WORTH, Texas, - June 8, 2010: The most advanced aircraft in the history of the United States Navy made its inaugural flight yesterday, assuring a future of long-range, first-day-of-the-war stealth striking capability from the Navy's big-deck carriers. The first Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35C Lightning II carrier variant took off from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base at 11:46 a.m. and logged a 57 min flight. “I am thrilled the F-35C has attained this milestone,” said Vice Adm. Thomas J. Kilcline, Commander of Naval Air Forces. “This flight marks the beginning of a new chapter in Naval Aviation. The mission systems in this aircraft will provide the Carrier Strike Group Commander with an unprecedented ability to counter a broad spectrum of threats and win in operational scenarios that our legacy aircraft cannot address. “As a long-range, stealthy, carrier-based aircraft, the F-35C will provide Naval Aviators a fifth-generation fighter with the most advanced technology possible to perform our nation's missions. I look forward to the F-35C's continued progress, and observing developmental flight testing at Patuxent River later this summer,” Kilcline said. The F-35C is unique in its uncompromised carrier suitability, with a larger wing and control surfaces for safe, precise handling and low approach speeds to the carrier, excellent over-the-nose visibility, and additional structural strength for at-sea operations. The aircraft’s stealth materials are designed to withstand harsh carrier conditions with minimal maintenance. "For the first time ever, and from now on, wherever on the world’s oceans we position a 98,000-ton nuclear carrier, we can launch a long-range, lethal, stealth strike fighter with the ability to defeat the most sophisticated air defenses," said Tom Burbage, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and general manager of F-35 Program Integration. “Sunday’s flight marks the beginning of the true introduction of a next-generation weapon system capable of providing joint, coalition striking power on Day One, from both land and sea bases.” The mission was flown by Lockheed Martin Test Pilot Jeff Knowles, a retired Naval Aviator and test pilot who flew F-14As and F-14Ds operationally, and who served as chief test pilot on the F-117 stealth fighter program. The F-35 program has about 900 suppliers in 43 states, and directly and indirectly employs more than 130,000 people. Thousands more are employed in the F-35 partner countries, which have invested more than $4 billion in the project. Those countries are the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark and Norway. The F-35 Lightning II 5th generation fighter combines advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and lower operational and support costs. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with principal industrial partners Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two separate, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 136,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion. John R. Kent,
+ 817-763-3980;
Chris Geisel,
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For additional information, visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

DTN News: Boeing 747-8 Emerges From Paint Hangar In New Cargolux Livery

DTN News: Boeing 747-8 Emerges From Paint Hangar In New Cargolux Livery
Source: DTN News / Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) SEATTLE,- June 7, 2010: The first Boeing (NYSE: BA) 747-8 Freighter painted in customer livery emerged today from the Boeing paint hangar in Everett, Wash. The airplane sports an updated livery for launch customer Cargolux. The Luxembourg-based cargo operator has a total of 13 Boeing 747-8 Freighters on order. Boeing delivered the last Cargolux 747-400 Freighter with a unique transition paint scheme featuring fading stripes. The new livery on Cargolux's 747-8 Freighter is an evolution from the current design and marks the start into a new era for the company. "The design stands for continuity and commitment while confirming the fundamental principles that made Cargolux successful. The red, white and blue stripes symbolize the company's roots in Luxembourg, its hub and home base," said Ulrich Ogiermann, chief executive officer of Cargolux. The new livery features a distinctive new red tail and an additional logo on the belly further promotes the brand. Boeing will deliver the first 747-8 Freighter to launch customer Cargolux in the fourth quarter of this year. Contacts: Samantha Solomon International Communications Boeing Commercial Airplanes +44 7920 532 437 Samantha.solomon@boeing.com Tim Bader 747 Program Communications Boeing Commercial Airplanes +1 425 717 0672 tim.bader@boeing.com.

DTN News: Boeing Secures All Rights To AgustaWestland AW101 For US Navy VXX Presidential Helicopter Program

DTN News: Boeing Secures All Rights To AgustaWestland AW101 For US Navy VXX Presidential Helicopter Program
Source: DTN News / Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) RIDLEY PARK, Pa., - June 7, 2010: Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that it will secure a license from AgustaWestland for U.S. production of the AW101 medium-lift helicopter as an entry into the U.S. Navy VXX Presidential Helicopter Program. This license will give Boeing full intellectual property, data and production rights for the aircraft in support of the VXX program. Because of this arrangement, the aircraft will be a Boeing aircraft, built by Boeing personnel at one of its U.S. facilities. The company will submit information regarding this aircraft in response to the Navy's current Request for Information by the June 18 deadline. In announcing the agreement, Phil Dunford, vice president and general manager for Boeing Rotorcraft Systems, said, "We are excited to offer the capabilities of this proven aircraft to the Department of the Navy as it completes the Analysis of Alternatives for this critical mission. As a leading original equipment manufacturer in the military helicopter market and with our nearly 50 years of experience in presidential transport, we believe we are uniquely positioned to make the most of the Navy's significant investment in this aircraft." The AW101 is a three-engine, medium-lift helicopter with combat-proven performance, serving with distinction in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. More than 150 aircraft are in service with five NATO militaries and Japan, and the aircraft was selected for the previous presidential helicopter program in which nine aircraft were delivered to the prime contractor by AgustaWestland. If the Boeing 101 helicopter is selected for VXX, Boeing will be the prime contractor and will design, build and deliver the aircraft. An industry-leading team of subcontractors, including AgustaWestland, will work with Boeing to deliver this capability to the Navy. "Boeing has a long and extremely successful relationship with AgustaWestland, which has manufactured both the AH-64 Apache in the United Kingdom and the CH-47 in Italy under license from Boeing. We are thrilled to have a trusted participant on our team with valuable insights into the aircraft and the program," said Dave Palm, director of Business Development and Strategy for Boeing Rotorcraft Systems. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security 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 Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

DTN News: Boeing-Led Missile Defense Team Completes 2-Stage Interceptor Booster Test

DTN News: Boeing-Led Missile Defense Team Completes 2-Stage Interceptor Booster Test
Source: DTN News / Boeing Dt. June 6, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., - June 7, 2010: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], industry teammates and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) June 6, completed a successful flight test of the two-stage ground-based interceptor (GBI) of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system, the United States' only long-range ballistic missile defense system. "Having supported the MDA on GMD since its inception, through fielding and sustainment, it is a tremendous honor to watch the system continue to evolve with this successful two-stage flight test," said Greg Hyslop, vice president and general manager of Boeing Strategic Missile & Defense Systems. "As world events continue to show that ballistic missile threats are real, this system offers U.S. warfighters a robust and reliable hedge-capability to defend their homeland. Boeing is proud to be a part of GMD's continuing success." The test began at 3:25 p.m. Pacific time when the two-stage GBI lifted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base. The GBI -- carrying an operational Exo-atmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) payload -- measured performance data for the new two-stage design as well as how an operationally configured EKV operates under stressful boundary conditions. The two-stage GBI has more than 95 percent commonality with the three-stage GBIs currently deployed in underground silos at Vandenberg and at Fort Greely, Alaska, and uses existing flight-qualified components. "Today’s test not only provided unique data that will allow us to characterize two-stage GBI performance, which enhances our models and simulations, but also took advantage of having an operational EKV on the booster to gather data on the entire GMD system," said Norm Tew, Boeing vice president and GMD program director. "By drawing on our unmatched expertise on the system and working with our government, military and industry partners, we have demonstrated a flexible capability for an already proven defense system." Boeing has been the prime contractor for GMD since 2001. Leading the design and development of the system, Boeing delivered an operational capability in just two and a half years. The company also continues to lead GMD's operations and sustainment efforts. GMD is an integral element of the Missile Defense Agency's overall layered ballistic missile defense architecture. It defends the United States against long-range ballistic missiles, with interceptors deployed in underground silos at Vandenberg and at Fort Greely. GMD also consists of radars, other sensors, command-and-control facilities, communications terminals and a 20,000-mile fiber optic communications network. Boeing's industry partners on the GMD team include Raytheon Co., Orbital Sciences Corp. and Northrop Grumman Corp. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security 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 Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

DTN News: Venezuela To Spend $82 Million On Chinese K-8 Karakorum Military Training Jets

DTN News: Venezuela To Spend $82 Million On Chinese K-8 Karakorum Military Training Jets
Source: DTN News / Reuters By Esteban Israel
(NSI News Source Info) CARACAS, Venezuela - June 7, 2010: Venezuela will spend $82 million on a second batch of Chinese K-8 military training aircraft, President Hugo Chavez said on Sunday. Chavez's socialist government has ordered 18 of the light attack and training planes from China, and the Latin American country received the first six jets in March. "We have approved $82 million for the second batch of Chinese-made K-8 jets. The aircraft are for the security and defense of the country," the Venezuelan president said during his regular television program. The United States, which accuses Chavez, a close ally of Cuba and Iran, of sparking an arms race across South America, imposed an embargo in 2006 on sales of U.S. weapons parts to the OPEC nation. Chavez has said he wants to buy a fleet of 40 K-8s. He ordered 18 of them from China after a plan to buy similar jets from a Brazilian company fell through, apparently because they included U.S. electrical systems. It was not immediately clear how many of the aircraft would be included in the second group, or when they would arrive. Venezuelan officials said in March the versatile jets would be used to train local pilots and intercept drug traffickers who use the country as a stop-off point to smuggle Colombian cocaine to the United States, Europe and Africa. Venezuela has also bought a network of Chinese radars and spent about $4 billion on Russian weapons, including tanks, missile systems and fighter jets, to replace F-16 planes that are rusting because of the U.S. embargo. Chavez said he was simply modernizing his armed forces. "Today, China has become one of the biggest allies of Venezuela, and Venezuela is one of the biggest allies of China in the world," he said. Chinese companies are involved in the exploration of Venezuela's vast Orinoco heavy crude belt, and Beijing says it is also providing $20 billion of long-term financing for projects in the South American oil exporter. (Writing by Daniel Wallis; Editing by Peter Cooney)

DTN News: North Korea's Kim Jong-il Attends Parliament; PM Sacked

DTN News: North Korea's Kim Jong-il Attends Parliament; PM Sacked
Source: DTN News / Reuters By Jack Kim
(NSI News Source Info) SEOUL, South Korea - June 7, 2010: North Korean leader Kim Jong-il attended a rare session of its rubber-stamp parliament on Monday that replaced the country's premier, its official KCNA news agency said. The premier is considered the top official responsible for the North's economic policy and the move could be linked to a currency revaluation late last year that according to some media reports incited widespread public discontent. Incumbent Premier Kim Yong-il was replaced by a top Workers' Party official Choe Yong-rim, KCNA said. Kim's brother-in-law, Jang Song-thaek, was elected to the powerful post of a vice chairman of the National Defense Commission, which is headed by the reclusive leader, KCNA also said. Kim, who suffered a stroke in 2008, missed the previous session of the Supreme People's Assembly in April, which amended the country's constitution to strengthen his power. The second session in two months came amid growing momentum in the international community to punish Pyongyang for the sinking of a South Korean navy ship in March that killed 46 sailors. Analysts had said the North could use the extra session of the Supreme People's Assembly to make a major announcement on personnel changes or power succession, or to issue a hardline response to sanctions imposed by the South over the ship sinking. North Korea drove tensions to new heights in recent weeks by threatening war if Seoul imposed sanctions, denying any role in the sinking of the corvette Cheonan and accusing South Korean President Lee Myung-bak of using the incident for political aims. The mounting antagonism between the two Koreas, which so far has remained rhetorical, has unnerved global investors, worried about armed conflict breaking out in a region home to the world's second and third biggest economies. (Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Alex Richardson)

DTN News: Israeli Patrol Kills Four Militants In Diving Gear

DTN News: Israeli Patrol Kills Four Militants In Diving Gear
Source: DTN News / Reuters
(NSI News Source Info) GAZA CITY, Palestine/TEL AVIV, Israel - June 7, 2010: An Israeli naval patrol killed at least four Palestinian militants in diving gear off the Gaza coast on Monday, Hamas security officials and the Israeli army said. "An Israeli naval patrol spotted a boat with four men in diving suits on their way to carry out a terror attack and fired at them," an Israeli army spokesman said, adding that the patrol had confirmed hitting its targets. The spokesman did not say what the army thought was the intended objective of the divers. Hamas security sources said four bodies had been found and a fifth man was missing and presumed dead. The incident occurred eight days after Israeli marines killed nine Turks in violent confrontations on a Turkish cruise ship which was part of a six-vessel convoy that set out to challenge an Israeli-led blockade of the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. A second attempt by pro-Palestinian activists to break the blockade on Gaza was stopped on Saturday by the Israeli navy without incident. Israeli media said Monday's sea patrol was carried out by naval commandos from the same unit that boarded the Gaza-bound ships last week. The military spokesman declined to comment on this. In a second incident in the Gaza Strip on Monday, Hamas security and medical officials said an Israeli aircraft fired a missile at a group of militants in an open area near Gaza City, seriously wounding one man. An Israeli army spokesman confirmed that a missile had targeted a group of militants trying to fire a rocket at Israel. Palestinian militants in Gaza frequently try to attack Israeli border patrols and sporadically fire rockets and mortar bombs at Israel. The military spokesman said that more than 10 had been launched at Israel in the past three weeks. Attempts to attack from the sea are rare, however. In February, Palestinian militant groups in Gaza sent explosive devices, thought to be primitive sea mines, out to sea intending to hit naval vessels. At least three devices washed up on Israeli beaches and were detonated by sappers. (Writing by Ori Lewis; Editing by Mark Heinrich)