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Super Member |
Long-Range Mobile Radars for Pakistan
(Source: Lockheed Martin; issued Nov. 8, 2005) SYRACUSE, N.Y. --- The U.S. Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin an $89 million contract to provide six long-range AN/TPS-77 transportable radar systems for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Under the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract, Lockheed Martin will provide to Pakistan the mobile radar systems; support equipment; spare and repair parts; publications and technical data; personnel training and equipment; and logistical support services. "The new radars will provide more responsive and timely information for Pakistani air defense operations, and the mobility of the AN/TPS-77 will also allow Pakistan to quickly redeploy the systems as needed," said James Fosnaugh, Lockheed Martin's director for Ground Based Radar. "As the fight against terror continues, this significant contract again demonstrates just how much the United States government relies upon the defensive technology and the people of Lockheed Martin," said Rep. James Walsh (R-NY-25). "We're proud that a Central New York company is providing these systems to protect one of our nation's strategic allies." The AN/TPS-77 is the latest configuration of the world's most successful three-dimensional (3-D) solid-state radar design, the AN/FPS-117. This L-band, tactical radar provides continuous high-quality 3-D surveillance on air targets at ranges out to 280 miles and at elevations up to 100,000 feet. Including these six radars now under contract, 33 AN/TPS-77 radar sets have been produced to date. In addition, there are 127 AN/FPS-117 systems (the fixed land-based version) operational in 14 countries. Many have operated for years in remote areas, completely unmanned and in a wide range of operational environments. |
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Super Member |
Mexican navy to get more muscle
Flight International 8-Nov-05 The Mexican navy is considering a significant expansion to its aviation element in response to concerns over its ability to protect key areas such as the Bay of Campeche oil field. Already nearing the end of a five-year programme to modernise its current fixed and rotary wing assets, the service is looking to increase the sophistication of eight aircraft sought to perform air defence and maritime strike tasks. Mexico’s naval aviation authorities have previously examined options such as the possible procurement of Aero Vodochody’s L-159, but have now set their sights on a more capable platform, recently examining Saab’s Gripen and Sukhoi’s Su-27 as possible candidates. Efforts to modernise the navy’s existing aircraft fleets are meanwhile nearing completion. The service recently received its fourth of eight EADS Casa C-212s configured for counter-drug and search-and-rescue duties. Equipped with a Raytheon SeaVue radar, FLIR Systems Star Safire sensor payload and EADS Casa’ FITS maritime surveillance suite, the remainder will follow by mid-2006. Two of the aircraft were upgraded to the C-212-400 standard in Spain, with the rest to be modified in Mexico at the navy’s Veracruz maintenance facility. An upgrade to 11 of the navy’s MBB Bo105 helicopters is meanwhile scheduled for completion next October. In a move to expand its rotorcraft inventory, the service is also looking to acquire five Mil Mi-17TV1 transport helicopters. |
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Super Member |
South African Gripen Makes Its Maiden Flight
(Source: Gripen International; issued Nov. 14, 2005) The first South African dual seat Gripen took to the skies on its maiden flight in Sweden on Friday 11 November 2005. Painted in South African Air Force grey livery, the aircraft took off at 13.40 from Saab’s Flight Test Centre in Linköping, Sweden. The flight lasted 1 hr 10 min. South African test pilot Charl Coetzee and Saab test pilot Magnus Olsson were at the controls for the first flight of South Africa’s future multi-/swing-role fighter. During the flight, the test team were able to validate the basic flight control systems, engine, hydraulics and electrics. “The flight went better than expected and we were able to demonstrate some additional functionalities,” explained Charl Coetzee. “The maiden flight of South Africa’s first Gripen is an important milestone which has been achieved earlier than scheduled. This is indicative of the maturity of the Gripen design and the dedicated approach taken by joint Swedish-South African teams to keep the program on track for customer deliveries commencing in March 2008,” remarked Jerker Ahlqvist, Program Director, South Africa. This aircraft will now undergo a thorough inspection and systems computer interrogation before being prepared for subsequent flight tests commencing later this month. It will be transferred to South Africa in August 2006, where it will participate in a flight development program focused on the integration of South Africa’s customized avionics and weapons systems. |
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Super Member |
Australia Orders Refurbished M-1 Tanks
(Source: General Dynamics Land Systems; issued Nov. 15, 2005) STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. --- General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, was awarded the final $42 million delivery order of a $70 million foreign military sales contract from the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command to provide 59 refurbished M1A1 Abrams Integrated Management (AIM) tanks to the Commonwealth of Australia. The M1A1 AIM tanks will replace the Australian Land Forces' aging Leopard main battle tanks. Survivable and affordable vehicles with excellent potential for network centric warfare, the Abrams M1A1 AIM tanks will provide Australian Forces with increased connectivity, mobility, firepower and survivability. Additionally, the M1A1 AIM provides a cost-efficient armor solution as it incurs low operational and support costs, and reports high operational readiness rates. Under this contract, M1A1 Abrams tanks from the U.S. Army inventory will be completely disassembled, overhauled and refurbished to like-new "zero-mileage" condition. The tank has a cruising range of up to 480 kilometers, the ability to reach speeds of 66 kph on-road and up to 48 kph off-road (while carrying four crewman and ammunition). The primary weapon is a 120mm smooth-bore cannon; it is also equipped with a 50-caliber machine gun for the tank commander and two additional 7.62mm machine guns. The Abrams can fire an advanced kinetic energy tungsten penetrator round against vehicles and a multipurpose round for infantry support. The Abrams' survivability is enhanced through its nuclear, biological and chemical protection system, crew compartmentalization from munitions and armored blow-off panels, which allow stowed munitions to vent to the atmosphere if detonated. Work will be performed by existing General Dynamics and Department of Defense employees in Anniston, Ala.; Lima, Ohio; Scranton, Pa.; and Tallahassee, Fl. The 59 M1A1 AIM tanks are scheduled for delivery to Australian Land Forces in two shipments, in June and December 2006. The tanks are part of a large worldwide fleet with known, stable operating costs, and are expected to be in service beyond 2020. General Dynamics will offer the Commonwealth of Australia the same comprehensive material and logistics support available to the Abrams fleet worldwide. General Dynamics Land Systems-Australia, a subsidiary, will take the lead in working with the Commonwealth to structure and implement a robust logistics system for the vehicles. |
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Super Member |
Singapore and China Agree to Enhance Bilateral Defence Exchanges
(Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence; issued Nov. 16, 2005) Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean met separately with Chairman of the National People's Congress Wu Bangguo, and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission and Minister for National Defence GEN Cao Gangchuan today. At both meetings, the two sides noted the longstanding good relations between Singapore and China and the extensive interaction and cooperation in various sectors. They also reaffirmed the importance of the defence relationship as a component of the multifaceted bilateral relationship, and agreed to enhance exchanges between the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). At their meeting at the PRC Ministry of National Defence, the two Defence Ministers had an in-depth exchange of views on a number of issues, including their countries' respective defence policies, the regional security situation, and the importance of international cooperation in enhancing safety and security of the sea lanes and in combating transnational security threats, such as terrorism. Minister Teo and General Cao also agreed to enhance cooperation between the two defence establishments. An annual defence policy dialogue pegged at the Permanent Secretary-level will be established, and exchanges between the PLA and the SAF, including high-level visits and port calls, will be stepped up. They also agreed to share experiences and to cooperate in international Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and peacekeeping missions. Minister Teo extended an offer of scholarships for PLA officers to attend graduate degree courses in Singapore. Minister Teo is in China at the invitation of GEN Cao for a five-day visit, covering Beijing, Nanjing and Shanghai. Over the next few days, Minister Teo will be meeting a number of other Chinese political leaders, provincial officials, and senior PLA commanders. These include State Councillor Chen Zhili, Jiangsu Governor Liang Baohua, and Political Commissar of the Nanjing Military Region GEN Lei Mingqiu. Minister Teo will also be visiting the 24th Air Division, the 196th Infantry Brigade and the Academy of Military Science in Beijing; the Naval Command Academy in Nanjing; and the Shanghai Naval Support Base. -ends- |
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Experienced Member |
Russian warships leave Vietnam after friendly visit
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Experienced Member |
Iran buys Russian surface to air missiles - paper
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Experienced Member |
I just hope that the Australians can afford to run them. |
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Super Member |
PzGen
Maybe NZ can offer to help pay for them and use them like a "time share"....similar to their arrangement with certain air force assets.  |
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Super Member |
Russia Confirms SAM Missile Sale to Iran (Source: Rosoboronexport State Corporation; issued Dec. 5, 2005) On behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation Rosoboronexport State Corporation signed a contract on supply of air defence systems to Iran. Negotiations on this subject had been going on for four years. Delivery of the air defence systems is planned to be completed by 2009. The nomenclature and cost of the contract is a commercial secret. (ends) U.S. Opposes Russian Missile Sale to Iran (Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; issued Dec. 6, 2005) The United States says it opposes Russia's plan to sell some $1 billion worth of missile systems and other arms to Iran, saying the deal will not serve U.S. or regional interests. State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said U.S. officials are planning to discuss American objections to the sale with their Russian counterparts. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov confirmed on 5 December that Moscow had signed a deal with Tehran for the delivery to Iran of arms including short-range surface-to-air Tor-M1 missile systems, which are capable of shooting down both aircraft and incoming missiles at low altitudes. Ivanov called the systems defensive weaponry and said they will not change the balance of forces in the region. (ends) Russia Defends Missile Sale to Iran (Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; issued Dec. 6, 2005) Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov today defended his country's decision to provide Iran with sophisticated missile defense systems. Ivanov said the sale of the Tor-M1 missile systems to Iran did not violate international law and would not upset the balance of power in the Middle East. Russian media reported last week that Iran had agreed to purchase close to 30 mobile air defense systems from Russia in a contract worth more than $700 million. Israel yesterday criticized the sale, saying it serves the interests of the "most negative elements" in the Middle East. Israel considers Iran the biggest threat to its security in the region. Tor-M1 missiles are short-range, surface-to-air missiles capable of shooting down both missiles and aircraft. -ends- |
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Super Member |
Malaysia Plans to Buy Attack Helicopters
(Source: Bernama news agency; published Dec. 8, 2005) LANGKAWI, Malaysia --- Malaysia will have attack helicopters one day but when and the type have not been determined yet, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. "This will be part of the process to upgrade our capability based on our means," he said at a news conference after opening the maritime segment of the Langkawi Maritime and Aerospace (Lima 2005) Exhibition, Wednesday. He was representing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who is attending the extraordinary meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Conference in Mecca. Najib, who is also the Defence Minister, said Malaysia was building its capability starting with the Augusta 109 light observation helicopter which the army would receive during Lima 2005. The Augusta 109 could also be used in air-to-land attack roles, he added. The aircraft represented the basic development of the army's attack capability, he said when asked whether Malaysia would buy attack helicopters such as the Tiger built by Eurocopter and featured in Lima 2005. "After they have acquired an attack capability, then we can consider (buying) attack helicopters," he said. He said the priorities of the armed forces under the Ninth Malaysia Plan had not been finalised. On Lima 2005, Najib said the companies taking part, although almost the same as in the previous Lima, had upgraded their exhibited products and technologies. Earlier at the maritime exhibition in Awana Porto Malai, he watched a demonstration by Malaysia's naval commandos and visited the exhibition participated by 130 foreign companies from 18 countries and 34 Malaysian companies. A total of 54 warships from several countries are also taking part in the exhibition. -ends- |
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Super Member |
Two close US allies increase naval strength...
Singapore Launches Fifth Stealth Frigate (Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence; issued Dec. 9, 2005) The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) fifth frigate, RSS Stalwart, was launched on 9 Dec 2005 by Mrs Wong Kan Seng, wife of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Mr Wong Kan Seng, at the Singapore Technologies Marine shipyard. DPM Wong officiated at the launching ceremony. The launch of RSS Stalwart marks another milestone for the frigate programme. In the next phase, RSS Stalwart, the fourth frigate to be built locally, will undergo harbour and sea trials. The RSN’s stealth frigates are equipped with advanced sensor and weapon systems. They have enhanced anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. A key node in the network warfare concept for the third generation (3G) SAF, the frigates will enable the RSN to undertake a wide spectrum of missions and more effectively carry out its missions of defending Singapore and its vital Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs). The ships’ sophisticated sensor and weapon systems are concurrently undergoing shore-based integration testing while the ships are being built. Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean and other senior MINDEF and SAF officials were also present at the launch. BACKGROUND NOTES: In March 2000, MINDEF signed a contract with Direction des Constructions Navales (DCN) of France for the construction of six frigates for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). DCN had designed and built the French Navy’s low signature La Fayette-class frigates. Under the technology transfer arrangement, DCN designed and built the first ship while the other five are built locally by Singapore Technologies Marine. These Formidable-class frigates will replace the RSN’s Missile Gunboats, which would have been in service for more than 25 years. The new frigates are highly capable warships. They are equipped with advanced combat systems and also have stealth features incorporated into their design. They also have longer endurance, being able to stay at sea for longer periods. Each frigate is designed to carry a medium-class helicopter which can complement the ship in Anti-surface and Anti-submarine warfare. By leveraging on a high level of automation and enhanced work processes, each frigate requires a crew of only 71. The frigates will be equipped with advanced state-of-the-art combat capabilities allowing them to perform a wide spectrum of missions and to deal with various threats in all dimensions of naval warfare – surface, air and underwater. These systems include the Thales Herakles Multi-function Radar (MFR), the MBDA Aster SAM System, the EDO Active Low Frequency Towed Sonar (ALOFTS) system, the Eurotorp A244S torpedo and the Boeing Harpoon missile system. The Shore Based Integration Centre (SBIC) has been set up in Changi Naval Base to allow the combat system suppliers, using the actual equipment and software, to test and demonstrate that they could exchange messages correctly over the local area network, similar to the one onboard the ship. The platform characteristics and the combat systems configuration of the RSN’s Formidable-class frigates are detailed in the appendix to this fact sheet. PROGRAMME STATUS The frigate programme is progressing smoothly. All six frigates are in various stages of construction. Four have already been launched and are now in the final phases of construction. The lead ship of the Formidable-class stealth frigates arrived in Singapore on 8 Jul 2005 from France. RSS Formidable is currently undergoing Combat Systems checkout, integration and testing. She is expected to be fully operational in 2007. In tandem with the frigates’ construction, the combat system integration effort has also gradually intensified over the course of this year. The Shore Based Integration Centre (SBIC) has been set up in Changi Naval Base to allow the combat system suppliers, using the actual equipment and software, to test and demonstrate the exchange of information over the local area network, which closely replicates the one on the ship. The laboratory environment of the SBIC allows the integration team to run the required sequence of tests and to initiate trouble shooting and rectification measures before testing on board the ship commences. The frigates’ systems are also being put through various operational scenarios for extensive testing employing simulators. The shore-based integration testing approach will shorten the time taken for integration and help bring forward the delivery of the frigates by almost a year. The frigate programme represents the continuous effort of the RSN to improve its capabilities and enhance the operational effectiveness of the SAF. -ends- ------------------------------------------------------- Australia Buys Aegis for New Destroyers (Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued Dec. 9, 2005) Key components of the Aegis Combat System for Australia's Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs) are about to be purchased at a cost of A$1 billion to reduced project risks and capital costs, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today. Senator Hill said the Government has approved the purchase of three Aegis Weapon Systems from the United States Navy that will form part of the Aegis Combat System - the core capability of the AWDs. The procurement of the three systems is included as part of the $6 Billion shipbuilding project. "The Aegis Weapon System comprises the core command and control system, phased array radar and missile launch system capability," Senator Hill said. "Placing the order for the systems now allows the United States to continue manufacturing the systems for Australia without halting its production line bringing about greater efficiency and achieving considerable savings. "The purchase will also maximise opportunity for Australian industry to provide sub-systems such as communications, electronic warfare, sonar, electro-optical sensors and other equipment. "Working closely with the US Navy on combat system integration and risk reduction studies will minimise the risk of any delay in the 2013 delivery date for the first Air Warfare Destroyer. "This decision maintains the Government's option in mid-2007 at Second Pass to choose either the Evolved Design being developed by Gibbs & Cox or the F-100 frigate military off the shelf design provided by Navantia of Spain." The Aegis system is the world's pre-eminent maritime air warfare system capable of detecting and defeating multiple hostile aircraft and missiles at ranges in excess of 150 kilometres. The AWDs will also have an anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capability, as well as the ability to embark a helicopter at sea. In May, the Government chose ASC Shipbuilder Pty Ltd as the preferred AWD shipbuilder. The Government has provided $455 million towards the current phase of the project which includes further design work, workforce skilling, initial infrastructure investment and facilities construction. Raytheon Australia has been selected as the preferred bidder for the Combat System-System Engineer contract in support of the combat system design and maintenance. South Australia will be home to the new AWD Systems Centre - the Headquarters of the project that will draw together Defence and industry partners to ensure effective decision making and provide a focus for design related activity. Senator Hill said the construction of the Air Warfare Destroyers will be one of the most significant shipbuilding projects undertaken in Australia to date, and will provide enormous opportunities for Australian industry and create over 2000 jobs. "Further work on AWD design options will continue in the new AWD Systems Centre. Good progress is being made by the DMO Program Office and alliance industry participants to commence work in the new centre in Adelaide early next year," Senator Hill said. -ends- |
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Super Member |
Greece to Purchase Thirty F-16s
Associated Press | December 13, 2005 link ATHENS, Greece - Greece and the United States have reached an agreement for the purchase of 30 F-16 aircraft from American defense giant Lockheed Martin, Greek officials and the U.S. company announced Tuesday. The company said, under the terms of a letter of offer and acceptance, the Greek Air Force would receive 30 new Advanced F-16 Block 52+ aircraft in 2009. The deal is worth about US$1.99 billion (E1.61 billion), with Lockheed Martin's portion of the total program estimated at US$1.2 billion (E1 billion), according to a statement from the company based in Bethesda, Maryland. It said Greece had the option of purchasing an additional 10 aircraft under the deal. "This agreement was made following direct negotiations with the Unites States government, avoiding third parties," Greek Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos said. Greece's main opposition Socialist Party criticized the deal, arguing that the government was paying too much for the aircraft. "The government has proceeded in making this significant purchase without an international tender, but through directly awarding a contract in a process that was not transparent," the party's defense spokesman, Christos Papoutsis, said. |
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Super Member |
Australia’s National Security: Defence Update 2005
(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued Dec. 15, 2005) A major review of Australia’s National security has been released today outlining current threats and challenges facing Australia and the measures the Howard Government is taking to keep Australia secure. Prime Minister John Howard today joined Defence Minister Robert Hill and Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston to launch the report, Australia’s National Security: Defence Update 2005, at Victoria Barracks in Sydney. Defence Minister Robert Hill said Defence is better prepared than ever before to respond to any threats, both in Australia and overseas. “This update outlines how the Government has shaped the ADF to increase Australia’s capacity to meet the heavy demands of recent years, and the measures being taken to ensure the ADF is a force capable of meeting future military challenges,” Senator Hill said. “Defeating the threat of terrorism, countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and supporting regional states in difficulty remain the Government’s highest priorities. “The Update builds on the previously released Defence White Paper and Defence Update 2003 and highlights the longer-term trends associated with the impacts of globalisation and changing relationships between the major powers of our region.” The report’s key conclusions are: --Terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the consequences of state fragility and failure remain the most immediate strategic challenges for Australia. --The ADF needs to confront current international security issues such as terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan whilst helping build capabilities in South East Asia. --The ADF will continue to be called on to provide humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, civil emergency response, offshore evacuation and peacekeeping capabilities on an ongoing and often short-notice basis. --Continuing strategic complexity and uncertainty means that we need to build a balanced Defence Force that is versatile, robust, joint and integrated. --Defence industry is critical to meeting the ADF’s capability needs and the Government is committed to policies that will build an internationally competitive Defence industry to support, sustain and upgrade Defence assets. “The current high demands placed on the ADF in responding to the present threats and meeting other responsibilities are likely to continue, and our military forces can expect to conduct concurrent deployments domestically, regionally and internationally in support of Australia’s interests,” Senator Hill said. “This creates the need for high levels of preparedness, sustainability and endurance within our military forces. In the years ahead, we might also find ourselves facing challenges that cannot be anticipated or predicted easily. This puts a focus on forces that are versatile, robust, joint and integrated.” New initiatives include: --Considering options for heavy airlift capabilities to supplement the medium lift C-130 J Hercules aircraft. --Increasing the size and capability of the Australian Army through the 10-year plan for the Hardened and Networked Army (HNA). --Reinforcing Australia’s counter-terrorism efforts with changes to the Defence Act which strengthen the ADF’s powers to help civil authorities during periods of national emergency. --Further tightening export controls to ensure that Australian materials and technologies do not contribute to WMD proliferation. --Engaging private sector partners for Defence to increase efficiencies in logistic support to operations. “With the Hardened and Networked Army plan, the Government will provide the Army with greater mobility, combat weight and network capabilities to be able to conduct a wide range of tasks,” Senator Hill said. “The Government will increase the size of the force, increase fire support and flexibility and provide a new force structure based on combined arms battle groups. “The Army is being delivered an impressive array of equipment over the next ten years, including new helicopters, tanks, trucks, weapons systems and combat equipment. The Hardened and Networked Army plan will optimise the use of the new equipment by updating Army structures, training and procedures. “The Army will also become more capable of sustaining its deployed forces with plans for about 1500 additional new personnel, as well as re-focusing the Reserves to provide high readiness forces which will support operations. “The Army will re-role the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, from a parachute battalion based in Sydney, to create a second mechanised battalion based in Adelaide from 2011. “The Australian Defence Force is a national asset we should all be very proud of. The ever-changing environment our men and women of the armed forces operate in is dangerous with the proliferation of lethal weapons and complex environments. “We can be confident that this update further prepares the ADF to defend Australia and its interests now and in the future.” -ends- |
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Super Member |
Pakistan Receives First Two Upgraded F-16s
(Source: US Air Force; issued Dec. 14, 2005) HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --- In the early 1980s, the Pakistan air force received its first F-16 Fighting Falcons from the United States. Since then, the maintenance support for the jets has been as unpredictable as world politics. It wasn't until late 2003 that the U.S. government agreed to assess Pakistan's F-16 fleet and suggest upgrades, including spares and other support requirements. Today, it's an important relationship, given the global war on terror and Pakistan's crucial role geographically and militarily in support of U.S. national security interests. Carlos Romero, a 508th Fighter Sustainment Group F-16 logistics management specialist here, said the relationship has grown to the point where Congress approved the delivery of two more F-16s to Pakistan -- for free. Two complete fighters with the latest avionics and mechanical upgrades left Hill Dec. 8 en route to Pakistan. "Essentially, we reconfigured the aircraft to meet the current baseline for Pakistan, which is well above that of the early 90s aircraft currently sitting on their ramps," said Thomas Hutchinson, the F-16 maintenance planner for the 309th Aircraft Maintenance Group. Mr. Hutchinson said the jets have a new anti-skid system, radio upgrades and the Pakistani national colors and emblems. "If I had to compare them to their current fleet, I'd have to say they're going to be extremely happy to have these two jets," Mr. Hutchinson said. Both aircraft are the product of the Department of Defense’s Excess Defense Articles program, or EDA. He said Air Force pilots flew the jets to Pakistan. EDAs are defense items no longer needed by the U.S. armed forces. Mr. Romero said the items may be made available for sale under the Foreign Military Sales Program or as a grant to eligible foreign countries under the provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act. The jets were a grant to Pakistan for supporting U.S. efforts in the war on terrorism, he said. Mr. Romero said the trip took four days. The planes were not officially turned over until the Pakistanis signed for them and their national colors unveiled. "We looked forward to the arrival of these two aircraft," said Pakistani air force Lt. Col. Mujahid Khan. -ends- |
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Experienced Member |
Why? I have serious doubts. The M1A1 is one thristy beast. |
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Super Member |
Sorry, you have a 10-day grace period to reply to a post...then we move on.
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Experienced Member |
I don't take orders from a Wannabe...so back off. |
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Super Member |
Whatever...sheep herder.
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Super Member |
Eight Patrol Vessels for Venezuela
(Source: Navantia; web-posted Dec. 16, 2005) Navantia and the Navy of Venezuela signed on November 28th a contract for the construction of eight patrol vessels for a total amount of more than 1.2 billion euros: 4 patrols vesels for the control and protection of the exclusive economic area, and 4 patrols vessels for the control of the coast. These ships have been designed by Navantia for defence missions of the sea around Venezuela: protection of the fishing area, protection against smuggling and drug traffic, as well as the defence of maritime traffic in general. Besides the important work for the shipyards of Navantia until 2012, this contract means an important commercial milestone for the company, as it outlines its position in this market, with its own latest-generation project. MAIN CHARACTERISTICS: --Coastal Vessels: Length: 76.10 m. Width: 11.50 m. Depth: 7 m. Displacement: 1,500 t. Speed: 22 knots Range: 4,000 miles Crew: 34 + 30 --Economic Area Vessels: Length: 96.60 m. Width: 13.60 m. Depth: 7.20 m. Displacement: 2,300 t. Speed: 24 knots Range: 3,500 miles Crew: 60 + 32 -ends- |
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Military.com Forums Hot Topics & Current Events Future War Armed Forces of the World Updates
