CV32

From DefenseNews Guessing Game: How Large Is China’s Defense Budget? By PETER HARMSEN, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, BEIJING While everyone knows China is a rising power, one can only guess at how strong its armed forces are, or how much it is spending to build its military might. The issue of the size of China’s defense budget re-emerged this week as U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld visited Beijing. He used every opportunity to voice concern over his host nation’s military expansion, which he said was sending “mixed signals” about China’s intentions. “Many countries … have questions about the pace and the scope of China’s military expansion,” he said at the Central Party School, speaking to future leaders of the Asian giant. Defense Minister Cao Guangchuan denied that China has understated its defense spending and insisted that raising the living standards of the country’s poor made it “impossible to massively increase” military expenditures. According to the official Chinese state budget, defense spending this year will rise by 12.6 percent to about $30 billion, maintaining the double digit expenditure seen over much of the last 15 years. But most analysts believe this is an understatement, as the budget does not include new arms purchases and weapons research and development. The Pentagon has provided one of the more bold estimates of China’s real spending on the military, saying in its annual report on China in July that it may be up to three times larger than officially admitted. That would make the People’s Liberation Army the best-funded force in Asia and No. 3 worldwide after the United States and Russia. The Pentagon report detailed China’s efforts to increase its ballistic missile strength and modernize its conventional forces with acquisitions abroad of everything from advanced fighter jets to computerized information systems. Few foreign observers dispute that China is camouflaging some of its defense spending — as do many other countries. “I really don’t think this, on a practical level, is very significant, I don’t think it’s very unusual,” said Paul Harris, an expert on China at Hong Kong’s Lingnan University. “Having said that, I do think it’s in China’s interest to be more transparent, because it has a mantra of rising peacefully to the benefit of everybody in the region, and if that’s the case, then why hide things?” China has repeatedly stressed any military buildup is for defensive purposes only, and Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan insisted Oct. 20 the United States has nothing to be concerned about. “As we have already said many times, China’s strengthening of its own defense ability is completely appropriate. There is nothing to be suspicious or worried about,” he told a briefing. Jon Sigurdson, a visiting research fellow at the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore, said China might not be disclosing important defense items out of a compulsion for secrecy. “Maybe it’s a question of how the budget is structured, rather than that they are trying to hide it,” he said. “Many of the national projects for microprocessors and other related technology have direct and very important significance for the military. But they’re basically structured as civilian programs which in principle they are.” For instance, in the Japanese military budget many research and development items are not included, he said. “You have a similar situation in many other countries. Not everything that’s directly or indirectly related to the defense sector is actually included in the official figures,” he said. The United States itself is not including every conceivable military item in its defense budget, according to Harris. “It’s a little bit rich of Donald Rumsfeld to come and lecture the Chinese when the Americans do this kind of thing all the time, especially with regards to the intelligence budget,” he said. “It’s only in recent years that we’ve even been given an overall figure for how much spending there is in the United States on intelligence, but we have no idea precisely where it goes.”

No takers ? C'mon, its not as difficult as it seems.

Been having a lot of rain lately, so here's three new HCCE scenarios for you to try ... Third Idea (Westpac battleset) Negative sentiments flowing from Japan's role in the Second World War continue to run deep in Asia, even six decades later. This remains especially true in China. Nevertheless Beijing tooks steps to rein in vehement anti-Japanese rallies in Spring 2005, ostensibly with the intention of protecting its own internal stability. And yet there was a deeper strategy at work. A newly revitalized relationship between Russia and the PRC, on both economic and defence levels, resulted in a joint plan to seize a commanding position in the Asian sphere of influence. The only obstacles ? Japan and its ally, the United States. LaGrange Six (EC2003 Battle in the Mediterranean) In this scenario, the ties and alliances between a host of European nations, old and new alike, have broken down. War has broken out once again between newly reformed states, failed states, and age old enemies. This time, the relationships evidenced by NATO, the EU and the like, have also crumbled. France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Bulgaria, Romania and Slovakia have joined the battle on the side of Croatia, while the US, UK, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and the Ukraine have pledged to support Macedonia and the Former Yugoslavia. Peacekeeping in the region is no longer a viable option, and American and British forces are now being pulled out in an effort to avoid to impending quagmire ... My Love is Vengeance (EC2003 Battle in the Indian Ocean) The civil war in Iraq has spawned a multitude of terrorist organizations and networks, eclipsing the old enemy Al Qaeda and fostering new predilections among Middle Eastern states. Yemen has since turned its back on the USA, refusing to continue the pursuit and prosecution of suspected terrorists operating in its territory. There are now in fact strong indications that Yemen is harboring and propping up the terror networks. In a strange but somehow gratifying twist of fate, the USS Cole has returned to the scene of the crime perpetrated against her, this time to exact justice from the terrorists. Ah, what the heck, here's a couple more ... Crimean River (EC2003 Battle in the Mediterranean) Our support of the Ukraine in its border conflict with Russia has broken up most of the enemy offensive, except in the Crimea, where the war is bogging down. Intelligence indicates that many Russian units are no longer getting consistent support or orders from Moscow, and that some isolated groups of Russian forces are either surrendering or "melting away". There is, unfortunately, at least one exception. A rogue general in the Crimea has taken the opportunity to seize a nuclear powerplant. His intentions are unknown, but he and his compatriots are known to have ties to the criminal underworld in the Caucasus region. Our fear is that he may begin disassembly of the nuclear facility and sell weapons grade nuclear material to the highest bidder. The reactor and its support facilities must therefore be disabled or destroyed. Stage Fright, Part One (EC2003 Battle in the Indian Ocean) Chinese political influence over the path of the Asian Super Highway has threatened plans for the future expansion of Indian trade ties in Indochina. China has convinced Bangladesh and Myanmar that their economic interests would be better served by linking Chittagong with a trilateral road network with Myanmar and Kunming in China. While the Super Highway is being purpose built to advance multilateral commerce, China has been keen to extract military advantages. There is strong Indian opposition to the Chinese "meddling" in plans that they had already believed finalized. In reply, the PRC has followed up on its political pressures by convincing both Bangladesh and Myanmar to participate in high level "joint" military exercises on very short notice. Get all of them at HarpGamer's Harpoon Classic scenarios page here. And have fun.

A new version of the Harpoon Commander's Edition Database (HCDB-051011) is available. Get it at HarpGamer via the DB Share button. New additions include: L-159A ALCA - Czech Republic SSG Whiskey Long Bin (665) - Russia Enjoy.

A new version of the Harpoon Commander's Edition Database (HCDB-051011) is available. Get it at HarpGamer via the DB Share button. New additions include: L-159A ALCA - Czech Republic SSG Whiskey Long Bin (665) - Russia Enjoy.

From Aerospace Daily & Defense Report U.S. Navy To Upgrade Harpoon Missile 10/19/2005 09:01:48 AM By Marc Selinger The U.S. Navy plans to begin an upgrade program for the Harpoon missile in fiscal 2007 to increase its accuracy and allow operators to retarget it after it is launched, a government official said Oct. 18. "We're expecting it to be funded" in the Navy's upcoming FY '07 budget request, said Keith Sanders, deputy program executive officer for strike weapons at Naval Air Systems Command. The FY '07 request is due to be sent to Capitol Hill in early calendar 2006. The enhanced missile, known as Harpoon Block III, would receive Global Positioning System satellite guidance. The anti-ship weapon would also get a data-link to receive in-flight target updates from existing surveillance platforms. The upgrade program would be for existing Harpoons and does not envision buying new missiles, Sanders told The DAILY after speaking at a Precision Strike Association conference. The Boeing Co., the missile's manufacturer, likely will be awarded the upgrade contract without a competition because the company is considered the only one that could do the work, he said. Boeing and NAVAIR indicated in March that the Navy was considering the Block III upgrade (DAILY, March 24). The Harpoon, which is launched from aircraft, submarines and surface ships, has seen limited use by the Navy because there is "not much confidence" in the missile's existing ability to find its target in littoral environments, which have "lots of shipping, lots of movement, lots of background," Sanders said. According to a Boeing information sheet, the Block III upgrade "would create a highly capable weapon for the open water and littoral warfare environment, adding GPS capability, littoral performance improvement and in-flight target update solutions." The Navy currently fields Harpoon Block ICs. Block II, which Boeing has sold to foreign countries, has several improvements over Block IC, including GPS navigation. Because Block III would be a technological leap over Block IC, the Navy would have to conduct extensive training and exercises to become comfortable with the upgraded weapon, Sanders said.

Yeah, I saw Paul's response on Admiralty Trilogy, and I must say, he convinced me too. The distinction between "stealthy" and "small" target detection seals it for me. See, I am easy to get along with !

Interesting. To my mind, it makes more sense if the detection range is calculated on the basis of that specific target. In this case, at 4 nm.

Great stuff, Pete. I would definitely like to read more about this. Thanks for posting it.

From Defense Aerospace Pentagon Contract Announcement (Source: US Department of Defense; issued Oct. 14, 2005) General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, is being awarded a $223,262,430 cost-plus-award-fee/incentive-fee modification to exercise an option under previously awarded contract (N00024-03-C-2310) for detail design and construction of one Flight 0 Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The LCS will be a networked, agile, and high-speed surface combatant with versatile war-fighting capabilities, optimized for littoral missions. Work will be performed in Mobile, Ala. (50 percent), Pittsfield, Mass. (33 percent), Bath, Maine (15 percent), and Baltimore, Md. (2 percent), and are expected to be completed by October 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (ends) Navy Awards Contract for LCS Construction (Source: US Naval Sea Systems Command; issued Oct. 14, 2005) The Navy has awarded General Dynamics – Bath Iron Works today a $223,262,430 option exercise contract modification for detailed design and construction of the second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). “This contract award is a testament to the strong resolve of both the Navy and industry to get these highly capable ships into the water as quickly as possible,” said RADM Charlie Hamilton, the Program Executive Officer for Ships. “LCS will introduce unprecedented speed, agility and flexibility into the littoral battlespace. The rapid acquisition of these modular warships sets a new standard for procurement in support of the warfighter.” The General Dynamics team will begin construction in October and ship delivery is scheduled for 2007. The Navy plans to build four Flight 0 LCS. The Navy has an option to build another from General Dynamics. Under a separate contract, Lockheed Martin will also build up to two of its LCS variant. General Dynamics – Bath Iron Works is the prime contractor. Major subcontractors who will perform part of the effort include Austal USA, in Mobile, AL; Maritime Applied Physics Corporation (MAPC) in Baltimore, MD; General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems (AIS) in Pittsfield, MA; and BAE in Baltimore, MD. LCS is an innovative combatant designed to combat challenging shallow-water threats in coastal regions, specifically mines, diesel submarines and fast surface craft. Operational experience and analyses indicate that potential adversaries will employ these kinds of “asymmetric capabilities” to attempt to deny U.S. and allied forces access in critical regions to include strategic chokepoints and vital economic sea lanes. A fast, agile, and networked surface combatant, LCS will utilize focused-mission packages that deploy manned and unmanned vehicles to execute a variety of missions. The ships are being designed with flexibility to accommodate current and future generations of helicopters and unmanned air, surface and sub-surface vehicles. The ships’ modular, focused-mission design will provide Combatant Commanders the required warfighting capabilities and operational flexibility to ensure maritime dominance and access for the joint force. LCS will also perform Special Operations Forces (SOF) support, high-speed transit, Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), and Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP). While complementing capabilities of the Navy’s larger multi-mission surface combatants, LCS will also be networked to share tactical information with other Navy aircraft, ships, submarines, and joint units. LCS will be able to deploy independently and remain on station for extended periods. They will also operate with Carrier Strike Groups, Expeditionary Strike Group or in LCS squadrons.

From Defense Aerospace UK Completes Successful Test Launch of Trident Missile (Source: UK Ministry of Defence; issued Oct. 11, 2005) The first of the UK's Trident submarines, HMS Vanguard, part of the UK's nuclear deterrent, successfully launched an unarmed Trident II D5 ballistic missile during a naval exercise in the Atlantic Ocean on 10 October 2005. HMS Vanguard has recently completed a period of routine maintenance. This test launch is the final part of trials prior to her return to operational service. Admiral Sir Alan West, the First Sea Lord, who was on HMS Vanguard as an observer during the exercise, said: "I am pleased to report that HMS Vanguard's test firing has been a success. While this is very much business as usual for the Royal Navy, this firing demonstrates that the UK's nuclear deterrent remains highly effective and capable and that the boat's crew have met the stringent safety requirements for handling, maintaining and operating the system. "These are a highly complex series of operations and hard work for the ship's company and this is where they show their immense professionalism by achieving the task. "HMS Vanguard will shortly be ready to take over duty on operational deployment." HMS Vanguard is the first of the Royal Navy's Trident class submarines to complete a Long Overhaul Period. Before returning to operational readiness, to guarantee the professional standards of her crew, she must complete a series of tests called the Demonstration and Shakedown Operations (DASO). This is a routine exercise, which culminates in the test firing of an unarmed Trident missile. The DASO ensures that the submarine crew are fully trained to meet the stringent safety and operational standards required. Royal Navy submarines have successfully maintained continuous At Sea Deterrence for the past 37 years. During this overhaul period the strategic deterrent is maintained by other submarines of the United Kingdom's Strategic Deterrent Force. This was the eighth occasion on which a Royal Navy submarine has test-fired a Trident II D5 missile, and the first for a Trident boat on completion of a Long Overhaul Period. The firing marks the final stage of the re-qualification of the submarine crew, and provides reliability and accuracy data which confirms the effectiveness of the strategic weapon system. The firing also demonstrates the absolute reliability of the United Kingdom's nuclear deterrent.

From Defense Aerospace Submarine Training for South African Navy (Source: India Press Information Bureau; issued Oct. 11, 2005) INS Satavahana, the submarine training school of Indian Navy, undertook basic submarine training for officers of the South African Navy (SAN) on the Type-209 submarine, from 31st Jan 05. With this, INS Satavahana has joined the league of elite training establishments under the aegis of the Southern Naval Command, that provide training to friendly foreign navies. This has also opened up a new chapter in the role and responsibility of this premier submarine training establishment. The training capsule has been designed for combat and technical officers for a period varying from 37 weeks to 53 weeks. The Indian Navy has been training personnel from about 25 friendly foreign countries on a regular basis. At the valedictory function held at INS Satavahana for the passing out SAN officers, Vice Admiral SCS Bangara, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, awarded certificates and addressed the gathering. The chief guest for the function, His Excellency Mr. S Francis Moloi, High Commissioner of South Africa to India, gave away prizes to the trainee officers and delivered the valedictory address. The Commanding officer INS Satavahana, Captain TS Ramanujam delivered keynote address. Also present at the function were R Adm Rauter, Chief Director Maritime Warfare (CDMS) of the South African Navy and senior officers of the Indian Navy.

Ahhh, you're just too good. Or a skilled "Googler". Either way, you got it right. The next trivia question follows: Two heroes from the past have an identical link with the everyday activities and travels of American soldiers in Iraq today. One served in WWII and one served in Vietnam. Who were these men, and what is the link ?

I've decided to revive the trivia questions that I used to post to the hull mailing list. I don't know how often they'll pop up here, but every now and then I'll post a trivia question for you to consider. Its pretty tough to come up with some challenging trivia for the die-hard types that frequent the Harpoon community, especially with the advent of powerful search engines like Google. But, anyway, we'll give it a go ... Here's the first: Trivia # 1: There is believed to be only one event captured in a photograph where a Medal of Honor was actually being earned. Who earned it ? Have fun.

I honestly didn't think of it that way, but yeah, I suppose it does sound like it. Hope it turns out to be as fun as the Bond films. Maybe a sequel will be named "Shaken Not Stirred".

New scenario: Thunder Dragon Meets the Gold Eagle - Westpac One of the most significant obstacles to a forced reunification between the PRC and the Republic of China (ROC, commonly referred to as Taiwan) is the US Navy. The presence of a US Navy carrier strike group in the vicinity would pose a very serious danger to PRC military action. Does the PRC possess the capability to neutralize the threat ? Try it and see for yourself. Get it at HarpGamer via the HC Scen button.

From DefenseNews Singapore Mulling Purchase of Swedish Submarines By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, SINGAPORE Singapore’s Defense Ministry said Sept. 29 it is considering whether to buy second-hand Vastergotland-class submarines from Sweden to replace some units in its fleet. “The Swedish Navy is planning to stand down two of its submarines of the Vastergotland class,” the Ministry of Defense (Mindef) said in a statement. “Mindef is now considering whether this might provide the Republic of Singapore Navy an opportunity to enhance its submarine capabilities by replacing some of its Challenger-class submarines with the Vastergotland-class submarines.” Singapore has already acquired four second-hand submarines, formerly known as the Sjoormen class, from the Royal Swedish Navy. Several modifications were required to make the vessels suitable for tropical waters as they were designed by the Swedish for operations in the Baltic Sea. Singapore, a tiny but affluent Southeast Asian island-nation, has some of Asia’s best-equipped sea, land and air forces.

DefenseNews U.S. Arms Sales to India Could Destabilize Region: EU Report By BROOKS TIGNER, BRUSSELS The European Union should quickly pursue a strategic relationship with India to strengthen political ties and counter the effects of potentially destabilizing U.S. arms sales to the region, according to a new report by the European Parliament. Adopted Sept. 29 by a large majority during the parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, the 30-page report, “EU-India Relations: A Strategic Partnership,” was authored by Emilio Menéndez del Valle, Spanish Socialist member of the European Parliament (MEP), who sits on the legislature’s Foreign Affairs Committee. In his report, Menéndez del Valle recognizes the “legitimate aspirations of the United States to establish a strategic alliance with India,” but also said there is a need for a multipolar world. Europe should move quickly to enhance its political and strategic relations with New Delhi in view of the “shared belief by India and the union that the world can be made a safer place through international relations based on multilateralism and respect for international law.” Noting the U.S. administration’s planned strategic association with India provides for the sale of U.S. aircraft and the sharing of civilian nuclear technology, the report disapproves of Washington’s intention to sell F-16 fighters capable of carrying nuclear weapons to Pakistan, India’s arch rival. Pakistan was supposed to buy the F-16 fighters in the late 1980s but was blocked when Washington later imposed sanctions against the country for to its nuclear weapon program. U.S.-Pakistani ties have improved since then, particularly in view of their joint efforts to combat terrorism since September 2001. This led to positive signals earlier this year from top U.S. administration officials about allowing the fighter deal to go ahead. The European Union “must encourage regional cooperation in southern Asia” by supporting projects that are peaceful in nature, said Menéndez del Valle. Noting the recent agreement by Iran, Pakistan and India to build a gas pipeline from Iran to India via Pakistani territory, the Spanish MEP said such endeavors “create a network of mutual interests, deterring the prospect of conflict between them, and encouraging regional stability.” The report now goes to the executive European Commission and the Council of Ministers for policy input. The council is the EU branch that directly represents the union’s 25 national governments.

From Defense Aerospace Textron's Bell Helicopter Granted Approval for Full Rate Production of V-22 Osprey Tiltrotor (Source: Bell Helicopter; issued Sept. 28, 2005) PROVIDENCE, RI & FORT WORTH, TX --- Marking a major milestone in aviation, Textron Inc. today announced that its Bell Helicopter unit has been granted approval by the United States Defense Department for Full Rate Production (FRP) of the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. Current plans include the delivery of 360 aircraft to the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), 50 for the U.S. Air Force and 48 for the U.S. Navy. The total program is worth in excess of $19 billion to Bell and Textron through 2018. With FRP, the U.S. Government has authorized Bell and Boeing to increase current low-rate production of 11 aircraft per year up to 48. Today's FRP decision by the Defense Acquisition Board (DAB) follows the successful completion of extensive Operational Evaluation testing, conducted last summer by the USMC. This revolutionary tiltrotor technology combines fixed-wing airplane and vertical lift capabilities into one efficient and extremely capable aircraft that can take off and land like a helicopter and fly like an airplane, providing military customers with significant improvements in combat capabilities - including speeds and range two to three times more than that of conventional helicopters, as well as increased payloads, survivability and reliability. "The V-22 Osprey is an unprecedented feat in aviation and an excellent example of how our investments in innovation are fueling organic growth for Textron," said Lewis B. Campbell, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Textron. "Bell's tiltrotor technology is enabling new capabilities and more operational flexibility for our military customers never before thought possible and will undoubtedly take 21st Century flight to a new dimension. So much so, that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is creating an entirely new class of aircraft specifically for the tiltrotor." "Now that we are authorized for full rate production, U.S. Forces will soon have the most versatile aircraft in the world - which will provide a tremendous advantage in the face of ever-changing future combat challenges around the globe," said Michael A. Redenbaugh, Chief Executive Officer of Bell Helicopter. "Not only is this a pivotal moment for Bell and the literally thousands of employees who helped bring the V-22 to life, but today we mark a truly game-changing advancement in the aviation industry. With this decision, tiltrotor technology has come to life in a big way." "In addition, today's FRP decision provides us with an opportunity to deliver on our customer commitment to produce the aircraft in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible, ultimately bringing costs down," added Redenbaugh. "And while there's a lot of work to be done, we have the talent, resources and infrastructure in place to achieve this goal." Redenbaugh also noted that Bell expects to reach in excess of $1.5 billion in annual V-22 revenue in 2012 when the program reaches planned capacity of 48 aircraft per year. The initial Ospreys, called "MV-22s" will be delivered to the USMC for use in combat assault. Each Osprey can carry 24 Marines with full combat gear. The Air Force version of the tiltrotor, called the "CV-22," is a Special Operations aircraft designed for the long range insertion and removal of special teams. Other mission critical capabilities for the V-22 include combat search-and-rescue, aerial refueling and anti-submarine warfare. With potential future foreign and domestic military sales and the possibilities for next generation tiltrotor development, tiltrotor technology continues to be an important growth area for the company. Earlier this month the Bell Boeing team was awarded a research contract by the U.S. Army to perform conceptual design and analysis of its next generation tiltrotor technology called the "Quad Tiltrotor" aircraft for the Army's Joint Heavy Lift program. Tiltrotor technology is also expected to play a significant role in commercial applications such as emergency disaster relief and emergency medical evacuation, regional passenger/cargo transport, search-and-rescue, offshore oil field support and anti-drug efforts, via the company's development of a civil tiltrotor aircraft, which is currently undergoing flight-testing. Bell Helicopter, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., is a leading provider of commercial and military helicopters and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce of more than 7,500 employees serves customers flying Bell aircraft in over 120 countries.

I can't offer any other links but hopefully the following will help a little at least: Type 206 Name Number Laid down Launched Commissioned U 13 S 192 15 Nov 1969 28 Sept 1971 19 April 1973 U 14 S 193 1 March 1970 1 Feb 1972 19 April 1973 U 15 [206A] S 194 1 June 1970 15 June 1972 17 July 1974 U 16 [206A] S 195 1 Nov 1970 29 Aug 1972 9 Nov 1973 U 17 [206A] S 196 1 Oct 1970 10 Oct 1972 28 Nov 1973 U 18 [206A] S 197 1 April 1971 31 Oct 1972 19 Dec 1973 U 19 S 198 5 Jan 1971 15 Dec 1972 9 Nov 1973 U 20 S 199 3 Sept 1971 16 Jan 1973 24 May 1974 U 21 S 170 15 April 1971 9 March 1973 16 Aug 1974 U 22 [206A] S 171 18 Nov 1971 27 Mar 1973 26 July 1974 U 23 [206A] S 172 5 March 1973 25 March 1974 2 May 1975 U 24 [206A] S 173 20 March 1972 26 June 1973 16 Oct 1974 U 25 [206A] S 174 1 July 1971 23 May 1973 14 June 1974 U 26 [206A] S 175 14 July 1972 20 Nov 1973 13 March 1975 U 27 S 176 1 Oct 1971 21 Aug 1973 16 Oct 1974 U 28 [206A] S 177 4 Oct 1972 22 Jan 1974 18 Dec 1974 U 29 [206A] S 178 10 Jan 1972 5 Nov 1973 27 Nov 1974 U 30 [206A] S 179 5 Dec 1972 26 March 1974 13 March 1975 Authorised 7 June 1969 from Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft (HDW) for 8 hulls, and Rheinstahl Nordseewerke for 10 hulls. Extensive mid-life conversion of 12 (Type 206A) was shared between Thyssen Nordseewerke (U23, 30, 22, 27, 15, 26) at Emden and HDW (U29, 16, 25, 28, 17, 18) at Kiel. Work started in mid 1987 and completed February 1992. First Squadron (Meersburg): four Type 205; six unmodernised Type 206; based at Kiel. Third Squadron: 12 Type 206A; based at Eckernforde. Type 212 Design phase completed 1990 by IKL in conjunction with HDW and TNSW. The HDW/TNSW consortium expected to contract the building of the first batch of four in 1995. First of class was to enter service in 1999 if the project survived defence cutbacks in 1993. Hybrid fuel cell/battery propulsion based on the HDW prototype successfully evaluated in U1 in 1988-89. The first Type U212A submarine for the German Navy was named U31 at the Kiel shipyard of HDW on 20 March 2002. U31 began sea trials in the Baltic on 7 April 2003. U34, the fourth submarine of the 212A class, was launched in Emden in July 2005. U34 is the last unit of the German Navy's four units of the 212A Class that are being built at the Nordseewerke in Emden.

If you don't already own the Harpoon 4 paper rules and annexes, I would suggest you consider the investment. They are really a wealth of information. HazeGray has always been a great source for all things naval, but it looks like Andrew Toppan hasn't updated much of his website in quite a while, and its becoming dated rapidly. The Global Security website is another useful one. Google whatever submarine class or type you are looking for. You can find some great stuff fairly easily.

Congratulations to all involved for this very worthwhile project. This is one area where "proliferation" is a healthy thing. The compatibility aspects of the PlayersDB are especially promising. I'm sure there are plenty of H3/ANW scenario designers out there who will be very happy to hear that they are finally being accommodated in this way.

From eDefense It took seven years, but Singapore has finally chosen a replacement for its aging fleet of A-4SU Super Skyhawks: the Boeing (St. Louis, MO) F-15T, a variant of the F-15E Strike Eagle. The Singapore Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) announced on Sept. 6 that it is now in the process of seeking final clarifications and contract negotiation with Boeing under its New Fighter Replacement Program (NFRP), under which Singapore aims to procure 20 (although perhaps as many as 24) new fighters to replace its A-4SUs, which "will soon be at the end of their operationally useful life," according to a MINDEF spokeswoman. The NFRP, with an estimated value of some $1 billion, is reportedly the country's most expensive fighter procurement ever. The NFRP originally saw six competitors: the Boeing F/A-19E/F Super Hornet, the Lockheed Martin (Ft. Worth, TX) F-16 Fighting Falcon, the Sukhoi (Moscow, Russia) Su-30MK, the Eurofighter (Hallbergmoos, Germany) Typhoon, the Dassault (Paris, France) Rafale, and the F-15T. The first three of these were eliminated from consideration in late 2003 (see "Singapore Pares Down Fighter Competition"), while the Typhoon was cut from the competition in April of this year (see "Singapore's Fighter Competition Down to Two"), leaving just the Rafale and the F-15T.

From BBC News Russian President Vladimir Putin has sacked the head of the navy, Admiral Vladimir Kuroyedov, a month after a mini-submarine accident. Seven Russian sailors who were trapped in the vessel in the Pacific had to be rescued with help from abroad. The crew, facing dwindling air supplies, were saved after three days. Mr Putin did not give any reason for Mr Kuroyedov's dismissal. He named Mr Kuroyedov's deputy, Admiral Vladimir Masorin, as his replacement. Mr Putin said that since Mr Kuroyedov had taken office in 1997, there had been progress in restoring "a significant part of the navy" and planning its development. But he added that in the same period there had been "difficult events" and "tragedies". Nevertheless, he said, despite all the problems and tragedies, "the main thing is that the navy is undergoing a revival". The reason for Mr Koroyedov's dismissal is unclear, but an admiral, Eduard Baltin, told Moscow radio that it might have been linked to the former navy chief's ill health. "He has been lying in hospital for two months, he had a complicated operation," Reuters news agency quoted him as telling Ekho Moskvy. Russian media last month harshly criticised the handling of the latest emergency at sea. Mr Kuroyedov was also in charge of the navy at the time of the Kursk tragedy in 2000, when 118 crew members died after their submarine sank.

A new version of the Harpoon Commander's Edition Database (HCDB-050902) is available. Get it at HarpGamer via the DB Share button. HCDB-050902 New additions include: TBM Site (Iran) - Iran (a generic missile site) TBM Site (PRC) - China (a generic missile site) F-18C/D Hornet - Finland F/A-18C/D Hornet - Switzerland JAS.39 (CZ) Gripen - Czech Republic JAS.39 EBS-HU Gripen - Hungary MiG-29N Fulcrum - Malaysia MiG-29S Fulcrum C - Russia Su-27SK (J-11) - INTL SSBN Type 094 - China AOR Dayun - China AOR Nanchang - China AOR Shichang - China MCM Fushun - China PG Haijui - China PG Hainan (Type 037) - China PG Haiqing (TYpe 037-I) - China MCM T-43 (Type 010) - China MCM Wolei - China MCM Wosao - China TRAN Qiongsha - China LST Yudeng - China LCU Yuhai (Wuhu A) - China Enjoy.