CV32

From Defense Aerospace HMS Invincible Retires Early (Source: Thales UK. Issued Aug. 4, 2005) The Royal Navy's flagship, the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible, has been retired from service in Portsmouth six months early. She had been in service since 1977, and was deployed in the Falklands war. She was honoured on her final trip by a fly-past involving Sea Harriers, Sea King helicopters, the Lynx Pairs Display Team and RAF Chinook helicopters. With the Ark Royal currently undergoing a major refit and due to re-enter service late next year, Invincible's retirement leaves the Illustrious as the only aircraft carrier in operational service. In 2012 the MoD plans to replace all of the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers with Thales-designed future aircraft carriers (CVF). CVF will see the development and construction of two 60,000-tonne aircraft carriers that will ultimately replace the 22,000 tonne Invincible, Illustrious and Ark Royal warships. The programme is the biggest of its kind to take place within the British defence industry and both ships, the largest and most powerful to be built in the UK, are due to be completed at an estimated total cost of £3 billion. Also decommissioned this summer was the Royal Navy's longest serving warship, the HMS Cardiff. Having served in both the Gulf war and the Falklands, her final tour was in the Mediterranean as part of a NATO force patrolling the sea-lanes to curtail terrorist movements. Her decommissioning comes as part of defence cuts announced last year, which include the removal from service of three Type 42 destroyers by March 2006. As yet, there are no plans for the future of the ship and she will remain anchored in Portsmouth until a decision is made. HMS Cardiff will be replaced by a Type 45 Daring-class anti-air warfare destroyer for which Thales UK is providing the radar band electronic support measures (RESM) system. The RESM has been developed from Outfit UAT with an improved signal process and emitter identification technology and the system is also being used to upgrade the radar on all other Royal Navy warships to bring them up to the Type 45's cutting-edge standard. Thales UK is also involved in the development and supply of the Fully Integrated Communications System and the Principal Anti-Air Missile System.

From DefenseNews New Succession Structure to Emerge in Saudi Arabia By RIAD KAHWAJI, DUBAI The death of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz on Aug. 1 has set in motion a succession process believed to be in place ever since the late monarch’s health started deteriorating following his 1995 stroke. Crown Prince Abdullah was immediately named as the new monarch while his half-brother, Defense Minister Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, was named as the new crown prince. “King Fahd’s death, and Crown Prince Abdullah’s accession to the throne, is unlikely to have any negative impact on Saudi stability and may well help the kingdom move forward in dealing with a number of major issues,” said Anthony Cordesman, who holds the Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Washington. In the past decade, Abdullah consolidated his control as the de facto ruler of the oil-rich kingdom and introduced many reforms, although not as many or as fast as he might have wished. Abdullah, Cordesman said, “has been seen as both a supporter of reform, and traditional in values — free of corruption and deeply Islamic. He has encouraged the next generation of princes to support reform, pushed for an Arab-Israeli peace settlement and supported dialogue with the West to counter Islamic extremism. King Fahd’s death will now give him full power, and he may well be able to move forward in several areas of reform, exploiting the ties he has already developed to ‘reform’ factions in the family, technocrats and elite.” As defense minister, Prince Sultan invested much of his country’s vast oil wealth in establishing a modern military through a series of huge arms deals with the West in the late 1970s and ‘80s. He also managed the kingdom’s defense policy through the difficult relations with Washington that followed the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the United States. Observers in the Saudi capital of Riyadh said the Aug. 1 succession of power went smoothly as expected. But one problem remains: the new king and crown prince are believed to be 81 years old each. It will be some time before the political map is clear in Saudi Arabia as to who will be next in line after Prince Sultan. While Sultan’s son, Prince Khaled, has emerged as a powerful figure in the Defense Ministry, he would face tough competition from two of the new king’s half brothers: Prince Naif, the conservative interior minister, and Prince Salman, the governor of Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has not signed a major multibillion-dollar defense contract for some time despite its need for new fighter jets and other defense systems. The slowdown in defense spending was attributed to a lack of funds caused by drops in oil prices. However, some analysts have said they believe the vast revenues generated by higher oil prices in the last couple of years would revive Saudi defense procurement.

From DefenseNews Japan Plans First Spy Plane to Watch North Korea By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, TOKYO Japan plans to introduce unmanned spy aircraft to watch military bases in North Korea or other countries, letting Tokyo gather such intelligence on its own for the first time, a report said July 26. The Defense Agency will tighten its watch on North Korea, which fired a missile over Japan in 1998, regardless of the outcome of multilateral talks that began July 26 in China to end Pyongyang’s nuclear drive, the Tokyo Shimbun said. The agency will seek funds on the project for the fiscal year beginning in April 2006, the newspaper said, without citing sources. The agency would not confirm the report. A spokesman said only that the agency was “considering” plans for the next fiscal year. The report said the agency wanted to have surveillance aircraft that would endure a long flight at an altitude of 20 kilometers (12 miles), a height unreachable by ground-to-air missiles. The aircraft could watch missile bases in inland North Korea and alert Japanese troops if it sees any sign of a missile launch with its infra-red sensors, it said. The plane, to be domestically developed or imported from the United States, would also be able to take pictures of military facilities in other countries and chase spy ships, it said. Japan would thus have its own “eyes” to watch other nations’ military activity for the first time since the end of World War II when the nation became officially pacifist, the newspaper said. Tokyo can already eavesdrop on military communications, but the lack of a greater espionage network has led to concern that Japanese policymakers are too dependent on U.S. intelligence. A weekend report by the Yomiuri Shimbun said Japan wants to put a missile shield it is developing with the United States in place in early 2006, one year earlier than planned, due to perceived threats from North Korea and China. The agency spokesman said the official policy was still to start deploying the system in March 2007.

From Defense Aerospace U.S. Argues Against EU Lifting Arms Embargo Against China (Source: US Department of Defense; issued July 21, 2005) WASHINGTON --- The European Union lifting its arms embargo against China would bring "serious and numerous" consequences, according to a Defense Department report released this week. The European Union has embargoed arms sales to China since the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. In the past year China has run an intense lobbying effort to have the ban lifted, a move strongly opposed by U.S. officials. "We think the Chinese would be able to obtain in Europe a lot of military or dual-use technologies that would be of great qualitative benefit to them," a senior DoD official said July 19 on background. DoD's annual report to Congress on Chinese military power explains in detail that U.S. officials oppose EU arms sales to China because such sales would have the potential to greatly improve China's military capabilities. "Ending the embargo could also remove implicit limits on Chinese military interaction with European militaries, giving China's armed forces broad access to critical military 'software' such modern military management practices, operational doctrine and training, and logistics expertise," the report states. It goes on to say that if the embargo were to be lifted, China would likely focus on establishing "joint ventures" with EU companies to develop technological advances. The report states that such partnerships wouldn't likely produce advances in the short term because it takes time to integrate technologies and processes. But in the medium to long term, integrations with EU companies could "significantly improve" capabilities of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The increased competition brought about by EU arms sales to China could also lead Russia and Israel -- currently the largest suppliers of arms and military technology to China -- to relax their existing limits on such sales. "Potential competition from EU countries already may have prompted Russia to expand the range of systems it is willing to market (to) China," the report states. In 2004, Russia provided China a new version of the Su-30MK2 "Flanker" aircraft, with an enhanced radar system and long-range R-77 and R-27 missiles, "enhancing the capability of China's air forces to conduct over-the-horizon and beyond-visual-range attacks." Accelerating Chinese military modernization "would have direct implications for stability in the Taiwan Strait and the safety of U.S. personnel," according to the report. The final major concern with lifting the EU arms embargo to China is that such a move would allow China to expand its own proliferation activities. Increasing third-party sales to China could lead to improvements in systems China markets to others, "including to countries of concern such as Iran." Major recipients of Chinese military assistance include Burma, Sudan and Zimbabwe -- all countries subject to EU arms embargoes in their own right, the report states. The EU has stated lifting the embargo would "produce no qualitative or quantitative increases" in China's military capabilities. However, the report states, "the EU's tools to enforce such a commitment remain inadequate." "Lifting the embargo could allow China access to military and dual-use technologies that would help China to improve current weapon systems and to improve indigenous industrial capabilities for production of future advanced weapons systems," the report states.

Well, regardless of whether or not Northrop Grumman can be blamed for the problems with the San Antonio, the company continues to attract success with amphibious shipbuilding ... From eDefense Systems Engineering for Amphibious Assault Ship Source: Northrop Grumman Jul. 18, 2005 The US Navy has awarded a contract valued at $109.6 million to Northrop Grumman Ship Systems (Pascagoula, MS) for advanced planning, long-lead material, and systems engineering on the LHA® amphibious assault ship program. The total contract value, if all options are exercised, will be $264 million. This is the first LHA® construction-related contract awarded, and the funds will go toward purchasing major equipment and material, as well as advanced planning and systems engineering. The LHA® will replace the LHA 1 class of amphibious assault ships and will have the flexibility to operate in the traditional role as the flagship for an Expeditionary Strike Group, as well as potentially playing a key role in the maritime pre-positioning force future (MPF(F)). As the Navy's Seabasing plan matures over the next few years, the flexibility to operate with the Expeditionary Strike Group and as part of the MPF(F) will make the LHA® a vital cog in the Sea Base. Northrop Grumman has already delivered the USS Tarawa (LHA 1) and seven Wasp-class (LHD 1) amphibious assault ships to the US Navy, with an eighth, Makin Island (LHD 8), currently under construction. The LHA® will be a variant of the gas turbine-powered LHD 8. The one key difference of the LHA® from the LHD 8 is that it will be an aviation-enhanced assault ship tailored for the US Marine Corps' future Aviation Combat Element centered on the short-takeoff/vertical-landing (STOVL) F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) and the tilt-rotor V-22 Osprey.

From DefenseNews Chinese General Warns U.S. Over Taiwan By JOHN RUWITCH, REUTERS, BEIJING A Chinese general has warned that China was ready to use nuclear weapons against the United States if Washington attacked his country over Taiwan, the Financial Times reported on July 15. Zhu Chenghu, a major general in the People’s Liberation Army who said he was expressing his own views and did not anticipate a conflict with Washington, nevertheless said China would have no option but to go nuclear in the event of an attack. “If the Americans draw their missiles and position-guided ammunition onto the target zone on China’s territory, I think we will have to respond with nuclear weapons,” he told an official briefing for foreign journalists. A spokeswoman for China’s Foreign Ministry noted that the general had said in the article he was not speaking on behalf of the government. A spokesman later said the ministry was looking into the matter. The Defense Ministry declined to comment, saying the Foreign Ministry had organized the event at which the general spoke. China has claimed Taiwan as its own since their split in 1949, and vowed to bring the self-governed democracy back into the fold. In March, China’s parliament passed an anti-secession law authorizing the use of “non-peaceful means” to do so. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso urged China on July 15 to resume dialogue with Taiwan before Beijing hosts the Olympics in 2008, saying it would enhance China’s standing internationally. “This will also greatly advance China’s international standing and reputation as a global player with a particular responsibility for peace and security in East Asia,” Barroso, on his first visit to China as commission president, said. Beijing has refused to deal with Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian, who takes a pro-independence stance on the self-ruled island that China has vowed to attack if it formally declares statehood. Zhu, the general, said the threat to escalate a conflict might be the only way to stop one because China did not have the capability to fight a conventional war with the United States. “If the Americans are determined to interfere ... we will be determined to respond,” he said. “We Chinese will prepare ourselves for the destruction of all of the cities east of Xian. Of course the Americans will have to be prepared that hundreds ... of cities will be destroyed by the Chinese,” he added. China first tested a nuclear bomb in 1964. It has declared a policy of not using such weapons unless it has already suffered nuclear attack. Taiwan’s defense ministry declined to comment directly on Zhu’s comments, saying it would monitor the issue. But spokesman Liou Chih-chien added by telephone: “The use of nuclear weapons is something that the international community will condemn.” The newspaper observed that it was unclear what prompted the remarks, but noted that they were the most specific by a senior Chinese official in nearly a decade. During a visit to Beijing earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said there should be no unilateral change in the status quo over the disputed island of Taiwan. “That means that we don’t support unilateral moves toward independence by Taiwan. It also means that we are concerned about the military balance, and we’ll say to China that they should do nothing militarily to provoke Taiwan,” she added.

From Defense Aerospace Launch of RSN's Fourth Frigate (Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence; issued July 15, 2005) The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) fourth frigate, RSS Tenacious was launched on 15 July 2005, by Mrs Lalitha Jayakumar, wife of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Law, Prof S. Jayakumar, at Singapore Technologies Marine yard. Prof Jayakumar officiated at the launching ceremony. The launch of RSS Tenacious marks another milestone for the Formidable-class frigate programme. She is the third frigate to be built locally. In the next phase, RSS Tenacious will undergo harbour and sea trials. The RSN stealth frigates’ sophisticated sensor and weapon systems are concurrently undergoing shore-based integration testing while the ships are being built. This will mean significant time savings. With their enhanced anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, the frigates will enable the RSN to undertake a wide spectrum of missions and more effectively carry out its mission of defending Singapore and its vital Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs). Minister for Manpower and Acting Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, 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 stealthy and equipped with advanced combat systems. 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. There is an indigenously developed Combat Management System (CMS) for command and control of the various sensor and weapon systems. --The platform characteristics, the combat systems configuration and a computer-aided design picture of the RSN’s Formidable-class frigates are detailed in the appendix to this fact sheet. --The frigate programme is progressing smoothly. All six frigates are in various stages of construction. Three have already been launched and are now in the final phases of construction. --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.

From BBC News "The atomic bomb detonated in the New Mexico desert at 05:29:45 local time on 16 July, 1945, "lit up the entire world". That is how Private Daniel Yearout, one of the few remaining eyewitnesses some 60 years on, recalls the morning the powers of the atom were first unleashed." ... Read the complete article at the link above.

From Navy Times Swedish sub heads to sea, readies for mock battle against 3rd Fleet By Gidget Fuentes Times staff writer POINT LOMA, Calif. — With their fill of margaritas, burritos and some American-style barbecue hamburgers, a Swedish navy crew took their attack submarine Gotland into the Pacific Ocean and prepared to wage mock battle and combat operations with U.S. 3rd Fleet. On July 11, Gotland slipped from the submarine piers at the Point Loma Naval Base and glided from San Diego Bay into the Pacific’s tepid, deep waters for a three-week training cycle at sea. For a crew more accustomed to the frigid waters of the Baltic and sub-Arctic region, this historic California deployment — the first for the Swedish navy — is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They were eager to get to see and note the differences in the Pacific’s temperature, salinity, topography and even its sea life, sure to test sonar technicians’ keen senses. “It’s a much larger ocean out here, much deeper,” noted Lt. Cmdr. Jens Nykvist, 36, commander of the “gold” crew, which arrived in San Diego July 5 and hustled to get Gotland out to sea. “The sonar picture is going to be quite interesting for the first time at sea,” said Lt. Tobias Soderblom, 32, combat information systems officer. “The ship will operate almost as if home, obviously in deeper waters and bigger space.”

From eDefense India Offered German U-214 Subs by Kenneth B. Sherman Jul. 13, 2005 India was believed as recently as June to be about to sign a $2-billion deal for six French Scorpene-class submarines, part of a fleet of 24 new boats to be obtained under Project 75. However, with that deal still stuck at the Cabinet level after two years, Germany has countered with an offer of its own – and one that may usher in a new threat to anti-submarine-warfare (ASW) aircraft. Germany last week offered U-214-class submarines, built by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) (Kiel, Germany), for a relative bargain of $460 million per boat (including a 25-30% discount) – far below the estimated $760 million per new Scorpene. HDW had just been exonerated by an Indian court of corruption charges and, thus, freed to make its bid. New Delhi last rejected an HDW bid in 2002, having previously bought four U-209-class subs in the 1980s.

From Defense Aerospace First Aurora with Modernized Sensor - Sharpest Eyes in the Sky (Source: Canadian Department of National Defence; issued July 12, 2005) GREENWOOD, NS --- The first CP-140 Aurora modernized with new electro-optics and infrared sensors has rejoined the fleet at 14 Wing Greenwood after successful integration of this leading edge surveillance technology. The Air Force formally accepted the modified aircraft from contractor Lockheed Martin Canada upon completion of a rigorous joint testing program with the company and Air Force members. “This state-of-the-art technology builds on the new defence policy's pledge for increased maritime aerial surveillance capability,” said Defence Minister Bill Graham. “The new sensors will amplify Canada's ability to continue its crucial security support roles.” “This new system affords the Canadian Forces a remarkable improvement in reconnaissance and surveillance capability,” said General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff. “By increasing the range and accuracy at which aircrews can operate in all situations, we expand upon their ability to carry out complex missions at home and abroad.” The original contract for the L3 Wescam electro-optics and infrared sensor systems was awarded to Lockheed Martin Canada of Ottawa in the summer of 2003 as part of the Aurora Incremental Modernization Project. The installation and testing of the sensors is a $14.5 million follow-on project within the scope of the original contract with Lockheed Martin Canada. It provides an interim solution until the sensors are fully integrated with the aircraft's modernized mission system in 2008. The CP-140 Aurora is Canada's primary strategic airborne land and sea surveillance aircraft. It has played important roles domestically and internationally for 25 years. Most recently, in the fall of 2004, two CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft were deployed to Sigonella, Italy, on Operation SIRIUS as Canada's contribution to Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR. The complete Aurora modernization program will bring the aircraft to new capability and longevity standards for continued service until approximately 2025.

Two thoughts: (1) The concept of a conventionally armed, submarine launched ballistic missile has been tossed around for awhile, but I have yet to hear of a way to overcome the attached risk, that is, the strategic level fear of other nuclear states when they detect a possibly nuclear armed ballistic missile rising from a missile sub. (2) Why intermediate range ? Why not retain the intercontinental range of the Trident II D5 SLBM ? Perhaps this is related to the risk described above ?

From Defense Aerospace INS Beas Joins the Indian Navy (Source: Indian Press Information Bureau; issued July 11, 2005) INS Beas, the latest Guided Missile Frigate built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata is being commissioned into the Indian Navy on 11 Jul 05 at Kolkata by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Arun Prakash. BEAS, a 3600 tonne warship, is 125 metres in length and a draught of 4.5 metres. The platform is densely packed with state-of-the-art weapons like Barak Anti Missile Defence system, four quad-packs of the URAN Surface-to-Surface missiles, one medium range 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount, four Close range 30mm AK 630 Guns, two Triple tube Torpedo launchers, Sonar and the sophisticated Ellora Electronic Warfare suite. The ship has an advanced Computerised Action Information system for Command and Control of all weapons and sensors. The ship is propelled by two 15,000 BHP steam turbines and is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots. BEAS is the third of the series of the 'P-16A' class built by GRSE. The ship, like her predecessors INS Brahmaputra and INS Betwa, has been designed with a sophisticated indigenous weapon and sensor suite to enhance the Indian Navy's future combat capability. The commissioning of this ship reinforces the Navy's sustained commitment to indigenisation and reflects the technological strides made by the Indian shipbuilding and support Industry. The ship has been designed by the Directorate General Naval Design, Naval Headquarters and is yet another addition to the series of successful projects like the 'Delhi' class destroyers, 'Godavari' class frigates and the 'Kora' class corvettes, which have gained worldwide recognition over the years. Presently, the Design Organisation of the Navy is involved in design and production of five major projects including the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, the P-17 Stealth Frigates, Gas Turbine Frigates of P-15A and the ASW Corvettes. Majority of the Weapon Fire Control Systems, Sonar, Electronic Warfare, Navigational and Communication suites onboard the 'BEAS', have been supplied by PSUs like M/s BEL/ ECIL/ HAL/ Keltron. The Propulsion turbines, Turbo Alternators, Diesel Alternators and Steam Auxiliaries have been manufactured indigenously by M/s BHEL , HAL and a number of private sector firms. The Indian industry has amply demonstrated its technological prowess and capabilities in building state-of-the-art equipment conforming to stringent defence standards and which are capable of withstanding the extremely hostile marine environment. The name BEAS brings back nostalgic memories of its earlier incarnation, which saw over 32 years of glorious service in the Indian Navy from 24 May 1960 to 23 Dec 1992, during which she covered herself with glory. During this period, Beas earned the unique distinction in Indian Naval history of having been in the thick of all war campaigns that the Indian Navy has been involved in, post independence. The first BEAS was a 'Leopard' class frigate built by M/s Vickers Armstrong, New Castle-upon-Tyne in the UK. The new BEAS signifies the coming of age of the indigenous ship building industry in the Indian Navy's goal of becoming a builder’s Navy. The delivery of the third frigate of this project by GRSE has once again confirmed the growing capability of GRSE in building advanced warships for the Indian Navy and its status as one of the leading shipyards in the country. The build quality and technological prowess of the Indian shipyards has been lauded the world over and is a matter of pride for the nation. Beas is a highly sophisticated weapon platform and will strengthen the Navy's combat capability and is expected to render yeoman service to the Indian Navy in the years to come.

From Defense Aerospace Breakthrough in Japan for Stirling AIP (Source: Kockums AB; issued July 11, 2005) Kockums has signed a contract with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) concerning delivery of Stirling engines for Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems of Japan’s submarine programme. The order has been placed following several years evaluation of Stirling engines aboard the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) training submarine. Japan has decided to adopt the AIP system that is based on Kockums' Stirling engine technology for its new submarines. “We are very pleased for the new orders for Stirling engines from Japan, including our long-term co-operation with KHI. It demonstrates that the submarine community in Japan has great confidence in the Stirling AIP system, which we are very proud of,” said Kockums' CEO Martin Hagbyhn. Submarines equipped with Stirling AIP systems can expand the submerged endurance, thus avoiding to expose its position. This enables the Stirling AIP submarine to counter the threat scenario much more effectively compared to a conventional diesel-electric submarine. Kockums will deliver the components for the Stirling engines, while KHI will assemble the AIP-units and will also be responsible for final delivery of the complete AIP systems to the shipyards. For commercial reasons, the value of the contract cannot be made public.

From Defense Aerospace Seoul to Purchase US Spy Aircraft (Source: Korean Ministry of National Defence; dated July 13, web-posted July 12, 2005) The Defense Ministry has officially requested the United States sell its high-altitude, long-range surveillance aircraft as part of its mid to long-term arms acquisition plan, ministry officials said on Tuesday (July 12). The request was made at a sub-panel session of an annual defense ministerial meeting between South Korea and the U.S., called the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), in Hawaii last month, officials said. The two allies are scheduled to hold the SCM in October. The South Korean delegates asked the U.S. to consider selling its Global Hawks, high-flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), during the sub-panel session, adding that the U.S. has yet to make any official response.

I wondered how long it would take before someone made that quip.

From Youth for International Socialism A Leninist Hero of our Times In Memory of Valery Sablin: The true story of Red October By Alan Woods September 12, 2000 "Trust the fact that history will judge events honestly and you will never have to be embarrassed for what your father did. On no account ever be one of those people who criticise but do not follow through their actions. Such people are hypocrites - weak, worthless people who do not have the power to reconcile their beliefs with their actions. I wish you courage, my dear. Be strong in the belief that life is wonderful. Be positive and believe that the Revolution will always win. (Valery Sablin's last letter to his son before his execution) On Thursday 7 September, Channel Four broadcast a fascinating programme as part of its series Secret History, entitled Mutiny - the true story of Red October. This remarkable documentary for the first time gave us the true story behind the 1990 Hollywood movie The Hunt for Red October a film version of a 1984 novel by Tom Clancy. Clancy's story of Marko Ramius, a defecting submarine captain who takes his ship on an epic voyage across the Atlantic, was inspired by real events. Click on the link above to read the remainder of the article.

From DefenseNews China and Russia to Hold Joint Military Exercises Aug 18-26: Report By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, BEIJING China and Russia will hold rare joint military exercises involving up to 8,000 service personnel from August 18-26, a state newspaper reported July 6. ”Peace Mission 2005” will involve China’s army, navy and air force, while Russia will dispatch its navy and air force, said the Global Times, citing Russian press reports. China’s Defense Ministry has not announced the exercises. But Russian President Vladimir Putin said June 30 during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao that joint exercises would take place later this year. ”Cooperation in the military-technical sphere and cooperation in the purely military sphere is in the process of expanding,” Putin said. ”This year we expect for the first time for many years to have joint military exercises.” According to the Global Times, which is run by the official People’s Daily, final arrangements for the exercises were agreed on July 1, when Major General Qian Lihua of China’s Defense Ministry visited Moscow. The paper said the joint maneuvers will begin on August 18-19, when the two sides hold military and political consultations at chief of staff level near Russia’s Pacific Fleet headquarters at Vladivostok. From August 20-22 the exercises will move to the Yellow Sea and the area off the Jiaodong peninsula in eastern China’s Shandong province, it said. These exercises will involve China’s army, air force and navy, and Russian paratroopers who will jump on to the peninsula, while Russian ships engage in amphibious landing exercises, it said. Air force exercises involving Sukhoi Su-27 fighter planes and Tupolev TU 95MSs and TU 22M-3s will round out the drills on August 23-26, with long-distance bombing runs and cruise missile attacks, it said. The exercises could also involve China’s nuclear submarine fleet and anti-submarine warfare, the Global Times said.

From Defense Aerospace Fourth Submarine of the 212A Class Received the Name "U34" at a Formal Ceremony (Source: ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems; issued July 1, 2005) HAMBURG/EMDEN, Germany --- More than 30 years after the construction of the first submarines of the 206 Class for the German navy, the fourth submarine of the 212A Class was launched in Emden in the name "U 34". For the time being, U 34 is the last unit of the German Navy's block booking for the construction of a total of four units of the 212A Class that are being built at the Nordseewerke in Emden, "U 32" and "U 34", as well as at the Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft in Kiel, "U 31" and "U 33". The submarine received its name, which is composed of the letter "U" and a number, following the tradition of the German Navy. Barbara Pfaffinger, wife of the Mayor of Starnberg, the submarine's twin town, is the godmother. On this formal occasion, Dr. Christian Eckel, Executive Board member of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems "Submarine Division" and member of the Executive Board of the Nordseewerke, welcomed Parliamentary Secretary and Federal Government Maritime Coordinator Georg-Wilhelm Adamowitsch. Furthermore, the following guests attended the launch at the Nordseewerke: Vice Admiral Lutz Feldt, Navy Chief of Staff, Mayor Ferdinand Pfaffinger as representative of the town of Starnberg, as well as other personalities from the defence ministry, the federal agency for defence engineering and procurement, armed forces and industry. The tried and tested collaboration with the HDW in Kiel also forms the platform for the mutual draft, design and construction of these high-tech submarines. With the four submarines of the 212A Class, the German Navy is receiving the most modern non-nuclear submarines in the world. The 212A Class submarine stands out due to its significantly longer diving periods than with all other conventional submarines. The longer diving periods are based on a new kind of propulsion system that is not dependent on outer air. In a chemical process, fuel cells convert oxygen and hydrogen into electrical energy. The power produced in this manner provides the propeller engine and all electrical systems on board with energy during the submerged operation.

Vimy Arrives Safely in Ireland ... CBC News

From DefenseNews U.S. Should Butt out of China’s Bilateral Relations By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, BEIJING On June 30, China blasted interference by the United States in its relations with other countries and urged the European Union and Israel to ignore Washington’s concerns over arms sales. ”We believe that the United States should not point fingers, make irresponsible remarks and place obstacles in the way. We are firmly against it,” foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said. ”The U.S. should discard its Cold War mentality and stop obstructing normal cooperation between China and other countries ... we ask relevant parties and sides to adhere to the principle of independence and make their own decisions on mutually beneficial cooperation between them and China.” Liu was commenting on an agreement this week between the United States and Israel on mutually identifying countries “arousing concern.” The agreement is expected to curb Israel’s growing military cooperation with China. Liu also cited U.S. opposition to the EU’s plans to lift its arms embargo on China that was implemented after Beijing’s brutal crushing of the 1989 Tiananmen democracy protests. The United States has expressed concern about China’s growing military might, especially in the context of Taiwan, which Beijing threatens to take by force should it ever declare formal independence from China. Liu said China’s relations with the EU and Israel not only serve the interests of the countries concerned, “but also serves peace and stability in the region.” Led by France and Germany, the EU was set to lift the arms embargo on China by June 30 but so far U.S. opposition to ending the ban has prevailed. Following its agreement with the U.S., Israel faces several million dollars in compensation to China for reneging on a deal to upgrade a fleet of “Harpy Killer drone” pilot-free spy planes that it has sold to Beijing. Earlier, Israel had to pay Beijing 350 million dollars in compensation after breaking an agreement in 2000 to supply Falcon airplanes with an AWACS radar system. That deal had also been opposed by the United States.

From DefenseNews U.S., India Sign New Defense Agreement By GOPAL RATNAM The United States and India have signed a new defense cooperation agreement intended to strengthen military ties during the next decade and set up a bilateral working group that would guide India’s purchase of U.S. arms. Indian Defense Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who is visiting Washington ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit in July, announced the new cooperation agreement and said although the two countries have different world visions on some key issues, the growing strategic partnership will continue. For example, “the United States considers Pakistan an effective ally” in the fight against terrorism, but “we consider that cross-border terrorism in [the state of] Jammu and Kashmir is taking place inspired by Pakistan,” Mukherjee said at a June 28 news conference after meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. “But these two perceptions of the situation [do not] mean we are not friends.” The New Framework for the U.S-India Defense Relationship signed by Mukherjee and Rumsfeld June 28 would replace the 1995 Agreed Minute on Defense Relations between the two countries. The new agreement foresees, among others, collaboration on multinational operations, strengthening of each other’s military capabilities, expanded interaction with other nations in promoting regional security, enhanced capabilities to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, expanded two-way defense trade and collaboration on missile defense, and increased exchange of intelligence information. The agreement also set up a Defense Procurement and Production Group as part of the existing Defense Policy Group, which coordinates policy discussions between the two militaries. The new group is expected to address the possible co-production of F-16s or F/A-18s, which India is considering as potential candidates to meet its requirement for 125 multirole combat aircraft. India has issued a request for proposals and is considering France’s Mirage 2000-5, Russia’s MiG-29 SMT and Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen, in addition to the U.S.-made F-16 and F/A-18. Details of the possible procurement and co-production of U.S. fighter jets will be negotiated by the two sides later, he said. As part of the new agreement, the United States has offered to “advance the proposed briefing on the Patriot PAC-3” anti-missile system, according to a June 28 press release issued by the Indian Embassy in Washington. India is seeking to acquire the U.S.-made missile defense systems to counter short-range ballistic missiles. Mukherjee led a large delegation of Indian officials and industry executives who engaged in discussions with U.S. officials and defense companies about defense production issues. Defense industry executives “on both sides have to understand [each other’s] procedures in greater detail,” Mukherjee said. Indians have to better understand the U.S. technology control and licensing system, while U.S. executives have to better grasp the Indian procurement system, he said. Mukherjee and his delegation also met Sen. John Warner, R-Va., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Calif., chairman of the House Appropriations Committee — powerful lawmakers likely to influence any possible sale of U.S. weapons to India. The new defense cooperation agreement is part of a broad effort by the Bush administration to strengthen strategic ties with India under a process called the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership. The current discussions are part of the second phase of these strategic discussions. In each phase, the two sides are seeking to take specific steps to reassure each other of their interest in the relationship. As part of the agreement reached under Phase I, India agreed to enact new export control legislation — which was passed by India’s Parliament in recent weeks — aimed at curbing the spread of weapons of mass destruction and clamping down on leaks of sensitive technology. Since India has done its part, the United States must now act to “liberalize technology control regimes,” Mukherjee said. India, which is a signatory to international treaties that prohibit chemical and biological weapon development, has never allowed sensitive technology to leak, he said.

From Defense Aerospace DRS Technologies to Develop Shaftless Propulsion Technology for Next-Generation Nuclear Submarine Design (Source: DRS Technologies, Inc.; issued June 28, 2005) PARSIPPANY, N.J. --- DRS Technologies, Inc. announced today that it was awarded a new $30 million contract, including options, to develop advanced shaftless propulsion technology for a next-generation U.S. Navy nuclear-powered submarine design study under the Tango Bravo program. Tango Bravo is a joint effort established by the U.S. Navy and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Advanced Technology Office (ATO), in Arlington, Virginia, to develop a demonstration submarine that can overcome selected technological barriers that have a significant impact on a submarine's infrastructure and cost. As the prime contractor direct to the government for integrated power systems equipment, DRS will design and develop a shaftless propulsor that eliminates the need for a traditional shaft that penetrates the submarine's pressure hull. This revolutionary change in submarine design will dramatically reduce the ship's weight, size and cost, freeing up critical space for next-generation mission payloads. Initial funding of approximately $5 million was received by DRS from the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport Division, in Newport, Rhode Island. Work for this contract will be performed by the company's DRS Power & Control Technologies unit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Danbury, Connecticut, DRS Power Technology unit in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and DRS Electric Power Technologies unit in Hudson, Massachusetts. Work for this award has commenced and will continue through May 2006. The options, if exercised, will extend the remainder of the work through May 2009. "DRS's unique solution provides next-generation, advanced, permanent magnet motor (PMM) and electric drive technologies, which will allow the U.S. Navy to realize its vision of affordable, integrated power systems on board future warships," said Steven T. Schorer, president of DRS's C4I Group. "This solution provides proven, best-value technology that is lighter, smaller and more power-dense than any other U.S. Naval electric drive available today. A key supplier of integrated power systems equipment to the U.S. Navy shipbuilding industry, DRS is a leading force in shaping the future of the Navy's high-performance, integrated electrical systems and in providing critical power technology refresh for the existing fleet." DRS is a leading supplier of U.S. Navy shipboard propulsion systems, advanced permanent magnet motors and drives, electronic and mechanical control systems, power conversion equipment, and medium- and low-voltage power distribution systems for nuclear submarines and surface combatants. The company has installed equipment on every U.S. Navy combatant ship since World War II, including nuclear-powered and conventionally-powered ships. DRS's power equipment facilitates realization of the U.S. Navy's vision of an electric warship utilizing a common ship power system architecture that can transfer electric power from propulsion and ship service systems to advanced electric weapons, sensors and countermeasures. The company's integrated power systems equipment will provide increased fuel efficiency, reliability and commonality benefits in electric ship architecture, which will lead to new, stealthier hull forms, reduced reliability on logistics, "plug-and-play" maintainability, larger payload and mission capacity, and reduced crew sizes. A force multiplier, these technologies will provide the electric warship with an affordable leap-ahead capability, allowing U.S. Navy forces to maintain technical superiority in the 21st century. DRS Technologies, headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, provides leading edge products and services to defense, government intelligence and commercial customers. Focused on defense technology, DRS develops and manufactures a broad range of mission critical systems. The company employs 5,700 people worldwide.

OK, now that the orders of battle (OOB) and geographic placement of units have been hammered out, the ground work is laid and we'll start building the scenario.

It is not possible to simulate training or experience levels, or low morale or fatigue. You might, however, experiment with adjusting the ATA and DATA values to roughly model such things. I don't think its possible to adjust gun arcs on an aircraft. Tony, the code guru, is in the best position to point out the pro's and con's of the code.