CV32

From DefenseNews Israel To Clear Future Arms Deals With U.S. After China Row By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, JERUSALEM Israel was set June 27 to sign an agreement to clear future defense deals with Washington after a spat over an arms contract with China which could leave it with a multi-million dollar compensation bill. Defense ministry spokeswoman Rachel Ashkenazi said negotiations “to reach an understanding with the United States are at an advanced stage” after Israel effectively apologized to Washington over a controversial drones deal. The Haaretz newspaper said the agreement will mean Israel having to renege on the agreement to upgrade Harpy Killer drones it had sold to Beijing, leading to the likelihood that China will demand multi-million dollar compensation for the second time in five years. 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. According to Haaretz, the memorandum of understanding will declare that the United States and Israel are “strategic partners” and will be considerate of the other’s concerns about the transfer of military technology to third countries. Countries “arousing concern” will be specified separately. The new accord will also stipulate that the United States cannot ban defense deals on commercial grounds after anger among the Israeli defense industry that business interests lay at the heart of the row over the drones deal with China. Two senior Israeli delegations are expected to visit Washington this week to formulate the agreement with the Pentagon. The final agreement is expected to be signed by Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz during a trip to Washington next month. Israel’s ambassador to Washington, Danny Ayalon, told the paper that the agreement will “help prevent misunderstandings in the future.” ”The agreement will also help our defense industries to better penetrate the mammoth American market, which is much bigger than the Chinese market,” he added. Israel’s ties with its usually staunch U.S. ally took a major hit from the row over the drones deal, with the Pentagon imposing some restrictions on arms sales and technology transfers to Israel. Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom moved to defuse the row during a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice earlier this month, expressing “regret that these sales could have damaged the interests of the United States”. Rice said she believed that “the Israelis now understand our concerns and I am certain as good partners can... we will come to strong resolutions that allow U.S. to proceed.” Israel was particularly keen to resolve the dispute with Washington at a time when it is looking heavily to support from the Bush administration for the pullout from the Gaza Strip starting in August. In a sign of Washington’s wariness of China’s growing military power, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld warned earlier this month that China is spending much more on a major military buildup than officially acknowledged, putting at risk the military balance in the whole Asia Pacific region. The United States has also been vigorously lobbying against moves by the European Union to lift the arms embargo it slapped on China after the June 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy students in Beijing.

As some of you may know, record setting aviator Steve Fossett and navigator Mark Rebholz are due to recreate the famous 1919 trans-Atlantic flight from Newfoundland to Ireland achieved by British flyers Alcock and Brown. The flight will be (hopefully) made this weekend in a replica of the original Vickers F.B.27 Vimy bomber (the world's largest flying biplane), taking off from my home town here in St. John's, Newfoundland. This morning I was fortunate to get a closer look at this amazing aircraft and snap a few photos. Enjoy. The Vimy is an impressively large aircraft: The nose ... ... and the tail Accolades and honours ... The props and engines ... The teeny tiny (and likely very cold) cockpit (note the energy bars duct taped to the sides of the cockpit) ...

From DefenseNews Turkish Army Chief Meets Greek Defense Minister By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, ATHENS Turkish army general staff Chief Yasar Buyukanit, who is on an official visit to Greece, on June 23 visited the defense ministry in Athens and met with Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos. In a 15-minute discussion with Buyukanit, the Greek minister complained that Turkey’s statements about improving bilateral relations were in contrast to the behavior of its air force over the Aegean Sea, the semi-official Athens News Agency (ANA) said, quoting ministry sources. Seven formations of Turkish military aircraft on June 23 entered the Greek Flight Information Region (FIR) without submitting flight plans, some of them violating Greek airspace above the north and central Aegean Sea, ANA said. Greece sets the limits of its airspace at 10 nautical miles (18 kilometers) from its coastline, but Turkey accepts a distance of only six nautical miles. The difference has caused recurring tension between the two NATO allies for years. Buyukanit on June 23 also held talks with his Greek counterpart lieutenant-general Nikolaos Douvas on promoting cooperation between Turkish and Greek land forces. On June 24 the Turkish army chief was due to travel to the northern port city of Thessaloniki, where he will visit the former home of Kemal Ataturk, founder of the secular Turkish state. He is also scheduled to tour the ancient city of Vergina, capital of the 4th century BC kingdom of Lower Macedonia. [Maybe they'll play nice from now on ... yeah, riiiight ! ]

From Norwegian Ministry of Defence Excerpt from the Summary: "This Strategic Concept states the political basis for the operational activities of the Norwegian Armed Forces (NAF) in the field of security and defence policies. In doing so, it serves the role as strategic level political guidance. The document, thus, provides the political basis for the development of NAF doctrines and the NAF's operational activities." More at the link above.

From Defense Aerospace Korea to Develop Super-Fast Flying Boats (Source: Korea Information Service; issued June 23, 2005) The Korean government plans to invest 170 billion won to develop a large-sized watercraft that can cruise at a maximum speed of 250 kilometers per hour just above water, starting 2006. It will also spend about 70 billion won to establish an Antarctic research center by 2011, in addition to the existing King Sejong Station. The ambitious plans were endorsed on Thursday (June 23) at a meeting of science-related ministers, presided over by Science-Technology Minister Oh Myung. To build watercraft, called wing-in-ground (WIG) vehicle with a loading capacity of 100 tons of cargoes, the government will channel 85 billion won in the project and hopes to attract as much from private companies. “We aim to earn 4.15 trillion won by exporting 83 WIG craft from 2010 through 2019. We expect this scheme to provide Korean shipbuilders with next-generation growth engines,” Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries director Yeon Yeong-jin said. Yeon said local shipbuilders, such as Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction and STX, showed interest in the project. WIG vehicles, which look like airplanes, skim 1 to 5 meters above water at a speed of exceeding 200 kilometers per hour, a speed unmatched by traditional vessels. The watercraft are expected to revolutionize the transportation business by offering large-volume services that are cheaper than aircrafts and faster than conventional freighters. Russia first tried to develop the WIG vessels in the 1960s for military purposes and the United States, Japan and Korea followed suit. However, their targets have been relatively small passenger ships and no country has ever come up with a plan to manufacture large-sized watercraft. “Korea will be able to preempt the lucrative future market by commercializing large-sized cargo WIG vessels for the first time in the world,” Yeon said.

From DefenseNews Technology Problems Persist for USN Destroyer: Report By CHRISTOPHER P. CAVAS Technological development for the U.S. Navy’s advanced DD(X) destroyer is still lagging despite progress in a number of areas, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) said in a report issued June 14. The report, sent to Senate and House of Representatives Armed Services Committee leaders, highlighted problems with the 10 critical engineering areas being developed for the 14,000-ton destroyer. Packed with new technologies, the DD(X) is intended by the Navy to support forces ashore and dominate coastal regions, and is planned to replace Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in the service’s building program. Among the problems listed in the report: • Designers have substituted an Advanced Induction Motor (AIM) for the planned Permanent Magnet Motor (PMM) in the ship’s power system after the PMM failed in tests earlier this year. Although the AIM incorporates proven technology, it is heavier, larger, noisier and less power-dense than the PMM, requiring several changes in the ship’s design. • The volume search portion of the dual-band radar still is encountering technical problems, although the multifunction radar has successfully completed its tests to date. • Fire and shock testing for the composite-construction superstructure have been delayed due to questions about the materials to be used. • The peripheral missile launch system needed to be redesigned after an “immense explosion” caused damage during tests a year ago. The GAO report provided no recommendations for the program. Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Pascagoula, Miss., currently is heading the DD(X) development effort, with Raytheon managing the program’s radar and combat systems. The Navy is restructuring the destroyer program and will take over management of the DD(X) project this fall. Navy officials have described the restructuring effort as part of an overall attempt to reduce costs on the program and not due to any management issues with Northrop Grumman.

Well, that's where the processing technology must necessarily be very good. If the MAGSAFE system is going to measure things like speed of a contact, then right away the number of false contact possibilities drops off. I can't think of many underwater objects that are both magnetic and mobile ... except a submarine.

The processing technology is apparently much enhanced, from the sound of it, but unless the basic sensor technology is also improved, I expect the effective range is still painfully short. It would have to be better, if they expect to use it for search. Traditional MAD is not a great tool to search for a submarine that may or may not be there.

From Jane's Missiles & Rockets Canada works on hypervelocity anti-armour missile programme Christopher F Foss Canada is working on a High-Energy Missile (HEMi) programme to meet the potential future requirements of the Canadian Armed Forces. The key aim of the programme is to demonstrate the concept of a small hypervelocity missile that would provide the firepower of a 70-ton main battle tank (MBT) in a light combat vehicle. Project Definition of the HEMi was carried out under Phase 0 between April 2000 and April 2001 at a cost of C$400,000 (US$321,000). Phase 1 started in April 2001 and is due to run through to March 2006. During this phase a number of key objectives are required to be met, including system concept definition, detailed component design, demonstration of components and a military utility study. One of the key requirements is that the HEMi must be able to penetrate a minimum of 1,000 mm of conventional rolled homogenous armour (RHA), have a maximum length of 1.21 m and have a launch weight of 22.4 kg. The projected low weight will enable more rounds to be carried on the platform. It also must have a minimum velocity of 2,250 m/s at ranges of between 400 m and 5,000 m. (A typical currently fielded 120 mm armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot [APFSDS] projectile fired from a tank gun has a muzzle velocity of around 1,600 m/s that decreases with range.) A number of lethality achievements have already been made covering the key areas of lethality, propulsion, aerodynamics, structure, guidance and control, modelling and simulation, and operational research. These include optimised segmented rod parameters, 12 gun-validation firing tests and the firing of segmented rods against active armour. The first firing of a segmented rod took place in December 2004.

From Defense Aerospace US, Europe Still Split on NATO's Role (Source: Deutsche Welle German radio; issued Jun 9, 2005) At the NATO Summit on Tuesday, Europe and the US will discuss the direction the alliance will take. Behind all the talk of harmony are some major differences on how much political power the organization should have. In the days after he made them, German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder's comments that NATO was no longer the "primary venue" for discussing global strategy offered a cue for every one to jump into an increasingly controversial debate. US President George W. Bush saw in them a threat to sideline the security organization and told German television that he "looked forward to reminding Gerhard Schröder that NATO is an active institution." NATO head Jan Hoop de Schaeffer, while rejecting Schröder's call to set up a panel of experts to look at rehauling the organization, said it reflected efforts he has made in recent years to make NATO more politically active. Behind the semantics are very real questions about what shape the 26-nation institution will take as Europe grows closer to forging a security and defense policy that could supplement some of NATO's tasks. It is an issue on which parts of Europe and the United States are still divided. France, for example, favors making the European Union ever stronger in defense matters, part of a grander strategy of providing a counterweight to the United States in the world. US: No NATO competition The United States, encouraging but at the same time wary of the European Union's military ambitions, is on edge when talk of changing the alliance comes up. Thierry Balzacq at the Center for European Policy Studies said the paranoia stems from plans Belgium, France, Germany and Luxembourg drew up at a summit last year calling for a military planning council that Washington saw as competition to NATO. Every time one of these countries says something, even if they're supporting NATO, the other side will always come and say 'oh, they are trying to undermine NATO's policy'," he said. When he meets with President Bush in Mainz on Wednesday, Schröder will take care to distance himself from the French position without selling out completely on Europe, said Henning Riecke, a transatlantic security expert. A certain ambiguity "I think NATO is very important for the Germans, but they aren't able to issue this NATO first principle the Americans would like to hear," said Riecke, who works for the Berlin-based Council on Foreign Relations. "So there has to be a certain ambiguity." Schröder himself left nothing to doubt when he defended his remarks two days after his defense minister read them out at the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 14. He lobbied again for an expert panel to look for ways to expand the organization's involvement in policy discussions. "I really believe that it contributes to a strengthening of NATO and transatlantic relations if we speak more openly on political issues than we have tended to in the past," he said. Providing troops - and strategic direction? At issue is whether NATO, an organization that provides the troops, weaponry and logistical support for peacekeeping missions from Afghanistan to Sarajevo, will have a greater say on how that weaponry and manpower gets used. Since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the organization has made great strides in increasing its military prowess, investing in technology and creating a rapid response force which is able to deploy anywhere in the world within a few days. But differences between some NATO allies -- like France and the US -- over the Iraq war, kept the alliance from discussing ways to increase NATO's say in strategic planning, said Riecke. "What is lacking is a strategic understanding of what these troops should be used for," he said. While NATO improved its capabilites, the EU for the first time got serious about developing a military wing. They pledged to develop a military response force simliar to NATO's and took over the organization's policing mission in Bosnia. No clear resolution Some in Washington worry that the steps taken both by NATO and the European Union are on a collision course. In the best of both worlds, the NATO would serve as the big stick to the European Union's well-intentioned diplomacy, say some observers. But NATO, and its biggest member, America, will not always have the same interests in a crisis region as the European Union. The Europeans "might need (military) capabilities to keep the neighborhood in order, like in the Balkans," said Riecke. No one expects any clear position to emerge from the NATO discussions Tuesday. Most analysts agree that Bush's visit will be a charm offensive designed to show European allies that the United States still cares. But many don't expect a more substantive indication on how their differences on NATO will get resolved. The visits by Condoleezza Rice and Bush are "clear signals that Europe is being taken seriously as a strong partner," said Reicke. We'll have to see what the wrangling on the working level will turn out to be, how this might poison the picture a bit."

From Defense Aerospace Seabasing to Transform Marine Deployments, Commandant Says (Source: US Department of Defense; issued June 9, 2005) WASHINGTON --- The "seabasing" capability being developed for the Marine Corps will enable the service to deploy 15,000 troops anywhere in the world in as little as 10 to 12 days, according to the commandant of the Marine Corps. "And when you are able to respond that fast, it is going to change the calculus of the battlefield," Gen. Michael W. Hagee explained during an interview with the Pentagon Channel. The concept, expected to be in full swing within the next 10 to 15 years, involves pre-positioning ships with critical wartime assets. In the event of an operation, the Marines would fly directly to the ships and begin preparations. "We'll do the rehearsal, the arrival (and) assembly at sea, and then launch them to wherever they need to go," Hagee said. "It is essentially using the sea as maneuver space." This will significantly reduce the time it takes to deploy Marines to operations, whether they're major combat operations or humanitarian relief efforts, the general said. "For example, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, we put about 60,000 to 70,000 Marines and sailors into Kuwait, with all their equipment, ready to cross the line of departure (into Iraq) in less than 60 days," he said. Despite that impressive speed, which Hagee said "no one else in the world" can match, seabasing will make deployments even faster. "With seabasing, we will be able to put 15,000 Marines and sailors anywhere in the world in 10 to 12 days," he said. "We can't do that today, but ... between 2015 and 2020, we are going to be able to do that." Seabasing will eliminate the need for a land base when conducting military operations. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Marines used Kuwait as their initial ground base to launch their operations. "If, in 2020, we had to do Operation Iraqi Freedom," Hagee said, "ships would come into the (Persian) Gulf, we'd do the arrival and assembly at sea, (and) the Marines would launch - instead of from Kuwait, from the sea base - directly into ... Iraq." The ability to respond more quickly to operations or contingencies can have a big impact on how they proceed, the commandant said. "You might be able to get there so quickly that you may not need large follow-on forces," he said. "At the same time, you keep your footprint very small ashore," Hagee said, reducing the likelihood of force-protection problems and better recognizing the host country's autonomy. "What we want to do is erase that line between the sea and land," the general said. "That's the vision."

DefenseNews Taiwan Successfully Test Fires First Cruise Missile By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, TAIPEI, TAIWAN Taiwan has successfully test fired its first cruise missile, which would allow the island to hit major military targets in southeast China, a newspaper here reported June 5. The Hsiung Feng cruise missile, developed by the military-run Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology, has a range of 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) and could be used to attack military bases in southeast China, the China Times said. “Once deployed, it would mark the first time that Taiwan is able to put ‘strategic weapons’ into use. Its political and military impact would be far-reaching,” the paper reported. The defense ministry declined to comment on the report. The newspaper said Defense Minister Lee Jye witnessed the test firing of the missile from Chiupeng military base in the southern Pingtung county. The missile flew more than 500 kilometers (300 miles) before hitting its target. The report did not specify when the test took place but speculated that it could have been in March. The missile is expected to go into pilot production later this year or next year. Taiwan is striving to build up its missile defense capabilities to counter the military threat from China, which officials say has targeted the island with at least 700 ballistic missiles. Taiwan’s cabinet last month approved a revised arms deal with the United States worth almost $15.5 billion after the previous proposal was rejected by parliament. The arms package, over a 15-year period from 2005 pending final approval by parliament, includes eight conventional submarines, a modified version of the Patriot anti-missile system and a fleet of anti-submarine aircraft. The massive budget proposal has stirred heated debate on the island. Critics say the spending could further provoke China and heighten cross-strait tensions. China sees Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification since they split at the end of the civil war in 1949, and has repeatedly threatened to invade if the island moves towards formal independence.

From Defense Aerospace Keel Laid for First Littoral Combat Ship, USS Freedom (Source: US Navy; issued June 3, 2005) MARINETTE, Wis. --- The keel was laid and authenticated for the Navy's first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) June 2 at Marinette Marine here. The 378-foot LCS will be the first U.S. ship to carry this class designation. "LCS Represents the cutting edge of a new Navy, the likes of which we have never seen before," said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Vern Clark during his remarks at the ceremony. "It is a great personal privilege to confirm this keel on such a brave and bold future for our Navy." The future USS Freedom (LCS 1) acknowledges the enduring foundation of the nation and honors American communities from coast to coast which bear the name Freedom. States having towns named Freedom range from New York to California, and include Indiana, Maine, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Wyoming. "It strikes me that since freedom is what we are all about as a nation, this is a perfect name for LCS 1," said Clark. Serving as ship’s sponsor is Birgit Smith, the widow of Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith, who died in Operation Iraqi Freedom and was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Smith and the CNO authenticated the keel by having their initials welded to the hull by veteran welder Jim Renner. Freedom, the first of two dramatically different LCS seaframes being produced, will be optimized for littoral or coastal missions, focusing on high-speed maneuverability, agility and sprint speed. Designed to operate quickly in a shallow-water environment, the LCS is capable of speeds up to 45 knots and can operate in water less than 20 feet deep. The LCS class will act as a platform for launch and recovery of manned and unmanned vehicles. Its modular design will support interchangeable mission packages, allowing the ship to be reconfigured for antisubmarine warfare, mine warfare or surface warfare missions on an as-needed basis. LCS will be able to swap out mission packages pierside in a matter of hours, adapting as the tactical situation demands. These ships will also feature advanced networking capability to share tactical information with other Navy aircraft, ships, submarines, and joint units. "This idea - this ship - revolutionizes the capability of our nation and our Navy," said Clark. In May 2004, the Department of the Navy awarded both Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics - Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, separate contract options for final system design with options for detail design and construction of up to two LCS ships. In December, the Navy awarded Lockheed Martin Corp., Maritime Systems & Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., a contract for detail design and construction of the first LCS. Lockheed Martin's teammates include Gibbs & Cox, Arlington, Va.; Marinette Marine, Marinette, Wis.; and Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, La. Production at Marinette is expected to culminate in late 2006 when the ship is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy.

From Defense Aerospace RSwN Submarine HMS Gotland on Lease to US Navy for Twelve Months (Source: Kockums AB; issued May 31, 2005) The Swedish Navy submarine HMS Gotland, designed and built by Kockums, is being leased to the US Navy for a year, complete with a Swedish crew, so that the Americans can conduct joint manoeuvres with her. She was recently loaded onto a container ship for freight to the USA. She will initially be based on the US west coast in San Diego. Prior to her transatlantic transit, Kockums’ personnel and others have carried out a thorough overhaul. Among other things, the vessel’s civil communications equipment for marine safety has been upgraded with an emergency power supply. A new satellite communications antenna has been installed and the submarine has been equipped with an improved air conditioning system and a larger freshwater generator. “Everyone involved has done an excellent job in a short time,” notes project manager Lars Bergenzaum at Kockums. The Gotland-class submarine possesses excellent stealth characteristics and has performed well in international joint manoeuvres.

Defense Aerospace DD(X) Quarter Scale Model Underwater Explosive Testing Successful (Source: DD(X) National Team; issued Jun 1, 2005) ABERDEEN, Md. --- The DD(X) National Team, led by Northrop Grumman and in partnership with Raytheon, General Dynamics, United Defense and Lockheed Martin, announces the successful completion of Underwater Explosion (UNDEX) testing on the DD(X) Quarter Scale Model. This test provided a critical step in demonstrating that the DD(X) wave piercing tumblehome hull form fully meets the operational requirements set forth by the U.S. Navy. The primary purpose of the testing was to determine the DD(X) hull form's reaction to an UNDEX to demonstrate the validity of the DD(X) design. Explosive charges were placed at predetermined distances from the DD(X) Model. Intensity of the charges increased as the test series progressed. A large plume resulted from the explosions and the DD(X) wave-piercing bow, tumblehome cross section, step deck area and rising stern responded as envisioned. "The successful completion of this event increased the overall confidence level in the DD(X) hull design and was carried out at a fraction of the cost for testing a full-size model," said Brian Cuccias, Northrop Grumman Vice President and DD(X) Program Manager. "We are meeting Phase III exit criteria and are eager to begin detail design of this truly revolutionary ship." The 150 foot DD(X) Quarter Scale Model was built at the Northrop Grumman Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, MS. This scaled down model mitigates risks associated with a new design at a nominal investment. The UNDEX tests were conducted by Northrop Grumman employees with the support of U.S. Army personnel and under the auspices of the U.S. Navy. Data collection and analysis continue and the knowledge of the hull form response, as well as lessons learned will be applied to Phase IV of the DD(X) program. In partnership with the United States Navy, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin and United Defense are leading a premier National Team to design DD(X) -- a revolutionary multi-mission destroyer. DD(X) technologies are currently in an advanced state of development and are destined to influence ship design efforts around the world for the remainder of this century. The National Team, which includes more than 100 U.S. companies from 45 states, understands the importance of the rapidly maturing DD(X) Program to our nation, and is proud of the historic role this vessel will play in the advancement of ship -- and ship systems -- design. The DD(X) National Team has successfully completed nearly a dozen incremental design review milestones, highlighting the DD(X) National Team's commitment to staying on schedule and on cost, as well as the extraordinary maturity and discipline of the program's approach to integrating unprecedented advanced technologies into the platform.

Defence Aerospace Operational Practice Firing of the Charles de Gaulle Aircraft Carrier Self-Defence System (Source: Eurosam; dated May 25, issued June 1, 2005) On 25 May 2005, the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier conducted another operational practice firing of its SAAM-FR antimissile self-defence system. The purpose of this firing was to engage a high subsonic anti-ship target with a salvo of 2 Aster 15 equipped with warheads. All the objectives of this firing were achieved. Once again, the system demonstrated its outstanding precision, with a direct hit of the target engaged by the Aster 15 missile. This firing is the latest in a 100%-successful series of SAAM-FR practice firings using the Aster 15, including in particular, in 2004, a firing from the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier in December, and one firing from each of the 3 frigates in the SAWARI II programme, on 23 March, 7 September and 29 September 2004, respectively. Besides the SAAM-FR system (the SAAM-FR on the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier is made up of a fire control system comprising the Arabal radar and SYLVER vertical launchers associated with the Aster 15 missile), Eurosam presents a family of naval systems designed to carry out different missions to meet new-generation threats: -- The SAAM, in its Italian configuration, SAAM-IT (SAAM-IT is made up of a fire control system comprising the EMPAR radar and SYLVER vertical launchers associated with the Aster 15 missile) has also completed its qualification programme; the “Cavour” aircraft carrier will be the first ship to be fitted with it. --The PAAMS (Principal Anti-Air Missile System) is made up of a fire control system comprising the EMPAR radar and SYLVER vertical launchers associated with the Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles) will be installed on the Horizon Franco-Italian frigates to provide self-protection and area defence.

I thought one of the guys (Jan ?) was looking at the possibility of creating a WWII DB but I am not sure what the status of that effort is. I've toyed with the idea now and then myself. I think HCG might make a pretty decent WWII simulator, given the less sophisticated sensor model, for example. The Command at Sea (CaS) gaming system would probably be a decent source of DB info.

From Jane's Defence Weekly Taipei embroiled in defence budget row By Wendell Minnick JDW Correspondent Taipei The Republic of China (Taiwan) is coming under increased pressure from Washington to resolve internal political debate over a $15.19 billion special budget for 12 P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), six Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) low- to high-altitude air-defence system batteries and eight diesel-electric submarines (SSKs) promised by the Bush administration in 2001. The political battle is being waged within the Legislative Yuan (parliament) between the pro- independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the pro-unification Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT). The KMT has successfully blocked the passage of the budget since last year. The US Department of Defense (DoD) has told Taiwan government officials that the much delayed decision to proceed with the purchase must be resolved by the end of May, or the arms deal may be revised or even dropped.

From Defence Aerospace Singapore and Indonesian Navies Launch Sea Surveillance System (Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence; issued May 26, 2005) The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) officially launched Project SURPIC in Batam today. This is a sea surveillance system which allows the RSN and TNI-AL to share a common real-time sea situation picture of the Singapore Strait. It will enable the two navies to better monitor this busy waterway, so that they can exchange information, and deploy their patrol vessels in the area more effectively. Project SURPIC is a significant step forward in enhancing security and the safety of shipping in the Singapore Strait. It strengthens the already close working relationship between the RSN and TNI-AL under the ambit of the Indo-Sin Co-ordinated Patrols (ISCP), and enhances the interoperability of the two navies to combat piracy and sea robberies. Chief of Navy RADM Ronnie Tay and his Indonesian counterpart ADM Slamet Soebijanto officiated at the ceremony. They also witnessed the signing of the Project SURPIC Cooperation Arrangement between RSN’s Coastal Command and TNI-AL’s Western Fleet Sea Security Group. This was followed by a joint demonstration of Project SURPIC’s capabilities against a simulated sea robbery. The demonstration involved the RSN, TNI-AL, the Singapore Police Coast Guard and the Indonesian Police.

From Defence Aerospace Ike, French Carrier Work Together During Multinational Maritime Exercise (Source: US Navy; issued May 26, 2005) ABOARD USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER --- USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) opened her flight deck to the French navy May 25 during Multi-National Maritime Exercise (MNME) 05-1. A multi-role strike fighter Rafale M jet performed landings, and an E-2C Hawkeye from the French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle (R 91) trapped and launched from Ike’s deck during MNME 05-1. It is the first time in more than four years Ike has worked with multinational forces. MNME 05-1, which incorporates more than 17,000 Sailors from Canada, France, Great Britain, Spain and the United States, is one step in the certification of forces for the NATO Response Force (NRF). Ike, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Carrier Strike Group and other U.S. Navy units are representing the United States as all five countries conduct coalition strike training, tactical air cross-deck training, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and related unit training events. For Ike to be a participant in such a multinational exercise is historic, in the sense that the warship has only been to sea five times since completing her four-year, mid-life overhaul. Not since 2001, when Ike last completed a Mediterranean cruise, has the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier taken on an active role with NATO forces. Ike’s role in MNME 05-1 was to provide a platform for allied navies to use as the United States and other countries continue to build relationships, which are vital to the overall success of any military operation. In addition to fixed wing operations, French Puma and Dauphin helicopters also landed aboard Ike. Ike also hosted 15 French sailors for a 24-hour period. The French Sailors were able to tour most of the ship, including the gyms, ship’s stores, various work centers, the bridge, primary flight control and the flight deck during flight operations. “I was very impressed because there was so much activity,” said Petty Officer Sebastien Laurent of Charles De Gaulle from Normandy, France. “There is always aircraft flying, landing and launching — it never stops.” Laurent said he and his French shipmates were amazed at the complexity of Ike, since De Gaulle is not as compartmentalized as U.S. aircraft carriers. De Gaulle has two catapults and holds 40 aircraft, so the French Sailors were amazed at Ike’s size. “It’s very, very big. It’s three times bigger than the De Gaulle,” said Laurent. “I think it’s very great.” Lt. Cmdr. Jason Rimmer was one of three Ike crew members, in addition to eight Carrier Air Wing 7 representatives, who flew over to De Gaulle to experience how their French ally conducts carrier operations, and to offer assistance regarding the launching and recovery of several U.S. Navy aircraft, including an F/A-18 Hornet, E-2C Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound. This was the first time an F/A-18 landed aboard De Gaulle. “I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to the Charles De Gaulle and the chance to participate in joint operations with the two navies,” said Rimmer. “Their commanding officer put it best, saying that he hoped this exercise would prove our interoperability and readiness for tasking wherever and whenever. The French were excellent hosts and extremely professional operators.” As Ike continues to move forward toward becoming surge ready under the Fleet Response Plan, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier will take on a more active role in exercises such as MNME 05-1.

Harpoon CPX Update Okay, the coin has been tossed and ... Dewayne has drawn the EU Peter has drawn the US You will each receive separate SITREP's and Order of Battle (OOB) information by private email. Your choices will be posted here later. Here's the basic premise of the scenario, which I've entitled "Terminus": Sometime in the not too distant future … The war in the Middle East during the past few weeks has been devastating, and has left military forces, political ties and civilian populations bruised and battered on all sides. One of the most tragic victims of the conflict has been the longstanding alliance between the United States and the European Union, and due to their diametrically opposed positions on the war, there is ever increasing tension between them. A US Navy carrier battle group, understrength and weary of battle, is moving west toward the Strait of Gibraltar. As it draws closer to this natural chokepoint, the question everyone is asking is whether the EU will permit free passage.

From On War #117 May 18, 2005 War with China? By William S. Lind [The views expressed in this article are those of Mr. Lind, writing in his personal capacity. They do not reflect the opinions or policy positions of the Free Congress Foundation, its officers, board or employees, or those of Kettle Creek Corporation.] I regard a war with China – hot or cold – as perhaps the greatest strategic blunder the United States could make, beyond those it has already made. The end result would be the same as that from the 20th century wars between Britain and Germany: it reduced both to second-rate powers. In the 21st century, the real victors would be the non-state forces of the Fourth Generation, who would fill the gap created by the reduction of both Chinese and American power. Given my foreboding – in George W. Bush’s Washington, it seems the rule is that any blunder we can make, we will make – I was struck by the title of Robert D. Kaplan’s article in the June Atlantic Monthly, “How We Would Fight China.” Kaplan has written some excellent material on the breakdown of the state and the rise of non-state elements. Here, however, I think he gets it wrong. Kaplan sees the 21st century being defined by a new Cold War between China and the United States, rather than the clash between states and non-state forces. I believe this phenomenon will be far more century-shaping than any conflict between states. While Kaplan writes about how the U.S. could use naval power – subtly – to contain a rising China, within the framework of a Bismarckian Realpolitik that accommodates everyone’s interests, he recognizes the danger to all of a Cold War turning hot. He writes, “Only a similarly pragmatic approach (similar to Bismarck’s) will allow us to accommodate China’s inevitable re-emergence as a great power. The alternative will be to turn the earth of the twenty-first century into a battleground.” Regrettably, there are influential voices in Washington that want a war with China, the sooner the better. The most likely cause is Taiwan. Few in Washington understand why China is so adamant about Taiwan remaining officially part of China. The reason is China’s history, throughout which her greatest threat has not been foreign invasion but internal division. China has often fractured, sometimes into many parts. Today, Beijing fears that if one province, Taiwan, achieves independence, others will follow. China will go to war, including with the United States, to prevent that from happening. Correctly, Kaplan observes that China is not able to successfully fight a sea and air war with America: China has committed itself to significant military spending, but its navy and air force will not be able to match ours for some decades. The Chinese are therefore not going to do us the favor of engaging in conventional air and naval battles, like those fought in the Pacific during World War II. So how would China fight us? If we send some carrier battle groups to intervene in a war between China and Taiwan, I think China will do something Kaplan does not mention. She will go nuclear at sea from the outset. When the Cold War ended, we found out that the Soviet Union planned to do exactly that (so much for Reagan Administration plans to send our carriers charging up to the Kola Peninsula). The Chinese might employ nuclear-armed anti-ship missiles and torpedoes, fired from submarines or surface ships, but I think her little surprise for us may be nastier. Kaplan briefly mentions that China “may eventually be able to lob missiles accurately at moving ships in the Pacific” from deep in Chinese territory. I think those missiles, ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads, may be ready now – perhaps with a bit of clandestine targeting assistance from a Russia whose sphere of influence the United States is aggressively invading. The Chinese way of war is indirect. In most cases, that means China will engage us with “soft power,” as she is already doing on multiple fronts. But in the case of American intervention in a Taiwan crisis, what if a Chinese ballistic missile popped a nuke say, 100 miles from an advancing American carrier battle group? No one gets hurt, but the message would be loud and clear: keep coming and you’re toast. If we kept coming anyway and the Chinese did nuke a carrier, we would immediately face an asymmetrical situation. How would we respond? By nuking a Chinese carrier? China doesn’t have any. If we drop a nuke on Chinese territory, we have initiated a strategic nuclear exchange. Is Taiwan worth Seattle or L.A.? The right answer, as Kaplan recognizes, is don’t go to war with China. Perhaps if someone could talk to Karl Rove about the importance of the Chinese vote ... William S. Lind, expressing his own personal opinion, is Director for the Center for Cultural Conservatism for the Free Congress Foundation.

OK, it seems we have at least a one vs one match-up, with possibly more, but right now I am going to say our players are Peter Maidhof and Dewayne Harris. Bruce might play too if we get a fourth, but if not, he will be helping with the umpiring side of things. The scenario will examine "freedom of navigation in the Strait of Gibraltar", and in general terms, will see a US Navy group trying to break out of the Mediterranean while being opposed by an EU force. Pete and Dewayne, if you want to express a preference for one side or the other, please do. Otherwise, I guess we will toss a coin. As I hinted earlier, much will turn on what choices you make before the game begins, especially with regard to the Order of Battle (OOB). I have developed the OOB choices and will be ready to send them to you privately as soon as we know who is playing which side. Lets go to war. Brad

From DefenseNews Finland Accuses Russia of Numerous Airspace Violations By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, HELSINKI Russia has repeatedly violated neighboring Finland’s airspace despite official protests from Helsinki, the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs said May 20. Russian military planes flying to or from Kaliningrad, situated on the Baltic Sea near the Polish border, have illegally entered Finnish airspace on numerous occasions over recent months, the ministry claimed. “Violations have continued despite the fact that Russian authorities have been approached and a cessation of violations has been demanded,” the ministry said in a statement. At least 10 violations have occurred, mainly over the Gulf of Finland, according to unconfirmed reports from private television station MTV3. “This will be further discussed at a political level,” ministry spokeswoman Tina Nikkinen told Agence France-Presse. “(Prime Minister Matti) Vanhanen will take up the issue when he goes to Russia.”

From Navy Times Carrier America sunk By Matt Hilburn Times staff writer The carrier America now lies beneath the surface of the Atlantic, scuttled by the Navy. Pat Dolan, a spokeswoman for Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC, confirmed the “controlled” sinking took place at approximately 11:30 a.m. on May 14. The decommissioned ship, out of service since 1996, was the target of a series of tests designed to try out new defense and damage control systems for the CVN-21 carrier program. It was the largest ship deliberately sunk by the Navy. In fact, the America was the largest warship ever sunk by any means, in war or peace. Tom Tramantano, president of the USS America Carrier Veterans Association Inc., a group that had been trying to save the carrier and turn it into a museum, called it a “sad day.” “I feel I really haven’t had time to mourn,” said Tramantano, who served on the America as a lithographer third class during the ship’s 1968 Vietnam deployment. Tramantano said the group will now focus its efforts toward getting the next class of carriers named after the America. “There’s some anger in me that they would allow a ship with the country’s name to be sunk,” he said. “But I’m also proud that the testing may do some future good.”