World Weapon Watch
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Security leak prompts arrests in suspected al-Qaida plot
Security leak by senior Scotland Yard commander Bob Quick prompts arrests in suspected al-Qaida plot
Counter-terrorist police arrested 10 young men across the north-west tonight in an operation hastily brought forward following an embarrassing security leak by a senior Scotland Yard commander.
The men, detained at John Moores University in Liverpool, an internet cafe and a house in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester, as well as at addresses in Lancashire, are suspected of involvement in an al-Qaida plot aimed at attacking the UK.
At least one is believed to be a student, the others were born in Pakistan.
The arrests were triggered after Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick, head of Scotland Yard's specialist operations wing, was photographed this morning clutching sensitive documents as he arrived in Downing Street. Clearly visible on top of a large bundle of papers under his arm was a white document marked "secret" that carried an outline for briefing on a current counter-terrorism operation. He was on his way to attend a cabinet security committee.
Realising the existence of the photos of the document – which included the names of several senior officers, sensitive locations and details about the nature of the overseas threat – a "D notice" was imposed by the government to restrict the media from revealing the contents of the picture.
Quick had been due to meet Gordon Brown and the home secretary, Jacqui Smith, to discuss police reform. He was also addressing the meeting in his role as lead for counter-terrorism and for the Association of Chief Police Officers.
Tonight Quick apologised to the Metropolitan commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson. A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Assistant Commissioner Quick accepts he made a mistake on leaving a sensitive document on open view and deeply regrets it. He has apologised to the commissioner and colleagues."
The arrests were led by Greater Manchester police, the force which coordinates anti-terrorist operations in the region. "Ten men have been arrested as part of a counter-terrorism operation across the north-west of England," a statement from the force said. "Officers from the North West Counter-Terrorism Unit, supported by Merseyside police, Greater Manchester police and Lancashire constabulary, carried out a series of raids."
According to initial accounts a taser stun gun was used by armed police to subdue some of the suspects who were arrested at John Moores University. Ruth Jones, a third-year student at the university, told the Guardian that she was preparing to leave for the day when an announcement was made over the tannoy system warning students to stay away from the windows.
"I went upstairs at that point to find a friend and looked out the window to see police with guns standing over two young guys, who looked like they were in their twenties," she said.
A duty manager working near the campus told BBC radio that police had dealt with the situation "very calmly". He said that he saw the "evacuation of the suspects, and then police dispersed the small crowd that had gathered".
Two students were in the university library when the arrests took place and said a "distressed voice" came over the tannoy asking others to stay away from the windows for their own safety.
One, named as Craig, told the BBC: "There was shouting by the police telling them [the suspects] to get on the floor. Everybody was panicking."
Another witness, Nicholas Higgins, told Sky News that security officers had told students to stay away from windows because of fears that there might be a bomb. "I saw the lads [being arrested] lying on the floor," he said. "They were surrounded by police. The police had guns with them."
The arrests were due to happen in several days' time, but because of the leak were carried out in daylight, in direct contravention of the usual practice of arresting people while they sleep.
Two of those arrested are believed to be British citizens, another two are naturalised but born in Pakistan.
Britain's threat level today remained unchanged at severe general, meaning that officials believed that there was a high risk of attack.
Security leak by senior Scotland Yard commander Bob Quick prompts arrests in suspected al-Qaida plot
Counter-terrorist police arrested 10 young men across the north-west tonight in an operation hastily brought forward following an embarrassing security leak by a senior Scotland Yard commander.
The men, detained at John Moores University in Liverpool, an internet cafe and a house in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester, as well as at addresses in Lancashire, are suspected of involvement in an al-Qaida plot aimed at attacking the UK.
At least one is believed to be a student, the others were born in Pakistan.
The arrests were triggered after Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick, head of Scotland Yard's specialist operations wing, was photographed this morning clutching sensitive documents as he arrived in Downing Street. Clearly visible on top of a large bundle of papers under his arm was a white document marked "secret" that carried an outline for briefing on a current counter-terrorism operation. He was on his way to attend a cabinet security committee.
Realising the existence of the photos of the document – which included the names of several senior officers, sensitive locations and details about the nature of the overseas threat – a "D notice" was imposed by the government to restrict the media from revealing the contents of the picture.
Quick had been due to meet Gordon Brown and the home secretary, Jacqui Smith, to discuss police reform. He was also addressing the meeting in his role as lead for counter-terrorism and for the Association of Chief Police Officers.
Tonight Quick apologised to the Metropolitan commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson. A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Assistant Commissioner Quick accepts he made a mistake on leaving a sensitive document on open view and deeply regrets it. He has apologised to the commissioner and colleagues."
The arrests were led by Greater Manchester police, the force which coordinates anti-terrorist operations in the region. "Ten men have been arrested as part of a counter-terrorism operation across the north-west of England," a statement from the force said. "Officers from the North West Counter-Terrorism Unit, supported by Merseyside police, Greater Manchester police and Lancashire constabulary, carried out a series of raids."
According to initial accounts a taser stun gun was used by armed police to subdue some of the suspects who were arrested at John Moores University. Ruth Jones, a third-year student at the university, told the Guardian that she was preparing to leave for the day when an announcement was made over the tannoy system warning students to stay away from the windows.
"I went upstairs at that point to find a friend and looked out the window to see police with guns standing over two young guys, who looked like they were in their twenties," she said.
A duty manager working near the campus told BBC radio that police had dealt with the situation "very calmly". He said that he saw the "evacuation of the suspects, and then police dispersed the small crowd that had gathered".
Two students were in the university library when the arrests took place and said a "distressed voice" came over the tannoy asking others to stay away from the windows for their own safety.
One, named as Craig, told the BBC: "There was shouting by the police telling them [the suspects] to get on the floor. Everybody was panicking."
Another witness, Nicholas Higgins, told Sky News that security officers had told students to stay away from windows because of fears that there might be a bomb. "I saw the lads [being arrested] lying on the floor," he said. "They were surrounded by police. The police had guns with them."
The arrests were due to happen in several days' time, but because of the leak were carried out in daylight, in direct contravention of the usual practice of arresting people while they sleep.
Two of those arrested are believed to be British citizens, another two are naturalised but born in Pakistan.
Britain's threat level today remained unchanged at severe general, meaning that officials believed that there was a high risk of attack.
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Brown says terror plot is 'very big'
By Press Association
The Prime Minister defended the anti-terror operation in the North West of England after the sudden resignation of Britain's most senior counter-terrorism officer.
Gordon Brown described the suspected plot as "very big" and said investigators were probing links with others in Pakistan.
Asked whether there were lessons to be learned, Mr Brown said: "We must remember the context of this. We are dealing with a very big terrorist plot. We have been following it for some time. There were a number of people who are suspected of it who have been arrested. That police operation was successful.
"We know that there are links between terrorists in Britain and terrorists in Pakistan. That is an important issue for us to follow through and that's why I will be talking to President Zardari about what Pakistan can do to help us in the future.
"I think we must not forget that the police have been successful in carrying out their arrests and, of course, what happens in the next few days is a matter for the police inquiries, but we had to act pre-emptively to ensure the safety of the public and the safety of the public is the paramount and utmost concern in all that we do."
He thanked Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick for his years of service in the police, saying: "I have spoken to Bob Quick this morning and thanked him for his years of service. He has apologised for what went wrong."
Mr Brown was speaking after Mr Quick resigned today as Britain's top counter-terrorist officer after admitting he came close to endangering an operation to thwart a suspected al-Qa'ida plot. He was photographed yesterday carrying a secret document about the alleged plot into number 10 Downing Street.
A series of raids involving hundreds of officers across north west England, in which 12 people were arrested, were brought forward by 12 hours because of the mistake.
Ten of those arrested are Pakistan-born nationals on student visas and one is a UK-born British national, police said.
Teams of forensic officers today began fingertip searches of addresses in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, Liverpool - including John Moores University - and Clitheroe, in Lancashire.
Whitehall sources said the men had been under surveillance by MI5 and police for weeks but the nature or potential target of the plot remained unclear.
One source said: "There was information of sufficient concern that action needed to be taken. Work is ongoing to get to the bottom of it."
The official described reports the alleged plotters may have been sizing up "soft targets" such as Manchester's Trafford Centre and football grounds as "speculation".
Mr Quick decided to resign last night after conversations with Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and London Mayor Boris Johnson.
His blunder led to the Defence Press and Broadcasting Advisory Committee, which advises the media on national security matters, issuing a request to news organisations not to print the photograph.
In a statement, Mr Quick said this morning: "I have today offered my resignation in the knowledge that my action could have compromised a major counter-terrorism operation.
"I deeply regret the disruption caused to colleagues undertaking the operation and remain grateful for the way in which they adapted quickly and professionally to a revised timescale."
Sir Paul paid tribute to Mr Quick and confirmed Assistant Commissioner John Yates will take charge of the force's specialist operations wing.
The Scotland Yard chief said: "Bob Quick is a tremendous police officer who has served with dedication and professionalism throughout his career.
"I hold Bob in the highest regard, as a friend and colleague, and that opinion has not changed. He has accepted that he made a serious error and that has led to his resignation this morning."
The huge police operation, involving officers from the Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Lancashire forces, continued today.
Eyewitnesses gave accounts of how police, including armed officers, swooped on a series of residential properties from 5.30pm onwards last night.
Four addresses were raided in Cheetham Hill in Greater Manchester. Forensic officers continue to work today at homes in Galsworthy Avenue, Greenhill Road, Abercarn Close and Esmond Road.
Among them were a lodging house in Galsworthy Avenue where, according to witnesses, two men were held, and the Cyber Net Cafe in nearby Cheetham Hill Road.
One man was arrested at a flat above a barber's shop in Greenhill Road, neighbours said, and police tape surrounded a silver Rover MG car outside a semi-detached property in Abercarn Close.
Neighbours said three Pakistani men, all thought to be students, had been living at the Esmond Road home for a short time.
In Liverpool, police raided a flat in Earle Road and two homes, numbers 46 and 51, in Cedar Grove, Toxteth.
Earle Road property owner Ali Shalash said the property, above an off-licence, was used by up to four Pakistani accounting students who had been there for three weeks. He said at least one man was arrested.
Cedar Grove neighbours said several men with their hands cuffed behind their backs were put into police cars during the first raid at about 5.30pm and two more men were arrested in a second raid at about 10pm.
At Liverpool John Moores University, students said two men aged in their 20s were held by armed police in dramatic scenes outside the library.
A further arrest is thought to have taken place on the M602, details of which are not yet known. The motorway runs from Eccles to Manchester.
In Clitheroe, two men were arrested by armed officers at a Homebase store. Locals said they had been staying at the Brooklyn Guest House half a mile away and worked as security guards.
London Mayor Boris Johnson said he had accepted Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick's resignation with "great reluctance and sadness".
He denied there had been a "witch hunt" but said Mr Quick realised his position was extremely difficult after the serious security breach.
Shadow home secretary Chris Grayling said: "I think politicians should always be wary about marching in and saying somebody must go.
"But I said last night I thought there were serious questions to ask about his ability to do the job, as much as anything about the confidence the rest of the security apparatus would have in him."
Last December Mr Quick apologised for an outburst in which he accused senior Conservatives of leaking a story about his wife's business interests.
That followed controversy over his role in the decision to arrest Tory frontbencher Damian Green during an inquiry into leaks.
Gordon McKinnon, of the Trafford Centre, said police have not informed security staff of any direct threat towards the it.
He said: "We have a very close relationship with Greater Manchester Police, and are in regular close contact with them regarding security issues.
"We have been informed, contrary to some media reports, that there has been no specific threat to The Trafford Centre - and any such suggestion is purely speculative.
"Our 100-plus security team is however constantly aware of the need to remain vigilant, and works in tandem with more than 400 CCTV cameras to provide a safe, secure environment for our customers."
By Press Association
The Prime Minister defended the anti-terror operation in the North West of England after the sudden resignation of Britain's most senior counter-terrorism officer.
Gordon Brown described the suspected plot as "very big" and said investigators were probing links with others in Pakistan.
Asked whether there were lessons to be learned, Mr Brown said: "We must remember the context of this. We are dealing with a very big terrorist plot. We have been following it for some time. There were a number of people who are suspected of it who have been arrested. That police operation was successful.
"We know that there are links between terrorists in Britain and terrorists in Pakistan. That is an important issue for us to follow through and that's why I will be talking to President Zardari about what Pakistan can do to help us in the future.
"I think we must not forget that the police have been successful in carrying out their arrests and, of course, what happens in the next few days is a matter for the police inquiries, but we had to act pre-emptively to ensure the safety of the public and the safety of the public is the paramount and utmost concern in all that we do."
He thanked Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick for his years of service in the police, saying: "I have spoken to Bob Quick this morning and thanked him for his years of service. He has apologised for what went wrong."
Mr Brown was speaking after Mr Quick resigned today as Britain's top counter-terrorist officer after admitting he came close to endangering an operation to thwart a suspected al-Qa'ida plot. He was photographed yesterday carrying a secret document about the alleged plot into number 10 Downing Street.
A series of raids involving hundreds of officers across north west England, in which 12 people were arrested, were brought forward by 12 hours because of the mistake.
Ten of those arrested are Pakistan-born nationals on student visas and one is a UK-born British national, police said.
Teams of forensic officers today began fingertip searches of addresses in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, Liverpool - including John Moores University - and Clitheroe, in Lancashire.
Whitehall sources said the men had been under surveillance by MI5 and police for weeks but the nature or potential target of the plot remained unclear.
One source said: "There was information of sufficient concern that action needed to be taken. Work is ongoing to get to the bottom of it."
The official described reports the alleged plotters may have been sizing up "soft targets" such as Manchester's Trafford Centre and football grounds as "speculation".
Mr Quick decided to resign last night after conversations with Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and London Mayor Boris Johnson.
His blunder led to the Defence Press and Broadcasting Advisory Committee, which advises the media on national security matters, issuing a request to news organisations not to print the photograph.
In a statement, Mr Quick said this morning: "I have today offered my resignation in the knowledge that my action could have compromised a major counter-terrorism operation.
"I deeply regret the disruption caused to colleagues undertaking the operation and remain grateful for the way in which they adapted quickly and professionally to a revised timescale."
Sir Paul paid tribute to Mr Quick and confirmed Assistant Commissioner John Yates will take charge of the force's specialist operations wing.
The Scotland Yard chief said: "Bob Quick is a tremendous police officer who has served with dedication and professionalism throughout his career.
"I hold Bob in the highest regard, as a friend and colleague, and that opinion has not changed. He has accepted that he made a serious error and that has led to his resignation this morning."
The huge police operation, involving officers from the Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Lancashire forces, continued today.
Eyewitnesses gave accounts of how police, including armed officers, swooped on a series of residential properties from 5.30pm onwards last night.
Four addresses were raided in Cheetham Hill in Greater Manchester. Forensic officers continue to work today at homes in Galsworthy Avenue, Greenhill Road, Abercarn Close and Esmond Road.
Among them were a lodging house in Galsworthy Avenue where, according to witnesses, two men were held, and the Cyber Net Cafe in nearby Cheetham Hill Road.
One man was arrested at a flat above a barber's shop in Greenhill Road, neighbours said, and police tape surrounded a silver Rover MG car outside a semi-detached property in Abercarn Close.
Neighbours said three Pakistani men, all thought to be students, had been living at the Esmond Road home for a short time.
In Liverpool, police raided a flat in Earle Road and two homes, numbers 46 and 51, in Cedar Grove, Toxteth.
Earle Road property owner Ali Shalash said the property, above an off-licence, was used by up to four Pakistani accounting students who had been there for three weeks. He said at least one man was arrested.
Cedar Grove neighbours said several men with their hands cuffed behind their backs were put into police cars during the first raid at about 5.30pm and two more men were arrested in a second raid at about 10pm.
At Liverpool John Moores University, students said two men aged in their 20s were held by armed police in dramatic scenes outside the library.
A further arrest is thought to have taken place on the M602, details of which are not yet known. The motorway runs from Eccles to Manchester.
In Clitheroe, two men were arrested by armed officers at a Homebase store. Locals said they had been staying at the Brooklyn Guest House half a mile away and worked as security guards.
London Mayor Boris Johnson said he had accepted Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick's resignation with "great reluctance and sadness".
He denied there had been a "witch hunt" but said Mr Quick realised his position was extremely difficult after the serious security breach.
Shadow home secretary Chris Grayling said: "I think politicians should always be wary about marching in and saying somebody must go.
"But I said last night I thought there were serious questions to ask about his ability to do the job, as much as anything about the confidence the rest of the security apparatus would have in him."
Last December Mr Quick apologised for an outburst in which he accused senior Conservatives of leaking a story about his wife's business interests.
That followed controversy over his role in the decision to arrest Tory frontbencher Damian Green during an inquiry into leaks.
Gordon McKinnon, of the Trafford Centre, said police have not informed security staff of any direct threat towards the it.
He said: "We have a very close relationship with Greater Manchester Police, and are in regular close contact with them regarding security issues.
"We have been informed, contrary to some media reports, that there has been no specific threat to The Trafford Centre - and any such suggestion is purely speculative.
"Our 100-plus security team is however constantly aware of the need to remain vigilant, and works in tandem with more than 400 CCTV cameras to provide a safe, secure environment for our customers."
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Russia to renew ballistic missile arsenals
Russia to renew ballistic missile arsenals
Russia to renew ballistic missile arsenals
PRESSTV
Sat, 11 Apr 2009 23:17:49 GMT
Russia's missile chief says the country is to commission new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) to ensure the safely of its nuclear activities.
Prevention of nuclear and radiation accidents or controlling their consequences are the prime targets in provision of nuclear safety.
The head of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces (RSVN) Col. Gen. Nikolai Solovtsov, announced the renewal procedure on Friday, adding that the ammunition was comparable to the R-36 missiles, named by NATO as SS-18 Satans - which dates back to the Cold War era.
Solovtsov hailed the SS-18 as "the most powerful in the world" saying it would remain on combat duty until 2019.
Speaking to Interfax, he said the deployment areas in the country's east would also be equipped with a new missile brigade reportedly fitted with the RS-24 missiles which are capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads.
"When offensive arms of other states are improving, information and intelligence systems are developing and the US global missile defense is deployed, one cannot stand still in the nuclear missile area," Solovtsov concluded.
"A qualitative improvement of components of Russia's strategic nuclear forces is required in order to maintain the needed balance in the area of nuclear deterrence."
The US under the former president George W. Bush announced plans to deploy elements of an anti-missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic. In response Russia has reportedly threatened to mirror the move.
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Chinese spies may have put chips in US planes
Chinese spies may have put chips in US planes
17 Apr 2009, 0041 hrs IST, PTI
WASHINGTON: The Chinese cyber spies have penetrated so deep into the US system — ranging from its secure defence network, banking system, electricity grid to putting spy chips into its defence planes — that it can cause serious damage to the US any time, a top US official on counter-intelligence has said.
“Chinese penetrations of unclassified DoD networks have also been widely reported. Those are more sophisticated, though hardly state of the art,” said National Counterintelligence Executive, Joel Brenner, at the Austin University Texas last week, according to a transcript made available on Wednesday.
Listing out some of the examples of Chinese cyber spy penetration, he said: “We’re also seeing counterfeit routers and chips, and some of those chips have made their way into US military fighter aircraft.. You don’t sneak counterfeit chips into another nation’s aircraft to steal data. When it’s done intentionally, it’s done to degrade systems, or to have the ability to do so at a time of one’s choosing.”
Referring to the Chinese networks penetrating the cyber grids, he said: “Do I worry about those grids, and about air traffic control systems, water supply systems, and so on? You bet I do. America’s networks are being mapped. There has also been experience of both Chinese and criminal network operations in the networks of some of the banks”.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4412075.cms
Chinese spies may have put chips in US planes
17 Apr 2009, 0041 hrs IST, PTI
WASHINGTON: The Chinese cyber spies have penetrated so deep into the US system — ranging from its secure defence network, banking system, electricity grid to putting spy chips into its defence planes — that it can cause serious damage to the US any time, a top US official on counter-intelligence has said.
“Chinese penetrations of unclassified DoD networks have also been widely reported. Those are more sophisticated, though hardly state of the art,” said National Counterintelligence Executive, Joel Brenner, at the Austin University Texas last week, according to a transcript made available on Wednesday.
Listing out some of the examples of Chinese cyber spy penetration, he said: “We’re also seeing counterfeit routers and chips, and some of those chips have made their way into US military fighter aircraft.. You don’t sneak counterfeit chips into another nation’s aircraft to steal data. When it’s done intentionally, it’s done to degrade systems, or to have the ability to do so at a time of one’s choosing.”
Referring to the Chinese networks penetrating the cyber grids, he said: “Do I worry about those grids, and about air traffic control systems, water supply systems, and so on? You bet I do. America’s networks are being mapped. There has also been experience of both Chinese and criminal network operations in the networks of some of the banks”.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4412075.cms
The Kings Firecrackers
Pretty hard for an Aussie to find a place to put anything like this to show you guys. So I put it here. Hope the Taliban sees this, as they might surrender.
The Kings Firecrackers skipping team performance at the US Naval academy.
Subject: Naval Academy at half time
This was taken at the Naval Academy at half time of a basketball game.
http://soonereyo.blip.tv/#1762059
Pretty hard for an Aussie to find a place to put anything like this to show you guys. So I put it here. Hope the Taliban sees this, as they might surrender.
The Kings Firecrackers skipping team performance at the US Naval academy.
Subject: Naval Academy at half time
This was taken at the Naval Academy at half time of a basketball game.
http://soonereyo.blip.tv/#1762059
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I bet they steal the whole show...
Panic in New York over dumb act
You can't blame people for panicking. This is a pretty dumb thing to do.
In the accompanying image taken with a cell phone by Jason McLane, the primary presidential aircraft, a Boeing 747 known as Air Force One when the president is aboard, flies low over New York Harbor, followed by an F-16 chase plane during a federal government photo op Monday, April 27, 2009. A low-flying Boeing 747 escorted by two fighter jets as part of a federal government photo opportunity over lower Manhattan caused a brief panic among workers near ground zero on Monday.
NEW YORK -- New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says he is furious that the federal government flew a presidential Boeing 747 and a fighter jet near ground zero. The incident on Monday caused a brief panic among workers, who said they were not notified in advance.
Mayor Bloomberg says the flyover so near the World Trade Center site showed "poor judgment" and was insensitive. He says he is furious that the NYPD and another city agency were notified last week, but did not tell him.
If he had known, Bloomberg says he would have tried to stop it.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the Air Force say the flight was a government photo opportunity and training mission involving a presidential plane.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said he had no information on the flying photo op.
later news.........http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30435336/
You can't blame people for panicking. This is a pretty dumb thing to do.
In the accompanying image taken with a cell phone by Jason McLane, the primary presidential aircraft, a Boeing 747 known as Air Force One when the president is aboard, flies low over New York Harbor, followed by an F-16 chase plane during a federal government photo op Monday, April 27, 2009. A low-flying Boeing 747 escorted by two fighter jets as part of a federal government photo opportunity over lower Manhattan caused a brief panic among workers near ground zero on Monday.
NEW YORK -- New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says he is furious that the federal government flew a presidential Boeing 747 and a fighter jet near ground zero. The incident on Monday caused a brief panic among workers, who said they were not notified in advance.
Mayor Bloomberg says the flyover so near the World Trade Center site showed "poor judgment" and was insensitive. He says he is furious that the NYPD and another city agency were notified last week, but did not tell him.
If he had known, Bloomberg says he would have tried to stop it.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the Air Force say the flight was a government photo opportunity and training mission involving a presidential plane.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said he had no information on the flying photo op.
later news.........http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30435336/
Chilean tank modernisation project seen worth $150 mln
Chilean tank modernisation project seen worth $150 mln
A nice little upgrade contract for Turkey upgrading Chile's Leo I tanks.
UPDATE 1-Turk Aselsan agrees deal with Finmeccanica unit
* Deals with Finmeccanica unit, Chilean army
* Chilean tank modernisation project seen worth $150 mln
* Shares up 7 pct
ANKARA, April 29 (Reuters) - Turkish defence equipment maker Aselsan (ASELS.IS) said on Wednesday it had agreed to a partnership with a unit of Italy's Finmeccanica (SIFI.MI) for work on defence systems for a new type of submarine.
Under the deal Finmeccanica unit WASS and Aselsan will integrate WASS-manufactured Black Shark torpedoes into the submarine's anti-torpedo defence system.
The agreement on the project, for which no value was given, could be expanded to include torpedo production at a later date, the company said in a statement.
Shares in Aselsan were trading 7.33 percent higher at 4.10 lira, outperforming a positive Istanbul stock exchange.
Germany's HDW and Great Britain's MFI won a tender last July to procure six submarines for Turkey's armed forces. The project is expected to be worth approximately $2.5 billion.
Aselsan said earlier on Wednesday that it planned to sign a contract with the Chilean armed forces to help modernise a fleet of 100 Leopard tanks.
The project with Chile is estimated to be worth $150 million, the company said in a statement to the stock exchange.
Aselsan, which is also working with Lockheed Martin in a multi-nation F-35 fighter jet project, said it was also looking at other partnerships with Chile.
A Turkish Defence Ministry official said on Tuesday that he expected Aselsan's share from the F-35 project to reach $1 billion. (Reporting by Zerin Elci, editing by Will Waterman)
Link
UPDATE 1-Turk Aselsan agrees deal with Finmeccanica unit | Industries | Industrials, Materials & Utilities | Reuters
Chilean tank modernisation project seen worth $150 mln
A nice little upgrade contract for Turkey upgrading Chile's Leo I tanks.
UPDATE 1-Turk Aselsan agrees deal with Finmeccanica unit
* Deals with Finmeccanica unit, Chilean army
* Chilean tank modernisation project seen worth $150 mln
* Shares up 7 pct
ANKARA, April 29 (Reuters) - Turkish defence equipment maker Aselsan (ASELS.IS) said on Wednesday it had agreed to a partnership with a unit of Italy's Finmeccanica (SIFI.MI) for work on defence systems for a new type of submarine.
Under the deal Finmeccanica unit WASS and Aselsan will integrate WASS-manufactured Black Shark torpedoes into the submarine's anti-torpedo defence system.
The agreement on the project, for which no value was given, could be expanded to include torpedo production at a later date, the company said in a statement.
Shares in Aselsan were trading 7.33 percent higher at 4.10 lira, outperforming a positive Istanbul stock exchange.
Germany's HDW and Great Britain's MFI won a tender last July to procure six submarines for Turkey's armed forces. The project is expected to be worth approximately $2.5 billion.
Aselsan said earlier on Wednesday that it planned to sign a contract with the Chilean armed forces to help modernise a fleet of 100 Leopard tanks.
The project with Chile is estimated to be worth $150 million, the company said in a statement to the stock exchange.
Aselsan, which is also working with Lockheed Martin in a multi-nation F-35 fighter jet project, said it was also looking at other partnerships with Chile.
A Turkish Defence Ministry official said on Tuesday that he expected Aselsan's share from the F-35 project to reach $1 billion. (Reporting by Zerin Elci, editing by Will Waterman)
Link
UPDATE 1-Turk Aselsan agrees deal with Finmeccanica unit | Industries | Industrials, Materials & Utilities | Reuters
Australia tries to ease China over navy
What a joke this headline in today's paper here is! China is the one doing all the arming. But no one else is allowed to.
If the Japs want to try a 'Japan' on Australia they'll get the same reception.
Australia is seeking to reassure China that plans to double its attack submarine fleet and buy warships capable of carrying ballistic missile shields in a $127.43 billion military upgrade are not aimed at Beijing.
The close US ally will release a blueprint this weekend covering military strategy for the next 20 years, including the purchase of 12 advanced new submarines that experts say could alarm China and accelerate an arms race in the Western Pacific.
"It follows very plainly that here in the Asia-Pacific region, there are in certain parts of the region the build up of armed forces," Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said on Friday.
"We simply need to take a calm, measured, responsible approach for the future to make sure that our army, navy and air force have the resources they need for the future."
Australia has already begun a $77.84 billion upgrade of the military, including new air warfare destroyers, cruise missiles, stealth fighters, aircraft carriers, tanks and helicopters.
But with the country teetering on the brink of recession, the centre-left government has been under pressure to rein-in spending amid market expectations that cumulative borrowings could top $256.95 billion (A$200 billion) in the May 12 budget.
At the same time, Southeast Asian powers are increasing the number of modern submarines in the region, with Indonesia planning to build 12 submarines by 2024 to patrol the far-flung archipelSingapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, South Korea, Bangladesh and Pakistan are also purchasing submarines, with Singapore to have six by 2016.
China and India are building new nuclear-powered boats, with Beijing planning to buy five equipped with JL-2 strategic nuclear missiles with a range of 8,000 km.
Rudd, a Mandarin-speaking China expert, has been at pains to deny that Australia's strategy paper is aimed at countering a build-up in China's navy and wider military that will allow Beijing to flex its muscles much further from home.
Concern in Beijing
But Rory Medcalf, who heads the international security programme at the Lowy Institute think-tank, said that in foreseeing a major war-fighting capability, there was no doubt Beijing would be concerned about the new paper.
"Australia's ill-synchronised defence announcement will prolong a drumbeat of publicly-aired Australian worries about China. These noises, about sovereign wealth funds, resource investments, cyber-snooping and the defence minister's personal connections, are reverberating in Beijing," Medcalf wrote.
Australia has also signed a security pact with China-rival Japan, linking both countries into annual defence talks with the United States and which China has previously criticised as an attempt at strategic confinement.
Senior Chinese diplomats and scholars told The Age newspaper on Friday that they were confused at Rudd's apparent hawkish stance, given his aim to improve ties and trade with Beijing.
"China definitely will not accept Australia adopting the so-called China threat thesis," said Shi Yinhong, professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing.
The defence white paper was expected to see at least seven hunter-killer submarines on station at any time in Australia's north, close to key maritime straits running through the Indonesian archipelago.
It will also allow for construction of eight 7,000-tonne warships equipped with ballistic missile defence systems, as well as a new fleet of long-range maritime surveillance aircraft.
The purchase, already underway, of 100 F-35 stealth fighter aircraft from Lockheed Martin Corp will be delayed by a year to 2014-15 because of financial turmoil, Australian media reports have said.
The country's small but capable military should be equipped to take the lead security role in Australia's neighbourhood, particularly the South Pacific, as well as having the ability to deploy military forces further afield, the report will say.
What a joke this headline in today's paper here is! China is the one doing all the arming. But no one else is allowed to.
If the Japs want to try a 'Japan' on Australia they'll get the same reception.
Australia is seeking to reassure China that plans to double its attack submarine fleet and buy warships capable of carrying ballistic missile shields in a $127.43 billion military upgrade are not aimed at Beijing.
The close US ally will release a blueprint this weekend covering military strategy for the next 20 years, including the purchase of 12 advanced new submarines that experts say could alarm China and accelerate an arms race in the Western Pacific.
"It follows very plainly that here in the Asia-Pacific region, there are in certain parts of the region the build up of armed forces," Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said on Friday.
"We simply need to take a calm, measured, responsible approach for the future to make sure that our army, navy and air force have the resources they need for the future."
Australia has already begun a $77.84 billion upgrade of the military, including new air warfare destroyers, cruise missiles, stealth fighters, aircraft carriers, tanks and helicopters.
But with the country teetering on the brink of recession, the centre-left government has been under pressure to rein-in spending amid market expectations that cumulative borrowings could top $256.95 billion (A$200 billion) in the May 12 budget.
At the same time, Southeast Asian powers are increasing the number of modern submarines in the region, with Indonesia planning to build 12 submarines by 2024 to patrol the far-flung archipelSingapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, South Korea, Bangladesh and Pakistan are also purchasing submarines, with Singapore to have six by 2016.
China and India are building new nuclear-powered boats, with Beijing planning to buy five equipped with JL-2 strategic nuclear missiles with a range of 8,000 km.
Rudd, a Mandarin-speaking China expert, has been at pains to deny that Australia's strategy paper is aimed at countering a build-up in China's navy and wider military that will allow Beijing to flex its muscles much further from home.
Concern in Beijing
But Rory Medcalf, who heads the international security programme at the Lowy Institute think-tank, said that in foreseeing a major war-fighting capability, there was no doubt Beijing would be concerned about the new paper.
"Australia's ill-synchronised defence announcement will prolong a drumbeat of publicly-aired Australian worries about China. These noises, about sovereign wealth funds, resource investments, cyber-snooping and the defence minister's personal connections, are reverberating in Beijing," Medcalf wrote.
Australia has also signed a security pact with China-rival Japan, linking both countries into annual defence talks with the United States and which China has previously criticised as an attempt at strategic confinement.
Senior Chinese diplomats and scholars told The Age newspaper on Friday that they were confused at Rudd's apparent hawkish stance, given his aim to improve ties and trade with Beijing.
"China definitely will not accept Australia adopting the so-called China threat thesis," said Shi Yinhong, professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing.
The defence white paper was expected to see at least seven hunter-killer submarines on station at any time in Australia's north, close to key maritime straits running through the Indonesian archipelago.
It will also allow for construction of eight 7,000-tonne warships equipped with ballistic missile defence systems, as well as a new fleet of long-range maritime surveillance aircraft.
The purchase, already underway, of 100 F-35 stealth fighter aircraft from Lockheed Martin Corp will be delayed by a year to 2014-15 because of financial turmoil, Australian media reports have said.
The country's small but capable military should be equipped to take the lead security role in Australia's neighbourhood, particularly the South Pacific, as well as having the ability to deploy military forces further afield, the report will say.
A.V.
New Member
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- Feb 16, 2009
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- 1,157
Serbian company offers hybrid gun/missile anti-aircraft system
Serbia's Yugoimport state-owned company is developing a new self-propelled hybrid SHORAD (short-range air-defence) designated Heavy Self-Propelled Air Defence Gun-Missile System.
The only information officially released is a single computer-generated image showing the system mounted on a BVT 8808-SR Lazar wheeled armoured combat vehicle. A turret mounted on the lowered rearward section closely resembles the turret from earlier Foka self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, which is consisted of a M80A armoured personal carrier tracked chassis armed with two 30 mm calibre Zastava M86 automatic guns, plus sensors.
In the new system the M86 cannon armament is supplemented by two transporting-launching containers for 9M37M-series missiles. These can be trained in elevation.
Serbia produces the 9M37M under licence for a locally developed version of the Strela-10M (SA-13 'Gopher') system designated Sava, but has upgraded the missile to meet local requirements. The Serbian variant is fitted with two-colour passive IR seeker, but has the same 3 kg warhead with proximity and impact fuzes, 5,000 m maximum range, and 25 to 3,000 m altitude coverage as the Russian missile.
Serbian company offers hybrid gun/missile anti-aircraft system
Serbia's Yugoimport state-owned company is developing a new self-propelled hybrid SHORAD (short-range air-defence) designated Heavy Self-Propelled Air Defence Gun-Missile System.
The only information officially released is a single computer-generated image showing the system mounted on a BVT 8808-SR Lazar wheeled armoured combat vehicle. A turret mounted on the lowered rearward section closely resembles the turret from earlier Foka self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, which is consisted of a M80A armoured personal carrier tracked chassis armed with two 30 mm calibre Zastava M86 automatic guns, plus sensors.
In the new system the M86 cannon armament is supplemented by two transporting-launching containers for 9M37M-series missiles. These can be trained in elevation.
Serbia produces the 9M37M under licence for a locally developed version of the Strela-10M (SA-13 'Gopher') system designated Sava, but has upgraded the missile to meet local requirements. The Serbian variant is fitted with two-colour passive IR seeker, but has the same 3 kg warhead with proximity and impact fuzes, 5,000 m maximum range, and 25 to 3,000 m altitude coverage as the Russian missile.
Serbian company offers hybrid gun/missile anti-aircraft system
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F 35 Distributed Aperture System EO DAS
F 35 Distributed Aperture System EO DAS
YouTube - F 35 Distributed Aperture System EO DAS
Northrop Grumman has developed the only 360 degree, spherical situational awareness system in the electro-optical distributed aperture system (DAS). The DAS surrounds the aircraft with a protective sphere of situational awareness. It warns the pilot of incoming aircraft and missile threats as well as providing day/night vision, fire control capability and precision tracking of wingmen/friendly aircraft for tactical maneuvering.
Designated the AN/AAQ-37, and comprising six electro-optical sensors, the full EO DAS will enhance the F-35's survivability and operational effectiveness by warning the pilot of incoming aircraft and missile threats, providing day/night vision and supporting the navigation function of the F-35's forward-looking infrared sensor.
The DAS provides:
•Missile detection and tracking
•Launch point detection
•Situational awareness IRST & cueing
•Weapons support
•Day/night navigation
In addition to developing the EO DAS, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems is supplying the F-35's AN/APG-81 advanced electronically scanned array (AESA) fire-control radar. The AESA radar is designed to enable the pilot to effectively engage air and ground targets at long range, while also providing outstanding situational awareness
F 35 Distributed Aperture System EO DAS
YouTube - F 35 Distributed Aperture System EO DAS
Northrop Grumman has developed the only 360 degree, spherical situational awareness system in the electro-optical distributed aperture system (DAS). The DAS surrounds the aircraft with a protective sphere of situational awareness. It warns the pilot of incoming aircraft and missile threats as well as providing day/night vision, fire control capability and precision tracking of wingmen/friendly aircraft for tactical maneuvering.
Designated the AN/AAQ-37, and comprising six electro-optical sensors, the full EO DAS will enhance the F-35's survivability and operational effectiveness by warning the pilot of incoming aircraft and missile threats, providing day/night vision and supporting the navigation function of the F-35's forward-looking infrared sensor.
The DAS provides:
•Missile detection and tracking
•Launch point detection
•Situational awareness IRST & cueing
•Weapons support
•Day/night navigation
In addition to developing the EO DAS, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems is supplying the F-35's AN/APG-81 advanced electronically scanned array (AESA) fire-control radar. The AESA radar is designed to enable the pilot to effectively engage air and ground targets at long range, while also providing outstanding situational awareness
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- Mar 7, 2009
- Messages
- 2,038
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- 303
Turkey sends delegation to Russia for Mi-28 attack helicopters www.idrw.org / Indian Defense Research Wing
Turkey, whose earlier request to buy US Cobra attack helicopters has so far been turned down on grounds that they are not available, is sending a military-led delegation to Russia today to further talks over the planned acquisition of at least 12 Mil Mi-28 “Havoc” attack helicopters as a stop gap measure in the fight against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Today's Zaman has learned.A Turkish military delegation's planned visit to Moscow, expected to start today, comes in the midst of calls made by Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. İlker Başbuğ in Washington for the US administration to sell urgently required military hardware to Turkey, including attack helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Gen. Başbuğ made a June 1 speech at the annual meeting of the American-Turkish Council (ATC), held in Washington, during which he urged the US to carry the existing cooperation between the two NATO allies in the fight against the PKK from the existing US supply of real-time intelligence to a new phase of cooperation. “This cooperation should go beyond the existing intelligence cooperation,” Başbuğ said.
Turkish fighters have been engaged in aerial bombardments of PKK targets in northern Iraq since December 2007, using US-supplied real-time intelligence, which has been critical in pinpointing PKK targets accurately to avoid serious collateral damage. The US has been using UAVs, satellites and Lockheed Martin-made U-2 High-Altitude Reconnaissance Aircraft (Dragon Lady) to supply Turkey with real-time intelligence on PKK activities in northern Iraq, while the Turkish military has been using Israeli-made UAVs purchased earlier as a stopgap measure to gather intelligence on the PKK inside the country.
Turkish military analysts told Today's Zaman that Gen. Başbuğ meant with his statement in Washington that Turkish-US cooperation should go beyond the existing intelligence cooperation and that the US should sell military hardware to Turkey.
Turkey has already applied to the US for the purchase of two General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.-made Predator UAVs, while an earlier Turkish demand for the purchase of up to 12 US Bell-made Cobra attack helicopters have so far been turned down by Washington due to their unavailability in the next several years.
But the US's refusal to sell the Cobras to Turkey is believed to be because of Turkey's decision in 2007 to produce 50 Italian AugustaWestland-made attack and tactical reconnaissance helicopters, named “ATAK,” when the Italian company agreed to transfer technology so that helicopters meeting specific Turkish requests will be built at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) facilities in Ankara.
The first T129 attack helicopter (designated as the T129, a Turkish version of the A129 Mangusta) is planned to be produced in 2015.
Ankara signed a deal worth around $2.7 billion with AugustaWestland in June 2008 for the production of 50 ATAKs, but the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) declined AugustaWestland's offer of off-the-shelf A129 Mangusta attack helicopters as an interim solution on the grounds that the current A129 helicopters would not meet its urgent operational requirements.
US companies did not bid in the attack project as they could not meet the Turkish contract terms and conditions, which sought a transfer of technology, prohibited under US law.
According to a senior Turkish defense industrialist, had Turkey signed a deal with the US for the production of attack helicopters, he is confident Washington would have supplied Turkey with Cobras as an interim measure.
Since the possibility of the US supplying Turkey with Cobra helicopters is now low, Turkey has sped up efforts to buy the advanced Russian Mi-28 helicopters that the TSK has been keen on buying.
During the visit to Russia, a Turkish military-led delegation will learn the price and quick delivery options of the Mi-28 helicopters, the Turkish sources said. Turkey is believed to have five or six operational Cobras in its inventory. Attack helicopters are one of the key players in the fight against the PKK. Turkey entered talks with Russia's Rosoboronexport late last year for the purchase of 12 Mi-28 attack helicopters, as revealed by Today's Zaman at the time.
Turkey, whose earlier request to buy US Cobra attack helicopters has so far been turned down on grounds that they are not available, is sending a military-led delegation to Russia today to further talks over the planned acquisition of at least 12 Mil Mi-28 “Havoc” attack helicopters as a stop gap measure in the fight against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Today's Zaman has learned.A Turkish military delegation's planned visit to Moscow, expected to start today, comes in the midst of calls made by Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. İlker Başbuğ in Washington for the US administration to sell urgently required military hardware to Turkey, including attack helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Gen. Başbuğ made a June 1 speech at the annual meeting of the American-Turkish Council (ATC), held in Washington, during which he urged the US to carry the existing cooperation between the two NATO allies in the fight against the PKK from the existing US supply of real-time intelligence to a new phase of cooperation. “This cooperation should go beyond the existing intelligence cooperation,” Başbuğ said.
Turkish fighters have been engaged in aerial bombardments of PKK targets in northern Iraq since December 2007, using US-supplied real-time intelligence, which has been critical in pinpointing PKK targets accurately to avoid serious collateral damage. The US has been using UAVs, satellites and Lockheed Martin-made U-2 High-Altitude Reconnaissance Aircraft (Dragon Lady) to supply Turkey with real-time intelligence on PKK activities in northern Iraq, while the Turkish military has been using Israeli-made UAVs purchased earlier as a stopgap measure to gather intelligence on the PKK inside the country.
Turkish military analysts told Today's Zaman that Gen. Başbuğ meant with his statement in Washington that Turkish-US cooperation should go beyond the existing intelligence cooperation and that the US should sell military hardware to Turkey.
Turkey has already applied to the US for the purchase of two General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.-made Predator UAVs, while an earlier Turkish demand for the purchase of up to 12 US Bell-made Cobra attack helicopters have so far been turned down by Washington due to their unavailability in the next several years.
But the US's refusal to sell the Cobras to Turkey is believed to be because of Turkey's decision in 2007 to produce 50 Italian AugustaWestland-made attack and tactical reconnaissance helicopters, named “ATAK,” when the Italian company agreed to transfer technology so that helicopters meeting specific Turkish requests will be built at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) facilities in Ankara.
The first T129 attack helicopter (designated as the T129, a Turkish version of the A129 Mangusta) is planned to be produced in 2015.
Ankara signed a deal worth around $2.7 billion with AugustaWestland in June 2008 for the production of 50 ATAKs, but the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) declined AugustaWestland's offer of off-the-shelf A129 Mangusta attack helicopters as an interim solution on the grounds that the current A129 helicopters would not meet its urgent operational requirements.
US companies did not bid in the attack project as they could not meet the Turkish contract terms and conditions, which sought a transfer of technology, prohibited under US law.
According to a senior Turkish defense industrialist, had Turkey signed a deal with the US for the production of attack helicopters, he is confident Washington would have supplied Turkey with Cobras as an interim measure.
Since the possibility of the US supplying Turkey with Cobra helicopters is now low, Turkey has sped up efforts to buy the advanced Russian Mi-28 helicopters that the TSK has been keen on buying.
During the visit to Russia, a Turkish military-led delegation will learn the price and quick delivery options of the Mi-28 helicopters, the Turkish sources said. Turkey is believed to have five or six operational Cobras in its inventory. Attack helicopters are one of the key players in the fight against the PKK. Turkey entered talks with Russia's Rosoboronexport late last year for the purchase of 12 Mi-28 attack helicopters, as revealed by Today's Zaman at the time.
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2009
- Messages
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- 303
Turkey sends delegation to Russia for Mi-28 attack helicopters www.idrw.org / Indian Defense Research Wing
Turkey, whose earlier request to buy US Cobra attack helicopters has so far been turned down on grounds that they are not available, is sending a military-led delegation to Russia today to further talks over the planned acquisition of at least 12 Mil Mi-28 “Havoc” attack helicopters as a stop gap measure in the fight against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Today's Zaman has learned.A Turkish military delegation's planned visit to Moscow, expected to start today, comes in the midst of calls made by Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. İlker Başbuğ in Washington for the US administration to sell urgently required military hardware to Turkey, including attack helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Gen. Başbuğ made a June 1 speech at the annual meeting of the American-Turkish Council (ATC), held in Washington, during which he urged the US to carry the existing cooperation between the two NATO allies in the fight against the PKK from the existing US supply of real-time intelligence to a new phase of cooperation. “This cooperation should go beyond the existing intelligence cooperation,” Başbuğ said.
Turkish fighters have been engaged in aerial bombardments of PKK targets in northern Iraq since December 2007, using US-supplied real-time intelligence, which has been critical in pinpointing PKK targets accurately to avoid serious collateral damage. The US has been using UAVs, satellites and Lockheed Martin-made U-2 High-Altitude Reconnaissance Aircraft (Dragon Lady) to supply Turkey with real-time intelligence on PKK activities in northern Iraq, while the Turkish military has been using Israeli-made UAVs purchased earlier as a stopgap measure to gather intelligence on the PKK inside the country.
Turkish military analysts told Today's Zaman that Gen. Başbuğ meant with his statement in Washington that Turkish-US cooperation should go beyond the existing intelligence cooperation and that the US should sell military hardware to Turkey.
Turkey has already applied to the US for the purchase of two General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.-made Predator UAVs, while an earlier Turkish demand for the purchase of up to 12 US Bell-made Cobra attack helicopters have so far been turned down by Washington due to their unavailability in the next several years.
But the US's refusal to sell the Cobras to Turkey is believed to be because of Turkey's decision in 2007 to produce 50 Italian AugustaWestland-made attack and tactical reconnaissance helicopters, named “ATAK,” when the Italian company agreed to transfer technology so that helicopters meeting specific Turkish requests will be built at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) facilities in Ankara.
The first T129 attack helicopter (designated as the T129, a Turkish version of the A129 Mangusta) is planned to be produced in 2015.
Ankara signed a deal worth around $2.7 billion with AugustaWestland in June 2008 for the production of 50 ATAKs, but the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) declined AugustaWestland's offer of off-the-shelf A129 Mangusta attack helicopters as an interim solution on the grounds that the current A129 helicopters would not meet its urgent operational requirements.
US companies did not bid in the attack project as they could not meet the Turkish contract terms and conditions, which sought a transfer of technology, prohibited under US law.
According to a senior Turkish defense industrialist, had Turkey signed a deal with the US for the production of attack helicopters, he is confident Washington would have supplied Turkey with Cobras as an interim measure.
Since the possibility of the US supplying Turkey with Cobra helicopters is now low, Turkey has sped up efforts to buy the advanced Russian Mi-28 helicopters that the TSK has been keen on buying.
During the visit to Russia, a Turkish military-led delegation will learn the price and quick delivery options of the Mi-28 helicopters, the Turkish sources said. Turkey is believed to have five or six operational Cobras in its inventory. Attack helicopters are one of the key players in the fight against the PKK. Turkey entered talks with Russia's Rosoboronexport late last year for the purchase of 12 Mi-28 attack helicopters, as revealed by Today's Zaman at the time.
Turkey, whose earlier request to buy US Cobra attack helicopters has so far been turned down on grounds that they are not available, is sending a military-led delegation to Russia today to further talks over the planned acquisition of at least 12 Mil Mi-28 “Havoc” attack helicopters as a stop gap measure in the fight against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Today's Zaman has learned.A Turkish military delegation's planned visit to Moscow, expected to start today, comes in the midst of calls made by Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. İlker Başbuğ in Washington for the US administration to sell urgently required military hardware to Turkey, including attack helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Gen. Başbuğ made a June 1 speech at the annual meeting of the American-Turkish Council (ATC), held in Washington, during which he urged the US to carry the existing cooperation between the two NATO allies in the fight against the PKK from the existing US supply of real-time intelligence to a new phase of cooperation. “This cooperation should go beyond the existing intelligence cooperation,” Başbuğ said.
Turkish fighters have been engaged in aerial bombardments of PKK targets in northern Iraq since December 2007, using US-supplied real-time intelligence, which has been critical in pinpointing PKK targets accurately to avoid serious collateral damage. The US has been using UAVs, satellites and Lockheed Martin-made U-2 High-Altitude Reconnaissance Aircraft (Dragon Lady) to supply Turkey with real-time intelligence on PKK activities in northern Iraq, while the Turkish military has been using Israeli-made UAVs purchased earlier as a stopgap measure to gather intelligence on the PKK inside the country.
Turkish military analysts told Today's Zaman that Gen. Başbuğ meant with his statement in Washington that Turkish-US cooperation should go beyond the existing intelligence cooperation and that the US should sell military hardware to Turkey.
Turkey has already applied to the US for the purchase of two General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.-made Predator UAVs, while an earlier Turkish demand for the purchase of up to 12 US Bell-made Cobra attack helicopters have so far been turned down by Washington due to their unavailability in the next several years.
But the US's refusal to sell the Cobras to Turkey is believed to be because of Turkey's decision in 2007 to produce 50 Italian AugustaWestland-made attack and tactical reconnaissance helicopters, named “ATAK,” when the Italian company agreed to transfer technology so that helicopters meeting specific Turkish requests will be built at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) facilities in Ankara.
The first T129 attack helicopter (designated as the T129, a Turkish version of the A129 Mangusta) is planned to be produced in 2015.
Ankara signed a deal worth around $2.7 billion with AugustaWestland in June 2008 for the production of 50 ATAKs, but the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) declined AugustaWestland's offer of off-the-shelf A129 Mangusta attack helicopters as an interim solution on the grounds that the current A129 helicopters would not meet its urgent operational requirements.
US companies did not bid in the attack project as they could not meet the Turkish contract terms and conditions, which sought a transfer of technology, prohibited under US law.
According to a senior Turkish defense industrialist, had Turkey signed a deal with the US for the production of attack helicopters, he is confident Washington would have supplied Turkey with Cobras as an interim measure.
Since the possibility of the US supplying Turkey with Cobra helicopters is now low, Turkey has sped up efforts to buy the advanced Russian Mi-28 helicopters that the TSK has been keen on buying.
During the visit to Russia, a Turkish military-led delegation will learn the price and quick delivery options of the Mi-28 helicopters, the Turkish sources said. Turkey is believed to have five or six operational Cobras in its inventory. Attack helicopters are one of the key players in the fight against the PKK. Turkey entered talks with Russia's Rosoboronexport late last year for the purchase of 12 Mi-28 attack helicopters, as revealed by Today's Zaman at the time.
US Navy’s X-47B Prepares for Maiden Flight
The US Navy is preparing to conduct the first test flight of its X-47B Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAS) at Edwards Air Force Base, California, in November 2009.
The Northrop Grumman-built batwing, tailless and pilotless X-47B is designed for aerial reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting and can be remotely operated over aircraft carriers.
The unmanned combat air system is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at an altitude of 40,000ft carrying an internal load of 4,500lb with a combat radius of 1,500 nautical miles.
Northrop Grumman UCAS programme team lead Tim Beard said that after spending six to eight months of aviation at Edwards’ base the aircraft will fly to Naval Air Station Patuxent Riverin Maryland for testing and flights through November 2011.
“The supplemental testing will be at Naval Air Engineering Station in Lakehurst, New Jersey, and Northrop is planning to put the aircraft aboard a carrier at the Norfolk, Virginia, naval base,” Beard added.
The aircraft is scheduled to start its sea trials in 2011.
Naval Technology - US Navy?s X-47B Prepares for Maiden Flight
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Excalibur, the Unmanned Vertical-Takeoff Aircraft, Makes Its First Flight
A new unmanned combat aircraft could soon wing its way to the battlefield and land with the precision of a helicopter.
The Excalibur recently completed its first flight to demonstrate those abilities using a hybrid turbine-electric propulsion system.
The unmanned aerial system (UAS) could pack a 400-pound payload of four Hellfire missiles, and also deliver weapons or other supplies to warfighters deep in rough territory.
http://www.youtube.com/v/9Lw6eQp8Rs...2=0xcfcfcf&hl=nl&feature=player_embedded&fs=1
A new unmanned combat aircraft could soon wing its way to the battlefield and land with the precision of a helicopter.
The Excalibur recently completed its first flight to demonstrate those abilities using a hybrid turbine-electric propulsion system.
The unmanned aerial system (UAS) could pack a 400-pound payload of four Hellfire missiles, and also deliver weapons or other supplies to warfighters deep in rough territory.
http://www.youtube.com/v/9Lw6eQp8Rs...2=0xcfcfcf&hl=nl&feature=player_embedded&fs=1
Designer Quits After Missile Failure
The country’s top missile designer resigned Wednesday after the failed test-launch of a naval ballistic missile last week weakened Moscow’s negotiating position with Washington over a new arms treaty.
“Yury Solomonov has submitted a letter asking that he be relieved from his duties as the general director and chief designer of the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology,” said Alexander Vorobyov, a spokesman for the Federal Space Agency, which oversees the top-secret institute.
Vorobyov said the resignation had been accepted.
Solomonov’s Bulava intercontinental missile has failed in seven out of 11 test launches since 2004, the latest on July 15 when the missile self-destructed 20 seconds after launch from the submerged Dmitry Donskoi submarine in the White Sea.
This was the first test in 2009 and the first since Russia and the United States began negotiations over a new strategic arms reduction treaty to replace the Cold War-era START I agreement, which expires in December.
“If Russia had the Bulava coming soon, this would make its negotiating position stronger,” said Vladimir Yevseyev, a security analyst with the Institute of Global Economy and International Relations. “Now, we don’t have the missile, and a lot of the blame for this rests on Solomonov.”
U.S. and Russian negotiators met in Geneva on Wednesday for their first round of talks since Presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev agreed on the framework for the new treaty at a Moscow summit on July 6.
The Bulava, which can carry up to 10 nuclear warheads, is based on the Topol, which was also designed by Solomonov’s institute and carries only a single warhead. Analysts say Russia needs the Bulava to maintain its nuclear parity with the United States as its Soviet-built missiles rapidly age and are decommissioned.
The military had planned to enter the Bulava into service in 2008, but after the first failed tests the deadline was delayed by a year and is now undecided. The military has postponed further tests until an internal investigation is carried out over the latest failure.
Solomonov’s resignation does not mean that work on the Bulava will stop, Interfax reported, quoting an unidentified senior officer with the General Staff.
Solomonov, 64, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
Solomonov started working at the design bureau in 1971 and became its chief designer in 1997. He gained significant clout after he developed the land-based Topol and Topol-M in response to a Defense Ministry order for a missile that could be produced with purely Russian-made parts. The older missiles contained components made in Ukraine, where several enterprises involved in maintaining the Soviet nuclear arsenal were left after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Solomonov’s newfound clout helped him to persuade the military to chose the Bulava over another proposed intercontinental ballistic missile, the Bark, said Ruslan Pukhov, an analyst with the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies.
Solomonov’s design bureau traditionally led in research and design for land-based missiles, while naval missiles were developed at the Miass, Chelyabinsk-based Makeyev State Rocket Center.
“Solomonov made a successful land missile, but he overestimated his ability with the naval one,” said Gennady Yevstafyev, a retired lieutenant general and a nuclear arms researcher with the PIR Center think tank. “It took Solomonov too long to acknowledge this.”
The military has a lot riding on the Bulava. Its three newest Borei-class nuclear submarines are designed especially to carry Bulavas. One of the submarines, the Yury Dolgoruky, cost 23 billion rubles ($800 million) to build, and it completed sea tests earlier this month.
Redesigning the Borei submarines to carry the Sineva, the intercontinental ballistic missile currently deployed on nuclear submarines, would cost roughly as much as building new submarines, said Alexander Khramchikhin, an analyst with the Institute of Political and Military Analysis.
Solomonov’s departure is likely to open the way for new designers who specialize in naval missiles to join the Bulava project, analysts said.
The Federal Space Agency said Wednesday that it had started a search for a replacement for Solomonov and that Solomonov’s first deputy, Alexander Dorofeyev, would serve as acting head for now. The new chief designer will be named in September, it said.
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/1010/42/379764.htm
The country’s top missile designer resigned Wednesday after the failed test-launch of a naval ballistic missile last week weakened Moscow’s negotiating position with Washington over a new arms treaty.
“Yury Solomonov has submitted a letter asking that he be relieved from his duties as the general director and chief designer of the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology,” said Alexander Vorobyov, a spokesman for the Federal Space Agency, which oversees the top-secret institute.
Vorobyov said the resignation had been accepted.
Solomonov’s Bulava intercontinental missile has failed in seven out of 11 test launches since 2004, the latest on July 15 when the missile self-destructed 20 seconds after launch from the submerged Dmitry Donskoi submarine in the White Sea.
This was the first test in 2009 and the first since Russia and the United States began negotiations over a new strategic arms reduction treaty to replace the Cold War-era START I agreement, which expires in December.
“If Russia had the Bulava coming soon, this would make its negotiating position stronger,” said Vladimir Yevseyev, a security analyst with the Institute of Global Economy and International Relations. “Now, we don’t have the missile, and a lot of the blame for this rests on Solomonov.”
U.S. and Russian negotiators met in Geneva on Wednesday for their first round of talks since Presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev agreed on the framework for the new treaty at a Moscow summit on July 6.
The Bulava, which can carry up to 10 nuclear warheads, is based on the Topol, which was also designed by Solomonov’s institute and carries only a single warhead. Analysts say Russia needs the Bulava to maintain its nuclear parity with the United States as its Soviet-built missiles rapidly age and are decommissioned.
The military had planned to enter the Bulava into service in 2008, but after the first failed tests the deadline was delayed by a year and is now undecided. The military has postponed further tests until an internal investigation is carried out over the latest failure.
Solomonov’s resignation does not mean that work on the Bulava will stop, Interfax reported, quoting an unidentified senior officer with the General Staff.
Solomonov, 64, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
Solomonov started working at the design bureau in 1971 and became its chief designer in 1997. He gained significant clout after he developed the land-based Topol and Topol-M in response to a Defense Ministry order for a missile that could be produced with purely Russian-made parts. The older missiles contained components made in Ukraine, where several enterprises involved in maintaining the Soviet nuclear arsenal were left after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Solomonov’s newfound clout helped him to persuade the military to chose the Bulava over another proposed intercontinental ballistic missile, the Bark, said Ruslan Pukhov, an analyst with the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies.
Solomonov’s design bureau traditionally led in research and design for land-based missiles, while naval missiles were developed at the Miass, Chelyabinsk-based Makeyev State Rocket Center.
“Solomonov made a successful land missile, but he overestimated his ability with the naval one,” said Gennady Yevstafyev, a retired lieutenant general and a nuclear arms researcher with the PIR Center think tank. “It took Solomonov too long to acknowledge this.”
The military has a lot riding on the Bulava. Its three newest Borei-class nuclear submarines are designed especially to carry Bulavas. One of the submarines, the Yury Dolgoruky, cost 23 billion rubles ($800 million) to build, and it completed sea tests earlier this month.
Redesigning the Borei submarines to carry the Sineva, the intercontinental ballistic missile currently deployed on nuclear submarines, would cost roughly as much as building new submarines, said Alexander Khramchikhin, an analyst with the Institute of Political and Military Analysis.
Solomonov’s departure is likely to open the way for new designers who specialize in naval missiles to join the Bulava project, analysts said.
The Federal Space Agency said Wednesday that it had started a search for a replacement for Solomonov and that Solomonov’s first deputy, Alexander Dorofeyev, would serve as acting head for now. The new chief designer will be named in September, it said.
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/1010/42/379764.htm
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