EU countries to boost defence budgets in light of Ukraine
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 10 hours ago
[image: European Union flag]Military chiefs have said the Ukraine crisis is
a “wake-up call” for EU countries’ defence spending, as the US backed
Ukraine’s use of force in eastern regions.
Speaking to press after a regular meeting of EU defence ministers in
Luxembourg on Tuesday (15 April), the deputy chief of the EU’s external
action service, Maciej Popowski, said: “We’ve had 70 years of peace now [in
Europe], but we see that power politics is back with a vengeance, so it’s a
wake-up call and now we need to get serious about defence.”
He noted that “this was the feeling around the ... more »
Russian Air Force to Receive 16 New MiG Fighters
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 10 hours ago
[image: MiG-29SMT Fulcrum]The Russian Defense Ministry has signed a $470
million contract with the MiG corporation for the delivery of 16 advanced
MiG-29 SMT fighters, the ministry said Tuesday.
The company had earlier confirmed the deal in an interview with RIA
Novosti, but did not specify its value.
"The value of the contract, including the ground support and test
equipment, is more than 17 billion rubles. The contract is a strategic
measure for maintaining the combat readiness of the lightweight fighter
fleet," the Defense Ministry said in the statement.
Read more
F-35 Fleet Surpasses 15,000 Flying Hours
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 10 hours ago
[image: F-35A Lightning II]The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fleet
recently surpassed 15,000 flight hours, marking a major milestone for the
program.
“Flying 15,000 hours itself demonstrates that the program is maturing, but
what I think is even more impressive is the fact that operational F-35s
accounted for more than half of those flight hours,” said J.D. McFarlan,
Lockheed Martin's vice president for F-35 Test & Verification.
“While the fleet continues to train, we are actively flight testing the
software and mission systems that will enable the Marine Corps to declare
Init... more »
U.S. Anti-Tank Rockets Show Up in Syrian Rebel Hands
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 10 hours ago
Online videos show Syrian rebels using what appear to be U.S. anti-tank
rockets, weapons experts say, the first significant American-built
armaments in the country's civil war.
They would signal a further internationalization of the conflict, with new
rockets suspected from Russia and drones from Iran also spotted in the
forces of President Bashar al-Assad.
None of that equipment, however, is seen as enough to turn the tide of
battle in a now broadly stalemated war, with Assad dominant in Syria's
central cities and along the Mediterranean coast and the rebels in the
interior north... more »
Lithuania plans to buy more jet trainer aircraft – Min of Defence
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 11 hours ago
[image: L-39 Albatros]Lithuania plans to buy more L-39 ZA light jet trainer
aircraft over the next two years to boost readiness of the county’s Air
Force, the Ministry of Defence confirmed on Tuesday.
Laimonas Brazaitis of the ministry’s Public Relations Department told BNS
funds have already been earmarked for the purchase and consultations are
being started with partners who might offer aircraft of this type.
Lithuania plans to buy the aircraft in 2015-2016.
The ministry has refused to disclose the number of jets to be acquired or
their prices as negotiations with potential seller... more »
Malaysia offered Saab fighter jets leasing deal
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 11 hours ago
[image: JAS-39 Gripen]Swedish aerospace and defence company Saab Group says
it has packaged a “competitive and cost-effective” deal for the Malaysian
government to lease its Gripen fighter aircraft.
Saab Asia-Pacific president and CEO Dan Enstedt said the company is
fine-tuning the deal with the Malaysian government but said he could not
disclose the numbers of aircraft or costs at present.
“The leasing deal between Saab and the Malaysian government will include
the transfer of technology, which will be capable of adapting our open
technology to integrate with the existing Malaysian... more »
Fires reported on USS Hue City; no injuries reported
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 11 hours ago
[image: USS Hue City]The Navy says a fire was reported aboard a
guided-missile cruiser as it was transiting the Atlantic Ocean.
The fire aboard the USS Hue City broke out late Monday, according to U.S.
Fleet Forces Command.
The Navy said in a statement Tuesday that no injuries were reported and
that the ship is operating on its own power.
Read more
Enemies beware: Royal Navy shows off its latest radar system which can knock missiles out of the sky
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 11 hours ago
The Royal Navy has revealed its latest 3D radar system which can track
missiles - before knocking them out of the sky.
The cutting-edge system, called 'Artisan', was tested by some 180 sailors
on board HMS Iron Duke off the coast of Portland today.
It tracked a sea-skimming target, before launching a Seawolf missile -
which crashed into the object seconds later.
Read more
Indonesia equips frigates, corvette with stealth radars
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 11 hours ago
[image: Ahmad Yani (Van Speijk)-class FFG]The Indonesian Navy (Tentera
Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut: TNI-AL) will equip a total of four
Ahmad Yani (Van Speijk)-class guided missile frigates and one Kapitan
Pattimura (Parchim I)-class corvette with low-probability-of-intercept
(LPI) naval radars.
The radars will be built by Indonesian naval sensor manufacturer PT Infra
RCS, company officials told IHS Jane's on 11 April.
The company describes its equipment, the IRCS LPI Radar, as a stealthy
sea-based X-band (SBX) radar with frequency modulated continuous wave
technology.
Read ... more »
Pentagon report finds sequestration cuts would reduce national security
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 11 hours ago
[image: Virginia class SSN]More than $1 trillion in sequestration-related
defense cuts, slated for now through 2021, “would significantly increase
risks both in the short- and long-term,” according to a report released
Monday by the Pentagon.
“If sequestration-level cuts persist, our forces will assume substantial
additional risks in certain missions and will continue to face significant
readiness and modernization challenges,” the report said.
“Overall, sequester-level cuts would result in a military that is too small
to fully meet the requirements of our strategy, thereby signific... more »
Russia to resume Bulava tests
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 11 hours ago
[image: Bulava missile test launch]Russia plans to resume testing of the
submarine-launched ballistic missile Bulava this summer. The country’s two
newest strategic nuclear-powered submarines will start trials as soon as
the ice conditions in the White Sea will allow.
The two strategic Borey class nuclear-powered submarines “Vladimir
Monomakh” and “Alexander Nevsky” will conduct four single launches of the
Bulava missiles this summer. The test will be conducted from the usual
exercise area in the White Sea to the Kura test site in Russia’s
far-eastern Kamchatka territory, ITAR-TASS ... more »
French navy announces first women to serve on submarines
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 11 hours ago
[image: Le Triomphant class SSBN]Women are to be allowed to serve on
nuclear submarines in the French Navy from 2017, the French Minister of
Defence announced today.
The first three candidates will begin training next year, and if the
experience is successful the job will be opened up to women, explained
Jean-Yves Le Drian on Tuesday.
Until now, women in the French Navy have been barred from submarine duty,
which involves two and a half months without interruption under water,
twice a year.
Read more
DSME unveils its Missile Surface Corvette (MSC) at DSA 2014
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 day ago
[image: Missile Surface Corvette]At DSA 2014, the 14th Defence Services
Asia Exhibition and Conference currently held in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia),
Korean shipbuilder DSME introduces for the first time its Missile Surface
Corvette (MSC).
Navy Recognition learned during DSA 2014 that DSME teamed with a local
partner to answer an RFI from the Royal Malaysian Navy for a small
displacement corvette.
The MSC model shown at DSA 2014 is fitted with a 76mm Oto Melara main gun,
4x Kongsberg NSM anti-ship missiles, 2x MSI 30mm guns located aft, and
several South Korean made sensors, most of t... more »
Germany – P-3C Aircraft Upgrades and Related Support
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 day ago
[image: P-3C Orion]The State Department has made a determination approving
a possible Foreign Military Sale to Germany for P-3C aircraft upgrades and
associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an
estimated cost of $250 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required
certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 11, 2014.
The Government of Germany has requested a possible sale for the
procurement, integration, and installation of hardware and software to
upgrade the aircraft mission computer and acoustic systems, and
no... more »
Russia Test-fires ICBM RS-24 Yars amid Ukraine Unrest
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 day ago
[image: RS-24 Yars ICBM]Russia has test-fired a strategic intercontinental
ballistic missile (ICBM) amid the ongoing unrest in neighbouring Ukraine
even as the west fears Moscow is gearing up for large-scale military
intervention in the country.
Moscow's Strategic Missile Forces test-fired the RS-24 Yars equipped with
re-entry warhead from Plesetsk, 800km northeast of Moscow.
The launch took place at about 10:40am local time.
Read more
Thai success prompts SAAB To Focus on Integrated Air Defence System
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 day ago
[image: JAS-39 Gripen]Success with the Gripen integrated air defence system
(GIADS) in Thailand has prompted SAAB to offer an air, sea and ground
networked air defence system for the Asian and world markets.
The JAS 39 Gripen fighter, the Erieye airborne early warning and control
(AEW&C) aircraft, and ship combat management systems (CMC) form the three
principal elements of the system.
In an exclusive chat with Defenseworld.net Dan-Ake Endtedt, President and
CEO of Saab Asia Pacific Co. Ltd. said that the GIADS had proved to be a
huge success for the Thai military in the way they ma... more »
Light Combat Aircraft Navy goes super sonic
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 day ago
[image: Tejas LCA]Just days before the second anniversary of its maiden
flight the naval variant of the Light Combat Aircraft-LCA Navy (NP-1) has
successfully completed its first super sonic flight signaling that the
aircraft is now able to fly faster than the speed of sound.
The Bangalore-based Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) the nodal agency
for the development of the LCA said that this feat was achieved in the
month of March.
The NP-1 during the flight is said to have crossed the Mach 1 barrier.
Read more
Pentagon: Russian attack aircraft made "provocative and unprofessional" passes near American destroyer in Black Sea
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 day ago
[image: Su-24 Fencer]The U.S. Department of Defense said Monday that a
Russian attack aircraft made 12 passes near the USS Donald Cook while in
international waters in the Black Sea on Saturday.
Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren called the incident "provocative
and unprofessional," and added that "these continued acts of provocation
and unprofessionalism do nothing to de-escalate the situation in Ukraine,
which we called on the Russians to do."
At the time of the incident on Saturday, two Russian aircraft were present,
although only one repeatedly flew near the American dest... more »
Instead of mothballing Navy ships, give them to our allies
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 day ago
[image: Ticonderoga class CG]A bitter debate has raged in the Pentagon for
several months about the wisdom of taking the nuclear aircraft carrier
George Washington out of service to save money. The Washington, at 24 years
old a relatively young vessel, is due for a costly refit, a routine
procedure that all of the 11 large carriers in service undergo regularly.
The Navy fought hard against mothballing the giant ship. But Defense
Secretary Chuck Hagel has warned that when the two-year reprieve Congress
granted from sequester cuts expires in 2016, the George Washington will be
back on... more »
Ottawa and Sikorsky agree on new terms for Cyclone choppers
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 day ago
[image: CH-148 Cyclone]The Harper government has reached a deal to amend
its contract with the U.S. manufacturer of the long-delayed CH-148 Cyclone
maritime helicopters, The Canadian Press has learned.
The agreement with Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., which is still being vetted by
government lawyers, paves the way for next year's retirement of Canada's
aging fleet of Sea King choppers, said several defence and government
sources.
"We have a contract," said one senior official, who spoke on condition of
anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
Read more
General Dynamics Canada to Provide Sonar System Upgrades to Portuguese Navy
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 day ago
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[image: Vasco da Gama class FFG]General Dynamics Canada is installing an
adjunct processing system on three VASCO DA GAMA-class frigates of the
Portuguese Navy.
Designed by General Dynamics Canada, the ECLIPSE adjunct processor provides
the in-service AN/SQS-510 sonar systems with enhanced operational
capability to detect submarines and torpedoes.
"General Dynamics Canada has a 40-year history of providing and supporting
underwater systems and components to navies around the world. As the
original designer and manufacturer of the AN/SQS-510 hull-mounted sonar
system, we are please... more »
Iran Navy fits vessels with new cruise missiles
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 day ago
[image: Jamaran destroyer]The Iranian Navy has equipped its vessels and
coastal defense units with a domestically developed state-of-the-art cruise
missile, says a top commander.
“Ghadir cruise missiles have been mounted on both destroyers and
missile-launching warships of the Navy, and they are also used as
coast-to-sea missiles,” said Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah
Sayyari on Monday.
He said that Ghadir missiles, which can be fired both from vessels and from
the coast, have already been delivered to the Navy.
Read more
ThyssenKrupp in talks to sell Swedish shipyard business to Saab
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 day ago
[image: ThyssenKrupp Marine]ThyssenKrupp has signed a memorandum of
understanding to sell its shipyard business in Sweden to defence firm Saab
after the Swedish government made it clear it would not buy new submarines
from the German conglomerate.
Saab said in a statement on Monday negotiations between the two companies
were at an early stage and more information would follow.
Saab said the deal was in line with its ambition to expand its naval
activities and help Sweden meet its needs for the design, production and
maintenance of submarines and warships.
Read more
Russian Navy to Begin Sea Trials of 2 New Nuclear Subs in Summer
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 day ago
[image: Yasen class SSN]Two new Russian nuclear-powered submarines will
begin sea trials this summer, the country’s northern Sevmash shipyard said
Monday.
Upon completion of the trials, the two boats – the Borei-class Vladimir
Monomakh nuclear missile submarine and the Yasen-class Severodvinsk attack
submarine – will be the newest addition to Russia’s sub fleet.
“Once navigation at sea opens this summer, the Vladimir Monomakh and
Severodvinsk submarines will begin tests. Operations on all Sevmash nuclear
submarines are run under the control of the leadership of the Russian
Navy,” t... more »
Washington agrees to help Taiwan build attack submarines
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 day ago
[image: Hai Lung (Zwaardvis) class SSK]The United States has agreed to help
Taiwan build attack submarines, as the island has spent nearly a decade
waiting to acquire them from abroad, the Taiwanese defense chief said
Monday.
Minister of National Defense Yen Ming told a legislative committee that the
United States "is willing to help us build the submarines together."
Yen also said Taiwan will continue to push the United States to sell eight
submarines to Taiwan and to acquire submarines from other countries.
Read more
CSTC Showcases the future Algerian Navy C28A Corvette and Thai Navy LPD models at DSA 2014
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 2 days ago
[image: Algerian Navy C28A Corvette model]At DSA 2014, the 14th Defence
Services Asia Exhibition and Conference currently held in Kuala Lumpur
(Malaysia), China Shipbuilding Trading Co., LTD. (CSTC) is showing for the
first time the final design of the Corvette type ships recently ordered by
Algeria.
CSTC representatives at DSA 2014 explained to Navy Recognition that the
ship would be about 120 meters in length, a breadth of 14.4 meters and a
draft of 3.87 meters for a displacement of about 2880 tons.
The three corvettes currently being built at a shipyard located near
Shanghai wil... more »
India to conduct complex interceptor missile test
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 2 days ago
[image: DRDO’s Air Defence Missile AAD-05]In another fortnight, India will
be conducting one of the most complex interceptor missile tests.
For the first time a state-of-the-art interceptor missile at supersonic
speed will seek to engage and destroy an incoming target missile at a very
high altitude of 120-140 km over the Bay of Bengal.
Entirely new interceptor and target missiles have been developed by
scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for
the upcoming engagement, to be conducted in exo-atmosphere (altitude above
40-50 km) on April 27 or 28.
... more »
Cold War Propaganda: Russia’s “Secret” Military Bases in the Western Hemisphere
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 2 days ago
[image: Viktor Leonov in the Port of Havana]The propaganda hype regarding
Russia’s creation of military bases in Latin American and the Caribbean is
not dying down.
At the instigation of ‘cold war’ centres in the US, lies about ‘secret’
Russian naval and air force bases operating in Nicaragua, Venezuela and
even Argentina regularly appear in the media.
More often than not, these types of reports are accompanied by photographs
of Tu-160 (‘White Swan’) and Tu-160MS strategic bombers, the
nuclear-powered battlecruiser Petr Velikiy (‘Peter the Great’), and the
large anti-submarine de... more »
KC-46 testing may delay new jet tankers
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 2 days ago
[image: KC-46 refueling aircraft]A new government report says Boeing Inc.
is making good progress manufacturing the Air Force's next-generation
aerial-refueling jet but warns of the possibility of unforeseen delays in
such a complex program.
The report last week by the General Accountability Office says development
of the KC-46 refueling aircraft is especially important because the
nation's current fleet of Eisenhower-era KC-135s tankers requires extensive
maintenance to keep flying.
MacDill Air Force Base is the home of 16 KC-135 "Stratotankers," and the
Air Force's long-range pla... more »
RI ‘Air Force One’ will not be armed
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 2 days ago
[image: Presidential aircraft BBJ2]The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU)
revealed on Sunday that the country’s presidential plane is only equipped
with a very modest “counter-sabotage” self-defense system.
The Boeing Business Jet 2 (BBJ2) plane has a US$4.5 million anti-missile
defense system — which deploys chaff, a cloud of thin metal sheets and
plastic pieces, and flares — as a countermeasure to deter guided missiles.
Air Force spokesperson First Marshal Hadi Tjahyanto as quoted by
tribunnews.com said the aircraft was not designed for combat.
Read more
Proposed halt of Tomahawk missile buys raises concerns at Raytheon
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 2 days ago
[image: Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile]Tucson-based Raytheon Missile
Systems is working to head off a proposed U.S. Navy budget proposal that
would halt purchases of the Tomahawk cruise missile — the nation’s primary
long-range strike missile — after 2015.
Facing steep defense budget cuts, the Navy said its inventory of some 4,000
Tomahawks is sufficient until it develops a next-generation land-attack
missile.
But Raytheon — which makes Tomahawks in Tucson — is lobbying the Navy and
members of Congress to modify the plan, contending that any procurement
hiatus would shut down pro... more »
MoD’s latest procurement plan still ‘a mess’
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 2 days ago
[image: Queen Elizabeth class airctaft carrier]Executives from some of the
UK’s biggest outsourcing groups have said government attempts to bring in
private sector experts to help run the £14bn weapons procurement programme
are a “mess” that risk costing the taxpayer more than they save.
An overhaul of the equipment and support arm of the Ministry of Defence,
which began after previous plans for part-privatisation collapsed, reaches
the next stage today, as the department issues tender notices for some of
the world’s biggest contractors, including KBR, Bechtel and Atkins.
But those ... more »
Taiwan planning to buy two warships from U.S.
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 2 days ago
[image: Olivaer Hazard Perry class frigate]Taiwan is planning to purchase
only two Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigates from the United
States, despite Washington's offer to sell four of the vessels, Defense
Minister Yen Ming said Monday.
The government had originally requested to buy more than four of the ships,
but has now decided that it needs only two, Yen told lawmakers during a
legislative hearing.
He was referring to the Taiwan Relations Act Affirmation and Naval Vessel
Transfer Act of 2014 that cleared the U.S. House of Representatives April 7
to authorize the ... more »
Military Budgets Fall in the West, Rise in China, Russia, Middle East
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 2 days ago
The United States still is by far the world’s largest military spender,
with a budget of $640 billion in 2013. But U.S. defense spending is down
from a a year ago, while the next three largest military powers — China,
Russia and Saudi Arabia — have made substantial increases, according to new
data by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
SIPRI estimates China’s military budget at $188 billion, Russia’s at $87.9
billion and Saudi Arabia’s at $67 billion. Saudi Arabia leapfrogs the
United Kingdom, Japan and France to become the world’s fourth largest
military spender, ... more »
Iran Increases Number of Air Defense Sites in Sensitive Points
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 3 days ago
[image: Ya Zahra air defense missile system]Commander of Khatam ol-Anbia
Air Defense Base Brigadier General Farzad Esmayeeli announced on Saturday
that Iran has launched more air defense sites to confront any possible
enemy aggression against the country's sensitive centers.
"In the year 1392 (ended on March 20), numerous sites were added to the
country's air defense network in sensitive and strategic regions under the
direct command and supervision of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic
Revolution (Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei)," Esmayeeli said.
"During the last year, highly consider... more »
U.S. Navy christens stealthy new destroyer Zumwalt
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 3 days ago
The U.S. Navy on Saturday christened the first ship of its newest class of
destroyers, a more than $3 billion, 610-foot (186-metre)-long warship
sporting advanced technology and a stealthy shape designed to minimize its
visibility on enemy radar and reduce the size of its crew.
Named after the late Adm. Elmo "Bud" Zumwalt, the newest destroyer's
massive size and angular profile make it stand apart from other U.S.
warships. And like its namesake, a reformer who spearheaded changes that
helped shape the Navy by offering new opportunities to women and
minorities, the Zumwalt will shep... more »
PLA Navy modifying Yuan-class submarine
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 3 days ago
[image: Yuan class SSK]A new photo revealed on Chinese military websites
indicate that the People's Liberation Army Navy continues to modify its
Type 041 Yuan-class conventional submarine, according to the London-based
Jane's Defense Weekly in a report on Apr. 9.
Images of the new Type 041 variant — also referred to as the Type 039A,
Type 039C or Type 039X — first surfaced online in December last year after
its launch by the Wuhan Shipyard of the China State Shipbuilding
Corporation.
The new image, released on Apr. 6, shows the new Type 041 variant has a
raked sail that is similar... more »
Navy's submarine secrets 'were stolen in burglary and then blackmailer demanded money for their return'
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 3 days ago
[image: Astute class SSN]A Polish man appeared in court yesterday accused
of stealing ‘sensitive and restricted’ documents relating to some of the
Royal Navy’s submarines.
The court was told the files went missing when a naval dockyard worker’s
Plymouth flat was burgled.
But the incident only came to light when the Polish embassy was contacted
about the documents – which refer to the ‘design and operation of certain
submarines’ – by someone demanding a substantial amount of money.
Read more
French DGA completes second qualification firing of MdCN missile
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 4 days ago
[image: missile de croisière naval]The French Direction Générale de
l'Armement (DGA) has successfully completed the second qualification firing
of missile de croisière naval (MdCN) from the DGA missile test range at
Biscarrosse, France.
The MdCN validated its flight capabilities at high altitude following its
launch from a platform representing a vessel.
In 2006, the DGA awarded a contract to MBDA for the supply of 200 MdCN
missiles for installation on the French Navy's Frégate Européen
multi-mission (FREMM) ships and its Barracuda nuclear-powered attack
submarines by 2014 and 2018... more »
Russia Begins Transfer of First Warship Back to Ukraine
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 4 days ago
Russia has begun the process of transferring the first Ukrainian naval
vessel in Crimea back to Ukraine, a source in the Black Sea Fleet
Headquarters told RIA Novosti on Friday.
“Two Black Sea tugs have begun taking the missile boat from Karantinnaya
Bay in Sevastopol,” the source said, referring to Ukraine’s Priluki missile
boat.
Once the Priluki leaves the port of Sevastopol, the boat will be towed to
neutral waters by a Russian sea-going tug where it will be met by
representatives of Ukraine.
Read more
NDF helicopter crashes
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 4 days ago
[image: NDF helicopter]A Namibia Defence Force helicopter crashed, killing
four people, at the Grootfontein airport at around 05h00 today.
The six survivors all sustained serious injuries and were transported to
Windhoek for medical attention.
While details are still sketchy, The Namibian has determined that the
chopper crashed just moments after it took off.
Read more
Raytheon awarded first international contract for Paveway IV
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 4 days ago
[image: Paveway IV]Raytheon Company received a contract from an
international customer for Paveway™ IV precision guided bombs valued at
more than $200m.
As part of the sale Raytheon will deliver hundreds of the advanced
munitions, which are regarded as the 'weapon of choice' for the Royal Air
Force. The contract represents the first sale of Paveway™ IV outside the
U.K.
"This contract is an export boost to the U.K. It will help support hundreds
of manufacturing and engineering jobs at Raytheon's facilities and in the
supply chain across the U.K.," said Richard Daniel, Chief Execut... more »
Agni-1 clears night trial
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 4 days ago
In its first night trial, the Agni-1 surface-to-surface nuclear-capable
ballistic missile was test-fired for its full 700-km range from the Wheeler
Island off the Odisha coast on Friday.
*Part of regular user training*
The missile was picked up randomly from the production lot and launched by
Strategic Forces Command personnel as part of regular user training. The
12-metre-tall missile lifted off from its mobile launcher and zoomed into
the night sky at 11.03 p.m.
Read more
Social media helping destabilize world, strategist says at War College
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 4 days ago
[image: Social media]Twitter, Facebook and other types of social media are
contributing to global instability, said Robert D. Kaplan, chief
geopolitical analyst for Stratfor -- a team of intelligence experts.
The use of social media, he explained, has been shown to unite and rally
demonstrators at a moment's notice, enabling them to focus their energies
on toppling regimes in just a matter of days. An example would be the use
of it during the so-called Arab Spring, which began in December 2010.
Kaplan was keynote speaker at the 25th Annual Strategy Conference in
Carlisle, Pa., spons... more »
Air Force needs sophisticated aircraft for SAR ops, says RMAF chief
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 4 days ago
[image: RMAF C-130 Hercules]The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has
proposed that the government raised the capacity of the Maritime Patrol
Aircraft (MPA) by equipping them with sophisticated technology for search
and rescue (SAR) operations in future.
Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief, Tan Sri Rodzali Daud said the need
for sophisticated MPA with a high capacity was most urgent to carry out
various missions by taking the search operation for the Malaysia Airlines
(MAS) flight MH370 as a lesson.
He said sophisticated MPA was also capable of carrying out SAR operations
at sea ... more »
Ingalls Shipbuilding Delivers Amphibious Assault Ship America (LHA 6)
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 4 days ago
[image: USS America (LHA 6)]Huntington Ingalls Industries' Ingalls
Shipbuilding division delivered the amphibious assault ship America (LHA 6)
to the U.S. Navy today.
More than 900 crew members marched through the shipyard for a delivery
ceremony on the ship's flight deck, where they joined Ingalls shipbuilders
and personnel from the U.S. Navy's Supervisor of Shipbuilding-Gulf Coast.
"The shipbuilders of Ingalls have worked tirelessly to deliver this
awesome, powerful warship to our U.S. Navy customer," said Ingalls
Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias
Read more
Greek Parliament Passes Law Amendment for Four Navy Submarines
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 4 days ago
[image: Papanikolis class SSK]The Greek Parliament on Thursday passed a law
amendment which provides for the completion of the certification procedures
and the operational accession of four new submarines into the Greek Navy
fleet.
New Democracy and PASOK — the two coalition government partners — as well
as Democratic Left (DIMAR) voted in favor of the law amendment, while the
main opposition party’s SYRIZA MPs voted a more neutral “present.”
Speaking in Parliament earlier on Thursday, Greece ‘s Defence Minister
Dimitris Avramopoulos declared the end of the lingering problem of the... more »
Swedish firm Saab bids to design new Royal Australian Navy submarines
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 4 days ago
[image: Collins class SSK]Swedish defence giant Saab is making a bold,
secret play for a slice of Australia’s $30 billion future submarine project.
As Federal Government placed all options for the navy’s future submarine
back on the table this week, News Corp Australia can reveal that Saab and
the Swedish Government have been engaged in secret talks with the Defence
Department about the design of the new boats.
A Swedish delegation travelled to Canberra in March for first round talks.
Read more
Commissioning for USS North Dakota on hold, for now
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 5 days ago
[image: USS North Dakota]Commissioning ceremonies for the USS North Dakota,
the U.S. Navy's newest nuclear-powered submarine, may or may not happen on
May 31 as scheduled.
Colleen O'Rourke of the U.S. Navy's Sea Systems Command, said Thursday the
Navy is evaluating whether to postpone the commissioning in Groton, Conn.
O'Rourke said the Navy is looking to complete additional design and
certification work and evaluate other issues before commissioning the $2.6
billion, 377-foot-long Virginia Class submarine.
Read more
Pakistan navy deploys Chinese C-602 cruise missile
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 5 days ago
[image: C-602 cruise missile]Frontline units of the Pakistani navy have
been equipped with C-602 anti-ship cruise missiles purchased from China,
according to the Kanwa Defense Review published by Andrei Chang, also known
as Pinkov, a Canadian a military analyst.
Pakistan ordered about 120 C-602 anti-ship cruise missiles from China back
in 2009. The first batch of the missiles, enough to equip a company, were
delivered in 2011.
After personnel completed training on using the missiles, the Pakistani
government said that the C-602s have already been deployed to frontline
naval units.... more »
Putin Approves Sale of S-400 to China
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 5 days ago
Vladimir Putin has approved in principle the sale of Russia’s most advanced
air and missile defense system to China, Russian media outlets have
reported.
According to a report on the Russian business channel RBK TV, which was
reproduced by BBC Monitoring, Russian President Putin has approved the sale
of between two and four S-400 air and missile defense systems to China.
Such a deal has long been under negotiation, and if approved would make
China the first foreign customer of the advanced defense system. Already,
China deploys a number of the Soviet-era S-300 defense system.
Rea... more »
F-35 on time to replace previous tactical aircraft
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 5 days ago
[image: F-35 Lightning II]The F-35 Lightning II will enhance combat
capabilities, project U.S. power and deter potential adversaries, Air Force
officials told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee’s
subcommittee on tactical air and land forces in a hearing on tactical
aircraft programs there, April 8.
“The F-35 will form the backbone of U.S. air combat superiority for
generations to come,” said Lt. Gen. Christopher Bogdan, the F-35 Lightning
II Joint Program Office executive officer. “It will replace the legacy
tactical fighter fleets of the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps... more »
In pictures: Russian military build-up near Ukraine
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 5 days ago
[image: Buturlinovka Air Base]Nato's decision to release over 20 satellite
images and associated maps of the Russian military build-up on Ukraine's
eastern frontier is a signal of the concern among the alliance's commanders
that a Russian military option against Ukraine is very much on the table,
the BBC's diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus reports.
The imagery issued by Nato's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
(Shape) reportedly dates from late March and early April. It encompasses
six locations in an arc around Ukraine's frontier.
The images show:
- sophistica... more »
Armed Forces of Malta Acquire a Second AW139 Helicopter
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 5 days ago
[image: AW139]AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to
announce that the Armed Forces of Malta has taken up the option for a
second AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter.
The helicopter will be used to conduct mainly maritime border control
missions. The delivery of the second AW139 is scheduled for June 2015,
while the first helicopter will be delivered in June 2014.
This order is part of the ongoing plan to strengthen the capabilities of
the Armed Forces of Malta, who benefit from the European Borders Fund and
Internal Security Fund Programmes.
Read more
Moscow Denounces US Destroyer's Black Sea Patrol
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 5 days ago
[image: USS Donald Cook]The U.S. Aegis anti-missile destroyer Donald Cook
entered the Black Sea Thursday night in a show of NATO support for regional
allies bordering Ukraine that brought quick denunciations from Moscow.
NATO also released satellite photos intended to rebut Moscow's claims that
Russian forces poised on Ukraine's borders were conducting routine military
exercises not connected to the turmoil in Russian-speaking eastern Ukraine.
The images showed warplanes, tanks and mechanized units parked at more than
100 makeshift bases in a "high state of readiness" on Ukraine's bo... more »
McCain Blasts U.S. Navy's LCS Ship Plan
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 5 days ago
[image: USS Independence (LCS-2)]Senator John McCain on Wednesday blasted
the U.S. Navy's new Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program as a "shameful" and
dangerous waste of taxpayer money, and he urged the Pentagon to cut its
planned purchases back by another eight ships to 24 ships.
McCain, a senior Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said
the Navy's poor planning had led to a new class of ships that could not
survive in combat, cost far more than expected, provided less capability
than earlier warships and had not demonstrated their utility after 13 years
of development.... more »
Search efforts stepped up as contact renewed with MH370 data recorders
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 5 days ago
Authorities said they were closing in on Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370
after search crews regained contact with underwater pings consistent with
the missing jet’s “black boxes.”
Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, who is leading the multinational search in
the southern Indian Ocean, said on Wednesday that signals have been
detected on four occasions in the same area.
“It’s nothing natural, it comes from a man-made device, and it’s consistent
with the locator on a black box,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
Read more
China’s Nuclear Modernization and the End of Nuclear Opacity
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 5 days ago
[image: DF-5 ICBM]Recent events in late 2013 and early 2014, including
China’s demonstration of its nuclear submarine force, have once again
brought the issue of the country’s policy of nuclear opacity to the fore.
Among the P5 (the five permanent members of the United Nations Security
Council), China officially communicates the least about the size, status
and capabilities of its nuclear forces.
Indeed, although some uncertainty remains, the other members of the P5 all
give public approximations of the size and characteristics of their
deployed arsenal.
Read more
Pakistan to buy six submarines from China: Russian media
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 5 days ago
[image: Type 041 Yuan-class submarine]Pakistan is planning to purchase six
conventional submarines from China as a way to counter the influence of
expanding Indian maritime power, the Military-Industrial Courier, a
Russian-language website focused on global defense issues reported on April
3.
Rana Tanveer Hussain, Pakistan's minister of defense production, is
currently visiting Beijing to discuss the purchase of submarines from
China, according to information released by the Pakistani government.
Reports have circulated that Islamabad will sign a contract with Beijing
before the e... more »
Navy Adds Hellfire Missiles to LCS
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 6 days ago
[image: vertically-launched longbow Hellfire missile]The Navy is
integrating a vertically-launched longbow Hellfire missile onto the
Littoral Combat Ship as a way to give the platform more fire-power, service
officials said Wednesday.
Unlike other missiles that would require laser-designation to pinpoint
targets, the longbow Hellfire can use what’s called millimeter wave seeker
technology that can autonomously track and destroy multiple targets
simultaneously.
“We’re very excited about the autonomy that the missile brings. Each of the
missiles has an independent ability to be targe... more »
Airbus Defence and Space delivers A400M to Turkish Air Force
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 6 days ago
[image: A400M]Airbus Defence and Space has today handed over the first of
ten A400M new generation airlifters ordered by the Turkish Air Force.
The Turkish Air Force formally accepted the aircraft from Airbus Defence
and Space at the A400M Final Assembly Line in Seville, Spain. A further
ceremony will take place in Turkey at a later date.
Following today’s contractual transfer of title, the aircraft, which is the
third production A400M, will be flown to Kayseri air base in central Turkey
where it will initially be used for training.
Read more
Netherlands to deploy Chinooks to Mali
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 6 days ago
[image: CH-47F Chinook]After committing four Boeing AH-64D Apache attack
helicopters in November last year to support the UN's stabilisation
activities in Mali, the Royal Netherlands Air Force has announced it will
also deploy three Boeing CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters.
The reason behind the expanding deployment is that the UN cannot guarantee
the medical evacuation of Dutch forces on a "24-7" basis.
Currently-available civilian helicopters are unable to operate at night or
in high-risk areas, due to a lack of self-protection capabilities.
Expected to arrive in the second half... more »
South Korea seeking Sidewinder missiles from U.S.
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 6 days ago
[image: AIM-9 Sidewinder]South Korea is seeking AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder
missiles and associated support from the United States through a Foreign
Military Sales deal worth $98 million.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which notified Congress
earlier this week of the possible sale to the Republic of Korea, said the
U.S. Department of State has already signed off on the deal.
“The ROK continues to be an important force for peace, political stability
and economic progress in North East Asia,” the agency said.
Read more
Nigeria to buy new fighters, choppers
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 6 days ago
[image: Mi-35 Hind]The chief of Nigeria’s air force says it is buying new
fighter jets and helicopters.
The air force has been pivotal in an offensive to curb an Islamic uprising
in the northeast with near-daily bombing raids on insurgent hideouts in
forests and caves along the border with Cameroon.
Air Marshal Adesola Amosu said Wednesday that the government has approved
the acquisition of fighter aircraft and helicopters as well as upgrades for
some existing aircraft.
Read more
Significant milestone met as progress continues on AWACS upgrade
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 6 days ago
[image: E-3A Sentry]An important milestone was recently reached on a
significant upgrade improving capabilities for the Airborne Warning and
Control System, better known as AWACS.
The 40/45 block upgrade is the largest modification on the U.S. AWACS
fleet. It provides a complete replacement of mission computer systems --
some of which were originally installed in the 1970s -- and a new open,
network-based architecture, which enables future net-centric operations.
While the improvements themselves are being completed by the 566th Aircraft
Maintenance Squadron at Tinker AFB, Okla., t... more »
Israel Inaugurates New ‘Samson’ C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft Into Service
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 6 days ago
[image: C-130J Samson]At a ceremony at the Nevatim Air Base in the Negev,
Israeli defense officials inaugurated the long-awaited new Samson C-130J
Super Hercules aircraft into service, significantly expanding the Israeli
Air Force’s (IAF) range and capabilities.
The Lockheed Martin C-130J, known as the “Super Hercules” in the U.S. and
called “Samson” by Israel, has a range of up to 4,000 kilometers and will
be equipped with advanced new computer systems and significantly more
payload capacity.
The C-130J enhances the IAF’s “long-range capabilities which include
airborne supply, tra... more »
Navy Makes Plans for New Destroyer for 2030s
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 6 days ago
[image: USS Michael Murphy]The U.S. Navy is in the very early stages of
developing a new destroyer -- called the Future Surface Combatant -- which
will replace the existing Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and enter service
by the early 2030s, Navy leaders told Military.com.
Navy officials said it is much too early to speculate on hull design or
shape for the new ship but lasers, on-board power-generation systems,
increased automation, next-generation weapons, sensors and electronics are
all expected to figure prominently in the development of the vessel.
The Future Surface Combatant ... more »
V-22 Tiltrotor Could Revolutionize Naval Logistics In The Pacific
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 6 days ago
[image: V-22 Osprey]If you spin a globe to the middle of the Pacific Ocean,
you will discover that almost no land is visible in any direction. That’s
because the Pacific covers nearly half of the Earth’s surface.
The good news is that all that water protects America from potential
enemies in Asia. The not-so-good news is that the Western Pacific has
become the industrial heartland of the new global economy, so it is also
becoming the main focus of U.S. military strategy.
That means America’s joint force will be spending more time in the vast
expanses of the Pacific Basin.
Read more
INS Kochi to start sea trials in June
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 6 days ago
[image: Kolkata class destroyer]INS Kochi, the second ship in the INS
Kolkata class of stealth destroyers, will commence sea trials in June, an
important step before the ship is accepted and commissioned by the Indian
Navy.
Constructed at the Mazgaon Docks Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, the ship has
finished basic construction according to MDL officials and only the
“outfitting” of external equipment and cabling work remains.
Laid down on October 25, 2005, the ship is a part of the Project 15A which
involves three ships to be constructed at the MDL, the two others being the
INS Kolkata ... more »
Sindhurakshak may have been sabotaged: probe
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 6 days ago
[image: INS Sindhurakshak]Sabotage is one of the six possible reasons for
the sinking of kilo-class submarine INS Sindhurakshak in August 2013, a
preliminary report of the board of inquiry (BoI) has held.
According to the report, submitted to the Defence Ministry and accessed by
The Hindu, the BoI, chaired by Commodore Deepak Bisht, cited five other
probable reasons as well.
In the recent past, there have been two other incidents involving the
Navy’s kilo-class submarines. In January 2014, Sindhughosh was about to run
aground when it entered the Mumbai harbour, while in February, tw... more »
Submarines on collision course in busy sea
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 6 days ago
[image: Hanoi (Kilo) class SSK]As submarines increasingly become the
clandestine weapon of choice in the Asia-Pacific, an admiral from the US
Pacific Fleet says regional nations must tell each other where their boats
are operating or risk a deadly underwater collision.
The head of the US Pacific Command’s submarine force, Rear Admiral Phillip
G. Sawyer, told a conference in Canberra yesterday the rapidly increasing
number of submarines had created a greater chance of an underwater crash.
Nations operating submarines must also much better prepare themselves to
rescue the crews from ... more »
Advanced Mig-31BM Interceptors Stationed in Western Russia
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: MiG-31 Foxhound]Modernized MiG-31BM interceptor aircraft have
started combat alert duty at an airbase in Tver Region in western Russia,
with the full modernization of the unit to be completed by the end of the
year, a military spokesperson said Tuesday.
“In Tver region two modernized Mig-31BM interceptors have started their
combat alert duty in the Western Military District,” said Col. Oleg
Kochetkov, the head of the district’s press service, adding that the
aircraft were delivered at the end of last year.
“By the end of 2014, the Khotilovo MiG-31 squadron will be fully
re-... more »
Missile delivery marks milestone for Armament Directorate
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: AGM-158 JASSM]The Armament Directorate celebrated a milestone with
the delivery of the first production lot of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff
Missile Extended Range, or JASSM-ER, missiles to Dyess Air Force Base,
Texas, recently.
The JASSM and JASSM-ER variants are autonomous, long-range,
highly-survivable, conventional air-to ground, precision-guided missiles.
The weapons provide focused lethality to strike highly-defended, high-value
targets.
"JASSM can neutralize (targets) while keeping our nation's combat aircrews
safely outside the range of threats," said Kenneth Bandy... more »
U.S. Air Force is testing Google Glass & building apps for battlefield use
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: Batman Google Glass]The U.S. Air Force’s “BATMAN” research team at
Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio is beta-testing Google Glass for
possible use on the battlefield.
And so far, it likes what it sees.
The positive attributes “are its low power, its low footprint, it sits
totally above the eyes, and doesn’t block images or hinder vision,” said
2nd Lt. Anthony Eastin, a behavioral scientist on the BATMAN team testing
the glasses.
Read more
Navy Plans to Test Fire Railgun at Sea in 2016
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
The Navy will fire its electromagnetic railgun from a joint high speed
vessel in 2016 as part of a broader effort to develop the long-range,
high-energy weapon.
The weapon will be placed on display this summer aboard the USNS
Millinocket, a Navy JHSV which entered service in March. Following the
display, the railgun will then be demonstrated on the same ship in 2016.
We're talking about a projectile we're going to send well over 100 miles.
We're talking about a projectile that can go over Mach 7. We're talking
about a projectile that can go well into the atmosphere. We're talking ... more »
NATO to triple Baltic air patrol from next month
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: RNLAF KDC-10]NATO will triple its usual number of fighter jets
patrolling over the Baltics next month to beef up its eastern European
defenses due to tension with Russia over Ukraine, a NATO military official
said on Tuesday.
Four NATO fighters are usually based in the Baltics but the United States,
which currently has responsibility for patrolling the skies there,
increased that to 10 F-15s to reassure those states following Russia's
occupation of Ukraine's Crimea region.
The number of fighters assigned to the Baltic "air policing" mission is now
set to increase further to... more »
Airbus Defense and Space Inc. Delivers 17th HC-144A Aircraft to US Coast Guard
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: HC-144A Ocean Sentry]Airbus Defense and Space, Inc. has delivered
the 17th HC-144A Ocean Sentry maritime patrol aircraft to the U.S. Coast
Guard. The Ocean Sentry is based on the Airbus CN235 tactical airlifter
with more than 235 currently in operation by 29 countries. This is the
second of three HC-144A’s planned for delivery this year.
The latest aircraft will join a fleet of 16 Ocean Sentries operating from
Coast Guard Air Stations in Cape Cod, Mass.; Mobile, Ala.; and Miami. The
Coast Guard is planning to stand up the fourth HC-144A air station in
Corpus Christi, Texas, ... more »
HMAS Canberra Landing Helicopter Dock gets set to hit the ocean
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
It's the biggest warship the Royal Australian Navy has ever had. And the
HMAS Canberra Landing Helicopter Dock is nearly ready to put to sea.
The 230-metre long, 27,000-tonne amphibious assault ship is being put
through its paces in Sydney Harbour by builder BAE Systems and the ship’s
new crew, led by inaugural commanding officer, Captain Jonathan Sadleir.
"The builders are on board, making sure everything is in good working
order. And we have navy ship’s personnel standing beside them to learn the
ropes as it goes," a Defence spokesman said.
Read more
U.S. Deputy Program Manager Outlines F-35 Fixes
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: F-35B Lightning II]F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin will retrofit
early production lots of F-35Bs delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps with
modified bulkheads to address cracking issues that came to light during
durability testing of ground articles last fall.
It will build redesigned bulkheads into the fighter beginning with low-rate
production (LRIP) Lot 9, said Rear Adm. Randy Mahr, deputy program manager
with the Pentagon’s F-35 joint program office (JPO).
“The repair for that bulkhead for the [F-35Bs] that are out there in the
fleet is known, it’s understood, and we’ll ... more »
Navy fleet boss: 9-month deployments unsustainable
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: USS Harry S. Truman]A new deployment plan billed as a way to make
Navy life easier on sailors and their families will provide more time in
port than the six-month deployment model, the fleet’s top boss said Tuesday.
Adm. Bill Gortney, head of Fleet Forces Command, told the crowd at the
Sea-Air-Space expo that the latest deployment scheme, known as the
Optimized Fleet Response Plan, would have sailors in port roughly 68
percent of the time during a 36-month cycle.
“I’ve heard a lot of people talk about the ‘good old days’ when we had six
month deployments,” he said. “Well the... more »
India Sells First Aircraft Carrier For US$10 Million
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: INS Vikrant]India has sold its first aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant
to a ship breaker for US$10 million following an auction, China's Xinhua
news agency reported.
INS Vikrant, purchased as HMS Hercules from Britain in 1957, had played a
key role in enforcing the naval blockade on East Pakistan (now Bangladesh)
during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971.
The Indian Navy vessel was sold to a company named I.B. Commercial Pvt Ltd.
and has 30 days to settle the payment and tow the ship away.
Read more
Netherlands. Anglo-Dutch co-operation centre stage at INEC 2014
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: HNLMS Tromp]Successful international relations depend heavily on
collaboration, and this spirit of collaboration is clearly demonstrated by
the close relationship between navies.
The collaboration between the Royal Netherlands Navy and the UK’s Royal
Navy is further demonstrated by the organisation of the 12th International
Naval Engineering Conference and Exhibition 2014 (INEC 2014) which is being
held in the Netherlands at the Marine Establishment Amsterdam next month
(20-22 May), with the significant support of both organisations.
“This will be the third time that INEC ... more »
China's DM warns U.S. against Taiwan arms sales
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate]China's defense minister on
Tuesday urged the United States to stop a bill that reaffirms commitment to
Taiwan and calls for continued arms sales to the island.
"China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes the U.S. House of
Representatives passage of a Taiwan-related bill," Chang Wanquan told
reporters after his talks with U.S. counterpart Chuck Hagel on Tuesday.
Chang's comments came after the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday
passed a bill that reaffirms the importance of the Taiwan Relations Act and
the House's unwavering... more »
RAAF overlooks Saab Gripen for more expensive, controversial Joint Srike Fighter
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: JAS-39 Gripen E/F]This is the low-cost, high performance fighter
jet that Australia overlooked when the RAAF spent more than $6 billion to
fill a capability gap between its retiring F-111 and Hornet fleets and the
controversial stealth F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
The Saab Gripen is a single engine, two-crew, multi-role fighter made in
Sweden and according to the builder it costs about $US7000 an hour to run
compared to $US11,000 for the Boeing Super Hornet operated by the Royal
Australian Air Force and $21,000 an hour for the next generation JSF.
The plane costs almost the sa... more »
DDG 1000 Christening Pioneers New Technology
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: Zumwalt class destroyer]The Navy's first high-tech Zumwalt-class
DDG 1000 destroyer will pioneer a handful of yet-to-be seen destroyer
technologies when it is christened this coming weekend.
Not only does the ship have a new electric drive system -- as opposed to
diesel or steam -- for propulsion, the ship is configured with sonar,
sensors, and weapons systems that have not previously been engineered into
a Navy destroyer, said Raytheon's Wade Knudson, DDG 1000 program manager.
The Zumwalt-class destroyers will have unprecedented mine-detecting sonar
technologies for destroy... more »
Goodbye, Oil: US Navy Cracks New Renewable Energy Technology To Turn Seawater Into Fuel, Allowing Ships To Stay At Sea Longer
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
After decades of experiments, U.S. Navy scientists believe they may have
solved one of the world’s great challenges: how to turn seawater into fuel.
The development of a liquid hydrocarbon fuel could one day relieve the
military’s dependence on oil-based fuels and is being heralded as a “game
changer” because it could allow military ships to develop their own fuel
and stay operational 100 percent of the time, rather than having to refuel
at sea.
The new fuel is initially expected to cost around $3 to $6 per gallon,
according to the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, which has already ... more »
Navy Finishes Blueprints for Future Nuclear Sub
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: Ohio class SSBN]Engineers with the U.S. Navy have finished drawing
up blueprints for a future class of nuclear-armed ballistic missile
submarines, officials said.
The technical details, known as ship specification documents, will set the
stage for engineering work and eventually construction of ships in the
so-called Ohio Replacement Program being developed by General Dynamics
Corp.’s Electric Boat unit.
Consisting of three volumes, each with hundreds of pages, the documents
detail the configuration, design and technical requirements for the
next-generation boat, the first ... more »
U.S. to cut nuclear launchers under treaty with Russia
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: B-52 Stratofortress]The United States will scale back its nuclear
bombers, submarine launchers and ballistic missiles in the first cuts to
its leftover cold war nuclear arsenal since ratifying a landmark treaty
with Russia in 2011, officials said on Tuesday.
Under the treaty, known as New Start, the U.S. military will disable four
missile launch tubes on each of the 14 U.S. nuclear submarines, convert 30
B-52 nuclear bombers to conventional use and empty 50 intercontinental
ballistic missile silos, senior administration officials said.
The Pentagon, however, will not retire ... more »
10 upgraded nuclear submarines to be supplied to Russian Navy by 2020
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: Project 971 Leoaprd (Akula)]More than ten multi-role nuclear
submarines will be added to the Russian Navy by 2020, Navy commander Viktor
Chirkov said on Tuesday after a visit to the Zvyozdochka ship repair centre
in Severodvinsk in Russia's north.
Chirkov was on an inspection tour to check repairs and upgrade of the
submarines of Project 971 "Leopard" and Project 945 "Carp."
Chirkov chaired a conference and heard company executives' reports on
repair and modernization plans, a Navy spokesman told ITAR-TASS.
Read more
Kongsberg introduces some "armed to the teeth" LCS concepts at Sea-Air-Space 2014
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: The Freedom class LCS on Kongsberg booth]At the Sea-Air-Space 2014
Exposition, Norwegian company Kongsberg is presenting scale models of both
types of Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) fitted with unique ASUW
configurations.
The conceptual Freedom class LCS is fitted with 12x NSMs and the conceptual
Independence class LCS is fitted with 18x NSMs.
According to a Kongsberg representative at the exposition, the two concepts
are Kongsberg's vision of what could be a future LCS surface weapons
package focused on long range capabilities.
Read more
India test fires Brahmos supersonic cruise missile
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: BrahMos mobile launcher]India’s armed forces on Monday carried out
another successful test of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
“The launch was carried out at the Pokhran range in the State of Rajasthan
in the northwest of India at 13:00, local time to the maximum range of 290
kilometres,” he said.
The missile that had been adopted by the country’s armed forces in 2007 was
launched from a mobile launcher, in service in two Indian regiments.
Read more
Russia warns Ukraine against missile technology proliferation
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: SS-18 Satan]Russia Monday drew Kiev's attention over media reports
that a Ukrainian military-space enterprise had allegedly been negotiating
with third countries on missile technology sale.
Referring to the Yuzhmash plant based in the city of Dnepropetrovsk in
eastern Ukraine, the Russian foreign ministry reminded that Ukraine is a
participant of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and a signatory
of The Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation
(HCoC), Xinhua reported.
Moscow said Kiev has been bearing serious political obligations and must be ... more »
Mozambican MiGs stuck in Germany
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: MiG-21 Fishbed]Three MiG-21 fighter jets destined for Mozambique
are stuck in Germany due to a lack of necessary permits. They are part of a
batch of eight being shipped from Romania.
Romanian company Aerostar is overhauling six MiG-21bis and two MiG-21UM
trainer aircraft for the Mozambique Air Force and is also providing
training for Mozambican MiG-21 pilots. Three MiG-21s were seen flying at
Aerostar’s Bacau facility last year.
On Sunday Germany’s Der Spiegel reported that three MiG-21s were
transported from the Romanian capital Bucharest by train in six containers
and we... more »
Pratt must push harder to cut F-35 engine cost: Pentagon
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: F135 Engine Test]Pratt & Whitney, the engine-making unit of United
Technologies Corp, must redouble efforts to lower the cost of the single
F135 engine it builds for the Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 fighter jet, a top
U.S. military official said on Monday.
Rear Admiral Randy Mahr, deputy director of the Pentagon's $392 billion
F-35 program, said Pratt had slowed its cost-cutting after Congress in 2011
canceled an alternate engine being developed by General Electric Co.
"We have reinvigorated the 'war on cost' that Pratt started and then kind
of slowed down on when they got the ... more »
U.S. Navy to test laser weapon aboard ship in Persian Gulf
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: U.S. Navy Laser Demonstrator]The Navy plans to install a laser
weapon prototype on a ship this summer for at-sea testing in the Persian
Gulf.
The technology, called the Laser Weapon System, will be the first of its
kind to be deployed, the Navy said.
The idea is that the laser could zap dangerous swarming small boats and
flying drones while on the USS Ponce in the Persian Gulf. Its power also
can be scaled down, presenting the Navy a non-lethal alternative to ward
off threats such as pirates, terrorists and smugglers.
Read more
Finmeccanica Proposes 76mm Gun for LCS
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: OTO Melara 76mm gun]Finmeccanica is proposing that the OTO Melara
76mm gun be configured onto the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship as part of an
effort to improve the lethality and survivability of the shallow-water ,
multi-mission vessel.
The naval artillery piece would replace the existing 57mm weapon now on
board the LCS, per the existing proposal, said Eric Lindenbaum, vice
president of Navy and Maritime programs for DRS Technologies. OTO Melara
and DRS Technologies are both subsidiaries for the Italian defense company,
Finmeccanica SpA.
Amidst an ongoing effort to develop a... more »
U.S. House approves sale of warships to Taiwan
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: USS Elrod (FFG-55)]The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday
passed by unanimous consent legislation reaffirming the importance of the
Taiwan Relations Act and authorizing the sale of four Oliver Hazard Perry
class guided missile frigates to Taiwan.
The Taiwan Relations Act Affirmation and Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2014
will now be forwarded to the Senate for further actions.
The bill authorizes the sale of four frigates -- the USS Taylor (FFG-50),
USS Gary (FFG-51), USS Carr (FFG-52) and USS Elrod (FFG-55) -- to Taiwan
based on the Taiwan Relations Act, which guides U.... more »
Iran’s IRGC speed boats supplied with anti-warship missiles
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: ''Qader'' cruise missile]Senior Iranian commander says that The
Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has equipped its speed boats with
the home-made cruise missiles.
Iran has armed IRGC Navy's speed boats with long-range "Qader" cruise
missiles which can destroy maritime targets including frigates and
warships, deputy commander of the IRGC Navy General Alireza Tangsiri said,
Iranian Fars news agency reported on April 7.
In September 2011, Iran unveiled its 200-kilometers range Qader anti-ship
cruise missile with a high-precision striking capability and the Iranian
defense... more »
Admiral: Crimea Proves Nuclear Subs Still Needed
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: Ohio class SSBN]Navy leaders said Monday the U.S. can't afford to
delay the Ohio-class submarine Replacement Program as China and Russia
continue to develop new nuclear armed ballistic missile submarines.
"There are two countries on the planet today with a new SSBN in the water
and sea based missiles being flight tested. Neither of those countries are
the United States – they are China and Russia," Rear Adm. Joseph Tofalo,
director of undersea warfare, said at the Sea, Air and Space Exposition
here.
"Who would have thought, five years ago, that Russia would not be
participa... more »
Under the Sea: Israel’s New Submarines Join the Navy
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
Two new advanced submarines are about to be put into action this year,
according to the IDF Spokesperson.
Given the threats facing the Jewish State from Gaza and the north, it is
none too soon. Iran is busily supplying its proxy terror groups with
weaponry at every opportunity, often by sea.
The Dolphin-class INS Crocodile and the INS Rahav were both acquired from
Germany in 2012. Both demand updated skills from the soldiers who will
submerge below the surface of the sea within their walls.
Read more
Coalition casts doubt on plan to replace Collins Class submarines
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: Soryu class SSK]The Abbott government is considering scaling back
Australia’s long-held plans to build 12 new submarines – a reduction that
would yield billions of dollars in savings to the budget.
The government is also preparing to reveal that rather than design the new
submarines in Australia – an option favoured by Labor – Defence could buy
an off-the-shelf design from abroad.
And while the Coalition looks favourably on directing most of the building
work to Adelaide, it will demand that the government-owned shipbuilder ASC
– based in the South Australian capital – make ... more »
HMCS Athabaskan left with six punctures after tugboat crash, navy report says
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: HMCS Athabaskan]A navy destroyer was left with six punctures when a
tugboat crashed into it, and then four lines snapped one after another as
the warship was being towed from Ontario to Nova Scotia, a military report
says.
Details of the collision and subsequent line ruptures are contained in an
investigation of HMCS Athabaskan's tow to Halifax after it underwent a
$21.7 million refit in St. Catharines, Ont.
The series of incidents took place between Boxing Day and Dec. 30 of 2012
in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and off the coast of Cape Breton.
Read more
General Dynamics NASSCO showcases the Afloat Forward Staging Base at Sea-Air-Space 2014
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: AFSB scale model]At the Navy League’s 2014 Sea-Air-Space
Exposition, General Dynamics NASSCO is showing a model of its Afloat
Forward Staging Base (AFSB) ship. The ship is designed to facilitate a wide
variety of future mission sets in support of special operations.
Speaking to Navy Recognition during the exposition, Tom Wetherald (Director
of Business Development at GD NASSCO) explained that there is an
accommodation block located forward for up to 250 personnel for the flight
crew or other mission personnel such as Navy Seals or Marines.
This space also features a hangar ... more »
Syria's MiG-25s fly again
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: MiG-25s at Tiyas Air Base]The Syrian Arab Air Force (SAAF) acquired
an unknown number of MiG-25s - one of the fastest military aircraft ever
fielded - from the late 1970s in four variants: MiG-25P and MiG-25PD
interceptors (the former was subsequently upgraded to the PD standard to
become the MiG-25PDS), MiG-25RB reconnaissance bombers, and MiG-25PU
trainers.
The SAAF was believed to have retired its MiG-25s by 2011. This impression
was bolstered by satellite imagery showing numerous MiG-25s left in the
open at Tiyas Air Base (also known as T4) rather than stored in hardened... more »
Saab successfully completes flight test with IRST for Gripen E
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: Gripen E/F]Defence and security company Saab has successfully
performed the first flight with the new sensor IRST (Infra Red Search and
Track) which will feature in Gripen E, according to schedule.
The IRST does not emit a signal and can, without revealing the aircraft’s
own position, silently detect, track and identify all types of targets.
“The first flight in the Gripen E test aircraft with IRST has been
performed with very good results. Multiple targets were detected, tracked
and identified and the system works perfectly as expected. IRST is a new
sensor on Gripen, whic... more »
South Korea to boost military readiness after third suspected North Korean drone found
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
South Korea is on alert after the military discovered yet another suspected
North Korean drone on a mountain in Gangwon-do Province, some 1-hundred-30
kilometers south of the inter-Korean border.
We have our Kim Hyun-bin standing by at the Ministry of National Defense in
Seoul so Hyun-bin, it must be very concerning that this is the third drone
found on South Korean territory in a matter of weeks what counter measures
does Seoul plan to take?
South Korea's defense ministry announced a few hours ago that key
commanders from every branch of the military held an emergency meeting
Mon... more »
NATO chief: It’s urgent that Allies spend on defence
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: NATO flag]Britain and its Nato allies must respond to Russia’s
“illegal aggression” against Ukraine by spending more on defence, the
alliance’s secretary general has said.
Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Anders Fogh Rasmussen appeals for Nato
members to modernise their armed forces as Russia tries to “carve up”
Europe.
“Every ally needs to invest the necessary resources in the right
capabilities,” writes Rasmussen. “That means modern equipment, intensive
training for our forces, and closer cooperation among Nato allies and with
our partners. I know how challenging this is i... more »
The Ever-Increasing Importance of Sea Power
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: Hyūga-class helicopter destroyer]It’s simple, says Eric Grove. If a
state wants to influence global events from a distance, then it must be an
acknowledged sea power. Today, he explains why navies remain the most
formidable demonstration of a state’s geopolitical and security prowess.
If one wishes to shape the contemporary security environment to reflect
one’s own and allies’ geopolitical interests one has to be a major sea
power or a significant contributor to a maritime coalition.
The reason is simple enough. While we call this planet 'Earth’, it is
hardly an accurate na... more »
Vietnam to receive two more Gepard frigates in 2017
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: Gepard 3.9 (Project 11661) frigate]The People's Army of Vietnam
(PAVN) Navy is scheduled to take delivery of its third and fourth
Russian-built Gepard 3.9 (Project 11661) light frigates in 2017, according
to financial statements released by Russia's Zelenodolsk Shipyard on 1
April.
The PAVN Navy commissioned its first two modified Gepard-class frigates,
Dinh Tien Hoang and Ly Thai Ho , in March and August 2011 respectively.
The two additional vessels, reported to be anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
variants, are being built under a contract signed in late 2011.
Read more
Iran, Pakistan to conduct drills in Strait of Hormuz
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
Iranian and Pakistani warships will conduct a series of military exercises
in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, according to international media
reports.
Details provided by agencies stated that Pakistani surface vessels and
submarines had recently docked in the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, ahead
of manoeuvres in eastern parts of the narrow strait which separates Iran
from Oman's Musandam Peninsula.
The exercise’s aim is to promote military cooperation between the two
countries.
Read more
U.S. defense chief, in first, to visit China's aircraft carrier
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: Liaoning]U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will visit China's sole
aircraft carrier when he arrives in the country on Monday, a U.S. official
said, in an unprecedented opening by Beijing to a potent symbol of its
military buildup.
The official believed Hagel would be the first official visitor from
outside China to be allowed on board the Liaoning, although that could not
be immediately confirmed.
China's Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for
comment although Chinese state television noted Hagel would visit the ship.
Read more
Fire on INS Matanga in Mumbai dock, no casualties
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: INS Matanga]Indian Navy's fleet was hit by yet another blot on
Sunday after a fire broke out on Indian Naval Ship (INS) Matanga at the
Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. Fortunately, there were no casualties.
The incident took place around 3pm while INS Matanga (an ocean going tug)
was undergoing repairs at the dry dock. "The private firm working on board
was carrying out steel welding in the Sewage Treatment Plant compartment
when insulating material in the adjacent compartment started smoldering and
emitting thick smoke.
It was promptly detected by the duty personnel on site and the ... more »
Nellis A-10 squadron prepares for end of legendary plane’s flying days
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
Passionate. Patriotic. Nostalgic.
Those are words that describe Lt. Col. Colin “Rage” Donnelly when he talks
about his squadron’s A-10 “Warthog” attack jets, the airmen who maintain
them, the pilots who fly them, and the troops they train for combat
search-and-rescue, close air support and forward-air control.
“We do two primary things,” he said while walking from his office for a
peek at the “Hog Trough” pub inside the 66th Weapons Squadron hangar at
Nellis Air Force Base.
Read more
Joint Strike Fighter aims to soar
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: F-35B Lightning II]The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program is flying
into this year’s budget wars on Capitol Hill with renewed lift under its
wings from a lower government cost estimate and progress refining technical
glitches.
Another boost for the long-delayed and over budget program — testimonials
by pilots who say its flight control systems could usher in a new era of
naval aviation, one in which landing by night on ships is a breeze, freeing
training dollars and time.
But the Government Accountability Office warned in two recent reports that
delays in development of crit... more »
Navy continues effort to extend range of helicopter UAVs; asks Northrop Grumman to build five MQ-8C Fire Scouts
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: MQ-8C Fire Scout]Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designers at
Northrop Grumman Corp. will build five long-range unmanned helicopters for
operation from destroyers and other surface warships under terms of a $43.8
million U.S. Navy contract announced this past week.
Officials of the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air
Station, Md., are asking the Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems segment in
San Diego to build five MQ-8C Fire Scout vertical take-off and landing
tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (VTUAV), which are based on the manned
Bell 407 helicopter from Be... more »
Senior officers who send troops to their deaths using faulty kit will be jailed: Soldiers' families praise new rules as top brass warn of being 'hung out to dry'
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
[image: Nimrod MR2 spy plane]Senior Army officers, including generals, will
be court-martialled and jailed if they send troops into battle with
inadequate equipment, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
Rules introduced last week mean that – for the first time in Army history –
commanders will be held legally responsible for deaths in a war zone caused
by faulty kit.
Last night, as troops’ families welcomed the move, top brass warned that
combat operations could grind to a halt as officers fear being singled out
for blame.
Read more
USS Coronado commissioned
Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 1 week ago
What does it mean to live in Coronado? The thunder of F/A-18 jets overhead.
Tough-looking Navy SEAL recruits running down the beach. Decorated war
heroes living next door.
These deep naval roots were honored Saturday when the Navy commissioned its
newest warship, Coronado, in a ceremony at North Island Naval Air Station.
“I want the crew to know that they carry the hearts and thanks of all the
residents of Coronado,” said Susan Ring Keith, the ship’s sponsor and a
Coronado native whose father and stepfather were both Navy admirals.
Read more
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