Saturday, April 7, 2012

DTN News - JAPAN DEFENSE NEWS: Japan Deployed Patriot In Tokyo April 7, 2012 For North Korea Missile Launch

DTN News - JAPAN DEFENSE NEWS: Japan Deployed Patriot In Tokyo April 7, 2012 For North Korea Missile Launch

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 7, 2012: Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) land-to-air missiles are deployed, with cherry blossoms in full bloom, at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo April 7, 2012. Japan ordered its military to intercept the North Korean missile Pyongyang plans to launch next month if it poses a direct threat to Japan, a scenario the government considers unlikely.

 Japan plans to deploy Aegis radar-equipped destroyers carrying Standard Missile-3 interceptors in the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, and Patriot Advanced Capability-3 ground-based interceptors on some of Japan's southern islands and in the Tokyo metropolitan area, Defence Minister Naoki Tanaka said. (Photo - Reuters)

DTN News: Pakistan Top Stories/ Headlines News Dated April 7, 2012 *DTN News - PAKISTAN TODAY: Avalanche Buries At Least 100 Soldiers At Siachen, Bodies Being Retrieved

DTN News: Pakistan Top Stories/ Headlines News Dated April 7, 2012
*DTN News - PAKISTAN TODAY: Avalanche Buries At Least 100 Soldiers At Siachen, Bodies Being Retrieved

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 7, 2012 :Rescue workers have recovered some bodies of Pakistani soldiers who were buried alive at the Siachen Glacier early Saturday when an avalanche smashed into their camp, the military said.

An avalanche smashed into a Pakistan army camp Saturday burying at least 100 soldiers in the area on the de facto border with India, the military said.

DTN News - WIKILEAKS NEWS: Various Articles From International Media Originated From Wikileaks For April 7, 2012

DTN News - WIKILEAKS NEWS: Various Articles From International Media Originated From Wikileaks For April 7, 2012

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 7, 2012 : The international non-profit organization Wikileaks became world renown as a whistleblower publishing submissions of private, secret and classified media from anonymous news sources, news leaks and whistleblowers.

WikiLeaks states that its "primary interest is in exposing oppressive regimes in Asia, the former Soviet bloc, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, but we also expect to be of assistance to people of all regions who wish to reveal unethical behaviour in their governments and corporations".

Here are the news on various subjects on Wikileaks by global media/web/blogs and reactions respectively for DTN News readers and viewers;

WikiLeaks Related News;
WikiLeaks founder accuses media of libel
TG Daily
Julian Assange, the founder of the whistle-blowing WikiLeaks website, recently told a UK-based inquiry that he is the victim of "extensive press libels." "People who find themselves caught up in particularly newsworthy events or, as in my case, ...
See all stories on this topic »
TG Daily
WikiLeaks founder says media 'abused' him
Scotsman
The WikiLeaks founder criticised newspaper and magazine watchdog the Press Complaints Commission (PCC) for its handling of his complaints. In a written statement to the Leveson Inquiry released yesterday, Mr Assange suggested that inaccurate reporting ...
See all stories on this topic »

Friday, April 6, 2012

DTN News - SINGAPORE DEFENSE NEWS: Panetta, Singapore Defense Chief Affirm Deeper Cooperation And US Plans To Deploy Combat Ships To Singapore

DTN News - SINGAPORE DEFENSE NEWS: Panetta, Singapore Defense Chief Affirm Deeper Cooperation And US Plans To Deploy Combat Ships To Singapore 


(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 6, 2012: The Defense Department's move to deploy U.S. combat ships to Singapore and raise the level of joint exercises will deepen the bilateral military relationship, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen said in a joint statement after a Pentagon meeting yesterday.


Panetta and Ng, in Washington on his first official visit as Singapore's defense minister, discussed defense and security issues and affirmed the nations' longstanding bilateral defense relationship, the statement said.


Both underscored the shared belief that a strong U.S. presence in the Asia-Pacific region enhances regional stability and security.


The defense leaders also discussed the proposal for the United States to deploy up to four littoral combat ships to Singapore. The ships will be deployed on a rotational basis and will not be based in Singapore. The deployment signals U.S. commitment to the region, the joint statement said, and enhances the ability to train and engage with regional partners.


The rotational deployments are one part of the U.S.-Singapore partnership documented in the 2005 Strategic Framework Agreement, Pentagon spokeswoman Navy Cmdr. Leslie Hull-Ryde said. "This marks a significant movement in terms of our cooperation with Singapore," she added. "The specific details related to this unprecedented engagement are still being discussed."


Panetta and Ng noted progress made since 2005 in deepening bilateral defense cooperation, and recognized the value of practical interaction among regional militaries, including exercises and exchanges, in building trust.


The defense leaders agreed to increase the complexity of bilateral exercises such as Commando Sling to enhance interoperability between their armed forces. The annual Commando Sling series began in 1990 to provide combined air combat training for fighter units from the air forces of the United States and Singapore.
http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2012/04/dtn-news-singapore-defense-news-panetta.html

DTN News - SINGAPORE DEFENSE NEWS: Panetta, Singapore Defense Chief Affirm Deeper Cooperation And US Plans To Deploy Combat Ships To Singapore

DTN News - SINGAPORE DEFENSE NEWS: Panetta, Singapore Defense Chief Affirm Deeper Cooperation And US Plans To Deploy Combat Ships To Singapore 


(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 6, 2012: The Defense Department's move to deploy U.S. combat ships to Singapore and raise the level of joint exercises will deepen the bilateral military relationship, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Singapore 


Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen said in a joint statement after a Pentagon meeting yesterday.
Panetta and Ng, in Washington on his first official visit as Singapore's defense minister, discussed defense and security issues and affirmed the nations' longstanding bilateral defense relationship, the statement said.


Both underscored the shared belief that a strong U.S. presence in the Asia-Pacific region enhances regional stability and security.


The defense leaders also discussed the proposal for the United States to deploy up to four littoral combat ships to Singapore. The ships will be deployed on a rotational basis and will not be based in Singapore. The deployment signals U.S. commitment to the region, the joint statement said, and enhances the ability to train and engage with regional partners.


The rotational deployments are one part of the U.S.-Singapore partnership documented in the 2005 Strategic Framework Agreement, Pentagon spokeswoman Navy Cmdr. Leslie Hull-Ryde said. "This marks a significant movement in terms of our cooperation with Singapore," she added. "The specific details related to this unprecedented engagement are still being discussed."


Panetta and Ng noted progress made since 2005 in deepening bilateral defense cooperation, and recognized the value of practical interaction among regional militaries, including exercises and exchanges, in building trust.


The defense leaders agreed to increase the complexity of bilateral exercises such as Commando Sling to enhance interoperability between their armed forces. The annual Commando Sling series began in 1990 to provide combined air combat training for fighter units from the air forces of the United States and Singapore.


http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2012/04/dtn-news-singapore-defense-news-panetta.html

DTN News - SINGAPORE DEFENSE NEWS: Panetta, Singapore Defense Chief Affirm Deeper Cooperation And US Plans To Deploy Combat Ships To Singapore


DTN News - SINGAPORE DEFENSE NEWS: Panetta, Singapore Defense Chief Affirm Deeper Cooperation And US Plans To Deploy Combat Ships To Singapore 


(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 6, 2012: The Defense Department's move to deploy U.S. combat ships to Singapore and raise the level of joint exercises will deepen the bilateral military relationship, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Singapore 


Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen said in a joint statement after a Pentagon meeting yesterday.
Panetta and Ng, in Washington on his first official visit as Singapore's defense minister, discussed defense and security issues and affirmed the nations' longstanding bilateral defense relationship, the statement said.


Both underscored the shared belief that a strong U.S. presence in the Asia-Pacific region enhances regional stability and security.


The defense leaders also discussed the proposal for the United States to deploy up to four littoral combat ships to Singapore. The ships will be deployed on a rotational basis and will not be based in Singapore. The deployment signals U.S. commitment to the region, the joint statement said, and enhances the ability to train and engage with regional partners.


The rotational deployments are one part of the U.S.-Singapore partnership documented in the 2005 Strategic Framework Agreement, Pentagon spokeswoman Navy Cmdr. Leslie Hull-Ryde said. "This marks a significant movement in terms of our cooperation with Singapore," she added. "The specific details related to this unprecedented engagement are still being discussed."


Panetta and Ng noted progress made since 2005 in deepening bilateral defense cooperation, and recognized the value of practical interaction among regional militaries, including exercises and exchanges, in building trust.


The defense leaders agreed to increase the complexity of bilateral exercises such as Commando Sling to enhance interoperability between their armed forces. The annual Commando Sling series began in 1990 to provide combined air combat training for fighter units from the air forces of the United States and Singapore.


http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2012/04/dtn-news-singapore-defense-news-panetta.html

DTN News - SINGAPORE DEFENSE NEWS: Panetta, Singapore Defense Chief Affirm Deeper Cooperation And US Plans To Deploy Combat Ships To Singapore


DTN News - SINGAPORE DEFENSE NEWS: Panetta, Singapore Defense Chief Affirm Deeper Cooperation And US Plans To Deploy Combat Ships To Singapore 


(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 6, 2012: The Defense Department's move to deploy U.S. combat ships to Singapore and raise the level of joint exercises will deepen the bilateral military relationship, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen said in a joint statement after a Pentagon meeting yesterday.


Panetta and Ng, in Washington on his first official visit as Singapore's defense minister, discussed defense and security issues and affirmed the nations' longstanding bilateral defense relationship, the statement said.


Both underscored the shared belief that a strong U.S. presence in the Asia-Pacific region enhances regional stability and security.


The defense leaders also discussed the proposal for the United States to deploy up to four littoral combat ships to Singapore. The ships will be deployed on a rotational basis and will not be based in Singapore. The deployment signals U.S. commitment to the region, the joint statement said, and enhances the ability to train and engage with regional partners.


The rotational deployments are one part of the U.S.-Singapore partnership documented in the 2005 Strategic Framework Agreement, Pentagon spokeswoman Navy Cmdr. Leslie Hull-Ryde said. "This marks a significant movement in terms of our cooperation with Singapore," she added. "The specific details related to this unprecedented engagement are still being discussed."


Panetta and Ng noted progress made since 2005 in deepening bilateral defense cooperation, and recognized the value of practical interaction among regional militaries, including exercises and exchanges, in building trust.


The defense leaders agreed to increase the complexity of bilateral exercises such as Commando Sling to enhance interoperability between their armed forces. The annual Commando Sling series began in 1990 to provide combined air combat training for fighter units from the air forces of the United States and Singapore.


http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2012/04/dtn-news-singapore-defense-news-panetta.html

Thursday, April 5, 2012

DTN News - GREETINGS: Happy Easter 2012 - Let There Be Peace On Earth, In Perfect Harmony

DTN News - GREETINGS: Happy Easter 2012 - Let There Be Peace On Earth, In Perfect Harmony

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 5, 2012: To Our Readers and Viewers of  DTN News Plus Everyone in the Global Village, a Very Happy Easter, this Divine Holyday, the Miracle of Miracles! Warm wishes for a wonderful Easter from DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News.

Easter and the holidays that are related to it are moveable feasts, in that they do not fall on a fixed date in the Gregorian or Julian calendars (both of which follow the cycle of the sun and the seasons). Instead, the date for Easter is determined on a lunisolar calendar similar to the Hebrew calendar. The First Council of Nicaea (325) established the date of Easter as the first Sunday after the full moon (the Paschal Full Moon) following the northern hemisphere's vernal equinox. Ecclesiastically, the equinox is reckoned to be on March 21 (even though the equinox occurs, astronomically speaking, on March 20 in most years), and the "Full Moon" is not necessarily the astronomically correct date.

In Western Christianity, using the Gregorian calendar, Easter always falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25, inclusively. The following day, Easter Monday, is a legal holiday in many countries with predominantly Christian traditions.  

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated April 5, 2012

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated April 5, 2012
  
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 5, 2012: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued  April 5, 2012   are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS
NAVY
            Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a $1,049,932,426 modification to definitize a previously awarded MH-60R/MH-60S mission avionics system/common cockpit advance acquisition contract to a firm-fixed-price, multiyear contract (N00019-11-C-0020).  This modification provides for the procurement of fiscal years 2012-2016 MH-60R Lot 10-14 mission avionics systems and common cockpits; MH-60 S Lot 14-17 common cockpits; and MH-60R/S integrated logistic support.  Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y. (58 percent); Farmingdale, N.Y. (25 percent); Woodland Hills, Calif. (4 percent); Ciudad Real, Spain (3 percent); East Syracuse, N.Y. (2 percent); Victor, N.Y. (2 percent); Everett, Wash. (1 percent); Stratford, Conn. (1 percent); St. Charles, Mo. (1 percent); Lewisville, Texas (1 percent); Bennington, Vt. (1 percent); and other locations inside the United States (1 percent).  Work is expected to be completed in June 2018.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

            Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Aerospace Systems, Melbourne, Fla., is being awarded a $27,058,492 modification to previously awarded contract (N61331-10-C-0023) for the procurement of the AN/AES-1 Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) low rate initial production.  Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla. (36.2 percent); Tucson, Ariz. (34 percent); St. Charles, Mo. (12.5 percent); Irvine, Calif. (8 percent); San Clarita, Calif. (5 percent); and Edgewood, N.Y. (4.3 percent).  Work is expected to be completed by April 2014.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, Panama City, Fla., is the contracting activity.

DTN News - JAPAN DEFENSE NEWS: Japan Ready For North Korea Missile Launch

DTN News - JAPAN DEFENSE NEWS: Japan Ready For North Korea Missile Launch

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 5, 2012: Japan has completed the deployment of a land-based system of interceptor missiles in preparation for a planned North Korean rocket launch later this month.

The exercise was finalised in Okinawa on Thursday, days after a similar deployment was completed on Monday in Naha, the capital of the Okinawa prefecture.

A Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles unit is seen as a police boat sails past in Ishigaki on Japan's southern island of Ishigaki Island, Okinawa prefecture April 5, 2012. Japan last Friday ordered its military to intercept the North Korean missile Pyongyang plans to launch next month if it poses a direct threat to Japan, a scenario the government considers unlikely. 

Japan plans to deploy Aegis radar-equipped destroyers carrying Standard Missile-3 interceptors in the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, and Patriot Advanced Capability-3 ground-based interceptors on some of Japan's southern islands and in the Tokyo metropolitan area, Defence Minister Naoki Tanaka said. Mandatory Credit.

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S.-Russia ‘Reset’ Holds Challenge, Opportunity Says Official

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S.-Russia ‘Reset’ Holds Challenge, Opportunity Says Official 

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 5, 2012: On Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, a Ghader missile is launched at the shore of sea of Oman during Iran's navy drill. The missile, called Ghader, or Capable in Farsi, was described as an upgraded version of a missile that has been in service before. During a graduation at Iran's main army academy, the country's leader effectively sketched out the Islamic Republic's tougher military posture. 

Iran's must never hesitate to display its power in a hard-edged world where the weak pay the price, he told the newly minted officers. Less than two months later, Khamenei's words were echoed by commanders who warned that Iran could block oil tanker shipping lanes in the Gulf in retaliation for sanctions and described foreign forces including a recent visit by an U.S. aircraft carrier as unwelcome interlopers in the region.

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S.-Russia ‘Reset’ Holds Challenge, Opportunity Says Official

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S.-Russia ‘Reset’ Holds Challenge, Opportunity Says Official

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 5, 2012: A Pro-Assad Syrian holds flags of Russia, right, and China as they demonstrate outside the meeting hall as foreign ministers from dozens of countries gather to set conditions for a new Syria, pushing for tighter sanctions and diplomatic pressure to further isolate President Bashar Assad, while urging the opposition to offer a democratic alternative to his regime, in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, April 1, 2012. 

The show of solidarity at the Friends of the Syrian People  conference in Istanbul, was marred by the absence of China, Russia and Iran, key supporters of Assad who disagree with Western and Arab allies over how to stop the bloodshed.

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S.-Russia ‘Reset’ Holds Challenge, Opportunity Says Official

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S.-Russia ‘Reset’ Holds Challenge, Opportunity Says Official

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 5, 2012: Former Taliban militants walk to hand over their weapons during a joining ceremony with the Afghan government in Herat, Afghanistan, Saturday, March 31, 2012. 

About 35 former Taliban militants from Herat province handed over their weapons as part of a peace-reconciliation program. (Photo - AP)

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S.-Russia ‘Reset’ Holds Challenge, Opportunity Says Official

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S.-Russia ‘Reset’ Holds Challenge, Opportunity Says Official

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 5, 2012: The strategic “reset” of relations between the United States and Russia is gradually bringing results, a senior defense policy expert said today.

Celeste A. Wallander, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia policy, discussed challenges and opportunities in U.S.-Russia relations with members of the Women's Foreign Policy Group here today.

The reset strategy is “to cooperate in areas where we can cooperate with Russia, in areas that serve American national interest … and communicate clearly and honestly” on topics where the two governments don’t agree, she said.

The United States and Russia have made some important progress, Wallander noted, including:

-- Implementing the “New START” nuclear arms reduction treaty;
-- Making progress toward agreement on Iran;
-- Achieving some cooperation in the NATO-led Afghanistan mission; and
-- Strengthening defense and security communication both between the two nations and between Russia and NATO.

“The New START treaty was an important achievement. … It is another step in reducing global nuclear weapons stockpiles,” she said. The treaty also re-established regular mutual nuclear weapons inspections and meetings involving American and Russian military leaders and nuclear experts, she added.

On Iran, Russia has ended a contract that would have provided that country with Russian-made “very dangerous air defense systems,” Wallander said, and Russia supports the Afghanistan effort by allowing U.S. and NATO troops and cargo to travel through its territory.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Rare Photo - Elvis Presley ~ Entertaining the Troops

DTN News - Rare Photo: Elvis Presley ~ Entertaining the Troops

Private Presley treats his bunkmates to a few tunes at a U.S. military base in Germany

Presented & compiled Rare Photo for DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

Quote of The Day ~ April 5, 2012

Quote of The Day ~ April 5, 2012

And this our life,
exempt from public haunt,

Finds tongues in trees,
books in running brooks,

Sermons in stones,
and good in everything.

William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616),

Presented & compiled By Quotes of the Day for DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

DTN News - SAUDI ARABIA DEFENSE NEWS: BAE Systems Signs Saudi-Eurofighter Deal

DTN News - SAUDI ARABIA DEFENSE NEWS: BAE Systems Signs Saudi-Eurofighter Deal

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 4, 2012: British defence contractor BAE Systems said a contract to build 48 Typhoon aircraft in Britain for the Saudi Arabian air force had been signed but changes to the price of the deal had yet to be agreed.

BAE had expected changes to the terms of the deal to be signed off in 2011, but it warned in January this year that talks over proposed adjustments to the final assembly of the last 48 of the 72 Typhoon aircraft would continue into 2012 and could hit 2011 profit.

The proposed changes -- such as the creation of a maintenance facility in Saudi Arabia, the addition of new capability to some aircraft and the formalisation of price changes -- could affect the price of the deal.

The Salam deal to build a total of 72 aircraft was signed in 2007 and is worth around 4.5 billion pounds ($7.21 billion), with the first squadron of 24 already delivered to the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF).

"The contract for the final assembly of 48 Typhoon aircraft in the UK has now been signed and final assembly has commenced at our Warton facility, discussions are ongoing with regard to the creation of a maintenance facility in Saudi Arabia and the formalisation of price variations," BAE said in an email sent to Reuters on Tuesday.
"In terms of ... conversion to Tranche 3 and formalisation of price escalation, good progress has been made with budgets approved in December 2011 through the royal decree. Negotiations on price escalation will continue into 2012."

Conversion of the jets to a Tranche 3 variant will see new missile and radar technology added to the Typhoon.

The Saudi royal decree, which was signed off at the end of 2011, releases some 1.5 billion pounds ($2.40 billion) on top of the existing Salam programme commitment for a series of enhancements, BAE said.

Saudi Arabia's Defence Minister Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz is due to meet British Prime Minister David Cameron and Defence Secretary Philip Hammond in London later on Tuesday. Saudi Arabia is a key Arab ally and a major buyer of British-made defence equipment.

Prince Salman is responsible for securing multi-billion dollar arms purchases, which have been used to cement Saudi Arabia's ties with the West. He is also seen as a possible candidate to one day rule the conservative Islamic kingdom.

Earlier this year two Western defence sources said Saudi Arabia, which placed a $29.4 billion order for new Boeing F-15 jets in late 2011, was in the early stage of talks to increase its Typhoon order by as many as 48 aircraft.

Earlier this year BAE said talks with Saudi over changes to its order for 72 Eurofighter Typhoon jets would continue into 2012. The delay hit its earnings last year, which fell 7 percent.

DTN News - PAKISTAN NEWS: Pakistani Islamist Leader Hafiz Saeed Mocks U.S. Over $10Million Bounty At News Conference

DTN News - PAKISTAN NEWS: Pakistani Islamist Leader Hafiz Saeed Mocks U.S. Over $10Million Bounty At News Conference

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 4, 2012: The founder of Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has described a $10m (£6.2m) bounty on his head - announced by the US on Tuesday - as "regrettable and misdirected".

In an interview with the Associated Press news agency, Hafiz Saeed said that such rewards "are usually for those who live in caves and mountains".

Mr Saeed travels widely in Pakistan from his base in the city of Lahore.

He now heads the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) group, widely seen as a LeT front.

LeT is blamed for the 2008 Mumbai attacks in India. The three-day rampage by 10 gunmen in November 2008 left 165 people dead. Nine of the attackers were also killed.

Local media on Wednesday quoted Pakistan interior ministry sources as saying that the government cannot proceed against Mr Saeed without "hard and undeniable evidence that can withstand judicial scrutiny".

He has consistently denied any suggestion that either he or JuD - which he says is a charity - played any role in militant violence.

Pakistan arrested LeT's senior leaders after the Mumbai attacks. But most of them, including Mr Saeed, were later freed on appeal.

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing Delivers Air France's 60th 777 Passenger Jetliner

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing Delivers Air France's 60th 777 Passenger Jetliner

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / EVERETT, Wash - April 4, 2012: Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Air France celebrated the delivery of Air France’s 60th 777 passenger jetliner on April 3. The airplane, showing taking off from Paine Field in Everett on April 3, is a 777-300ER (Extended Range) model. Air France’s newest 777-300ER seats 468 passengers in a three-class configuration. 

Air France's newest 777-300ER seats 468 passengers in a three-class configuration. The brand-new cabin includes 14 business class lie-flat seat beds measuring over 78.74 inches (2 m) in length, plus an in-seat entertainment system with 15-inch (38 cm) wide screens in 16:9 format. It also features 32 "Alize" new premium economy fixed-shell seats offering 40 percent additional space compared with seats in economy class.

Air France, a member of Sky Team, will operate this 777-300ER between Paris and the French Overseas Departments in the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean regions, including Fort de France, Pointe a Pitre and St-Denis de la Reunion.

By summer 2012, Air France will operate a total of 62 777 passenger jetliners and two 777 Freighters.

DTN News - CANADA DEFENSE NEWS: Canada May Re-Think Acquisition Of F-35 JSF On Damning Report By Auditor General

DTN News - CANADA DEFENSE NEWS: Canada May Re-Think Acquisition Of F-35 JSF On Damning Report By Auditor General 

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 4, 2012: The Harper government froze spending Tuesday on the multi-billion-dollar plan to buy new jet fighters minutes after the auditor general produced a withering report accusing the Department of National Defence of keeping Parliament in the dark about spiralling problems with the F-35 purchase.

The government also announced it would take away DND's ability to buy new weapons systems and hand it to Public Works — all in an effort to shield itself from the ensuing assault in the House of Commons that followed the release of the report by new Auditor General Michael Ferguson.

The Defence Department faced wide-ranging scorn over its management of the a plan to buy 65 new F-35 radar-evading stealth fighters for what the military initially insisted would cost $9 billion. The cost of the purchase, which is already the largest single purchase of military hardware in Canadian history, will almost certainly be far higher than originally budgeted, Ferguson said.

He added that Public Works should have done a better job of overseeing the purchase, but Ferguson was particularly scathing about DND's failure to come clean on potential problems with buying the F-35.

“Briefing material did not inform senior decision makers, central agencies, and the Minister of the problems and associated risks of relying on the F-35 to replace the CF-18," Ferguson said in his report. "Nor did National Defence provide complete cost information to parliamentarians."

DND pointedly rejected criticism that it did not exercise due diligence in managing the project.

The auditor general's criticism does not mean the government will scrap the F-35 purchase or even consider opening up the sole-source procurement to other competitive bids.

Ferguson's mandate limits his criticism to the conduct of bureaucrats, but his findings could be incendiary for the Harper government. The audit came just one week after Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced $5.2 billion in cuts to public spending in his deficit-fighting budget.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

DTN News - MYANMAR NEWS: Suu Kyi's Party Wins 43 Seats In Myanmar Parliament


DTN News - MYANMAR NEWS: Suu Kyi's Party Wins 43 Seats In Myanmar Parliament 


(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 3, 2012: Democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi's party won almost all the seats it contested in Myanmar elections, becoming the main opposition force in the national parliament, official results showed Tuesday.


The veteran dissident's National League for Democracy stormed to victory in 43 of the 44 constituencies where it fielded candidates in Sunday's polls, according to an election commission announcement on state television.


The landslide win in the by-elections gave Suu Kyi her first-ever seat in parliament, although it will not threaten the comfortable majority of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).


The Nobel laureate said in her victory speech on Monday that she hoped the vote would mark a "new era" for the nation after decades of repressive junta rule, but appealed for political unity and urged her supporters not to gloat.


The NLD won 37 seats in the 440-seat lower house, along with four in the upper house and two in the regional chambers, the results showed.
One quarter of the seats are reserved for unelected military officials.


The NLD lost one seat in eastern Shan state to the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party, which has strong support among ethnic minorities.


The USDP took just one seat, in a constituency in northwest Sagaing where the NLD candidate was disqualified from standing.


Suu Kyi's election to political office marks the latest sweeping change in the country formerly known as Burma after decades of outright military rule ended last year.


Myanmar's quasi-civilian government has surprised even its critics over the past year with a string of reforms such as releasing hundreds of political prisoners and welcoming the opposition back into mainstream politics.


President Thein Sein hailed the polls as a success.


http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2012/04/dtn-news-myanmar-news-suu-kyis-party.html

DTN News - ASEAN SUMMIT 2012: Presidents And Prime Ministers - Group 'Family Photo' During ASEAN Summit 2012 At Peace Palace In Phnom Penh Cambodia

DTN News - ASEAN SUMMIT 2012: Presidents And Prime Ministers - Group 'Family Photo' During ASEAN Summit 2012 At Peace Palace In Phnom Penh Cambodia

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 3, 2012: Presidents and prime ministers pose for a photograph during the opening ceremony of the 20th ASEAN summit and the celebration of the 45th Anniversary of ASEAN at the Peace Palace, in the Office of the Council of Ministers in Phnom Penh April 3, 2012. 

Pictured are (L-R): Philippine President Benigno Aquino, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen, Brunei's President Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's Vice President Boediono, Laos' Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak and Myanmar's President Thein Sein.

DTN News - CANADA DEFENSE NEWS: F-35 Stealth Fighter Program Faces Day Of Reckoning

DTN News - CANADA DEFENSE NEWS: F-35 Stealth Fighter Program Faces Day Of Reckoning

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 3, 2012: National Defence and Public Works face a day of reckoning today as the auditor general releases a much anticipated report on the troubled F-35 stealth fighter program.

A draft copy of Auditor General Michael Ferguson's report has been making the rounds in Ottawa for weeks.

Sources say it criticizes the government for not doing its pricing homework and failing to follow procurement rules in the largest ever military hardware purchase.

The Canadian Forces wants to buy 65 stealth fighters to replace the aging fleet of CF-18 jet fighters.

The Conservative government says it will pay US$75 million per aircraft when it starts buying them in 2016, which some critics say is too low by half.

The U.S. and Britain signed contracts for the delivery of early-production aircraft at between US$140 million and US$145 million each, but Canadian officials have long insisted that the price will drop as the assembly line ramps up.

Monday, April 2, 2012

DTN News - JAPAN DEFENSE NEWS: Japan Orders Interception Of North Korean Missile - JMSDF Transport Vessel With PAC-3 Missiles Sails From Western Japan To Intercept North Korean Missile

DTN News - JAPAN DEFENSE NEWS: Japan Orders Interception Of North Korean Missile - JMSDF Transport Vessel With PAC-3 Missiles Sails From Western Japan To Intercept North Korean Missile


(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 2, 2012: Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force's transport vessel Osumi carrying unit of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles sails from Kure base off the coast of Kure, western Japan, in this photo taken by Kyodo April 1, 2012. 


Japan on Friday ordered its military to intercept the North Korean missile Pyongyang plans to launch next month if it poses a direct threat to Japan, a scenario the government considers unlikely.


 Japan plans to deploy Aegis radar-equipped destroyers carrying Standard Missile-3 interceptors in the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, and Patriot Advanced Capability-3 ground-based interceptors on some of Japan's southern islands and in the Tokyo metropolitan area, Defence Minister Naoki Tanaka said. Mandatory Credit.


http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2012/04/dtn-news-japan-defense-news-images-show.html

DTN News - JAPAN DEFENSE NEWS: Images Show North Korea Launch Work

DTN News - JAPAN DEFENSE NEWS: Images Show North Korea Launch Work

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 2, 2012: A truck loaded with a unit of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles is placed into Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force's transport vessel Osumi at Kure base in Hiroshima, western Japan, in this photo taken by Kyodo on March 31, 2012. 

Japan on Friday ordered its military to intercept the North Korean missile Pyongyang plans to launch next month if it poses a direct threat to Japan, a scenario the government considers unlikely. 

Japan plans to deploy Aegis radar-equipped destroyers carrying Standard Missile-3 interceptors in the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, and Patriot Advanced Capability-3 ground-based interceptors on some of Japan's southern islands and in the Tokyo metropolitan area, Defence Minister Naoki Tanaka said.

Quote of The Day ~ April 2, 2012

Quote of The Day ~ April 2, 2012

When someone shares something 
of value with you and 
you benefit from it, 

You have a moral obligation 
to share it with others

Chinese Proverb          


Presented & compiled By Quotes of the Day for DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

DTN News - RUSSIA DEFENSE NEWS: Russia's Defense Ministry Wants Strike Drone

DTN News - RUSSIA DEFENSE NEWS: Russia's Defense Ministry Wants Strike Drone

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 2, 2012: Russia’s Defense Ministry has issued a technical specification for development of a strike unmanned air vehicle (UAV), Izvestia daily said on Monday quoting a high-level source.

Tranzas company will build the UAV's on-board electronics as well as its navigation and control systems. The airframe, which will weigh about five tons, will be produced by the Kazan-based Sokol design bureau.

The new aircraft will have a modular structure, the source said, and will be able to carry various types of equipment and armament.

Russia’s Defense Ministry sealed contracts worth an estimated 3 billion rubles ($101.9 million) with Tranzas and Sokol in October 2011 for research work into creation of strike and reconnaissance UAVs.

In late March, Russian Air Force commander-in-chief Col. Gen. Alexander Zelin, told Moscovsky Komsomolets tabloid that strike drones will enter service before 2020. He did not specify how many drones will be acquired.

The United States has relied heavily on UAVs including the Predator system to carry out missile attacks on insurgents in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border area.

DTN News - MALAYSIA DEFENSE NEWS: Malaysian Army Chief Datuk Zulkifli Zainal Abidin In India Talking To Indian Army Chief General V. K. Singh

DTN News - MALAYSIA DEFENSE NEWS: Malaysian Army Chief Datuk Zulkifli Zainal Abidin In India Talking To Indian Army Chief General V. K. Singh 

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 2, 2012: Malaysian Army Chief Datuk Zulkifli Zainal Abidin (L) talks with Indian army chief general V. K. Singh after inspecting a guard of honour in New Delhi on April 2, 2012. Abidin is on an official visit to India. (Photo - Getty)

DTN News - MALAYSIA DEFENSE NEWS: Malaysian Army Chief Datuk Zulkifli Zainal Abidin Is On An Official Visit To India

DTN News - MALAYSIA DEFENSE NEWS: Malaysian Army Chief Datuk Zulkifli Zainal Abidin Is On An Official Visit To India

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 2, 2012: Malaysian Army Chief Datuk Zulkifli Zainal Abidin inspects a guard of honour in New Delhi on April 2, 2012. Abidin is on an official visit to India.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India To Deploy Two Nuclear Submarines

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India To Deploy Two Nuclear Submarines

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 1, 2012: India will operate two nuclear powered submarines soon as it inducts the Russian Nerpa and launches the indigenous INS Arihant, Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) Chief V K Saraswat said on Saturday.

"INS Arihant is in advanced stages. It will be ready for operations within the next few months,” he was quoted by The Economic Times as saying.

India is also testing the Sagarika K-15 missile that will be carried by INS Arihant, V K Saraswat said, adding that more than 10 test launches have been carried out in the Bay of Bengal.

The Nerpa has been leased from Russia for ten years and will be delivered next week, he said.

The Nerpa, an Akula II-class attack submarine, had originally been scheduled for delivery to India in 2008. However, that date was moved back after twenty people, mostly civilians, died during sea trials earlier that year when a fire-suppressant gas was accidently released on the sub.