DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated November 14, 2011

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated November 14, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - November 14, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued November 14, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Lockheed Martin Gyrocam Systems, L.L.C., Sarasota, Fla. (M67854-12-D-5504), and FLIR Systems, Inc., North Billerica, Mass. (M67854-12-D-5503), are each being awarded a commercial, firm-fixed-priced, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract for up to a maximum quantity of 951 Vehicle Optic Sensor Systems (VOSS), including spare parts, maintenance/sustainment, training, and provisional technical data in Afghanistan and the continental United States. The maximum dollar value for both contracts combined, including the base year and four option years, is $513,697,547. FLIR Systems is being awarded delivery order 0001 at $1,985,226. Lockheed Martin Gyrocam Systems is being awarded delivery order 0001 at $251,500. The delivery order is for one VOSS unit and co-site integration. Work for these delivery orders is expected to be completed within 30 days from award. Work will be performed in Sarasota, Fla., and Billerica, Mass., and is expected to be completed November 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with three proposals received. These two contractors will compete for delivery orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $41,616,738 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for New England Maintenance Manpower Initiative requirements. Under the terms of the contract, Electric Boat will provide services required to support planned and emergent non-nuclear maintenance and repair of operational nuclear submarines, floating dry-docks, support and service craft, and other platforms and equipment at the Naval Submarine Support Facility, New London, Conn. Electric Boat is the only source capable of performing this work. Work will be performed in New London, Conn., and is expected to be completed by November 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $1,500,000 will be provided at time of contract award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-12-C-4312).

General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $15,140,535 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-11-C-2109) to exercise an option for engineering and technical design services to support research and development of advanced submarine technologies for current and future submarine platforms. Advanced submarine research and development includes studies to support the manufacturability, maintainability, producibility, reliability, manning, survivability, hull integrity, performance, structural, weight/margin, stability, arrangements, machinery systems, acoustics, hydrodynamics, ship control, logistics, human factors, materials, weapons handling and stowage, submarine safety, and affordability. The program also supports near term insertion of Virginia-class technology; identification of Ohio-class replacement technology options; future submarine concepts; and core technologies. Funds in the amount of $656,000 will be obligated at time of award. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and is expected to be completed by October 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $10,409,837 modification to a delivery order placed previously against basic ordering agreement (N00019-07-G-0008) for the procurement of 40 central de-ice distributor and 44 nacelle ice protection controller unit retrofit kits for the V-22 Ice Protection System. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2013. 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.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/11/dtn-news-us-department-of-defense_14.html

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Barack Obama And Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper Having A Happy Hour At APEC

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Barack Obama And Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper Having A Happy Hour At APEC

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 14, 2011: US President Barack Obama and Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper share a ligt moment during a lunch break at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Summit in Kapolei, Hawaii, on November 13 , 2011.

The United States hosts this year's APEC forum for the first time since 1993, with leaders from the 21 member economies convening on the island of Oahu on November 12-13. (Photo - Getty)

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/11/dtn-news-apec-summit-in-honolulu-asia.html

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Barack Obama Poses With Other APEC Leaders For A family Photo At APEC

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Barack Obama Poses With Other APEC Leaders For A family Photo At APEC

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 14, 2011: U.S. President Barack Obama poses with other APEC leaders for a family photo at the APEC Summit in Honolulu, Hawaii November 13, 2011. (Photo - Reuters)

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DTN News - IRAN NUCLEAR FACTORS: Israel Too Weak To Harm Iran Says Vahidi

DTN News - IRAN NUCLEAR FACTORS: Israel Too Weak To Harm Iran Says Vahidi

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / TEHRAN, Iran - November 14, 2011: Amid speculations about the possibility of an Israeli attack against Iranian nuclear sites, Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi insists the Israeli regime is too weak to harm the Islamic Republic.

Any attempt by the “Zionist regime” to enter into a conflict with a power such as Iran will be suicidal, said Vahidi, speaking Sunday to reporters at the sideline of a ceremony, unveiling three types of sport and hunting weapons.

“Anytime the Zionist regime desires to commit suicide, it should then adopt such a decision,” the top general said, quoted in an IRIB report.

As Iran has repeatedly emphasized, the Islamic Republic will firmly respond to any foreign threat in a manner that would make the enemy think twice before engaging in any sort of aggression against the nation, the minister emphasized.

Vahidi reiterated that an attack against Iran by the Israeli regime will spell into an end to its existence.

Washington and the Tel Aviv regime have repeatedly threatened Tehran with military strikes on the false pretext that Iran's nuclear program may have a covert military diversion.

Israeli President Shimon Peres claimed on November 6 that an attack against the Islamic Republic was getting "more and more likely,” a claimed fiercely rejected by many international observers and officials.

Tehran has categorically refuted rhetorical allegations by US-led Western powers, saying that as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, it has the right to develop and acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

Iranian officials have vowed to deliver a crushing response to any military strike against the country, warning that any such measure could result in a war that would certainly reach far beyond the Middle East.

With over 50 types of state-of-the-art missiles at its disposal, Iran is readily capable of delivering a death blow to any aggressor who ventures to violate its soil. However, Iran has frequently said its military might poses no threat to other countries and that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/11/dtn-news-iran-nuclear-factors-israel.html

DTN News - BOEING NEWS / AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing, Oman Air Announce Order For Six Boeing 787 Dreamliners

DTN News - BOEING NEWS / AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing, Oman Air Announce Order For Six Boeing 787 Dreamliners

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 14, 2011: Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Oman Air, Sultanate of Oman's flagship carrier, today announced an order for six Boeing 787-8s at the Dubai Airshow.

The airline completed an arrangement with Boeing and Kuwait-based leasing company ALAFCO to transfer existing orders for the six Dreamliners from ALAFCO to Oman Air.

"Our decision to order the 787-8 is part of Oman Air's long-term growth strategy to expand and modernize our fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes," said Peter Hill, chief executive officer, Oman Air. "We see direct benefits because of the Dreamliner's fuel efficiency and operating economics as well as the enhanced travel experience that Oman Air will be able to offer its customers aboard this airplane."

In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to mid-size airplanes, the 787 provides airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency using 20 percent less fuel than today's similarly sized airplanes. The key to the exceptional performance of the 787 Dreamliner is a suite of new technologies, including advanced composite materials, systems, aerodynamics and engines. Passengers will also see improvements on the 787, from an interior environment with higher humidity to increased comfort and convenience.

Since its establishment in 1993, Oman Air has witnessed massive growth and has played a major role in making Muscat an important traffic hub in the Middle East. The airline currently operates direct international flights from Muscat to 41 destinations across the Gulf, the Levant, Europe, East Africa and Asia. Oman Air's commitment to quality, comfort and a seamless passenger experience has resulted in international acclaim, including major regional and international awards and an Official 4 Star Airline (Skytrax 2011) rating.

"Boeing and Oman Air share a decade-long partnership and we look forward to opening a new chapter together with the 787 Dreamliner," said Marty Bentrott, vice president of Sales for Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We see the 787 as a perfect complement to Oman Air's growing fleet, which will enable them to serve new destinations and enhance customer experience with the world's most advanced passenger jet."

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/11/dtn-news-boeing-news-airlines-news_14.html

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: Asia-Pacific Region Critical To US Economic Recovery Says Obama

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: Asia-Pacific Region Critical To US Economic Recovery Says Obama

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 13, 2011: In the Pacific state of Hawaii, U.S. President Barack Obama on Sunday told leaders of the 21 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation economies that the region will be key to U.S. economic recovery.

With much of the formal summit activity, including a working lunch, concentrated over a few hours, Mr. Obama underscored the importance of APEC's trade liberalization priorities for the global economy and the United States.

Addressing the opening session, the president said the nearly three billion people in 21 APEC countries are looking to the three-decade-old organization to create opportunities through expanded trade that will boost economic growth and create jobs.

APEC's goals of slashing tariffs and removing trade barriers, Mr. Obama said, are critical for the U.S. economic recovery. "The Asia-Pacific region is absolutely critical to America's economic growth. We consider it a top priority. And we consider it a top priority because we are not going to be able to put our folks back to work and grow our economy and expand opportunity, unless the Asia-Pacific region is also successful," he said.

Mr. Obama said the region is key to his objective of doubling U.S. exports, adding that APEC economies need to work together to spur "quicker, sturdy and sustainable" economic growth.

A final APEC statement is expected to point to progress toward creating what Mr. Obama referred to as a "seamless regional economy," with agreements aimed at boosting trade and investment by promoting "green" jobs, innovation, and streamlining and coordinating regulations.

The United States and eight other APEC nations already have announced agreement on "broad outlines" to create a new Trans-Pacific Partnership trade group, or TPP, that Mr. Obama says would be a model for broader open regional trade.

In addition to the United States, other TPP participants include Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. China has been critical of the grouping, saying it reflects protectionist tendencies in APEC.

U.S. officials say Mr. Obama was expected to hold additional talks on the sidelines of the summit with Chinese President Hu Jintao. In their main meeting on Saturday, the two men discussed trade and differences over China's currency policies.

The issue of Iran's nuclear program and a recent International Atomic Energy Agency report that provided evidence of secret Iranian weapons development efforts have also been a focus of Mr. Obama's meetings with the leaders of China and Russia.

U.S. officials say China and Russia remain supportive of continuing diplomatic steps aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapons capability.

Mr. Obama says that he and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev agreed to work to "shape a common response" on Iran against the backdrop of the nuclear report. U.S. officials say consultations will continue about the next steps to increase pressure on Tehran.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/11/dtn-news-apec-summit-in-honolulu-asia.html

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: IMF's Christine Lagarde And US President Barack Obama At APEC Forum

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: IMF's Christine Lagarde And US President Barack Obama At APEC Forum

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 13, 2011: International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde, left, and U.S. President Barack Obama arrive for the leaders' plenary session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011, in Kapolei, Hawaii. (Photo - AP)

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DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: Canada's Prime Minister Harper, Russian President Medvedev And President Barack Obama At APEC Forum

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev And US President Barack Obama At APEC Forum

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 13, 2011: Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper (C) is greeted by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (R) as US President Barack Obama (L) looks on in Kapolei, Hawaii, on November 13 , 2011 during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Summit.

The United States hosts this year's APEC forum for the first time since 1993, with leaders from the 21 member economies convening on the island of Oahu on November 12-13. (Photo - Getty)

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. To Build Up Military Base In Darwin To Counter Growing Chinese Influence

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. To Build Up Military Base In Darwin To Counter Growing Chinese Influence

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada, November 13, 2011: President Barack Obama will announce an accord for a new and permanent U.S. military presence in Australia when he visits next week, a step aimed at countering China's influence and reasserting U.S. interest in the region, said people familiar with his plans.

The agreement will lead to an increase in U.S. naval operations off the coast of Australia and give American troops and ships "permanent and constant" access to Australian facilities, the people said. While no new American bases will be built under the plan, the arrangement will allow U.S. forces to place equipment in Australia and set up more joint exercises, they said.

The move could help the U.S. military, now concentrated in Japan and South Korea in Northeast Asia, to spread its influence west and south across the region, including the strategically and economically important South China Sea, which China considers as its sovereign territory.

It was unclear how much the new presence would cost the Pentagon, which is facing years and hundreds of billion dollars in spending cuts.

But the expanded military presence is designed as a demonstration of U.S. commitment to the region, part of an effort to refocus on Asia as the U.S. withdraws from Iraq and draws its forces down in Afghanistan, officials in both countries said.

"It will demonstrate U.S. resolve, not just for Australia, but in the region," Maj. Gen. Tim McOwan, the Australian defense attaché in Washington, said in an interview this week.

At a daily press briefing on Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Chinese officials "hope relevant countries' bilateral cooperation will be conducive to the Asia-Pacific region's security, peace and stability."

The strategy comes weeks after China sent its first its first aircraft carrier to sea, a defining moment in its effort to become a top-tier naval power that seeks to challenge U.S. military supremacy in Asia and protect Chinese economic interests that now span the globe.

Several Asian nations, fearful of the threat China poses, also are beefing up their arsenals, fearing that the U.S. security umbrella is being eroded by China's enhanced capabilities and possible U.S. defense cuts.

One base slated for the stepped-up American presence is in Darwin, on the country's north coast. Other locations are possible, including one near Perth, on the west coast, one person said.

"Strategically, we want to be able to reassure the rest of Asia that the American presence is still strong in the 21st century as China develops its force," said Ernie Bower, director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank.

Officials declined to detail how many new troops or sailors would be part of the U.S. effort, or how many ships would be stationed in the area, ahead of Mr. Obama's announcement next week. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, while traveling throughout the region last month, vowed an expansion in U.S. influence, but also declined to specify costs or force sizes.

An administration official said the stepped-up presence will be phased in over several years under the agreement. The deal isn't yet final and details could change.

On his trip, Mr. Obama will mark the 60th anniversary of the U.S.-Australian alliance with a speech to Parliament and a visit to a military base in Darwin, where he and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard will jointly address Australian troops.

Neither leader is expected to characterize the move as directly confronting the Chinese. But U.S. officials said one of the goals of Mr. Obama's Asia trip is to clarify free access to the South China Sea.

Mr. Panetta, after a meeting with the Australians in September, said that enhanced military cooperation would counter "threats and challenges" to come. "Security and prosperity of our two great nations depends on the security and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region," he said.

The full range of U.S. naval ships is expected to rotate through the joint facilities, stopping for exercises as well as repairs and other shore work. Naval aircraft also will have access to a base in Darwin.

The increased U.S. presence will be a rotating force, one person said. In September, Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith said the enhance cooperation would be "more ships in, ships out; more planes in, planes out; more troops in, troops out."

Gen. McOwan, the defense attaché, said the increase in U.S. naval operations will send a message to the Chinese that the U.S. is committed to defending the security of regional sea and air trade routes. The stepped-up American presence will reassure Australia and well as other countries in the region that the U.S. is engaged at a time when Chinese intentions are uncertain, he said.

Still, Gen. McOwan added that the American commitments Mr. Obama plans to announce are "not going to frighten the Chinese."

"It's more symbolic than real," he said.

—Julian E. Barnes,

Brian Spegele

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/11/dtn-news-defense-news-us-to-build-up.html

DTN News - BOEING NEWS / AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing, Emirates Announce Historic Order For 50 777-300ERs

DTN News - BOEING NEWS / AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing, Emirates Announce Historic Order For 50 777-300ERs

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 13, 2011: Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Dubai-based Emirates Airline today announced an order for 50 Boeing 777-300ERs (Extended Range) plus options for an additional 20 of the popular twin-aisle commercial jetliner.

The order, with a value of $18 billion, makes this the single largest commercial airplane order in Boeing's history by dollar value. It also makes 2011 the best-selling year for the 777 program, surpassing the previous record of 154 orders set in 2005. With the Emirates order, the 2011 net order book for the 777 currently stands at 182. The options for 20 additional airplanes is valued at $8 billion.

"The 777's reliability, performance and operating economics have firmly established it as the backbone of our fleet," said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline & Group. "We have an ambitious and strategic plan to continue growing our international network and especially increasing our long-haul, non-stop routes. This order supports our fleet expansion and reiterates our commitment to operating a modern fleet for the benefit of our passengers and to ensure operational efficiency as well."

Emirates is the world's largest 777 operator with a fleet of 94 777s through direct purchase and lease, plus additional unfilled orders on backlog for 41 777-300ERs previously on order. It is also the only airline in the world to operate every model in the Boeing 777 family, including the 777 Freighter.

Emirates took delivery of its first Boeing 777 – a 777-200 in 1996, and since then, the airline has deployed the 777 on short, medium and long-haul routes.

"This is an extremely proud moment for us as it not only underscores Emirates' ongoing confidence in the 777 but also makes this the single largest order by dollar value in Boeing's history," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "As the largest operator of the 777 in the world, Emirates has played an important role in development of the airplane and its input over the years has been invaluable in the development of the 777 program."

The Boeing 777 is the world's most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane. The 777-300ER extends the 777 family's span of capabilities, bringing twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range market. The airplane carries 365 passengers up to 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km).

Boeing incorporated several performance enhancements for the 777-300ER, extending its range and payload capabilities. Excellent performance during flight testing, combined with engine efficiency improvements and design changes that reduce drag and airplane weight, contributed to the increased capability.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/11/dtn-news-boeing-news-airlines-news.html

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Obama & Michelle Obama Greet Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper And Wife Laureen At APEC Dinner

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Barack Obama And First Lady Michelle Obama Greet Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper And His Wife Laureen At APEC Dinner

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 13, 2011: U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greet Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper (2nd R) and his wife Laureen as they arrive at the opening dinner of the APEC Leaders Summit in Honolulu, Hawaii November 12, 2011.(Photo - Reuters)

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DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Barack Obama And First Lady Michelle Obama Greet Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev At APEC Dinner

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Barack Obama And First Lady Michelle Obama Greet Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev At APEC Dinner

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 13, 2011: U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greet Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev as he arrives at the opening dinner of the APEC Leaders Summit in Honolulu, Hawaii November 12, 2011. (Photo - Reuters)

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Man's Best Friend - Stay & Ride Together

Man's Best Friend - Stay & Ride Together

*Presented & compiled By BHGSG News for DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

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DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Obama & Michelle Obama Greet Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong At APEC Dinner

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Barack Obama And First Lady Michelle Obama Greet Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong At APEC Dinner

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 13, 2011: U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greet Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as he arrives at the opening dinner of the APEC Leaders Summit in Honolulu, Hawaii November 12, 2011.

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DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Obama & Michelle Obama Greet Peru's President Ollanta Humala & Wife Nadine Heredia At APEC Dinner

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Barack Obama And First Lady Michelle Obama Greet Peru's President Ollanta Humala (L) And His Wife Nadine Heredia At APEC Dinner

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 13, 2011: U.S. President Barack Obama (front R) and first lady Michelle Obama greet Peru's President Ollanta Humala (L) and his wife Nadine Heredia (2nd from L) as they arrive at the opening dinner of the APEC Leaders Summit in Honolulu, Hawaii November 12, 2011.

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DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Obama & Michelle Obama Greet Taiwan's Representative Lien Chan & Wife Lien Fang-Yu At APEC Dinner

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Barack Obama And First Lady Michelle Obama Greet Taiwan's Representative Lien Chan And His Wife Lien Fang-Yu At APEC Dinner

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 13, 2011: U.S. President Barack Obama (R) and first lady Michelle Obama greet Taiwan's Representative Lien Chan and his wife Lien Fang-Yu (L) as they arrive at the opening dinner of the APEC Leaders Summit in Honolulu, Hawaii November 12, 2011. (Photo - Reuters)

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DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Obama & Michelle Obama Greet Indonesia's President Yudhoyono & His Wife Herawati At APEC Dinner

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Barack Obama And First Lady Michelle Obama Greet Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono And His Wife Kristiani Herawati At APEC Dinner

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 13, 2011: U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greet Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his wife Kristiani Herawati as they arrive at the opening dinner of the APEC Leaders Summit in Honolulu, Hawaii November 12, 2011. (Photo - Reuters)

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DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Barack Obama & Michelle Obama Greet China's President Hu Jintao & His Wife Liu Yongqing At APEC Dinner

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Barack Obama And First Lady Michelle Obama Greet China's President Hu Jintao And His Wife Liu Yongqing At APEC Dinner

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 13, 2011: U.S. President Barack Obama (R) and first lady Michelle Obama greet China's President Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing (L) as they arrive at the opening dinner of the APEC Leaders Summit in Honolulu, Hawaii November 12, 2011. (Photo - Reuters)

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China - Money, Money, Money - Yuan, Yuan, Yuan

China - Money, Money, Money - Yuan, Yuan, Yuan

China is loaning funds to USA, European Union, African & Pakistan., still have YUAN to paste on the walls in Beijing, China., demonstrating to the world that it has come a long way from the grey-blue uniform of communist China

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Beast Of Burden By Funny Pictures

Beast Of Burden By Funny Pictures

I'll never be your beast of burden

My back is broad but it's a hurting

All I want is for you to make love to me

I'll never be your beast of burden

I've walked for miles my feet are hurting

All I want is for you to make love to me

*Presented & compiled By BHGSG News for DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

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DTN News - EUROPEAN FINANCIAL CRISIS: BRICS Plan To Revive The Global Economy

DTN News - EUROPEAN FINANCIAL CRISIS: BRICS Plan To Revive The Global Economy

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 12, 2011: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are worried about the world economy and they want fundamental reforms.

Well, not yet. At least not this Thursday, in Washington, when finance ministers and central bank governors of the BRICS group of emerging powers - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - get together on the margins of a G-20 meeting.

Brazilian finance minister Guido Mantega started the ball rolling last week, when he announced the BRICS would “talk about what to do to help the European Union get out of this situation” - ie the European-wide financial meltdown.

Hold your horses. Was this an emerging cavalry to the rescue? Could this be the end of the eurozone (eurotrash?) self-induced liquidity panic? Or was it just the BRICS graphically showing the writing on the global economic wall?

The basic (Brazilian) idea was for BRICS financial muscle to buy some extra European sovereign debt. But only “solid” bonds - from Germany or the UK - would qualify. The rationale is that BRICS would win by diversifying reserves - China at $3.2tn, Brazil at over $350bn, India at over $320bn - and making more money than investing in US Treasury bonds.

But the thing is selected BRICS have already started diversifying their reserves for quite a while – especially China.

India was not very enthusiastic about the Brazilian idea.

Nor was Russia; Moscow, via Arkady Dvorkovich, President Dmitry Medvedev’s chief economic adviser, stated flat out the Europeans must come up with a clear strategy for rescuing the PIGS (Portugal, Ireland and Italy, Greece, Spain) before Moscow starts buying more eurozone bonds.

No wonder Brazil finally decided to drop the idea.

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DTN News - EUROPEAN FINANCIAL CRISIS: BRICS Plan To Revive The Global Economy

DTN News - EUROPEAN FINANCIAL CRISIS: BRICS Plan To Revive The Global Economy

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 12, 2011: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are worried about the world economy and they want fundamental reforms.

Well, not yet. At least not this Thursday, in Washington, when finance ministers and central bank governors of the BRICS group of emerging powers - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - get together on the margins of a G-20 meeting.

Brazilian finance minister Guido Mantega started the ball rolling last week, when he announced the BRICS would “talk about what to do to help the European Union get out of this situation” - ie the European-wide financial meltdown.

Hold your horses. Was this an emerging cavalry to the rescue? Could this be the end of the eurozone (eurotrash?) self-induced liquidity panic? Or was it just the BRICS graphically showing the writing on the global economic wall?

The basic (Brazilian) idea was for BRICS financial muscle to buy some extra European sovereign debt. But only “solid” bonds - from Germany or the UK - would qualify. The rationale is that BRICS would win by diversifying reserves - China at $3.2tn, Brazil at over $350bn, India at over $320bn - and making more money than investing in US Treasury bonds.

But the thing is selected BRICS have already started diversifying their reserves for quite a while – especially China.

India was not very enthusiastic about the Brazilian idea.

Nor was Russia; Moscow, via Arkady Dvorkovich, President Dmitry Medvedev’s chief economic adviser, stated flat out the Europeans must come up with a clear strategy for rescuing the PIGS (Portugal, Ireland and Italy, Greece, Spain) before Moscow starts buying more eurozone bonds.

No wonder Brazil finally decided to drop the idea.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: Obama In Hawaii For APEC Summit

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: Obama In Hawaii For APEC Summit

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 12, 2011: U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are welcomed by Hawaiian Gov. Neil Abercrombe after they arrive at Joint Base Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, November 11, 2011. U.S. President Barack Obama is in his native Hawaii where Saturday, he will host an economic summit with Asia-Pacific leaders. The summit begins a nine-day trip for the president aimed at improving U.S. ties with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

During the two-day Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, President Obama is expected to discuss a proposed Pacific Rim free trade zone that includes the United States, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.

Japan said Friday it will participate in the talks on the trade zone, boosting the chances of attracting other regional economic powers such as China. (Photo - Reuters)

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DTN News - MORO ISLAMIC LIBERATION FRONT: Philippine Troops Seize Rebel Camp In Fierce Attack

DTN News - MORO ISLAMIC LIBERATION FRONT: Philippine Troops Seize Rebel Camp In Fierce Attack

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 11, 2011: Philippine troops Thursday scoured the grisly remains of a heavily fortified encampment that they seized in search of a breakaway group of rebels.

“Blood is everywhere,” said Lt. Gen. Raymundo B. Ferrer in a text message from the encampment. “The safe haven of kidnapping operations and terrorist activities in Zamboanga Sibugay has fallen.”

The seizure of the camp on the western coast of the southern Philippine island of Mindanao was the culmination of a three-day police and military operation against what officials say is a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a long-established Muslim separatist organization in the southern Philippines.

The attack, by all accounts, was fierce. The Philippine Air Force launched airstrikes against the encampment, which was defended by land mines and two .50-caliber machine guns. Two soldiers and at least 15 rebels were killed in the operation, which resulted in the evacuation of more than 19,000 civilians, government officials said.

“We could see the planes dropping bombs,” said Imelda Laquio, a resident of nearby Olutanga Island. “The bombs were shaking our house. My children were terrified. We have never had an experience like that before.”

Ms. Laquio, who was contacted at a relative’s house away from the fighting, said she fled the area with her husband and two young daughters because of rumors that the rebels might hide on the island.

“There was no military protection for us if the rebels came,” she said. “There was only the local police.”

The attack on the rebels came after clashes on Oct. 18 that left 19 special forces soldiers dead, and an ambush on Oct. 20 in which 4 police officers and 4 soldiers were killed. Though both incidents were linked to Muslim rebels, a military spokesman denied that the recent military assault and airstrikes were in retaliation.

“The police on Oct. 15 attempted to execute an arrest warrant in that area, and they were met with gunfire,” Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, a military spokesman, said by telephone. “The police sought the assistance of the military.”

Many media commentators and opposition politicians have questioned the motivation behind the raid, which came at a sensitive time for the government. An uneasy cease-fire has been in place since 2003 between the government and the rebels. President Benigno S. Aquino III has met with senior leaders of the organization in an attempt to broker a long-term peace deal that would grant a degree of autonomy to Muslim areas in the south of the Philippines, a predominantly Roman Catholic country.

The Muslim rebels have said its forces were not behind the two attacks that led to the military raid, and the Philippine military has been careful to state that the group it assaulted was a breakaway faction not under the control of the organization’s central leadership.

“We have crafted a deliberate and calibrated response,” said Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr., the chief of staff of the Philippine armed forces, at a news briefing in Manila during the fighting.

Mr. Aquino is walking a fine line between appeasing a restive military that lost 23 personnel in those two attacks — including highly trained, elite fighters — and pursuing his stated goal of achieving a lasting peace in Mindanao.

“We will not pursue all-out war,” he said shortly after operations began. “We will pursue all-out justice.”

The rebel attacks and military raid took place as the Philippines held joint military training exercises with the United States. Since Oct. 17, about 2,000 U.S. marines have been conducting mock beach assaults with the Philippine military on the northern island of Luzon.

U.S. troops were far from the fighting in the south, and when asked whether there was any involvement by the U.S. military in the operations in Mindanao, Colonel Cabangbang said there was not.

Although he acknowledged that U.S. military advisers were operating in Mindanao, he said there was no need to involve them in the operation. “This was a law enforcement action,” he said. “And besides, they don’t know the area where the operation was conducted.”

Colonel Cabangbang said the Philippine military assault on the rebel encampment took place near the small town of Payao. The only access point to attack was a slim peninsula fortified with land mines and .50-caliber gun placements. The airstrikes were used to clear the entrance in order for land forces to launch an assault, he said.

He noted that most of the more than 100 rebels in the area probably escaped via small rivers that run through mangroves. Their leader, the renegade commander Waning Abdusalam, who was a principal target of the operation, also escaped. Mr. Abdusalam, the military spokesman said, has been implicated in the 2007 kidnapping of an Italian missionary, the Rev. Giancarlo Bossi, as well as other crimes. Father Bossi was later released.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/11/dtn-news-moro-islamic-liberation-front.html

DTN News - MORO ISLAMIC LIBERATION FRONT: Philippine Troops Seize Rebel Camp In Fierce Attack

DTN News - MORO ISLAMIC LIBERATION FRONT: Philippine Troops Seize Rebel Camp In Fierce Attack

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 11, 2011: Philippine troops Thursday scoured the grisly remains of a heavily fortified encampment that they seized in search of a breakaway group of rebels.

“Blood is everywhere,” said Lt. Gen. Raymundo B. Ferrer in a text message from the encampment. “The safe haven of kidnapping operations and terrorist activities in Zamboanga Sibugay has fallen.”

The seizure of the camp on the western coast of the southern Philippine island of Mindanao was the culmination of a three-day police and military operation against what officials say is a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a long-established Muslim separatist organization in the southern Philippines.

The attack, by all accounts, was fierce. The Philippine Air Force launched airstrikes against the encampment, which was defended by land mines and two .50-caliber machine guns. Two soldiers and at least 15 rebels were killed in the operation, which resulted in the evacuation of more than 19,000 civilians, government officials said.

“We could see the planes dropping bombs,” said Imelda Laquio, a resident of nearby Olutanga Island. “The bombs were shaking our house. My children were terrified. We have never had an experience like that before.”

Ms. Laquio, who was contacted at a relative’s house away from the fighting, said she fled the area with her husband and two young daughters because of rumors that the rebels might hide on the island.

“There was no military protection for us if the rebels came,” she said. “There was only the local police.”

The attack on the rebels came after clashes on Oct. 18 that left 19 special forces soldiers dead, and an ambush on Oct. 20 in which 4 police officers and 4 soldiers were killed. Though both incidents were linked to Muslim rebels, a military spokesman denied that the recent military assault and airstrikes were in retaliation.

“The police on Oct. 15 attempted to execute an arrest warrant in that area, and they were met with gunfire,” Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, a military spokesman, said by telephone. “The police sought the assistance of the military.”

Many media commentators and opposition politicians have questioned the motivation behind the raid, which came at a sensitive time for the government. An uneasy cease-fire has been in place since 2003 between the government and the rebels. President Benigno S. Aquino III has met with senior leaders of the organization in an attempt to broker a long-term peace deal that would grant a degree of autonomy to Muslim areas in the south of the Philippines, a predominantly Roman Catholic country.

The Muslim rebels have said its forces were not behind the two attacks that led to the military raid, and the Philippine military has been careful to state that the group it assaulted was a breakaway faction not under the control of the organization’s central leadership.

“We have crafted a deliberate and calibrated response,” said Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr., the chief of staff of the Philippine armed forces, at a news briefing in Manila during the fighting.

Mr. Aquino is walking a fine line between appeasing a restive military that lost 23 personnel in those two attacks — including highly trained, elite fighters — and pursuing his stated goal of achieving a lasting peace in Mindanao.

“We will not pursue all-out war,” he said shortly after operations began. “We will pursue all-out justice.”

The rebel attacks and military raid took place as the Philippines held joint military training exercises with the United States. Since Oct. 17, about 2,000 U.S. marines have been conducting mock beach assaults with the Philippine military on the northern island of Luzon.

U.S. troops were far from the fighting in the south, and when asked whether there was any involvement by the U.S. military in the operations in Mindanao, Colonel Cabangbang said there was not.

Although he acknowledged that U.S. military advisers were operating in Mindanao, he said there was no need to involve them in the operation. “This was a law enforcement action,” he said. “And besides, they don’t know the area where the operation was conducted.”

Colonel Cabangbang said the Philippine military assault on the rebel encampment took place near the small town of Payao. The only access point to attack was a slim peninsula fortified with land mines and .50-caliber gun placements. The airstrikes were used to clear the entrance in order for land forces to launch an assault, he said.

He noted that most of the more than 100 rebels in the area probably escaped via small rivers that run through mangroves. Their leader, the renegade commander Waning Abdusalam, who was a principal target of the operation, also escaped. Mr. Abdusalam, the military spokesman said, has been implicated in the 2007 kidnapping of an Italian missionary, the Rev. Giancarlo Bossi, as well as other crimes. Father Bossi was later released.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/11/dtn-news-moro-islamic-liberation-front.html

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated November 10, 2011

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated November 10, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - November 10, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued November 10, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

ARMY

CWU, Inc., Clearwater, Fla. (W911W4-12-D-0008); Buffalo Group, Reston, Va. (W911W4-12-D-0007); Global Executive Management, Hudson, Fla. (W911W4-12-D-0006); Multi Lingual Solutions, Inc., Rockville, Md. (W911W4-12-D-0005); Strategic Intelligence Group, Fairfax, Va. (W911W4-12-D-0004); Strategic Solutions Unlimited, Inc., Fayetteville, N.C. (W911W4-12-D-0003); Szanca Solutions, Inc., Bedford, Pa. (W911W4-12-D-0002); and Valbin Corp., Bethesda, Md. (W911W4-12-D-0001), were awarded a $9,700,000,000 fixed-price and cost-reimbursable-task-order contract between 14 contractors. The award will provide for the procurement of foreign language services in support of the Defense Language Interpretation Translation Enterprise program. Work location will be determined with each task order, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 26, 2016. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 11 bids received. The U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity.

Legis Consultancy, Inc., Atlanta, Ga., was awarded a $20,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the architect-engineering services for nationwide cost engineering support for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla district. Work will be performed in Atlanta, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 7, 2016. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with seven bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912EF-12-D-0006).

Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded a $19,104,938 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of 129 Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles; 11 armor B-Kits; 20 Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles; and 20 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System B-Kits; with install for United Arab Emirates. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2013. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0159).

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/11/dtn-news-us-department-of-defense_10.html

DTN News - LIBYA MISSION OVER: French AWACs Aircraft Return To Base In France

DTN News - LIBYA MISSION OVER: French AWACs Aircraft Return To Base In France

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 10, 2011: An Awacs aircraft during a military exercise in a display of the French assets used in NATO-led operations over Libya, at the Mont-de-Marsan military base, southwestern France, Thursday, Nov.10, 2011.

France and Britain, the European Union's most militarized nations, emerged as standouts in the campaign that ended with the death of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi. (Photo - AP)

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/10/dtn-news-gaddafis-family-affairs-libyas.html

DTN News - LIBYA MISSION OVER: French Fighter Jets Return To Base In France

DTN News - LIBYA MISSION OVER: French Fighter Jets Return To Base In France

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 10, 2011: A Rafale jet fighter, right, and two Mirage 2000, left, accompanied by a supply plane, center, perform during a military exercise in a display of the French assets used in NATO-led operations over Libya, at the Mont-de-Marsan military base, southwestern France, Thursday, Nov.10, 2011.

France and Britain, the European Union's most militarized nations, emerged as standouts in the campaign that ended with the death of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi. (Photo - AP)

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/10/dtn-news-gaddafis-family-affairs-libyas.html

DTN News - EUROPE'S FINANCIAL PAIN BE CHINA'S GAIN: IMF Seeks Clarity In Italy, China Wants Stability

DTN News - EUROPE'S FINANCIAL PAIN BE CHINA'S GAIN: IMF Seeks Clarity In Italy, China Wants Stability

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / BEIJING, China - November 10, 2011: The head of the International Monetary Fund urged Italy Thursday to act quickly fill its damaging political vacuum, and China said it was willing to help maintain global financial stability that was being threatened by the euro zone crisis.

IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde spoke during a visit to China as Rome politicians scrambled to find a replacement for Berlusconi, who has said he will step down when parliament approves reforms aimed at placating markets.

"No one exactly understands who is going to come out as the leader. That confusion is particularly conducive to volatility," Lagarde told a news conference in Beijing.

"So from my perspective, political clarity is conducive to more stability and my objective from the Fund's point of view is better and more stability."

On European markets Thursday, hopes that new government being formed in Italy and Greece could help stave off a euro zone break-up drove the euro higher and top-rated government debt lower, while stocks held above a three-week trough.

China -- which holds an estimated 25 percent of its $3.2 trillion of foreign exchange wealth in euro-denominated assets -- is equally keen to see clarity and stability take hold in the euro zone, the country's single biggest export market.

Premier Wen Jiabao told Lagarde that Europe's sovereign debt crisis was a serious challenge to the world's economic recovery, and had increased financial risks for developed economies, Chinese state media reported.

"China supports the measures taken by the European Union, European Central Bank and IMF to deal with the crisis, and is willing to work with all parties to discuss effective cooperative measures to maintain global financial stability," Xinhua news agency paraphrased Wen as saying.

China remains focused on maintaining its own relatively fast, stable growth, Wen added.

Italian 10-year bond yields eased Thursday from the previous day's record highs, but they continued to trade around 7 percent, a level many economists consider unsustainable for financing sovereign debt of more than 2 trillion euros.

Lagarde, a former French finance minister, declined to comment on a Reuters report that German and French officials have discussed plans for a radical overhaul of the European Union to create a more integrated and potentially smaller euro zone.

YUAN APPRECIATION

She also said she believed Chinese authorities were prepared to let the yuan appreciate further, as demanded by many U.S. and other western politicians who accuse Beijing of holding its currency artificially low to give an unfair advantage to its exporters.

"My understanding is that the authorities are prepared to let that appreciation continue in the months and years to come," she said.

"Certainly from our perspective, with the goal of stability and the solid, balanced and sustainable growth that we pursue, clearly that's welcomed and encouraged."

Lagarde, who also met vice Premier Wang Qishan, said she had in-depth discussions with China's central bank chief Zhou Xiaochuan, a leading advocate of internationalizing the Chinese currency.

But she said it was too early to include it in the IMF's Special Drawing Rights unit, a basket of four currencies -- U.S. dollars, euros, Japanese yen and sterling -- in which the bulk of global trade is designated.

"But there is a clear understanding that it will come in due course and that it will be a factor of the internationalization of the currency. In my view, there is a stronger signal that China is a key player but also an important partner in the composition of this ... easily convertible currency of the IMF," Lagarde said.

(Additional reporting by Sui-Lee Wee, Tracy Zheng and Ben Blanchard; Editing by John Stonestreet)

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/11/dtn-news-europes-financial-pain-be.html

DTN News - NIGERIAN NEWS: The Rising Threat From Nigeria's Boko Haram Militant Group

DTN News - NIGERIAN NEWS: The Rising Threat From Nigeria's Boko Haram Militant Group

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 10, 2011: The U.S. Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, issued a warning Nov. 5 indicating it had received intelligence that the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram may have been planning to bomb several targets in the Nigerian capital during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, also known as Eid al-Kabir, celebrated Nov. 6-8. The warning specifically mentioned the Hilton, Nicon Luxury and Sheraton hotels as potential targets.

The warning came in the wake of a string of bombings and armed attacks Nov. 4 in the cities of Maiduguri, Damaturu and Potiskum, all of which are located in Nigeria’s northeast. An attack also occurred in the north-central Nigerian city of Kaduna. The sites targeted in the wave of attacks included a military base in Maiduguri and the anti-terrorism court building in Damaturu. Militants reportedly attacked these two sites with suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs). The Nigerian Red Cross reported that more than 100 people were killed in the attacks, while some media reports claimed the death toll was at least 150.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/11/dtn-news-nigerian-news-rising-threat.html

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated November 9, 2011

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated November 9, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - November 9, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued November 9, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

ARMY

Kellogg Brown and Root Services, Inc., Arlington, Va., was awarded a $245,000,000 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The award will provide for the operations and maintenance, logistics support services, and minor military construction to support contingency operations and military readiness exercises throughout U.S. Army Europe’s Area of Responsibility. Work location will be determined with each task order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2017. Four bids were solicited, with four bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Winchester, Va., is the contracting activity (W912ER-12-D-0002).

Force Protection Industries, Inc., Ladson, S.C., was awarded an $185,864,608 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure 167 Buffalo A2 vehicles, without bar armor installed, and 102 bar armor kits. Work will be performed in Ladson, S.C., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 1, 2012. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0028).

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/11/dtn-news-us-department-of-defense_09.html

DTN News - BOEING DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Receives $1.7B for 7 More US Navy P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

DTN News - BOEING DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Receives $1.7B for 7 More US Navy P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / SEATTLE, USA - November 9, 2011: Boeing [NYSE: BA] on Nov. 3 received a $1.7 billion low-rate initial production (LRIP) award from the U.S. Navy for seven additional P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft.

LRIP-II is the follow-on to an initial LRIP-I contract awarded in January to provide six Poseidon aircraft. Overall, the Navy plans to purchase 117 Boeing 737-based P-8A anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to replace its P-3 fleet.

As part of the contract, Boeing will provide aircrew and maintenance training for the Navy beginning in 2012, in addition to logistics support, spares, support equipment and tools. The training system will include a full-motion, full-visual Operational Flight Trainer that simulates the flight crew stations, and a Weapons Tactics Trainer for the mission crew stations.

"This contract is the result of the Boeing and Navy team's hard work and commitment, and moves us a step closer to P-8A full-rate production," said Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager. "We've assembled and flown the first LRIP plane and continue to focus on building P-8A aircraft on cost and on schedule."

"LRIP-II brings the P-8A program one step closer to delivering the Poseidon to the fleet," said Capt. Scott Dillon, P-8A deputy program manager for the Navy.

Boeing completed assembly of the first LRIP-I aircraft at its Renton, Wash., facility this summer. The aircraft subsequently completed a successful first flight July 7, 2011, from Renton Field to Boeing Field, which marked its transition from fabrication and assembly to mission system installation and checkout in Seattle.

The Poseidon team is using a first-in-industry in-line production process that draws on Boeing's Next-Generation 737 production system. All P-8A-unique aircraft modifications are made in sequence during fabrication and assembly.

The team has built and is testing six flight-test and two ground-test aircraft under the U.S. Navy System Development and Demonstration contract awarded to Boeing in 2004. Four flight-test aircraft -- T1, T2, T3 and T5 -- are conducting testing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. The program's static test plane, S1, completed its test program in January. S2, the fatigue test plane, will begin testing next year. Initial operational capability is planned for 2013.

A derivative of the Next-Generation 737-800, the Poseidon is built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 63,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-defense-news-boeing-receives.html

DTN News - IRAN NUCLEAR FACTORS: Israeli Officials Silent On Nuke Watchdog's Iran Report

DTN News - IRAN NUCLEAR FACTORS: Israeli Officials Silent On Nuke Watchdog's Iran Report

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / JERUSALEM, Israel - November 9, 2011: Israeli officials were tightlipped on Wednesday following the release of a damning report by the UN nuclear watchdog into Iran's controversial nuclear programme.

"We are studying the report," said an official in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bureau without saying whether or not Israel would respond formally.

Israel's military radio said Netanyahu had ordered his ministers not to comment on the matter out of concern that any statement or Israeli move would draw international criticism and would play into Iran's hands.

But opposition leader and Kadima party chairwoman Tzipi Livni said publication of the report meant Israel should push the world to act firmly to stop Iran.

"Now that the truth has been presented to the world, Israel must galvanise the free world to stop Iran," she said in a posting on her Facebook page. "Determination and diplomatic wisdom are crucial now."

Head of the Knesset's Foreign and Defence Committee Shaul Mofaz, also a Kadima MP, said the "severe report" provided the free world with the opportunity to "take action" against Iran.

"This is the moment of truth for the Western world's foreign policy, headed by (US) President (Barack) Obama," the Iranian-born former chief of staff said late on Tuesday.

"The report should be seen as an opportunity to change the trend, and the mission is not solely Israel's."

The world must "deepen" the sanctions on Iran, to the point of paralysing its economy, he said, stressing that military action remained the last option, Mofaz told army radio on Wednesday.

"Military action in general, and specifically by Israel, is currently the last and worst option -- but all options should be on the table now," he warned.

The official silence stood in stark contrast to the chatter in Israel in recent weeks suggesting a pre-emptive strike on Iran's nuclear facilities was being seriously considered by Netanyahu and Defence Minister Ehud Barak.

At the weekend, President Shimon Peres had warned that the likelihood of an attack was becoming "more and more likely."

Haaretz newspaper quoted government officials as saying Israel was holding off from immediate comment "because it wants to evaluate the world's response to the IAEA findings and does not want to appear to be leading the international community."

The IAEA report, a copy of which was seen by AFP late on Tuesday, said the agency had "serious concerns regarding possible military dimensions" of Iran's nuclear programme, and said it had "credible" information that Tehran "has carried out activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device."

In Israel, media commentators had on Tuesday suggested the "unprecedented severity" of the report meant a strike on Iran was unlikely.

Television Channels 2 and 10 both said the release of the report would give Israel "some weeks or some months" to see if the international community slaps "crippling sanctions" on the Islamic republic.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/11/dtn-news-iran-nuclear-factors-israeli.html

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Up To 60 Afghan Taliban Killed In NATO Base Attack

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Up To 60 Afghan Taliban Killed In NATO Base Attack

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / KABUL, Afghanistan - November 9, 2011: Afghan and NATO-led troops killed 50 to 60 Taliban fighters during an attack by insurgents on a base in a volatile southeastern Afghan province near the border with Pakistan, a provincial government spokesman said on Wednesday.

The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) confirmed there had been an attack on a base in the Barmal district of southeastern Paktika province late on Tuesday.

Mukhlis Afghan, a spokesman for the Paktika governor, put the number of Taliban fighters killed at between 50 and 60.

An ISAF spokesman said a large group of insurgents attacked the ISAF base using small arms and rocket-propelled grenades. ISAF troops fought back, causing "significant" casualties among the insurgents.

He said two buildings used by insurgents were destroyed in the fighting, which included ISAF air strikes, but said there had been no reports of civilian or coalition casualties.

Paktika province lies on the border with the Pakistani tribal area of North Waziristan, where the Taliban and allied insurgents like the Haqqani network have safe havens from which they launch attacks into Afghanistan.

Paktika and neighboring Paktia ands Zabul have been hit by a number of attacks this year.

ISAF troops and Afghan special forces killed more than 50 insurgents in Paktika during an operation in July to clear a training camp that ISAF said the Haqqanis had been using as a base for foreign fighters.

In September, a bomb killed six civilians in Paktika. The Taliban claimed responsibility for an attack there in March when three suicide bombers killed 24 construction workers.

Despite the presence of about 130,000 foreign troops, violence across Afghanistan remains at its worst levels since the Taliban were toppled by U.S.-backed Afghan forces 10 years ago, according to the United Nations.

On Sunday, at least seven civilians were killed and 15 wounded by a suicide bomber in an attack on a mosque in northern Baghlan province soon after prayers for the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha.

ISAF says there has been a fall in the number of attacks by insurgents recently, but that data excludes attacks that kill only civilians, and attacks on Afghan security forces operating without international troops.

(Reporting by Mirwais Harooni, Jan Harvey, Elyas Wahdat and Christine Kearney; Writing by Jan Harvey; Editing by Paul Tait)

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/11/dtn-news-afghan-war-news-up-to-60.html

DTN News - IRAN NUCLEAR FACTORS: China Warns Of Turmoil Over Iran, Mute On Sanctions

DTN News - IRAN NUCLEAR FACTORS: China Warns Of Turmoil Over Iran, Mute On Sanctions

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / BEIJING, China - November 9, 2011: China warned on Wednesday against turmoil in the Middle East from action over Iran's nuclear program, but declined to comment on the possibility of new sanctions following a U.N. report that Iran appears to have worked on designing an atomic weapon.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said China was "studying" the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, and repeated a call to resolve the issue peacefully through talks.

"I wish to point out that China opposes the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and disapproves of any Middle Eastern country developing nuclear weapons. As a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran bears the responsibilities of nuclear non-proliferation," he told a daily news briefing.

"The Iranian side should also demonstrate flexibility and sincerity, and engage in serious cooperation with the agency," Hong said, referring to the IAEA.

"I want to stress that avoiding fresh turmoil in the Middle Eastern security environment is important for both the region and for the international community."

Hong made no mention of sanctions, and indicated China was in no rush to take the matter back to the United Nations Security Council, saying only that all sides should do more to promote dialogue and cooperation.

"I've already pointed out that China has consistently advocating using dialogue and cooperation to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue," he said, when asked about the possibility of new unilateral U.S. sanctions on Iran.

Chinese policy-makers are caught between their demand for Iranian oil and worry that the United States and its allies will demand harsher sanctions against Iran, even risk military action, after the IAEA concluded Iran appeared to have worked on designing an atomic weapon.

China has kept close ties with Iran but has also backed past U.N. Security Council resolutions criticizing Iran's position on nuclear issues and authorizing limited sanctions.

But China has repeatedly resisted Western proposals for sanctions that could seriously curtail its energy and economic ties with Iran. As one of the Security Council's five permanent members, China holds the power to veto any resolutions.

China has also denounced the United States and European Union for imposing their own separate sanctions on Iran, and said they should not take steps reaching beyond the U.N. resolutions.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/11/dtn-news-iran-nuclear-factors-china.html