DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated September 16, 2011

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated September 16, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - September 16, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued September 16, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Alutiiq 3SG, L.L.C., Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a $289,851,239 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract for the global business support. This award is part of a previously announced multiple contract award for the global business support effort. The estimated dollar value for this program, including the base period and two option years, for all 24 contracts combined is $730,000,000. Funding will be provided at the task order level. The work performed in the program is for a wide range of temporary support services that will provide direct labor, supervision, management, and materials, to perform non-personal services as defined in individual task orders. Services will encompass the following 15 functional areas: administrative support and clerical services; quarters management services; healthcare services (excluding doctors, nurses, and physician assistants); information and arts; information technology; instructional and training services; maritime material handling; mechanics and maintenance and repair; plant and system operation; engineering/technical support; mobile equipment operation; financial management; specialized technology; industrial services; and general services and support. Work will be performed in the Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Work is expected to be completed in August 2012. With options exercised, the completion date could continue until August 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $1,200,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Contracts were competitively procured via the World Wide Web, with 57 offers received in response to the 100-percent small business set aside solicitation. The Fleet Logistics Center San Diego, Regional Contracts Department, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00244-11-D-0045).

Rolls Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $14,978,534 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-09-D-0020) to increase the ceiling on contract line items for power by the hour, per engine flight hours, and spares in support of the KC-130J aircraft. Work will be performed in Cherry Point, N.C., and is expected to be completed in February 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. No funding is being obligated at time of award. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-us-department-of-defense_16.html

DTN News - SEARCH FOR GADDAFI: Libyan NTC Fighters Seen Outside Sirte Last Few Bastions Of Pro-Gaddafi

DTN News - SEARCH FOR GADDAFI: Libyan NTC Fighters Seen Outside Sirte Last Few Bastions Of Pro-Gaddafi

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 16, 2011: Anti-Gaddafi fighters are seen in a village outside Sirte, one of Muammar Gaddafi's last remaining strongholds September 16, 2011.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/dtn-news-battle-for-libya-rebels.html

DTN News - SEARCH FOR GADDAFI: Libyan NTC Fighters Enter City Of Bani Walid Last Few Bastions Of Pro-Gaddafi

DTN News - SEARCH FOR GADDAFI: Libyan NTC Fighters Enter City Of Bani Walid Last Few Bastions Of Pro-Gaddafi

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 16, 2011: Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) fighters enter the desert city of Bani Walid, southeast of Tripoli on September 16, 2011, after forces loyal to Libya's new rulers thrusted deep into the oasis, one of two of fugitive Moamer Kadhafi's few remaining bastions.

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

DTN News - BOEING NEWS: Boeing Marks 20th Anniversary Of C-17 Globemaster III's 1st Flight

DTN News - BOEING NEWS: Boeing Marks 20th Anniversary Of C-17 Globemaster III's 1st Flight

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 16, 2011: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] on Sept. 15 celebrated the 20th anniversary of the first flight of the C-17 airlifter. On Sept. 15, 1991, test aircraft T-1 took off from the Boeing Long Beach site on a two-hour flight that proved the engineering and design concepts of the aircraft and marked the beginning of the program.

T-1 flew by Long Beach again on Sept. 15, 2011, in a re-creation of its milestone flight.

"The first flight of T-1 ushered in a new era in military and humanitarian airlift," said Bob Ciesla, C-17 program manager for Boeing. "Twenty years ago, when I was working in flight test for this new airlift program, I could not anticipate just how critical the C-17 would become for the U.S. Air Force and its allies. The success of the C-17 Globemaster III program extends beyond Boeing's employees and supplier partners -- who have proudly engineered and built the world's greatest airlifter for two decades -- to exceed the expectations of customers around the globe who fly the jet every day."

The C-17 has flown more than 2 million hours in its 20-year history, supporting worldwide airlift missions that transport troops and supplies to global hot zones and bring aid to those in need during humanitarian crises.

"There is no question that the C-17 has set the bar high," said Ciesla. "The program has performed on cost and on schedule for more than a decade. Now we are entering a new stage with a production-rate reduction from 15 to 10 aircraft per year, extending the life of the C-17 line to 2014 and beyond."

The C-17 aircraft has achieved a number of record-breaking milestones -- more than any other airlifter in history -- and set 33 world records during initial flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The C-17's records include payload to altitude and time-to-climb, as well as a record for short-takeoff-and-landing in which the C-17 took off in less than 1,400 feet, carried a payload of 44,000 pounds to altitude, and landed in less than 1,400 feet.

During the past 20 years, Boeing has delivered 235 C-17s -- 211 to the U.S. Air Force, including active duty, Guard and Reserve units, and 24 to international customers including the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, Qatar Emiri Air Force, United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defence, and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations. India became the newest C-17 customer in June, when India's Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with the U.S. government to acquire 10 C-17s that will be delivered in 2013-2014.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-boeing-news-boeing-marks-20th.html

DTN News - RUSSIA DEFENSE NEWS: Ka-52 Helicopters Seaworthy, OK'd For Mistral Carrier

DTN News - RUSSIA DEFENSE NEWS: Ka-52 Helicopters Seaworthy, OK'd For Mistral Carrier

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 15, 2011: Russia’s state-of-the-art Kamov Ka-52 combat helicopter has passed all tests to be approved for deployment on Navy vessels. The aircraft will be used with Mistral-class carriers, which Russia buys from France.

During a two-week trial in the Barents Sea, a modified Ka-52 successfully performed various maneuvers, including landing on a moving vessel. The aircraft’s landing gear proved sufficiently robust to withstand the tilting of the ship. The helicopter was piloted by Naval aviation veteran, Vitaly Lebedev.

“The main part of the work is over. The helicopter has been tested in all modes of operation,”

said a statement from the Northern Fleet, which provided the anti-submarine ship “Vice-Admiral Kulakov” for the tests.

The military believes the Ka-52 has proved itself capable of being deployed from any suitable vessel of the same class or bigger. That includes the French Mistral-class helicopter carriers, two of which Russia bought earlier this year. Moscow is in negotiations with Paris about building two similar vessels in Russia on license. The Ka-52 is tipped to become the helicopter of choice for the French vessels.

The Kamov Ka-52 “Alligator” is a two-seat twin-rotor multitask combat aircraft based on the design of the Ka-42 helicopter. It has a top speed of 310 kph and practical range of 520 kilometers. It has an advanced targeting system, which allows distribution of targets between several helicopters acting as a team.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-russia-defense-news-ka-52.html

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated September 15, 2011

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated September 15, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - September 15, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued September 15, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

NAVY

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, is being awarded a $1,825,665,914 fixed-price-incentive contract for the construction of Zumwalt-class destroyers DDG 1001 and DDG 1002. These multi-mission surface combatants are the second and third ships of the Zumwalt-class program. The mission of the DDG 1000 destroyer is to provide credible independent forward presence and deterrence. DDG 1000 will provide advanced land attack capability in support of the ground campaign and contribute naval, joint, or combined battle-space dominance in littoral operations. This contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $2,002,000,000. Work will be performed in Bath, Maine (59.9 percent); Parsippany, N.J. (3.5 percent); Coatesville, Pa. (3.2 percent); Falls Church, Va. (2.6 percent); Pittsburgh, Pa. (1.3 percent); Augusta, Maine (1.3 percent); and other various locations (28.2 percent), each having less than 1 percent. Work is expected to be completed by February 2018. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-11-C-2306).

The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $7,331,483 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-09-C-0019) to continue development of the new Advanced Mission Computer (AMC) Type 4 System for the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft. This modification will also begin the necessary customization of the AMC for use in Navy F-18 aircraft. Work will be performed in Bloomington, Minn. (66.5 percent); St. Louis, Mo. (25 percent); and Linthicum, Md. (8.5 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2012. 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/2011/09/dtn-news-us-department-of-defense_15.html

DTN News - DSEi NEWS: Oshkosh Defense Marks 10 Years Of HET Service To The U.K. MoD

DTN News - DSEi NEWS: Oshkosh Defense Marks 10 Years Of HET Service To The U.K. MoD

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 14, 2011: The Oshkosh Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) has become an integral vehicle for U.K. military logistics operations since its introduction in 2001, providing a highly survivable platform for U.K. Forces and transporting some of the heaviest equipment used in combat. Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), today commemorated the 10th anniversary of fielding its first HET to the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MoD) at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEi) 2011 in London.

“The HET has proven to be a very successful addition to the MoD’s fleet since its introduction 10 years ago,” said Serge Buchakjian, senior vice president of International Programs for Oshkosh Defense. “The HET has delivered exceptional survivability to protect passengers from roadside bombs and other threats in Iraq and Afghanistan. The vehicle also has proven highly reliable, transporting equipment and crews wherever they’re needed for arrival in a high state of readiness.”

The original HET contract for 92 vehicles was awarded to Oshkosh through Fasttrax which is owned by KBR and Barclays Infrastructure Fund, as part of a 20-year private finance initiative. Fasttrax owns, operates and maintains the HET for the MoD. Oshkosh also has provided aftermarket support, including training, parts supply and in-theater maintenance support.

"KBR is delighted to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of this pathfinder contract,” said Derek Brown, managing director KBR FTX Logistics Ltd. “Thanks to the strong partnership with Oshkosh, KBR delivered on time, on budget and continues to meet all contract expectations."

The U.K. HET is paired with the King Trailer GTS 100 semi-trailer and can transport main battle tanks, armored vehicles and self-propelled guns. In addition to its primary mission as a heavy equipment mover, U.K. Forces have used the HET in recovery functions when wreckers were not available. The vehicle has a 72-ton payload capacity and a six-person cab, and uses a 700-horsepower engine.

Oshkosh also has delivered HETs to armed forces in the U.S., United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Greece. The HET is part of Oshkosh’s full range of high-quality military vehicles and aftermarket solutions for international forces.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-dsei-news-oshkosh-defense_15.html

DTN News - AUSTRALIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers Royal Australian Air Force's 5th C-17 Globemaster III

DTN News - AUSTRALIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers Royal Australian Air Force's 5th C-17 Globemaster III

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 14, 2011: Boeing [NYSE: BA] today delivered Australia’s fifth C-17 Globemaster III airlifter to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during a ceremony at the C-17 program’s final assembly facility in Long Beach. A RAAF delegation led by Stephen Smith, Australia’s Minister for Defence, received the country’s latest C-17 at an event also attended by Chief of the Defence Force Gen. David Hurley, Australian Secretary of Defence Duncan Lewis, and U.S. Ambassador to Australia Jeffrey Bleich.

“Australia’s fleet of four C-17s has been on the front lines of defense and humanitarian missions around the world, and continues to demonstrate the aircraft’s great versatility and capability,” said Boeing Military Aircraft President Chris Chadwick. “We look forward to a continued close partnership with the Commonwealth.”

Australian C-17s were part of the relief mission to Japan following a devastating earthquake and tsunami earlier this year. The fleet delivered more than 1 million pounds of cargo, including water cannons to help cool the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant. RAAF C-17s also conducted relief operations following a major earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, and floods in Pakistan and Australia.

“Since 2006, Boeing has enjoyed a strong partnership with the RAAF and the crews who fly the C-17,” said Bob Ciesla, Boeing C-17 program manager. “With this fifth C-17, the RAAF continues to expand and extend its global airlift reach. We’re certain that the C-17 we delivered today will continue to fully provide the reliability and versatility the RAAF has come to expect.”

The Commonwealth of Australia in April announced the signing of an agreement with the U.S. government to acquire its fifth C-17. The U.S. Air Force approved the Foreign Military Sale and assigned a C-17 already in production to be delivered to the RAAF.

The C-17 provides the RAAF with the capability to airlift large payloads across intercontinental distances and transport combat-ready troops to remote locations, by either landing or airdropping them directly where needed. The C-17’s unique maneuverability allows it to operate on narrow taxiways and congested ramps. With a maximum payload of 164,900 pounds (74,797 kg), the C-17 can take off and land on runway space measuring 3,000 feet (914.4 m) or less.

There are currently 235 C-17s in service worldwide – 24 with international customers. The U.S. Air Force, including active duty, Guard and Reserve units, has 211 C-17s. Other international customers include the UK Royal Air Force, the Canadian Forces, the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defense, and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations. India became the newest C-17 customer in June, when India's Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with the U.S. government to acquire 10 C-17s that will be delivered in 2013-2014.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-australia-defense-news-boeing.html

DTN News - DSEi NEWS: Oshkosh Defense Spotlights New Vehicles At DSEi

DTN News - DSEi NEWS: Oshkosh Defense Spotlights New Vehicles At DSEi

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 14, 2011: The M-ATV tactical ambulance and FMTV 4x4 are on display for the first time in Europe at the Oshkosh Defense booth at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEi) Sept. 13-16 in London. Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), designed the ambulance variant within the MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) family to meet an international need for a more protected battlefield ambulance with advanced off-road capability.

The Oshkosh Defense® M-ATV tactical ambulance is designed to help military medics reach and treat casualties in hostile environments across rugged terrain. Quick and easy stretcher loading enables prompt extraction of patients, and the best-in-class Oshkosh TAK-4® independent suspension can cover tougher terrain at higher speeds than current fleets.

“The modular design of the M-ATV family of vehicles makes it an ideal platform for armed forces looking to increase off-road mobility and protection for their troops across a variety of missions,” said Serge Buchakjian, senior vice president and general manager of International Programs for Oshkosh Defense. “We look forward to introducing the tactical ambulance to members of international armed forces at DSEi this week.”

Oshkosh started high-rate deliveries of the M-ATV only months after contract award in response to an urgent need from the U.S. military. More than 8,100 of these life-saving vehicles are currently fielded in Afghanistan. In addition to the M-ATV base vehicle, Oshkosh engineers leveraged this proven platform to deliver a Special Forces Vehicle (SFV) variant for the U.S. Special Forces. Oshkosh supports these vehicles by providing dedicated training, logistics, technical and engineering support to the U.S. military.

The M-ATV tactical ambulance is the newest configuration in the M-ATV family of vehicles, which is designed to maximize parts commonality and simplify maintenance and support. A fully functional ambulance, the M-ATV tactical ambulance has mounting provisions that provide options for a complete suite of medical equipment. The vehicle is available in two configurations that provide ample room to treat two patients on stretchers or four ambulatory patients.

Oshkosh also is displaying an unarmored 4x4 truck from the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) in booth #N4-560 during the event. The FMTV is a series of 17 models ranging from 2.5-ton to 10-ton payloads. Vehicles have a parts commonality of more than 80 percent, resulting in streamlined maintenance, training, sustainment and overall cost efficiency. The unarmored 4x4 FMTV is not ITAR controlled and is ideal for international customers looking for a cost-efficient logistics truck that provides the capability, versatility and mobility to move troops and supplies, recover vehicles and weapon systems, or haul equipment.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-dsei-news-oshkosh-defense.html

DTN News - OSHKOSH DEFENSE NEWS: Oshkosh Defense Unveils Next-Generation L-ATV

DTN News - OSHKOSH DEFENSE NEWS: Oshkosh Defense Unveils Next-Generation L-ATV

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 14, 2011: The next generation of light combat military vehicles require new levels of mobility and protection to operate effectively in remote, rugged and hostile landscapes. Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), designed the Light Combat Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (L-ATV) to meet the military’s future needs based on 10 years of operational experience with the military utilizing Oshkosh’s heavy, medium and MRAP vehicle fleets in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The affordable Oshkosh L-ATV incorporates field-proven technologies, advanced armor solutions and expeditionary levels of mobility to redefine safety and performance standards for the U.S. Armed Forces and international militaries. The L-ATV also is designed for future growth, with the ability to accept additional armor packages and technology upgrades as the mission requires.

“We designed the L-ATV to address the rapidly evolving threats and provide troops with greater ability to navigate through extreme driving conditions,” said Ken Juergens, vice president and general manager of Joint Programs for Oshkosh Defense. “Battlefields have changed – threats are more dangerous, operating environments are more rugged and fuel efficiency is more important than ever. The state-of-the-art L-ATV is designed to meet these challenges, today and well into the future, just as our M-ATV continues to meet evolving battlefield threats without compromising its payload and off-road mission profile.”

Equipped with the Oshkosh TAK-4i™ independent suspension system, the next generation of Oshkosh’s TAK-4® suspension system, the L-ATV can safely navigate dangerous on- and off-road terrain while providing unmatched ride quality. The TAK-4i technology uses a proprietary technology to deliver 20 inches of independent wheel travel – 25 percent more wheel travel than any vehicle in the U.S. military’s fleets – and expands on the success of the TAK-4 system, which is currently fielded on more than 20,000 military-class vehicles.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-oshkosh-defense-news-oshkosh.html

DTN News - DSEi NEWS: KMW Presents New DINGO Version

DTN News - DSEi NEWS: KMW Presents New DINGO Version

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 14, 2011: Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), Europe's market leader for highly protected wheeled and tracked vehicles presented a newly developed and increased power-rated version of the DINGO 2 wheeled vehicle at the opening of the security exhibition DSEi in London today.

With already six nations (Germany, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Norway and Austria) making use of the DINGO 2 in more than 15 versions, it has proven its worth in numerous international missions of the NATO, EU or United Nations. Especially in the Afghanistan missions, afflicted by terrorist attacks, the DINGO has repeatedly served as a life saver for its crew.

“KMW is known throughout the world for its powerful and highly protected military vehicles. With the new DINGO HD we are consequently continuing our product strategy, offering a product line with a broad variety of vehicles, all at the highest level of protection, to our international clients”, said Frank Haun, CEO and President of KMW.

Increased performance and higher payload

The new HD-version (Heavy Duty) offers a much higher payload of up to 3 tons, whilst the external dimensions remain the same as all other DINGO 2 vehicles. The gross vehicle weight was increased to 14,5 tons. It is based on a Unimog vehicle chassis with a 225kW, 6-cylinder engine and a fully automatic transmission. Hereby a large number of new and mission-specific versions can be created, whilst maintaining the known international

protection concept. The logistical concept of the DINGO 2 ties in perfectly with previously released DINGO versions. The user states can thereby guarantee a continuous and price efficient provisioning for the DINGO vehicle family.

DINGO 2 – the best protection for dangerous missions

Almost 1000 DINGOs in different versions, ranging from patrol and reconnaissance versions over mobile command posts to ambulance and NBC-reconnaissance versions, are in use with six European nations. The high level of protection has repeatedly proven its worth during numerous terrorist attacks and has always saved the lives of the crew members. The vehicles offer the soldiers the best protection available in the world combined with high mobility. The large payload allows a battle load capacity for patrols of several days duration.

The deployment under extreme climatic conditions is guaranteed through climate control and a protective ventilation system. For self-defence purposes the DINGO is equipped with a remote controlled light weapons station of the type FLW 100 or FLW 200. the vehicle crew is thereby capable of operating the weapons station from within the protected interior. The stabilisation of the FLW allows gunfights even when the vehicle is in movement.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-dsei-news-kmw-presents-new.html

DTN News - DSEi NEWS: Supacat Unveils Production Standard SPV400 At DSEi

DTN News - DSEi NEWS: Supacat Unveils Production Standard SPV400 At DSEi

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 14, 2011: At DSEi 2011 Supacat is unveiling the production standard Supacat Protected Vehicle 400 (SPV400), which has achieved new levels of reliability and significantly improved ride and handling as a result of an intensive year long development programme. The vehicle also features enhanced maintainability, a revised driver interface and new front end styling. The 7th vehicle at the latest configuration will be on show at stand N9-380.

Supacat has continued to rapidly develop the SPV400 to mature the design from the prototype testing phase to a production standard. Since being assessed for the UK MoD's Light Protected Patrol Vehicle (LPPV) requirement last year, Supacat has subjected the SPV400 to over 10,000 km of reliability testing with over 70% conducted off-road, more than doubling the total trials distances undertaken during the LPPV assessment.

"The new production standard SPV400 is a significantly improved vehicle from the early prototypes. We have achieved new levels of reliability, handling and overall usability in the automotive design that surpass those required by LPPV", said Nick Ames, Managing Director, Supacat. "This is a vastly different vehicle from the one we had twelve months ago and we're proud of the progress we've made".

Supacat continued to develop the SPV400 light protected patrol vehicle to meet international demand for this new class of vehicle in military and non-military markets. The SPV400 is one of only two vehicles to succeed in meeting the UK Ministry of Defence's demanding requirements for its new Light Protected Patrol Vehicle (LPPV).

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-dsei-news-supacat-unveils.html

DTN News - WIKILEAKS NEWS: Various Articles From International Media Originated From Wikileaks For September 13, 2011

DTN News - WIKILEAKS NEWS: Various Articles From International Media Originated From Wikileaks For September 13, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 13, 2011: 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;

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-wikileaks-news-various_13.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Receives US Air Force F-22 Mission Planning System Contract

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Receives US Air Force F-22 Mission Planning System Contract

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 13, 2011: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has received a contract from the U.S. Air Force to provide mission planning support for the F-22 Raptor.

The order, valued at up to $24 million if all options are exercised, was awarded under the Air Force's Mission Planning Enterprise Contract-II (MPEC-II). Boeing is one of five contractors selected in June 2010 for MPEC-II, an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity program with an approximate total value of $920 million over 10 years. The MPEC-II contract provides for the extension and sustainment of mission planning software, services and solutions.

Under the new contract, Boeing will continue development and integration of the existing F-22 Mission Planning Environment (MPE), which provides the ability to interactively plan and validate missions. The MPE gives F-22 crews a full range of mission information, from preflight data reports to postflight debriefing materials.

"Our current support of the F-22 program helped us better understand the Air Force's mission planning requirements," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president for Training Systems and Services. "We will continue to work together to improve the integration and testing of mission planning products throughout the MPE development lifecycle."

The F-22 is built by Lockheed Martin in partnership with Boeing and Pratt & Whitney. Boeing supplies the aircraft’s wings and aft fuselage; integrates and tests the advanced avionics; and has responsibility for pilot and maintenance training systems.

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 64,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-defense-news-boeing-receives.html

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Armed Insurgents Launch Attack On U.S. Embassy In Kabul

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Armed Insurgents Launch Attack On U.S. Embassy In Kabul

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 13, 2011: An Afghan policeman keeps watch at the site of a suicide attack in Kabul September 13, 2011.

A civilian was killed and 16 peple wounded in a Taliban attack in Kabul's heavily fortified embassy district on Tuesday, an Afghan health ministry spokesman said.

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

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Militants Launch Attack On U.S. Embassy In Kabul

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Militants Launch Attack On U.S. Embassy In Kabul

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 13, 2011: Afghan policemen fire towards a building which the Taliban insurgents took over during an attack near the U.S. embassy in Kabul September 13, 2011.

A civilian was killed and 16 people wounded in a Taliban attack in Kabul's heavily fortified embassy district on Tuesday, an Afghan health ministry spokesman said.

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

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Taliban Launch Bold Attack On U.S. Embassy In Kabul

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Taliban Launch Bold Attack On U.S. Embassy In Kabul

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 13, 2011: Afghanistan's security forces fire at the building where armed attackers exchanged fire with security forces in Kabul on September 13, 2011.

Taliban gunmen with suicide bombs and heavy weaponry launched coordinated attacks in Kabul targeting NATO's headquarters and the US embassy.

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

DTN NEWS - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: TALIBAN LAUNCH ATTACK ON U.S. EMBASSY IN KABUL

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Taliban Launch Attack On U.S. Embassy In Kabul

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 13, 2011: Afghan policemenstand guard in the vicinity of an on-going attack in Kabul on Septmber 13, 2011.

Taliban gunmen armed with suicide bombs and heavy weaponry on September 13 launched coordinated attacks in Kabul, targeting NATO's headquarters, the US embassy and the Afghan intelligence agency.

Around three hours after the attack began, gunbattles were still ongoing. The Afghan government confirmed the deaths of one policeman and two insurgents, and said that up to four militants were still resisting.

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

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Militants Launch Attack On U.S. Embassy In Kabul

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Militants Launch Attack On U.S. Embassy In Kabul

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 13, 2011: A dead body believed to be a militant is carried on back of police vehicle in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011.

Taliban insurgents fired rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles at the U.S. Embassy, NATO headquarters and other buildings in the heart of the Afghan capital Tuesday in a brazen attack two days after the United States marked the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

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

DTN News - SAAB JAS 39 GRIPEN NEWS: How The Gripen Engine Will Increase Power

DTN News - SAAB JAS 39 GRIPEN NEWS: How The Gripen Engine Will Increase Power

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 13, 2011: At the major international aero engine conference ISABE 2011 in Gothenburg today, Volvo Aero will present a number of technical solutions to increase the thrust produced by the RM12 Gripen engine.

Volvo Aero has the main responsibility for the Gripen engine. The company is constantly faced with tough challenges: requirements placed on a military engine are considerably tougher than those on commercial engine; military engines need to withstand the effects flying at double the speed and double the altitude of commercial engines.

The Gripen aircraft reached an important milestone in the spring of 2011 when it passed 150 000 flying hours without having suffered a single engine related accident or incident. This was the result of proactive and methodical work between Volvo Aero, Saab, FMV (the Swedish Defence Material Agency) and the Air Forces operating the Gripen.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-saab-jas-39-gripen-news-how.html

DTN News - BELGIUM DEFENSE NEWS: "Wikileaks" Sources Say That Belgium Wants To Purchase F-35 Aircraft

DTN News - BELGIUM DEFENSE NEWS: "Wikileaks" Sources Say That Belgium Wants To Purchase F-35 Aircraft

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 13, 2011: A newly-leaked US diplomatic cable provides the first public evidence of the Belgian government's plan to purchase the Lockheed Martin F-35 without a competition.

A meeting between the US ambassador to Brussels and Belgium's defence minister Pieter De Crem on 16 October 2009 was described in a cable revealed earlier this month by the Wikileaks organisation.

The cable notes that De Crem raised the subject of the F-35 during the meeting.

"He thinks that the [Belgian government] should purchase some of the aircraft 'off the shelf' from the partners as they become available, perhaps in the 2020 timeframe," the US embassy wrote.

In the late-1970s, Belgium joined with the Netherlands and Norway to jointly purchase Lockheed F-16A/Bs. Belgium's 50 F-16As and 10 F-16Bs range in age from 29.4 years to 19.8 years, according to Flightglobal's MiliCAS database.

Those F-16s are projected to be retired from service between 2015 and 2025, according to the cable.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-belgium-defense-news-wikileaks.html

DTN News - JAPAN DEFENSE NEWS: Japan Proceeding With F-X Competition, Official Says

DTN News - JAPAN DEFENSE NEWS: Japan Proceeding With F-X Competition, Official Says

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 13, 2011: Japan is apparently proceeding on schedule with the F-X fighter competition, despite the large economic impact of the recent earthquake and tsunami, and a recent government reshuffle. A Ministry of Defense spokeswoman told Bloomberg news agency that a decision is likely by year-end. Requests for proposals were issued to Boeing (for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet), Lockheed Martin (for the F-35) and Eurofighter last April. Formal responses are due at the end of this month.

Most observers believe that Japan favors the F-35 because of its stealth capability. The country’s earlier interest in the F-22 was rebuffed by the U.S., which declared that the Raptor would not be exported.

However, Boeing is pitching the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet as the most cost-effective choice, which may have relevance in the current economic environment. Most of the enhanced features that Boeing proposed for export aircraft last year should appeal to Japan, including conformal weapons carriage for reduced radar cross-section, and an internal infrared search and track system (IRST).

Eurofighter has stepped up its campaign, despite Japan’s long history of buying only U.S. defense equipment. Dassault cited this reason in its decision not to bid the Rafale to meet the F-X requirement. “We are ready to offer Japan’s defense industry considerable participation in the [Eurofighter] program, which will offer significant technology transfer opportunities, including the source code,” said Chris Boardman, managing director military air and information, BAE Systems.

The F-X is slated to replace Japan’s two remaining F-4EJ Phantom squadrons (a third flies RF-4E/EJs dedicated to reconnaissance). Therefore, only about 40 aircraft are required–a low number that will adversely affect the unit cost of any licensed production. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has other fighter squadrons equipped with seven F-15Js and three F-2s (a unique and enlarged version of the F-16 produced by Mitsubishi). It is funding upgrades to these, and also the development by Mitsubishi of a stealth combat aircraft demonstrator. This is due to fly in 2014, and if successful could preclude the need to buy further examples of the aircraft chosen as the F-X.

The JASDF lost most of its F-2B two-seat conversion aircraft at Matsushima airbase to the tsunami. A decision on whether to extend production of the F-2 to replace them has not yet been announced. In the meantime, the JASDF is sending pilots to the U.S. Air Force F-16 conversion training squadrons.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-japan-defense-news-japan.html

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Afghanistan Cost $ 444 Billion To America Todate With Combined Casualty Of 33,877 Killed

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Afghanistan Cost $ 444 Billion To America Todate With Combined Casualty Of 33,877 Killed

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 12, 2011: US army soldiers of Task Force 3-66 Bravo Company of 172 Infantry Brigade secure a street outside the district center near the Forward Operating Base Kuschamond on September 12, 2011 in Kuschamond, Paktika province.

So far, the war has cost America 444 billion USD, while according to Brown University in the US, a total of 33,877 people -- including foreign and Afghan troops, civilians and insurgents -- have died in the conflict. There are currently around 130,000 NATO-led forces in Afghanistan, 100,000 of them from the US.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/07/dtn-news-afghan-war-news-first-batch-of.html

DTN News - WIKILEAKS NEWS: Various Articles From International Media Originated From Wikileaks For September 12, 2011

DTN News - WIKILEAKS NEWS: Various Articles From International Media Originated From Wikileaks For September 12, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 12, 2011: 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;

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-wikileaks-news-various_12.html

DTN News - NATO IN KOSOVO: NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR) Presence By Marching In Pristina Kosovo

DTN News - NATO IN KOSOVO: NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR) Presence By Marching In Pristina Kosovo

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 12, 2011: NATO peacekeepers march during the change of command ceremony in Pristina, September 9, 2011.

German Lieutenant General Erhard Drews (not pictured) took over as the new commander of NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR).

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DTN News - SAD CHAPTER OF OUR MANKIND HISTORY: U.S. President, Vice President And Family Attend Concert To Mark 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

DTN News - SAD CHAPTER OF OUR MANKIND HISTORY: U.S. President, Vice President And Family Attend Concert To Mark 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 12, 2011: President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden and his wife Jill Biden attend the 'A Concert For Hope' event, hosted by Washington National Cathedral, to mark the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks September 11, 2011 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

The United States is commemorating the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 which resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people after two hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia and one crash landed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

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DTN News - SAD CHAPTER OF OUR MANKIND HISTORY: America Mourns Sept 11 Dead With Somber Ceremonies

DTN News - SAD CHAPTER OF OUR MANKIND HISTORY: America Mourns Sept 11 Dead With Somber Ceremonies

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 12, 2011: Children yearned for lost parents and grown men and women sobbed in raw grief on the brass bearing the names of nearly 3,000 dead as America commemorated the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

The name of every person killed in al Qaeda's hijacked plane attacks was read on Sunday in the nearly five-hour-long centerpiece of a heart-wrenching ceremony where the World Trade Center twin towers stood.

"I haven't stopped missing my Dad. He was awesome," said Peter Negron, a child when his father, Pete, was killed in one of the towers. "I wish my Dad had been there to teach me how to drive, ask a girl out on a date and see me graduate from high school and a hundred other things I can't even begin to name."

There were smaller ceremonies in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon, the other sites were 19 men from the Islamic militant group al Qaeda crashed hijacked airliners on the sunny Tuesday morning of September 11, 2001.

The attacks led U.S. forces to invade Afghanistan to topple the Taliban rulers who had harbored al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and Washington began a "war on terror" that ousted Iraq's Saddam Hussein and persists on several fronts to this day.

"Ten years have passed since a perfect blue sky morning turned into the blackest of nights," New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said at New York's Ground Zero.

"Since then, we've lived in sunshine and in shadow, and although we can never unsee what happened here, we can also see that children who lost their parents have grown into young adults, grandchildren have been born and good works and public service have taken root to honor those we loved and lost."

Thousands gathered at the site on a clear morning to grieve. With security tight and no traffic, there was an eerie silence where the 110-story skyscrapers collapsed a decade ago, sending a noxious cloud over lower Manhattan.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-sad-chapter-of-our-mankind_12.html

DTN News - SEARCH FOR GADDAFI: Libyan Are Celebrating Ousted Of Muammar Gaddafi On Martyrs Square In Tripoli

DTN News - SEARCH FOR GADDAFI: Libyan Are Celebrating Ousted Of Muammar Gaddafi On Martyrs Square In Tripoli

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 10, 2011: Libyans chant slogans and hold Kingdom of Libya flags as they celebrate during a gathering against ousted leader Muammar Gaddafi on Martyrs Square, known under Gaddafi as Green Square, in Tripoli September 9, 2011. (Photo - Reuters)

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DTN News - SEARCH FOR GADDAFI: Libyan NTC Fighters Poised To Attack Bani Walid As Deadline Expired

DTN News - SEARCH FOR GADDAFI: Libyan NTC Fighters Poised To Attack Bani Walid As Deadline Expired

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 10, 2011: Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC) fighters load their weapons as they gather some 25 kms (16 miles) from Bani Walid, southeast of Tripoli, on September 10, 2011 as the deadline expires on Saturday for forces loyal to ousted Libyan strongman Moamer Kadhafi to surrender, with fighters of the country's new leadership poised to attack hold-out strongholds.

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DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Defence Ministry Announces Procurement Of Over 300 Su-30 MKIs And Tejas LCA To Strengthen The IAF

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Defence Ministry Announces Procurement Of Over 300 Su-30 MKIs And Tejas LCA To Strengthen The IAF

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 9, 2011: The Indian Defence Minister A.K. Anthony has announced that in order to strengthen the combat capability of the Indian Air force (IAF), over 300 Sukhoi-MKI fighters and ‘Tejas’ Light Combat aircraft (LCA) will be procured. The total cost of procurement will amount to roughly $ 14.30 billion and the Su-30 MKI and ‘Tejas’ LCA are already being manufactured by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Defence Minister has indicated that the provisions in the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) allow procurement and the subsequent manufacture of the fighter planes in India. Therefore, major aircraft procurement programme entail a mix of outright purchase from abroad and subsequent manufacture in India with increasing levels of indigenization. India promotes production of equipment, components and spares under transfer of technology from foreign suppliers through acquisitions categorized as "Buy & Make" and "Buy & Make (Indian)" under the DPP. Due to the sophisticated nature of the technology involved in design and manufacture of combat manufacture, the process has been gradual.

Elaborating on the procurement of the Sukhoi-30 MKI and ‘Tejas’ LCA, the Defence Minister stated that the total cost of procurement of the Su-30 MKI is over $ 12.38 billion while the cost of procurement of the ‘Tejas’ Light Combat Aircraft is about $ 1.93 billion. While HAL will be undertaking the manufacturing of the Su-30 MKI and ‘Tejas’, it will also be eventually be manufacturing the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) and Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) planned for further induction into the IAF.

Last year, when the additional 42 Su-30 MKI were ordered from Russia, HAL was asked to speed up delivery to take the additional load. The IAF already have inducted more than 110 Sukhois out of original 230 aircraft and the additional 42 would took the total strength to 272 fighters. The Sukhoi’s are built under license at HAL’s five Divisions ( Nasik, Koraput, Hyderabad, Lucknow and Korwa) and are later assembled, integrated, test-flown and delivered from Nasik. Sources in HAL said that the overall production rate of Su-30MKI during 2009-2010 was falling far behind expectations.

HAL has stated that it has recorded a substantial increase in the delivery of aircraft in the year 2010-2011. Compared to the previous year, HAL’s delivery numbers were 63 percent higher which was the result of improved manufacturing procedures, outsourcing and optimal deployment of human resources. HAL claims that there have been delays in Su-30 MKI production due to late receipt of drawings from Russia. As for the ‘Tejas’ LCA programme, there have been delays and additional costs due to the expanded scope of the programme and increased cost of materials.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-india-defense-news-defence.html

DTN News - EGYPT ISRAEL RELATIONS WORSEN: Egyptians Tear Down Israel Embassy's Security Wall

DTN News - EGYPT ISRAEL RELATIONS WORSEN: Egyptians Tear Down Israel Embassy's Security Wall

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 9, 2011: Hundreds of Egyptian protesters, some swinging hammers and others using their bare hands, tore down parts of a graffiti-covered security wall outside the Israeli Embassy in Cairo on Friday. Thousands elsewhere protested for the first time in a month against the country's military rulers.

Seven months after the popular uprising that drove Mubarak from power, Egyptians are still pressing for a list of changes, including more transparent trials of former regime figures acused of corruption and a clear timetable for parliamentary elections.

Egyptians have grown increasingly distrustful of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which took control of the country when Mubarak was forced out on Feb. 11 after nearly three decades in power. The council, headed by Mubarak's defense minister, Field Marshall Hussein Tantawi, has voiced its support for the revolution and those who called for democracy and justice.

But activists accuse it of remaining too close to Mubarak's regime and practicing similarly repressive policies, including abusing detainees. The trials of thousands of civilians in military courts has also angered activists.

"In the beginning we were with the military because they claimed to be protectors of the revolution, but month after month nothing has changed," said doctor Ghada Nimr, one of those who gathered in Tahrir Square.

One banner in Cairo read, "Egyptians, come out of your homes, Tantawi is Mubarak."

Outside the Israeli Embassy, protesters for the second time in less than a month pulled down the Israeli flag from atop the 21-story building.

Egyptian security forces did not intervene as crowds climbed up the embassy's security wall, pummeling it with sledge hammers and tearing away large sections of the cement and metal barrier, which was recently put up to better protect the property from protests.

Since Mubarak's fall, calls have grown in Egypt for ending the historic 1979 peace treaty with Israel, a pact that has never had the support of ordinary Egyptians. Anger increased last month after Israeli forces responding to a cross-border militant attack mistakenly killed five Egyptian police officers near the border.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-egypt-israel-relations-worsen.html

DTN News - WHITE HOUSE NEWS: US Jobs Plan - Barack Obama Unveils $450 Billion Package

DTN News - WHITE HOUSE NEWS: US Jobs Plan - Barack Obama Unveils $450 Billion Package

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 9, 2011: US President Barack Obama has unveiled a $450bn (£282bn) package of tax cuts and spending plans aimed at creating jobs and bolstering the economy.

He wants to fund huge construction projects, schools and services, while giving tax cuts to workers and small businesses to boost recruitment.

Mr Obama told a joint session of Congress that politicians needed to act quickly to pass the package.

Republican congressman John Boehner said the plans "merit consideration".

"We hope he gives serious consideration to our ideas as well," said Mr Boehner, the speaker of the House of Representatives.

The Republicans control the House, and have derailed many of Mr Obama's legislative proposals. Mr Boehner's support is likely to be crucial if the measures are to be approved.

Some of Mr Obama's opponents have already dismissed the jobs plan as a crude attempt to boost his flagging popularity in the run-up to next year's presidential election.

Some 9.1% of Americans are currently out of work, and the issue is expected to dominate the election campaign.

The BBC's North America editor Mark Mardell says the president has set a trap for the Republicans - either they back his proposals, or he will campaign against what he will portray as a Washington elite happy to cut taxes for their rich friends but not for ordinary people.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-white-house-news-us-jobs-plan.html

DTN News: Afghanistan Top Stories / Headlines News Dated September 9, 2011

DTN News: Afghanistan Top Stories / Headlines News Dated September 9, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 9, 2011: AFGHANISTAN-US-ATTACKS-911-HERAT A combo of pictures created on September 9, 2011 shows Northern Alliance soldiers (mujahedeen) posing for a picture on an old artillery piece in front of the police headquarters in the western Afghan city of Herat on November 15, 2001 just three days after Taliban left the city and Afghan policemen posing with the cannon in the same place just under eight years later on August 23, 2009. September 11, 2011 marks the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in New York which prompted the US-led invasion of Afghanistan less than a month later.

The US-led campaign working with the Northern Alliance was designed to topple the Taliban and ensure Al-Qaeda could no longer use Afghanistan as a safe haven.

10 years on Herat, close to the Afghan border with Iran, is seen as one of the safest parts of Afghanistan and was among the first wave of seven places that passed from foreign to Afghan security control in July, 2011.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-afghanistan-top-stories.html

DTN News - AL-QAEDA PAKISTAN CONNECTION: Feds Watching Possible Terror Plot For NY, D.C.

DTN News - AL-QAEDA PAKISTAN CONNECTION: Feds Watching Possible Terror Plot For NY, D.C.

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 8, 2011: CBS News has learned that officials Thursday are very concerned about new information that there could be a terror strike on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, and this new potential plot could target New York or Washington, D.C.

According to CBS News correspondent Bob Orr, this threat is "specific and credible but unconfirmed," meaning that intelligence agencies across the government has picked up a threat stream from overseas, and that there is a full court press by the FBI, CIA and others to refute or corroborate the information.

Sources told CBS News that the threat specifically has come from Pakistan, which is home to terror groups, including the Pakistani Taliban, the organization behind the failed Times Square bombing attempt.

A federal law enforcement source told CBS News that operatives are acting on Osama bin Laden's wishes to time an attack to the anniversary.

While the report is unconfirmed, a number of officials say that there are enough elements lined up to have them concerned about this threat stream more so than the others they have seen in recent days.

A Federal source told CBS News that FBI and intelligence authorities are currently tracking two distinct threat streams -- one involving a car bombing threat in New York or Washington and a separate threat against bridges and tunnels in New York. It is unknown if there is a correlation between the two threats.

A White House official told CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller that President Obama was briefed about the threat Thursday morning and had been updated all day. "The United States government has already significantly enhanced its security posture in advance of the 9/11 anniversary to protect the country against possible terrorist threats," said the official. "Nevertheless, the President directed the counterterrorism community to redouble its efforts in response to this credible but unconfirmed information."

White House officials said there were no plans to change Obama's travel schedule on Sunday in light of the threat. The president is scheduled to mark the 9/11 anniversary with stops at New York's ground zero, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pa. He will also deliver remarks Sunday night at a memorial concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

"It's accurate that there is specific, credible but unconfirmed threat information," Homeland Security Department spokesman Matt Chandler said in a statement. "As we always do before important dates like the anniversary of 9/11, we will undoubtedly get more reporting in the coming days."

The U.S. has not raised its official terror threat level.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-al-qaeda-pakistan-connection_08.html

DTN News - ISRAELI DEFENSE NEWS: Elbit Systems Successfully Completed Customer Acceptance Tests of First 30mm Unmanned Turret Supplied to the Brazilia

DTN News - ISRAELI DEFENSE NEWS: Elbit Systems Successfully Completed Customer Acceptance Tests of First 30mm Unmanned Turret Supplied to the Brazilian Army

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 8, 2011: Haifa, Israel -- Elbit Systems Ltd. ("ESLT") announced today that it has successfully concluded customer acceptance tests of first 30mm unmanned turret UT30BR, integrated into the Brazilian IVECO 6X6 Guarani vehicle.

The unmanned turret was fielded at CAEx (the Brazilian Army's Marambaia testing facility in Rio de Janeiro), testing all its operational functions as well as firing both static and moving targets. The tests were successfully completed, complying to all requirements and to the customer's full satisfaction.

In 2009, after a bid between world leading turrets manufacturers, Elbit Systems was selected to supply unmanned turrets to the Brazilian Army's Land Forces. This multi-year program holds great potential to the company in terms of future procurement.

Earlier this year (2011), Elbit Systems' Brazilian subsidiary, AEL SISTEMAS SA, ("AEL") was awarded a framework contract, for the supply of UT30BR 30 mm Unmanned Turrets to the Brazilian Army’s Land Forces, as part of the Guarani Project.

Elbit Systems' unmanned turret is a complete system, incorporating a 30mm automatic cannon, a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, a Laser Warning System (LWS), commander panoramic sight and smoke grenade launchers. In addition to the aforementioned elements, Elbit Systems' unmanned turret is fully dual axis stabilized and combines an automatic target tracker.

The unmanned turret features Elbit Systems' proprietary technology, answering a suitable solution to the asymmetric warfare challenges. The unique design, operated from within the crew compartment without exposure to external hazards, is based on extensive battlefield experience in full scale and low intensity conflicts, and attests to Elbit Systems' leadership in the field of turret and fire control systems.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-israeli-defense-news-elbit.html

DTN News - CANADIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Textron TAPV Team Submits Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle Proposal

DTN News - CANADIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Textron TAPV Team Submits Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle Proposal

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 8, 2011: Textron Systems Canada Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that it has submitted its proposal for the Canadian Forces Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) program. The Textron TAPV Team, led by Textron Systems Canada, includes Textron Marine & Land Systems and Rheinmetall Canada. Additional key Canadian suppliers include: Kongsberg Protech Systems Canada, a subcontractor to Rheinmetall Canada for the Remote Weapons Systems; and Engineering Office Deisenroth Canada (EODC), a subcontractor direct to Textron Systems Canada for add-on armour.

A contract for the TAPV program to procure 500 vehicles, with an option for up to 100 more, is expected to be awarded in early 2012.

“The Textron TAPV Team is pleased to be offering a 4 by 4 armoured vehicle that will provide the Canadian Forces with an unmatched blend of survivability, protection, power, mobility and versatility,” said Neil Rutter, general manager of Textron Systems Canada. “We also have submitted a comprehensive Industrial and Regional Benefits plan that effectively engages Canadian companies from coast to coast, provides jobs to Canadians, and provides substantial Canadian content in each vehicle.”

Textron’s proposed TAPV, specifically engineered to meet Canadian Forces requirements, draws on Textron Marine & Land Systems’ more than 45 years of experience in the design and production of armoured vehicles. Building from the combat-tested Armored Security Vehicle platform, Textron’s TAPV has undergone five years of extensive research and development. The result is a technology readiness level (TRL) 8 vehicle, designed to deliver outstanding performance and sustainability for a broad spectrum of operations in the world’s most challenging environments.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-canadian-defense-news-textron.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: SAIC Awarded Contract By U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA)

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: SAIC Awarded Contract By U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA)

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 7, 2011: Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (NYSE: SAI) announced today it was awarded a competitive indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to provide advisory and analytical services in support of the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). The multiple-award contract has a five year period of performance with a not to exceed ordering contract ceiling value of $281 million for all awardees, if all options are exercised. Work will be performed primarily in Huntsville, Ala.

The MDA is a research, development, and acquisition agency within the Department of Defense that develops, tests, and fields ballistic missile capabilities to protect the U.S., forward deployed forces, and allies from attack. Under the contract, SAIC will provide senior advisory and analytical services as required to help develop, deploy and maintain BMDS capabilities. SAIC will also provide assessments and analysis services as needed, generating reports for MDA on testing; quality, safety and mission assurance; engineering; and programmatics. SAIC is one of four contractors that will compete for task orders under the contract.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/09/dtn-news-defense-news-saic-awarded.html

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated September 6, 2011

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated September 6, 2011

CONTRACTS

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

SupplyCore, Inc.*, Rockford, Ill., was issued a nine-month bridge contract on the current contract SPM500-11-D-BP04/P00026. Award is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum $45,000,000 for maintenance, repair, and operations supplies, and related services for the U.S. Central Command region. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. The date of performance completion is May 31, 2012. The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.

NAVY

Oldenburg Group, Inc.*, Kingsford, Mich., is being awarded a $25,376,459 firm-fixed price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for manufacturing and installation support of slewing boat davits for LSD 41 and LSD 49 class Navy ships. Work will be performed in Kingsford, Mich. (93.4 percent); Norfolk, Va. (5.1 percent); San Diego, Calif. (1 percent); and Sasebo, Japan (0.5 percent). Work is expected to be completed by September 2016. 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 four offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-11-D-0010).

Raytheon Technical Services Co., L.L.C., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $7,360,560 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-10-G-0006) for the procurement of 36 LAU-116B/A launchers in support of FA-18 E/F and EA-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., 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/2011/09/dtn-news-us-department-of-defense_06.html