Saturday, August 21, 2010

DTN News: Iran Begins Fueling First Nuclear Power Plant....NSI News Source Info # 996

(NSI News Source Info) TEHRAN, Iran - August 21, 2010: Iranian and Russian engineers began loading nuclear fuel into Iran's first atomic power plant Saturday amid international concern that the Islamic Republic is seeking a nuclear weapon.
State television showed what appeared to be fuel rods being loaded into the core of the reactor, which is on the shores of the Persian Gulf near the town of Bushehr. The plant is one of the first tangible results of Iran's controversial nuclear program, which has been the target of increasingly tough international sanctions.
Iranian officials, speaking during a ceremony in Bushehr, lauded the country's nuclear program and said the reactor was a symbol of Iran's international stature. It took more than 35 years to build the plant, with construction disrupted by the 1979 revolution, the war with Iraq in the 1980s and a decision by the original German contractor, Siemens, to pull out of the project.
http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-iran-begins-fueling-first.html

DTN News: 11 Soldiers Among 14 killed In South Yemen: Ministry, Medics....NSI News Source Info # 995

(NSI News Source Info) ADEN, Yemen- August 21, 2010: Eleven soldiers were killed on Friday as the Yemeni army fought gunmen in the southern city of Loder, the interior ministry said, and medics said three civilians also died.
The soldiers were killed "in an ambush set up by Al-Qaeda terrorists and outlaws cooperating with them," the ministry said.
Eight of the soldiers were killed when a rocket-propelled grenade hit their armoured vehicle, Loder regional security chief Yahya al-Barkani said.
The three civilians were killed -- and another four wounded -- when soldiers bombarded buildings near Loder market from where the military was being targeted, medical sources said.

DTN News: India To Get Russian Nuclear Submarine On Lease In Fall....NSI News Source Info # 994

(NSI News Source Info) KOMSOMOLSK-ON-AMUR, Russia- August 21, 2010: The Russian K-152 Nerpa nuclear attack submarine, which is currently carrying out workup trials in the Russian Far East, will be transferred to India on a 10-year lease in the fall, a spokesman for the Amur Shipbuilding Plant said on Friday.
The workup includes a training program for the Indian crew to ensure they can operate the submarine's systems, the spokesman said.
The lease contract, estimated at some $900 million, was drawn up following an agreement between Moscow and New Delhi in January 2004, in which India agreed to fund part of the Nerpa's construction.
The Nerpa was scheduled to be introduced into the Indian Navy as INS Chakra by mid-2008 but technical problems stalled the process.
Twenty sailors and technical workers were killed onboard the submarine shortly after the start of sea trials in November 2008, due to a toxic gas leak when the automatic fire extinguishing system malfunctioned. The boat is now fully operational following repairs.
http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-india-to-get-russian-nuclear.html

DTN News: Russia Extends Lease On Military Base In Armenia Through 2044....NSI News Source Info # 993

(NSI News Source Info) YEREVAN, Armenia - August 21, 2010: Russia and Armenia on Friday signed amendments to a 1995 bilateral treaty extending Russia's use of a military base near Armenia's border with Turkey through 2044.
The document was signed by the countries' defense ministers as a result of negotiations between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan. Medvedev is currently on a state visit to Armenia.
Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said the term of the 1995 deal on the base in Gyumri, Armenia's second largest city, had been extended from 25 to 49 years.
http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-russia-extends-lease-on.html

DTN News: India TODAY August 21, 2010 - India To Order Another 59 Russian Mi-17 Helicopters....NSI News Source Info # 992

(NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - August 21, 2010: The Indian Air Force will soon order an additional 59 Russian Mil Mi-17 helicopters on top of the 80 ordered earlier, the IAF chief said on Thursday.
The first deliveries of the 80 Mi-17 helicopters, ordered in 2008, will begin later this year, Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik said in an interview with India Strategic.
The Russian supply of 80 Mi-17s are to replace and augment its existing fleet of around 150 Mi-8 and Mi-17 medium-lift choppers, which have over five tonne load carrying capability and are also used to ferry troops and VIPs.

DTN News: Iran TODAY August 21, 2010 - No Decision Made On Russian S-300 Deliveries To Iran - According To Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov.

DTN News: Iran TODAY August 21, 2010 - No Decision Made On Russian S-300 Deliveries To Iran - According To Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov....NSI News Source Info # 991 (NSI News Source Info) YEREVAN, Armenia - August 21, 2010: No decision has been taken yet on the delivery of S-300 air defense systems to Iran, Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said on Friday.
Russia signed a contract on delivering at least five S-300 systems to Iran in December 2005, but the contract's implementation has so far been delayed.
On June 9, the UN Security Council approved a fourth round of sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program, including tougher financial controls and an expanded arms embargo.
Later, the United States and the EU imposed extra sanctions against the Islamic republic.
The sale of S-300 air defense systems is believed to fall under the sanctions, though Russia said the delivery would not be affected since the weapons are not included in the UN Register of Conventional Arms.
The head of the Russian State Technology Corporation Rostekhnologii, Sergei Chemezov, said in July that the contract had not been cancelled.

DTN News: India, Russia Likely To Export BrahMos Missiles....NSI News Source Info # 990

(NSI News Source Info) BENGALURU, India - August 21, 2010: India and Russia are looking into exporting the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
An intergovernmental agreement (IGA) signed by New Delhi and Moscow stipulates that the missile will be inducted into the armed forces of India and Russia and also will be exported to certain shared allies.
Though the export of the missile has been discussed for many years, nothing concrete has happened. It is still too early to know which nations would be identified first, according to one Indian official. “It will be a decision taken after a lot of deliberations,” the official said.
“The missile will be exported to friendly countries after taking into account the security needs of both [Indian and Russia],” Indian defense minister A.K. Antony said. “Many countries have shown interest to buy these missiles, but no decision has been taken as to whom the missile can be sold.”
Presently, the Brahmos missiles are being produced for the Indian army, navy and air force. Export will start only after meeting the minimum requirements of India. In addition to the IGA, the missile has the approval of the Indo-Russian Intergovernmental Commission for Military Technical Cooperation for Export.
http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-india-russia-likely-to-export.html

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Awarded Contract Modification To Provide Sustainment For F-22....NSI News Source Info # 989

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - August 21, 2010: Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded a $111,386,931 contract modification to provide sustainment for the F-22 program for calendar year 2010.
At this time, $241,645,563 has been obligated. ASC/WWUK,Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting agency (FA8611-08-C-2897 P00049) .

Friday, August 20, 2010

DTN News: India's FMBT (Future Main Battle Tank) - Son Of Arjun Frightens Indians....NSI News Source Info # 988

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 20, 2010: India has begun working on its next generation battle tank. Called the FMBT (Future Main Battle Tank), this vehicle aims to build on the success of the last Indian designed tank, the Arjun. This worries many Indian taxpayers, and soldiers. That's because the government recently ordered another 124 Arjuns. That came about because recent competitive tests between the Indian designed Arjun and Russian T-90 tank resulted in an unexpected victory by the Arjun. The Indian Army was compelled (by pro-Arjun politicians) to conduct a field test between the domestically designed (and largely rejected) Arjun tank, and the Russian T-90 (now considered the army's primary tank). Fourteen of each tank were used, and the results were classified. But journalists had no trouble getting unofficial reports that the Arjun managed to best the T-90 in tests of mobility, endurance and gunnery.
This was unusual because, until now, the Arjun was considered an expensive and embarrassing failure. Development of the Arjun began in the 1980s, and until four years ago, the army had received only five of them, for evaluation purposes. The evaluation did not go well. Originally, the Arjun was to have replaced thousands of Russian tanks, but after so many delays, the army only reluctantly accepted 128 Arjuns (equipping the 140th Armored Brigade). The new test reports resulted in renewed pressure on the army to buy more Arjuns. This pitted the Defense Ministry weapons development and procurement bureaucrats against the generals. The bureaucrats won this one. But the battle continues. That's because the recent tests assume that the Arjun has really fixed all the problems it was having with its electronics. In this case, it was the fire control system. But Arjun has also had problems with its engine, and that fact that its size and weight prevents it from being used with current tank transporters. Thus the FMBT is to be lighter (50 tons) and based on what works in the Arjun and other modern tanks. The FMBT is expected to replace older Russian tanks.

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Delivers First Two Upgraded Light Armored Vehicle Command And Control Platforms....NSI News Source Info # 987

(NSI News Source Info) OWEGO, NY,- August 20, 2010: Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has delivered the first two of 52 upgraded Command and Control variants of the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) to the U.S. Marine Corps. The upgraded platforms were signed over to the customer in an acceptance ceremony on August 10.
The upgraded LAV Command and Control (C2) variant is a mobile command center providing advanced communication capabilities to Marines in the field, improving their battlefield knowledge and situational awareness.

DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated August 20, 2010....NSI News Source Info # 986

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 20, 2010: Comprehensive daily news related on Aerospace/Defense for the world of TODAY.

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 20, 2010....NSI News Source Info # 985

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - August 20, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued August 20, 2010 are undermentioned;
CONTRACTS
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
Harlan Lee & Associates, LLC, Falls Church, Va. (HQ0147-10-D-0030); PeopleTec, Inc., Huntsville, Ala. (HQ0147-10-D-0031); and Total Solutions, Inc., Huntsville, Ala. (HQ0147-10-D-0032) are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide advisory and assistance services to the Chief of Staff Directorate, Human Resources Directorate, and Public Affairs at the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The contractors will assist in providing support services in support of the Ballistic Missile Defense System. Each contract has a not to exceed ordering ceiling of $195,700,000. The companies will have the opportunity to bid on each individual task order. Work under these contracts will be performed in Alaska, Alabama, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Virginia. The performance period is through August 2015. These contracts are being competitively awarded under the Small Business Set-Aside Request for Proposal HQ0147-09-R-0001. Obligations will be made by task orders using research, development, test and evaluation funds. This procurement is managed by the MDA Engineering and Support Services Program Office.
AIR FORCE
Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded a $111,386,931 contract modification to provide sustainment for the F-22 program for calendar year 2010. At this time, $241,645,563 has been obligated. ASC/WWUK,Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting agency (FA8611-08-C-2897 P00049) .
Jacobs Technology, Inc., Tullahoma, Tenn., was awarded a $103,319,031 contract modification which will provide technical, engineering and acquisition support at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and its other tenant units. At this time, no money has been obligated. AAC/PKES, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA9200-07-C-0006; P00042).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Electronic Systems, Baltimore, Md., was awarded a $9,759,108 contract which will replace narrow band klystron power amplifiers with wide band klystron power amplifiers for the Saudi Arabia and French Airborne Warning and Control System fleets. At this time, the total amount has been obligated. ESC/HBSKI, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8704-10-C-0007).

DTN News: Why Pakistan Cannot Have Predators....NSI News Source Info # 984

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 20, 2010: For years, Pakistan has pressured the U.S. to sell (or give) them Predator UAVs. The Americans refused, at first quietly, but now openly. The U.S. has offered three units of the smaller (160 kg) Shadow 200 models. These are widely used by the U.S. Army, but are not large enough to carry 45 kg Hellfire missiles, like the one ton Predator does. The U.S. doesn't want Pakistan to have Predator/Hellfire partly to keep the technology away from China, partly to keep the systems from being used to kill tribal leaders the U.S. does not consider hostile. The U.S. also fears Pakistan would use Predators used against India. Above all, these UAVs are in big demand by American and NATO forces, who have priority.
The Pakistanis are also prone to corruption, and giving them missile armed Predators would encourage Taliban and tribal leaders to offer money, or cooperation, to avoid a Hellfire missile. You can't bribe the Americans, which is what really annoys many Pakistanis. What also annoys Pakistanis is the Americans constantly pointing out that Islamic terrorists are killing far more Pakistanis than the Indian armed forces, and the two countries have not fought a way for over 30 years. Yet Pakistan still keeps most of its security forces aimed at India, while India pays more attention to the Chinese threat.

DTN News: Taiwan TODAY August 20, 2010 - Fearing China, Taiwan Pleads For US Warplanes....NSI News Source Info # 983

(NSI News Source Info) TAIPEI, Taiwan - August 20, 2010: Taiwan has repeated its plea for advanced F-16 warplanes from the United States to defend itself -- apparently from a potential Chinese military threat -- in the wake of the latest Pentagon report on China's military might.
Receiving visiting U.S. Senator Roland Burris on Thursday, Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou requested the U.S. government to "cautiously consider selling F-16C/Ds to Taiwan as the balance of cross-Strait military power is tipping in China's favor.
"He justified his persistent appeals for American fighter planes saying that "Taiwan people's top concern is Taiwan's security."

DTN News: Israel TODAY August 20, 2010 - Israeli Defence Ministry No Plans To Upgrade F-16s....NSI News Source Info # 982

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 20, 2010: The Israeli defence ministry has decided, pending formal government approval, to purchase an initial 20 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighters. The $2.75 billion deal has been the subject of US-Israeli discussions over Israeli industrial co-operation and the extent to which the country will be allowed to install its own electronic warfare systems in the stealth fighter.
A defence ministry source says: "We have the needed understanding with the Americans that allowed us to make the decision."
For the Israeli air force, the key fighter procurement consideration is the replacement of older aircraft, and air force sources suggest that as the F-35 is the only option, further orders should be expected to follow the first 20.
http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-israel-today-august-20-2010.html

DTN News: Force Protection Receives $14.5 Million Award For Field Service Support....NSI News Source Info # 981

(NSI News Source Info) LADSON, SC - August 20, 2010: Force Protection Industries, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Force Protection Inc.(NASDAQ:FRPT), a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions and provider of total life cycle support for those products, today announced that it has received a firm fixed price modification to existing contract M67854-07-D-5031 with a total value of approximately $14.5 million for continuing Field Service Representative (“FSR”) support work and Standard Consumable Kits to support Operations at Vehicle Support Facility-Afghanistan and conduct general maintenance. All work under this modification is expected to be complete by July, 2011.

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Demonstrates Advanced Vehicles and Technologies at U.S. National Guard Conference....NSI News Source Info # 980

(NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wis. - August 20, 2010: Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), is supporting the U.S. National Guard’s broad mission with a diverse demonstration of technologies and vehicles at the 132nd National Guard Association of the United States’ (NGAUS) 2010 General Conference and Exhibition at the Austin Convention Center, Austin, Texas. The company will exhibit a U.S. Army Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) dump truck variant, a Pierce Manufacturing Inc. mobile command vehicle and a SandCat™ Tactical Protector Vehicle.“It is important that the men and women serving in the National Guard have modern, highly protected dual-use systems to support their combat missions, national security operations, disaster relief and a variety of other deployments,” said Mike Ivy, Oshkosh Defense vice president and general manager, Army Programs. “Our advanced vehicle platforms give the National Guard the tactical capabilities they need, whether they’re serving on the frontlines overseas or conducting missions at home.”

Thursday, August 19, 2010

DTN News: Israeli Military Confronts New Foe - The Internet....NSI News Source Info # 979

Source: DTN News / By Josef Federman (AP)
(NSI News Source Info) JERUSALEM, Israel - August 20, 2010: The security obsessed Israeli military is confronting a new adversary — trying to control what its own soldiers post to the Internet.
Facebook, along with YouTube and other popular sites, is turning into a formidable nuisance for the army, as young recruits in this tech-crazy country post embarrassing and potentially sensitive information online, circumventing tight military controls.
The issue exploded onto the national agenda this week when a young ex-soldier posted pictures of herself in uniform, posing in front of handcuffed, blindfolded Palestinian prisoners on her Facebook page under the heading "Army — The Best Time of My Life."
*Link to this article "Israeli Military Confronts New Foe - The Internet ~ By Josef Federman (AP) "
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com
Associated Press writers Aisha Mohammed and Ian Deitch in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
Related Articles
Ex-Israeli soldier's Facebook pictures provoke outrage
Israeli soldier who posed on Facebook with Palestinian prisoners defends herself
http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-israeli-military-confronts-new.html

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 19, 2010....NSI News Source Info # 978

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - August 19, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued August 19, 2010 are undermentioned;
CONTRACTS
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Sysco Food Services of Seattle, Kent, Wash., is being awarded a maximum $540,815,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, sole-source contract for full line food distribution. Other location of performance is Alaska. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, federal civilian agencies and the Department of Defense. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is Feb. 25, 2012. The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-09-D-3160).
Hydro-Aire, Inc., Burbank, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $7,865,190 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for tire parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2011. The Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (SPRHA1-10-C-0043).

DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated August 19, 2010....NSI News Source Info # 977

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 19, 2010: Comprehensive daily news related on Aerospace/Defense for the world of TODAY.

DTN News: Boeing C-130 AMP Head-Up Display Endorsed By Headquarters US Air Force Directorate Of Operations....NSI News Source Info # 976

(NSI News Source Info) LONG BEACH, Calif.,- August 19, 2010: Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that Headquarters U.S. Air Force Directorate of Operations (HQ USAF/A3O) has endorsed the company's C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) Head-Up Display (HUD) and Head-Down Primary Flight Display (HDPFD) as the aircraft's primary flight reference. The endorsement follows four years of design reviews, lab evaluations and demonstrations with the Air Force customer.

DTN News: India May Spend $2 Billion Upgrading Su-30 Fighters....NSI News Source Info # 975

(NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - August 19, 2010: India could spend up to $2.34 billion on modernization of its fleet of Su-30MKI Flanker-H fighters with the participation of Russian companies, the country's Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
The upgrade program may proceed in several stages, starting from 2012, at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with assistance from the warplanes' Russian manufacturers, the Defense Ministry said.
Indian media reported in May that the modernization project, codenamed Super 30, would involve the installation of new radars, onboard computers, avionics and BrahMos supersonic missiles on 40 Su-30MKI fighters.
The Indian Air Force currently operates about 100 Su-30MKI fighters and plans to produce another 170 aircraft in the next 10 years under a license from Russia.
http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-india-may-spend-2-billion.html

DTN News: Pentagon - China's Military Power Growing....NSI News Source Info # 974

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - August 19, 2010: China's drive to transform itself into a major military power is being pursued in a secretive manner that increases the potential for misunderstanding and military conflict with other nations, the Pentagon says in a new report.
The Defense Department's annual assessment, released Monday, says Beijing is upgrading its hefty arsenal of land-based missiles, modernizing its nuclear forces and expanding its fleet of attack submarines.
The effort comes as China has suspended military-to-military talks with the U.S., which could reassure the U.S. about the motives behind Beijing's military buildup.
U.S.-China relations have been particularly strained in recent months, as China rejected the results of an investigation blaming North Korea for the sinking of a South Korean warship. China's military buildup also is seen as a threat to the U.S. ability to defend Taiwan.
http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-pentagon-chinas-military-power.html

DTN News: Russia Flexible On Supply Of Mi-17 Helicopters To Afghanistan....NSI News Source Info # 973

(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - August 19, 2010: Russia is interested in supplying Mi-17 helicopters to Afghanistan and is setting no constraints on a possible deal, a Kremlin aide said on Tuesday.
"The Russian side is definitely interested in this [deal]; there are no impediments on our side," Sergei Prikhodko said.
He said Russia was ready both to supply helicopters under a possible NATO contract and to be part of a U.S.-run tender for supplying helicopters to the Afghan military.
Prikhodko said the issue would be discussed during a meeting between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai in Sochi on Wednesday.
http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-russia-flexible-on-supply-of.html

DTN News: Serbia - Close Cooperation Between Armed Forces Of Serbia, China....NSI News Source Info # 972

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 19, 2010: Minister of Defence Dragan Sutanovac said in Beijing after meeting with Chinese Minister of National Defence General Liang Guanglie that there is close cooperation between the armed forces of Serbia and China, but noted that there is always room for improvement of relations.
Sutanovac stated that Serbia received assurances that the Chinese Army will continue to support reforms in the Serbian Army and will continue to grant funds according to the situation.
He outlined that the meeting was also dedicated to the cooperation of Serbia and China in the arms industry, and expressed confidence that there are opportunities for joint ventures in this area and that such military equipment could be offered to other countries.

DTN News: Iraq TODAY August 19, 2010 - Last US Combat Brigade Pulls Out Of Iraq....NSI News Source Info # 971

(NSI News Source Info) BAGHDAD, Iraq - August 19, 2010: The last American combat brigade pulled out of Iraq and crossed into Kuwait at dawn on Thursday, almost seven and a half years after the US-led invasion ousted Saddam Hussein, a US military spokesman said.
The 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, crossed the border with the neighbouring Gulf emirate at about 6:00 am (0300 GMT), ahead of the planned declaration of an end to combat operations at the end of the month.
The pullout came two days after a suicide bomber killed 59 people at a Baghdad army recruitment centre in Iraq's deadliest attack this year, sparking concern the country's forces are incapable of handling security on their own.
"Yes, they did," Lieutenant Colonel Eric Bloom told AFP, confirming US media reports that the 4th Stryker Brigade had crossed into Kuwait. "The last one crossed at about 6:00 am this morning."
http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-iraq-today-august-19-2010-last.html

DTN News: South Korea, U.S. To Stage Antisubmarine Drills In Yellow Sea Early September....NSI News Source Info # 970

(NSI News Source Info) SEOUL, South Korea - August 19, 2010: South Korea and the United States will hold large-scale joint antisubmarine drills in waters off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula early next month, Seoul's Yonhap News Agency Wednesday quoted the country's defense ministry as saying.
The two allies will conduct joint antisubmarine drills in the Yellow Sea in early September, Seoul's Ministry of National Defense said in a joint statement with the U.S. side.
But the details of the drills, including the exact date and military assets to be mobilized, are still under discussion, it added.
http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-south-korea-us-to-stage.html

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

DTN News: Pakistan TODAY August 18, 2010 - Pakistan Aid 'Will Not Fall To Extremists'....NSI News Source Info # 969

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 18, 2010: Pakistan has sought to reassure international donors that funds to help victims of its devastating flooding will not fall into extremists' hands. Interior Minister Rehman Malik told the BBC the Taliban would not be allowed to take advantage of the crisis to increase its support.
The UN has said it has now raised nearly half of the $460m (£294m) it needs for initial relief efforts.
Meanwhile new flood warnings have been issued in some areas of Pakistan. The authorities say as many as 20 million people are affected by the floods. The UN says six million desperately need emergency aid but most still have not received it. Ten of thousands of villages remain under water.
There are growing health concerns for those surviving without proper shelter, food or clean drinking water, three weeks after the country's worst natural disaster in modern times began.
http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-pakistan-today-august-18-2010.html

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 18, 2010....NSI News Source Info # 968

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - August 18, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued August 18, 2010 are undermentioned;
CONTRACTS
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Owens & Minor, Mechanicsville, Va., is being awarded a maximum $442,607,746 firm-fixed-price, sole-source, prime vendor, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for medical surgical supplies and services. Other locations of performance include Pennsylvania, Michigan, Tennessee, Illinois, New Jersey, Kentucky, Indiana, North Carolina, Maryland and Wisconsin. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, federal civilian agencies and other non-DOD agencies. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is April 19, 2012. The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM200-05-D-7000).
Graybar Electric Co., Inc., St. Louis, Mo. is being awarded a maximum $250,000,000 firm-fixed-price, prime vendor, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for maintenance, repair and operations. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was Web-solicited with seven responses. The date of performance completion is Aug. 17, 2011. The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM500-04-D-BP14)

DTN News: The W62 Died For Our Sins ~ Nuclear, Biological And Chemical Weapons....NSI News Source Info # 967

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 18, 2010: The United States has dismantled the last of 1,725 W62 nuclear warheads. Designed in the 1960s, the 115 kg/253 pound device had a yield of 170 kilotons. All were manufactured between 1970-76 and were used in Minuteman ICBMs.
Over the last five years, the W62 warheads on 300 Minuteman III missiles were replaced with refurbished warheads of more recent design and manufacture. These were W87 warheads, that were originally built for the Peacekeeper missile, which carried ten W87s each. But the last Peacekeeper was retired last year, for cost and disarmament treaty reasons.

DTN News: South Korea Studies North's New Battle Tank....NSI News Source Info # 966

(NSI News Source Info) SEOUL, South Korea - August 18, 2010: South Korean military and intelligence authorities are scrutinizing the performances of North Korea's latest main battle tank, believed to be the latest modification of the Soviet-built T-62, officials here said Aug. 17.
The North's Korean Central Television made public footage of the Pokpung-Ho (Storm) days ago.
The rare release of such footage by the secretive North Koreans occurred in the tense aftermath of the March sinking of a South Korean warship near the western sea border.

DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated August 18, 2010....NSI News Source Info # 965

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 18, 2010: Comprehensive daily news related on Aerospace/Defense for the world of TODAY.

DTN News: North Korean Plane Crashes In China....NSI News Source Info # 964

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 18, 2010: A North Korean fighter jet crashed in China amid speculation that the pilot was trying to defect to Russia, according to South Korean intelligence officials cited today.
The pilot "died on the spot" after crashing into a makeshift house, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported, adding that Beijing was investigating the incident and was in communication with North Korea. No one else was reported killed or wounded.
According to photographs of the wreckage said to have been taken by a Chinese resident, the plane appeared to be a Soviet-era MiG-21, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.

DTN News: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Talks With Afghan, Pakistani Leaders....NSI News Source Info # 963

(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - August 18, 2010: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday offered Pakistan support in dealing with catastrophic floods as he hosted the leaders of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan for talks on efforts to stabilize the region.
Medvedev began his meeting with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi by expressing condolences over the floods that have killed about 1,500 and affected some 20 million people — or one Pakistani in nine.
"We are mourning together with you and we are ready to provide all the necessary assistance," Medvedev said.
A Russian Emergency Situations Ministry plane delivered relief supplies to Pakistan on Tuesday, and another such flight will be conducted Thursday.
The four presidents are expected to issue a statement after their talks urging stronger international support for the flood victims.
http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-russian-president-dmitry.html

DTN News: Sochi Summit Seeks To Break Curse Of Afghan Heroin....NSI News Source Info # 962

(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia- August 18, 2010: Afghanistan is the world's largest opium producer, and analysts say a regional approach is the key to winning the global war on drugs. It is the second four-nation meeting of its kind.
The first one was held in Tajikistan’s capital of Dushanbe last year. Back then leaders focused on cross border projects, security issues and economic recovery of the region. This year the event’s agenda remains the same. Russia is reluctant to get involved in military action in Afghanistan, but continues to seek a role in settling the conflict.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has met with his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai. Russia has been showing its commitment to financially assist the region and Afghanistan in particular. Just several months ago, Russia wrote off the last portion of Afghan debt – $12 billion overall.
http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-sochi-summit-seeks-to-break.html

DTN News: China Growing Strategic Interests In Cambodia....NSI News Source Info # 961

(NSI News Source Info) BANGKOK, Thailand - August 18, 2010: China has donated more than 250 trucks to Cambodia after the United States withheld a shipment of military vehicles in response to Phnom Penh’s recent expulsion of 20 Uighur refugees, local media reported.The donation was announced by Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Hor Namhong on his return from Shanghai, the Phnom Penh Post newspaper reported.

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Receives $260 Million M-TADS/PNVS Production Contract....NSI News Source Info # 960

(NSI News Source Info) ORLANDO, FL, - August 18, 2010: The U.S. Army has awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a $260 million follow-on production contract for the combat-proven Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS), also known as Arrowhead®, for the AH-64D Apache attack helicopter.
The Lot 7 contract includes M-TADS/PNVS systems as well as Arrowhead kits, plus spares, for delivery to U.S. Army and several international customers. More than 1,000 kits will be delivered with the completion of the Lot 7 contract, which extends production through April 2013.
“Demand by commanders for the Arrowhead-equipped LONGBOW Apache to support current operations remains high,” said U.S. Army Apache Sensors Product Manager Lt. Col. John Vannoy. “LONGBOW Apaches are deployed everywhere our ground forces are to ensure they remain safe and decisive in combat 24/7, worldwide."
http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-lockheed-martin-receives-260.html

DTN News: Lockheed Offers Warranty For Missile Interceptor....NSI News Source Info # 959

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, - August 18, 2010: Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) offered to assume additional liability to start production of part of the multibillion dollar U.S. shield against ballistic missiles, the head of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency said on Tuesday.
Army Lieutenant General Patrick O'Reilly told reporters he thought it was fair for Lockheed to take financial responsibility for costs related to any further production delays involving interceptor missiles for its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD.
"So I'm very open to do that with Lockheed," O'Reilly told a defense writers' breakfast, adding that the interceptor production was "badly needed."
Lockheed's initiative would come amid stepped-up efforts by Defense Secretary Robert Gates to get more bang for the Pentagon's buck. Gates is seeking to free more than $100 billion in overhead savings over five years to invest in forces in the field and modernizing their kit.
http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-lockheed-offers-warranty-for.html

DTN News: Sultanate Of Oman Acquires Two Additional C-130J Super Hercules....NSI News Source Info # 958

(NSI News Source Info) MARIETTA, Ga.,- August 18, 2010: Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has signed a contract with the Sultanate of Oman for two additional C-130J Super Hercules.
Oman ordered its first C-130J in July 2009, for delivery in 2012. The two additional aircraft will be delivered in late 2013 and early 2014. The first aircraft is of the C 130J-30 “long” configuration and the new order is for two C-130J “short” configuration aircraft.
“The C-130J is ideally suited to the operating conditions found in Oman and other areas of the Gulf,” said Jim Grant, Lockheed Martin vice president for Air Mobility and Special Operations Forces Programs. “In selecting the C-130J Super Hercules, Oman has recognized all the proven qualities of the world’s most advanced airlifter.”
http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-sultanate-of-oman-acquires-two.html

DTN News: Pentagon Blocks 400 million Dollar Missile Defense Contract....NSI News Source Info # 957

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - August 18, 2010: The Pentagon announced Tuesday that it has blocked a 400 million dollar contract with Lockheed Martin because a component in an army missile defense system had failed to pass key tests.
"A safety device on board the missile has not passed qualification tests as yet," said Richard Lehner, spokesman for the Pentagon's Missile Defense Agency. As a result, the agency withheld the contract to build the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile (THAAD), until the problem is fixed and it passes the required tests, he said.
The THAAD missiles, which are designed to intercept incoming short and medium-range ballistic missiles in the outer edges of the Earth's atmosphere, were expected to play a key role in US plans to shield US forces in the Middle East against Iranian missile attack.
http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-pentagon-blocks-400-million.html

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 17, 2010....NSI News Source Info # 956

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 17, 2010
Source: U.S. DoD issued August 17, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - August 17, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued August 17, 2010 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

NAVY

JLG Industries, Inc., McConnellsburg, Pa., is being awarded a $40,373,200 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the purchase of up to 280 Extendable Boom Fork Lifts (EFBL) and associated training. The EBFL is a four-wheel drive, rubber-tired forklift with two-wheel, four-wheel and crab steering and is capable of moving all palletized classes of material up to its rated capacity. It is medium-lift capable, with an optimum lifting range of 4,000 to 11,000 pounds. Delivery Order 0001 will be executed in the amount of $23,214,590. Work will be performed in McConnelsburg, Pa., and is expected to be completed by August 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-10-D-5075).

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-us-department-of-defense_17.html

DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated August 17, 2010....NSI News Source Info # 955

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 17, 2010: Comprehensive daily news related on Aerospace/Defense for the world of TODAY.