Saturday, March 19, 2011

DTN News - LIBYA UPRISING: Fighter Jet 'Shot Down' Over Benghazi....NSI News Source Info # 1738

DTN News - LIBYA UPRISING: Fighter Jet 'Shot Down' Over Benghazi....NSI News Source Info # 1738
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 19, 2011:

A fighter jet has crashed in flames after apparently being shot down over the rebel stronghold of Benghazi in eastern Libya, reports the BBC's Ian Pannell in the city.


He reports seeing the jet plummet to the ground around 0900 (0700 GMT), but said it was unclear exactly what brought the plane down.

Explosions and gunfire have been heard across Benghazi despite Col Gaddafi's government declaring a ceasefire on Friday.

Meanwhile, leaders from the US, the UK, France, and Arab countries are to meet in Paris to discuss military action in Libya.

The summit comes after the UN Security Council approved a resolution that allows "all necessary measures", short of an invasion, to protect civilians in the north African country.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/03/dtn-news-libya-uprising-fighter-jet.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Indonesian Air Force Bolsters Airlift Capability With 737s....NSI News Source Info # 1737

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Indonesian Air Force Bolsters Airlift Capability With 737s....NSI News Source Info # 1737
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 19, 2011:
Indonesia's air force has obtained two used Boeing 737-400s from the nation's flag carrier Garuda.


The two aircraft will be used for VIP and troop transport missions, says Garuda. They will not be modified from their current configuration.


A memorandum of understanding for the deal was signed last November, with the aircraft handed over in early March. The carrier declines to reveal how much the air force paid for the twinjets.


Maintenance of the aircraft will be the responsibility of both Garuda and the air force. Flightglobal's ACAS database records that Garuda's six wholly owned 737-400s were delivered in 1993 and have an average of around 43,000h of flying time each.

The Indonesian air force is working to upgrade its airlift capability. In January, Annapolis-based Arinc Engineering Services won a $63.7 million contract to modernise five Indonesian air force Lockheed Martin C-130B transports.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/03/dtn-news-defense-news-indonesian-air.html

Friday, March 18, 2011

DTN News - BAHRAIN UNREST: Bahrain Tore Down Monument At Pearl Square In Manama....NSI News Source Info # 1736

DTN News - BAHRAIN UNREST: Bahrain Tore Down Monument At Pearl Square In Manama....NSI News Source Info # 1736

On Friday, March 18, 2011 shows Soldiers looking as mechanical diggers move in to destroy the Pearl Square monument, in Manama, Bahrain. Bahrain on Friday tore down the 300-foot (90-meter) monument at the heart of a square purged of Shiite protesters this week, erasing a symbol of an uprising that's inflaming sectarian tensions across the region. The monument six white curved beams topped with a huge cement pearl was built in Pearl Square as a tribute to the Sunni-ruled kingdom's history as a pearl-diving center. It became the backdrop to the Shiite majority's uprising after protesters set up a month-long camp at Pearl Square in the capital, Manama. (Photo - AP Photo)

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated March 18, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1735

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated March 18, 2011....
NSI News Source Info # 1735
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - March 18, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued March 18, 2011 are undermentioned;


CONTRACTS

WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICES

PowerTek Corp., Rockville, Md. (HQ0034-11-D-0001); NetCentrics Corp.,Vienna, Va. (HQ0034-11-D-0002); and Digital Management, Inc., Bethesda Md. (HQ0034-11-D-0003), are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-reimbursement and fixed-price type multiple-award contract for a wide range of net-centric integrated information technology (IT) support, services, and supplies. The scope of services includes customer support; systems operation, administration, and maintenance; applications support, development and maintenance, e-business systems administration, software system development; engineering; business continuity and continuit of operations; hardware and software acquisition; enterprise architecture and engineering services; performance management; project management and IT training services. Each contractor will be awarded a minimum guarantee of $2,500. These contracts include options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of these contracts to an estimated $495,000,000. These three contractors will compete for the task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. Work will primarily be performed in the National Capital Region area. The multiple award contracts were competitively procured by full and open competition after exclusion as total small business set-asides via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with 14 offers received. Washington Headquarters Services, Acquisition Directorate, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY

The Missile Defense Agency is awarding Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., Sunnyvale, Calif., a fixed-price incentive and cost-plus-fixed-fee modification with a total value of $694,964,438 under Missile Defense Agency contract HQ0147-07-C-0196. The modification will include the definitization of an undefinitized contract action with a not-to-exceed value of $298,000,000. Under this modification Lockheed Martin will manufacture and deliver 48 interceptors and ground support equipment required to support batteries three and four for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Program. The work will be managed in Sunnyvale, Calif., with final assembly performed in Troy, Ala. The performance period is through December 2013. Fiscal 2010 procurement funds in the amount of $144,847,937 and fiscal 2011 procurement funds of $430,916,501 will be used to fund this modification. Fiscal 2010 procurement funds in the amount of $119,200,000 were previously funded on the UCA. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Lockheed Martin Services, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., is being awarded a maximum $171,332,741 firm-fixed-price, sole-source, time-and-materials type contract providing the Civilian Personnel Management Services operational, sustainment, development and maintenance support for the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System Program. Other location of performance is San Antonio, Texas. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and federal civilian agencies. This contract is exercising the seventh option year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 28, 2011. The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SP4700-05-C-0020).

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Hurst, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $10,251,032 firm-fixed-price, sole-source, basic ordering agreement contract for gearbox assembly items. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Navy. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is Jan. 31, 2014. The Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-G-0003 THK).

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/03/dtn-news-us-department-of-defense_18.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin Support Enables High-Tempo F-22 Deployments Worldwide....NSI News Source Info # 1734

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin Support Enables High-Tempo F-22 Deployments Worldwide....NSI News Source Info # 1734
(NSI News Source Info)

MARIETTA, Georgia,

- March 18, 2011:

The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-22 Raptor is logging a deployment-intensive pace in early 2011 following a busy 2010, and the company continues to provide key support to the fleet as the Raptor projects power globally.

In January and February, the U.S. Air Force had Raptors deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, as part of a rotational deployment for a Pacific Air Forces Theater Security Package; to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, for capabilities enhancement testing; and to Nellis AFB, Nev., for Red Flag, an air combat training exercise. F-22s from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, deployed to Japan performed with exceptional readiness, flying 100 percent of a robust sortie schedule in January.

The world's premier air dominance fighter and the only fully operational 5th generation fighter, the F-22 deployed around the world in 2010, including to Andersen AFB, Guam; Japan; South Korea; and the United Arab Emirates. In a first for the F-22 fleet, Raptors from Holloman AFB, N.M., performed a re-deployment, traveling from Japan to Guam last year. The Holloman Raptors combined with F-22s from Langley AFB to make for 24 total Raptors on Guam at the time.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/03/dtn-news-defense-news-lockheed-martin_18.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Australia To Buy Amphibious Military Transport Ship, Aircraft....NSI News Source Info # 1733

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Australia To Buy Amphibious Military Transport Ship, Aircraft....NSI News Source Info # 1733
(NSI News Source Info) CANBERRA, Australia - March 18, 2011:

Australia will buy a large amphibious warship from Britain and a C-17 wide-body military transport plane from Boeing to expand its fleet, which is currently on earthquake relief operations in Japan, the defence minister said on Thursday.

Defence Minister Stephen Smith said the navy would buy a surplus Royal Navy Bay Class heavy amphibious lift vessel, to complement two 27,000-tonne helicopter assault carriers on order from Spain and entering service in 2015.

Australia's air force would also buy an extra Boeing C-17 Globemaster transport because of its usefulness in disaster relief, both at home and after the recent earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan, Smith said.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/03/dtn-news-defense-news-australia-to-buy.html

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Lufthansa Supervisory Board Approves Purchase Of 30 A320neo Family Aircraft....NSI News Source Info # 1732

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Lufthansa Supervisory Board Approves Purchase Of 30 A320neo Family Aircraft....NSI News Source Info # 1732
**Fuel-efficient new aircraft will fit seamlessly into Lufthansa’s fleet and strategy
(NSI News Source Info) PARIS, France - March 18, 2011:

Lufthansa’s Supervisory Board has approved the acquisition of 30 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft worth approximately US$2.8 billion. The order comprises 25 A320neo and five A321neo aircraft. With this latest selection the Lufthansa Group, Airbus’s biggest airline customer, will have acquired a combined total of 443 Airbus aircraft. The engine decision will be announced by the airline at a later date.

The A320neo incorporates new more efficient engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings. This will represent some 3,600 tonnes less CO2 per aircraft, per year. In addition, the A320neo will provide a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise, thus being a good neighbour at any airport where Lufthansa is operating the aircraft.

“We salute Lufthansa’s decision for sustainable growth with our eco-efficient A320neo aircraft, which will fit seamlessly into its Airbus A320 fleet,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “Since its launch in December last year, the ‘neo’ has taken the market by storm and has already attracted more than 330 commitments – with more to come. This represents the fastest rate of sales for any commercial aircraft ever.”

Today the Lufthansa Group is Airbus’ biggest operator worldwide with around 339 Airbus aircraft currently in service. These include: 236 A320 Family; 33 A330s; 65 A340s; and five A380s delivered. In addition to this latest decision for 30 aircraft, the Lufthansa Group has an order backlog which includes 60 A320 Family aircraft, eight A330s, and 10 A380s.

The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Almost 7,000 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and over 4,500 delivered to more than 320 customers and operators worldwide. The A320neo will have over 95 percent airframe commonality with the existing models making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload. Engines offered on the A320neo are CFM International’s LEAP-X and Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower PW1100G.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/03/dtn-news-airlines-news-lufthansa.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: A First Flight Of The A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport For Saudi Arabia....NSI News Source Info # 1731

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: A First Flight Of The A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport For Saudi Arabia....NSI News Source Info # 1731
(NSI News Source Info) - March 18, 2011:
Airbus Military’s A330-based aerial refuelling programme marked a new milestone as the first A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) for the Royal Saudi Air Force completed its maiden flight on 15 March.

The aircraft now enters its final certification and qualification phase for this version of the A330 MRTT, leading to contractual delivery later in the year. A second A330 MRTT for the Royal Saudi Air Force is now being converted to its tanker configuration at Airbus Military’s Getafe facility near Madrid, Spain, and a third will enter the process during 2011.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

DTN News - BAHRAIN UNREST: Iranian Demonstrate In Support Of Shiite Protesters In Bahrain....NSI News Source Info # 1730

DTN News - BAHRAIN UNREST: Iranian Demonstrate In Support Of Shiite Protesters In Bahrain....NSI News Source Info # 1730

Iranian and foreign Muslim clerics face anti-riot policemen during a protest in front of the Saudi embassy in Tehran on March 17, 2011 in support of the Shiite protesters in Bahrain and against the violent crackdown by the ruling Sunni Muslim dynasty in the capital Manama. Armed forces from fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates entered Bahrain on March 14 to help the government there deal with the protesters -- a move slammed by Shiite Iran, which already has tense relations with some of its Arab neighbours on the Gulf. (Photo -Getty Images)

DTN News - BAHRAIN UNREST: Iraqi Demonstrates In Solidarity With Bahraini People....NSI News Source Info # 1729

DTN News - BAHRAIN UNREST: Iraqi Demonstrates In Solidarity With Bahraini People....NSI News Source Info # 1729

A resident holds up the Bahraini flag as he demonstrates in support of the Bahraini people in central Baghdad March 17, 2011. Hundreds of Iraqis took to the streets on Thursday in the holy Shi'ite city of Kerbala to rally against the arrival of troops from Sunni-power Saudi Arabia in Bahrain. (Photo - Reuters)

DTN News - LIBYA UPRISING: UN Security Council Approves No-Fly Zone Over Libya....NSI News Source Info # 1728

DTN News - LIBYA UPRISING: UN Security Council Approves No-Fly Zone Over Libya....NSI News Source Info # 1728

Libyans celebrate in Benghazi on March 17, 2011. Libya is ready for a ceasefire with the rebels battling Moamer Kadhafi, but wants to discuss in advance how it would be implemented, deputy foreign minister Khaled Kaaim said in Tripoli. (Photo - Getty Images)

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

DTN News - MIDDLE EAST UNREST: Latest Developments In Arab World's Unrest....NSI News Source Info # 1727

DTN News - MIDDLE EAST UNREST: Latest Developments In Arab World's Unrest....NSI News Source Info # 1727
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 15, 2011:

Latest developments in the unrest sweeping the Arab world from North Africa to the Persian Gulf:


LIBYA:

Moammar Gadhafi's forces hit the rebellion's heartland with airstrikes, missiles and artillery. Rebels rush to the front and send up two rickety airplanes to bomb government ships, as mosques broadcast pleas for help defending a key gateway city to the rebel-held east.

The dramatic turn in Gadhafi's fortunes outpaces French and British efforts to build support for a no-fly zone, which falls apart in the face of German opposition and U.S. reluctance.

BAHRAIN:

Clashes sweep the country a day after a Saudi-led military force arrives to defend its Sunni monarchy from a Shiite-led protest movement demanding political freedoms and equal rights. Hundreds of demonstrators are injured by shotgun blasts and clubs, a doctor says, and the king declares a three-month state of emergency.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/03/dtn-news-middle-east-unrest-latest.html

DTN News - FINANCIAL NEWS: Japan Disaster Another Worry For Global Economy....NSI News Source Info # 1726

DTN News - FINANCIAL NEWS: Japan Disaster Another Worry For Global Economy....NSI News Source Info # 1726
(NSI News Source Info) TOKYO, Japan - March 15, 2011:

Japan's earthquake and nuclear crises have put pressure on the already fragile global economy, squeezed supplies of goods from computer chips to auto parts and raised fears of higher interest rates.

The disaster frightened financial markets in Tokyo and on Wall Street on Tuesday. Japan's Nikkei average lost 10 percent, and the Dow Jones industrials fell so quickly after the opening bell that the stock exchange invoked a special rule to reduce volatility.

Yet the damage to the U.S. and world economies is expected to be relatively moderate and short-lived. Oil prices are falling, helping drivers around the world. And the reconstruction expected along Japan's northeastern coast could even provide a jolt of economic growth.

A weaker Japanese economy could help ease global commodity prices because Japan is a major importer of fuel, agricultural products and other raw materials, notes Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics. Oil prices fell more than $4 to $97.18 a barrel Tuesday because of expectations that quake damage will slow Japan's economy and reduce its demand for energy.

Even "assuming a drastic scenario," Bank of America economist Ethan Harris estimates, the disaster would shave just 0.1 percentage point off global economic growth — to 4.2 percent this year.

"Japan has not been an engine of global or Asian growth for some time," says Nariman Behravesh, chief economist at IHS Global Insight. "This means that the impact of much lower Japanese growth on the world economy will be probably limited and small."

Japan is only half as important to the world's economy as it was during its last major disaster, the 1995 Kobe earthquake. And the area hit hardest by Friday's quake accounts for only about half as much economic output as the area damaged by the Kobe quake, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development estimates.

Japan proved resilient after the Kobe quake. Manufacturers returned to normal production levels within 15 months, according to the CLSA. Four in every five shops were back open in a year and a half. All told, Japan's comeback defied dire warnings that it would take a decade to rebuild.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/03/dtn-news-financial-news-japan-disaster.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Israeli Navy Intercepts Egypt-Bound Ship With Arms....NSI News Source Info # 1725

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Israeli Navy Intercepts Egypt-Bound Ship With Arms....NSI News Source Info # 1725
(NSI News Source Info)

JERUSALEM, Israel

- March 15, 2011:

The Israeli navy intercepted an Egyptian-bound ship carrying a large delivery of weapons off the country's Mediterranean coast on Tuesday, the military said.


The military said the cargo vessel "Victoria" originated in a Turkish port but insisted that Turkey had no involvement in the shipment. The ship is German-owned, operated by a French shipping company and flying under a Liberian flag, the military said.

The interception occurred about 200 miles off Israel's Mediterranean coast and Israeli troops met no resistance. The vessel is now being hauled back to the Israeli port of Ashdod, according to the military.

The military gave no details on what types of arms were on board, but said it was intended for the use of terror organizations operating in the Gaza Strip. In the past, Israel has accused Hamas militants of shipping arms through Egypt.

German, French and Liberian authorities have been notified of the seizure.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/03/dtn-news-defense-news-israeli-navy.html

DTN News: Afghanistan Top Stories / Headlines News Dated March 15, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1724

DTN News: Afghanistan Top Stories / Headlines News Dated March 15, 2011....
NSI News Source Info # 1724
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Afghanistan News. net
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 15, 2011: Comprehensive daily news related to Afghanistanfor the world of TODAY.

*Comprehensive daily news related to Afghanistan Top Stories / Headlines News for the world of TODAY
Breaking Afghanistan News - Afghanistan News.Net

Monday, March 14, 2011

DTN News - BAHRAIN UNREST: Special Report ~ Iran And The Saudis' Countermove On Bahrain....NSI News Source Info # 1723

DTN News - BAHRAIN UNREST: Special Report ~ Iran And The Saudis' Countermove On Bahrain....NSI News Source Info # 1723
DTN Canada Source: By George Friedman - Stratfor
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 14, 2011:

Saudi Arabia is leading a coalition force into Bahrain to help the government calm the unrest there. This move puts Iran in a difficult position, as Tehran had hoped to use the uprising in Bahrain to promote instability in the Persian Gulf region. Iran could refrain from acting and lose an opportunity to destabilize the region, or it could choose from several other options that do not seem particularly effective.


The Bahrain uprising consists of two parts, as all revolutions do. The first is genuine grievances by the majority Shiite population — the local issues and divisions. The second is the interests of foreign powers in Bahrain. It is not one or the other. It is both.

The Iranians clearly benefit from an uprising in Bahrain. It places the U.S. 5th Fleet’s basing in jeopardy, puts the United States in a difficult position and threatens the stability of other Persian Gulf Arab states. For the Iranians, the uprisings in North Africa and their spread to the Arabian Peninsula represent a golden opportunity for pursuing their long-standing interest (going back to the Shah and beyond) of dominating the Gulf.

The Iranians are accustomed to being able to use their covert capabilities to shape the political realities in countries. They did this effectively in Iraq and are doing it in Afghanistan. They regarded this as low risk and high reward. The Saudis, recognizing that this posed a fundamental risk to their regime and consulting with the Americans, have led a coalition force into Bahrain to halt the uprising and save the regime. Pressed by covert forces, they were forced into an overt action they were clearly reluctant to take.


We are now off the map, so to speak. The question is how the Iranians respond, and there is every reason to think that they do not know. They probably did not expect a direct military move by the Saudis, given that the Saudis prefer to act more quietly themselves. The Iranians wanted to destabilize without triggering a strong response, but they were sufficiently successful in using local issues that the Saudis felt they had no choice in the matter. It is Iran’s move.