Saturday, August 20, 2011

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: People In Benghazi Rejoices On Hearing Their First Attack on Tripoli

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: People In Benghazi Rejoices On Hearing Their First Attack on Tripoli

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 20, 2011: People celebrate the recent news of uprising in Tripoli against Moammar Gadhafi's regime at the rebel-held town of Benghazi, Libya, early Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011.

Libyan rebels said they launched their first attack on Tripoli in coordination with NATO late Saturday, and Associated Press reporters heard unusually heavy gunfire and explosions in the capital. The fighting erupted just hours after opposition fighters captured the key city of Zawiya nearby.(Photo - AP)

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: Anti-Gadhafi Libyan Celebrating Capture Of Zawiya

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: Anti-Gadhafi Libyan Celebrating Capture Of Zawiya

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 20, 2011: People celebrate the recent news of uprising in Tripoli against Moammar Gadhafi's regime at the rebel-held town of Benghazi, Libya, early Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011.

Libyan rebels said they launched their first attack on Tripoli in coordination with NATO late Saturday, and Associated Press reporters heard unusually heavy gunfire and explosions in the capital. The fighting erupted just hours after opposition fighters captured the key city of Zawiya nearby. (Photo - AP)

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: Muammar Gaddafi's End Very Near - Rebel Chief

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: Muammar Gaddafi's End Very Near - Rebel Chief

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 20, 2011: Tens of thousands of Libyans celebrate what the rebels claim to be the first uprising in Tripoli against the Kadhafi's regime on August 21, 2011 at freedom square in Benghazi, Libya.

Several explosions and heavy gunfire were heard late Saturday in Tripoli, as witnesses reported fighting in some neighbourhoods of the Libyan capital. Gunfire erupted in central Tripoli after the break of the dawn-to-dusk fast of Ramadan. (Photo - Getty)

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: Muammar Gaddafi's End Very Near - Rebel Chief

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: Muammar Gaddafi's End Very Near - Rebel Chief

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 20, 2011: A libyan rebels security forces member raises his rifle as tens of thousands of Libyans celebrate what the rebels claim to be the first uprising in Tripoli against the Kadhafi's regime on August 21, 2011 at freedom square in Benghazi, Libya.

Several explosions and heavy gunfire were heard late Saturday in Tripoli, as witnesses reported fighting in some neighbourhoods of the Libyan capital. Gunfire erupted in central Tripoli after the break of the dawn-to-dusk fast of Ramadan. (Photo - AP)

DTN News - ANNA HAZARE INDIA NEWS: Anti-Corruption Crusader Anna Hazare Being Checked By Doctors During His Hunger Strike In New Delhi

DTN News - ANNA HAZARE INDIA NEWS: Anti-Corruption Crusader Anna Hazare Being Checked By Doctors During His Hunger Strike In New Delhi

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 19, 2011: A team of doctors check the health of India's anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare on the stage during his hunger strike in New Delhi, India, Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011.

Hazare said Saturday he was feeling physically weak but resolved in his demand that the government adopt his version of a bill setting up an anti-graft watchdog.(Photo - AP)

DTN News - JIHAD & TERRORISM REPORTS: Pakistani Military Officers' Links With Jihadist Organizations

DTN News - JIHAD & TERRORISM REPORTS: Pakistani Military Officers' Links With Jihadist Organizations

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 20, 2011: In early 2011, the US military's top officer, Adm Mike Mullen, has repeatedly accused Pakistan's spy agency of having links with militants targeting troops in Afghanistan.

He said Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) had a "long-standing relationship" with a militant group run by Afghan insurgent Jalaluddin Haqqani. "It's fairly well known that the ISI has a long-standing relationship with the Haqqani network," Adm Mullen told Pakistan's Dawn newspaper."Haqqani is supporting, funding, training fighters that are killing Americans and killing coalition partners. And I have a sacred obligation to do all I can to make sure that doesn't happen."

DTN News presents a comprehensive analysis intelligence reports on Jihad & Terrorism in conjunction with Pakistani Military Officers and Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) links with Jihadist Organizations prepared and published by Middle East Media Research Institute dated August 21, 2011 ~ Inquiry & Analysis Series Report No.727.

DTN News - INTELLIGENCE REPORTS: Annual Report On Terrorism Says Al-Qaeda Remained Preeminent Threat To U.S.

DTN News - INTELLIGENCE REPORTS: Annual Report On Terrorism Says Al-Qaeda Remained Preeminent Threat To U.S.

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 20, 2011: The United States' annual report on terrorism says Al-Qaeda remained the preeminent terrorist threat to the United States in 2010.

Strategic assessment of the National Counter-terrorism Center, which prepared the "Country Reports on Terrorism 2010," is that though the terrorist network's core in Pakistan has become weaker, it retained the capability to conduct regional and transnational attacks.

Cooperation between Al-Qaeda and Afghanistan- and Pakistan-based militants was critical to the threat the group posed, says the report released by the State Department on Thursday.

In addition, the danger posed by Lashkar-e Taiba (LeT) and increased resource-sharing between Al-Qaeda and its Pakistan-based allies and associates such as Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Haqqani Network meant the aggregate threat in South Asia remained high.

The report points out that the Al-Qaeda affiliates have grown stronger. While Al-Qaeda senior leadership continued to call for strikes on the U.S. homeland and to arrange plots targeted at Europe, the diversity of these efforts demonstrated the fusion of interests and the sharing of capabilities among Al-Qaeda groups with different geographical focuses.

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 19, 2011

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 19, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - August 19, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued August 19, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Island Pacific Energy, L.L.C.*, Honolulu, Hawaii (N62742-11-D-1191); Pacific Energy Solutions, L.L.C.*, Honolulu, Hawaii (N62742-11-D-1192); and Photon Finance, L.L.C.*, Mountain View, Calif. (N62742-11-D-1196), are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract for the purchase of reliable locally generated solar alternating current power from Solar Power Generation Systems at military installations for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific area of responsibility (AOR). The work to be performed provides for installation of Solar Power Generation Systems on roofs, parking shade structures, and vacant parcels of land. The installations will purchase solar alternating current power only, and will not construct, own, or maintain any generation assets. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all three contracts combined is $500,000,000. No task orders are being issued at this time. Work will be performed in the NAVFAC Pacific AOR, state of Hawaii. The installations include, but are not limited to, the following Oahu facilities: Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam; Marine Corps Base Hawaii; Schofield Barracks; Wheeler Army Airfield; Tripler Army Medical Center; Fort DeRussy; the Asia Pacific Center for Strategic Studies; Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station; Naval Magazine West Loch; the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai; and the Army Reserve Center on Maui. The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of August 2016. Contract funds in the amount of $15,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website,with 13 proposals received. These three contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. Task orders issued under the contract are contemplated to be for a period of up to 30 years pursuant to the statutory authority of 10 U.S. Code 2922a. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.

The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $135,000,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee, firm-fixed-price contract for the engineering, manufacturing, and development of the F/A-18E/F Infrared Search and Track System, a long-wave infrared detection system that targets airborne vehicles in a radar-denied environment. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (57 percent); Orlando, Fla. (35 percent); Santa Ana, Calif. (4 percent); and Irvine, Calif. (4 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-11-C-0036).

Friday, August 19, 2011

DTN News - JAPAN NEWS: Honest Japanese Return $78 Million In Cash Found In Quake Rubble

DTN News - JAPAN NEWS: Honest Japanese Return $78 Million In Cash Found In Quake Rubble

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 19, 2011: The earthquake and tsunami that walloped Japan left much of its coastline ravaged, but left one thing intact: the Japanese reputation for honesty.

In the five months since the disaster struck, people have turned in thousands of wallets found in the debris, containing $48 million in cash.

More than 5,700 safes that washed ashore along Japan's tsunami-ravaged coast have also been hauled to police centers by volunteers and search and rescue crews. Inside those safes officials found $30 million in cash. One safe alone, contained the equivalent of $1 million.

The National Police Agency says nearly all the valuables found in the three hardest hit prefectures, have been returned to their owners.

"In most cases, the keyholes on these safes were filled with mud," said Koetsu Saiki with the Miyagi Prefectural Police. "We had to start by cutting apart the metal doors with grinders and other tools."

Determining who the safes belonged to, proved to be the easy part. Saiki says most kept bankbooks or land rights documents inside the boxes, containing their names and address. Tracking the owners down, was much more challenging.

Total of $78 Million Was Returned to Owners in Wake of Japan Catastrophe

"The fact that these safes were washed away, meant the homes were washed away too," he said. "We had to first determine if the owners were alive, then find where they had evacuated to."

Saiki says Miyagi police fanned out across the region, searching for names of residents posted at evacuation centers, digging through missing person reports at town halls, sorting through change of address forms at the post office, to see if the owner had moved away. When they couldn't find the documents, police called listed cell phone numbers, met with mayors or village leaders to see if they recognized the names.

The number of safes continued to increase as the clearing of tsunami debris led to more discoveries. Police stations struggling to find space for them housed the valuables in parking garages and meeting rooms.

Saiki says 20 percent of the 2,450 safes found in Miyagi turned out to be empty. But, the remaining 250 boxes contained much more than cash. Some included bars of gold, antiques, even crafted boxes containing a child's umbilical cord, a common memento of child birth. Police had to delicately comb through the keepsakes, since many of the items were damaged, after being soaked in seawater and mud for days or weeks.

The stashing of cash in safes isn't a unique problem in Japan, where many people prefer to keep their money at home, but Saiki says the number of boxes is especially high in the coastal region where fishermen make up a large part of the population. Fisheries companies prefer cash transactions, and keep employee salaries in safes, he said.

The number of lost items recovered has declined with every month, but Saiki says his department continues to receive a handful of safes a week.

DTN News - ANNA HAZARE INDIA NEWS: Anti-Corruption Crusader Anna Hazare Waves His Supporters On Release From Tihar Jail

DTN News - ANNA HAZARE INDIA NEWS: Anti-Corruption Crusader Anna Hazare Waves His Supporters On Release From Tihar Jail

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 19, 2011: Veteran Indian social activist Anna Hazare (C, wearing white cap) waves from a vehicle after he leaves Tihar jail in New Delhi August 19, 2011.

A vast and jubilant crowd cheered as Gandhian activist Hazare walked out of jail in New Delhi on Friday to carry on a hunger strike in public, the latest act in a drama of popular fury over corruption that has put India's government in a bind.

DTN News - ANNA HAZARE INDIA NEWS: Anti-Corruption Crusader Anna Hazare Waving Indian Flag To His Supporters Outside Tihar Jail

DTN News - ANNA HAZARE INDIA NEWS: Anti-Corruption Crusader Anna Hazare Waving Indian Flag To His Supporters Outside Tihar Jail

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 19, 2011: India's most prominent anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare waves an Indian flag after emerging from the gates of Tihar prison where he was lodged since Aug. 16, in New Delhi, India, Friday, Aug. 19, 2011.

Nearly 2,000 men, women and schoolchildren had gathered outside the jail on Friday morning to catch sight of the white-clad activist who has channeled the tactics of freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi into his fight to force the government to adopt his proposals for an anti-corruption law. (Photo - AP)

DTN News - STEALTH HELICOPTER: China Denies Inspecting US Helicopter In Pakistan

DTN News - STEALTH HELICOPTER: China Denies Inspecting US Helicopter In Pakistan

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 19, 2011: China has denied a report that Pakistan gave it access to the wreckage of a US "stealth" helicopter used in the covert raid to kill Osama Bin Laden in May.


"Those reports are entirely groundless and very ridiculous," the Chinese defence ministry said in a statement.

Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate also denied the reports.

The Financial Times said the ISI gave access to the Chinese military to the modified Blackhawk helicopter and let a sample of its special "skin" be taken.

The helicopter, one of two used by a team of US Navy Seals, was said to have been modified to allow it to enter Pakistani airspace undetected by radar.

The Navy Seals tried to destroy the aircraft after it crash-landed, but part of the tail remained intact.

US officials have said there is reason to believe that Pakistan let the Chinese inspect the aircraft, but they cannot confirm whether it happened.

Relations between Washington and Islamabad were severely strained by the operation on 2 May, during which Bin Laden was killed at a compound in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad where he had apparently been living for several years.

Pakistan enjoys a close relationship with China, which is a major investor in telecommunications, ports and infrastructure.

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Kabul Attack - Taliban In Six-Hour Gun Battle At British Compound

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Kabul Attack - Taliban In Six-Hour Gun Battle At British Compound

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 19, 2011: At least eight Afghan police and one foreigner are believed to have been killed after the Taliban marked the anniversary of Afghanistan's independence from Britain with an elaborate, multi-phased attack on the British Council building in Kabul.

The assault on the compound in the west of the city began when a suicide car bomber detonated a vehicle at the front gate of the compound.

Witnesses in nearby shops said several heavily armed insurgents then rushed out of a side street shouting, firing in the air and racing towards to the open gate. Afghan officials believed the number of attackers was between two and four.

All British nationals affected by the attack on the British Council in Kabul are now safe, said the Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt.

Jumadin, a worker at a nearby petrol station, said the force of the initial blast was enough to throw him across the ground. "I thought I was going to die," he said.

"When the policemen rushed to the area from the police district at least three were shot dead near the building."

At midday the relatively upscale Kabul neighbourhood resembled a war zone.

Six hours after the beginning of the attack, fighting continued between the attackers and security forces, including British troops. Loud explosions and long bursts of gunfire could be heard from within the building, circling helicopters released counter-missile flares and a medical evacuation helicopter briefly landed and then departed again just 50m from the site.

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 18, 2011

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 18, 2011

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


CONTRACTS

ARMY

BAE Systems Land and Armaments, L.P., Troy, Mich., was awarded a $449,964,969 fixed-price-incentive-fee contract for the technology development phase for the Army’s Ground Combat Vehicle Infantry Fighting Vehicle. Work will be performed in Madison, Ala.; Detroit, Mich.; Waltham, Mass.; and Troy, Mich., with an estimated completion date of June 26, 2013. Bids were solicited through the Internet with three bids received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-11-C-C001).

General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded a $439,715,950 fixed-price-incentive-fee contract for the technology development phase for the Army’s Ground Combat Vehicle Infantry Fighting Vehicle. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich.; Dallas, Texas; Plano, Texas; Detroit, Mich.; and Taunton, Mass., with an estimated completion date of June 26, 2013. Bids were solicited through the Internet with three bids received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-11-C-C002).

Thursday, August 18, 2011

DTN News - ISRAELI DEFENSE NEWS: Israel Pounds Gaza After Deadly Attacks Near Eilat

DTN News - ISRAELI DEFENSE NEWS: Israel Pounds Gaza After Deadly Attacks Near Eilat

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 18, 2011: A helicopter transporting Israel's Defence Minister Ehud Barak takes off from Joseftal hospital in the Red Sea resort of Eilat August 18, 2011, after Barak visited people at the hospital who were injured during attacks north of Eilat.

Gunmen killed seven people in southern Israel on Thursday in attacks along the Egyptian border and Israel responded with an air strike in the Gaza Strip that killed six Palestinians, including the leaders of a group it blamed for the violence. (Photo - Reuters)

DTN News - ISRAELI DEFENSE NEWS: Israel Pounds Gaza After Deadly Attacks Near Eilat

DTN News - ISRAELI DEFENSE NEWS: Israel Pounds Gaza After Deadly Attacks Near Eilat

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 18, 2011: In this handout image provided by the Israeli Defence Ministry, a bus is left a burnt out husk following series of coordinated gun and roadside bomb attacks against miltary and civilian targets near the Israeli - Egyptian border, on August 18, 2011 in Israel.

The attacks, near the resort town of Eilat, left at least five people dead. According to reports, Hamas official, Ahmed Yousef, welcomed the attacks but stated he did not believe that the political party carried them out. Israel has recently begun retaliatory air strikes on Gaza.. (Photo - AP)

DTN News - ISRAELI DEFENSE NEWS: Israel Pounds Gaza After Deadly Attacks Near Eilat

DTN News - ISRAELI DEFENSE NEWS: Israel Pounds Gaza After Deadly Attacks Near Eilat

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 18, 2011: Wounded Israeli soldiers are treated at the site of a shooting attack along the border between Israel and Egypt, southern Israel, Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011.

Assailants armed with heavy weapons, guns and explosives crossed into southern Israel from the neighboring Egyptian Sinai peninsula on Thursday, killing six Israelis and wounding at least a dozen more in an audacious string of attacks that stoked concerns about Palestinian militants exploiting the recent instability in Egypt. . (Photo - Reuters)

DTN News - ANNA HAZARE INDIA NEWS: Anti-Corruption Crusader Anna Hazare Team Gives Undertaking For Protests

DTN News - ANNA HAZARE INDIA NEWS: Anti-Corruption Crusader Anna Hazare Team Gives Undertaking For Protests

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 18, 2011: India’s central government ignited a political crisis when it put the anti-corruption leader Anna Hazare in jail – and then, they couldn’t get him out.

Anna Hazare, a 74-year-old long-time activist who has become the face of a populist movement against graft, was ordered released Tuesday night. But he refused to leave the prison until the government withdrew restrictions on his planned protest. He remained behind bars Thursday morning, but he was reported to have agreed to a deal with police to allow him to stage a 15-day hunger strike in a public park. The government of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, meanwhile, was left fumbling awkwardly.

Anna Hazare, a social activist, is usually based in a village in the western state of Maharashtra, where he advocates living by Gandhian principles. He rose to his current prominence when he came to New Delhi in April to stage a “fast unto death,” unless the government created a lokpal, or ombudsperson, with sweeping powers to investigate corruption. Anna Hazare was angry, in particular, at what’s being called the “2G scam,” in which the former telecommunications minister held a corrupt auction for the country’s cellular network license and cost the treasury as much as $40-billion. The ex-minister, plus a handful of senior government figures and business people, are now awaiting trial, held in the same jail that Anna Hazare won’t leave.

The grand corruption cases anger many Indians, but it is the daily rota of bribes they must pay to obtain basic services that are the chief preoccupation of Anna Hazare’s largely middle-class, urban supporters.

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 17, 2011

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 17, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - August 17, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued August 17, 2011 are undermentioned;


CONTRACTS

ARMY

Medico Industries, Inc., Wilkes Barre, Pa. (W15QKN-11-D-0149); Modern Industries, Inc., Erie, Pa. (W15QKN-11-D-0200); and T&A Screw Products, Terryville, Conn. (W15QKN-11-D-0201), were awarded a $185,000,000 firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple-award-task-order contract. The award will provide for the facilities, personnel, and equipment services for the manufacture of the shell bodies, projectile 60mm M710A1/M768; and projectile 81mm M821A1/M821A2/M8889A1/M889A2. Work location will be determined with each task order, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2020. Eight bids were solicited, with eight bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity.

Honeywell International, Inc., Clearwater, Fla., was awarded a $141,200,000 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of inertial navigation units for several end items, including the Bradley, Knight, and Howitzer. Work will be performed in Clearwater, Fla., with an estimated completion date of July 30, 2016. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-11-D-0160).

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 17, 2011

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 17, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - August 17, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued August 17, 2011 are undermentioned;


CONTRACTS

ARMY

Medico Industries, Inc., Wilkes Barre, Pa. (W15QKN-11-D-0149); Modern Industries, Inc., Erie, Pa. (W15QKN-11-D-0200); and T&A Screw Products, Terryville, Conn. (W15QKN-11-D-0201), were awarded a $185,000,000 firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple-award-task-order contract. The award will provide for the facilities, personnel, and equipment services for the manufacture of the shell bodies, projectile 60mm M710A1/M768; and projectile 81mm M821A1/M821A2/M8889A1/M889A2. Work location will be determined with each task order, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2020. Eight bids were solicited, with eight bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity.

Honeywell International, Inc., Clearwater, Fla., was awarded a $141,200,000 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of inertial navigation units for several end items, including the Bradley, Knight, and Howitzer. Work will be performed in Clearwater, Fla., with an estimated completion date of July 30, 2016. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-11-D-0160).

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated August 17, 2011

DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated August 17, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 17, 2011: Comprehensive daily news related to Aerospace/Defense for the world of TODAY.

Wednesday August 17, 2011

New Business Fuels Growth At Intelligent Solutions For Information Systems
11:59 am - Business Wire
Lockheed Martin Emphasizes the Value of Technology, Engineering Careers to 200 Students at nasa IT Summit 2011
11:57 am - PR Newswire
Implant Sciences' CEO to Present at National Investment Banking Association Conference in Boston on August 18
11:39 am - Marketwire
Lockheed Martin to Provide Training Services for the U.S. Air Force C-5 Program
9:30 am - PR Newswire
World Surveillance Group Confirms Initial Yuma Flight Testing Schedule for Argus One UAV
9:07 am - Marketwire
Vulcan GMS Uses Quality Thinking to Cut Customer Response Time in Half
9:00 am - Marketwire
PacStar Delivers Riverbed Virtual Steelhead(R) Technology on the Smallest Deployable Appliance
9:00 am - Marketwire

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: Libyan Rebels Set Sights On Tripoli

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: Libyan Rebels Set Sights On Tripoli

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 17, 2011: A young boy poses with a gun given to him by adults as supporters of Muammar Gaddafi gather at Green Square in Tripoli August 17, 2011

Libyan rebels hoisted their flag in the centre of the town near the capital on Sunday after the most dramatic advance in months cut off Muammar Gaddafi's capital from its main link to the outside world.

Rebels battled Moammar Gadhafi loyalists for control over Libya's only functioning oil refinery in the western city of Zawiya Wednesday, as the opposition tried to cut off fuel supplies to the regime's stronghold of Tripoli.

Rebel fighter Ramadan Keshada said his forces control parts of the refinery complex in the city's north on the Mediterranean coast, while some regime troops and civilian workers remain inside. He said rebels and regime forces clashed there on Tuesday, then the opposition fighters pulled out at nightfall and made a new push in the daylight.

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: Tripoli 'At Its Most Vulnerable'

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: Tripoli 'At Its Most Vulnerable'

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 17, 2011: Rebel fighters sit near a road sign pointing to Tripoli (R), central Zawiyah (top) and Subrata after taking partial control of the coastal town of Zawiyah, 50 km (30 miles) west of Tripoli, August 14, 2011. Libyan rebels hoisted their flag in the centre of the town near the capital on Sunday after the most dramatic advance in months cut off Muammar Gaddafi's capital from its main link to the outside world.

Rebels battled Moammar Gadhafi loyalists for control over Libya's only functioning oil refinery in the western city of Zawiya Wednesday, as the opposition tried to cut off fuel supplies to the regime's stronghold of Tripoli.

Rebel fighter Ramadan Keshada said his forces control parts of the refinery complex in the city's north on the Mediterranean coast, while some regime troops and civilian workers remain inside. He said rebels and regime forces clashed there on Tuesday, then the opposition fighters pulled out at nightfall and made a new push in the daylight.

DTN News - PAKISTAN NEWS: China Already Has Advanced Stealth Technology Claims Pakistan

DTN News - PAKISTAN NEWS: China Already Has Advanced Stealth Technology Claims Pakistan

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 17, 2011: China is not interested in acquiring the stealth technology currently being used by the United States for its flying machines as it has already developed the same in a much advanced shape and is using it in its most sophisticated multi-role planes, highly placed defence sources told The News here Monday.

The planes have successfully conducted their test flights early this year and China is now in the production phase of its stealth planes. A chopper fitted with stealth characteristics is not much different to what is used for the fixed-wings planes. The Chinese never requested Pakistan to provide any sort of access to the debris of the US stealth chopper that crashed in the Abbottabad operation on May 2 in which American special forces reportedly killed Osama bin Laden (OBL) and took his body to Afghanistan.

Highly placed defence sources say American satellites were monitoring the movement in and around Abbottabad during the days when the debris was lying outside the OBL compound. The area was under the constant watch of the world media and US moles were also actively at work during that period. In such a situation it was not possible for any Chinese expert to examine the tail of the chopper and, secondly, China never asked for such access. The stealth planes exterior is made of highly specialised materials such as Polygraphite. China has complete knowledge of the technology and is successfully using it already, the sources maintained.

They pointed out that the western media reports pertaining to so-called inspection by the Chinese experts is totally baseless and it appearance after more than three months depicts ill-intention. The purpose is to malign Pakistan and build pressure on it.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

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

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

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

CONTRACTS

ARMY

Forward Dedicated Logistics Solutions, L.L.C., Wilmington, Del. (W91B4N-11-D-7000); Jorge Scientific Corp., Arlington, Va. (W91B4N-11-D-7008); and Vanquish Worldwide, L.L.C., Friendsville, Tenn. (W91B4N-11-D-7018), were awarded a $983,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract between 20 contractors. The award will provide for the non-personal services and other items necessary to perform national Afghan trucking services. Work will be performed in Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 15, 2012. The solicited bid was limited to competition for products or services from Afghanistan, with 245 total bids received. The Bagram Regional Contracting Center, Afghanistan, is the contracting activity.

NAVY

Blue Rock Structures, Inc.*, Pollocksville, N.C. (N40085-11-D-8023); Grahams Construction, Inc.*, Delco, N.C. (N40085-11-D-8024); Huryn Justice General Contractors*, Vero Beach, Fla. (N40085-11-D-8025); Military & Federal Construction Co., Inc.*, Jacksonville, N.C. (N40085-11-D-8026); PentaCon*, Catoosa, Okla. (N40085-11-D-8027); and Quadrant Construction, Inc.*, Jacksonville, N.C. (N40085-11-D-8028), are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract for general construction projects at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station New River, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, and other outlying facilities in North Carolina. The maximum dollar value, including the base year and two option years, for all six contracts combined is $100,000,000. The work to be performed provides for new construction, demolition, repair, total/partial interior/exterior alteration/renovation of buildings, systems and infrastructure, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, communication systems, installation of new or extensions to existing high voltage electrical distribution systems, extensions to the existing high pressure steam distribution systems, extensions to the potable water distribution systems, extensions to the sanitary sewer systems, additional storm water control systems, painting, removal of asbestos materials and lead paint, and incidental related work. PentaCon is being awarded task order 0001 at $101,999 for the construction of a concrete pad with overhead shelter at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, N.C. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by February 2012. All work on this contract will be performed in Jacksonville, Havelock, and other outlying facilities in North Carolina. The term of the contract is not to exceed 36 months, with an expected completion date of August 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $126,999 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website,with 37 proposals received. These six contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contracts. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va. is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $47,587,946 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00019-03-C-0057) for maintenance and repair of the supply assets for E-2D unique components and/or systems in support of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye System Development and Demonstration Program. Work will be performed in Bethpage, N.Y. (63 percent); Greenlawn, N.Y. (35 percent); and Rolling Meadows, Ill. (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 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.

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Qantas Overhauls With $9 Billion Fleet Order

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Qantas Overhauls With $9 Billion Fleet Order

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / SYDNEY, Australia - August 16, 2011: Australia's Qantas Airways (ASX:QAN.AX - News) is setting up two new airlines in Asia and ordering $9 billion of new Airbus (Paris:EAD.PA - News) aircraft as part of a do-or-die makeover to salvage its loss-making international business.

Qantas will also cut 1,000 jobs in Australia as it shifts its focus to the world's fastest-growing aviation market, triggering threats by unions to block the move and a government pledge to scrutinize the plans.

Qantas, which has been reviewing its offshore operations to cut costs and unprofitable routes, said it will launch a new, premium Asian airline and a Japanese budget carrier, the latter jointly with Japan Airlines and Mitsubishi Corp (Tokyo:8058.T - News).

The new airlines will fly Airbus A320 jets, cementing their reputation as the plane of choice on regional networks over archrival Boeing Co. (NYSE:BA - News) Qantas, which also flies Boeing's best-selling 737 narrowbodies, plans to acquire up to 110 of the Airbus planes, worth more than $9.4 billion.

DTN News - INDIA NEWS: Anti-Corruption Crusader Anna Hazare to be released According To Police

DTN News - INDIA NEWS: Anti-Corruption Crusader Anna Hazare to be released According To Police

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / NEW DELHI, India - August 16, 2011: Social activist Anna Hazare and his supporters will be released from Tihar Jail, Delhi Police said on Tuesday evening, hours after arresting the 74-year-old for breach of peace.

"We have sent the release warrant of Anna Hazare and his supporters," Delhi Police PRO Rajan Bhagat.


Hazare was detained on Tuesday morning ahead of his planned fast-unto-death for a stronger lokpal bill.

He was arrested when he refused to sign a bail bond and was sent to Tihar Jail along with his key confidante Arvind Kejriwal and other supporters.

Bhagat said the Tihar Jail authorities would take a final call on when Hazare will be released.

His arrest triggered swathes of unrest across the country and pitting the government against not just the opposition but also large sections of the public.

Bedi and Kejriwal were later released from preventive custody.

"Anna Hazare refused to sign a personal bond and has been sent to seven days judicial custody," Bhagat told reporters, describing it as a preventive arrest.

DTN News - PAKISTAN NEWS: Pakistan Let China See Crashed U.S. "Stealth" Copter

DTN News - PAKISTAN NEWS: Pakistan Let China See Crashed U.S. "Stealth" Copter

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - August 16, 2011: Pakistan gave China access to the previously unknown U.S. "stealth" helicopter that crashed during the commando raid that killed Osama bin Laden in May despite explicit requests from the CIA not to, the Financial Times reported on Sunday.

The disclosure, if confirmed, is likely to further shake the U.S.-Pakistan relationship, which has been improving slightly after hitting its lowest point in decades following the killing of bin Laden.

During the raid, one of two modified Blackhawk helicopters, believed to employ unknown stealth capability, malfunctioned and crashed, forcing the commandos to abandon it.

"The U.S. now has information that Pakistan, particularly the ISI, gave access to the Chinese military to the downed helicopter in Abbottabad," the paper quoted a person "in intelligence circles" as saying on its website.

Monday, August 15, 2011

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

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

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

CONTRACTS

ARMY

Lockheed Martin MS2, Liverpool, N.Y., was awarded a $91,535,564 firm-fixed-price cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure four enhanced EQ-36 radar systems with armored Sustained Operation Group (SOG) and Mission Essential Group (MEG) equipped and 16 radar systems with SOG and MEGs. Work will be performed in Liverpool, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of July 30, 2012. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-06-C-T004).

Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, Topeka, Kan., was awarded a $13,753,501 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the full food services, carry out services and dining facility attendant services in dining facilities at Fort Riley, Kan. Work will be performed in Fort Riley, Kan., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2015. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with four bids received. The Installation Contracting Office, Fort Riley, Kan., is the contracting activity (W911RX-11-D-0006).

DTN News - BRAZIL DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing To Showcase Super Hornet Simulator To Brazilian Congress and Public

DTN News - BRAZIL DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing To Showcase Super Hornet Simulator To Brazilian Congress and Public

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / BRASILIA, Brazil - August 15, 2011: Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that its Defense, Space & Security (BDS) business unit will showcase the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block II simulator inside the National Congress Building in Brasília from Aug. 16 through 19. The Brazilian public will be able to fly the simulator and see the advanced technology inside the Super Hornet.

On Aug. 18, Boeing will participate in a public hearing organized by the National Defense Committee of the Brazilian Senate to discuss the Super Hornet's capabilities and how it meets the Brazilian Air Force's requirements, as well as technology transfer and industrial partnership.
"We look forward to answering any questions that the Brazilian senators may have in regard to Boeing's Super Hornet offering in the F-X2 fighter competition," said Joe McAndrew, BDS vice president of International Business Development for Europe, Israel and the Americas. "In addition to helping Brazil achieve air dominance, Boeing can be a strategic partner in several areas, including education, biofuels, satellites, unmanned systems, networking, and critical infrastructure protection."

The simulator includes a front and rear cockpit and demonstrates the capabilities of the single-seat E model and the two-seat F model. Its 180-degree projection screen offers virtual-reality visibility of cities, forests, roads and buildings, as well as enemy aircraft. The system is capable of demonstrating simulated aerial combat and air-to-ground targeting, navigation, and mission systems operation. Operators also can practice landing on and taking off from runways or an aircraft carrier.

The Super Hornet strike fighter is in service with the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force and is currently one of the finalists in Brazil’s F-X2 fighter competition. The Super Hornet offers Brazil a winning combination of price and capability with advanced technology, high mission readiness, low life-cycle costs, low program risk, production availability, industrial benefits, and technology transfer.

DTN News - BRAZIL DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing To Showcase Super Hornet Simulator To Brazilian Congress and Public

DTN News - BRAZIL DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing To Showcase Super Hornet Simulator To Brazilian Congress and Public

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / BRASILIA, Brazil - August 15, 2011: Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that its Defense, Space & Security (BDS) business unit will showcase the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block II simulator inside the National Congress Building in Brasília from Aug. 16 through 19. The Brazilian public will be able to fly the simulator and see the advanced technology inside the Super Hornet.

On Aug. 18, Boeing will participate in a public hearing organized by the National Defense Committee of the Brazilian Senate to discuss the Super Hornet's capabilities and how it meets the Brazilian Air Force's requirements, as well as technology transfer and industrial partnership.
"We look forward to answering any questions that the Brazilian senators may have in regard to Boeing's Super Hornet offering in the F-X2 fighter competition," said Joe McAndrew, BDS vice president of International Business Development for Europe, Israel and the Americas. "In addition to helping Brazil achieve air dominance, Boeing can be a strategic partner in several areas, including education, biofuels, satellites, unmanned systems, networking, and critical infrastructure protection."

The simulator includes a front and rear cockpit and demonstrates the capabilities of the single-seat E model and the two-seat F model. Its 180-degree projection screen offers virtual-reality visibility of cities, forests, roads and buildings, as well as enemy aircraft. The system is capable of demonstrating simulated aerial combat and air-to-ground targeting, navigation, and mission systems operation. Operators also can practice landing on and taking off from runways or an aircraft carrier.

The Super Hornet strike fighter is in service with the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force and is currently one of the finalists in Brazil’s F-X2 fighter competition. The Super Hornet offers Brazil a winning combination of price and capability with advanced technology, high mission readiness, low life-cycle costs, low program risk, production availability, industrial benefits, and technology transfer.

DTN News - OSHKOSH DEFENSE NEWS: Oshkosh Defense Showcases TerraMax™ Unmanned Ground Vehicle Technology at AUVSI 2011

DTN News - OSHKOSH DEFENSE NEWS: Oshkosh Defense Showcases TerraMax™ Unmanned Ground Vehicle Technology at AUVSI 2011

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / OSHKOSH, Wis - August 15, 2011: Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), will present its TerraMax™ Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) technology at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Unmanned Systems 2011, hosted August 16-19 in Washington, D.C. The TerraMax technology recently completed its first limited technical assessment for the U.S. Marine Corps Cargo UGV initiative, and Oshkosh will soon begin training Marines to independently conduct autonomous convoy missions for evaluation.

The Cargo UGV program utilizes an Oshkosh Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) equipped with Oshkosh’s TerraMax UGV technology, resulting in an unmanned vehicle that has the potential to increase operator’s situational awareness, or reduce Warfighters’ exposure to lethal attacks. The Cargo UGV program is sponsored by the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) and the Joint Ground Robotics Enterprise (JGRE) Robotics Technology Consortium (RTC).

“The first limited technical assessment of Oshkosh’s TerraMax technology on the MTVR involved numerous tests and successful results, including obstacle avoidance, leader-follower behavior, GPS-denied operation and water crossings,” said John Beck, chief unmanned systems engineer for Oshkosh Corporation. “We are excited to be getting this technology into the hands of the Marines next week, when we train them to operate the system and gain their valuable feedback on its performance in a tactical environment.”

DTN News - TECHNOLOGY NEWS: Raj Seth Joins Fleishman To Lead Asia Technology Practice

DTN News - TECHNOLOGY NEWS: Raj Seth Joins Fleishman To Lead Asia Technology Practice

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / HONG KONG - August 15, 2011: Fleishman-Hillard has appointed corporate communications veteran Raj Seth to the newly created position of senior vice president and head of corporate technology, Asia Pacific. He will also serve as global co-chair of the Fleishman-Hillard technology group.

Seth, who will be based in Hong Kong, has 20 years’ experience crafting communications strategies for global brands throughout Asia Pacific. Most recently, he spent five years as vice president, corporate communications, Asia Pacific Japan, for CA Technologies, where he built a centralized function to engage the company’s full range of constituencies, including media and analysts, as well as partners and employees.

Prior to that, he worked for Hill & Knowlton as vice president and regional director, technology & digital practices, Asia Pacific, and was responsible for developing and implementing communications strategies and campaigns for multinational clients such global clients as Microsoft, HP, PCCW, BT, the GSM Association and the Bluetooth SIG, as well as PwC and Coca-Cola.

“Technology convergence, the explosion of mobile and the rising demand for cloud services have put new pressures on brand reputations around the globe,” says Dave Senay, president & CEO of Fleishman-Hillard, who says the firm’s technology practice has seen double-digit growth over the past five years. Adds Lynne Anne Davis, the firm’s Asia Pacific president, “Guiding and counseling our corporate technology clients means going beyond pure technology to such key reputational issues as thought leadership, corporate citizenship, customer engagement and executive vision.”

Sunday, August 14, 2011

DTN News - SHAMMI KAPOOR: Bollywood Legend Shammi Kapoor Has Passed To A Blissful After Life

DTN News - SHAMMI KAPOOR: Bollywood Legend Shammi Kapoor Has Passed To A Blissful After Life

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 14, 2011: A member of the famed Kapoor family, Bollywood actor Shammi Kapoor, passed away at the Breach Candy Hospital at 5 a.m. According to the sources, he was on dialysis for the last few years and was undergoing the procedure at least thrice a week. He was on Saturday admitted to the ICU of the hospital.

He was the second of three sons born to the iconic Prithviraj Kapoor. His equally versatile actor brothers were Raj Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor. He was born on October 21, 1931 in Mumbai as Shamsher Raj Kapoor to Prithviraj Kapoor and Ramsarni Mehra.

Shammi spent his first few years with dad and legendary actor Prithviraj Kapoor who was deeply involved with the New Theatre Studios in Calcutta (now Kolkata). Shammi did his schooling in Calcutta and then Mumbai where they finally settled.

Shammi Kapoor married fellow actress Geeta Bali in 1955 and were blessed with two kids, son Aditya Raj and daughter Kanchan. Tragedy struck Shammi during the filming of his hit film Teesri Manzil when Geeta died of small pox. In 1969 he married Neela Devi Gohil of the royal family of Bhavnagar.

The actor, who made his debut in Bollywood in 1953, when the film ‘Jeevan Jyoti’ was released, carved out a niche for himself with the super hit “Junglee” in 1961. In a career that stretched into the 1970s, the tall, athletic and green-eyed hero starred in numerous hits, including ‘An Evening in Paris’, ‘China Town’, ‘Kashmir Ki Kali’, ‘Janwar’ and ‘Junglee’.

Shammi Kapoor acted in more than 100 films. Fans called him the “Elvis Presley of India” for his frenetic and nifty dancing. With his infectious on-screen persona and energy, Shammi Kapoor was Bollywood’s first real star, say correspondents. Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan tweeted that with Kapoor’s death the “flamboyance and joie de vivre of the [film] industry [was] lost”.

DTN News - TAIWAN DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. To Deny Taiwan New F-16 Fighters

DTN News - TAIWAN DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. To Deny Taiwan New F-16 Fighters

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / TAIPEI, Taiwan - August 14, 2011: Bowing to Chinese pressure, the U.S. will deny Taiwan's request for 66 new F-16C/D fighter aircraft, a Taiwan Ministry of National Defense (MND) official said.

"We are so disappointed in the United States," he said.

A U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) delegation arrived here last week to deliver the news and offer instead a retrofit package for older F-16A/Bs that includes an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.

The visit coincided with the biennial Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE), held here Aug. 11-14.

"The U.S. Pentagon is here explaining what is in the upgrade package," a U.S. defense industry source said at TADTE. "They are going to split the baby: no C/Ds, but the A/B upgrade is going forward."

DTN News - BOLLYWOOD ICON: Shammi Kapoor Passed Away This Morning

DTN News - BOLLYWOOD ICON: Shammi Kapoor Passed Away This Morning

DTN News - August 14, 2011: DTN News is sad to learn of Shammi Kapoor's demise. He was an accomplished actor who entertained millions and millions of fans in India and abroad.

DTN News share his family's grief, the film industry has "lost a creative talent" in his demise. Shammi Kapoor was one of the veteran actors, who adorned Hindi cinema. He delighted Hindi cinema fans with his vivacious acting. He shall always be remembered by a generation of film watchers.

DTN News - MOROCCO DEFENSE NEWS: Falcons Graced The Royal Moroccan Air Force Insignia

DTN News - MOROCCO DEFENSE NEWS: Falcons Graced The Royal Moroccan Air Force Insignia

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 14, 2011: Morocco is the latest U.S. partner nation to receive the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a historic event marked by a ceremony here Aug. 4.

Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16C/D Block 50/52 aircraft, first 4 aircrafts another 3 aircarfts are in active duty of the 24 F-16 Fighting Falcons and is expected to receive the rest of the deliveries by 2013.

The Royal Moroccan Air Force had 95 combat aircraft and 24 armed helicopters in 2006. On December 18, 2007 the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Morocco of F-16C/D Block 50/52 aircraft as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $2.4 billion. The Government of Morocco has requested a possible sale of 24 F-16C/D Block 50/52 aircraft with either the F100-PW-229 or F110-GE-129 Increased Performance Engines (IPE) and APG-68(V)9 radars.

The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing Morocco's capacity to support U.S. efforts in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), as well as supporting Morocco's legitimate need for its own self-defense. Morocco is one of the most stable and pro-Western of the Arab states, and the U.S. remains committed to a long-term relationship with Morocco.

The proposed sale will allow the Moroccan Air Force to modernize its aging fighter inventory, thereby enabling Morocco to support both its own air defense needs and coalition operations. Morocco is a Major Non-NATO ally. Delivery of this weapon system will greatly enhance Morocco's interoperability with the U.S. and other NATO nations, making it a more valuable partner in an increasingly important area of the world. The country will have no difficulty absorbing this new capability into its armed forces.