Asian Defense News: Singapore Defense News ~ Singapore Takes Over Command Of Multinational Counter-Piracy Task Force....NSI News Source Info # 1769

Asian Defense News: Singapore Defense News ~ Singapore Takes Over Command Of Multinational Counter-Piracy Task Force....NSI News Source Info # 1769

April 4, 2011: Singapore has taken over command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, a multinational counter-piracy task force. The change-of-command ceremony was held on board the Royal Navy frigate HMS Cornwall, in Djibouti this morning. The ceremony was witnessed by Commander Combined Maritime Forces Vice Admiral (VADM) Mark Fox and attended by Singapore's Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Ng Chee Peng. This is the second time Singapore has commanded CTF 151.

RADM Harris Chan from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) will lead the CTF 151 command team to coordinate counter-piracy operations by CTF 151 in deterring and disrupting piracy in the Gulf of Aden (GoA) over the next three months. The command team, comprising 25 SAF personnel, will operate from the US Navy destroyer USS Mason and will work closely with task forces from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the European Union as well as with navies from other countries assigned to protect national vessels operating in GoA. Joining the SAF command team are five officers from Indonesia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea and Saudi Arabia.

http://asiandefensenews.blogspot.com/2011/04/asian-defense-news-singapore-defense.html

Asian Defense News: Singapore Defense News ~ Singapore And US Military Cooperate For M-Learning....NSI News Source Info # 1768

Asian Defense News: Singapore Defense News ~ Singapore And US Military Cooperate For M-Learning....NSI News Source Info # 1768

April 4, 2011: Singapore’s Ministry of Defense and the US Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) have teamed up to make medical-related training content available on mobile devices under an Office of the Secretary of Defense Coalition Warefare Programme (CWP) on mobile learning.

Under the CWP project, the effectiveness of distributing critical medical training content using cellular infrastructures in more than 20 nations will be evaluated and according to the plan, allow medical responders from multiple nations to access needed information from the site of a natural disaster.

Scott Shephard, Chief of the Joint Training Directorate, USJFCOM, said that this project has the potential to help improve US medical efficiencies as well as benefit medical personnel from other nations. “Singapore’s participation is key as they bring a high level of mobile learning expertise to the table,” he added.

http://asiandefensenews.blogspot.com/2011/04/asian-defense-news-singapore-defense_04.html

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: Libyan Rebels Attack Brega....NSI News Source Info # 1767

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: Libyan Rebels Attack Brega....NSI News Source Info # 1767

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 3, 2011: Libyan rebels shell pro Gadhafi positions just outside Brega, Libya, Sunday, April 3, 2011. Libyan rebels want to install a parliamentary democracy in place of longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi, one of their top leaders said Sunday, dismissing Western fears that their movement could be hijacked by Islamic extremists.

(Photo - AP Photo)

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

DTN News - ISRAEL DEFENSE NEWS: IDF Prepares For Multi-Front War In War Games....NSI News Source Info # 1766

DTN News - ISRAEL DEFENSE NEWS: IDF Prepares For Multi-Front War In War Games....NSI News Source Info # 1766

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Yaakov Katz - The Jerusalem Post

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 3, 2011: Military holds drill aimed at preparing forces for all-out war against Hezbollah, Syria, Hamas; exercise did not include soldiers, live-fire.

In the face of a changing Middle East, the IDF held a set of war games this week aimed at preparing the military for all-out war against Hezbollah, Syria and Hamas.

The exercise did not include soldiers or live-fire exercises, but was held to drill commanders and their decisions in the event of a large-scale war on multiple fronts.

The exercise was the first overseen by new Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz. It was organizedby Maj.-Gen. Gershon Hacohen, head of the IDF Colleges.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/04/dtn-news-israel-defense-news-idf.html

Asian Defense News: Man Dies On SIA Flight Bound For San Francisco....NSI News Source Info # 1765

Asian Defense News: Man Dies On SIA Flight Bound For San Francisco....NSI News Source Info # 1765

April 3, 2011: A man, whose identity is not yet known, died on a Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight bound forSan Francisco on Saturday.

The cause of death has not been confirmed.

SQ flight 2 was on the way to San Francisco from Singapore via Hong Kong, reportedChannel NewsAsia.

According to SIA, the man, who was holding aUS passport, was found unconscious 90 minutes before the flight landed.

Three passengers, believed to be in the medical field, tried to provide medical assistance but their attempts at reviving him were unsuccessful.

SIA said it will provide any form of assistance needed by the man's family.

http://asiandefensenews.blogspot.com/2011/04/asian-defense-news-man-dies-on-sia.html

Asian Defense News: Singapore News ~ 14-Year-Old Girl Hit By MRT Train....NSI News Source Info # 1764

Asian Defense News: Singapore News ~ 14-Year-Old Girl Hit By MRT Train....NSI News Source Info # 1764

April 3, 2011: A 14-year-old Thai girl is severely injured after being hit by an MRT train at Ang Mo Kio station on Sunday morning.

Local media reported theSingapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) received a call about the incident at 11.11 am. A spokesman said, the girl's lower limbs were severely injured.

The teenager, who was conscious throughout the ordeal, has been sent to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

Some eye-witnesses took to micro-blogging platform Twitter to describe the scene. They said there were many police cars at the MRT station and the teenager appeared to have broken both her legs.

Felicia Chen (@caesius_helios) tweeted that she was on the way to Toa Payoh when "people suddenly screamed" and she saw the accident victim under the train before MRT officers "ushered us down from the platform".

She said, "(her) lower limbs broke, can see (her) knee bone jutting out, head bleeding. Serious injury."

Described Zhen Qin (@lithoworqz): "Something happened at AMK station; train services to Marina Bay stopped, policemen everywhere, train only pulled into station halfway."

An SMRT spokesman said train services were not disrupted. Commuters however said there were delays of five to 10 minutes on the North-South Line.

http://asiandefensenews.blogspot.com/2011/04/asian-defense-news-singapore-news-14.html

Asian Defense News: Afghanistan News ~ Deadly Afghanistan Koran-Burning Protests Continue....NSI News Source Info # 1763

Asian Defense News: Afghanistan News ~ Deadly Afghanistan Koran-Burning Protests Continue....NSI News Source Info # 1763

April 3, 2011: At least one person was killed and 16 others injured on Sunday as new protests erupted in the Afghan province ofKandahar against the burning of a Koran in the United States, local officials said.

A fresh wave of protests took place in Kandahar and the adjoining districts of Dand and Panjwayi -- the third day of violent demonstrations against the burning of a copy of Koran organised by a Florida pastor.

"They have brought 16 wounded suffering from stone injuries and bullet wounds. Two are police officers," Abdul Qayoum Pukhla, the provincial health director told AFP.

At least one person was killed, according to another government official who asked not to be named as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

http://asiandefensenews.blogspot.com/2011/04/asian-defense-news-afghanistan-news.html

Asian Defense News: Japan News ~ Japan Nuclear Struggle Focuses On Cracked Reactor Pit....NSI News Source Info # 1762

Asian Defense News: Japan News ~ Japan Nuclear Struggle Focuses On Cracked Reactor Pit....NSI News Source Info # 1762

April 3, 2011: TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese engineers grappling on Sunday to control the world's worst nuclear crisis sinceChernobyl tried to seal a crack leaking radiation into the Pacific sea from a crippled reactor.

The drama at the six-reactor Fukushima Daiichi complex has dragged into a fourth week, unsettling the global nuclear industry and compounding Japan's suffering after an earthquake and tsunami that left about 27,500 people dead or missing.

Radiation has leaked into the sea, food, drinking water and air. It is hindering efforts to cool overheating fuel rods work at the plant and regain control of the damaged reactors.

http://asiandefensenews.blogspot.com/2011/04/asian-defense-news-japan-news-japan.html

DTN News - SPORTS NEWS: India Won The World Cup 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1761

DTN News - SPORTS NEWS: India Won The World Cup 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1761

Source: DTN News - - By K. V. Seth

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 2, 2011:

India beat Sri Lanka to win the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni guiding the run chase Saturday to deliver the great Sachin Tendulkar his first title in six attempts.

Dhoni scored an unbeaten 91, sharing a 109-run stand with Gautam Gambhir (97) and finishing with a giant six, as India chased down Sri Lanka's 274-6 to win by six wickets in front of an ecstatic crowd at Mumbai.

India became the first team to win batting second in a final since Sri Lanka beat Australia by eight wickets in 1996. The victors passed the 275 target with 10 balls to go.

There was no winning farewell to international cricket for Muttiah Muralitharan, the only survivor from Sri Lanka's '96 winning squad.

Tendulkar didn't get his 100th international century but earned a cherished Cup title and he was lifted onto the shoulders of his teammates for a victory lap.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/04/dtn-news-sports-news-india-won-world.html

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: Libyan Rebels Near Brega....NSI News Source Info # 1760

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: Libyan Rebels Near Brega....NSI News Source Info # 1760

Libyan rebels take position near the eastern town of Brega on March 31, 2011 as street battles raged between them and forces loyal to Moamer Kadhafi who suffered a major blow with the defection of his foreign minister. (Photo - Getty Images)

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

DTN News - PAKISTAN UNREST: NWFP Under Militants Attack....NSI News Source Info # 1759

DTN News - PAKISTAN UNREST: NWFP Under Militants Attack....NSI News Source Info # 1759

A policeman gestures in front of a shop damaged by a bomb explosion in Charsadda, in Pakistan's northwest March 31, 2011. A prominent Pakistani Islamist politician narrowly escaped an apparent assassination attempt on Thursday when the bomb exploded near his car in the the country's volatile northwest, killing at least 11 people, government officials and aides said. (Photo - Reuters Pictures)

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

Defense News: HMS Cumberland Ready For Embargo Operations In Libya....NSI News Source Info # 1758

Defense News: HMS Cumberland Ready For Embargo Operations In Libya....NSI News Source Info # 1758

March 30, 2011: HMS Cumberland is ready to move into the next phase of operations in Libya by enforcing the arms embargo under UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973.

The Royal Navy Type 22 frigate has been a key part of the UK's response to the crisis in Libya since the beginning of the troubles in February.

One way she is able to enforce the arms embargo is through her embarked Lynx helicopter which can search a wide area of the sea quickly to assess the activities of Libyan forces and search out any vessels which are in breach of the UN-sanctioned arms embargo on Libya.

The ship's Royal Marines and Royal Navy boarding parties have been honing their skills recently so they are ready to be deployed at minutes' notice if needed to conduct searches of suspect vessels stopped by the Type 22 frigate under the embargo.

The boarding teams can be deployed rapidly by sea boat or by fast-roping onto the deck of a suspect vessel from Cumberland's Lynx helicopter.

HMS Cumberland's Commanding Officer, Captain Steve Dainton, said:

"Cumberland is demonstrating her capability as a highly flexible asset, capable of enforcing the will of the international community. Over the last month, we have conducted three evacuation operations from Benghazi, conducted patrols off the coast and acted as an effective deterrent to Gaddafi's naval forces.

http://defensenews-updates.blogspot.com/2011/03/defense-news-hms-cumberland-ready-for.html

Defense News: US Likely To Help Taiwan Upgrade F-16s ~ Premier....NSI News Source Info # 1757

Defense News: US Likely To Help Taiwan Upgrade F-16s ~ Premier....NSI News Source Info # 1757

March 30, 2011: TAIPEI — Taiwan Premier Wu Den-yih confirmed Tuesday that the United States is likely to help the island upgrade its F-16 A/B fighters as it is reluctant to arm Taipei with more advanced jets.

Taiwan has been pressing for the more powerful F-16 C/Ds, saying it badly needs the weaponry as a bargaining chip against its former bitter rival China.

But the fate of a proposed arms deal remains uncertain, Wu said, amid speculation that it could jeopardise Washington's ties with Beijing.

"My understanding is that Washington does not say 'yes' or 'no'. The deal is still under Washington's evaluation," Wu said during a press conference in Taipei.

Wu said that "upgrading the F-16A/Bs is the more likely direction".

The US Congress in 1979 passed the Taiwan Relations Act requiring the United States to provide the island with defensive weapons.

A sale of F-16 C/Ds to Taiwan would be certain to ignite the anger of Beijing, which reacted furiously when the Barack Obama administration in January 2010 announced a 6.4-billion-dollar arms package for the self-governing island.

The package included Patriot missiles, Black Hawk helicopters, and equipment for Taiwan's F-16 fleet, but no submarines or new fighter jets.

http://defensenews-updates.blogspot.com/2011/03/defense-news-us-likely-to-help-taiwan.html

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated March 29, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1756

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated March 29, 2011....

NSI News Source Info # 1756

Source: U.S. DoD issued No. 248-11 March 29, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - March 29, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued March 29, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY

The Missile Defense Agency is awarding a cost-plus-incentive fee modification to Raytheon Missile Systems Co., Tucson, Ariz., for contract N00024-07-C-6119, CLIN 0016, for $312,663,118. The modification is to manufacture 24 Standard Missile-3 Block IB missiles. The work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. The period of performance is March 2011 through June 2013. Fiscal 2011 research, development, test and evaluation funds will be used to incrementally fund the modification for $47,826,087. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity.

Raytheon Missile Systems Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a modification to decrease contract N00024-07-C-6119, CLIN 0004, by $72,306,105 from $229,900,477, to a new total value of $157,594,372. The modification is to reduce the quantity of Standard Missile-3 Block IA missiles manufactured, from 24 to 18. The remaining work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. The performance period is from March 2011 through April 2012. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity.

ARMY

The Engility Corp., Billerica, Mass., was awarded on March 24 an $84,181,310 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The award will provide for management, engineering, integration, logistical staff, and liaison support services for Program Executive Office Soldier. Work will be performed in Fort Lewis, Wash.; Eatontown, N.J.; Fort Knox, Ky.; and Fort Belvoir, Va., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-11-D-0074).

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/03/dtn-news-us-department-of-defense_29.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Libyan War Damages Russia's Economic Interests....NSI News Source Info # 1755

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Libyan War Damages Russia's Economic Interests....NSI News Source Info # 1755

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Anatoly Miranovsky Bigness - Parvda Russia

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 29, 2011: The events in Libya are impacting the economic interests of Russia. While Russian raw materials companies working in this country may still cherish the hope to participate in some projects, the loss of Rosoboronexport's contract with the Jamahiriya will amount to over $4 billion. In the event of the victory of the Western coalition the country's weapons market will be closed for Russia.

With regard to the companies working directly on the territory of Libya, there are three most active Russian companies - Tatneft, Gazprom and the Russian Railways (RZD). Stroytransgaz has an office in the country as well.

Tatneft has been operating in the country for 6 years. The company received a concession to develop an oil block in the Ghadames (Unit 82-4) and won the rights to three oil blocks in the Sirte basin and Ghadames. The Russian company is involved in the projects under the production sharing agreement with Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC). In 2009 alone it has invested $43 million in the projects.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/03/dtn-news-defense-news-libyan-war.html

DTN News - POSSIBILITY OF FUTURE CONFLICT NEWS: Iran To Punish Saudi Arabia Brutally....NSI News Source Info # 1754

DTN News - POSSIBILITY OF FUTURE CONFLICT NEWS: Iran To Punish Saudi Arabia Brutally....NSI News Source Info # 1754

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Sergei Balmasov Pravda.Ru

(NSI News Source Info) TEHRAN, Iran - March 29, 2011: To suppress the revolution in Bahrain, the local king called on local troops from the neighboring Saudi Arabia. The British media that has its sources in the Bahraini royal family talked about such a possibility earlier. In particular, this was reported by the authoritative publication The Guardian.

Such a request was received by Riyadh on March 14, and he responded immediately. As stated earlier by the representatives of the ruling Saudi dynasty, they are ready to assist "the ruler and the people of the friendly country of Bahrain." Fortunately, it is allowed by the existing agreements on mutual support between the two countries, members of the Council on Cooperation in the Persian Gulf.

Yet, it is difficult to say who is considered the "people" by Saudi authorities since the anti-government rallies are attended not only by the representatives of the Shiite majority (70 percent of the population of Bahrain), but rather numerous representatives of the Left (including the Communists) from among the Sunnis.

The rallies in Bahrain have been ongoing for over a month. The Shiite majority actively opposes the oppression by the ruling Sunni minority, which includes Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, who is especially zealous in insisting on foreign intervention.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/03/dtn-news-possibility-of-future-conflict.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Probe into German-Greek Arms Deals Reveals Murky Side Of Defense Sales....NSI News Source Info # 1753

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Probe into German-Greek Arms Deals Reveals Murky Side Of Defense Sales....NSI News Source Info # 1753

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Defense News

(NSI News Source Info)

ATHENS, Greece,

-

March 29, 2011:

Despite being heavily in debt, Greece keeps spending on arms. A probe into its accounts has led to an investigation into submarine deals with Germany and alleged corruption in the grey areas of the EU's defense sector.

Greek financial investigators have ascertained that more than $140 million in bribes were paid by a German submarine maker to local politicians and officials to facilitate a lucrative defense contract.

The deal focused on the purchase of four submarines, a $1.5 billion controversial contract that had drawn heated political debate.

Sources told the Greek Kathimerini newspaper that "numerous bribes were paid before the contract was signed," alleging that some of the ways in which the final bill was inflated involved requests by the Greek navy and Defense Ministry for extra equipment on the submarines.

The first submarine, named Papanikolis, was commissioned for development by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft in Kiel, Germany, with the remaining three scheduled for construction at Greece's Hellenic Shipyards, west of Athens.

Shortly after the Papanikolis was built in 2001 and launched three years later, Greek navy experts determined a host of technical problems with the T-214 diesel-electric submarine. The most severe: excessive rolling in bad weather conditions when the submarine surfaced for sea keeping in high seas.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/03/dtn-news-defense-news-probe-into-german.html

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN NEWS: Multipurpose HELLFIRE II ‘Romeo’ Strikes Target, Completes Proof-Of-Principle Flight Tests....NSI # 1752

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN NEWS: Multipurpose HELLFIRE II ‘Romeo’ Strikes Target, Completes Proof-Of-Principle Flight Tests....NSI News Source Info # 1752

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin

(NSI News Source Info)

ORLANDO, FL, - March 28, 2011: The U.S. Army’s Joint Attack Munition Systems (JAMS) Project Office and Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] successfully fired a multipurpose AGM 114R HELLFIRE II “Romeo” missile with a live warhead and penetrated a brick-over-block target in its sixth proof-of-principle (POP) test.

The flight test, at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., demonstrated the Romeo’s enhanced software capability and superior performance in a military-operations-in-urban-terrain scenario. The new Romeo’s multipurpose warhead design enables the missile, with a designator spot laser, to seek out and defeat hard, soft and enclosed targets with outstanding success. The initial fielding of the HELLFIRE II Romeo is scheduled for late 2012.

“The AGM-114R baseline design is now defined and allows us to go into system qualification,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mike Brown, HELLFIRE Systems product manager at JAMS. “The R model remains on cost and on schedule, and meets all performance objectives.”

Engineers ground-launched the single HELLFIRE II Romeo missile in a lock-on-after-launch mode, simulating the missile being fired from a rotary-wing platform. The short-range (2.5 kilometer) high-speed impact shot penetrated the brick-over-block target and successfully detonated with the specified fuze delay.

This was the final POP test for this next-generation precision missile. The Romeo’s advanced fuze technology and new warhead design performed flawlessly in test flights, proving reduced risk through system performance. Additionally, Lockheed Martin’s Joint-Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) incorporates the same warhead technology and fuze design that is present in the HELLFIRE II Romeo.

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

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN NEWS: Lockheed Martin’s Huntsville Integrated Test Center To Provide Effective Support For Missile Defense Systems..# 1751

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN NEWS: Lockheed Martin’s Huntsville Integrated Test Center To Provide Effective Support For Missile Defense Systems....NSI News Source Info # 1751

**New Facility to Provide State-of-the-art Capabilities

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin

(NSI News Source Info)

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., March 28, 2011: Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its Huntsville Integrated Test (HIT) Center in Huntsville, Ala. The Lockheed Martin HIT Center will enable cost-effective and realistic testing of full-scale missile defense systems in a laboratory environment.

“This facility demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s commitment to advancing the state-of-the-art in missile defense capabilities,” said John W. Holly, vice president of Missile Defense Systems, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, who led the ceremony. “It also represents our continued investment in the Huntsville community, which plays a key role in protecting our nation.”

Government and community officials participating in the ceremony included U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Charlie Kettle, chairman of the board for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce. More than 100 people attended the ceremony, including Lockheed Martin employees, government and military personnel, industry partners and community members.

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

Asian Defense News: Navies Of Singapore, Indonesia Co-Host Multilateral Exercises....NSI News Source Info # 1750

Asian Defense News: Navies Of Singapore, Indonesia Co-Host Multilateral Exercises....NSI News Source Info # 1750

SINGAPORE - March 27, 2011: The Singapore and Indonesian navies are co-hosting the 4th Western Pacific Mine Countermeasures Exercise (MCMEX) and Diving Exercise (DIVEX).
More than 1,000 personnel and 15 ships from 16 navies will be participating in the two exercises, which will be conducted in the Singapore Strait and the waters off the Indonesian island of Pulau Bintan.

The Defence Ministry said this year's exercises will, for the first time, feature multilateral information sharing and the deployment of unmanned water vehicles.

More than 40 medical practitioners from 10 countries are also meeting to discuss the topics of military diving and hyperbaric medicine.

Dr Ng Eng Hen, Singapore's Second Defence Minister, said: "Going forward, the WPNS Navies should continue to be proactive in building platforms and capacity in information exchange and operational coordination to develop their readiness to respond collectively should the need arise."

http://asiandefensenews.blogspot.com/2011/03/asian-defense-news-navies-of-singapore.html

DTN News - LIBYA NO-FLY ZONE: UAE Jets Arrive In Italy For Libya Operations....NSI News Source Info # 1749

DTN News - LIBYA NO-FLY ZONE: UAE Jets Arrive In Italy For Libya Operations....NSI News Source Info # 1749

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources AFP

(NSI News Source Info)

DECIMOMANNU, Italy -

March 27, 2011:

Six F-16 fighter jets from the United Arab Emirates, a key U.S. ally, landed at an Italian base on March 27 ahead of their deployment to help enforce the no-fly zone over Libya.

The six planes could be seen landing at the Decimomannu base on the island of Sardinia after a logistics plane also arrived at the base.

The UAE said March 24 it had committed six F-16 and six Mirage fighters.

"The UAE air force has committed six F-16 and six Mirage aircraft to participate in the patrols that will enforce the no-fly zone now established over Libya," Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahayan said then.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/03/dtn-news-libya-no-fly-zone-uae-jets.html

DTN News - ASIAN DEFENSE NEWS: China Growing Naval Power In The Region....NSI News Source Info # 1748

DTN News - ASIAN DEFENSE NEWS: China Growing Naval Power In The Region....NSI News Source Info # 1748

** 2011 - China is increasing its military budget 12.7 percent to 601.1 billion RMB (approximately $91.5 billion). Importantly, many experts believe actual spending is significantly higher than the official figure suggests.

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Asian Defense News

(NSI News Source Info) HONG KONG - March 26, 2011:

That was the description given recently by Adm. Gary Roughead, the Navy’s chief of naval operations, when asked for his assessment of America’s former Cold War opponent.

“The Russian Navy still has great ambition, still has great pride,” he said.

The collapse of the Soviet Union significantly reduced the navy, Roughead noted, with most shipbuilding programs coming to a halt or dragging out.

“That has stopped in recent years,” he said. An improving Russian economy will mean “you’re going to see an increase in their capability and capacity, with new shipbuilding programs taking hold.” Roughead noted the recent move by Russia to acquire several French-designed Mistral-class amphibious ships as an indication of rising interest in increased operations.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/03/dtn-news-asian-defense-news-china.html