LOS RUSOS CON PROBLEMAS CON SUS RADARES EN EL EXTRANJERO
09/09/2008 16:49 MOSCOW, September 9 (RIA Novosti) - Russia is not planning to reopen a radar base at the Lourdes facility in Cuba, the Russian foreign minister said on Tuesday.
"This matter is not under consideration," Sergei Lavrov told reporters at a joint news conference with Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik.
The electronic monitoring and surveillance facility near Havana at Torrens, also known as the Lourdes facility, the largest Russian SIGINT (signal intelligence) site abroad, was shut down in October 2001 by then-president Vladimir Putin.
The facility, which covered a 28 square-mile area, was manned by around 1,000-1,500 Russian engineers, technicians, and military personnel.
The complex was capable of monitoring a wide array of commercial and government communications throughout the southeastern United States, and between the U.S. and Europe.
Lourdes intercepted transmissions from microwave towers in the United States, communication satellite downlinks, and a wide range of shortwave and high-frequency radio transmissions.
Russia reportedly paid Cuba an annual rent of $200-million to use the facility.
Moscow has strongly opposed the possible deployment by the U.S. of 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and an accompanying tracking radar in the Czech Republic as a threat to its national security. The Kremlin has also expressed concern over NATO's expansion to Russia's borders and pledged to take "appropriate measures."
Some Russian military experts earlier suggested that Moscow could consider resuming its military presence in Cuba, including at the Lourdes facility, in response to growing military-political pressure from the West.
09/09/2008 19:13 KIEV, September 9 (RIA Novosti) - Ukraine is to shut down a radar facility in the west of the country currently being used by Russia, a national space agency official said on Tuesday.
Deputy General Director Eduard Kuznetsov said the agency will continue using an early-warning attack station based in Sevastopol, Crimea, but would close the Mukachevo facility following Moscow's decision to stop using it.
Russia terminated an agreement on the use of both radars (Sevastopol and Mukachevo) in February 2008 on the grounds that they are operationally obsolete. Kiev called Moscow's move unfriendly.
The two radar facilities allow Ukraine to track missile launches at a distance of up to 1,500 kilometers.
Kiev has not ruled out that once the radars are no longer used by Russia that they could be used "in the interest of EU countries."
Me parece a mí que tal y como se estánponiendo las cosas con Ucrania, los rusos finalmente pondrán en servicio el radar de Cuba. Habrá que seguir este tema y ver que consideran ellos como "medidas apropiadas".
Albert Einstein
“Lo importante es no dejar de hacerse preguntas.”
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – General Dynamics C4 Systems has been awarded a $70 million contract to equip the 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division Stryker Brigade Combat Team (5/2 SBCT) with a new, lighter-weight version of the Land Warrior integrated fighting system. This order funds a Brigade-set of Land Warrior ensembles and vehicle integration kits. General Dynamics C4 Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).
The Land Warrior system provides command-and-control, computing, communication and position-location technologies that will digitally link the Stryker brigade’s infantry soldiers to the battlefield network while they are on missions, improving their situational awareness, survivability, mission speed and effectiveness. The slimmer Land Warrior system now weighs 7.2 pounds, down from approximately 17 pounds in 2006.
“Battlefield-proven, Land Warrior has become a battle command-and-control tool that enables leaders outside of their vehicles to more effectively and efficiently command. It’s the cornerstone for future ground warfighter systems,” said Mark Showah, director of integrated systems for General Dynamics C4 Systems
System improvements, including size, weight and power reductions, resulted from feedback received directly from soldiers equipped with a previous generation of Land Warrior in Iraq. Their suggestions helped guide a team working at the General Dynamics-sponsored EDGE Innovation Network to improve the ‘fightability’ of the Land Warrior system.
Based at Fort Lewis, Wash., soldiers of the 5/2 SBCT will be equipped with advanced warfighting technologies that include built-in text messaging capabilities; maps and imagery that can be changed by leaders while on-the-move; virtual ‘chem-lights’ that identify known enemy locations; and acoustic sniper detection. Land Warrior was first deployed to Iraq with the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, based in Fort Lewis, Wash., in 2007.
Albert Einstein
“Lo importante es no dejar de hacerse preguntas.”
BAE Systems Tactical Vehicle Systems, Limited Partnership, Sealy, Texas was awarded on Sept. 8, 2008, a $10,586,177 firm/fixed price contract for undefinitized contract action for 57 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher chassis in order to support the HIMARS production program. Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2009. Two bids were solicited and two bids were received. U.S. Army TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-03-C-S023).
Albert Einstein
“Lo importante es no dejar de hacerse preguntas.”
Russian news reports say a top defense official has warned that Russia may point ballistic weapons at a U.S. missile defense system in Europe.
News agencies Wednesday quote General Nikolai Solovtsyov as saying Russia may take the action if the United States moves forward with a missile defense plan in Poland and the Czech Republic.
The United States and Poland signed a missile defense agreement in Warsaw last month. It allows the United States to deploy 10 defensive missiles in Poland. The United States also plans to set up guidance radar in the Czech Republic.
The warning comes before Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov meets in Warsaw this week with his Polish counterpart, Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, to discuss security issues.
Russian media report Wednesday that Lavrov will "firmly express" Russia's objection to the U.S. - Poland missile defense agreement.
Washington says the missile shield is designed to protect against what it says are threats from rogue countries, such as Iran. But Moscow rejects that reasoning and says the deployment of the system in Europe is designed to undermine Russia's own missile capability and threatens its security.
Lavrov is also expected to address differences with Poland over the developments in the former Soviet republic of Georgia.
Russia has recognized Georgia's breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states and has set up diplomatic ties with both regions.
Albert Einstein
“Lo importante es no dejar de hacerse preguntas.”
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 11, 2008--L-3 Communications announced today that its Advanced Products and Design unit has been awarded a $23.2 million delivery order to provide 600 VideoScout-MC mobile video exploitation and management systems to the United States Marine Corps. These systems enhance portable equipment currently in use by adding video imagery in real-time, which improves situational awareness. Production of these units is underway, with deliveries expected in the fourth quarter of 2008.
"Over the past four years, we have worked with the Marines to develop a lightweight, interoperable video exploitation, management and analysis system," said Larry Vernec, senior vice president of marketing and strategic business development at L-3 Advanced Products and Design. "VideoScout-MC enhances situational understanding in the field by helping Marines capture and quickly share the video they receive from aerial and ground-based sensors across the battlespace."
The Marine Corps will receive the mobile VideoScout-MC laptop computer with integrated multi-band receivers. VideoScout-MC captures video and metadata directly from Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), targeting pods, intelligence feeds and other common sensors, and allows users to view, archive, annotate, search, geo-reference and disseminate relevant, actionable video intelligence to others.
Albert Einstein
“Lo importante es no dejar de hacerse preguntas.”
COMPRA DE 350 SISTEMAS DE LIMPIEZA DE MINAS PARA LOS MARINES
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense,* Simsbury, Conn., is being awarded a $5,507,750firm-fixed-price delivery order under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-06-D-1021) for 350 Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System (APOBS) units, and 50 Inert APOBS Trainers. APOBS are self-contained, one-shot, expendable linear demolition charge, transported by a two-person team, used to clear footpath through antipersonnel mines and wire obstacles. This contract involves foreign military sales to Israel (100 precent). Work will be performed in Graham, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The basic contract was competitively procured via Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with three proposals solicited and three offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Albert Einstein
“Lo importante es no dejar de hacerse preguntas.”
Textron Marine & Land Systems Division of Textron Inc, New Orleans, La., was awarded on Sept. 10, 2008, a $56,864,730 firm fixed price contract. U.S. Army TACOM LCMC is exercising the option to purchase 78 each armored security vehicles (AVS) from Textron Marine & Land Systems. Work will be performed in New Orleans, La., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. U.S. Army TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-C-0470).
Albert Einstein
“Lo importante es no dejar de hacerse preguntas.”
FN Manufacturing Inc, Columbia, S.C., was awarded on Sept. 10, 2008, a $16,228,500 firm fixed price contract for M16A4 rifles to support Iraq. Work will be performed in Columbia, S.C., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 22, 2010. Bids solicited were via web and two bids were received. U.S. Army TACOM-LCMC, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-08-D-0121).
Albert Einstein
“Lo importante es no dejar de hacerse preguntas.”
LA REPUBLICA CHECA COMPRA 15 DINGO2 Y 15 IVECO MLV
September 12, 2008: The Czech Republic is buying fifteen Dingo 2 and fifteen MLV armored vehicles for its 500 troops in Afghanistan. The Dingo 2 is a four wheeled, 12 ton, armored version of the classic Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG truck series, and carries up to eight personnel. Top speed is 90 kilometers per hour, and the armor protection can handle mines, roadside bombs and small arms fire. The Dingo 2 is roughly similar in size and capability to an armored hummer, but much heavier. The German Dingo is armed with a remote control (from inside the vehicle) 7.62mm machine-gun. Israel, Austria and Germany have also ordered Dingo 2s, which cost about half a million dollars each.
The Italian LMV is a 6.5 ton armored vehicle similar to the hummer, but with many anti-mine and bomb features (V shaped bottom, suspended seats and so on). It seats five and is designed to accommodate a remote control gun turret.
The Czechs bought four of each vehicle last year, to try out in Afghanistan, and were pleased with the results.
Albert Einstein
“Lo importante es no dejar de hacerse preguntas.”
UAE SOLICITA PARTIDA DE MISILES Y HELICOPTEROS A EE.UU.
WASHINGTON (AFP) - The Pentagon is hoping to sell the United Arab Emirates a theater wide missile defense system with an estimated value of 6.95 billion dollars, a defense agency said.
The proposed sale of the Theater High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) system was notified to the US Congress this week along with Patriot PAC-3 missiles, AMRAM missiles, and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
Congress has 30 days to raise objections to the proposal.
The THAAD system is designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles at high altitude, providing coverage over a wide area.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the proposed sale is for three fire units, four radars sets, six fire and control communication stations, and nine missile launchers.
"The estimated cost is 6.95 billion dollars," the agency said.
"The proposed sale of the weapons will strengthen the effectiveness and interoperability of a potential coalition partner, reduce the dependence on US forces in the region, and enhance any coalition operations the US may undertake," it said in a statement.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corporation is the principal contractor, and Raytheon Corporation the subcontractor.
The PAC-3 missiles, valued at 121 million dollars, were for testing of missiles that had previously been requested by the UAE, the agency said.
Raytheon and Lockheed Martin are the principal contractors.
The agency also notified Congress of a possible sale to the UAE of 288 AIM-120-C-7 advanced medium range air-to-air missiles, and 128 launchers. Raytheon is the prime contractor.
"The total value if all options are exercised could be as high as 445 million dollars," the DSCA said.
The proposed helicopter sale would be for 14 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters with engines, spares, countermeasures and weapons. The DSCA said the deal would be worth 774 million dollars if all options are exercised.
It said the UAE would use the helicopters to protect its borders and US and coalition bases.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and General Electric would be the main contractors.
Albert Einstein
“Lo importante es no dejar de hacerse preguntas.”
JAPON CELEBRA LA LLEGADA DEL USS GEORGE WASHINGTON
Japan welcomes deployment of U.S. aircraft carrier Saturday 13th September, 05:03 AM JST
TOKYO — Japan’s government welcomed Friday the announcement that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington will arrive later this month at its new home base south of Tokyo.
The George Washington, which can carry a crew of up to 5,600 and 70 aircraft, will replace the USS Kitty Hawk as the U.S. Navy’s only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier. It is to arrive on Sept 25 at the port of Yokosuka.
“The government of Japan welcomes the arrival of the USS George Washington, as the continuous strong presence of the U.S. Navy will contribute to the security of Japan and the maintenance of peace and security of the region,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Earlier in the day, the Navy said in a statement announcing the arrival date that the deployment of the carrier demonstrates America’s commitment to providing “the most advanced capabilities” to the U.S. 7th fleet, which is home-ported in Yokosuka.
The arrival of the carrier has been controversial, however, because it is expected to bring a small increase in the number of sailors based at Yokosuka and also because of concerns of a possible accident or leakage from its nuclear reactor.
The Kitty Hawk, which is to be decommissioned, was conventionally powered.
The U.S. Navy disclosed in early August that the USS Houston, a submarine, had leaked water containing radiation during several calls to Sasebo and Okinawa in southern Japan and Yokosuka between July 2006 and April 2008. But a Navy investigation concluded the leakage in the three ports totaled 0.6 micro curies, or less than one-millionth of a curie, which posed no danger to Japan.
Albert Einstein
“Lo importante es no dejar de hacerse preguntas.”
Textron Marine & Land Systems Division of Textron, New Orleans, La., was awarded on Sept. 11, 2011, a $250,052,470 firm fixed price contract for US Army Tank Automotive Command which also exercising the option to purchase 346 each Armored Security Vehicles (AVS) from Textron Marines & Land. Work will be performed in New Orleans, La., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. US Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-C-0470).
Albert Einstein
“Lo importante es no dejar de hacerse preguntas.”
DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on Sept. 11, 2008, a $47,152,373 firm fixed price contract for 677 M989A1 Heavy Expanded Mobility Ammunition Trailers (HEMAT’s). Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., with an estimated completion date of Sept, 30, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. US Army TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-D-0332).
Albert Einstein
“Lo importante es no dejar de hacerse preguntas.”
AM General, LLC, South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Sept. 11, 2008, a $12,684,532 firm fixed price contract. The adds 98 High Mobility-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV). Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. US Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).
Albert Einstein
“Lo importante es no dejar de hacerse preguntas.”
RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Brazil Friday started the Operation Atlantic, a military exercise off the coasts of the states of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo, where the country's pre-salt layer oil fields are located.
The exercise, which will last until Sept. 26, is a way to arouse people's awareness on necessary means to protect the so-called "Blue Amazon," a 4.5-million-square-kilometer coast area.
A total of 17 ships, 40 aircraft, 300 vehicles and over 10,000 troops from the Brazilian army, air force and navy will participate in the simulated warfare.
In the exercise, the fictitious "Green Country," formed by troops from the states of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Goias and Minas Gerais, will fight the "Yellow Country" of the states of Espirito Santo and Bahia.
They are supposed to fight over the control of the oil platforms and fields in the area.
"The Blue Amazon is as important to this country as our Green Amazon, the Amazon Rainforest," said commander of the maneuver Admiral Edlander Santos.
The pre-salt layer fields have the potential to double Brazil's total oil reserves, which currently reach 14 billion barrels of oil equivalent.
According to Admiral Santos, the maneuver will boost response of the Brazilian armed forces in case of major conflicts over the oil fields.
"Do we have enough ships and means to protect those 4.5 million square kilometers of sea areas? That is what we will find out," he said.
Albert Einstein
“Lo importante es no dejar de hacerse preguntas.”
