Archive for September, 2007

Chemical, Biological, Radiological (Www.DefenceAge.com) And Nuclear (CBRN) Terrorism

Sunday, September 30th, 2007


A starting point for a broad ranging look into Threat Scenarios, Detection, Super Diseases, BZ Gas, Anthrax, Botulism, Ebola, Glanders, Hantavirus, Pneumonic Plague, Ricin, Small Pox, Tularemia, Typhoid, VX Gas, Tabun-Sarin-Soman.
Source: www.TheWednesdayReport.com

RUAG Land Systems
RUAG Land Systems specialises in the development, manufacture and logistics service of weapon systems, protection, shelters and containers, as well as upgrades in cooperation with the local industry for end customers worldwide. Products include the M109 SPH upgrade (KAWEST), the 120mm compact tank gun (CTG), the 120mm recoiled mortar system (BIGHORN), the lightweight roof-protection system, ballistic-protection systems, the expandable EMC and ballistic-protected containers. RUAG Land Systems provides lifelong logistics support for all systems. As a general contractor, RUAG Land Systems develops and supplies all systems, secures their industrial maintenance and repair, and supports the customer during the product lifecycle with spare-parts management. RUAG Land Systems also offers analysis and training and takes care of the correct disposal. Our strengths include: Research and development Systems integration Industrial maintenance Logistics Gun manufacturing BALLISTIC AND MINE PROTECTION PRODUCTS Long and varied experience has given RUAG Land Systems outstanding design, manufacturing and testing capabilities for ballistic and mine protection products. The modular roof protection with optimised weight / protection ratio can be used against bomblets up to a diameter of 40mm, artillery fragments and other threats. The products use the newest technologies and include lateral protection against up to 120mm CE and KE projectiles, minimising the collateral damage through controlled fragment-trajectory. A mine protection system, consisting of measures both inside and outside the vehicle, provides highest protection levels and has been successfully tested under real conditions. Modern fixation methods prevent the vehicle structure from being significantly affected by the integration of RUAG’s mine protection system. 120MM COMPACT TANK GUN The 120mm Compact Tank Gun has a specifically designed muzzle brake and low recoil. It is suitable for integration into light fighting vehicles of more than 20t, and for upgrading vehicles with existing 90mm to 105mm compact tank guns. The required weight and space of the weapon system is almost equal to the 105mm system (gun and onboard ammunition) Full compatibility with current and future 120mm ammunition The design of cradle and muzzle brake as well as the length of the recoil travel may be adapted to the individual characteristics of the overall system. Advanced coating technologies allow the weight of the gun to be adapted to specific needs. BIGHORN 120MM RECOILED MORTAR SYSTEM The BIGHORN 120mm recoiled mortar system is suitable for all tracked or wheeled vehicles. Features include: High firepower with smooth bore barrel High firing-rate with semiautomatic loader Onboard navigation and positioning Onboard hydraulics and electric power conditioning A laser gyro-based inertial navigation and positioning system mounted directly on the weapon provides accurate position and gun pointing autonomously during the mission. Vehicles equipped with this 120mm mortar system are highly mobile, and have a very short reaction-time to perform during missions with shoot and scoot tactics. The recoiled launcher tube can fire all standard and special projectiles, such as STRIX. For missions in urban areas the mortar can be mounted (e.g. on a vehicle with hatches), and thus hidden. MODULAR UPGRADE PROGRAMME FOR SPH M109 The modular upgrading programme is now available for any M109 operation. The main assets of this program are increased range, increased rate of fire, greater supply of ammunition carried, extremely-short laying time, a highly-accurate navigation system and an advanced power-supply system. The new barrels (L47) ‐ which are fully chromium-plated and have a length of over 8m ‐ are a RUAG Land Systems development. With top charges a firing range of up to 40km can be reached. NAVIGATION AND POSITIONING SYSTEM (NAPOS) RUAG Land Systems has a long-held and wide-ranging expert knowledge regarding various worldwide navigation systems, as well as the integration of navigation systems. More than 420 systems are in use worldwide. The installation of the NAPOS allows the howitzer battery to be dispersed over a wider area with single system autonomous operation. CONTAINERS AND SHELTERS RUAG Land Systems develops and manufactures special containers and shelters based on customers’ requirements. The containers can be delivered as a hull (including AC), or with mission-specific equipment for surgery communications or check point containers, etc. The containers can be designed and tested to fulfil up to 60dB EMC screening capability from 15kHz up to 10GHz. Based on defined threats, the containers can be equipped with RUAG Land Systems’ lightweight ballistic protection modules.
Source: www.army-technology.com

Iraq Experiment First Strategic Weapon In Global War on Terrorism
— What one single thing would annihilate al Qaeda’s recruitment campaign? — Progress In Iraq: Training Iraqi Forces — More Iraqi Officers Graduate in Amman, Jordan — Aerospace Industry (Boeing) Helps With Hurricane Relief
Source: www.TheWednesdayReport.com

Ultralife Batteries Receives $24 Million Contract from Raytheon for SATCOM-On-The-Move Systems
Ultralife Batteries, Inc. has been awarded a contract valued at approximately US$24 million from Raytheon Company to produce and supply SATCOM-On-The-Move (SOTM) satellite communications systems for installation on Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) armored vehicles. Deliveries are expected to begin this quarter and be completed in the second quarter of 2008. In October 2006, Ultralife announced the award of a US$9 million contract to supply the same system. “We are extremely pleased that Ultralife has been chosen as the exclusive supplier of our McDowell Research brand SOTM system because of both the industry-leading performance of our products and our ability to be exceedingly responsive to the needs of our customers,” said John D. Kavazanjian, Ultralife’s president and chief executive officer. “Our strategy of deepening our relationships with prime defense contractors is clearly working and we look forward to continuing to work closely with Raytheon in support of other programs.” The SOTM system consists of a combination of the McDowell MIK-21-75 Vehicle Kit and MRC-195 Communication Case. The MIK-21-75 is designed as a permanent installation on military vehicles, while the MRC-195 is a transportable case system to allow for the movement of the system to areas of interest. The system, which is compatible with the PSC-5D radio and other radios, will enable the U.S. Military to conduct secure satellite communications from MRAP program vehicles. ABOUT ULTRALIFE BATTERIES, INC. Ultralife is a global provider of high-energy power solutions and communications accessories for diverse applications. The company develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of non-rechargeable and rechargeable batteries, charging systems and accessories for markets including defense, commercial and consumer portable electronics. Through its portfolio of standard products and engineered solutions, Ultralife is at the forefront of providing the next generation of power systems and accessories. Defense, commercial and retail customers include: General Dynamics, Philips Medical Systems, General Motors, Energizer, Kidde Safety, Lowe’s, Radio Shack and the national defense agencies of the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and New Zealand, among others. Ultralife’s headquarters, principal manufacturing and research facilities, and its McDowell Research operating unit are in Newark, New York, near Rochester. Ultralife’s other operating units are: Ultralife Batteries (UK) Ltd., in Abingdon, England and ABLE New Energy in Shenzhen, China.
Source: www.army-technology.com

OSG Exhibit at DSEi 2007
Leading Israeli armoured glass developers Oran Safety Glass (OSG) have just returned from a highly successful week of exhibiting at London’s DSEi 2007 Exhibition. Taking place from the 11th to the 14th of September, DSEi (the Defence Systems & Equipment International) exhibition is the largest event of its kind world wide, with international exhibitors from all areas of the defence market gathering to showcase the latest advances in solutions for the military and aerospace industries. OSG were present at Booth 1866, where they demonstrated the wide range of armoured glass and safety solutions supplied to armies and air forces world wide. More information about OSG products can be found via the link below.
Source: www.airforce-technology.com

North-West Precision Engineers Boost Sales at DSEi
Leading UK precision engineers Merc Engineering have just returned from a highly successful week of exhibiting at London’s DSEi 2007 Exhibition. Taking place from the 11th to the 14th of September, DSEi (the Defence Systems & Equipment International) exhibition is the largest event of its kind world wide, with international exhibitors from all areas of the defence market gathering to showcase the latest advances in solutions for the military and aerospace industries. Merc Engineering demonstrated the wide range of precision engineering solutions supplied to military forces world wide. Posted to some of the harshest environments in the world, military personnel deserve the very best defence equipment at all times. They depend on it. Amongst talk of large tenders and government military spend it is often forgotten exactly where quality defence components are still produced. On the edge of the Pennines, Merc Engineering sits at the centre of Lancashire’s manufacturing heartland. With a long history of defence expertise, Merc Engineering has created 20 skilled positions in the last six years, a period in which it has seen 400% growth in turnover. Their main ambition is to continue providing premium quality components and sub-assemblies to a wider range of clients. With over thirty years of expertise in manufacturing defence components Merc’s workforce are proud to have been involved in numerous projects including Starstreak, ASRAAM, Storm Shadow, Spearfish and the GPMG. World-class in its field, Merc produces precision parts to customer specifications, serving a wide range of industries including defence, aerospace, railway, motorsport and commercial sectors. In charge of marketing, Jean-Yves Dziki said: “Merc have been looking forward to DSEi for a good while as it is an excellent arena to showcase our services amongst the best of defence manufacturers. As a team we all agree that we must evolve to survive, and the improvements we have made in our factory, to our strategy and to our machine line-up give us extreme confidence for now and the near future. Despite an overall regional downturn in manufacturing, highly skilled engineers are still to be found in our area and Merc are proud of its experienced workforce that help to run a state-of-the-art plant adopting the ideals of lean manufacturing. Offering CNC Turning and Milling, EDM Spark and Wire Erosion, EDM fast-Hole Drilling and quality TIG welding, Merc has facilitated a one-stop shop for many of its clients. The firm will also see this month the installation of a new mill-turn centre, eliminating the need for individual machining operations and further increasing our edge over the competition. Mr Dziki added: “We are constantly aiming to give our customers exactly what they want. Everybody knows that customers want price and quality, but SMEs tend to get complacent, and we are all working hard to make our clients aware of the extra efforts we go to. Half the battle for engineers is remembering to talk to their customers and we have worked hard on our policy to improve this! Our clients are now better informed and better supported than ever, and as usual the product we supply is excellent.”
Source: www.army-technology.com

Aeronautical & General Instruments Exhibit at DSEi 2007
Leading UK measurement and control systems manufacturers Aeronautical & General Instruments (AGI) have just returned from a highly successful week of exhibiting at London’s DSEi 2007 Exhibition. Taking place from the 11th to the 14th of September, DSEi (the Defence Systems & Equipment International) exhibition is the largest event of its kind world wide, with international exhibitors from all areas of the defence market gathering to showcase the latest advances in solutions for the military and aerospace industries. AGI were present at Booth 1890, where they demonstrated the wide range of navigational and meteological systems offered to the aerospace and naval industries. More information about AGI products can be found via the link below.
Source: www.naval-technology.com

Land Mines Removal Technology - A White Paper Library
An anti-personnel mine is an explosive device designed to maim or kill the person who triggers it. Mines are indiscriminate in terms of target and time. They go on killing and maiming-soldiers and civilians, men and women, adults and children alike-decades after the fighting has ended.
Source: www.TheWednesdayReport.com

Www.DefenceAge.com - Devilish details could undermine Sri Lanka peace talks

Friday, September 21st, 2007


Sri Lanka’s warring parties were bracing for talks aimed at saving a tattered truce, but arranging next weekend’s parley is becoming a logistical “minefield” that could blow up before the meeting begins.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

French defense chief arrives in US to discuss NATO, NKorea
French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie arrived in Washington for a four-day visit to discuss NATO and the North Korea nuclear crisis with US officials.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Chirac eyes strategic partnerships with China
French President Jacques Chirac, who is due to visit Beijing this week, said Monday he hoped to strike strategic partnerships with China in areas such as nuclear energy and rail transport.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Proper Use Of Intelligence Empowers Soldiers
Lt. Gen. James J. Lovelace, deputy chief of staff, G-3, addressed the use of intelligence in the “Actionable intelligence for the command and Soldier” forum at this week’s Association of the U.S. Army annual meeting.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Shaping the China’s Security Environment
This volume addresses the role of the Chinese military in shaping its country s security environment. The PLA itself is shaped and molded by both domestic and foreign influences.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

France, Libya in Arms Talks
France is in talks with Libya about modernizing the north African country s weapons arsenal as part of the defense cooperation deal they renewed in 2005
Source: www.defencetalk.com

President Signs 2007 Defense Authorization Act
The fiscal 2007 National Defense Authorization Act provides more than $530 billion to maintain the military in the shape it must be to win the war on terror.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Defence lines dug as Somalia stand-off worsens
Somali pro-Islamist fighters and rival Ethiopian troops supporting the interim government both dug defensive positions around their outposts, after the Islamists retook a strategic town
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Breakthrough as (Www.DefenceAge.com) Sri Lanka rebels agree to peace talks

Friday, September 21st, 2007


Sri Lanka’s Tamil Tiger rebels agreed to attend peace talks with the government this month in a breakthrough announcement after a week of bloody attacks left over 250 dead.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Force May Be Needed To Guard Lebanese Airspace: UN
U.N. peacekeepers may at some point resort to force to prevent repeated Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace, the commander of the U.N. force in southern Lebanon
Source: www.defencetalk.com

President Signs 2007 Defense Authorization Act
The fiscal 2007 National Defense Authorization Act provides more than $530 billion to maintain the military in the shape it must be to win the war on terror.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Croatia Gets New Boost For 2008 NATO Entry Bid
Croatia won new backing for its bid to enter NATO in 2008 on Oct. 19 when conservative leaders from around Europe joined Washington in urging an alliance summit next month to begin steps to welcome it in.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Eye on Iraq: What is going wrong in Iraq?
The Iraq conflict is not stabilizing, it is rapidly getting worse. And current U.S. policies are not helping.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

China Holds Its Biggest Anti-Terrorism Exercises: Report (Www.DefenceAge.com)

Friday, September 21st, 2007


China on Oct. 19 wrapped up its biggest-ever anti-terrorism exercises, which involved over 2,700 policemen and soldiers, state press said.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Suicide bombers won’t stop us in Afghanistan: NATO chief
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer has said that suicide bombers would not defeat the military alliance’s efforts to ensure democracy prevails in Afghanistan.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Canada presses NATO to do more in Afghanistan
Canada is pressing other NATO countries to send more troops to Afghanistan and lift restrictions on the soldiers already stationed there
Source: www.defencetalk.com

British defence ministry bans news broadcaster from embedded reporting
The British defence ministry has temporarily banned television news broadcaster ITV from embedding their journalists with British troops
Source: www.defencetalk.com

President Signs 2007 Defense Authorization Act
The fiscal 2007 National Defense Authorization Act provides more than $530 billion to maintain the military in the shape it must be to win the war on terror.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Shaping the China’s Security Environment
This volume addresses the role of the Chinese military in shaping its country s security environment. The PLA itself is shaped and molded by both domestic and foreign influences.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Croatia Gets New Boost For 2008 NATO Entry Bid
Croatia won new backing for its bid to enter NATO in 2008 on Oct. 19 when conservative leaders from around Europe joined Washington in urging an alliance summit next month to begin steps to welcome it in.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Force May Be Needed To Guard Lebanese Airspace: UN
U.N. peacekeepers may at some point resort to force to prevent repeated Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace, the commander of the U.N. force in southern Lebanon
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Devilish details could undermine Sri Lanka peace talks
Sri Lanka’s warring parties were bracing for talks aimed at saving a tattered truce, but arranging next weekend’s parley is becoming a logistical “minefield” that could blow up before the meeting begins.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Www.DefenceAge.com - France, Libya in Arms Talks

Friday, September 21st, 2007


France is in talks with Libya about modernizing the north African country s weapons arsenal as part of the defense cooperation deal they renewed in 2005
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Taliban head vows fierce fighting
Fugitive Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar has used the holiest Muslim holiday of the year to warn that his men will intensify their fighting in Afghanistan to “surprising” levels to drive out foreign infidels.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Eye on Iraq: What is going wrong in Iraq?
The Iraq conflict is not stabilizing, it is rapidly getting worse. And current U.S. policies are not helping.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Suicide bombers won’t stop us in Afghanistan: NATO chief
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer has said that suicide bombers would not defeat the military alliance’s efforts to ensure democracy prevails in Afghanistan.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

China Holds Its Biggest Anti-Terrorism Exercises: Report
China on Oct. 19 wrapped up its biggest-ever anti-terrorism exercises, which involved over 2,700 policemen and soldiers, state press said.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Shaping the China’s Security Environment
This volume addresses the role of the Chinese military in shaping its country s security environment. The PLA itself is shaped and molded by both domestic and foreign influences.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Canada presses NATO to do more in Afghanistan
Canada is pressing other NATO countries to send more troops to Afghanistan and lift restrictions on the soldiers already stationed there
Source: www.defencetalk.com

US Iraq war debate heats up ahead of legislative vote
US lawmakers kept up pressure on President George W. Bush to revise his Iraq policy a day after a senior US diplomat said Washington had shown “stupidity” in the conflict.
Source: www.defencetalk.com