Army shows off firepower of its lethal guns:Australia

THE Army's lethal weaponry from hand grenades and pistols to state-of-the-art Abrams tanks and Tiger Reconnaissance Helicopters were put to the test at a military training ground in the Territory yesterday. About 400 1st Brigade soldiers from Darwin's Robertson Barracks armed themselves with the hand-held arsenal or bunkered down in the turret of a tank and fired live rounds in a simulated battle at the Mt Bundy training range, 130km south of Darwin. The firepower demonstration, which was shown to invited guests from across the Territory, saw the tanks and soldiers engage targets from a static firing point and also on the move. But it was the Tiger choppers, which only began service in the 1st Aviation Regiment in the Top End in June last year, that grabbed everyone's attention. The futuristic Army helicopters, described as the "most advanced attack helicopter in the world", roared across the mock battle zone and repeatedly fired down the range, annihilating the set-up targets in the field. 1st Brigade Commander, Brigadier Michael Krause said it was a milestone as it was the first time the attack choppers had fired on Australian soil in conjunction with the Army's other weaponry systems. "The Tiger is the most advanced attack helicopter in the world and we're very fortunate it's now coming into service in the Australian Army," he said. He said by the end of next year, Darwin will be home to up to 18 of the formidable attack helicopters. Another highlight yesterday was the firing of the hand-held Javelin Anti-Armour Missile - the only piece of weaponry that can take out the 1500hp M1A1 Abrams tanks, as it strikes down on the target and penetrates the roof of the Abrams where there is the least armour protection. But only one shot was fired - and permission from the chief of Army was required to do so - as each round costs a whopping $33,000. Brigadier Krause said the firepower demonstration was the best training to prepare the troops for war. "These opportunities are critical," he said. "This is as close as it gets for the soldiers before going to war - everything we did was live and they employed their weapon systems exactly how they would if they were in combat."

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Taiwan Kidds to Receive Radar Parts

The Pentagon has released radar components for four Kidd-class destroyers sold to Taiwan in 2003 for $700 million. California-based Communications & Power Industries won a $12.2 million FMS contract to supply Taiwan with the MK-74 TARTAR-D system traveling wave tubes (TWT) and solenoids. "The MK-74 TARTAR-D TWT is a component of the MK-74 Guided Missile Fire Control System (GMFCS)," according to a Pentagon contract award notice on May 12. "The GMFCS MK-74 functions as part of the missile weapons system to support the anti-air and anti-surface warfare missions of ships." Contract completion scheduled for 2014. "The traveling wave tube (TWT) amplifier is a critical component in the radar system," said a former U.S. defense official. "This component is one example of a critical spare part on the Kidds that has gone out of production. So this company needs to replicate the TWT that the original supplier produced decades ago." The sale is welcome news in Taiwan, where there are fears the U.S. will re-evaluate arms sales as Beijing and Taipei move closer. However, there is some criticism of the sale, suggesting continued U.S. arms sales discourage indigenous development of weapon systems. "One of the questions that this raises is why Taiwan industry didn't manufacture these TWTs for the ROC Navy as an alternative to procurement though the FMS system. The component no longer exists in the U.S. Navy inventory. But the specification or blueprint for the TWT is publicly available, and this is 1970s vintage technology," said the former official. One way to fix the problem is to allow Taiwan access to the specifications for manufacture and include Taiwan as part of the Pentagon's international supply chain. "Taiwan's status as one of world's most cost effective supplier of information and communications technology (ICT)" should be taken into consideration, "and as weapon systems become increasingly ICT-intensive, the missed opportunities grow," for both Taiwan and the U.S. military. The best solution is to allow Taiwan to "qualify to serve as a supplier to the Department of Defense." "At least 21 foreign industries, including a large number of major non-NATO allies, are qualified to supply DoD," said the former official. "Taiwan basically has the same status as China or North Korea, rather than the major non-NATO ally status that Congress granted Taiwan several years ago." However, continued political issues cloud the issue for both Taiwan and the U.S. China has been increasing pressure on Washington to discontinue arms sales to Taipei. The matter has been further complicated by efforts by Taiwan's new president to enhance relations with China.
wminnick@defensenews.com

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Sperwer’s time with the Canadian Forces draws to a close

After six tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (TUAV) flight rotations in Afghanistan, the Sperwer's mission came to an end on April 17, 2009. Soldiers who had experienced its benefits gathered behind a barrier to witness the final launch.

With a roar of the engine, complemented by a nearby British flare show, they waited in anticipation for the CRACK! and ZOOM! of the little plane with the huge job, as it was sent flying into the dark Afghan sky. They watched the tiny blinking light as it gained altitude, changed direction and headed out on its final mission. The sound of cheers and sighs mixed in the air.

The members of TUAV flight, Roto 6 comprising a mix of Army and Air Force members working together, hailing from 400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron Borden, Ont., 4 Air Defence Regiment, Moncton, N.B., and other augmenting units. Pilots, artillery soldiers, analysts, maintainers, technicians, clerks and signals operators all had their own important role, but worked together to ensure that every flight would have the best chance at success.

It seemed that they really wanted to get the bang for the buck on this last rotation; about 30.5 per cent of the hours flown by all six rotations were clocked between August 2008 and April 2009. Overall, since the Sperwer's arrival in theatre, approximately 4, 270 hours were flown during more than 1300 total trips.

The significance of the Sperwer doesn't lie just in the numbers, but in the job it was able to do in the air. One of Sperwer's defining successes was its ability to fly during some occasions when no other craft could. The plane was designed so that it could handle the fiercest weather while continuing to provide imagery even during low cloud cover. Its infrared imaging capacity could deliver accurate intelligence any time of the day.

Captain Mark Horstead, a Sperwer Mission Commander on Roto 6, said he firmly believes that the Sperwer's presence in Afghanistan was beneficial. "A couple of IED [improvised explosive device] emplacement teams are no longer out there due to our efforts," he said, adding, "Hopefully, such successes and the value of having us buzz around have saved a few Canadian and Allied lives."

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India Seeks 3 More AWACS

By vivek raghuvanshi

India is negotiating the purchase of three more Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a Defence Ministry official here said.The news arrived just days before the expected delivery of the first of three AWACS ordered in 2004 for $1.1 billion, the official said. The Indian Air Force AWACS planes will be Russian-built Ilyushin Il-76s equipped with Phalcon radars made by Elta, an IAI subsidiary. New Delhi wants to buy three more Phalcon radars for mounting on aircraft, but IAI is asking for 30 percent more money than the first batch, the official said. IAI officials were not available for comment. The Indian Air Force plans to beam data from the AWACS through a dedicated satellite under the nascent joint Aerospace Command. The Phalcon radar can track 60 targets simultaneously out to 350 kilometers, an Air Force official said. The AWACS' electronics must include a Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array radar system that can simultaneously handle fighter control, and air, sea and area search; 300-nautical-mile Identification-Friend-or-Foe system; electronic warfare defenses; and electronic support subsystems, a senior Air Force official said.The aircraft should have a payload of 9,831 kilograms, an empty weight of 46,606 kilograms and a maximum takeoff weight of 77,564 kilograms. The aircraft should also have a cruise speed of 853 kilometers per hour, a range of 7,000 kilometers and a service ceiling of 41,000 feet. While awaiting the AWACS planes, the Air Force has been relying on UAVs, including the Searcher-I, Searcher-II and Heron.

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Crashed military plane likely carried more passengers

The military cargo plane which crashed Wednesday in Magetan, East Java, might have been carrying more passengers than recorded on the manifest, a military officer said Thursday.Major Sutrisno, an information officer at Iswahyudi Air Force base in East Java, located only four kilometers away from the crash site, said the assumption was made because there were some victims still trapped under the plane.“There’s a possibility that some passengers were not recorded on the flight manifest. We have been using the one issued by the Halim Perdanakusuma Airport,” he said, as quoted by tempointeraktif.com.Halim Perdanakusuma Airport records show that the plane was carrying 112 passengers, including 14 crew. With 98 dead, including two local residents, and 15 survivors, supposedly there was only one individual left to be found.However, the evacuation team estimated that another three to five passengers were still trapped in the wreckage.Sutrisno suggested that children might not have been registered by their parents to go on the flight. “However, we don’t know yet whether the trapped passengers are children,” he said.The C-130 Hercules military transport plane, built in 1980, was on a routine flight from the capital, Jakarta, and went down before it could reach Iswahyudi Air Force base in East Java. (adh)

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Update: AGNI-II fails to deliver desired results ?

In a step towards making the 2,000-km-plus Agni-II fully operational, the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) conducted a "training test-firing'' of the nuclear-capable missile on Tuesday. Initially it was announced by Indian media that India has successfully tested the nuclear capable Agni-II missile from a defence base in Orissa, official sources said.The surface-to-surface missile with a range of over 2,000 km was test fired from the Wheeler’s Island near Dhamara in the district of Bhadrak, some 150 km from here at 10.06 a.m. “It was a user trial,” the sources said, adding that the aim of the test was to give the Army confidence to fire the missile on its own.

Update: Another repeat telecast of Agni-III and Brahmos episode? Where tests were announced as successful until they were proved failure by the media?

Agni-II, India's nuclear strike capability ballistic missile has reportedly failed to deliver desired result. The trial was conducted from Wheeler Island, part of the integrated test range of Orissa coast on Tuesday at about 10 am. Reliable sources at the Wheelers Island said the countdown was normal, liftoff was smooth and then disaster struck as the 2000 kms plus range Agni-II missile instead of traveling on the pre-determined trajectory started wandering midway. The missile deviated from its path after the first stage separation and was meandering at an angle of 180 degree midway. Though it was coordinated to cover a distance of nearly 2000 km, within just 127 seconds it covered 203 km before plunging into the sea, said the source. The guidance system can correct the missiles midway path deviation if it behaves erratically at an angle of 40 to 60 degree but not beyond that, said a defence scientist. The disaster might have happened due to design and manufacturing faults, he added. Similarly on July 9, 2006, the maiden test of Agni-III had failed to achieve the target as technical snags were reported during the separation of the first and the second stage. Agni-II missile was first tested on April 11, 1999, and inducted in the Army in 2004. The trial was conducted by the Army while scientists from DRDO provided the necessary logistical support. The unfortunate development will have a telling effect on the morale of the Army, said analysts.Several attempts to contact Agni project director, Avinash Chander and ITR director, S P Dash turned futile. There was no official word even from DRDO on the test. We are still analyzing the statistics about the flight performance and data from the launch pad and the three tracking stations are being thoroughtly examined, said a scientist, who is part of the missile programme. Several defence analysts have criticized the DRDO for the failure.“Agni project is an established project. In the deployment stage if the missile behaves like this, can we afford to hold the country to ransom security-wise. There should be some sort of accountability from scientists doing the research and development of the DRDO,” said an analyst.

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Czech upgraded choppers to join Afghan mission in spite of delay

The Mi-171S helicopters which are being overhauled for joining the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, failed in the military tests this month and will have to repeat some of them, but the Defence Ministry still reckons with the start of the helicopter mission in November, Czech officials said today. In November, the mission's logistics and supportive units are to move to the Sharana base in the Afghan province Paktia.Since Monday, four crews who are trained for the mission, have been exercising at the U.S. Fort Knox base.Defence Minister Martin Bartak told the lower house defence committee today that the ministry considers "the start of the helicopters' operation [in the ISAF] its priority this year." The ministry previously promised to NATO that the helicopter mission will start in the second half of the year. The deadline will be observed if the helicopters are sent in in November, in spite of a half-year delay in their overhaul carried out by the Prague-based LOM company. LOM director Jindrich Ploch told journalists that the upgraded helicopters recently failed to pass the military tests in five points out of the total nine.
The problems are nothing crucial what would influence the helicopters' operation, he said. The additional tests will be made in early June, after the shortcomings are removed, and then the helicopters will be handed to the military for training, Ploch said. Ploch told journalists that the LOM recently received the documentation from the Mi-171S' Russian producer, MZV Mil, which confirms the LOM's authorisation to overhaul the choppers. He said the LOM has recently registered NATO member states' interest in the LOM upgrading their respective Russian-made helicopters. Czech military chief-of-staff Vlastimil Picek said the Czech helicopter pilots should in south-eastern Afghanistan secure transport services for the ISAF units and support to the Czech Provincial Reconstruction Team operating in the Logar province. "The mission will start after the pilots and the equipment are ready," Picek said. Bartak indicated that Czech experts could be repairing Russian-made air equipment for their allies at Afghanistan's Bagram base near Kabul. Three helicopters are to operate in the mission. The Czech parliament has approved the sending of up to 110 members of the flying and ground staff.

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Russia freezes deal to deliver MIG-31E planes to Syria

Russia has frozen its deal to ship eight MIG-31E fighter-interceptor planes to Syria, a newspaper has reported suggesting either shortage of funds on Syria’s side, or pressure from Israel. According to a report published Wednesday in Kommersant daily, the $500 million contract to supply Syria with Russian fighter-interceptor planes was signed in early 2007. The Sokol aviation plant began works on the modernization of MIG-31s from Russian Air Force reserves in the summer of 2007. However in April 2009 the works had to be stopped due to “absence of contract”, the paper reports citing sources at the aviation plant. No official comments were available. According to a source close to the Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state enterprise responsible for import and export of weapons and military products, has told Kommersant that the contract had to be frozen due to pressure from Israel. “In a similar way, when Russia signed the deal with Syria for delivery of Iskander-E missile complexes in 2005. The Israelis put pressure on Russia, and the contract was annulated.” However a different source at the Defense Ministry, also cited by the paper, said the contract was called off because Syria could not afford the planes. In winter 2005 Russia wrote off 70 percent of Syria’s debt, but Damask still owed Russia $3.6 billion.

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Pakistan Expanding Plutonium Separation Facility Near Rawalpindi(PDF)

Pakistan Expanding Plutonium Separation Facility Near Rawalpindi(PDF)
By David Albright and Paul Brannan
May 19, 2009

Pakistan appears to have expanded its plutonium separation capability at the New Labs section of the Pakistan Institute of Science and Technology (PINSTECH) near Rawalpindi. A series of commercial satellite images from February 2002 through September 2006 show the construction of what appears to be a second plutonium separation plant adjacent to the original one (see figures 1, 2 and 3), suggesting that Pakistan is increasing its plutonium separation capacity in anticipation of an increased supply of spent fuel from new heavy water reactors. The plutonium separated from the spent fuel is usable in nuclear weapons. Between 2000 and 2002, Pakistan began constructing a second plutonium production reactor at its Khushab nuclear site.1 In approximately mid-2006, Pakistan began constructing a third plutonium production reactor at the site. Construction of the second reactor appears to be finished,2 and the construction of the third reactor has progressed more quickly than the second.3 ISIS assessed in 2006 that this on-going expansion of Pakistan's plutonium production program was likely linked to a strategic decision by Pakistan to develop a new generation of thermonuclear weapons and smaller, lighter and more powerful plutonium-based weapons. Also in this assessment, ISIS noted that Pakistan would likely need to expand its plutonium separation capacity in order to handle the extra spent fuel from the new reactors. The expansion of the reprocessing facilities at New Labs is likely intended to serve this purpose. The original reprocessing facility at New Labs was renovated in the 1990s, in time to separate weapons-grade plutonium from the first Khushab reactor, which started operation in 1998. A second reprocessing facility at New Labs would raise Pakistan’s annual plutonium separation capability and possibly handle the increased spent fuel produced when the new Khushab reactors start up. In addition, Pakistan may have also restarted construction of a partially built plutonium separation plant at its Chashma nuclear site, approximately 70 kilometers west of Khushab. In the 1970s, Pakistan and a French company had a contract to build the separation plant, but France cancelled the deal after the United States registered proliferation concerns. A certain amount of design information however, had already been transferred and the facility remained partially built for years. Satellite imagery over the last several years indicates that Pakistan has restarted construction of a previously overgrown industrial facility on site that may be the original reprocessing facility.

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Pakistan Expanding Dera Ghazi Khan Nuclear Site

Pakistan Expanding Dera Ghazi Khan Nuclear Site(PDF)

By David Albright, Paul Brannan, and Robert Kelley
May 19, 2009

ISIS has obtained commercial satellite imagery from DigitalGlobe taken August 25, 2008 of Pakistan’s key military and civilian fuel cycle site near Dera Ghazi Khan, which produces natural uranium hexafluoride (UF6) and uranium metal, two materials used in producing Pakistan’s nuclear weapons (see figure 1).1 In comparison to earlier satellite imagery taken on October 11, 2004, the latest pictures show expansion of the industrial facilities at the site. Pakistan has also cleared a new plot of land adjacent to the largest of the three compounds on site, which will double the size of this compound (see figures 2 and 3). The expansion includes new industrial buildings, new anti-aircraft installations, and several new settling ponds among the three compounds identified in commercial satellite imagery (see figures 2-7). US officials have recently said that Pakistan has the fastest growing nuclear weapons program in the world, at least in terms of installing additional capacity to produce nuclear materials for nuclear weapons. Commercial satellite imagery supports the conclusion that Pakistan, over the last several years, has concentrated on greatly expanding its nuclear weapons production complex. The reasons for this expansion are undoubtedly related to Pakistani decisions to upgrade its nuclear arsenal, currently estimated to contain roughly between 60 and 100 nuclear weapons deliverable by attack aircraft and ballistic missiles. ISIS previously assessed that Pakistan’s on-going expansion of its plutonium production program, which includes new undeclared, unsafeguarded reactors and plutonium reprocessing facilities, is likely linked to a strategic decision to improve the destructiveness and deliverability of its nuclear arsenal. In particular, Pakistan may build smaller, lighter plutonium-fission weapons and deliverable thermonuclear weapons that use plutonium as the nuclear trigger and enriched and natural enriched uranium in the secondary. Pakistan may have decided to create a plutonium-based arsenal to supplement or replace its current arsenal that relies mainly on fission weapons made with weapon-grade uranium. The expansion of the facilities at Dera Ghazi Khan is more difficult to assess because of uncertainties about the activities conducted at this site related to nuclear weapons production. Nonetheless, this expansion is likely related to renovating older facilities and producing additional natural UF6 and uranium metal. The former would allow Pakistan to increase its stock of weapon-grade uranium. The latter could permit Pakistan to make more fuel for its Khushab reactors and more sophisticated uranium components for nuclear weapons, including components for thermonuclear weapons.

Chemical Plants Complex

This site houses the Chemical Plants Complex (CPC), which converts yellowcake into UF6 and produces uranium metal for the nuclear weapons program. This undeclared and unsafeguarded nuclear site was originally built in the 1970s and early 1980s with the help of foreign suppliers. A German supplier secretly provided up to nine process lines or facilities for converting yellowcake into natural UF6, the feedstock for gas centrifuges.3 The natural UF6 was shipped to Khan Research Laboratories, nearly 480 kilometers away, for enrichment to weapon-grade. After enrichment, the weapon-grade UF6 returned to this site for conversion to metallic form for use in nuclear weapons in a facility also provided by the same German supplier.4 KRL, apparently, also developed its own uranium metal production facility, which served as a safety and security measure that cut down on the overall transportation of highly-enriched UF6 around the country.5 There is no indication, however, that the metal production capability ever stopped operating at the Dera Ghazi Khan site. The CPC is located in compounds labeled #1 and #3 in the satellite imagery. There are new buildings, new anti-aircraft installations, and new ponds at compound #1 in the latest imagery (see figures 2 and 3). A new plot of land adjacent to the southern side of compound #1 will likely contain new industrial buildings and will roughly double its size. In the last four years, an industrial facility at Compound #3 has roughly doubled in size, indicating that the industrial processes that take place at this compound have increased (see figures 6 and 7). Compound #3 also contains a short, high volume ventilation stack and the entire compound has its own security wall. It is also isolated from the other two compounds (see figures 6 and 7). Compound #3 could also house facilities for machining uranium metal into finished components for weapons. Such precision machining of uranium metal would be useful for conventional weapons as well as for finished nuclear weapon components. CPC also houses facilities to machine natural and depleted uranium metal for use in a number of other applications including reactor fuel and conventional armor-piercing artillery.6 The site has also converted uranium for use as fuel in the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP).
The exact location of the original facility to convert weapon-grade UF6 into metal cannot be determined from the imagery. It is likely one of the older buildings in the western part of compound #1.

Baghalchur Uranium Mill

The site also houses the Baghalchur uranium mill known as BC-1, which produces yellowcake. In the satellite imagery, BC-1 is in compound #2 (see figures 4 and 5). There is a new pond at this compound, but few other new buildings. The current status of the site is unknown.
In the past, the Baghalchur mine supplied uranium ore to the BC-1 site. A Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) hand-out from about 2005, titled “Procurement Activities for the Pakistani Nuclear Program since Beginning 2004,” notes that a tunnel system in Pakistan was located at a point on the Suleman mountain range only 20 kilometers away from the Dera Ghazi Khan nuclear site. Less than 300 meters from the exact coordinates listed on the NSG document are a series of tunnel entrances (see figure 8). There is a road connecting these tunnels with BC-1. These tunnel entrances may be associated with the Baghalchur mine, which was apparently closed by 2000.7 Pakistan’s current source of uranium is being debated.

Ground Attacks

In the last several years, the Dera Ghazi Khan nuclear site, or its adjacent worker compound, has been the target of at least one ground attack by more than a dozen gunmen, and nearby railway tracks have also been bombed.8 These attacks were likely carried out by separatist fighters from the adjacent Baloch region of Pakistan and not Taliban forces. The brazen ground assault and nearby bombings are nevertheless troubling considering the role that the Dera Ghazi Khan plant plays in Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program. On February 5, 2009, a suicide bomber killed more than 30 people in Dera Ghazi Khan. This was a sectarian attack targeting a funeral procession outside a Shiite mosque, although Pakistani police later arrested the suspected mastermind behind the bombing and reportedly said he has ties to the Taliban.

Downsizing the Nuclear Weapons Complex
Activities at Dera Ghazi Khan related to nuclear weapons production are unnecessary, as Pakistan currently has more than enough nuclear weapons. Its plan to upgrade its arsenal stands to accelerate a dangerous and wasteful arms race with India. In the current climate, with Pakistan’s leadership under duress from daily acts of violence by insurgent Taliban forces and organized political opposition, the security of its nuclear assets remains in question. An expansion in nuclear weapons production capabilities needlessly complicates efforts to improve the security of Pakistan’s nuclear assets. Faced with a dangerous surge in Pakistan’s ability to produce nuclear weapons, the United States should convince Pakistan to halt its production of fissile material and join the negotiations of a universal, verified, Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT), which would ban the production of plutonium and highly enriched uranium for nuclear explosives. As an interim step, the United States should press both India and Pakistan to suspend any production of fissile material for nuclear weapons. Recent media stories have reported that the Pakistani government has made massive cuts in Pakistan’s nuclear program.10 To the extent that these cuts affect the nuclear weapons production complex, they are both wise and long overdue.

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Republic of Singapore air force unit activates

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- After eight months of planning and preparation, the Republic of Singapore air force passed a significant milestone when a new fighter training squadron activated here during a ceremony May 18. During the event, the Air Force reactivated the 428th Fighter Squadron to serve as the republic of Singapore's flying training unit at Mountain Home. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Keith Gibson assumed command of the 428th FS, also known as the Buccaneers. The joint U.S. and Singapore organization is identical to other RSAF training units based in the United States. "It's been a very hectic and stressful eight months but very rewarding at the same time," Colonel Gibson said in his first address as the squadron's commander. "To be able to go from literally nothing at Mountain Home to what you see today and ready to begin flying operations starting on the first of June is simply amazing." As part of a long-standing international partnership, the 428th FS will fly 10 Singapore F-15SG aircraft maintained and flown by 180 RSAF active duty members and an additional 130 support personnel. The first four of these jets arrived here May 7 with the others scheduled to arrive in coming months. "It has not been an easy road," said Col. James McGovern, 366th Operations Group commander. "The thousands of independent miracles that had to occur simultaneously to make this squadron ready for today are beyond measure. But the impossible was made possible thanks to a combined team ... all working seamlessly together to produce this brilliant aircraft and set the ground work for flying training operations [at Mountain Home]." The F-15SG is an advanced version of the F-15E Strike Eagle currently flown by two squadrons at Mountain Home. At a casual glance, the F-15SG is indistinguishable from a Strike Eagle. Mountain Home was selected to house the training squadron following an Air Force study that began in 2005 to determine the most suitable location for the RSAF unit. Mountain Home was deemed the ideal location for this training unit because of the base's extensive range complex, ideal year-round flying conditions, existing facilities and highly trained people. A similar flight training program began at Luke AFB, Ariz., in 1990 and at Cannon AFB, N.M., from 1998 to 2005 as part of a continuing long-term relationship between Singapore and the United States. This partnership is expected to remain at Mountain Home for the next 25 years. For Colonel Gibson, this week's ceremony was somewhat of a homecoming. From November 1993 to May 1994, the colonel flew F-111 fighters with the Buccaneers during the 428th's four-year history at Cannon. "This is a very special day for me. I never considered back during my F-111 training days ... that I'd be eventually commanding this squadron at a different base with different aircraft and a professional, international cadre," Colonel Gibson said. The Republic of Singapore is a key partner of the United States and has been known as the as the "gatekeeper" of the Straits of Malacca -- a strategic shipping lane that connects the Indian Ocean with the Pacific Ocean," Colonel McGovern said. "Through those straits flow the commerce and trade for a third of the world, engendering the growth of democracies far and wide."

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South Korea received three bids for ballistic missile early warning radar system

By Jung Sung-ki

Three foreign bidders have submitted contract proposals for South Korea's program to acquire ballistic missile early warning radar systems, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said Tuesday. The bidders are Israel's Elta, Raytheon of the United States and Thales Netherlands, the agency said in a news release. The agency plans to select the finalist by the end of the year after reviewing each firm's contract proposal and finishing price negotiations, it said. The agency plans to buy two sets of the radar systems by 2010, as part of efforts to establish an indigenous Air and Missile Defense-Cell (AMD-Cell), a missile defense command-and-control center used in monitoring, tracking and intercepting incoming cruise and ballistic missiles from North Korea, according to sources.About 300 billion won will be spent to establish the AMD-Cell, which will be inter-operable with the U.S. Forces Korea's theater missile defense system. Based on the command-control center, Aegis-based ship-to-air missiles and ground-based PAC-2 missile interceptors are to engage North Korean missiles under the so-called Korean air- and missile defense (KAMD) network system aimed at engaging the North's low-flying, short-and medium-range missiles. North Korea is believed to have deployed more than 600 short-range Scud missiles with a range of 320 to 500 kilometers and 200 Rodong missiles with a range of 1,300 kilometers near the inter-Korean border. The communist state is believed to have developed a 6,700-kilomter-range Taepodong-2 missile that can hit Alaska.

gallantjung@koreatimes.co.kr

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German troops in Afghanistan getting C-RAM

German troops serving in Afghanistan will soon be equipped with a highly effective new form of protection against rocket, artillery, and mortar attacks. The German government has contracted with the Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall Group to supply the Bundeswehr with newly developed air defence systems worth around €110.8 million. The current contract encompasses two systems as well as an option for additional services such as documentation and training at a later date, worth approximately €20 million. Under a follow-on contract, worth around €13.4 million, Rheinmetall will also supply the corresponding ammunition.Dubbed the Nächstbereichs-Schutzsystem, or "very short-range protection system", the state-of-the-art NBS is a major milestone in the Bundeswehr's SysFla programme, which is progressively upgrading Germany's air defence capabilities; it also represents an important strategic success for Rheinmetall.Until now, the Bundeswehr – like the armed forces of other nations – lacked a weapon system capable of intercepting small incoming projectiles; in recent months, Bundeswehr bases in Kunduz and Masar-I-Sharif have come under repeated attack by insurgents employing typical hit-and-run tactics.The NBS C-RAM is specifically designed to defeat the threat which rocket, artillery and mortar attacks pose to Bundeswehr units deployed in hazardous areas of operation. The Bundeswehr will be the world's first army to possess an effective defence against this kind of asymmetric threat, which is particularly prevalent in Afghanistan.

Building on decades of expertise and experience in the field of air defence, Rheinmetall's "Skyshield" technology will make it possible to detect, track and shoot down incoming projectiles before they can reach their target, with virtually no advance warning.Moreover, since the sensor data enable determination of the impact zone as well as attacker's location, base personnel are able to take cover and/or appropriate countermeasures. The system remains in a high state of readiness around the clock.An NBS C-RAM system consists of an operations/fire control centre, two sensor units and six 35mm automatic guns. These are capable of firing 1,000 rounds per minute and, like the fire control unit, are largely automated. The automatic guns fire programmable "Ahead" ammunition, developed by Rheinmetall specifically for C-RAM applications.One of the company's principal divisions, Rheinmetall Air Defence is a global leader in short- and very short-range air defence systems. Besides stationary cannon-based systems like the NBS C-RAM, Rheinmetall supplies mobile guided missile-supported systems, sensor technology and advanced networking and command and control systems. Under the Oerlikon brand name, Rheinmetall air defence products have enjoyed a global reputation for high performance and precision dating back nine decades.

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India test-fires nuke-capable Agni II missile

India Tuesday successfully tested the nuclear capable Agni-II missile from a defence base in Orissa, official sources said.The surface-to-surface missile with a range of over 2,000 km was test fired from the Wheeler’s Island near Dhamara in the district of Bhadrak, some 150 km from here at 10.06 a.m. “It was a user trial,” the sources said, adding that the aim of the test was to give the Army confidence to fire the missile on its own. The Agni II missile, which is a part of India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, is 20 metres long. Weighing 16 tonnes, the missile can carry a payload of around 1,000 kg and its range can also be increased to 3,000 km by reducing the pay load. “It can be fired from both rail and road mobile launchers. It takes only 15 minutes for the missile to be readied for firing,” the sources said, adding that the Agni II-version of the Agni series of missiles was first test fired in 1999 from the same location.

Update: Another repeat telecast of Agni-III and Brahmos episode? Where tests were announced as successful until they were proved failure by the media?

Agni-II, India's nuclear strike capability ballistic missile has reportedly failed to deliver desired result. The trial was conducted from Wheeler Island, part of the integrated test range of Orissa coast on Tuesday at about 10 am.

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Boeing confident of Australian Wedgetail review

By Stephen Trimble

Boeing is confident that a review of Australia's delayed Wedgetail airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system programme will support the technology for service entry. The Australian government has commissioned an independent review of the basic workings of the modified 737-700's Northrop Grumman multi-role electronic scanned array (MESA) radar, suggesting concerns about its fundamental soundness. The eight-year-old Wedgetail acquisition programme is running about three years behind schedule, with delays caused by issues with airframe modifications and developmental problems with the aircraft's MESA radar and electronic warfare system. Despite the programme's legacy, Egan Greenstein, Boeing's senior manager for AEW&C, says the company has made significant progress over the past few months. The US Federal Aviation Administration has granted a supplemental type certificate for the Wedgetail platform, and five of Australia's six aircraft have reached flying status, he adds."We feel confident in every way that they're going to find that the foundation of the radar is sound, that we're on the right path and there are no weaknesses with the system," says Greenstein."If there was something fundamental that was a problem, then, sure, every programme is at risk in any country," Greenstein says. "We're confident that's not going to be the finding and we will proceed with development and fielding."Canberra has commissioned the Lincoln Laboratories of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to evaluate the MESA radar's architecture .Unlike the Boeing E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system, the MESA radar does not employ a movable antenna to sweep for targets. Its active array is designed to electronically steer the radar beam over a 360° range nearly instantly. But the MESA design employs some unique features compared to even active electronically scanned arrays. The transmit/receive modules, for example, are installed in the roof of the aircraft cabin, rather than directly behind the emitter in the "top hat" array.

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Taiwan Mirage fighter pilot under investigation for taking illegal drugs

The pilot of a Mirage 2000 fighter jet has been grounded and put under investigation for taking illegal drugs, the air force said Monday. In February, the air force pilot showed disciplinary problems, including showing up late for work, the military said. A background check showed the officer, who was not named, had a record of taking ketamines at high school and university. The air force ordered medical tests, which turned out positive for the illegal drugs. As a result, the officer was banned from flying and received a major demerit, the air force said. Military prosecutors had taken over the investigation, which could result in legal sanctions. Air force chief Wu Chien-hsing apologized to the public at the Legislative Yuan, and promised the military would tighten its discipline. The case led to calls from lawmakers for the immediate resignation of Defense Minister Chen Chao-min. Taiwan’s military has been hit by a spate of scandals in recent months, the most serious of which involved allegations that senior officers bought promotions. The incident was widely believed to be the motive for President Ma Ying-jeou holding a news conference last month calling for a tougher approach to government corruption.

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Iran to mass produce long-range missiles

Iran is in the midst of a multi-year plan that it hopes will culminate in the production of several hundred missile launchers and over 1,000 long-range ballistic missiles within the next six years, according to estimates in the Israeli defense establishment. Teheran is believed to currently have an arsenal of 100-200 long-range Shihab missiles that have a range of up to 2,000 kilometers and carry up to one-ton warheads. In addition, the Iranians last year test-fired a missile called Ashura believed to have recently entered production, the goal being to eventually replace the Shihab. The Ashura is a solid-fuel missile, giving it a long shelf-life. Unlike the Shihab, it does not need to be fueled shortly before launching. According to Israeli estimates, Iran's plan is to obtain 500 missile launchers and over 1,000 missiles with a range of 2,500 km. by 2015. "The Iranians are making great efforts to obtain a significant number of missiles," said Tal Inbar, head of the Space Research Center at the Fisher Brothers Institute in Herzliya. "They already talk about how one of the ways they will overcome the missile defense systems is by firing salvos of missiles." Inbar said that Iran was likely digging missile silos throughout the country that could be used to launch the Ashura solid-fuel missile. In addition, regular trucks carrying hydraulic launchers could be manufactured in Iran and used as portable launchers, capable of firing from anywhere in the country. According to estimates in Israel, Russia is still considering supplying the S-300 air defense system to Iran but is waiting to see what happens with the dialogue that the United States plans to hold with Iran. Depending on the outcome of the dialogue and the status of relations between Washington and Moscow at the time, Russia will decide whether it will supply the system to Iran. The S-300 is one of the most advanced multi-target anti-aircraft-missile systems in the world, with a reported ability to track up to 100 targets simultaneously while engaging up to 12 at the same time. It has a range of about 200 kilometers and can hit targets at altitudes of 90,000 feet. On Monday, the IAF will hold a countrywide exercise that the military stressed was not connected to current events. The exercise will include the IAF's reserve forces and the public, should not be alarmed if it hears sirens and notices increased activity in Israel's skies, the army said.

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Turkey stymied by problems with Israeli Heron UAVs

By ABDULLAH BOZKURT ANKARA

The difficulty in overcoming continuing problems with Israeli-made Heron unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) being tested in Turkey is becoming a major concern for the Turkish air force, which is keen to acquire such technology for combating terrorism, a Turkish defense official has told.Frustrated with long delays and a never-ending run of difficulties encountered with the Herons, Turkish defense officials have turned to rival suppliers, hoping that the air force will get more reliable models tested to endure difficult intelligence and reconnaissance missions over tough terrain, particularly in Turkey's mountainous Southeast. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) officials reject claims about the failures in UAVs delivered to Turkey and vow to correct any problems encountered during testing. Speaking to Sunday's Zaman, senior IAI officials, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “The current performances that have been observed in Turkey fully match the current engine configuration. As agreed, the contractual requirements will be fully met with the improved engine, and the delivered UAVs will be upgraded to the improved engine configuration.” The last in a series of mishaps was recorded when a Heron stopped responding to commands from ground operators in a military airfield near the southern city of Batman. “The UAV had gone missing for a while until the crew had to engage secondary control protocols to retrieve the drone,” one industry official who wished to remain anonymous told. Despite running problems in test flights, IAI officials insist the Herons are very reliable UAVs. “The Heron system, as well as other Israeli made UAV systems, have been tested and accepted by numerous customers worldwide, and have been operating intensively ever since, with full customer satisfaction,” they said. That does not seem to be good enough for concerned Turkish officials, however. “Adding insult to injury, officials from Israel Aerospace Industries and Israeli firm Elbit Systems, which both got awarded a $183 million contract in 2005 to supply 10 Herons, blamed the problems on Turkish contractor Aselsan,” the Turkish defense official complained. “This is simply not acceptable,” he said, stressing that IAI failed to deliver on its promises under the tender terms. IAI officials disagree, however, saying the Heron systems are tailored and customized for the Turkish military's needs, stressing, “Discrepancies will be fully rectified.” Israel delivered only two of 10 long-delayed UAVs to Turkey in November 2008 and the Turkish air force has been conducting tests flights since then to make sure the drones meet all the requirements and comply with the specifications of the contract. The delivery of the remaining eight systems has been delayed. In response to a parliamentary inquiry last year by İzmir deputy Erdal Sipahi, Defense Minister Vecdi Gönül said the delivery of the remaining Herons would be completed before June 2009. There have been numerous reports in both Turkish and Israeli media that the delivery of the Herons may be delayed or even cancelled because of strained relations between the two countries, especially after Israel's Gaza offensive and the Davos spat between Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Israeli President Shimon Peres. IAI officials stress, however, there aren't any political considerations in the delay. “The first two UAVs have been delivered and there is a schedule for the remaining deliveries,” a senior executive from the company told.

'Israel worried about penalty clause'

Gökhan İnalhan, a professor of avionics and control systems at the faculty of aeronautics and astronautics at İstanbul Technical University, flatly rejects claims that the Herons' problems are caused by Turkish technicians. “All the fuss is centered around the penalty clause in the contract. The Israelis will be hit with hefty fines every time they delay the delivery of the UAVs and fail to fulfill the terms of the deal as agreed upon,” he emphasized. “IAI is simply looking for a way out of this contract without paying penalties to the Turkish side,” he added. According to reports published in the Turkish media, Israel claimed that the electro-optical payload (Aselfir300T) developed by Turkish defense company Aselsan prevents the Heron UAVs from reaching the desired altitude of 30,000 feet due to its weight of 120 kilograms. In test flights conducted in Turkey, the drone could not fly at altitudes above 21,000 feet, leaving it exposed to ground fire and limiting its reconnaissance ability. İnalhan does not believe that is the case, as IAI knew the weight of the optical payload when it signed the contract in 2005. Recalling that American company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, which manufactures Predator UAVs, withdrew from the tender because they could not successfully integrate Aselfir300T with the Predator, İnalhan said, “The Israeli side did not raise any objection to that requirement.” IAI officials maintain that the Heron system is capable of flying with a variety of payloads, including the domestically manufactured electro-optical one. “Performance is based on a multi-payload configuration, and the system that will be provided to the customer will incorporate an improved engine that will accommodate the increased payload weight,” they said, adding, “This Heron system, with its enhanced performance, is better than all existing Heron UAVs operating worldwide.” İnalhan also draws attention to the high bill Turkey is footing for these Herons. “We paid a lot of money for the contract, possibly over the market value, just for that condition clause we inserted in the contract,” he said. IAI, along with Elbit systems, is responsible for the installed performance and delivery of the Aselflir300T payloads developed by Aselsan. IAI officials do not accept claims that Turkey has paid more than the market value for these UAVs. “The Heron system ‘value for money' exceeds all its competitors by far, with its unique and proven capabilities, such as multi-payload operation, automatic take-off and landing, anti-icing system and superior performance,” said one senior IAI executive. Turkey's insistence on Aselsan's optical systems is not simply aimed at encouraging the domestic defense industry, a long-standing priority for the Undersecretariat for the Defense Industry (SSM), Turkey's military procurement agency. “It is also for the ease of our operators, who got used to the nuts and bolts of these systems for some time,” İnalhan emphasized. He also rejects allegations that local manufactured parts are not compatible with NATO standards. “All parts are tested and designed according to military standards commonly accepted in allied armies, including environmental impact studies,” he said. Because of delays in the delivery of the Herons, Turkey purchased three IAI-made tactical Aerostar UAVs. It also leased three Herons from Israel in 2007 for $10 million as a temporary solution until the purchased ones are delivered. It later purchased a Searcher tactical UAV to replace one Heron UAV that crashed in July 2007 on a mission in the Southeast. The Turkish air force still not cleared the two Herons delivered last year, citing failure to meet the specifications of the contract.

Turkey may cancel deal

Unless the complications are not corrected, the contract may risk cancellation, which is what happened in 2006, when Turkey annulled a 1999 agreement to award Elbit's Elop subsidiary to equip Turkish Air Force F-4E Phantom fighter jets with an Israeli pod-based, multisensor IMINT system for strategic and tactical targeting operations after running into difficulties. Senior IAI executives are keen to resolve any conflict, though. “The current performances that have been observed in Turkey fully match the current engine configuration. As agreed, the contractual requirements will be fully met with the improved engine, and the delivered UAVs will be upgraded to the improved engine configuration,” they stressed. The use of UAVs has expanded rapidly in recent years because of their effectiveness in intelligence gathering and combating terrorism, in addition to being a cheaper alternative to manned aircraft. It is estimated that more than 1,000 UAVs are operating over Iraq and Afghanistan. They come in different types, as well, from long-endurance high-flying ones to tactical hand-launched vehicles. Though the contract terms with Israel are not publicly disclosed, they reportedly included medium-altitude, long endurance (MALE) models.To address the military's need for UAVs, Turkey has also accelerated domestic programs to develop its own UAVs. Turkey was only able to manufacture short-endurance UAVs which have a flight time of 40-60 minutes. A project by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is currently under way to manufacture UAVs similar to Herons. The prototype, called TİHA, is expected to run in test flights in 2010 and to be delivered by 2011. İnalhan says the project is still in the early stages. Nurettin Akman, speaker of Parliament's National Defense Commission, told Sunday's Zaman that he has not received any information regarding the cancellation of Heron purchases yet. He noted, however, that SSM has sped up plans to manufacture domestic UAVs. Turkey may have also shifted its interest from Herons to US-made Predator UAVs, which can be configured into armed UAVs. In fact, last December Sunday's Zaman reported that the Turkish Land Forces Command made an official request to the SSM to launch a bid for at least one US General Atomics Aeronautical Systems-made Predator UAV. As part of terrorism cooperation between Turkey and the US against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorist organization, one Predator UAV is currently at the disposal of the Turkish military and has been gathering intelligence on the activities of the PKK, mostly in northern Iraq.

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France offers civilian nuclear technology to Pakistan?

Pakistan’s drive to overcome its chronic energy shortages received a boost when France expressed willingness to transfer civilian nuclear technology to the South Asian country to meet its energy requirements. This was decided during the talks between the visiting Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and his French counterpart Nicholas Sarkozy here Friday. Briefing media about the meeting, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the negotiations regarding the transfer of civil nuclear technology will be held in July this year and a new framework agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is likely to be signed during the visit of the French President to Pakistan in September. "Pakistan has no issues with the IAEA ... Pakistan will give all necessary international guarantees," Qureshi insisted. "That is a significant development, and we have agreed that Pakistan should be treated like India. President Sarkozy said, and I quote him, 'What can be done for India, can be done for Pakistan as well.'," he said. Qureshi said France has also agreed to provide 300 million Euros in assistance to Pakistan in addition to 12 million Euros for the internally displaced persons fleeing the Swat unrest. He spoke of Pakistan’s keenness to further develop and strengthen both its existing trade and commercial ties as well as defence relations with France which is an important country within the European Union. The Foreign Minister described France as a very important trading partner of Pakistan and expressed his country’s desire to upgrade its relations in different sectors. Qureshi spoke about the next month’s EU-Pakistan summit in Brussels and was hopeful that France would support his country in getting greater market access for its produce. The Foreign Minister said in his recent talks with his British counterpart David Miliband in London, the UK has promised to extend similar support to Pakistan. He said Islamabad was desirous of enhancing its economic relations with Paris. He also noted immense possibilities of co-operation between the two countries that exist in the Defence sector and said Pakistan was keen to further explore opportunities in the defence production. Last year, the two countries signed Defence collaboration plan under which both countries agreed to accelerate military cooperation between the two countries. The plan also envisaged exchange of technical expertise to boost level of cooperation in technological matters and its transfer for capacity building of Pakistan Armed Forces. France has helped Pakistan construct three submarines in the recent past while a major component of PAF warplanes comprise French built Mirage jet fighters.

Of Pak-France Ties

The Foreign Minister said that Pakistan is keen to develop and further strengthen both its existing trade and commercial ties as well as defence relations with France which is an important country within the European Union. Qureshi in his media interaction on Friday described France as a very important trading partner of Pakistan and expressed his country’s desire to upgrade its relations in different sectors. The Foreign Minister was part of the delegation that assisted President Asif Ali Zardari in his talks with the French President Nicholas Sarkozy earlier in the day. Shah Mehmood Qureshi spoke about the next month’s EU-Pakistan summit in Brussels and was hopeful that France would support his country in getting greater market access for its products. He said in his recent talks with his British counterpart David Miliband in London, the UK has promised to extend similar support to Pakistan. Qureshi said Islamabad was desirous of enhancing its economic relations with Paris. He also noted immense possibilities of co-operation between the two countries that exist in the defence sector and said Pakistan was keen to further explore opportunities in the defence production.

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Sri Lanka to buy military helicopters from Russia

Sri Lanka has ordered a number of military transport helicopters and other weaponry from Russia, the country's defense secretary said in an exclusive interview with RIA Novosti. "I have managed to reach an agreement with Russia on a loan to purchase military equipment, primarily helicopters for the air force, and other weaponry," Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said, adding that the helicopters had been already ordered. Rajapaksa did not specify the amount of the deal or the number of helicopters, but said they were needed in the first place "to transport military personnel." "We will need them in the future. We are already using [Russian-made] Mi-17 and Mi-24 helicopters, and we need more," the official said. He added that Sri Lanka was willing to develop stronger military ties with Russia. "We would like to bring our relations to the level where we could share [combat] experience," Rajapaksa said. One of the areas of military cooperation could be Russia's help in mine clearing in the north of the country. Shi Lanka's government has long been involved in fighting against Tamil Tigers, a militant group based in northern Sri Lanka. Founded in 1976, the group has actively waged a secessionist campaign that seeks to create an independent Tamil state in the north and east of Sri Lanka. More than 80,000 people have died in the conflict since 1983. Government forces are currently involved in an offensive to wipe out the remaining Tamil Tiger rebels. Sri Lanka has rejected international calls for a ceasefire, and the UN says over 6,000 civilians have died in fighting since January. Thousand of civilians, some estimates say up to 50,000, have also been cut off by the fighting and are trapped in jungle areas with little access to food or water.

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IAF MIG-27 fighter aircraft crashes, 7 injured

A MIG-27 fighter aircraft on a routine sortie crashed in a village in this district on Friday, injuring seven persons on the ground. The pilot ejected safely after the crash took place around 8.30 am in Konkani village in Luni, 42 kms from Jodhpur, Defence PRO Lt Col N N Joshi said. According to SP (Rural) Jodhpur, Sharad Kaviraj, seven persons on the ground were injured in the mishap, one of them seriously.

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Israel Air Force practicing MIG-29/F-16 dogfights

Israel Air Force test pilots are flying MIG 29 jets and conducting dogfights against the IAF's F-16 fighters, Channel 2 revealed Wednesday evening.The MIG 29, developed by the soviets in the 1970s, is one of the best fighter jets used by eastern and Arab countries, as well as by Syria and Iran. It was developed to counter American-made jets such the F-16 or F/A-18. The jets were loaned to Israel by an unnamed foreign country. The experiment is meant to prepare IAF pilots for missions where they might have to fight a foreign air-force. "We tested them - we trained the IAF pilots against them," an unnamed IAF official said. The IAF employs ten test pilots. The training of each costs about a million dollars, but the experience gleaned from the test pilots, the unnamed official said, "is priceless." "You fly in places and in certain conditions in a way never attempted before," an unidentified test pilot said. "Once, a piece of the jet's body broke during an experiment but the crew managed to land it safely." A test jet is just like a regular one, except for special sensors which cover literally every aspect of its mechanical and electronic systems and can be monitored from the ground for assessment. An additional experiment conducted recently by the air force involved loading an F-16 with weapons to its utmost capacity, or "flight in a heavy formation," as the test pilot labeled it. The experiment was meant to measure the pilot's safety and the fighter's capability when it was carrying the maximum amount of armaments. A jet so armed might be used in a long-distance sortie. The pilots interviewed would not name which foreign countries might be the targets of such sorties, but it was clear the main target of such an ambitious mission would be Iran's nuclear installations.

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Washington to Increase Advanced Fighters in Guam

By Jung Sung-ki

The U.S. Air Force will establish a regional hub in Guam for deploying advanced fighter jets and other aerial assets by October to cover Korea and other Asia-Pacific regions in case of an emergency, according to a report published by the South Korean Air Force Thursday. The report said four high-altitude Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles will be moved to an airbase in Guam by the end of the year. The spy aircraft is expected to conduct surveillance and reconnaissance missions against China and North Korea.The Global Hawk is known to be able to survey vast areas with near pinpoint accuracy from as high as 65,000 feet for up to 35 straight hours. In addition, the Pentagon will deploy 48 high-tech stealth fighters ― F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightening IIs ― bombers and air tankers to the hub base by 2014, according to the report.The F-22, built by Lockheed Martin, is the world's most advanced fighter jet. It is equipped with an active electronically scanned radar for cruise missile detection and is capable of evading advanced air defenses.About 8,000 marines will also moved to Guam for more efficient expeditionary operations in case of an emergency, it says.Currently, about 1,700 American troops are stationed in Guam, along with eight B-52 bombers and 18 F-15 Eagle strike fighters, according to the report. About 1,100 Marines are stationed in islets near Guam, along with four nuclear-powered attack submarines. The deployment of advanced fighters to Guam is part of the U.S. Air Force's ``theater security packages'' in which warplanes and bombers conduct missions to deter regional threats, including North Korean provocation, on a rotational basis.

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US gives drone data to Pakistan

The US military for the first time has provided Pakistan with a broad array of surveillance information collected by US drones flying along the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan, US military officials said yesterday. But it is not clear whether the cooperation will continue. US military drones flew a handful of noncombat surveillance missions along the border earlier this spring at the request of the Pakistani government, but requests for additional flights stopped abruptly without explanation, the officials said. The offer to give Pakistan a much larger amount of imagery, including real-time video feeds and communications intercepts gleaned by remotely piloted aircraft, was intended to help defuse a growing dispute over how to use the drones and which country should control the secret missions flown in Pakistani airspace, US officials said. In meetings last week with President Obama and other US officials in Washington, President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan repeated his insistence that his country be given its own armed Predator drones to attack operatives of Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Pakistan's tribal areas along the Afghan border. But the US intelligence operatives who fly the armed drones inside Pakistan remain opposed to joint operations with Pakistani intelligence services, saying that past attempts were a failure. Several years ago, US officials gave Pakistan advance word of planned Predator attacks, but stopped the practice after the information was leaked to militants. "We're going after terrorists plotting directly against the United States and its interests," said one US counterterrorism official. "Nobody wants to gamble with those kinds of targets. We tried a joint approach before, and it didn't work. Those are facts that can't be ignored."US military officials said yesterday that there was no plan to allow the military to join the CIA in operating armed drones inside Pakistan. They disputed a report in The Los Angeles Times on Tuesday that said Pakistan had been given joint control of armed US military drones inside Pakistan. Obama administration officials are vigorously resisting sharing the drone technology with Pakistani security forces, but officials from both countries said compromises were possible.US and some Pakistani officials spoke anonymously because the CIA drone operations are classified. Pakistani officials said Zardari wanted the drone technology partly to tamp down anger inside Pakistan over the campaign of CIA air strikes inside the country, which have killed civilians in addition to more than a dozen Qaeda leaders. If Pakistan had its own Predators, they said, the government in Islamabad could make a more plausible case to the public that Pakistani missiles, not US missiles, were being used to kill militants.

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Pilot ejects as RAF Harrier crashes

A British Harrier jet has crashed in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said. The pilot is believed to have suffered only minor injuries when he ejected from the aircraft before it came down at Kandahar airfield. There were no passengers on board the Harrier and it is believed there were no other casualties. It is thought that the RAF pilot ejected after the Harrier's undercarriage failed to lower as it came in to land. The aircraft was very badly damaged in the crash. An MoD spokesman said: "Emergency services have been called to the scene and are assessing the damage. "The exact cause of the incident is not yet known. "However, there is currently no suggestion that the incident was caused by enemy action."

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