twilight2000-digest Friday, May 30 1997 Volume 1996 : Number 046 The following topics are covered in this digest: Re: Elite Military (Was Re: Weight lifting - pushup variations (fwd) GDW Guys Re: Ground radar Export Mirage 2000-5 to Enter Service (fwd) Paris '97 to Reflect Industry Vitality (fwd) (long) Cool Stuff (fwd) New business in an old market (fwd) RAYTHEON AWARDED $484M SAUDI CONTRACT (fwd) Foreign Military Sale to Japan (E-2C Update Group II Mission Suite Retrofit) (fwd) [AT-doc] AWACS / Landmines (fwd) Jane's News Briefs (fwd) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 26 May 1997 22:55:54 -0700 (PDT) From: Christopher Callahan Subject: Re: Elite Military (Was Re: Weight lifting - pushup variations (fwd) More... - ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Mon, 26 May 1997 23:08:57 -0400 From: "Kevin S. Leavitt" To: AIKIDO-L@PSUVM.PSU.EDU Subject: Re: Elite Military (Was Re: Weight lifting - pushup variations I am a Army Ranger... In my experiences we received a little training in hand to hand....nothing more than a down and dirty orientation course... Many units may practice this stuff from time to time...but mostly don't concentrate alot on it. Martial arts for most SOG type units is what they are! Their martial arts encompasses rifles, handguns, tactics, and all kinds of stuff...hand to hand really makes up very little of it since you mostly try to avoid using this kind of stuff unless you are taking out sentries and you want to be undetected...then you use knifes, 550 cord to strangle them...butts of rifles, helmets, whatever...I would not call it "martial arts" training in the traditional sense that most think of. As far as I know there is no "special military martial art" with double secret techniques...the Army has an FM (field manual) but it is very basic and nothing that any martial artist doesn't learn in first year or two of study... In my experiences each unit has a MA guru that sort of adapts his system to teach the other guys that are willing to learn...Most of these guys have some MA experience and share it amongst themselves... People get wrapped around the axle about special forces, seals, ranger MA and it really is not that big of deal... What is the big deal is the MAN...the guy that has conditioned his body physically and mentally to the point that he is one bad dude! The total aspect of ALL his summed experiences leads him this point...Not some secret triple lethal system! Ignore the magazine articles and the like...they are for those individuals who are looking for someone else to take control of their own lives with hopes that they might some how turn them into a SEAL, Ranger, or Special Forces Killer....Their are people out their willing to take your money that prey on suckers! ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 27 May 1997 11:12:25 -0400 (EDT) From: GDWGAMES@aol.com Subject: GDW Guys Christopher Callahan said: > Holy Smokes!! There are still *actual* GDW people on the list!! Praise > Be!! My spirits have been duly lifted. :) Glad I accomplished something good today... > Anyway, what is the relationship, if any, between you (all) and Tantalus? I subscribe to several of their gaming lists. Marc Miller has a more formal relationship with them. Frank and I have spoken to several of the people on occasion. They paid us some money. Other than that, I know little more about them than you do. > Will you guys be involved in whatever Tantalus finally decides to do with T2k? Maybe yes, maybe no. I haven't been approached . > What are you guys doing with your time meanwhile? I'm writing a little gaming related material free-lance, selling computers during the day, and waiting to see which of my creditors will force me into bankruptcy first :) Loren Wiseman GDW Emeritus ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 28 May 1997 22:10:03 -0700 (PDT) From: Christopher Callahan Subject: Re: Ground radar Greetings and Salutations: On Wed, 21 May 1997, Pietu wrote: > Does anybody know how to use ground radar in TW:2000? > I dont found any rules about it. > P.s My summer holiday is near and then I must close my E-mail, so answer > fast, please. Hope I'm responding in time. I kept forgetting to look it up. :) Anyhoo, I glanced through the v2.0 and 2.2 rules, and didn't see anything about it. In the v1.0 set, GBR was discussed on the errata sheet:
Mortar counterbattery radar may be used to fire artillery at enemy mortars without seeing them. the radar must be set up and manned, the enemy mortar must have fired at least two shots from the same position, and the operator must succeed at ESY:ELC to locate the enemy position. Friendly artillery may then fire using standard indirect fire rules, with no FO needed; corrections are not possible. Artillery counterbattery radar works the same way, but may be used to locate any artillery, not just mortars. Ground surveillance radar may be used to spot moving objects. The radar must be set up and manned, the object must be moving, and the operator must succeed at ESY:ELC. Human-sized targets can be spotted at 1500 meters, vehicles at 3000 meters. Radar is unaffected by smoke, fog, etc., but is affected by trees or other solid obstacles. If successful, contact reveals nature (human or vehicle sized), range, bearing, and speed. Indirect fire is possible.
The equipment list has the following information:
RADARS GROUND SURVEILLANCE. Vehicular powered, through a 100m cable to permit limited tactical mobility. Wt.:7 kg, Price: $40,000 (S/R) MORTAR COUNTER-BATTERY. Vehicular powered, through a 100m cable to permit limited tactical mobility. Wt.:7 kg, Price: $100,000 (S/R) ARTILLERY COUNTER-BATTERY. Vehicular powered, through a 100m cable to permit limited tactical mobility. Wt.: 7 kg, Price: $200,000 (R/R)
Hope this helps (and you get it in time :) ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 29 May 1997 21:34:06 -0700 (PDT) From: Christopher Callahan Subject: Export Mirage 2000-5 to Enter Service (fwd) From another ML... - ---------- Forwarded message ---------- For personal, noncommercial use only. http://www.awgnet.com/aviation/avi_stor.htm Export Mirage 2000-5 to Enter Service Paris Dassault Aviation's Mirage 2000-5 multirole combat aircraft is scheduled to enter service soon. The French manufacturer, Thomson-CSF, and additional suppliers funded the program that is expected to boost export sales. In 1992, Taiwan concluded an order for 60 2000-5s powered by 21,355-lb.-thrust Snecma M53-P2 engines and equipped with Matra BAe Dynamics Mica missiles. Recently, about 10 aircraft were delivered to Taiwan. However, French officials declined to comment on the politically sensitive contract. Qatar also procured 12 2000-5s. In addition, the French air force is scheduled to upgrade 37 in-service Mirage 2000D/As to the 2000-5 standard that includes Thomson-CSF's RDY multimode Doppler radar, upgraded weapons delivery and navigation systems as well as new flight displays. The 2000-5's high-altitude maximum speed is Mach 2.2+. Air superiority mission range is 780 naut. mi. with additional fuel tanks, four Mica and two Magic missiles. In the last few months, a two-seat 2000-5 was demonstrated in Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 29 May 1997 21:35:23 -0700 (PDT) From: Christopher Callahan Subject: Paris '97 to Reflect Industry Vitality (fwd) (long) From another ML... - ---------- Forwarded message ---------- For personal, noncommercial use only. http://www.awgnet.com/aviation/avi_stor.htm Cover Story Paris '97 to Reflect Industry Vitality Export Mirage 2000-5 to Enter Service Paris '97 to Reflect Industry Vitality PIERRE SPARACO/PARIS Global consolidation, joint ventures and strategic alliances likely to be core issues discussed at Le Bourget The June 15-22 Paris air show is expected to outline the world aerospace industry's new contours and mirror its restored vitality, according to the show's organizers. Although few all-new aircraft are scheduled to be displayed for the first time, as many as 220 military trainers and fighters, commercial transports, helicopters and business jets will be parked on Le Bourget's apron or participate in the daily flight demonstration program. In addition to new products, trade visitors are expected to focus on proposed international joint ventures and envisioned consolidation initiatives that could materialize in the next few months. "For example, we can expect more discussions at the show about the proposed Boeing/McDonnell Douglas merger agreement, emerging aerospace forces such as China, Brazil's [aerospace] rebirth and the Bombardier group's appearance as a major player," Yves Michot said. He is Aerospatiale chairman/CEO and Paris air show general commissioner. "This year's show also will indicate the Russian industry's determination to sustain a strong role in the world market, despite economic difficulties prevailing in the country," Michot added. Aermacchi will introduce the MD-339CD fighter lead-in jet trainer at the Paris air show. The Italian air force concluded a launch order for 15 aircraft. The number of exhibitors this year increased to 1,760, up from 1,634 in 1995. In addition to booths, companies, trade associations and chambers of commerce reserved 399 hospitality chalets, up from 380 two years ago. However, in an effort to cut costs, several manufacturers such as Italy's Finmeccanica-Alenia eliminated a long-lasting tradition of hospitality chalets. A total of 91 British companies will be present, a 12% increase, and they have booked 37% more space than in 1995. Although space reservations illustrate the aerospace industry's renewed marketing dynamism, the overall number of exhibitors still is slightly below the pre-Gulf war peak, air show officials said. Companies from 42 countries reserved space at this year's show. South Korea, New Zealand, Moldavia, Lithuania and Thailand are exhibiting for the first time. But Turkey, Morocco, Finland and Luxembourg will not be represented. A long-lasting controversy centered on air show proliferation is again expected to be discussed at Le Bourget. Paris is the unchallenged No. 1 European air show, and the Society of British Aerospace Companies' (SBAC) Farnborough International remains the second biggest. The Paris air show is held in June of odd-numbered years and Farnborough in September of even-numbered years. The BDLI German aerospace industries association nevertheless is trying hard to establish the ILA Berlin air show, usually held in the spring, as a major venue. In the last few years, in an effort to build a stronger appeal, BDLI promoted Berlin as an "East-West meeting point" that is expected to facilitate additional business links between the Western world's industrial players and the CIS. The EC 120 light helicopter, developed by Eurocopter with Singapore Technologies Aerospace and China's CATIC, will make its European debut at the show. Several attempts to schedule only one of the three major European shows per year failed. However, SBAC is now planning to stage future Farnborough shows in July, an initiative expected to create head-on competition between SBAC and BDLI. The Farnborough show has been scheduled--for the first time in July--from the 24th to the 30th in 2000. Highlights at the Paris air show include: Strong U.S. presence. A record number of exhibitors will have booths in the official U.S. National Pavilion, supported by the Commerce Dept. in conjunction with the Paris Air Show Consortium of America. President Bill Clinton appointed Sen. Tom Harkin (D.-Iowa) special representative "to increase worldwide awareness of U.S. [aerospace] companies through a variety of trade-oriented events, including meetings, seminars and receptions." This year's Paris air show will mark the international debut of several U.S. companies recently formed through buyout and merger agreements. For example, Thiokol will make its first public appearance after the acquisition of a major stake in both Howmet and Huck companies. In the same vein, Rockwell Collins Avionics and Communications will present a streamlined and unified company structure. U.S. aircraft displayed for the first time include the Boeing 737-700, Gulfstream Aerospace Gulfstream 5, Cessna Citation Bravo and Citation Excel. The U.S. Defense Dept. is expected to support the display of about 15 aircraft, including the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster 3, F-15E Eagle and F/A-18 Hornet, and Northrop Grumman E-8C Joint-STARS and E-2C Hawkeye. Bell Helicopter Textron, Raytheon Aircraft, Mooney Aircraft and Enstrom Helicopter also will display their product range. Due to tight test schedule considerations, Lockheed Martin's C-130J Hercules 2 will not be in attendance. Neither will the F-22 Raptor, which is expected to have its first flight soon. Renewed CIS marketing efforts. The Commonwealth of Independent States firmly intends to renew efforts to acquire a stronger share in the export market and conclude additional strategic alliances with Western partners, according to air show officials. Although the Antonov An-70 is no longer expected at the show, a broad range of military fighters and commercial transports will be displayed. For example, the Ilyushin Il-96T, equipped with Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines and a Collins avionics suite, is expected to be on static display, on the condition it can accumulate enough flight hours to be flown to France in time for the show's opening. The MiG-AT and Yakovlev/Aermacchi Yak/AEM 130 advanced military trainers, as well as combat aircraft such as Sukhoi's Su-37, Su-32FN and Su-31M, are scheduled to participate in the daily flight program. Canada's rising forces. The Bombardier group's robust growth is expected to be highlighted at the show. It will display 10 Learjet, de Havilland and Canadair business jets and commercial transports as well as the CL-415 firefighting amphibian and Shorts Tucano military trainer. International programs. Multinational joint ventures and subsidiaries as well as a variety of business partnership agreements are playing a major role in the European aerospace industry. For example, the French/British/Italian Aero International Regional company is exhibiting at Le Bourget for the first time and is scheduled to promote the proposed AIR-70 regional twinjet. Germany's newly established Fairchild Dornier, a Fairchild Aerospace subsidiary, is expected to launch the stretched-fuselage 528JET. N.H. Industries' NH-90 electronic warfare-transport helicopter will make its first public presentation, as well as Eurocopter EC 120 jointly developed with Singapore Aerospace Industries and China's CATIC. Airbus Industrie will display the 124-seat A319 and 295-seat A340 transports. A Eurofighter 2000 production prototype will fly daily at the show, in an effort to demonstrate the program's technical vitality. Newcomers. Indonesia's IPTN is scheduled to display the N250. Aermacchi will introduce the upgraded MB-330FD/CD advanced military trainer and M290TP Redigo it acquired last year from Finland's Valmet. Agusta's A119 Koala utility helicopter also will be displayed. The Polish PZL SW4 light helicopter also will make its debut at Le Bourget. Romania's IAR is also planning to introduce its latest upgrade version of the IAR-99 advanced trainer with new avionics provided by Elbit of Israel. In addition to Elbit, 18 Israeli companies such as IAI, Rafael and Beth Shemesh Engines will be exhibiting at the show. Their presentations will be centered on communications satellites, combat aircraft upgrade programs, UAVs and command and control systems. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 29 May 1997 21:41:59 -0700 (PDT) From: Christopher Callahan Subject: Cool Stuff (fwd) Greetings All: I got this from one of my friends... It is the Soldier, not the reporter who has given us freedom of the press. It is the Soldier, not the poet who has given us freedom of speech. It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the Soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag. - ---Father Dennis Edward O'Brien ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 29 May 1997 21:44:03 -0700 (PDT) From: Christopher Callahan Subject: New business in an old market (fwd) From another ML... - ---------- Forwarded message ---------- For personal use. http://www.asiatimes.com/97/05/20/20059719.html Asia Times New business in an old market 20th May 1997 The head of a Russian military delegation in Addis Ababa said on Saturday that his country was looking to sell sophisticated armaments, including upgraded MiG-21 warplanes, to Africa at reduced prices. Vladimir Novikow told reporters Moscow saw Africa as a huge potential market for Russian arms and for "development of military-technical cooperation". "Russia possesses effective, simple and reliable armaments, including heavily upgraded MiG-21s, it could offer to the world," said Novikow, adding that East African countries, including his host Ethiopia, had about 200 Russian-made MiG-21 combat planes as part of the estimated US$30 billion worth of arms the former Soviet Union had delivered to African countries since the 1960s. He said his delegation, which included aircraft and tank experts, had met Ethiopian military officers, apparently to discuss how to maintain and renovate the country's stockpile of Soviet-made military hardware. Marxist dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam obtained a large arsenal of weapons and equipment from the former Soviet Union before he was overthrown in 1991, much of which is now out of service. Novikow said he was not in Ethiopia to discuss the country's large debt owed to Russia, as that problem would be handled by the foreign and finance ministries. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 29 May 1997 21:50:03 -0700 (PDT) From: Christopher Callahan Subject: RAYTHEON AWARDED $484M SAUDI CONTRACT (fwd) From another ML... - ---------- Forwarded message ---------- For personal use. http://defence-data.com/page576.htm RAYTHEON AWARDED $484M SAUDI CONTRACT May 20th, 1997 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has awarded a $484 million direct sale contract to Raytheon Company for technical assistance, training and logistics support for the Kingdom's Patriot and Hawk air defense systems. This contract, which is reflected in Raytheon's backlog, will provide technical assistance at Patriot and Hawk sites and service depots located throughout the Kingdom; training and instruction to operate and maintain Patriot and Hawk equipment; and logistics support for spares and modifications during the term of the contract. The contract, which covers the period through December 1999, supports numerous other contracts awarded to Raytheon by the U.S. Army Missile Command under the Foreign Military Sales program. William H. Swanson, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Raytheon Electronic Systems, said the award ``reinforces the strong relationship which exists between Raytheon and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As we have for over 30 years, Raytheon remains committed to providing the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces with equipment and services of the highest quality.'' The Patriot system is the world's only combat-proven air defense system capable of simultaneously engaging and destroying enemy aircraft, cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles (TBM). The Hawk system provides robust low-to-medium altitude air defense against air breathing threats and, when integrated with Patriot, low-tier defense against TBM attacks as well. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 29 May 1997 21:50:45 -0700 (PDT) From: Christopher Callahan Subject: Foreign Military Sale to Japan (E-2C Update Group II Mission Suite Retrofit) (fwd) From another ML... - ---------- Forwarded message ---------- http://www.dtic.mil/defenselink/news/May97/m051997_m079-97.html Memorandum: No. 079-M May 19, 1997 MEMORANDUM FOR CORRESPONDENTS The Government of Japan has requested the modification and upgrade of 13 E-2C Update Group II Mission Suite retrofit kits including AN/APS-145 Radars (Category XII) for existing E-2C aircraft, spare and repairs parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, system software development and installation, testing of new system modifications, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics services and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $400 million. This sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in Asia. Japan previously purchased E-2C aircraft and needs this upgrade of the retrofit kits to help maintain the operational readiness of its extended Airborne Early Warning (AEW) system and continue the interoperability with United States and NATO forces. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing this logistics support into its armed forces. The sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractor will be Grumman Aircraft Corp., Bethpage, N.Y. There are no offset agreements proposed to be entered into in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this sale will require the assignment of approximately five contractor representatives to be required in- country the first year for installation technical assistance. An undetermined number, possibly three, will be required at the main operation base for two years after the completion of the first installation to assist with maintenance. Continued U.S. Government personnel will be required for an additional period to implement the system. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this sale. - -END- ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 29 May 1997 21:47:45 -0700 (PDT) From: Christopher Callahan Subject: [AT-doc] AWACS / Landmines (fwd) From another ML... - ---------- Forwarded message ---------- 1 - FRANCE'S REQUEST TO PURCHASE SYSTEMS FOR AWACS Washington -- The Defense Department announced May 21 that France intends to purchase four Electronic Support Measures (ESM) Systems for incorporation into their E-3F AWACS fleet, along with support services. The estimated cost is $85 million. 2 - Voice of America 5/22/97 LANDMINE MEMORIES SOUTH AFRICA THIS WEEK BEGAN THE PROCESS OF DESTROYING ITS ARSENAL OF ANTI-PERSONNEL LANDMINES -- A DEMONSTRATION OF ITS COMMITMENT TO WORK FOR A TOTAL WORLDWIDE BAN ON THESE WEAPONS. THE SYMBOLIC FIRST MASS DETONATION AT A REMOTE WEAPONS FACILITY IN THE NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE WAS AN OCCASION FOR MANY OF THE OBSERVERS ON HAND TO REMINISCE. @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ FRANCE'S REQUEST TO PURCHASE SYSTEMS FOR AWACS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MEMORANDUM FOR CORRESPONDENTS May 21, 1997 The Government of France has requested the purchase of four Electronic Support Measures (ESM) Systems for incorporation into their E-3F AWACS fleet, develop and provide support for a French ESM Emitter Data Base system, maintenance of system software and related services, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics services, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, support equipment, spare and repair parts and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $85 million. This sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security military capabilities of France in fulfillment of its NATO obligations, furthering NATO rationalization, standardization, and interoperability. France will use these systems to upgrade its AWACS aircraft inventory as well as expand its role in support of existing United Nations peacekeeping operations and other ongoing coalition contingencies. France will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces. The sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractor will be Boeing Defense and Space Group, Seattle, Washington. One or more proposed offset agreements may be entered into in connection with this proposed sale. Implementation of this program will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government personnel in-country but will require approximately six contractor representatives to provide in-country technical support for 36 months. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this sale. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 29 May 1997 21:45:17 -0700 (PDT) From: Christopher Callahan Subject: Jane's News Briefs (fwd) From one of the Jane's lists... - ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Tue, 20 May 1997 15:02:17 -0400 (EDT) From: owner-jig-lib@freud.thomson.com Subject: Jane's News Briefs Dear Jane's Colleague: Examine key future defense-critical technologies FOR FREE with the Jane's US Military R&D Portfolio electronic newsletter (E-Letter). This new e-letter service will bring you bi-weekly excerpts from a forthcoming special report, Jane's US Military R&D Portfolio. Available in July 1997, this 200-page special report will detail in-depth the technologies being developed today--including microminiaturization, directed energy, and sensors and communications--and analyze their importance to tomorrow's US fighting force. Contact miltech@janes.com to receive this free new e-letter service. Below please find this week's News Brief. If you would like more information on anything featured or would like to speak to a Jane's Information Specialist, please contact us through: Phone: 1-800-243-3852 Fax: 1-800-836-0297 email: thisweek@janes.com SUBSCRIBE If you're getting this news brief forwarded to you from a colleague, but you'd rather get it directly, for free, it's easy. Just send an email to thisweek@janes.com asking to be added to the Jane's news Brief list. Be sure to include your e-mail address. To stop receiving the News Brief, send a message to thisweek@janes.com asking to be removed from the Jane's News Brief list. Thank you, Marketing Director ================================================================================ NEWS BRIEFS FROM JANE'S - 20 May 1997 - Part 1 Sent 1500 Hrs EST \\\\\\\ DEFENSE \\\\\\\ ===================== Jane's Defence Weekly Vol 27 No 20 21 May 1997 ===================== NATO, Russia close to accord Relations between NATO and Russia are set to improve with the establishment of a permanent bilateral council at the headquarters of the Western Alliance. A document is expected to be signed on 27 May following months of negotiations. Rejection for TRIGAT offer The five partner nations in the Medium Range TRIGAT programme for a third-generation, medium-range anti-tank guided weapon have rejected Euromissile Dynamics Group's opening bid for its series production following dissatisfaction over national industry participation. IDF lacks combat readiness Serious deficiencies exist in the combat readiness of the Israel Defence Force (IDF), an Israeli State Controllers office report has concluded. Defence Minister Yitzhak Mordechai estimates that $667 million is needed to address the shortcoming. Russian nuclear weapons secure The Russian strategic arsenal remains secure, Defence Minister Igor Rodionov has assured US Defense Secretary William Cohen during a visit to the Pentagon. Rodionov will also press for ratification of the START II treaty after reversing his personal opposition. UN accused of discrimination A coalition of 132 developing nations is accusing the United Nations (UN) Secretariat of "blatant disrimination" over the payment of higher rates of compensation to richer nations for the deaths of UN peacekeepers than for troops from poorer countries. Saab to launch study Saab Dynamics is to start a feasibility study into the development of a submarine-launched, conventionally armed precision land-attack missile for the Swedish Navy. The study will focus on a derivative of the 200km-plus RBS 15 Mk 3 anti-ship missile currently under development. Dutch may lease NASAMS Norway's Ministry of Defence is considering a request to lease two batteries of Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) equipment to the Netherlands. The two-year lease would encourage further co-operation between the countries. Australia requests Seasprites The Australian government has requested the purchase of 29 Kaman SG-2F Seasprite LAMPS Mk 1 helicopters surplus to US Navy needs. The first helicopters would be delivered from 2001 under the $27 million arrangement. Iran receives Straits warning Iran launched a one-week military exercise involving missile craft, submarines, fighter aircraft and helicopter gunships on 11 May. The manouevres started one day after a US General warned against any move to close the Straits of Hormuz. Brazil awards missile contract Further development of the MSS-1.2 laser-guided anti-tank missile system for the Brazilian Army will be conducted by Mectron Engenharia Industria e Comercio under a $4.2 million contract. Country Briefing: Argentina Argentine officials believe that international peacekeeping operations will play a vital role in raising the reputation of their armed forces. Jane's Defence Weekly also details Argentina's cross-service modernisation programme. Air Forces: MiG-29 'Fulcrum' Modernisation of the MiG-29 'Fulcrum', including the installation of a thrust-vectoring capability, should boost the aircraft's marketing potential beyond the turn of the next century. Jane's Defence Weekly reports. ==================================== Jane's Defence Upgrades - 9 May 1997 ==================================== Spain to convert M60s to engineer vehicles Peugeot-Talbot has been awarded a Pta3,441 million (US$23.7 million) contract to convert 38 M60A1 main battle tanks into M60VZ engineer vehicles (designated CZ-10/25E) for Spanish armoured units. The Peugeot-Talbot bid was selected in preference to GAMESA's M60VZ (see JDU, Vol.1 No.2) after extensive trials. The first three CZ-10/25Es will be delivered this year, a further 15 next year and 20 in 1999. More details on USMC SuperCobra/Huey upgrades Bell Helicopter Textron has revealed more details on the upgrade for the US Marine Corps (USMC) AH-1(4B)W SuperCobra and UH-1(4B)N (see JDU, Vol.1 Nos.2 and 3) at the US Navy League's Sea/Air/Space exposition in April. Bell also released details of the integrated cockpits for the AH-1(4B)W, for which it is holding a competition to select the sub-contractor. More range for French GCT Under contract to France's Delegation Generale pour l'Armements, GIAT Industries is studying the installation of a 155mm/52-calibre ordnance in the GCT 155mm self-propelled howitzer system in service with the French Army. The new barrel will give the GCT a significant increase in range, as well as improving survivability by taking it out of reach of counter-battery fire. Blue vixen for RAAF F-18 Hornets? GEC-Marconi Avionics is to offer a variant of its Blue Vixen pulse-Doppler radar as an alternative to the Hughes AN/APG-73 whjen the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) issues the request for tenders as part of its F/A-18A/B Hornet Upgrade programme in early 1999. Blue Vixen, already in service with the UK Royal Navy's upgraded Sea Harrier FA.2 fighter, has performed very well in NATO operations over Bosnia. RAAF pursues EW suite Gregor McGregor looks at the RAAF's A$200 million (US$155 million) Project "Echinda", which will see electronic warfare equipment applied to a range of RAAF, Australian Army and Royal Australian Navy fixed and rotary-winged aircraft. Besides RAAF F-111s and F/A-18 Hornets, the aircraft affected by Project "Echinda" are: 12 RAAF C-130J Hercules II airlifters; 38 Army S-70A-19 Black Hawks; four Army CH-47D Chinooks and seven Navy Sea King Mk 50As. Equipping begins in 1999. Products and Processes Brian Walters compiles a selection of new products and processes, which includes new ammunition and a sight for the M40 106mm recoilless rifle from Bofors, new explosive reactive armour (ERA) from Russia's Nil Stadi Joint Stock Company; an update of vietnam-vintage acoustic sensors; a portable NBC absorbtion unit from SLG of Germany; and a new 70mm aerial rocket from SCI Systems, called Persuader, which is marketed as a replacement for the 70mm Hydra rocket. ====================================================== Jane's US Defense Budget Tracker E-Letter, 16 May 1997 ====================================================== COHEN BEGINS TO ACT The QDR appears to have done nothing surprising, constrained as it is by the realities of the budget and its internal allocations among O&M, MilPers, MilCon, Family Housing, RDT&E and procurement. Procurement is obviously still the residual account -- getting what is left over after all other bills are paid. Reducing those other bills in the near term will depend directly upon further force reductions. ====================== IWR Daily Update Vol. 4, No. 095 05/19/97 - 09:36:12 ET ====================== Israel - General Security Service (GSS) [Sherutha-Bitachon ha Klali (Shin Bet)] - - A meeting between the heads of the Shin Bet and Palestinian security services, scheduled for 16 May at the US Embassy, was canceled by the Palestinians. [source: MED, Vol. 1, No. 354, 5/16/97] India - - Military intelligence and the Uttar Pradesh police have arrested two alleged agents of the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The two, identified as Suraiyya and Sahid Ali, were reportedly part of a network operating under the supervision of Fida Hussain, a senior ISI official. They allegedly passed information about various cantonments in western Uttar Pradesh during the past eight years. Sahid Ali was allegedly tasked to lure a serving member of the army in Meerut Cantonment to provide classified information. The ISI allegedly paid Suraiyya a monthly payment of Rs. 6,000. A special chief judicial magistrate remanded Suraiyya and Sahid Ali to 14 days judicial custody. [sources: The Hindu, 5/16/97; The Hindu, 5/16/97] ====================== TWR Daily Update Vol. 1, No. 074 05/19/97 - 09:36:12 ET ====================== Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire (ADFL) - - On 17 May the ADFL captured Kinshasa, Zaire. President Mobutu Sese Seko left Kinshasa on 16 May. ADFL leader Laurent Kabila has named himself president of Zaire. [sources: Reuter - Kinshasa, 5/17/97; AP - Kinshasa, Zaire, by Tina Susman, 5/17/97; CNN - Kinshasa, Zaire, 5/18/97] Colombia - - On 15 May a British Petroleum Co. civilian contract worker was killed by rebels who held up a convoy of oil workers in northeastern Casanare province. According to Sixth Army Brigade Commander Gen. Ismael Plata, masked rebels stopped six buses and ordered the workers onboard to leave the vehicles. The buses were then set on fire. The killed worker was on a motorcycle and attempted to speed past the roadblock when he was shot. [source: Reuter - Bogota, 5/16/97] \\\\\\\\\\\\ GEOPOLITICS \\\\\\\\\\\\ ====================================== Foreign Report No 2448 - May 22nd 1997 ====================================== Clinton and NATO's expansion Will the American Senate let NATO add East European members? WITH the conclusion of the deal between Russia and NATO, attention is now shifting to the process of NATO's enlargement in Eastern Europe, which will be agreed upon in principle at a summit of the western alliance in Madrid in July. After the fine print has been negotiated and approved, enlargement will have to be ratified by the parliaments of NATO's 16 members as well as parliaments of new members. The biggest hurdle will be ratification in the American Senate, where a two-thirds majority is needed. With American editorial-writers and Russia experts expressing scepticism, European governments are beginning to worry. But the Clinton administration has a plan. We have the details in this exclusive report. Democracy in the Gulf THE victory of the ruling General People's Congress in Yemen's recent elections was an endorsement of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, especially as international observers passed the election as being generally fair. Nowhere else in the Gulf region are there full legislative elections - just limited concessions to demands for popular representation by the elderly, conservative Gulf rulers and their wealthy families. However, some states are edging towards democracy less slowly than others. We predict where change is most likely to come. Mexico's moment After decades of fraudulent elections won by the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), Mexicans will vote on July 6th for a new lower house of Congress, six governors and, for the first time, the mayor of Mexico City, a position until now appointed by the president. We expect the elections to be fairly clean. Who will win? Trouble for ASEAN Malaysia, which holds the chairmanship of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), is pushing hard to ensure that the group's annual foreign ministers' meeting, in Kuala Lumpur in July, ends with a diplomatic success: the addition of three new members. This would be followed by ASEAN's 30th anniversary summit in December, also to be hosted by Malaysia, and be the first meeting of the leaders of the ten South-East Asian states. But has Mahathir Mohamed, Malaysia's prime minister, bitten off more than he can chew? After the Chunnel, the Thunnel A NEW ''business plan'' for the Thunnel - an undersea rail-link between Tallinn and Helsinki - claims that it can be built by 2007. Really? Split in Hizbullah In October 1992, FOREIGN REPORT wrote of a potential split in Hizbullah, the Shia Muslim organisation dedicated to ousting Israeli occupying forces from south Lebanon. The potential split is now a fact. ------------------------------ End of twilight2000-digest V1996 #46 ************************************