* Post which contributed nothing deleted. Rubbish belongs in the trash bin *

source: © 2004 WorldNetDaily.com

Israel's plans to build what is described as a high-tech, "super amphibious attack ship" as the cornerstone of a new naval strategy for the 21st century is certain to raise objections in the Arab world, says a report in the latest issue of Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin, the premium online intelligence newsletter published by WND.

According to the plan presented by Gen. Ydidya Yaari, the navy will undertake a new role by introducing a multi-purpose attack ship capable of deploying anywhere in the Mediterranean and with a range of up to 3,200 kilometers.

This newly visualized unit is described as a 13,000-ton ship that will become the largest Israeli navy surface vessel capable of carrying armor, commando troops, helicopters and unmanned drones.

In addition, the navy envisions even more capabilities, such as launching decks for short takeoffs and landings and aircraft including the future U.S. main attack F-35 fighter jet.

The vessel is being developed parallel to planning of the Saar-5-II multi-purpose high-tech battleship, which is already in the blueprint stage with a planned investment of $1 billion. U.S. companies such as Lockheed-Martin and Northrop-Grumman are involved with the plan and are apparently ready to shift to the more ambitious project initiated by Yaari.

Sources in the Israeli navy say Yaari is willing to shelve the Saar-5-II project and to divert a similar budget, and even more, toward the futuristic attack vessel. Israeli Chief of Staff General Moshe "Buggi" Yaalon is now studying all the pros and cons of the proposed project.

A preliminary decision is expected on the future of the project no later than this month, G2 Bulletin reports.

Other sources say it will take much longer if the decision favors the plan since the IDF will have to introduce the project to the Ministry of Defense, which will then have to raise the issue with the prime minister and the Cabinet.

A well-informed source in Israel's prime minister's office told G2 Bulletin, "such an ambitious plan will have to be discussed with the U.S., which may be under pressure by Arab countries, especially Egypt, to do everything possible to sink the concept before it is tendered."

A source linked to the American defense industry says this diplomatic battle is already in progress since U.S. manufacturers, under threats of huge contract cancellations by such countries as Greece and Turkey, may produce more allies for the plan.

It is believed the new concept will be developed and, to a large extent manufactured, in the U.S., providing much-needed jobs. It is also believed the futuristic idea is so unique it might catch the attention of the Pentagon, especially the U.S. Navy. Undoubtedly other countries such as Australia, South Korea and Taiwan are closely following all aspects of the revolutionary new idea.

With a crew of 115, the new unit would become the largest in the Israeli navy and would serve as leverage to change Israel's current defense strategies by viewing and preparing for new threats stemming from the war against terrorism. It would also distinctly contribute to the defense against missile attacks, since the idea is to incorporate in such a naval unit not only an attack force, but also high-tech defense systems designed to intercept missiles, enemy submarines and to warn of any possible danger to Israel and her allies.

Opponents of the project claim this super-naval unit will demand the building of additional long-range missile boats of the Saar-5 group, a large 1,200-ton missile boat, to be deployed as part of a new fleet aimed at providing escort and communication services to the highly innovative and multi-purpose new vessel.

From a strategic point of view, the plan reveals some of Israel's visions for the future of warfare as a whole. It identifies a need to be more aggressive when fighting terrorism at its source, believing the new military reality in the Mediterranean, and possibly also in the Red Sea, will show the need for a massive strike capability anywhere and at anytime.

Together with the top-secret Israeli submarine force, which includes three German-made Dolphin-class diesel-electric-powered submarines, and the overall concept of utilizing high-tech missile boats, Israel will have a strategic tool capable of forcing hostile countries, especially terror-hosting countries, to re-think their relationship with such phenomena as global jihad. In addition, Israel is planning to upgrade three older British-made submarines.

According to a number of international sources, the main submarine force is armed with nuclear-tipped missiles. It is believed the submarines are patrolling such delicate areas as the Straits of Hormuz and the Gulf of Sidra off Libya's shores. Some analysts believe the presence of Israeli submarines in that area, together with information collected by Israel's spy satellites, played a major role in identifying Libya's nuclear plans.

The Dolphin subs represent the heart of Israel’s "second strike" capability. This term is used by Israeli strategists to indicate that Israel will not be the first to use weapons of mass destruction, but will do everything necessary to prevent further development of an Islamic A-bomb.

One source claims Moammar Ghadafy was pushed to reconciliation with the West when confronted with intelligence showing Israeli subs lurking in his waters ready to strike should his WMD ambitions go too far.

Naval experts believe Yaari's vision is that of a combined high-tech naval fleet capable of responding to any threat, from traditional weapon systems all the way to WMDs. Essentially the new plan is a blueprint for future navies of medium-sized military forces where high-tech and space-age technologies compensate for the needs of large battleships, destroyers and even aircraft carriers, leading to a more combined force concept.

Originally posted by Gedanken:

So you're saying that the British Paras and Marines let the Gurkhas do their fighting for them in the Falklands? Maybe you ought to check up on your facts and come back when you've finally heard of places like Goose Green and Wireless Ridge.

no I'm not saying, but since you brought up the falklands, I suggest you go check yurs properly b4 u start biting peoples head off.

Originally posted by Big Bot:

30 mins each time only?

no lah! in-pro @ ard 4:45p den wait for sun go down, ard 5:45/6p start leow.

streatching exercises : - streatching
warm up exercises : - jumping jack (20 count(*) of * 2

circuit training sets(*3):
jumping jack 30 count of 4
burpee 20 count of 4,
alt-leg thrust 20 count of 4,
heel raise 20 count of 4
leg raise, situp, tuck jump, half squat,
push up:spider, diamond, normal
etc ...

sometimes if poor response, no shout loud enuf, upgrade to X count of 8.

end of every circuit 5-10min rest.

If you look at the british and the french "actually their prowess" is mostly in the form of paid mercenary forces like gurka contigent or foreign legion to spearhead their battles for them or to do other dirty work.

Once these foreign forces captured or cleared the front, the bulk of the forces would then go in.

I think if they were to send real english and french men into thick of battles it would cause such an outcry back in their homes.

Originally posted by Big Bot:

So 1 time how many hours?

normally depends on mood and which day it is.

if not mistaken previously, PTI's work all week incl sat + sun. Fridays are off days, now not so sure.

Normally RT sessions are basically circuit training. 2-3 sets followed by 4 klick run per day session are normal. Normally up to 7:30-8pm.

But If camp that day got many officers or commanders or journalist around, PTI's have to "on the ball" are particularly harsh in tekan sessions which can include 3-4 sets and run around until 9-9:30pm also seen before.

If I choose my RT schedules I go for a bit of strategy. I will take thursday and sunday.

Thursday last working day of week for PTI who may be anxious to go home to get drunk & screw their wives/girlfriends.

Sundays, camp is like a ghost town, sometimes PTI a bit lazy mebbe 6:30-7pm "good day" leow.

Originally posted by wuming78:

wow. how do u all remember these details so well?

used to be RT regular

but recently pass leow

The old system
Phase 1 twice a week for 8 weeks, IPPT test every 4 weeks or so.
Phase 2 thrice a week for 4 weeks, IPPT test at end of 4th week.

The new system (I heard)
For phase 1 twice a week for 4 weeks,
For phase 2 thrice a week for 4 weeks

For phase 1 RT, you need to book 1 week day and 1 weekend session.

For phase 2 RT, you need to book 2 week day and 1 weekend session.

If you miss 1 week day session you have to pay back 1 more weekday session.

If you miss 1 weekend session you have to pay back 1 weekend session.

You cannot pay back 1 weekday for 1 weekend, likewise cannot pay 1 weekend for a weekday very strict.

This is valid for both Phase 1 and 2.

You can postphone RT but you must makeup as above.

Not sure if you can still make changes to RT venues.

I cant remember really, but I think If you postphone more than 3 times then ... immediately out process and SAMULA!!

the use of whistles and bungles are very interesting aspect of korean war. Much like tactics in sun tzu using drums and horns.

The CCF then lacking in equipment only fought at night & they would take turns to frequently charge american positions depriving them of their sleep and tiring them out, Just prior to a charge all the units will give out long whistles followed by long loud bungles or horns, in the cold hills of korea this deception gave an echoing effect and errie-ly greatly magnified their numbers.

To the americans who defended their positions in the night it sounded like an invisible enemy was everywhere and they were surrounded.

It distressed and demoralised them greatly.

source : http://www.rt66.com/~korteng/SmallArms/CCF1stCampaign1.htm

October 25-November 5, 1950
China's 1st Phase Offensive

The CCF entered the Korean War with a short, violent probing offensive. Although elements of three CCF Armies ... the 38th, 39th, and 40th ... were in place, apparently only about 30,000 CCF foot infantry were mainly deployed. These veteran troops, directed by skillful patrol actions and experienced planning, wreaked devastation among our unprepared and disorganized forces. They destroyed the ROK 7th and 15th Infantry Regiments and also inflicted about 800 casualties on our 8th Cavalry Regiment and capturing over half their equipment while smashing us back.

The CCF tactics were strange to us, they being extremely effective by night and by infiltration and highly effective roadblocks. Even their methods of communications, such as the whistles used in small-unit assault above, seemed eerie and helped demoralize many of our troops.

On November 5, the CCF broke off contact to evaluate the results of their attack and the capabilities of their enemies. This was musunderstood by the UN High Command, who fatally underestimated both the strength and the intent of the CCF forces facing them. After re-grouping, Eighth Army again formed on the Chongchon River, and prepared to launch a general assault on November 25, an assault to get our forces "home for Christmas."

In retrospect, this was an incredible, incomprehensible blunder.

Shortly, China was to make a similar and equally fatal blunder.

Such is war.

another article ...

The accomplishments of the CCF (Chinese Communist Forces) against an army which was far better armed, and which enjoyed total air supremacy, are truly remarkable. Although the NK had been well armed by Russia, and carefully prepared for their invasion of the South, the CCF were so ill-equipped to challenge a modern army that it is almost understandable why our Far East Command initially thought they were an ineffective rabble of "volunteers". Armed with a bewildering mixture of British, US, Japanese and other weapons, presenting an incomprehensible logistics problem, without heavy artillery or tanks, and no air power, it was difficult for high command to take them seriously. Plus, they gave no obvious sign of their entry, let alone their large numbers, until they first attacked.

Trained and battle hardened in guerilla warfare, the CCF carried none of the baggage of a modern army. Masters of concealment, they moved and fought best by night. Wearing thick, padded, green or white uniforms, caps with a red star, carrying a personal weapon, grenades, 80 rounds of ammunition, a few stick grenades, spare foot rags, sewing kit and a week's rations of fish, rice and tea, their working day began about 7 pm. They marched until about 3am, then prepared camouflaged positions for the day. Only scout units moved during daylight, to determine routes for the next night's march, and they were ordered, under penalty of death, to freeze motionless if they heard aircraft. Their only heavy weapons were mortars, but they came in increasingly vast numbers.

The CCF didn't begin seriously fighting until October 25, when it crushed the ROK 6th Division in an attack that increased and lasted for 10 days, further smashing back our 1st Cavalry Division with the ROK units. In the east, the 7th Marines had our only successes, in relief of battered ROK units at the Sudong Gorge, 30 miles below Chosin. The 7th killed around 1500 Chinese, destroying the fighting capability of the CCF 124th division in a brutal 3-day battle.

1stMarDiv commander General Smith had been determined that the Marines would be successful in their first battle with the CCF, which they were. But the 124th was only one division in the CCF 42nd Army. General Smith wondered where the other two divisions were.

This probing first CCF strike effectively ended the Eighth Army offensive, for the moment.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

live-fire exercise is as good as 'clocking' & 'zeroing' all your weapons.

Source: Straits Times

Taipei - Taiwan staged a live-fire military drill ahead of large-scale wargames to be held by rival china, officials said yesterday.

Television footage showed artillery units firing at mock enemies trying to land on Penghu island chain in the Taiwan Strait.

China has repeatedly threatened to invade Taiwan should taipei ever declare independence.

Taiwan's army stayed tight-lipped on the latest military exercise, describing the drill as "routine".

The exercise came after Beijing-based New Express said China was gearing up for large-scale military wargames aimed at "taking-control of the taiwanese strait", with 18,000 troops and amphibious landing of tanks.

The Chinese exercises are to take place this month and next on Dongshan Island, just 150-nautical miles west of Taiwan's Penghu island.

Soldiers were deployed on Dongshan in mid-may where tanks and armoured personnel carriers had been practising amphibious landings daily - AFP

Originally posted by zenden9:

SS-N-22 sunburn is too big for our RSN ship even the new frigate cannot take it. Can only fit on our endurance class LSD,hahaha! But Endurance class is a logistic ship not a attack ship.

Mebbe we shud get some for emergency ground deployment around kusu and sister island,

get some for air deployments also.

btw another warhead option for the 'sunburn' is also nuclear, thats why it's an aircraft carrier killer

Indonesia is to place further orders for Polish military equipment, including Skytruck planes, helicopters produced by WSK PZL Swidnik and long-distance radar manufactured at the Radwar plant and at the Industrial Telecommunication Institute. The extension of the Indonesian army's order was discussed this week by the Defence Ministers of both countries. "Indonesia will buy another 11 Skytruck transport planes from Poland," announced Suprihadi, the Marshall of the Indonesian Air Force. The value of the contract is estimated at more than $60m. The Asian partner is also considering the purchase of long-distance radar for anti-aircraft batteries, a deal which could be worth another $60m. Both contracts are to be financed from a $75m export credit granted to Indonesia and guaranteed by the Polish state. Indonesia is also interested in acquiring Polish military technology.

PNB Economic Review 2004, May, 07

Below is an old report.

To date China has at least 3-4 Kilo subs, 12 Sovremenny Class Missle Destroyers ... 1 for each american aircraft carrier. each destroyer packed with 8 moskit SS-N-22 sunburn anti-ship missles, the fastest in the world. The SS-N-22 is land/sea/air deployable, 3 times faster than the harpoon missle. Not to mention nuclear capable as well, designed during cold war to be a killer for american aircraft carriers.

Russian manufacturers claimed that between 1-2 missles will incapicate a destroyer, 1-5 missles a 200,000 tonne oil tanker. Also being 3-5 times faster conventional sea skimmers means there's very little reaction time allowed to jam the missle only 20-25 seconds before impact ... let alone try to deploy any countermeasures.

Also by 2006 the chinese varvag will be completed.

Russia Readies Warship for China
By Bill Gertz

Washington Times, July 12, 2000

BEIJING — Russia has completed work on a second cruise-missile ship for China and started sea trials for the new vessel two weeks ago, The Washington Times has learned.

According to Pentagon intelligence officials, the ship is the second Sovremenny-class advanced warship purchased by Beijing. It was spotted in the Gulf of Finland during the last week of June undergoing sea trials.

The exercises are expected to include at least one test launch of an SS-N-22 Sunburn anti-ship cruise missile, the officials said.

The ship is likely to be sent to China toward the end of this year. It is the second cruise-missile ship purchased from Russia and will give the People's Liberation Army new capabilities against U.S. aircraft carrier battle groups.

"The SS-N-22 is the most dangerous anti-ship missile in the Russian, and now the Chinese, fleet," said Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, California Republican. "Our Navy admittedly has scant ability to defend against this 200-kiloton nuclear-capable weapon."

The missile has a range of 65 miles and can deliver nuclear or conventional warheads. Chinese military writings have indicated that Beijing is working on weapons to defeat U.S. carrier battle groups.

A bill authored by Mr. Rohrabacher would prevent the United States from bailing out Russia with international lending institutions until Moscow ends all sales of Sunburn missiles.

The bill has bipartisan support and could be debated in the next several days. It states that the first of the two Sovremenny destroyers was delivered to the People's Liberation Army navy in February, operated by a mixed crew of Russian and Chinese sailors.

"Currently the Russian and Chinese government are discussing the sale of two additional Sovremenny destroyers," in addition to the first two ships, the legislation says. "The supersonic Moskit [SS-N-22] missile, which can be mounted on a naval or mobile land platform, was designed specifically to destroy American aircraft carriers and other warships equipped with advanced Aegis radar and battle management systems.

"The United States Navy considers the missile to be extremely difficult to defend against," the bill says.

The first Sovremenny destroyer arrived in China in February, and the first shipment of 24 SS-N-22s this spring, said Pentagon intelligence officials.

Increasing Russian arms sales to China are one sign of a growing alliance between Moscow and Beijing aimed at undermining the U.S. position as the sole superpower.

A U.S. official here said he is concerned about Russian arms deliveries as part of China's military modernization program. The missile destroyers, sales of Su-27 aircraft and Kilo-class submarines are the alarming signs, the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

"Those are the three things that could be very important," the official said. "They reflect a relationship between Russia and China that we need to keep an eye on."

Russian arms sales began in 1991 with 26 Su-27s worth an estimated $1 billion. In 1994, China purchased four Russian diesel-powered Kilo submarines, which the U.S. Navy considers advanced and difficult to detect. Russian technicians also have been spotted by U.S. intelligence agencies assisting China's program to build land-attack cruise missiles, similar to the U.S. Tomahawk.

Russian scientists also are reportedly assisting China's development of laser weapons, space-based weapons, and nuclear submarines. China also plans to use Russia's satellite navigation system for missile guidance.

Defense Secretary William S. Cohen arrived here yesterday to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, Defense Minister Chi Haotian. The issue of Chinese weapons exports will be discussed, defense officials said.

Official Chinese spokesmen yesterday attacked U.S. plans for a national missile defense, calling it part of American plans to dominate the world. "We urge the United States to drop as soon as possible this plan, which does not serve its interest and harms that of others," Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi told a news conference as the defense secretary arrived in the Chinese capital.

Mr. Cohen said earlier he will tell the Chinese military that the limited U.S. national missile defense will not pose a threat to China's small strategic nuclear arsenal.

A Chinese commentator writing in the Guangming Daily yesterday said that the U.S. missile defense "is aimed at building up an overwhelming military superiority for the United States and permanently maintaining its status as the only superpower in the world." A U.S. missile defense would force both China and Russia "into developing new weapons," said the commentator, Xu Fukang.

Asked about the Chinese report, Mr. Sun said: "We will determine our disarmament policy in accordance with the development of the anti-missile system."

Disclosure of Russia's completion of the new cruise-missile destroyer comes as Congress is set to debate legislation to punish Moscow for those sales.

Russia's AVN news agency reported on Monday that the Sovremenny destroyer will be supplied to the Chinese in November. The agency quoted a spokesman for the Russian Baltic Fleet headquarters as saying the ship is undergoing "state tests." It did not elaborate.

The report said the Chinese crew would begin training on the new ship in October.

In a related development, Russia's Itar-Tass news agency announced last week that Russia will send China the first batch of 10 advanced Su-30 warplanes by the end of the year. The Chinese have purchased a total of 40 Su-30s.

(continue)

Deterrence or War

"The vicious circle of development delays, cost overruns, politically inspired number reductions and then reduced requirements are symptomatic of a crisis of leadership that will make war on the Taiwan Strait more possible, as America has lost a chance to put needed deterrent forces in place," stated Richard Fisher.

"The U.S. needed the F/A-22 in the Pacific theater five years ago, so that by today it would be reasonably integrated into our total forces. America will need far more than the 277 F/A-22s our leaders our currently willing to buy, and they are long overdue in the force. They are indeed expensive, but their cost is puny compared to the price America will pay if it either has to fight a war on the Taiwan Strait, or should it even lose that war," concluded Fisher.

source : http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2004/5/26/154053.shtml

Charles R. Smith
Wednesday, May 26, 2004

China is about to receive 24 advanced Sukhoi Su-30MK2 Flanker fighters from Russia. The new fighter jets are reported to be the naval versions of the Sukhoi Su-30MKK fighter.
The new Chinese fighters are reportedly equipped with enhanced anti-ship strike capabilities including the Kh-31 Krypton supersonic anti-ship missile.

China has already purchased 78 Su-27SK/UBK fighters and 76 Su-30MKK fighters from Russia, and is building 200 more Flanker jets under license from Sukhoi. The PLA Naval Air Corps will deploy the latest batch of Su-30MK2 fighters.

The disturbing news from Beijing adds to recent bad news for the U.S. Air Force. According to an unreleased U.S.A.F. report, the F-15 Eagle - the most advanced U.S. fighter in service - is inferior to the latest versions of the Sukhoi Su-30 Flanker.

The report covers a series of air-combat training engagements earlier this year between Indian air force Su-30MKs and F-15Cs from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. The U.S. F-15s were equipped with the U.S. latest long-range, high-definition radar systems.

During the air combat exercises the Su-30MKs and F-15 pilots were seeing each other at the same time with their radars, but the Indian pilots were getting off the simulated first shot with their AA-10 Alamo missiles and often winning the long-range engagements.

Flanker Beats Eagle

According to a Richard Fisher, a defense analyst and noted expert on the Chinese military, the Chinese Flanker fighters can beat the U.S. top jet fighters including the F-15 Eagle.

"Since 1992 the Pentagon has known that in a close-in dogfight the Su-27 would smear the F-15. That year Russian Sukhois came to Langley AFB and showed us their stuff. What we appear to be learning from the recent exercise with India is that Russian radar, weapons and more importantly, tactics, have all reached a level in which the F-15 is on the verge of being outclassed in the long-range engagement as well," stated Fisher.

According to a recent report by Fisher for the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, the Chinese Flanker fighters are a real threat to Taiwan and the U.S. Fisher's report raised early alarm bells about the Chinese purchase of large number of the more advanced Flanker - the Su-30 multi-role strike fighter.

"With the purchase of the Sukhoi Su-30MKK (Mnogafunctunali Kommercial Kitayski-Multifunctional Commercial for China) the PLAAF demonstrated that it had made a clear doctrinal commitment to acquiring multi-role attack fighters capable of "joint" warfighting. The Su-30MKK is the first PLAAF attack fighter capable of delivering precision-guided munitions in all weather conditions, and to use modern air-to-air weapons like the self-guiding Vympel R-77 (AA-12 ADDER) AAM," noted Fisher's report.

"This upgrade program has the potential to rapidly increase the number of multi-role fighters in the PLAAF, conceivably adding up to 78 Su-27SK/UBKs and 200+ J-11s to the 100+ Su-30MKK/MKK2 multi role fighters. The prospect of the later was formidable enough. But the near-term prospect of nearly 400 Sukhoi fighters with ability to launch active-guided R-77s and anti-ship missiles like the Kh-31A on a single mission creates great pressure for a U.S. defensive response. Such a force poses a serious challenge to Taiwan's ability to maintain control over its own airspace as well as complicating U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy plans to come to Taiwan's defense if needed," states Fisher's report.

New Chinese Missile Superior to U.S.

Worse still is the fact that China is now developing an air-to-air missile considered to be superior to the U.S. AIM-120 AMRAAM missile. The self-guided AMRAAM is the main long-range armament for all U.S. fighter jets.

The new Chinese Project 129 or PL-12 missile is a Sino-Russian collaboration drawn from the Russian AA-12 Adder and equipped with an indigenous Chinese high-power rocket motor. Unlike the Russian AA-12, the PL-12 will have better performance than early models of the U.S. AMRAAM missile. The PL-12 reportedly has a maximum head-on engagement range of 50 miles and a maximum speed of four times the speed of sound.

The PL-12 is now in the final stages of development, with test firings against target drones scheduled for this year. Pakistan is seen as the first export customer for the PL-12. The PL-12 has alarmed U.S. defense sources who now consider it as the primary radar-guided air-to-air missile threat against American and allied aircraft.

The new PL-12 missile, once married to the advanced Su-30 Flanker jets in the PLAAF, can dominate the skies over Taiwan and eventually Asia. The U.S. F-15 Eagle, first flown in the mid-1970s, is rapidly becoming vulnerable to these fifth generation weapons.

F-22 Politics

The U.S. Air Force answer to the new threat is the F-22 Raptor. The new stealth jet fighter is capable of dealing with both the Su-30 and the PL-12 missile because of its superior speed, agility, and its ability to hide from conventional radars such as those on the Su-30. The U.S.A.F. wants to buy up to 400 of the advanced stealth fighters over the next decade.

"China's Sukhois are somewhat different from those sold to India in that they lack the latter's new BARS phased array radar and thrust vectored engines. But that's only slight cause for comfort, as China is in the midst of upgrading its Sukhoi fleet to enable carriage of the R-77 BVR AAM and attack munitions. Most co-produced Su-27SK/J-11 fighters are so upgraded. This means that very soon the U.S. air forces in Asia could be facing 200-300 multi-role BVR AAM capable Sukhois in the PLA Air Force," stated Rick Fisher.

"This trend was apparent several years ago and the tragedy is that the Pentagon did not start sounding the alarm back then. As a consequence an important chance to bolster political support for the F/A-22 has been lost. Today there is still an unjustified reluctance to publicly link China's growing Sukhoi fleet to a now urgent need to produce the F/A- 22," noted Fisher.

The F-22 Raptor has become a political issue with the current Democrat candidate opposing the stealth fighter. Democrat presidential candidate John Kerry voted against funding the F-22 at least five times, in 1995 and 1996.

Additionally, in 1995 Kerry supported a deep cut in the F-22 Raptor by signing onto S. 151 "to reduce Federal spending by restructuring the Air Force's F-22 program to achieve initial operating capability in 2010 and a total inventory of no more than 42 aircraft in 2015."

In June 1998, John Kerry voted for the Bumpers amendment to the U.S. defense funding for 1999 to drastically cut the F-22 program. In 1998 Senator Bumpers (D. Ark.) repeatedly voiced his opposition to the F-22 and offered legislation to cut the aircraft permanently.

"We are buying all these fighters in spite of the fact that the intelligence community and everybody who knows anything about an airplane knows that there isn't a plane in the world - in France, in Russia, in China - that is even remotely comparable to our F-15 and our F-18 and there won't be, the CIA says, for 15 to 20 years. So what is the rush to judgment?" stated Bumpers in 1998.

The vote by Bumpers and Kerry failed, and the funding continued for the F-22. The words of Senator Bumpers convinced others like Senator Kerry and Senator Kennedy to consider the threat to our pilots and our national defense would not develop for 20 years.

Six years later the threat is already flying. (continue)

Originally posted by ZermanAUG3:

The RMN do have a requirement for 4 more frigates, 4 MPA and a light carrier, for amphibious assault. So, these are not wishful thinking of a retiring bloke in RMN, but rather voiced by probably the next Armed Forces Chief. But you are right though, other branch of the MAF also have their own requirements. It just a matter of funding and know-how with dealing with politicians here.

sell more palm oil can buy oready

Originally posted by ZermanAUG3:

The RMN do have a requirement for 4 more frigates, 4 MPA and a light carrier, for amphibious assault. So, these are not wishful thinking of a retiring bloke in RMN, but rather voiced by probably the next Armed Forces Chief. But you are right though, other branch of the MAF also have their own requirements. It just a matter of funding and know-how with dealing with politicians here.

sell more palm oil can buy oready

Singapore's new formidable class frigates.

http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/formidable/index.html

Originally posted by dragonstar:

My reserve CO and RSM had both extended their reservist training after their 13 year cycle.

Yah, heard something like that, only reason why they probably extended is because in civilian life they are working for government board or government related companies.

So when they do "Volunteer" services for the government in military it probably helps in their own career interest as well.

Like ticket punching.

Originally posted by SpecOps87:

Hi,jus a regular military buff here,anyway its interesting to hear tt the SAF is changing their Armburst LAW.I checked the Net,and I suppose this is the one MBT LAW made by Swedish Bofors.Cuz,when i checked Matador out,it turns out to be a Ballistic missile.So,i suppose it is the MBT LAW.Check it out here:

actually also checked. Found 3 matadors.

First as you said matador is a very obsoleted cruise missle built by the americans at white sands.

second matador is a very old troop carrier used in WWII

Third matador is a FCS.

So either there is really a matador LAW system or someone at mindef "let go" aeroplane ...

source http://www.navlog.org

The FC-1 has a choppy history. Originally envisioned as gradually replacing the F-7, MiG-21 and Q-5 fighter jets currently in service in China and with some of its allies, the single-seat, single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft derived from the Chengdu J-7 (F-7) has largely been overtaken by events and technology. The F-7 is China's version of the 45-year-old MiG-21. The Q-5 is the Chinese bomber version of the even older MiG-19. The FC-1 – said to be similar in performance to the MiG-27 -- is designed to carryout the dual missions of air-to-air and air-to-surface attacks.

Back in the Détente Days of the 1980s, China signed a $550 million agreement with Grumman to modernize its J-7 fighter under the so-called "Super-7" upgrade, but this agreement was cancelled in early 1990. China turned to its Russian semi-allies and, as a substitute for the original Super-7, China developed the FC-1 (Fighter China-1) lightweight multipurpose fighter initially based on the design for the Super-7.

Development of the fly-by-wire, 1.6 mach-capable FC-1 has reportedly cost approximately $150 million, with half coming from Pakistan, which will replace its F-7M/P airplanes. Unit costs have reportedly risen from $ 10 million to $ 15 million per copy, although the “stripped” export version of the US F-16 goes for $ 20 million. The Russians are using the FC-1 as a continuation of the scrapped MiG-33 (R33) program developed in the 1980s.

In the past 17 years, as China's enthusiasm for the FC-1 has cooled, Pakistan has grabbed the baton, perhaps to counter India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Project, and plans to buy as many as 150. While final systems are uncertain, the FC-1 may carry the Israeli Elta 2032 or Italian FIAR Grifo S-7 fire-control radar. The Grifo S-7 is specially designed for the FC-1/Super-7, with lookdown, shoot-down capability, plus single-target ground strike mode. According to some reports, Pakistan’s anti-Israeli politics dictate that the PLA Air Force variant of the FC-1 would never be fitted with any Israeli system, but rather, either the Russian Phazotron Kopyo radar or Italian Grifo. The FC-1 has seven stores stations and can carry the AIM-9P, PL-9, and Magic-2 short-range AAMs, plus the AIM-7E and Aspide.

Just to drag this saga out even further, latest reports say that Russia is now refusing to supply the airplane’s RD-93 engine. If this additional hurdle is overcome, not just Pakistan is a likely customer. Beijing is reportedly targeting “poor countries” for the FC-1, said The Guangzhou Daily recently.

Originally posted by Gedanken:

So you just go ahead thinking that Australians are lazy - meanwhile, they'll be using that illusion against you. Real smart.

Very Sorry,

If australians not lazy...

y in the 80's was there a mass exodus of different nationalities going australia?

Who invitied them to plant their roots there?

Isn't there enough native born australians with supposedly very good trained skillsets already? Isn't it supposed to be that way after they getting universal education for free.

So Why? What reason was there a need to get these people to migrate to australia? Was it for fun?

pls think but dun use your ass for it.

Originally posted by shibuya:

.......he even has to interfere in an internal affair between SIA and its staff. like trying to make the country dependent on him. he can't seem to let go of power.
......

mm.. my take on why he stepped in ...

It was a sensitive time where economy not doing well and many employees in both public and private sectors lost their jobs in retrenchments.

Those who lost their jobs were especially frustrated and angry with unions who were powerless to help their members. They felt betrayed by their unions who suppose to side and intervene on their behalf. Unions themselves also felt demoralised and incompetant.

SIA issues comes into the picture. Pilots - employees of SIA take matters into their own hands starts to threaten the airline almost seems like they will revolt, matters get out of hand, issue reaches the newspaper and public gets knowlege about it.

If you notice in the past any complaints or issue that reaches public in the form of newspaper government definately comes in and lockdown, is always like that. In this case SM Lee steps in immediately.

why?

bcus economic environment already very bad, some more so much competition from india, china etc .. also businesses very bad, companies complaining costs very high.

If nobody from government stepped in and SIA pilots had won and got whatever they demanded it would become a catalyst example for workers in other companies to bypass their unions and follow this lead by herding together and negotiating directly with their employers for better terms and condition and if that happens .... it will be like a revolution everywhere!!

But worse still, if nobody from government stepped in, many foreign companies may interpret that the government unable to keep its promises to control the masses anymore and allow workers to revolt or strike.

They may also view that the environment for doing business may not be so condusive anymore hence more convinced to start packing to cheaper and quieter destinations like china or even malaysia.

0.03