PetrolClock

im back, kinda

2011-02-18T03:16:00.000-08:00

yea i know its beeb a while, it still might be a while till i post some stuff. atleast till i get settled in my new area.

Russia will import arms rather than buy outdated Russian models

2010-10-04T09:06:00.000-07:00

MOSCOW - Russia will import arms rather than buy outdated Russian models, the defense minister said Oct. 4, slamming the failure of the domestic defense industry to meet modern standards.

In an interview with the weekly Russian Newsweek, Defence Minster Anatoly Serdyukov said Russia would look abroad as it plans to spend over $600 billion on modernizing the armed forces in the next years.
"Our weapons often do not meet the required standards," Serdyukov said.

"We are acting as consumers in this situation... Our producers want to issue outdated models, but we don't want to buy them."

Russia, the world's the second largest arms supplier, has been in talks with France to possibly buy its Mistral-class warships - in its first ever purchase of military hardware from a member of NATO.

However, the talks have stalled amid disputes over the technology transfer.

"There are the same issues with the Mistral. The Russian military-industrial complex does not meet our standards. Therefore, we are talking about buying imported ships," Serdyukov said.

He added that Russia was even interested in buying technology from its former Cold War foe and the world's top weapons producer the U.S. but did not elaborate further.

Russia last month announced plans to triple its defense spending to $613 billion over the next decade as part of a drive to modernize its Soviet-era army.

Only about 10 percent of Russia's armaments meet modern military standards, with much of the remaining hardware dating back to Soviet times, military expert Pavel Felgenhauer wrote in the Novaya Gazeta newspaper

ok that is my last post for about 5 months then i'll probably be back

:(

2010-10-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

well im gonna be gone for a while, probably 4-5 months so dont expect any new posts

Dozens of Europeans in terror training

2010-10-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD – Dozens of Muslim militants with European citizenship are believed to be hiding out in the lawless tribal area of northwestern Pakistan, Pakistani and Western intelligence officials say, training for missions that could include terror attacks in European capitals.

Officials have used phone intercepts and voice tracking software to track militants with ties to Britain and other European countries to areas along the Afghan border. Al-Qaida would likely turn to such extremists for a European plot because they can move freely in and out of Western cities.

Fear that such an attack is in the planning stage has prompted the U.S. State Department to advise Americans traveling in Europe to be vigilant. American and European security experts have been concerned that terrorists based in Pakistan may be plotting attacks in Europe with assault weapons, similar to the deadly 2008 shooting spree in Mumbai, India. U.S. intelligence officials believe Osama bin Laden is behind the plots.

USS Cowpens launching missles at Iraq

2010-09-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

This ship is credited with being first to strike.

Germans, Britons killed in drone strike

2010-09-30T15:32:00.000-07:00

Eight Germans and two Britons were killed in the same airstrike that killed an Islamic Jihad Group commander who trained Europeans to carry out attacks in England, France, and Germany.
The eight Germans and two Britons, who were involved in the recently exposed plot to conduct Mumbai-like attacks in Europe, are said to have been killed in one of the two Sept. 8 airstrikes in the Datta Khel area in North Waziristan, a known safe haven and command and control center for al Qaeda and allied terror groups.

The 10 Europeans are thought to have been killed in the same strike that killed Qureshi, a commander in the Islamic Jihad Group (IJG), a splinter faction of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU). Qureshi is believed to have been helping to train and facilitate the European plot, which is said to involve Mumbai-like terror assaults of armed suicide bombers in major European cities, a US intelligence official told The Long War Journal

U.S Soldiers Defend Their Positions From Taliban Militants

2010-09-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

"Mack just popped a guy"...you gotta love those guys!

Mexican cartel gunmen record themselves while posting banner

2010-09-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

they operate freely in daylight

Mosques in Spain

2010-09-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

TO DEFEND THE INVASION OF ISLAMIC SPAIN, WE HAVE
BURY PIGS, OR DEBRIS. LEE:

In Seville, the city has accepted the assignment of a solar neighborhood
St. Jerome to a group of Muslims. The land belongs to the company and Azagra
is where plans to build an Islamic mosque

Another group of Spanish people, not wanting the mosque in
proximity has found a brilliant solution: in the center of the plot have been buried
a piglet and have done it publicly.

Islamic law does not allow the construction of a mosque on land
outraged by pigs, the Muslims have had to resign.

Since the Israelis have used this strategy since 2004 ... They have put in
all buses in Israel a box containing lard and have done
namely, if a suicide bomber is blown up on a bus, is the risk of fat
pig on his body and so can not access the Paradise .... and no more suicide bombers
on buses in Israel.

lol

Mumbai-style terror plot targeting Europe uncovered

2010-09-29T06:34:00.000-07:00

LONDON (AFP) – Western intelligence agencies have uncovered an Al-Qaeda plot to launch attacks in Britain, France and Germany by extremists based in Pakistan, security sources and media reports said Wednesday.

"The threat is very real," a European-based security official told AFP, after British and US media reported that militants were planning simultaneous strikes in London and major cities in France and Germany.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that France and Britain had been targeted in the threat, which first came to light last month.

Orders have been given at the highest level of Al-Qaeda to punish Europe, and France in particular, the source said.

US intelligence services identified the threat from various sources, including the questioning of suspects from the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, which had been confirmed by information from other countries, the source added.

This tallies with reports by US broadcasters ABC and CNN that the source of the intelligence was a German suspect detained in Afghanistan.

However, the official could not confirm a BBC report that commando-style teams of militants planned to seize Western hostages and murder them, in a manner similar to the attacks in Mumbai two years ago.

and yet everything points back to pakistan

Warrior culture among Norwegians in Afghanistan under scrutiny

2010-09-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

Norwegian soldiers in Afghanistan unofficially use the "Punisher-skull" (from the comic/movie The Punisher) as an emblem. It’s got the text "Jokke, we will never forget!" as a tribute to the fellow soldier who got killed by a roadside bomb in January 2010. The senior Taliban leader and bomb making expert suspected of arranging the ambush that killed Claes Joachim Olsson, was himself killed this summer in an operation by Olssons unit.

Soldiers of the "Mek 4" are spray painting buildings of suspected Taliban members as warnings to them. There are reports of several irregualar patrols, where the Norwegian soldiers seem to be seeking fire fights in order to kill enemies "without a clear mandate to do so" by the Army High Command (government/establishment).

Soldiers have also expressed a great feeling of joy (better than sex) when involved in combat: "Seeing the "red mist" in your optics is an incredible feeling"
(a soldier quoted by the newspaper VG http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/a...artid=10036779 )

"You become so high on adrenaline before you draw the trigger. You want to shoot all the time when you have "verified weapon" and know that the enemy is a legitimate target. When you finally get to fire, you become blood-focused. We do anything to hit, to kill. Sometimes you're lucky, I hit a Taliban warrior in the neck from 2770 meter on february 2 this year - Man, there was cheering!"

The company commander, major Kristian Simonsen, has expressed:
I have utilized the troops with the intention of killing, and we have been successful. I don't reflect on having killed someone. They have chosen to enter the battlefield with the intention to kill us, that makes us equally guilty of the outcome. We are the two parties of a war".

The Telemark Batallion 4th mechanized company's warcry is "Til Valhall!" (To Valhalla!). The warcry was shouted three times by the unit after a flaming speech by an officer in a closed ceremony in relation to Olssons death.

The unit's field priest reacted when he heard about the incident and reported the soldiers "warmongering ethics and dangerous behaviour" to senior officers a while ago.

The Norwegian gouvernment is in flames over this, claiming it to be "a vengeful, and dangerous path" that the soldiers should stop following.

The subject has been a hot potato in the Norwegian press today. The defence minister (labour party) Grete Faremoe is strongly regretting the trend and calls for reactions. The leader of the moderate opposition, Erna Solberg, sees on the other hand no need to panic over the soldier's conduct.

sound like they are doing a damn good job, keep up the good work and tell Political Correctness to go to hell!!

US helos kill 30 Haqqani Network fighters in strikes in Pakistan

2010-09-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

US attack helicopters have killed more than 30 Haqqani Network fighters inside Pakistan while repelling a cross-border attack.
US forces struck at the Haqqani Network fighters on Friday after they attacked Combat Outpost Narizah, an Afghan base just eight miles from the Pakistani border in the district of Tani in Khost province.
The Haqqani Network fighters were hit in the Taliban-controlled tribal agency of North Waziristan, which is just across the Pakistani border.
"An air weapons team in the area observed the enemy fire, and following International Security Assistance Force rules of engagement, crossed into the area of enemy fire," the International Security Assistance Force stated in a press release. "The ISAF aircraft then engaged, killing more than 30 insurgents."
ISAF confirmed that the helicopters struck at the Haqqani Network fighters in Pakistan. The attack helicopters launched their attack "after following the proper rules of engagement under inherent right of self defense," Master Sergeant Matthew Summers, a public affairs official, told The Long War Journal.
On Saturday, ISAF launched a second attack against the Haqqani Network, after taking fire in the border area. "Several additional insurgents" were killed in that attack.
No civilians have been reported killed or injured in either of the attacks.

Wounded in Iraq, Double-amputee Returns to War

2010-09-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

ASHOQEH, Afghanistan – When a bomb exploded under Dan Luckett's Army Humvee in Iraq two years ago — blowing off one of his legs and part of his foot — the first thing he thought was: "That's it. You're done. No more Army for you."

But two years later, the 27-year-old Norcross, Georgia, native is back on duty — a double-amputee fighting on the front lines of America's Afghan surge in one of the most dangerous parts of this volatile country.

Afghan soldiers examine Capt. Dan Luckett's prosthetic leg. The soldiers quickly gave him a nickname: "The One-Legged Warlord of Ashaque

Obama joke

2010-09-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

A doctor from Israel says: "In Israel the medicine is so advanced that we cut off a man's testicles; we put them into another man, and in 6 weeks he is looking for work."
The German doctor comments: "That's nothing, in Germany we take par...t of the brain out of a person; we put it into another person's head, and in 4 weeks he is looking for work."

A Russian doctor says: "That's nothing either. In Russia we take out half of the heart from a person; we put it into another person's chest, and in 2 weeks he is looking for work."

The U.S. doctor answers immediately: "That's nothing my colleagues, you are way behind us....in the USA (about a year ago) we grabbed a
person with no brains, no heart, and no balls....we made him President of the United States, and now.......the whole country is looking for work!!!!!!"

Pakistan to fight for terrorist release

2010-09-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

KARACHI, Pakistan – Pakistan's prime minister called a female scientist convicted of trying to kill U.S. interrogators in Afghanistan "the daughter of the nation" on Friday and vowed to campaign for her release from an American jail.

Police fired tear gas to disburse rock-throwing protesters trying to march to the U.S. Consulate in the country's largest city, Karachi, in one of several demonstrations against the 86-year sentence given to Aafia Siddiqui by a New York court on Thursday.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's comments appeared to be an attempt to manage public anger over the case of the American-trained scientist and mother, which has struck a chord among Islamist groups and ordinary Pakistanis, many of whom are convinced of her innocence.

Gilani said he had lobbied U.S. officials for Siddiqui's release to "improve the U.S. image in Pakistan."

"We all are united, and we want the daughter of the nation to come back to Pakistan," he told parliament, which unanimously adopted a resolution demanding Siddiqui's repatriation.

"I fought for her, my lawyer fought for her and now I will take up this matter on a political level," he said.

Most of the protesters were from Islamist political parties opposed to the government. They criticized the country's leaders for failing to somehow secure her freedom.

One of the largest protests was in the northwestern city of Peshawar, where around 8,000 people gathered.

In Islamabad, 100 people attempting to reach the U.S. Embassy scuffled with police near a five-star hotel, witnesses said.

"Down with America! Jihad, Jihad!" the protesters shouted.

In Karachi, where Siddiqui's family lives, around 400 people briefly battled with police officers who fired several rounds of tear gas, said police Chief Javed Akbr. There were no reports of any injuries.

Siddiqui, 38, was detained in Afghanistan in 2008. She was found guilty of seizing a weapon from one of her captors and trying to shoot U.S. authorities who were interrogating her there.

Many Pakistanis believe claims by Siddiqui's supporters that the U.S. abducted her long before that and kept her in a secret prison for years as it pursued its fight against global terrorism. U.S. officials deny those claims, though they had listed Siddiqui as a suspect wanted for alleged links to al-Qaida before her arrest

not my comment but someone elses, but so true!!!

"Congratulations Americans! Your greedy politicians have given aid to the terrorist nation of Pakistan and nursed this terrorist monster to health. Now they want to kill you. How much more aid and kindness are you going to give to Pakistan? Do they have to slash your throats first before you wake up?"

Ted Nugent Triggers the Vote

2010-09-24T06:32:00.001-07:00

Russia Faces Shortage Of Conscripts

2010-09-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

Russia's army faces a 15-25 percent shortage of conscripts this year, a newspaper report said Sept. 20, leaving the military understaffed amid a government reform drive.

Fewer than 550,000 men will be drafted into the army this year, bringing its ranks to 750,000-850,000 troops - short of the million-man army foreseen in planning, the daily Nezavisimaya Gazeta reported, citing official estimates
The officer in charge of the army draft, Col. Alexei Knyazev, told the paper about 133,000 young men were evading the draft.

In an attempt to boost the poor numbers, the military has already begun calling up conscripts, although the Kremlin has not yet announced the start of the fall draft period, the paper said.

Last year, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev complained that over 40 percent of those eligible for military service were not fit enough, and draft dodging is widespread across the country today.

All Russian men aged 18 to 27 are required to serve one year in the military.

In practice however, men go to great length to avoid the grueling year of service by exploiting deferments, enrolling in university and sometimes purposefully failing the physical exam.

Often, the exemptions are facilitated by bribes.

Russia has begun to implement sweeping plans to modernize its ailing army by slashing a bloated officer corps and reforming its Soviet-style command structure.

But under the plans, three out of four servicemen would still be conscripts, Medvedev said.

Muslims Arrested for Plot to Kill Pope

2010-09-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

The men were arrested during raids at 5.45am at a rubbish depot in central London based on an intelligence tip off received overnight.

The suspects, aged 26, 27, 36, 40 and 50 were arrested by officers from Scotland Yard’s Counter Terrorism Command on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
They are said to be from a variety of nationalities including a number of Algerian origin.

The depot where they worked is less than a mile from Hyde Park where the Pope was due to hold a prayer vigil tomorrow evening.

As street cleaners they would have been able to move relatively freely and inconspicuously through the London crowds.

Westminster City Council said the men worked for Veolia Environmental Services, a contractor which employs 650 on-street staff to keep Westminster's streets clean and free from rubbish.

The men have been taken to a central London police station where they will be interviewed by detectives.

Searches are being carried out under the Terrorism Act 2000 at the rubbish depot and at residential premises in north and east London.

Sources said that initial searches had not uncovered any bomb-making or hazardous items.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said the arrests were made after they received “information” and added: “Following initial inquiries by detectives a decision was made to arrest the five men.”

Pope Benedict XVI’s security arrangements were reviewed following the arrests and Scotland Yard said “we are satisfied that our current policing plan remains appropriate. The itinerary has not changed.”

There was no change to the terrorism threat level which remains at “severe” meaning that a terrorist attack is highly likely.

The Pope continued with his engagements, unaffected by the developments.

The Pope has been informed of the arrests, Vatican spokesman Fr Lombardi said. He told reporters there was "no need to change anything about the programme with the Pope and the security for this trip".

"The Pope is calm and happy and we go on with this trip with courage and joy," he added.

"We are totally confident in the work of the police and Scotland Yard."

A multimillion-pound operation is in place to protect the Pope during his tour of Scotland, London and the West Midlands, with thousands of officers involved.

The pontiff is also protected by members of the Swiss Guard.

He often travels in the Popemobile, which has a bulletproof glass enclosure. The Vatican abandoned the use of an open-topped vehicle after the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981.

A spokesman for the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales said: "We have absolute confidence in the security operation to protect both the Pope and the public.

A mosque can be built at ground zero, but a Spanish nightclub can not be called Mecca

2010-09-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

The inauguration of a discotheque called Mecca in Spain infuriated Muslims in the country and raised questions about the position of Muslim workers offered jobs in the controversial place.

After 10 years of renovations, an old discotheque in the city of Aguilas in the southwestern province of Murcia opened its doors on June 18 under the name La Meca amid protests from Muslim individuals and organizations, the Arab Spanish newspaper Andalus Press reported Wednesday.

" Muslims pray towards Mecca and it is there that the prophet received the holy Quran. Calling a place for dancing and drinking by that name shows disregard to the feelings of Muslims "
Head of Spanish Federation of Islamic Religious Entities Mohamed Ali
A poll conducted after the inauguration of the discotheque revealed the indignation of Spanish Muslims who viewed the action as disrespectful and prejudiced.

Mohamed Ali, head of the Spanish Federation of Islamic Religious Entities (Federación Española de Entidades Religosas Islámicas- FEERI), said Mecca is the most venerated place for Muslims all over the world.

“Muslims pray towards Mecca and it is there that the prophet received the holy Quran,” he said in a statement. “Calling a place for dancing and drinking by that name shows disregard to the feelings of Muslims.”

The inauguration of La Meca raised questions about Muslims who work there. In fact, a Moroccan man rejected an offer to work in the discotheque in protest of the name.

“It is up to him to decide,” Ali added. “It depends on his financial situation and whether he has the option to work in other places.”

" A discotheque is for worldly pleasures and what takes place inside it, like drinking alcohol, is not in line with the principles of Islam "
Founder of the Committee of Muslim Arbitration and Good Deeds Antonio García Petite.

Antonio García Petite, founder of the Committee of Muslim Arbitration and Good Deeds (Comité de Arbitraje Musulmán y Buenas Prácticas), said that the name Mecca is usually used commercially to refer to a center or destination of a specific activity.

“Expressions like ‘the Mecca of cinema’ and ‘the Mecca of Jazz’… etc. are commonly used without any offence,” he said.

However, he added, it is inappropriate to call a discotheque by that name.

“A discotheque is for worldly pleasures and what takes place inside it, like drinking alcohol, is not in line with the principles of Islam.”

As for the Moroccan worker, Petite said that he acted in accordance with his religious beliefs.

“We do support him in that,” he concluded.

FootBall time again

2010-09-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

'suicide' blast at hotel in Copenhagen

2010-09-10T11:22:00.000-07:00

BBC news reports

Danish police have detained a man injured by a small blast at a Copenhagen hotel amid media reports he was a would-be suicide bomber.

He suffered slight injuries on his face and arms and was arrested in a park where he is believed to have fled after the blast at the Jorgensens Hotel.

Police told the Associated Press news agency the blast had occurred in a toilet of the hotel.

The hotel is located about 90m (90 yds) from a busy railway station.

Police with sniffer dogs searched the park, Orstedsparken, and hotel, which was evacuated immediately after the explosion, Denmark's Politiken newspaper said on its website.

"We hope and believe that the person is the one who ran away from the hotel," police spokesman Moeller Jacobsen told AP.

He would not confirm several media reports, which suggested that the arrested man had tried to blow himself up, nor would he give details of the suspect's nationality.

The Jorgensens, described as a low-cost hotel, is located on Israel's Square, in the centre of the Danish capital. It is a short distance from Norreport Station.

Air Force buys six additional MQ-9 Reaper hunter-killer

2010-09-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio, 10 Sept. 2010. The U.S. Air Force is buying six more MQ-9 Reaper ground-attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) under terms of a $38.3 million contract awarded Thursday to manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems in Poway, Calif. Awarding the contract were officials of the Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

The MQ-9 Reaper hunter-killer UAV, which is flying in combat operations in Afghanistan, is a medium-to-high altitude, long endurance UAV designed for close air support, air interdiction, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

keep the hell raining down on these terrorist

Fla. minister cancels burning of Qurans on 9/11

2010-09-09T14:43:00.000-07:00

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The minister of a Florida church said he has canceled plans to burn copies of the Quran because the leader of a much-opposed plan to build an Islamic Center near ground zero has agreed to move its location. The agreement couldn't be immediately confirmed.

The Rev. Terry Jones said Thursday that Americans oppose the mosque being built at the location and that Muslims do not want the Quran burned. He said instead of his plan to burn the books on Saturday to mark the ninth anniversary of 9/11, he will be flying to New York to speak to Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf about moving the mosque.

"We are, of course, now against any other group burning Qurans," Jones said during a news conference. We would right now ask no one to burn Qurans. We are absolutely strong on that. It is not the time to do it."

Patriotism

2010-09-09T14:34:00.001-07:00

Ex-N. Korea Soldiers Launch Group To Topple Regime

2010-09-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

SEOUL - Former North Korean soldiers who have defected to the South formally launched a campaign Sept. 9 to topple the Pyongyang regime with the help of serving soldiers there.

The NK People's Liberation Front simulated the execution of the North's leader Kim Jong-Il at an inauguration ceremony held on the 62nd anniversary of the founding of North Korea.

It was attended by about 100 defectors who pledged to overthrow the regime with the help of military members still in the communist state

Hennessey Armored Ford Raptor SUV

2010-09-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

Hennessey's already made a nice side business building ridonculous supercharged and twin-turbocharged Raptors dubbed the VelociRaptor. Now Hennessey's getting into the armored car business with a modified Raptor built with a 6-to-8 passenger SUV body and armor-plating.

looks cool but would i drive one through the streets of iraq, HELL NO!!!!!

Castro says Cuban model doesn't work

2010-09-08T16:02:00.000-07:00

HAVANA – Fidel Castro told a visiting American journalist that Cuba's communist economic model doesn't work, a rare comment on domestic affairs from a man who has conspicuously steered clear of local issues since stepping down four years ago.

The fact that things are not working efficiently on this cash-strapped Caribbean island is hardly news. Fidel's brother Raul, the country's president, has said the same thing repeatedly. But the blunt assessment by the father of Cuba's 1959 revolution is sure to raise eyebrows.

Jeffrey Goldberg, a national correspondent for The Atlantic magazine, asked if Cuba's economic system was still worth exporting to other countries, and Castro replied: "The Cuban model doesn't even work for us anymore" Goldberg wrote Wednesday in a post on his Atlantic blog.

He said Castro made the comment casually over lunch following a long talk about the Middle East, and did not elaborate. The Cuban government had no immediate comment on Goldberg's account.

Since stepping down from power in 2006, the ex-president has focused almost entirely on international affairs and said very little about Cuba and its politics, perhaps to limit the perception he is stepping on his brother's toes.

Goldberg, who traveled to Cuba at Castro's invitation last week to discuss a recent Atlantic article he wrote about Iran's nuclear program, also reported on Tuesday that Castro questioned his own actions during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, including his recommendation to Soviet leaders that they use nuclear weapons against the United States.

Even after the fall of the Soviet Union, Cuba has clung to its communist system.

The state controls well over 90 percent of the economy, paying workers salaries of about $20 a month in return for free health care and education, and nearly free transportation and housing. At least a portion of every citizen's food needs are sold to them through ration books at heavily subsidized prices.

President Raul Castro and others have instituted a series of limited economic reforms, and have warned Cubans that they need to start working harder and expecting less from the government. But the president has also made it clear he has no desire to depart from Cuba's socialist system or embrace capitalism.

Fidel Castro stepped down temporarily in July 2006 due to a serious illness that nearly killed him.

He resigned permanently two years later, but remains head of the Communist Party. After staying almost entirely out of the spotlight for four years, he re-emerged in July and now speaks frequently about international affairs. He has been warning for weeks of the threat of a nuclear war over Iran.

Castro's interview with Goldberg is the only one he has given to an American journalist since he left office

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100908/ap_on_re_us/cb_cuba_fidel_castro

so what took him so long to figure that out????

Criminals Building Fake Police Cars/Trucks to commit crimes

2010-09-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

As police officers and other law enforcement agencies equip themselves with a wider array of vehicles, some lawbreakers have found a new tool to perpetrate their crimes: Fake police trucks.

The Ford F-150 above wears the decals of Webb County, Texas, and comes with working emergency lights. Yet something seemed off about it to U.S. Border Patrol agents in June, who stopped a driver wearing a sheriff's deputy uniform. Upon closer inspection, the badge was from a security guard and the cab of the truck concealed 1,000 pounds of marijuana.

Smugglers have long used faked vehicles to move their contraband, from Fed-Ex trucks to Dakar Rally racers. And it's not just cargo that's been hauled this way

In July, Border Patrol officers in California found a California Highway Patrol Dodge Ram like this one with a flat in Imperial County. The badges and decals were once again off just enough to make the officers suspicious; inside the camper top were nine illegal immigrants. The driver had abandoned the truck, which had not just working lights and bumper bar but faked CHP license plates.

The only way to fight these techniques appears to be relying on smugglers to keep their quality control shoddy - or for police agencies to buy harder to copy vehicles.

Iran pays $1,000 for each U.S. soldier killed by the Taliban

2010-09-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

Iran is paying Taliban fighters $1,000 for each U.S. soldier they kill in Afghanistan, according to a report in a British newspaper.

The Sunday Times described how a man it said was a "Taliban treasurer" had gone to collect $18,000 from an Iranian firm in Kabul, a reward it said was for an attack in July which killed several Afghan government troops and destroyed an American armored vehicle.

The treasurer left with the cash hidden in a sack of flour, the newspaper said, and then gave it to Taliban fighters in the province of Wardak. In the past six months, the treasurer claimed to have collected more than $77,000 from the company.

The Sunday Times said its investigation had found that at least five Kabul-based Iranian companies were secretly passing funds to the Taliban.

The newspaper's correspondent, Miles Amoore, said he met and interviewed the treasurer, who he said had been an illiterate farmer who was taught to read and write, plus basic accountancy, by the Taliban last winter.

another reason to nuke'em

India BrahMos Missile Test Was Successful

2010-09-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

India on Sept. 5 successfully tested a surface-to-surface version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, officials said.The missile, which India has developed jointly with Russia, was fired from a mobile launcher 125 miles (200 kilometers) northeast of Bhubaneswar, the capital of the eastern state of Orissa

"The test of surface-to-surface version of BrahMos was successful and matched all the mission objectives," according to S.P. Dash, director of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur-on-sea.

Last tested March 21, BrahMos has a range of 180 miles (290 kilometers) and can carry a 600-pound (300 kilogram) conventional warhead.

Russian prison

2010-09-05T11:43:00.001-07:00

iraqi field of U.S taxpayer-bought trucks stretching to the horizon

2010-09-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

Bosnia sending troops to Afghanistan

2010-09-04T12:09:00.000-07:00

Bosnia's national parliament on Wednesday endorsed a decision by the country's presidency to send a 45-man strong infantry unit to join the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan.

The Bosnian army unit will be deployed in October in Helmand province in southern of Afghanistan and will guard the Danish contingent's military base.

Sending troops to Afghanistan was one of the conditions NATO had placed on Bosnia's application to join the alliance's Membership Action Plan (MAP).

The True Muhammad the prophet

2010-08-27T19:18:00.000-07:00

Muhammad was wild and intolerant: He slayed infidels and wits who doubted his revelations; He was a War-lord: Involved in 78 wars out of which 71 were assault!!; He was a mass-murderer: Beheaded 600 Jews in a single day; Prophet was a sexual deviant and used sex as marketing tool: claimed that Jihadists would be blesse......d with 72 virgins in paradise!! He was pedophile: Consummated and fondled with a 9 year old Aisha! He was a womanizer: Had 15 wives in total, 11 at a time, then went on to marry his daughter-n-law!! He was a rapist: Himself raped women slaves and ordered his followers to do the same; He was a liar and deceiver: Claimed himself as a greatest and final prophet, among line of prophets. My friends, would still consider him true messenger of god???

more on ottawa terrorist

2010-08-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

link to whole story
http://www.canada.com/news/news/3450014/story.html

OTTAWA — The alleged plot behind this week's arrest of a group of suspected terrorists was to attack Parliament Hill and Montreal's subway system with bombs, says a former counterterrorism officer with the RCMP and CSIS.

Michel Juneau-Katsuya said he has learned that at least one of the suspects used Ottawa Public Library computers to communicate with other members of the Ottawa-based cell. Internet messages between the men triggered computer "sniffers" used to monitor electronic signals at Ottawa's Communication's Security Establishment, the national cryptologic agency, which alerted the Canadian Security Intelligence Service

28-year-old Khurram Syed Sher, who was born in Pakistan, has been arrested under suspicion of terrorism-related activities. He has previously tried out as a contestant on Canadian Idol, singing Avril Lavigne's Complicated and failing to move to the next round.

Two of the accused — Hiva Alizadeh, 30, a former electrical engineering technology student, and Misbahuddin Ahmed, 26, an X-ray technician, both of Ottawa, were arrested Wednesday. The third, Khurram Syed Sher, 28, a doctor who once auditioned for Canadian Idol, was arrested in London, Ont., Thursday.

Hiva Alizadeh faces a separate charge of making or having an explosive substance — which can include IED components — in his possession with the intent to endanger life or cause serious damage. He is also accused of being a member of a group with links to the conflict in Afghanistan and allegedly received overseas training in building and detonating IEDs, said Therriault.

Raids on Alizadeh's and Ahmed's Ottawa homes Wednesday uncovered more than 50 circuit boards police believe were intended to remotely trigger detonators for IEDs.

Also seized was a "vast quantity" of schematics, videos, drawings, instructions and electronic components for IEDs

WHEN ARE PEOPLE GONNA WAKE UP, THESE PEOPLE WANT TO KILL YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

15 Million Americans Freeloaders?

2010-08-27T05:42:00.000-07:00

15 million American households, about 10 percent of all taxpayers, receive more cash from the IRS than they contribute in federal income taxes and employment taxes

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2010/08/millions-of-american-taxpayers-make-money-off-federal-taxes/62056/

Muslim Soldier refuses Deployment

2010-08-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

OH MY FUCKING GOD

A U.S. Army soldier wants to leave the military service as a conscientious objector based on his beliefs as a Muslim, but he said he's concerned he may be deployed to Afghanistan anyway.

Pfc. Naser Abdo, a 20-year-old infantryman assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky., said Monday that if the military orders him to deploy, he will refuse to go despite the fact that it may result in a military charge against him

why the fuck would you join infantry then???? if you did'nt want to go to afghan or iraq

"We have two things that I believe make us American: That's freedom of religion and freedom of choice," Abdo told Channel 4 News. "I've come to the conclusion that the consequences I would face of refusing deployment are a lot less than the consequences I would face should I go. I don't think I'd be able to live with myself if I deployed."

"freedom of choice" did you forget you signed the dotted line ???????????

FACEPALM

link with video
http://www.wsmv.com/news/24733839/detail.html

ISAF says 2700 Taliban captured or killed in the last 90 days

2010-08-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

The International Security Assistance Force claimed today that the high tempo of operations against the Taliban over the past three months has put a dent in morale among the Taliban ranks. Also, ISAF provides an estimate on the number of Taliban leaders and fighters killed and captured ("365 insurgent leaders and 2,386 fighters") over the past 90 days.

http://www.longwarjournal.org/threat-matrix/archives/2010/08/low_morale_in_taliban_ranks_du.php

Two arrested in Ottawa terrorism probe

2010-08-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

The RCMP has arrested two people, and more arrests are expected, in a terrorism probe in Ottawa.

Search warrants were executed Wednesday morning at around 8 a.m., and police search teams were reportedly at two different sites in the city’s west-end.

One source said police believe the group being targeted resembles a smaller, less mature version of the “Toronto 18” – the group of young extremists arrested in Canada's largest city in 2006

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle1684907/

Indian police attacked in kashmir

2010-08-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

i know this is a daily thing there but what pissed me off is the end with the indian policemen left behind to be attacked, and the fact the he HAD A DAMN GUN AND DIDNT USE IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Citizens Revolt Against Indian Soldiers

Wait… isn’t that a villain from ‘Temple of Doom?’ If this is the new Indiana Jones it sure as hell better be better than that last hunk of shit with Shia Lebouf.

Get humor videos at NothingToxic

how not to flee from a car accident

2010-08-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

Colombia army ambush FARC guerrilla

2010-08-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

U.S Looks at Closing U.S. Air Force Bases Overseas

2010-08-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

"We are looking at [if we can afford overseas bases]," said a board member who agreed to talk with Air Force Times on background.

Three months ago, Defense Secretary Robert Gates ordered the Pentagon's military and civilian leaders to find $102 billion in savings over the next five years - roughly 3.4 percent of the Pentagon's requested appropriations - and shift the money to the war-fighting effort.

Gates' predecessor, Donald Rumsfeld, wanted to close more than a third of the bases overseas and move 170,000 service members and their families back to the U.S.

Air Force Special Operations Command considered moving its 352nd Special Operations Group at RAF Mildenhall, England, and 353rd Special Operations Group at Kadena Air Base, Japan, to Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., said Lt. Gen. Mike Wooley, former AFSOC commander.

Today, support is building in Congress to close installations in Europe and Asia.

A bipartisan group of four congressmen sponsored the task force, which found the U.S. could save $80 billion if it reduced its military presence in Europe and Asia by a third.

Members of the Sustainable Defense Task Force, mostly Washington defense analysts, testified at a July 20 hearing of the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on their findings, compiled in a report titled "Debt, Deficits, and Defense: A Way Forward."

"We continue to try to get a clear picture from the department of the actual number of overseas military bases we have, as well the strategic rationale for each location," said Rep. John Tierney, D-Mass, the subcommittee chairman. "Time after time, we see opportunities for increased efficiency, less waste and better use of taxpayer money."

Under the task force's proposal, about 50,000 service members would go.

The Air Force would cut one fighter wing and 10,000 airmen, according to the report. The task force also recommended eliminating one Army Brigade Combat Team from Europe and pulling back 7,000 Marines and 9,000 sailors stationed overseas.

"Our allies can afford to defend themselves. The Cold War is over," said Benjamin Friedman, who served on the task force. "Time has come for all our allies to carry the burden of their defense."

full article here
http://defensenews.com/story.php?i=4746319&c=AME&s=TOP

Rifle Bandoleer (Holds 6)

2010-08-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

blackhawk

• Perfect for First Responders in “Active Shooter” scenarios
• Ambidextrous shoulder rig with HawkTex™ non-slip pad
• Stabilizing quick-release waist strap
• Holds six M-16/M4 magazines (3 in front and 3 in back)
MSRP: $57.99
http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Rifle-Bandoleer-Holds-6,859,1388.htm

Pakistan press blames USA for floods

2010-08-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

ol'lord

http://www.pakalertpress.com/2010/08/06/pakistan-flood-photos-haarp-fingerprints-found-allover/

We have investigated this matter and concluded that HAARP has recently been used in NW area of Pakistan .. the choice of starting point was perfect.. all the flood is going in downstream i.e. Khyber (Hills) to Karachi (Sea)… it is designed to submerge entire Pakistan and bring up the worst crises and chaos ever happened.. they know they cant win a war with Nuclear armed Pakistan – it would be a mutual destruction, so they have other ways to do it!.

i dont know what to say about this, i would have thought they would have blamed it on india or the evil juice

U.S. Special Forces ordered to shave off beards

2010-08-08T21:56:00.000-07:00

KABUL, Afghanistan - U.S. Special Operations Forces have had countless close shaves this month - not just with the enemy, but with razors and foamy cream.

After almost a decade of growing long beards as a show of deep respect for Afghanistan's male-dominated, bearded tribal culture, many of these elite warriors have been ordered by top brass to shave their faces clean.

Some veteran special ops troops fear they face a harder time getting taken seriously by local leaders they depend upon for intel about their bearded enemy, the Taliban.

"Now we look no different than the Brits or Russians before us," a dewhiskered Green Beret team leader with five Afghanistan tours told the Daily News, referring to two countries whose past wars here ended badly. "Growing a beard dramatically helps us."

Even former Afghan war commander Gen. Stanley McChrystal "should have grown a beard" to help win over the tribes, argued the Green Beret, who cannot be identified because of his mission.

Long beards, khaki ball caps and Oakley wraparound sunglasses have long been the iconic image of U.S. secret warriors here

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/2010/08/08/2010-08-08_decision_hanging_on_a_whisker.html#ixzz0w57yV74R

this sucks, beards are cool

Iraqi-purchased M1A1s roll off production line, head to Iraq

2010-08-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

The first shipment of 140 M1A1 Abrams tanks purchased by the Government of Iraq from the U.S. rolled off the production line in Lima, Ohio, this month and is being loaded in Charleston, S.C., onto a ship bound for Iraq.

Eleven M1A1 Abrams tanks, along with an M88A2 recovery vehicle, are scheduled to arrive in Iraq in August. The remaining 129 tanks and seven recovery vehicles will be delivered before December 2011.

According to Army Lt. Col. Tom Bentzel, Iraq Foreign Military Sales director for Project Manager Heavy Brigade Combat Team, the tanks will be transitioned to the Iraqis at the Besmaya Combat Training Center. Once fielded, the Iraqi Army is expected to integrate the tanks into the 9th Iraqi Army Mechanized Division located in central Iraq.

“The delivery of these tanks is a significant milestone which begins to establish Iraq’s conventional defensive capabilities,” said Army Lt. Gen. Michael D. Barbero, Deputy Commanding General, Advising and Training. “A secure and stable Iraq that has the capability to defend its sovereignty will be a stabilizing influence in the region.”

The Iraqi Army and U.S. Army have been working together since 2009 to familiarize Iraqi tank crewmembers with the Abrams tank in anticipation of the Iraqi tanks’ arrival. Sixty-five crews are already trained. Iraqi crewmembers are also scheduled to receive a complete new equipment training package in conjunction with the fielding of the tanks.

The Government of Iraq purchased the equipment under a Foreign Military Sales agreement with the U.S. government. “We are proud to deliver the best tank in the world to our Iraqi counterparts,” Bentzel said.

IRAQI'S WITH ABRAMS

Dutch intelligence agency ran extremist website

2010-08-07T13:52:00.000-07:00

http://www.rnw.nl/english/bulletin/dutch-security-force-ran-extremist-website

The Dutch press have reported that the Netherlands’ General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) – which focuses mostly on domestic non-military threats to Dutch national security – ran a website for Muslim extremists for close to six months, in a bid to track radical Muslims. The site was a success but had to be closed down a short time ago, when it was discovered that visitors to it were making plans to hack other websites.

The fake site was set up by an IT specialist, who also proposed its construction to the AIVD. A few months after it began, the site boasted 150 active members. According to daily newspaper De Telegraaf, subjects discussed by members included: How can we stay clear of the security services? How can we communicate safely? How fast can we kill our server if we need to?

im sure ever country is doing the same, but this is the first one to come to light

Al-Qaida in Iraq offers cash to lure former allies

2010-08-06T20:27:00.000-07:00

BAGHDAD — Al-Qaida in Iraq has begun offering cash to lure back former Sunni allies angry over the government's failure to give them jobs and pay their salaries on time, according to Sunni tribesmen and Iraqi officials.
The recruitment drive adds to worries that the terror network is attempting a comeback after the deaths of its two top leaders in April and is taking advantage of a summer of uncertainty. The political stalemate in Baghdad is entering its sixth month after inconclusive elections, just as the U.S. military is rapidly drawing down its forces.
Al-Qaida's strategy is to provoke the Shiite majority into launching revenge attacks, a development that could re-ignite open warfare, split the Iraqi security forces along sectarian lines and cement al-Qaida's leadership role among Sunnis.

Money: For when Allah just isn't a good enough reason to kill people.

Military dog feels the stress of war

2010-08-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — Gina was a playful 2-year-old German shepherd when she went to Iraq as a highly trained bomb-sniffing dog with the military, conducting door-to-door searches and witnessing all sorts of noisy explosions.

She returned home to Colorado cowering and fearful. When her handlers tried to take her into a building, she would stiffen her legs and resist. Once inside, she would tuck her tail beneath her body and slink along the floor. She would hide under furniture or in a corner to avoid people.

A military veterinarian diagnosed with her post-traumatic stress disorder — a condition that some experts say can afflict dogs just like it does humans.

Afghan Special Forces

2010-07-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

10 black and white pics of afghan soldiers non-special forces but still cool

Armorcoat Window Film

2010-07-28T18:15:00.000-07:00

Armorcoat Safety Window Film Reinforces Glass Reducing Chances of Injury and Property Damage

No matter what type of building you’re in – a home or office, corner store or corporate skyscraper – your glass and windows pose the biggest threat to your safety. Anything from a stray tree branch to a violent storm can send dangerous shards of glass flying, subjecting people and property to serious damage, injury or worse. That’s why so many home and business owners rely on the protection provided by durable Armorcoat safety window films.Armorcoat safety film is made from only the highest quality materials, such as tough, high tensile polyester and ultra-strong mounting adhesives – available in thickness ranging from 4 to 14 Mil (.004” to .014” or 100 to 350 microns). It comes in optically clear and solar control versions. Plus, stronger glass resilience can be achieved with attachment system options. Your independent Armorcoat dealer will help you select the right level of protection for your property from our wide variety of thickness, tints and performance levels.Armorcoat has passed some of the most stringent government and consumer testing to provide effective window protection, blast mitigation and overall window safety. Also popularly referred to as glass fragment retention, anti-shatter film and Mylar, Armorcoat is the preferred window protection product among home and business owners, and property managers worldwide. Put Armorcoat safety window film on guard for you!

You can count on Armorcoat for these valuable benefits:

■Reinforces Glass
■Helps Keep Broken Glass In Place
■Reduces Chances Of Injury and property damage
■Works 24-Hours A Day, 365 Days A Year
■Blocks 99% Of Damaging Ultraviolet Lig

Armorcoat safety window films have passed some of the toughest government and consumer testing to provide effective hurricane window protection, blast mitigation and overall window safety, making it one of the best investments for homeowners in high risk areas, commercial buildings, and government facilities. The resilient layers of high-tensile polyester, aggressive adhesives, ultraviolet inhibitors and scratch-resistant coatings provide exceptional blast mitigation and impact resistant capabilities – with thicker films offering greater protecti

Hurricane Resistance Armorcoat 8Mil safety and security film has met the most stringent hurricane mitigation tests. These standard tests, ASTM 1886/1996 Large Missile Impact Level “C” or 4.5lb missile, ensure that Armorcoat 8Mil safety and security films offer the best protection money can buy. Conducted on 3/16” tempered glass with wind speeds up to 140 mph, these tests give property owners in hurricane prone areas the peace of mind that only comes with 24x7 window reinforcements through window film. Solar Gard Armorcoat 8Mil safety and security film is ideal for proactively safeguarding glass in residential properties up to 30 feet in heigh

Human Impact Standards

To increase public safety, lawmakers developed human impact standards mandating specific strength levels for glass. To reach the required levels, glass had to be tempered or heat strengthened, however annealed glass needs window film or other enhancements to achieve compliance when necessary. The two most commonly accepted human impact standards are:

■American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z 97.1 – testing involves glass impact of 100 and 150 foot pounds, the standard most commonly used for residential applications. Armorcoat films 4 Mil or thicker passed!
■Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) Code Federal Regulations (CFR) 1201, category II – testing involves glass impact of 400 foot pounds, the standard more commonly used for commercial applications. Armorcoat films 7 Mil or thicker passed!

Bomb Blast Testing
Untreated Glass - broken glass shards are airborne at a high velocity
Glass With Armorcoat Film - film holds broken glass together with minimal airborne shards
Glass With Armorcoat Film and Attachment System - film holds together glass shards; glass is retained in frame
Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), an independent research and product-testing firm, conducted high-explosive tests to evaluate the capability of Armorcoat safety and security film to reduce the hazards of flying glass shards during an explosion. ARA detonated the equivalent of 500 pounds of TNT just 60 yards from framed glass samples with and without Armorcoat film. The unprotected glass shattered and projected upon impact, while the Armorcoat-protected glass remained safely within the frame. See this dramatic testing footage for yourself!

http://www.armorcoatfilms.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/Products.Test_Results/Products-Test_Results.htm

U.S ARMY new afghan kit

2010-07-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

2 American troops missing in eastern Afghanistan

2010-07-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

Two U.S. troops are missing in eastern Afghanistan, a military official said Saturday. An Afghan official said one may have been killed and the other captured by the Taliban

hoping for a safe return

France failed attempt rescue hostage in mali

2010-07-22T15:37:00.000-07:00

Mauritanian special forces backed by French troops early Thursday failed in an attempt to liberate the Al Qaeda French hostage Michel Germaneau in the desert of northern Mali, according to diplomatic sources. La organización terrorista dio un ultimátum a Francia que expira dentro de cinco días. The terrorist organization issued an ultimatum to France, which expires in five days.

to bad they did'nt find him :/ but keeping sticking it to those terrorist scum

6.7l powerstroke diesel could make 800lbsft of TQ

2010-07-19T14:10:00.000-07:00

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2010/07/sources-say-ford-planning-800-pounds-feet-of-torque-for-6-7-power-stroke-diesel.html

The envelope for diesel power in heavy-duty pickup trucks continues to expand. In 2005, Dodge and Cummins broke the 600 pounds-feet of torque barrier. Earlier this year, 700 pounds-feet was shattered by both Ford and General Motors. Now, sources say 800 pounds-feet could fall before the end of 2010.

The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD pickups are the current kings of the hill with their 397 horsepower and 765 pounds-feet of torque 6.6-liter 'LML' Duramax V-8 engines. But as we first reported in March, Ford is said to be working on a major power boost for the all-new 390 horsepower, 735 pounds-feet 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 diesel

EU Training Somali recruits in Uganda

2010-07-17T11:18:00.001-07:00

Canada to buy 65 F-35 jet fighters

2010-07-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/100716/business/cbusiness_us_fighters

Canada will buy 65 new fighter jets from Lockheed Martin Corp for C$9 billion ($8.6 billion), one of the biggest arms deals in the nation's history, Defense Minister Peter MacKay said on Friday.

The first of the new generation Joint Strike Fighters will be delivered in 2016. The F-35s are designed to replace Canada's CF-18s, which are scheduled to reach the end of their working lives in about 2020.

MacKay brushed off criticism from opposition legislators who say the planes are too expensive and who question why Lockheed Martin received a sole-source contract.

"This is the best aircraft we can provide our men and women in uniform ... This is one of the largest defense procurement projects in Canadian history," MacKay told a news conference.

2011 Chevrolet Corvette takes jab at NASA's funding cuts

2010-07-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

FN FAL

2010-07-15T12:58:00.001-07:00

The Fusil Automatique Léger ("Light Automatic Rifle") or FAL is a self-loading, selective fire battle rifle produced by the Belgian armaments manufacturer Fabrique Nationale de Herstal (FN). During the Cold War it was adopted by many North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries, with the notable exception of the United States. It is one of the most widely used rifles in history, having been used by over 90 countries

The FAL was predominantly chambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO round, and because of its prevalence and widespread use among the armed forces of many NATO countries during the Cold War it was nicknamed "the right arm of the Free World".

The FAL operates by means of a gas-operated action very similar to that of the Russian SVT-40. The gas system is driven by a short-stroke, spring-loaded piston housed above the barrel, and the locking mechanism is what is known as a tilting breechblock. To lock, it drops down into a solid shoulder of metal in the heavy receiver much like the bolts of the Russian SKS carbine and French MAS-49 series of semi-automatic rifles. The gas system is fitted with a gas regulator behind the front sight base, allowing adjustment of the gas system in response to environmental conditions, and can be closed completely to allow for the firing of rifle grenades. The FAL's magazine capacity ranges from 5 to 30 rounds, with most magazines holding 20 rounds. In fixed stock versions of the FAL, the recoil spring is housed in the stock, while in folding-stock versions it is housed in the receiver cover, necessitating a slightly different receiver cover, recoil spring, and bolt carrier, and a modified lower receiver for the stock.[3]

FAL rifles have also been manufactured in both light and heavy-barrel configurations, with the heavy barrel intended for automatic fire as a section or squad light support weapon. Most heavy barrel FALs are equipped with bipods, although some light barrel models were equipped with bipods, such as the Austrian StG58 and the German G1, and a bipod was later made available as an accessory.

Among other 7.62x51mm NATO battle rifles at the time, the FN FAL had relatively light recoil, due to the gas system being able to be tuned via regulator in fore-end of the rifle, which allowed for excess gas which would simply increase recoil to bleed off. In fully-automatic mode, however, the shooter receives considerable abuse from recoil, and the weapon climbs off-target quickly, making automatic fire only of marginal effectiveness. Many military forces using the FAL eventually eliminated full-automatic firearms training in the light-barrel FAL.

Type Battle rifle
Place of origin Belgium
In service 1953–present
Used by See Users
Wars Vietnam War
Cambodian Civil War
Six-Day War
Portuguese Colonial War
South African Border War
Northern Ireland Troubles
Rhodesian Bush War
Falklands War
Gulf War
Balkan Wars
Cenepa War
Sierra Leone Civil War
Yom Kippur War
Rwandan Civil War

Designer Dieudonné Saive, Ernest Vervier
Designed 1947–1953
Manufacturer Fabrique Nationale (FN)
Produced 1953–present (IMBEL only)
Number built 2,000,000+ [1]
Variants See Variants
Specifications
Weight FAL 50.00: 4.3 kg (9.48 lb)
FAL 50.61: 3.90 kg (8.6 lb)
FAL 50.63: 3.79 kg (8.4 lb)
FAL 50.41: 5.95 kg (13.1 lb)

Length FAL 50.00 (fixed stock): 1,090 mm (42.9 in)
FAL 50.61 (stock extended): 1,095 mm (43.1 in)
FAL 50.61 (stock folded): 845 mm (33.3 in)
FAL 50.63 (stock extended): 998 mm (39.3 in)
FAL 50.63 (stock folded): 748 mm (29.4 in)
FAL 50.41 (fixed stock): 1,125 mm (44.3 in)

Barrel length FAL 50.00: 533 mm (21.0 in)
FAL 50.61: 533 mm (21.0 in)
FAL 50.63: 436 mm (17.2 in)
FAL 50.41: 533 mm (21.0 in)

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

Cartridge 7.62x51mm NATO
Action Gas-operated, tilting breechblock
Rate of fire 650–700 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity FAL 50.00: 840 m/s (2,756 ft/s)
FAL 50.61: 840 m/s (2,755.9 ft/s)
FAL 50.63: 810 m/s (2,657.5 ft/s)
FAL 50.41: 840 m/s (2,755.9 ft/s)
Effective range 200–600 m sight adjustments
Feed system 20 or 30-round detachable box magazine
Sights Aperture rear sight, post front sight
553 mm (21.8 in) sight radius (FAL 50.00, FAL 50.41)
549 mm (21.6 in) sight radius (FAL 50.61, FAL 50.63)

USERS
Angola
Argentina
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Bolivia
Botswana
Brazil
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Chad
Chile
Colombia
Congo
Costa Rica
Cyprus
Democratic Republic of Congo
Djibouti
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Fiji
Gambia
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Honduras
India
Ireland
Israel
Jamaica
Kenya
Kuwait
Liberia
Libya
Luxembourg
Malawi
Malaysia
Malta
Mexico
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Nepal
Netherlands
Nigeria(Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria) in Nigeria as the NR-1.
Oman
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines: Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
Portugal
Rwanda
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Suriname
Swaziland
Syria
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
United Arab Emirates
Uruguay
Venezuela
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

"AK is for the masses and the FAL is for the classes"

new pic

2010-07-14T14:37:00.001-07:00

how do ya like the new blog pic ??????

V-Hull Stryker

2010-07-12T17:39:00.000-07:00

http://defensenews.com/story.php?i=4704549&c=AME&s=LAN

The Pentagon has approved the next step in the U.S. Army's effort to quickly build and field Stryker infantry combat vehicles with a hull designed to better protect against roadside bombs in Afghanistan.

In a July 6 memo, Pentagon acquisition executive Ashton Carter authorized the Army to spend up to $99 million to purchase early order material for 330 vehicles.

about damn time!!!!!!!!

The Navy Reveals Secret Device to Defeat IEDs

2010-07-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military/news/navy-reveals-secret-device-to-destroy-ieds

Last week the Pentagon revealed the existence of a new weapon in the war against roadside bombs: a beam of radio-frequency energy that can detonate hidden Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at a distance.

And its creators say the potential does not stop there—the beam could be also used to set off other types of warheads before they reached their target. In theory it might be used to set off ammunition before the enemy even has a chance to fire. "The capabilities are not limited to improvised devices," Lee Mastroianni, program manager at the Office of Naval Research (ONR), told Popular Mechanics

it's much needed, thats for sure

Marom Dolphin Special Forces Combatant Vest

2010-07-04T08:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.zahal.org/

The Marom-Dolphin Special Forces Combatant Vest is specifically designed to meet the needs of the IDF in the 21st century, it can be used in urban, woodland and desert conditions. Constantly improved after the Second Lebanon War this is the most battle tested product we can offer.

4 front lower pouches hold 3 rifle mags (M16/AK 47/Galil) per pouch-(total of 12 rifle mags).
4 single pistol mag pouches 1 on each side of rifle mag pouches.
3 front upper pouches holds grenades -flares-radio.
Map or radio codes compartment
1 front left pouch holds flashlight.
2-front right pouches holds first-aid, grenades, flares or 4 pistol mag pouches.
Top rear pouch with internal pouch holds complete radio system or first aid or other gear.
Passage for communication device wires, antenna or water vessel.
2 rear pouchs hold water canteens (not included).
Lower rear pouch, holds rope-gear.
External elastic strap for helmet.
Padded adjustable shoulders for perfect height.
High quality velcro closures and quick release snaps.
Side adjustable straps to adjust girth for a perfect fit.

Price: $225.00

2010-07-04T05:14:00.001-07:00

AMERICA FUCK YEAH

programmable matter (Transformers)

2010-07-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

Pentagon scientists working with MIT and Harvard researchers have developed a paper-thin shape-shifting structure capable of transforming into a toy boat or a paper plane by itself. This development is of course the first step towards real-life Transformers.

The system is the result of DARPA research kicked off in 2007 to investigate the possibilities of creating programmable matter capable of forming everything from a wrench to body armor. This is the first result from the work, a kind of programmable origami made from stiff polymer tiles and 25 thin foil actuators. In function, a programmer creates the desired three-dimensional shape, the system analyzes the shape, determines the steps necessary to get there, and proceeds to fold up on its own. Researches hope to use this kind of technology to develop better armor, on-site replacement parts, and vehicles which can adapt to an environment on the fly. One day they hope to be able to create an amorphous material without such joints, more of a fluid which mold itself into any kind of shape on command

Saudi king wants advanced F-15s to counter 'Iranian threat'

2010-06-30T11:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtri...0587_06_29.asp

Saudi king to press Obama for advanced F-15s to counter 'Iranian threat'

WASHINGTON — Saudi Arabia has submitted an urgent request for advanced F-15 fighter-jets from the United States

Officials said the Saudi request would be discussed during King Abdullah's meeting with President Barack Obama on June 29. They said the 86-year-old king was expected to sign an agreement in principle to purchase the F-15s in a deal estimated at nearly $10 billion.

Officials said the Saudi royal family has relayed a request for 72 F-15s, manufactured by Boeing. They said the F-15s would comprise the most advanced models, including stealth platforms.

"This has been high on the Saudi agenda," an official said. "The Saudis want these planes quickly."

"The deal would also include Saudi financing of a stealth F-15," the official said. "Right now, the U.S. Air Force is not interested in such a plane."

Officials said Abdullah has demanded the rapid implementation of U.S. weapons deals. They acknowledged that the Defense Department, amid the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, has been mired in huge delays regarding the delivery of more than $10 billion in Saudi weapons orders.

"The Saudis want to buy [American warplanes], but they won't tolerate delays," the official said. "They have reminded us that they could turn to Europe and get advanced aircraft within three years of a contract.

Saudis want F-15 Silent Eagle badly and is willing to finance its development so that they could get the first plane within 3 years.

"Saudis want F-15 Silent Eagle badly and is willing to finance its development so that they could get the first plane within 3 years." so i guessing they are getting ready for when the SHTF, experts say iran could possibly have a nuke in 3-5 years which is why they want them with in the next 3 years

Springfield Armory SOCOM II

2010-06-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

Springfield's SOCOM 16 is the shortened version of its M1A that was built by military request. The 16-inch-barreled .308 sports a four-inch MIL-STD 1913 rail attached about 8 3/4 inches behind the front sight to accept a long-eye-relief scope, making the gun suitable for either close-quarters combat or long-range engagements, but according to some, a shortcoming of the SOCOM is the lack of rails for attaching accessories.

In response, Springfield developed the SOCOM II. One version has a MIL-STD 1913 rail running along the top of the barrel from the front of the receiver to just 2 1/4 inches behind the front sight. Another version extends the rail to the rear of the receiver and can accommodate a scope with standard eye relief. Springfield then adds rails to the bottom and both sides of the fore-end. The rail system can be removed in a matter of seconds by retracting two spring-loaded latches, revealing the standard fiberglass stock available in either black or Urban Camo. I received the Extended Cluster Rail version for testing.

The SOCOM II action is identical to the M14, using a gas piston and rotating bolt, except that a muzzle brake has been added. It sounds easy to shorten a rifle, but just lopping off the end of the barrel reduces gas pressure and affects functioning, so the muzzle brake, which also acts as a pressure chamber, was added to ensure proper cycling

The rear sight is a military aperture that is fully adjustable for elevation and windage and moves the point of impact one minute of angle per click. At the other end, protected by sturdy wings, is a post front sight with tritium insert to aid in low light. The gun accepts any M14 magazine. The test gun's two-stage military trigger broke at six pounds, two ounces.

Immediately after receiving the test gun, I contacted Vltor Weapon Systems for its recently developed M14 Modstock, which sports a buttstock that is adjustable for both height and length of pull, a quick-detachable sling swivel on both sides and a pistol grip made by Tango Down. I added a Surefire Model 900 combat light with its own vertical foregrip, a Wilderness Single Point Sling, an Aimpoint Comp M3 with two-MOA dot combat optic and an Aimpoint 3XMag magnifier.

So how did it shoot? Well, off the bench at 50 yards the best group average was 1.2 inches with Hornady 155-grain TAP, but all ammunition used performed well within acceptable limits.

This gun has an effective range of 300 to 400 yards, perhaps more depending on the aiming device and the ability of the shooter. At the Scottsdale Gun Club, I conducted close-quarter combat drills consisting of quickly acquiring and shooting targets at ranges from three to 25 yards and found the SOCOM II to be fast, accurate and easy to aim.

IMPORTER: Springfield Armory
TYPE: Gas-operated semiauto
CALIBER: .308
CAPACITY: 5, 10, 20 possibly 30
WEIGHT (oz.): 10 3/4
SIGHTS: Aperture rear, tritium post front
PRICE: $2,006

m14 EBR pretty much the same thing

BAE Systems Anti-Aircraft Missile Jammer

2010-06-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

By Joe Pappalardo

new device, called Boldstroke, is the solution to a problem the Army does not want to have: the threat of advanced shoulder-fired missiles to American helicopters

There's a laser-guided antiaircraft missile jammer sitting on the table of the conference room in the office of Popular Mechanics. It comes in a medium-size box, weighing in at about 30 pounds, topped with a clear hemisphere housing a prominent mirror mounted on a 360-degree gimbal. Peering inside the dome, a viewer can see a network of other mirrors that bounce light from a laser housed below, directing the beam to the main lens affixed to the gimbal. This prototype is the only one in the world, and this is the first time its inventors, BAE Systems, have brought it out of the lab for a journalist to paw over.

The device, called Boldstroke, is the solution to a problem the Army does not want to have. The threat of advanced shoulder-fired missiles to American helicopters is a nightmare, one that hearkens to the defeat of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, where U.S. supplied Stinger missiles downed an estimated 250 Russian helicopters over two years. Shoulder-fired missiles with infrared tracking can rightfully take their place next to improvised explosive devices, sniper rifles and car bombs as gold-standard tools of asymmetric warfare.

Insurgents in Iraq have used SA-7s, shoulder-fired missiles tipped with infrared homing devices, against U.S. and British aircraft. But there are more sophisticated threats out there, like the SA-16, which has a sensitive seeker that adds ultraviolet tracking to IR seekers in order to ignore flares that aircraft fire to spoof the missiles. The SA-16 is available on the black market.

In 2008, something happened that triggered an increase in helo protection, and the Army commissioned BAE to fast-track a system that uses lasers to blind the seekers in infrared missiles. Exactly what prompted the request, called a Quick Reaction Contract, is classified. But it's not a leap to assume that intelligence reports or an actual attack set the wheels in motion. By the end of 2009 BAE delivered its first Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasure (ATRICM) to the Army for use on its CH-47 Chinooks. ATRICM fires a pencil-thin multiband laser at frequencies that blind IR seekers scanning for targets in those same frequencies. The Pentagon recently confirmed to Aviation Week that the defensive system thwarted an IR missile attack on a Chinook, and BAE officials tell PM that the attack occurred within weeks of weeks of ATIRM's arrival in Iraq. The Army is on track to outfit its fleet of Chinooks in Iraq and Afghanistan with the protective system by the end of the year.

Helicopters are a deciding factor in both Iraq and Afghanistan—more so in Afghanistan, where roads are lacking and helos are used for resupply as well as combat missions. The crucial rotorcraft that ferries troops and supplies is the Chinook, but they depend on massive engines to haul their heavy loads. Those engines produce a lot of heat, enough to attract the attention of even modest missile seekers. “There is a huge IR signature from Chinooks,” says Ernest Keirstead, the director of BAE's Boldstroke program.

That brings us back to the prototype on the conference-room table. BAE has created Boldstroke to improve on ATIRCM. It's lighter, has fewer moving optical parts and uses mirrors instead of a physical “light pipe” to shoot its laser. Instead of three boxes, the entire unit is housed in one box. A helicopter with a Boldstroke system mounted on either side of the helicopter would have 360 degrees of protection. And the 360 gimbaled mirror is an improvement on the two-axis steering of the currently deployed ATIRCM.

The Boldstroke rollout is coinciding as simple, unguided rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) continue to take their toll on helicopters during takeoff and landing. In early June a NATO helicopter was felled by a pair of RPGs, killing four soldiers. It is not the first such successful attack. BAE officials say they have dedicated money in-house to investigating how to modify current detection systems that could warn pilots of the approach of an RPG. The key, again, is heat from the rocket, which could be tracked by BAE's existing thermal sensors. Instead of a laser countermeasure, the system could warn pilot where the missile is coming from and allow for some evasive action.

BAE has sunk $70 million over the last three years on upgrading its lab and production infrastructure at its Nashua, N.H., facilities. They are betting—with good reason—that more work will come their way as IR missile threats proliferate. That could mean deploying similar systems on commercial airplanes as well as a wider variety of military aircraft

UAE Rafale Talks Moving Ahead: French Minister

2010-06-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

PARIS - Technical talks on the sale of Rafale fighters to the United Arab Emirates are wrapping up, Defense Minister Herve Morin said June 15, adding that France was likely to pick up part of modernization costs.

Regarding the improvements that the UAE is seeking to the multi-role aircraft, Morin said on France Info radio "that's a discussion we've been engaged in for months and which is in the course of being finalized

Talks on acquiring the latest-generation French-made fighters began after the UAE expressed interest in 2008 in replacing its 60 aging Mirage fighters.

The Rafale, made by Dassault, has yet to clinch a single overseas sale and is in competition with Sweden's Gripen NG by Saab and the F/A-18 Super Hornet manufactured by U.S. giant Boeing.

The deal for 36 fighter planes is estimated to be worth between four and seven billion dollars, depending on details of armaments, maintenance and peripheral industrial involvement.

Turkey To Buy 9 European A129 Attack Helicopters

2010-06-16T06:45:00.000-07:00

ANKARA - Turkey will launch urgent talks to buy nine A129 Mangusta attack helicopters from the Italian-British manufacturer AgustaWestland to fight separatist Kurds operating in an area near the country's borders with Iraq and Iran, a key Turkish official announced late Tuesday

F-35 Lightning II Intelligent Laser System

2010-06-14T07:11:00.000-07:00

Not your typical paint job. The F-35 Lightning II is the most advanced combat aircraft ever built. Cutting edge technologies, including robotics, are used in it's manufacturing. Even painting the aircraft with radar-evading coatings is accomplished with precise instrumentation guided by lasers.

Saudis permit Israeli jets to pass over to Iran

2010-06-12T04:50:00.000-07:00

Report: Saudis permit Israeli jets to pass over to Iran

London Times reports Saudis carry out defense missile tests aimed at allowing Israeli warplanes to pass through airspace on way to bomb nuclear facilities in Iran. 'We will let them through and see nothing,' says source Ynet Published: 06.12.10, 08:42 / Israel News
Saudi Arabia has carried out tests of its missile defense systems aimed at allowing Israeli warplanes to pass over its territory on their way to strike nuclear facilities in Iran, defense sources in the Persian Gulf told the London Times Saturday.

Panic in Tehran grows as Ahmadinejad’s imaginary world crumbles

Passing over Saudi Arabia would shorten the flight to the Islamic Republic. According to the report, the missile tests were carried out in order to ensure that Israeli planes will not be shot down while flying over the kingdom's territory.
In 2009 the London Times reported that Mossad chief Meir Dagan held talks with Saudi Arabia on the subject, and even updated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on their outcome.
In the report, a diplomatic source was quoted by the paper as saying that "the Saudis hinted that they would agree to allow Israeli jets to pass through their airspace in order to carry out a mission with common Israeli and Saudi interests".
In Saturday's report a US defense source in the region was quoted as saying, "The Saudis have given their permission for the Israelis to pass over and they will look the other way."
He added, "They have already done tests to make sure their own jets aren’t scrambled and no one gets shot down. This has all been done with the agreement of the State Department."

Sources in Saudi Arabia also told the paper that senior officials in the kingdom had agreed among themselves to allow the planes' passage. Despite the bad blood between the two states, fears Tehran will develop a nuclear weapon are shared.
"We all know this. We will let them through and see nothing," one source told the paper.

BAE Systems South Africa smart turret/RG41 armoured fighting vehicle

2010-06-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

Written by Leon Engelbrecht
Thursday, 10 June 2010 06:26

BAE Systems South Africa will be displaying a new fire-on-the-move Tactical Response Turret (TRT) on its new RG41 8x8 mine-protected wheeled armoured combat vehicle at next week's Eurosatory defence show in Paris, France.

Operated by one person, the overhead remote-controlled turret provides self protection and ground support for light armoured vehicles (LAV), mine-resistant armour protected vehicles and infantry combat vehicles and will be competitively-priced, the company says.

The self-contained turret, as designed, can be fitted with a US Alliant Techsystems M242 Bushmaster 25mm cannon – or similar-sized weapons ranging from 20 to 30mm – as well as an co-axial M240 (FN MAG) machine gun. Armoured bins allow for 1000 7.62x51mm NATO rounds and 260 25x137mm rounds in two magazines of 130 rounds each. In addition, the turret is fitted with four 76mm smoke launchers. Traverse is all-round and elevation is from -10 to +65 degrees. Mechanical or software-controlled interruptors are available to restrict movement in azimuth in order to create “prohibited zones”.

BAE Systems says the turret weighs 800kg of which some half is the weapon and ammunition. On a typical LAV such as those derived from the MOWAG Piranha, the TRT offers a weight saving of 1200kg. It is also a major space-saver, the company avers. The TRT is typically 1100mm high and 1320mm wide. Traverse is at 1.8 rad/s, 103 degrees a second or 3.5 seconds to circle, elevation is 1.5 ad/s or 85 degrees a second. Stabilisation is “better than 0.5 rad/s” while operational on the move while laying accuracy is better than 150 Rad with automatic optical tracking after manual lock-on.

The standard sighting sensor system allows for identification by day at 1000m and by night at 750m in terms of STANAG 4347), while the Vectronics 3042 laser range finder ranges to 5km. A “high performance” suite offers identification by day at 2500m and 1600m at night. The suite's Carl Zeiss laser range finder does so at 12km. In both cases a further commanders' observation sight is available.

The turret was developed by Land Systems SA's Dynamics business – the former IST Dynamics, acquired in September 2008 and the “non-complex” man machine interface or “battle station” can be positioned anywhere in the carrier vehicle. An optional commander's station is available. The fire control system (FCS) includes a fully-integrated ballistic computer, an integrated automatic video auto-tracker, aim-point adjustment based on target speed and distance as well as a continuous electronic zoom combined with a fixed field of vision. Optional is a patent-pending “rapid-target designation” system available to the commander. Further options include the integration of the FCS with onboard command-and-control suites or battle management systems, GPS and navigation means as well as a laser warning and shot detection system. Additional armour protection is also available, BAE Systems product literature adds.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.ph...and&Itemid=105

The new RG41 armoured fighting vehicle and Tactical Remote Turret (TRT) that BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa will formally launch on to the world market at next week’s Eurosatory defence exhibition in Paris in France are both entirely South African in design and development.

The TRT with 25 mm Bushmaster cannon, mounted on an RG34 vehicle

Both were developed with our own research and development funding and in both cases the intellectual property is owned by Land Systems South Africa,” highlighted company marketing and communications manager Natasha Pheiffer to Engineering News Online on Thursday. “We are busy patenting one of the TRT’s features – its rapid target designation capability.”

BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa is 75%-owned by the global group BAE Systems and 25% by local, and black-empowered, company DGD Technologies, and comprises three divisions.

The new RG41 armoured vehicle

The RG41 is the latest in a long and successful line of armoured and mine-protected vehicles from BAE Systems Land Systems OMC, which is based in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, while the TRT comes from Pretoria-domiciled BAE Systems Land Systems Dynamics. (The third division is located in Alrode, which is south of Johannesburg, and is BAE Systems Land Systems Gear Ratio).

“The RG41 was developed to meet a general requirement noted by us in the world market, as was the TRT,” she explained. “We saw a gap in the market for turrets and ours is a cost-effective design.”

The company is not yet in any talks with possible customers for either system. “We will start to gauge the interest at Eurosatory next week.”

The RG41 is an 8 x 8 wheeled armoured fighting vehicle which is 7,78 m long, 2,8 m wide and 2,357 m high (hull only). It can carry a crew of three, plus an infantry section of eight.

Its payload capacity is 11 t and it has a gross vehicle mass of 30 t, and, powered by a Deutz 2015TCD V6 diesel engine, can reach a maximum speed of 100 km/h.

The RG41 is a mine-protected, modular design capable of being repaired in the field, with high mobility and a comfortable ride because it has a specially modified hydro-pneumatic suspension. The vehicle employs many commercial-off-the-shelf components and does not employ any American components that are subject to US International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

The TRT is designed to be operated by one person and to be able to be fitted to a wide range of armoured vehicles. Equipped with electromechanical drives it has a unique functionality which allows for rapid acquisition of, and locking on to, targets. It can rotate 360˚ in a time of 3,5 seconds, and elevate from -10˚ to +65˚.

It can be fitted with day monochrome or colour charge-coupled device cameras and a thermal night camera for target detection and combines “game-boy” style controls with a 104 mm liquid crystal display screen. The vehicle commander can also be provided with a sight for the TRT.

Currently, the TRT is equipped with a McDonnel Douglas M242 Bushmaster 25-mm cannon and a 7,62-mm co-axial machine gun, but can be adjusted to take alternative weapons up to 30-mm in calibre.

street fighting

2010-06-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

10,000 strong to stop Ground Zero mosque

2010-06-08T06:05:00.000-07:00

As many as 10,000 protesters from across the country – including family members who lost loved ones on Sept. 11, 2001 – took to the streets in New York City Sunday to fight construction of a 13-story Islamic mosque to be built just steps from Ground Zero where Muslim terrorists murdered 2,751 people in the name of Allah.

Now the organizers plan to sue the federal government to designate the site as a war memorial

SILYNX C4OPS ShadowOps

2010-06-06T14:54:00.000-07:00

http://www.silynxcom.com/sitefiles/1/29/355.asp
link for pictures

Designed to provide the most advanced two way radio communication system and transmit full surround audio for discrete monitoring and eavesdropping.

This miniaturized and concealed headset features a chest-worn Inductor microphone, a wired or wireless PTT, a radio connector and a wireless induction earpiece. The ShadowOps™ is also supplied with a transparent acoustic tube for semi-covert operations.

Miniaturized and anatomic wireless induction earpiece
● Fits left or right ear
● Continuous operations for more than 200 hours on one Zinc Air battery
● Induction/Microphone box
Miniaturized induction/microphone box
● Speaker for transparent acoustic tube
● Induction/acoustic tube mode switch
● Microphone sensitivity switch (normal or eavesdropping)
PTT
● Remote wired PTT
● Dual Wireless PTT- easily concealed in pockets and other locations
Optional Configurations and Features:
● ShadowOps kit for Urban AN/PRC148 MBITR includes : wireless earpiece, covert headset, acoustic tube and wireless PTT
● ShadowOps kit for Maritime AN/PRC148 MBITR includes : wireless earpiece, covert headset, acoustic tube and wireless PTT
● ShadowOps kit for Urban AN/PRC148 MBITR includes : wireless earpiece, covert headset, acoustic tube and wired PTT
● ShadowOps kit for Martime AN/PRC148 MBITR includes : wireless earpiece, covert headset, acoustic tube and wired PTT
● ShadowOps kit for Motorola XTS300/5000 includes : wireless earpiece, covert headset, acoustic tube and wireless PTT
● ShadowOps kit for Motorola XTS300/5000 includes : wireless earpiece, covert headset, acoustic tube and wired PTT

Humvee replacement - First Look: Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)

2010-06-04T21:19:00.000-07:00

We spent the day at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md., yesterday riding around in the three entrants for the Army-Marine Corps Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) competition; the Humvee replacement as it’s often called. The industry teams are: BAE Systems, General Tactical Vehicles (GTV) — a joint venture between General Dynamics Land Systems and Humvee builder AM General, and Lockheed Martin.

They wouldn’t let us shoot the inside of the vehicles for security reasons, but they all pretty much resembled later iterations of the Humvee, a little cramped (particularly the 6 seat infantry carrier), though with plenty of extra goods such as blast seats, more computing and electrical power, flat panel monitors and functioning air conditioning.

The ride in all three JLTVs was impressively smooth and the vehicles had plenty of power climbing hills and obstacles. The JLTV family of vehicles will come in 2, 4 and 6 seat versions, along with a cargo hauler and ambulance. The program folks say they’ll provide MRAP level protection against IED blasts. The planned buy is 60,000 for the Army and 5,500 for the Marines; full production is planned for 2015

BAE Systems

Image link: http://sitelife.aviationweek.com/ver...2b87f.Full.jpg
Video: http://shock.military.com/Shock/play...259379f16d55ab

GTV

Image link: http://sitelife.aviationweek.com/ver...4e0ad.Full.jpg
Video: http://shock.military.com/Shock/play...0a0ba52a0332c1

Lockheed Martin

Image link: http://sitelife.aviationweek.com/ver...0168e.Full.jpg
Video: http://shock.military.com/Shock/play...45f07f6156fd05

i say either the lockheed for the GTV, your thought??

BAE CV90 Armadillo

2010-06-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

The Global Combat Systems sector of Britain's BAE Systems will reveal the new Armadillo concept of its CV90 armored combat vehicle family at the Eurosatory 2010 trade show outside Paris.The latest iteration in a vehicle line that has won more than 1,100 orders, CV90 Armadillo is intended to bring a high level of flexibility in payload and battlefield utility to a new range of vehicles using common CV90 components, according to the company.

"This is a concept of a flexible family of vehicles of modular type built around the CV90 platform," said Hakan Karlsson, vice president of marketing communications for BAE Global Combat Systems in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden.

An ideal armored combat vehicle, Karlsson said, offers a balance between high mobility, high payload and extremely high protection; should have a practical and effective interface for digitally equipped soldiers and the digital battlespace; should be reliable and affordable; and above all, offer a low logistics footprint. This has been the ethos behind the development of the Armadillo build standard, Karlsson told journalists May 27 in a London briefing.

BAE has analyzed the degree of commonality between variants in existing CV90 vehicles, and overlaid on this the benefits of a modular approach to future variants based on the Armadillo standard. Based on cost, engineering effort expended and the number of major common components, the company believes it can achieve between 65 percent and 88 percent commonality for turreted, personnel carrier and specialist engineering vehicles.

The real payoff for the Armadillo comes in its available payload of 16 metric tons, according to Karlsson. In its armored personnel carrier form, the CV90 Armadillo will weigh in at 26 metric tons, leaving 9 metric tons of payload availability, which can be traded off against higher levels of protection.

The standard level of protection is already high. "Resistance to mines in the 8-10 kilogram area is already considered pretty good - we have achieved protection well in excess of the 10 kilogram bracket; we are setting new standards with the Armadillo program," Karlsson said.

Armor protection also is high, at "well above Level 5," and the entire vehicle architecture has been built with ease of interoperability with tomorrow's digital soldier in mind.

Equipped with a Saab LEDS150 hard-kill self-protection system, a BAE Lemur remote weapon station, and external fire suppression equipment to deal with urban warfare attacks from Molotov cocktails and the like, the Armadillo family will include ambulance, mortar, personnel carrier, command-and-control, logistics support and recovery variants, depending on customer demand.

Future development may well examine other variants, such as a vehicle-launched bridge, with a continued focus on improving the payload/protection balance, according to Karlsson.

Questioned on the degree to which the design had taken into account the development of soldier modernization programs, Karlsson responded that there are several challenges that need to be balanced.

"We need to provide adequate power and cooling, ensure we can cope with handling and sharing tactical information with the crew, and also maintain a useful level of useable payload and space," he said.

spainish sub photographed transport of weapons in the Syrian coast

2010-06-02T14:30:00.001-07:00

The Spanish submarine S-72 Siroco watched the movements of arms on the coast of Syria in the weeks before the controversy over the alleged transfer of Syrian Scud missiles to the Lebanese militia Hezbollah. The image captured, which can be seen easily dozens of military vehicles on the deck of a merchant ship was taken from near the Syrian port of Tartus on 2 March.

The Sirocco was patrolling the area under anti-terrorist operation Active Endeavour, NATO, ie, monitoring maritime traffic in search ships suspected of carrying out weapons smuggling. The Spanish navy says the merchant, photographed periscope height (from the submerged submarine) was "suspicious" by the criteria of the operation, although it claims that the information about the final destination of the cargo and the ship's flag is seen photographed classified material.

What reveals itself the image captured by the Spanish periscope, near the Syrian coast, is the obvious interest of NATO to control the movement of weapons that might be taking place at that time and in that part of the Mediterranean Sea. NATO, certainly not the shot he missed. A few weeks after the snapshot taken by the Sirocco, on 13 April, Israeli President Shimon Peres spoke of sending a dangerous missile from Syria to Hezbollah and of rapid rearmament of the Islamist militia. His message was immediately followed by another of King Abdullah of Jordan on the high risk of an imminent armed conflict in the Middle East. The controversy had begun.

Scuds and M-600

Since then, although Syria has denied it repeatedly, from Israel have continued to succeed accusations that Iran is supplying Scud missile and M-600 to Hezbollah with the complicity of Damascus. Both the Scuds as the M-600 have a power far greater than the missiles that Hezbollah has so far, using it as they have a range exceeding 600 kilometers from the Lebanese border could reach Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.

Although the United States has not officially confirmed the existence of these alleged missiles, and the UN mission in Lebanon claims to have found no evidence on the alleged shipment, there is something in which both Washington and the UN agree to publicly and unambiguously Israel: There is strong evidence that Hezbollah is increasing its arsenal.

The accusations involving Syria have been a blow to attempts by the U.S. President, Barack Obama, closer to Damascus, to which his government sees as crucial to peace efforts in the Middle East.

Satellite imagery and the large simulation

The British newspaper 'The Times' took a giant step in the controversy on Friday when he claimed to have had access to satellite imagery to show the existence of Hezbollah missiles on Syrian soil. The English newspaper, said that information gathered by American satellites shows the existence of a Lebanese militia complex located near the Syrian town of Adra, northwest of Damascus. A base which would include shelters, weapons, and a fleet of trucks for transfer.

The weapons in question would either Syrian or supplied from Iran by sea or by air. The 'Times' said that American intelligence suspected that at least two Scuds had entered Lebanon and could be hidden in underground deposits in the Bekaa Valley, north of the country. As if that were not enough elements of tension, last week, Israel carried out the largest simulation of war in its history: a period of five days' duration, designed to prepare the population for a scenario of massive attack with missiles from Syria, Lebanon and the Gaza Strip

idf soldiers talk about what happen on the flotilla

2010-06-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Flotilla Passengers Fire Live Ammunition at IDF Soldiers

weapons found on flotilla heading to gaza

2010-05-31T16:53:00.000-07:00

PEACE ACTIVIST, HEADING TO GAZA WITH ALL THERE PEACE AND LOVE.

Israeli commandos storm aid flotilla; 9 killed

2010-05-31T12:47:00.000-07:00

Turkey withdrew its ambassador to Israel and called for an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council as condemnations erupted across Europe and the Arab world Monday over Israel's deadly commando raid on ships taking humanitarian aid to the blockaded Gaza Strip.

Government after government demanded an explanation from Israel, which said its soldiers were trying to defend themselves against armed activists. The White House said it was trying to learn more about "this tragedy."

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said "it should be known that we are not going to remain silent in the face of this inhumane state terrorism." Most of the nine dead were apparently from Turkey, once a close ally of Israel.

In Istanbul, a crowd tried to storm the Israeli Consulate. North of Jerusalem, Palestinians hurled bottles and stones at Israeli soldiers. In Jordan, hundreds urged their government to follow Turkey's lead and cut ties with Israel. Dozens of Egyptians protested outside the foreign ministry in Cairo criticizing the Egyptian government holding pictures of late President Gamal Abdel Nasser.

Israel said the activists attacked its commandos as they boarded the six ships taking tons of supplies to Gaza, while the flotilla's organizers said the Israeli forces opened fire first.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the violence. The European Union's foreign affairs chief, Catherine Ashton, said the bloc was deeply concerned and she called on Israel to carry out an inquiry. British Foreign Secretary William Hague deplored the killings and called for an end to the Gaza blockade.

Greece, Egypt, Sweden, Spain and Denmark summoned Israel's ambassadors demanding explanations for the violence, with Spain and France condemning what they called the disproportionate use of force. Greece suspended a military exercise with Israel and postponed a visit by Israel's air force chief. Germany called for an immediate investigation but was careful not to directly place blame, and said it was seeking information on six German citizens believed to have been aboard the ships.

In Tehran, dozens of angry students pelted the U.N. offices with stones and eggs in protest, burning Israeli flags and chanting, "death to Israel" and "down with U.S." Police blocked them from reaching the building. The president of Iran, a key supporter of Hamas, called the raid "an inhuman act." In Baghdad, an estimated 3,000 Shiite followers of the anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr shouted "Death, death to Israel!" and "Death, death to America!"

Riot police used tear gas to drive back hundreds of protesters demonstrating outside the Israeli Embassy in Paris. There were also demonstrations in Rome, Sweden, Norway, Cyprus and more than 20 cities in Greece.

In Athens, riot police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse around 2,500 Greeks and Arabs protesting outside the Israeli Embassy. Some protesters threw stones and tried to push past police lines to reach the embassy. About 2,000 people demonstrated peacefully in Thessaloniki.

The African Union issued a statement to "strongly condemn" the raid and said it "complicates the existing situation and the effort to bring just, lasting and comprehensive peace to the area."

Abdel-Rahman al-Attiya, the head of the Gulf Cooperation Council, a regional group, said "Israel is a renegade entity that violates international law" and said the attack should be considered "a war crime."

In Saudi Arabia, which has promoted a wider Arab-Israeli peace proposal calling for a land-for-peace swap, the Cabinet headed by King Abdullah called on the international community to hold Israel responsible for its "barbaric" policies.

But the strongest reaction came from Turkey, where Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc said Turkey was canceling three joint military drills and calling on the U.N. Security Council to convene in an emergency session about Israel. Turkey is currently a member of the council.

He also said a Turkish youth soccer team currently in Israel would be brought home.

The raid also brought heightened attention to Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip, imposed after the Palestinian militant group Hamas seized control of the tiny Mediterranean territory in 2007. The blockade — along with Israel's fierce offensive against Gaza in the winter of 2008-2009 to stop Hamas rocket fire on Israeli villages — has fueled anti-Israeli sentiment around the Arab world.

The Cairo-based Arab League called an emergency session for Tuesday to address the attack, as the two only Arab states with peace deals with Israel — Jordan and Egypt — sharply condemned the violence.

The incident also put Egypt in a tight position. The only Arab country bordering the Gaza Strip, it has helped enforce the blockade by cracking down on smuggling tunnels that are a key source of goods to Gaza's 1.5 million people and by rejecting pressure that it open its border crossing.

A group founded by Nelson Mandela that includes Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu and former President Jimmy Carter said "the treatment of the people of Gaza is one of the world's greatest human rights violations and that the blockade is not only illegal, it is counterproductive."

In Beirut, about 500 Palestinian and Lebanese activists protested in front of the U.N. headquarters, setting Israeli flags on fire. In neighboring Syria, more than 200 Syrian and Palestinian protesters staged a sit-in before the offices of the United Nations

YEA BUT TOO BAD THE NEWS WONT SHOW WHAT REALLY HAPPEN TO THESE SO CALLED "PEACE ACTIVIST"

Jihadists challenge Hamas in Gaza

2010-05-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

Islamists scare Gaza's wedding season

* Hamas plays them down as extremist fringe

* Analysts warn they will not simply go away

By Nidal al-Mughrabi

GAZA, May 27 (Reuters) - Bandleader Jamal Al-Bayouk said he and his musicians would not risk performing in the southern Gaza Strip any more after militant Islamists threatened to kill them at a wedding party.

They had just finished performing east of Khan Younis when armed militants burst in, set fire to $40,000 worth of instruments and fired shots between the legs of band members.

"One gunman told another: Don't shoot between the legs. Shoot at the legs!" Bayouk told Reuters.

"Another told me: Prepare for death, you immoral infidel," the 49-year-old man said, at the Gaza shop where he fixes musical instruments and rents sound systems.

He said several other singers and members of bands had been beaten up by al-Qaeda style jihadists who disapprove of their music and added that in his opinion there could be further attacks as summer begins and people hold weddings and parties.

"I am afraid and I am not optimistic but I will continue because there are 20 families depending on my profession," Bayouk said.

The threat comes from Salafi jihadists whose agenda of global holy war against the West is against the nationalist goals of Gaza's rulers Hamas, an Islamist movement which denies seeking to create a theocracy in the enclave.

While seen in Israel as a dangerously fundamentalist Palestinian enemy force, Hamas is not Islamist enough in the eyes of hardline groups which have stepped up attacks in the Gaza Strip over the past several months, targeting Hamas security men and offices.

Hamas accuses them of attacking wedding parties, Christian sites, internet cafes and women's hair dressing salons. The groups deny the accusations.

SUMMER DAYS

Last Sunday, masked gunmen vandalised a U.N.-run summer camp for children after Islamist militants accused the United Nations of promoting immorality among Gaza's Muslim youth.

Ehab al-Ghsain, spokesman of the Hamas interior ministry, said security services had finalised the plan to provide security protection to public places where residents would go to enjoy summer holidays including restaurants and beaches.

He said a number of suspects were detained over the attack on the UN summer camp, but gave no details of their affiliation.

Ghsain attributed a drop in bomb attacks in the territory to a security campaign to "arrest characters involved in causing chaos" and to an educational plan to rehabilitate members.

Hamas wrested control of Gaza from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's secular Fatah movement in fighting in 2007.

The enclave is under an Israeli-led blockade. The West shuns Hamas over its refusal to recognise Israel, renounce violence and accept existing interim Israeli-Palestinian peace deals.

Analysts and rival officials say groups inspired by al Qaeda pose a clear challenge to Hamas rule in Gaza.

They say Hamas is reaping the harvest it sowed: many current members of the Jihadist Salafi factions were once trained activists of Hamas' armed wing, Izz el-Deen Al-Qassam Brigades.

Believers in al Qaeda ideology may number in the hundreds or thousands, say analysts. But Ghsain insists there a no more than a few dozen.

Political analyst Talal Okal says the number is rising, thanks to the Islamist environment Hamas encourages.

"The growing number of those extremist groups may have a bad impact on Hamas," Okal said.

Salafis criticise Hamas for taking up government in the first place. They accuse the movement of failing to implement Islamic law in favour of having relations with Western countries they denounce as "crusaders and infidels".

Ahmed Assaf, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement, said Hamas's bid to portray itself as the only true Muslim movement had obviously backfired.

"Hamas raised its members in the belief that Fatah and other non-Hamas parties were secular and infidels and now Hamas is suffering from its own incitement," Assaf said.

"Hamas now finds itself in the same position. It is governing by secular law and preventing resistance against Israel from Gaza. That has prompted many shocked members of Qassam to abandon the group and join the more extreme Islamist cells," Assaf said.

Boaz Ganor, an Israeli expert in counter-terrorism, said the stronger those groups become the bigger threat to Hamas rule they would pose. The more willingness Hamas showed towards getting international legitimacy and opening to the West, the more vocal those groups would become.

"To have an element that does not obey the new Hamas guidelines and policy, an element that endorses global Jihad, is counterproductive to the Hamas approach towards the international community," Ganor said by telephone from Israel.

Okal said Hamas would not allow them to cross the red line.

"We all saw how Hamas intervened militarily and strongly when one group defied them and tried to announce an emirate of their own in Gaza," said Okal, referring to a battle in which 28 people were killed in addition to six Hamas policemen.

Ganor said the hardline groups were lose cannons in territory Hamas controls, and as far as Israel was concerned it is Hamas that bears responsibility for their actions.

"If Hamas would be seen as turning a blind eye to or cooperating with those elements, this is going to cause a great loss to Hamas," Ganor said

HAHAHAHAHAH PROBLEMS SOLVING THEM SELFS, HOPEFULLY THEY WILL JUST KILL EACH OTHER OFF

U.S Army multi-cam

2010-05-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

Following four months of evaluations of alternative camouflage pattern colors, the U.S. Army selected the MultiCam pattern for the uniforms provided for all soldiers deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, starting the August of 2010. Multicam Gear will be shipping to units in Afghanistan by October 2010.

Unlike conventional camouflage that blends into the environment by color matching, the MultiCam camouflage pattern patented by Brooklyn NY based Crye Precision is designed to blend and reflect some of the surrounding colors of the environment, thus blending in with the environment. The new pattern is designed to deceive the human eye and brain to accept the concealed object as part of the background. Furthermore, the pattern's complex, curved elements are shaped to efficiently maintain concealment by effectively managing scale and contrast at long and close range

Several camouflage patterns were evaluated by the U.S. Army in 2009. Six such patterns are shown above, where members of the camouflage assessment team wearing the different camo patterns they evaluated. From left: AOR II, UCP, MultiCam, Desert Brush, UCP-Delta, and Mirage. The photo was taken in Khost province, close to the Pakistan border, in late October 2009. Photo: U.S. Army PEO Soldier

The U.S. forces encountered problems with their camouflage patterns soon after the invasion into Afghanistan in 2002, as warfighters deployed to the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq wearing Desert BDUs and Woodland gear. To improve and standardize the uniform the Army introduced the Army Combat Uniform in 2004, applied with the pixelated Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP). Since then, more than 26 improvements have been implemented with the ACU.

A new initiative to improve the camouflage patterns for Afghanistan was launched by fall 2009, when two battalion-size elements in Afghanistan were equipped with uniforms and associated gear in patterns other than the standard-issue universal camouflage pattern (UCP). One unit received uniforms and gear in MultiCam, and the other in a variant of UCP known as UCP - Delta was used another battalion. The Army deployed a team of experts to Afghanistan in order to gather field data and photos on the diverse environments of Afghanistan, where soldiers often travel through multiple environments in a single mission, from snow to woodland to desert.

This data provided the baseline for a photo simulation study distributed to nearly 750 soldiers who had deployed to Afghanistan. The study asked them to compare six patterns against eight different environments. The results, along with surveys of soldiers in the two battalions who received alternate camouflage, formed the basis for the Army’s decision on MultiCam. Camouflage alternatives represent one facet of the Army’s ongoing efforts to improve the Army combat uniform.

The soldiers will be provided with the new, fire resistant Army combat uniforms finished in MultiCam patterns, which will also be applied to all associated equipment including body armor, rucksacks, and helmet covers. Selection of the new camouflage patterns is the third phase of a four-phase plan to improve the Army's camouflage. In the next phase the the Army will evaluate long-term Army combat Uniform camouflage options for all soldiers.

By adapting to varying local lighting conditions, visible and near-infra-red, the pattern blends well into many environments, elevations, seasons, weather conditions, and times of the day. The design takes advantage of the way the human eye and brain perceives shape, volume, and color, taking advantage of human brain interpretation of the patterned object as part of the background, rather than a distinguishable object. This helps the wearer's profile begin to lose its edge and fade into whatever color or shape surrounding him. The pattern uses curved, rather than pixilated elements to optimally blend in by using pattern element scale and contrast to further conceal the protected object when observed from distance or at close ranges. MultiCam relies more on a blending effect than a contrast effect to disguise the wearer

NEW BOOTS ALSO

Bushmaster® .308 ORC

2010-05-21T18:09:00.000-07:00

This top quality Bushmaster Carbine was developed for the shooter who intends to immediately add optics (scope, red dot or holographic sight) to the rifle - as it is shipped without iron sights. Various add-on rear iron sights can be easily attached to the flat-top Upper Receiver, and Bushmaster’s BMAS Front Flip-up Sight for V Match Rifles (Part # YHM-9360K) can be mounted over the Milled Gas Block. The premium 16" Heavy Profile Barrel is chrome lined in both Bore and Chamber to provide Bushmaster accuracy, durability and maintenance ease.

•.308 WIN / 7.62 NATO
•16" Heavy Profile w/ Mid Length Gas System and A2 Birdcage Flash Hider
•Receiver Length Picatinny Optics Rail with Two 1/2" Optics Risers
•Milled Gas Block
•Heavy Oval Hand Guards
•Six Position Telescoping Stock – reduces overall length by 4" when collapsed for convenient carry
•Shipped in a Lockable Hard Case with Operator’s Safety Manual, 20 Round Magazine, Yellow Safety Block and Black Web Sling
•One Year Bushmaster Warranty

Caliber: .308 WIN / 7.62 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 20 Rounds
Overall Length: 33.25" - 37.25" [84.455 cm - 94.615 cm]
Barrel Length: 16" [40.640 cm]
Rifling: 1 turn in 10" [25.4 cm]
R.H. Twist / 6 grooves & lands
Weight w/o magazine: 7.75 lbs. [3.52 kg]
Weight of empty magazine: 0.5 lbs. [0.23 kg]
Weight of loaded magazine: 1.5 lbs. [0.680 kg]
Mode of Operation: Gas Operated/Semi-Automatic

Sugg. Retail Price: $1395.00

Bushmaster® 7.62x39mm Carbine

2010-05-21T17:49:00.000-07:00

Product Description:
This gas operated semi-automatic packs a bigger punch than our 5.56mm/.223models – the 7.62x39mm (known by some as the AK round) delivers the added power and similar performance of a .30-30 cal.; over 2300 FPS velocity with 122 gr. bullets. Due to the "fatter" case diameter, magazine capacity is reduced to 26 Rounds, and 7.62.x39 specific springs and followers are used in the AK-curved steel magazine. The bolt is also different - due again to case diameter (take care not to interchange a 5.56mm/.223 bolt with a 7.62x39mm bolt).

•7.62x39mm
•16" M4 Profile Barrel fitted with "Izzy" Flash Suppressor
•Six Position Telescoping Stock
•Rifle Includes a Lockable Hard Case with Operator’s Safety Manual, 26 Round Magazine, Orange Safety Block and Black Web Sling
•One Year Bushmaster Warranty

Caliber: 7.62x39 mm
Magazine Capacity: 26 Rounds
Overall Length: 32.75" [83.185 cm]
Barrel Length: 16" [40.640 cm]
Rifling: 1 turn in 10" [25.4 cm]
R.H. Twist / 6 grooves & lands
Weight w/o magazine: 6.5 lbs. [2.95 kg]
Weight of empty magazine: 0.25 lbs. [0.11 kg]
Weight of loaded magazine: 1.0 lbs. [0.45 kg]
Mode of Operation: Gas Operated/Semi-Automatic

Sugg. Retail Price: $1330.00

this was the only vid i could find that showed it in action :( sorry

2010-05-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

By survivalreport on youtube

Ronnie James Dio dead at 67

2010-05-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

RIP DIO

Dio revealed last summer that he was suffering from stomach cancer

Japan mad at China's nuclear arsenal

2010-05-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

SEOUL — Japan has urged China to cut its nuclear arsenal or at least to stop stockpiling more atomic weapons, prompting a strong reaction from Beijing at their foreign ministers’ talks, officials said Sunday.

The rare demand came when Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada met his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi at regional talks in South Korea Saturday, said Kazuo Kodama, the press secretary of Japan’s foreign ministry.

The Japanese minister said China was the only one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council — which also includes the United States, Britain, France and Russia — that was still accumulating nuclear weapons.

“Amongst the P5, it is only China which is increasing its nuclear arsenal,” Okada told Yang during the talks on Saturday, according to Kodama.

“Therefore I would like to request the Chinese government either to reduce the number of nuclear arsenals or at least commit ourselves not to increase its nuclear arsenals from the current level,” he quoted Okada as saying. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said in a statement on Sunday Yang had repudiated Okada’s remarks and defended Beijing’s nuclear policy.

“Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi refuted the irresponsible remarks by Japan on the spot,” Ma said in the statement. “He pointed out that China’s nuclear strategy and nuclear policy is transparent. China’s nuclear disarmament proposals and efforts are obvious. China’s position is legitimate, transparent, and above reproach.”

Yang emphasised China always advocates that nuclear weapons should be completely forbidden and destroyed completely, and it also firmly pursues a nuclear strategy of self-defence, Ma said.

China was the only nuclear-armed country that adhered to the no-first-use policy and promised unconditionally not to use or threaten to use such weapons against nuclear-free states or nuclear-free regions, Ma cited Yang as saying. Yang stressed China never took part in any nuclear arms race and never deployed any nuclear weapons in other countries, while maintaining its nuclear power at the lowest level needed for its security, according to Ma.

Yang had also said he hoped Okada would put first their two countries’ bilateral ties and the fundamental interests of their peoples, Ma added.

Seoul’s Yonhap news agency, citing an unnamed diplomatic source, said Chinese officials felt “uncomfortable” with Okada’s demand and even considered boycotting part of the programme at the talks in the southern city of Gyeongju. Okada and Yang arrived in Gyeongju on Saturday to attend the two-day foreign ministerial meeting with South Korean host Yu Myung-Hwan.

The three foreign ministers discussed issues including the growing tension over the sinking of a South Korean warship near the border with North Korea on March 26, which has led to suspicion falling on the communist North. (AFP)

By mc parry

Russia sells Syria Mig-29 figthers, air defence systems

2010-05-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

MOSCOW — Russia is supplying Syria with warplanes, armoured vehicles and air defence systems under existing contracts, ITAR-Tass news agency quoted the head of the country’s state military agency as saying.

Mikhail Dmitriyev, head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, said Russia was selling Syria MiG-29 fighter jets, Pantsir short-range air defence systems and armoured vehicles.

No further details were provided.

President Dmitry Medvedev this week paid the first-ever visit by a head of state from Moscow to Damascus, where he said the use of nuclear energy “may get a second wind” in Syria — a remark that prompted concern from Washington.

Russia’s arms sales and possible nuclear cooperation with Syria, which has close ties to Iran, is unnerving for Israel and the United States, which earlier this month renewed sanctions on Syria for another year, accusing it of supporting “terrorist” groups.

Russia is also in talks to supply NATO member Turkey, which Medvedev also visited this week, with air defence systems and helicopters, Dmitriyev said. “It is unclear what will happen, what Turkey would agree to,” the news agency quoted him as saying. (AFP)

Daewoo K11 OICW dual-caliber air-burst weapon (South Korea)

2010-05-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

South Korea version of the xm-29 OICW

K11 dual-caliber air-burst weapon, right side

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO + 20x30B mm
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt for 5.56mm and manually operated for 20mm
Overall length: 860 mm
Barrel length: 310 mm (5.56mm); 405 mm (20mm)
Weight: 6.1 kg (with optics and battery but less magazines)
Rate of fire: ?
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds of 5.56mm and 5 rounds of 20mm

The K11 dual-caliber air-burst weapon was first shown to public in 2009, during DSEI military expo, although information on its development was available since about 2006. The K11 (XK11 during early development) weapon is being developed under direction of the Agency for Defense Development of the Republic of Korea. The K11 shows more than passing similarity to the ill-fated American XM-29 OICW weapon, but it appears that K11 has better chances to see the service - it is believed that first unit of South Korean army could receive the K11 weapons in 2010. This is not surprising, considering the fact that Republic of Korea is among world's leading countries in the field of design and production of advanced micro-electronics, and also has an established defense industry and strong motivation for constant upgrade of military equipment.
As of now, the K11 dual-caliber air-burst weapon is proposed for infantry squad support role, multiplying soldiers capabilities to engage enemy personnel in defilade and soft-skinned vehicles and equipment, using 20mm air-burst grenades with pre-programmed fuse and 5.56mm ammunition for short- to medium range direct fire.

K11 dual-caliber air-burst weapon consists of three major units, linked into one weapon. Those are 20mm multi-shot grenade launcher (which serves as a bone to the system), the 5.56mm automatic rifle with firing controls, and an electronic fire control unit.
The grenade launcher is a manually operated, bolt action weapon that is fed from detachable box magazines. It is built in bullpup layout, with aluminum alloy receiver and titanium alloy barrel. The trigger system of the grenade launcher is mechanically linked to the trigger / selector / safety unit of the integral rifle component. The rifle component is more or less conventional, gas operated, rotary bolt selective-fire weapon which uses M16-type magazines. Its layout is more or less similar to US-made M16 or Korean-made K2 rifles. The trigger unit is a common part between grenade launcher and rifle components, with single safety / fire selector lever providing fire from grenade launcher (single shots) or rifle (single shots or 3-round bursts). The third component is an electronic fire control unit, which includes laser rangefinder, environmental sensors, ballistic computer, and day (optical) and night (IR) sighting channels. The ballistic computer output is fed to the electronic aiming reticle (providing visible point of aim pre-set for proper range) and to the fuse-programming unit in the grenade launcher, which sets the 20mm grenade to explode at specified range, above or to the side of the target, to provide maximum kill effect from explosive fragmenting warhead. At the present time, two types of 20mm ammunition are specified for K11 grenade launcher - the K167 HE air-burst grenade and K168 TP target practice grenade. Rifle component can use any NATO-standard 5.56mm ammunition.

A-10 Thunderbolt II: TLPS Upgrades

2010-05-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

A-10 Thunderbolt II: TLPS Upgrades Keep “Hogs” Current to 2028 or Beyond

By Jan Tegler

For the first time in almost 33 years of operational service, the A-10 Thunderbolt II has an integrated sustainment/modernization program worthy of its impressive record as a close-air-support/ground attack aircraft for the USAF. The $1.6 billion Thunderbolt Lifecycle Program Support (TLPS) Prime Integration contract puts ongoing A-10 modernization and sustainment efforts on a competitive footing and ties together piecemeal upgrades that Hogs have been receiving for most of the last decade.

Awarded by the A-10 System Program Office in June 2009 to three major prime contractors (Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman), TLPS replaces the contract Lockheed Martin had as the single prime integrator for upgrades and refurbishment. Under the previous arrangement, most supplies and services for the A-10 were obtained via stand-alone acquisitions, including major upgrade programs such as the Precision Engagement (PE) Program and the Wing Replacement Program (WRP).

“TLPS is a means to an end,” says Jim Marx, A-10 Logistics Management Lead for the 538th Aircraft Sustainment Group, Hill AFB. “As our Prime Integration contract, TLPS provides the means to compete acquisition and integration of supplies and services supporting current and future modernization and sustainment efforts on the A-10. Under TLPS, individual modernization and sustainment efforts are competed as task/delivery orders amongst the three prime contractors to deliver a ‘best value’ solution to warfighter needs.”

Warfighter needs with respect to the A-10 have already been significantly addressed with the aforementioned PE Program. Begun in 2006, PE represents the largest gain in combat capability in the history of the Hog, lending modified examples the designation A-10C. Upgrades range from the inclusion of precision munitions employment capability to enhanced air-to-air and air-to-ground situational awareness (SA). Modified aircraft can carry both LITENING II and Sniper laser targeting pods, and boast Joint Direct Attack Munitions and Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser capabilities. SA is improved with a redesigned main instrument panel with two five-by-five-inch multifunction color displays, a new armament heads up display control panel and a hands-on stick and throttle system with a modified F-15E throttle grip, and a modified F-16 control stick grip.

The enhancements have transformed the A-10 into an “electric jet’ Marx adds, allowing it to take advantage of further operational flight program software upgrades to enhance capabilities, reliability and maintainability. Sustainment work persists under TLPS as the A-10 completes a Service Life Extension Program and turns to a Structural Inspection Program.

“We’ve nearly completed the Service Life Extension Program overhaul on the fleet and are now transitioning our focus to our new Scheduled Structural Inspection program which will ensure we can safely and effectively fly the A-10 to 16,000 flying hours or beyond 2028,” Marx continues.

“Building on these programs, we are also partnered with Boeing to deliver 233 new A-10 wings (WRP) which can fly for 10,000 hours without major inspection and are projected to save $1.3 billion in life cycle costs. The first new A-10 wing is slated for delivery in late Fiscal Year 2010 with additional deliveries and installations through 2016.”

The continuing upgrades are evidence of the Hog’s value in the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Uniquely able to combine precision firepower with maneuverability and meaningful loiter capability, the venerable straight-wing attack jet excels in these demanding environments. Reports indicate that it is the close-air-support weapon of choice among American and allied troops.

TLPS is aimed at efficiently continuing the process of refining the Warthog. Two basic elements guide the program. Along with its emphasis on competitive, integrated acquisition solutions, the program seeks to ensure that each contractor participates fully in the requirements definition process for lifecycle improvements through an apparatus known as an Integration Support Task Order (ISTO). The ISTO specifies that each prime contractor will provide a small cadre of their own personnel to manage and integrate day-to-day activities within their respective company, between their company and the other primes, and to coordinate with the A-10 System Program Office as Prime Integrator.

Together, the contractors work with Air Combat Command, the National Guard Bureau, the Air Force Reserve and the A-10 System Program Office to identify future requirements for the A-10. According to Marx, new capabilities are defined and awarded with TLPS on a regular basis.

“Current programs under TLPS include assessments for future Embedded GPS/INS modernization, fuel system improvements and Aircraft Structural Integrity Program modernization, amongst others,” Marx explains. “Ongoing and future improvements will enhance the warfighting capabilities to increase situational awareness to the pilot, allow greater ease of digital network connectivity, and enhance weapons employment capabilities. These improvements, along with better data and fault code reporting and integrated support equipment will make the A-10 not only easier to operate, but easier to maintain.”

Those improvements and continuing efforts by A-10 System Program Office under TLPS to incorporate a comprehensive, depot-level fuselage inspection and repair program should give the A-10 the longevity Air Force planners seek while next generation platforms like F-35A mature.

“In late 2009, the A-10 System Program Office completed a full-scale fuselage/empennage fatigue test, the results of which are currently being analyzed for incorporation into our existing Scheduled Structural Inspection program,” says Jim Marx. “With the inclusion of these inspections and repairs, we are confident we can safely and effectively fly the A-10 to 16,000 hours or beyond 2028.”

NOTHING SOUNDS BETTER THAN THE CANNON ON THE A10

Iranian missiles could target Western Europe by 2014

2010-05-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

LONDON — Iran could target western Europe with missiles by 2014, although it would take at least twice as long before they could hit the United States, experts said in a report published Monday.

Tehran is more than a decade away from developing a missile capable of reaching the US east coast, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said in a report on Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities.

The London-based group said Iran was making “robust strides” in developing ballistic missiles “in tandem” with its efforts to expand its nuclear capabilities. “The two programmes appear to be connected, with the aim of giving Iran the capability to deliver nuclear warheads well beyond its borders,” it said.

Iran’s ballistic missiles could be used to wage a terror campaign in the Middle East, it added, although its missiles are at present too inaccurate to shut down another country’s critical military activities.

While Iran has been alongside North Korea in developing missile capabilities, Tehran has now surpassed Pyongyang in terms of technical ability, the IISS experts said. The United States and Europe have long accused Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons under the guise of its civilian nuclear energy programme, a charge Tehran denies.

“Flight test programmes for solid-propellant missiles historically take on average more than four years,” the report said.

“To achieve a reasonable measure of reliability and confidence, a dozen or more test flights should be conducted. “Therefore, Iran is not likely to field a liquid-fuelled missile capable of targeting western Europe before 2014 or 2015.”

The “worst-case scenario” projected at the turn of the century about Iran being able to strike the United States within five years has not materialised, the study said.

However, “logic and the history of Iran’s evolutionary missile and space-launcher development efforts suggest that Tehran would develop and field an intermediate-range missile before embarking on a programme to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the American east coast, 9,000 kilometres away.

“It is thus reasonable to conclude that a notional ICBM… is more than a decade away in development.” Iran’s space programme launches have been “proof-of-principle demonstrations”, offering no immediate strategic value beyond symbolism, said the report.

The IISS estimated that Iran has around 200 to 300 Shahab-1 and -2 missiles capable of reaching targets in neighbouring countries. “Iran’s ballistic missiles could be used as a political weapon to wage a terror campaign against adversary cities,” primarily in the Middle East, the report said.

“While such attacks might trigger fear, the expected casualties would be low — probably less than a few hundred, even assuming Iran unleashed its entire ballistic missile arsenal and that a majority of the warheads penetrated missile defences.

“The military utility of Iran’s ballistic missiles is severely limited because of their very poor accuracy. “The missiles would probably be incapable of shutting down critical military activities.” (AFP)

U.S ARMY UPGRADED M24

2010-05-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Sniper's More Accurate, Quieter Rifle

Recognizing the differences between conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Army is now selecting a contractor to upgrade the 22-year-old Remington bolt-action rifle to become a more effective killing machine. The Army will pour about $5.6 million into upgrades to the M24, with the new gear expected to be delivered to troops by this fall. The M24's barrel is being modified to shoot heavier .300 Winchester Magnum rounds, instead of the 7.62mm NATO ammunition, which should extend the rifle's maximum effective range by hundreds of yards to a maximum of about 1400 yards. The suppressor will reduce the noise and flash of the gun so snipers can stay in their hiding positions much longer after they fire.

The Army is also adopting a new chassis that allows for more "real estate" on the rifle—meaning the ability to attach accessories, especially much-needed night-vision devices that clip on directly to the rail in front of the scope. The scope itself will be improved, adding a variable power system that can reach 16.5x to 25x magnification. The Army will also fit the rifles with a rangefinder so troops will no longer have to perform calculations on distance. "The engagement is a lot farther [in Afghanistan] than in Iraq," says Milo Afong, a former Marine Corps sniper who researched the experience of snipers in Afghanistan for his new book, Hunters: U.S. Snipers in the War on Terror. "You are looking at higher altitudes and less populated areas."

In Afghanistan, U.S. snipers have encountered a tougher enemy than in Iraq—one that is willing to stay and fight and generally has the advantage because they know the hiding places. "They know tactics, they know how to shoot, move and communicate. They know how to set up ambushes," Afong says. "You just have to be on your toes at all times, and you have to put yourself one step or two ahead of the enemy."

Afong says that for snipers engaged in urban combat in Iraq, the traditional training and mantra of waiting for 'one shot and one kill' fell by the wayside. Sniper teams in Iraq often selected, observed and reported on the targets without actually taking the shot, acting instead as the eyes for raiding teams that would capture or eliminate the enemy. When caught in the speed of battle, snipers have to turn to snap shooting, says Afong. "The window of opportunity is very, very small," says Afong. "You just have to pick your shots."

from time.com

SIG556 SWAT Patrol Rifle

2010-05-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

The next generation in the evolution of the SIG556 platform, the SIG556 Patrol Rifle integrates the accuracy of a 16” barrel with the maneuverability and quick pointing ergonomics of the SIG556 Short in a compact, no-nonsense package. The reduced length gas system and forearms provide the ideal combination of
functionality and light weight. The SIG556 Patrol Rifle is the perfect solution for everything from three gun matches to patrol car deployment. Available in two versions (Swiss type polymer handguards or alloy Quad Rail tactical forend), the SIG556 Patrol Rifle ships standard with the RDSS (Rotary Diopter Sight System),
one magazine w/ connector, and hard carry case.

Features:

• 5.56mm x 45 NATO (.223 REM)
• 16” Cold Hammer Forged Barrel
• A2 Type Flash Suppressor
• Reduced Length Gas Piston w/ 2 Position Gas Valve
• Improved Design Trigger Casing
• Swiss Type Folding Stock, adjustable for length
• Swiss Type Reduced Length Polymer Handguards (Patrol Rifle)
• Alloy Quad Rail Reduced Length Tactical Forend (SWAT Patrol Rifle)
• RDSS Rotary Diopter Sight System
• (1) 30 Round Polymer Magazine w/ Connector
• SIG SAUER Hard Carry Case

Item Number R556-16B-PS-RD
Caliber 5.56mm NATO
Overall Length 36.1 in
length w/Stock Collapsed 34.6 in
Barrel Length 16 in
Rifling 1 in 7 in
Sight Radius 14.4 in
Forearm Polymer
Stock Type Folding; length adjustable
Weight w/out Mag 7.5 lbs
Operating System Gas Operated, Rotating Bolt
Mag Capacity 30 Rounds
Features Quad-Rail, Rotary Diopter rear sight
MSRP $2143.00
CA Compliant No
MA Compliant No

Steyr SSG 08 Tactical Rifle

2010-05-11T07:39:00.000-07:00

A new milestone from the developers of STEYR MANNLICHER! The new STEYR SSG 08 is the ultimate rifle for every sport shooting purpose!

Thanks to its aluminium folding stock the STEYR SSG 08 can be transported easily in a small case.

The STEYR SSG 08 is available with a 600mm or 508mm barrel.

The STEYR SSG 08 features high grade alumnium folding stock, adjustable cheek piece and butt plate with height marking, and an ergonomical exchangeable pistol grip.

The STEYR SSG 08 also features a Versa-Pod, a muzzle brake, a Picatinny rail, a UIT rail on stock and various Picatinny rails on fore end, and a 10-round HC-magazine.

System Mannox TM
Trigger Direct trigger
Stock Dural aluminium foldingstock black with 280 mm long UIT-rail and various Picatinny-rails
Magazine High capacity synthetic box magazine
Magazine Capacity 10 rounds
Barrel Length HB 600 mm (23.6")
HBC 508 mm (20")
Overall length 1182 mm (600 mm)
1090 mm (508 mm)
folded approx. 220 mm shorter
Weight 5,7 kg (600 mm without bipod)
5,5 kg (508 mm without bipod)

2010-05-10T17:47:00.001-07:00

people sleep peacably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.-Geroge Orwell

Boeing unveils Phantom Ray Unmanned Airborne System (UAS)

2010-05-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

ST. LOUIS, – The Boeing Company today unveiled the fighter-sized Phantom Ray unmanned airborne system, a test bed for advanced technologies.

“We are on a fast track, and first flight is in sight,” said Darryl Davis, president of Boeing Phantom Works. “Phantom Ray is on schedule to fly in December, about two years after this project began. This is a tremendous accomplishment for Boeing and the Phantom Ray team.”

Phantom Ray is scheduled to begin taxi tests this summer. The first flight in December will be followed by up to nine additional flights over approximately six months.

Phantom Ray is designed to support potential missions that may include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; suppression of enemy air defenses; electronic attack; strike; and autonomous aerial refueling.

“The initial flights will take Phantom Ray through its paces for the flight test profile. Beyond that, the missions and systems tested will be determined by future warfighter needs,” said Craig Brown, Phantom Ray program manager for Boeing.

Phantom Ray, which evolved from the X-45C program, is one of several programs in the Phantom Works division of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. Phantom Works uses rapid prototyping initiatives to design, develop and build advanced aircraft and then demonstrate their capabilities.

Key Phantom Ray suppliers include General Electric-Aviation (propulsion and power distribution), Honeywell (brake system), Woodward-HRT (flight control actuation system), Crane Hydro-Aire (brake controls) and Heroux-Devtek (landing gear). (Boeing)

Japan build first overseas military base

2010-05-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

Japan is building its first overseas military base in Africa’s Djibouti on the Gulf of Aden in an attempt to probe what waters its military can legally reach farthest, analysts say.

In the name of better combating notorious Somali pirates, Japan is busy setting up a 40-million-U.S.-dollar military base, which is expected to be completed early next year.

Currently, some 150 Japanese soldiers battling piracy are stationed in a U.S. base in Djibouti, which is at the southern end of the Red Sea.

The Japanese authorities say some 2,000 Japanese vessels, accounting for 10 percent of the world total, sail through the Gulf of Aden each year. Some 90 percent of Japanese exports rely on the crucial sea lane, which has been overrun by rampant piracy.

On occasion, Japanese vessels have been hijacked by pirates.

The Japanese base, undeniably, would add momentum to the country’s anti-piracy efforts in the region.

But observers say that by establishing the base, the Japanese government is also exploring how far it can go in increasing its military clout in the world.

According to the Peace Constitution ratified in 1947 after World War II, Japan, to abstain from waging war, couldn’t have a standing army and its warships couldn’t operate overseas.

But in October 2001, soon after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Japanese lawmakers approved the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law, which allowed the dispatch of Japanese warships and soldiers overseas.

Moreover, in July 2009, Japanese lawmakers passed the Anti-Piracy Law, which provided Japanese self-defense forces with more mobility to use military power. It also stipulated that the Japanese prime minister could send troops overseas to conduct “anti-piracy” operations without approval of the parliament.

The base in Djibouti is Japan’s latest effort to increase its military influence in the world, analysts say.

Many countries are watching closely, and hope the base can play a constructive role in cracking down on Somali pirates and contribute to regional peace and stability. (Xinhua)