If the U.S. Army approves funding to keep the production line steady, industry can deliver 130 Stryker vehicles with "MRAP-like" protection in time for the next Stryker brigade's deployment, sources said. U.S. soldiers from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team patrol in Baqubah, Iraq. (AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE) The Army is nearing a decision on whether to give the flat-bottomed Stryker a double V-shaped hull, which would provide protection equivalent to that of a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, sources said. The changes were already planned as part the Stryker modernization program and are scheduled to be cut into the production line in 2015 and 2016. After several Strykers were damaged in Afghanistan, vehicle maker General Dynamics began thinking about accelerating the change. It proposed the acceleration to the Army in January, one source said. The V-shaped hull distributes the blast and moves the bottom of the vehicle higher off the ground. The Army plans to reduce production to 20 Strykers per month by next January, which would delay the improvements, the source said. But if production is held steady, the company could deliver 130 vehicles in the infantry carrier configuration in time for the next Stryker brigade's deployment to Afghanistan in July 2011. A full Stryker brigade has 332 vehicles in 10 variants, two of which are not yet in full-rate production. The company will follow with seven more variants by the end of December 2011. To do this, the rate of production has to be kept at roughly 35 per month. Funding is also needed for government testing, the source said. The company has done some testing, including blast testing and analysis with partial vehicles, but a full vehicle prototype has not been tested yet, the source said. Part of the Army's decision is to decide how much government testing they want to fund before fielding. There is $299.5 million in the president's budget, including base and supplemental dollars, to purchase 83 Stryker vehicles. There is an additional $591.3 million for Stryker modifications, and $136.3 million in research and development funds for Stryker survivability efforts.If the U.S. Army approves funding to keep the production line steady, industry can deliver 130 Stryker vehicles with "MRAP-like" protection in time for the next Stryker brigade's deployment, sources said. U.S. soldiers from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team patrol in Baqubah, Iraq.

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With Pentagon approval newly in hand, the U.S. Army on Feb. 25 released its request for proposal (RfP) for the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV), the service's planned next-generation full-spectrum-combat troop carrier. "I am really hoping for three solid proposals to enter into the technology development phase," Gen. Peter Chiarelli, the Army's vice chief of staff, told an audience later that day here at a convention of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA). Chiarelli addressed the gathering via video teleconference. Interested companies have until April 26 to submit their proposals. Army officials have said they plan in September to award up to three contracts for the GCV program's 27-month technology development phase. Chiarelli said he rejected the idea that the new vehicle program is Future Combat Systems "warmed over." He told the audience that he had read the requirements document several times and is certain the program is taking a new direction while incorporating lessons from Iraq and Afghanistan. The RfP was delayed two weeks as the Defense Department and the Army discussed details of the service's acquisition strategy, said Maj. Gen. John Bartley, program executive officer for integration. The Army wants to issue the RfP before finishing its formal analysis of alternatives, an unusual move that Pentagon acquisition executive Ashton Carter eventually approved. By approving a materiel development decision, Carter is saying he is willing to consider that there is a need for a ground combat vehicle, Bartley said. "The decision of whether or not there will be a GCV will be at milestone A" in September, he said. The finished analysis of alternatives also will be considered then.With Pentagon approval newly in hand, the U.S. Army on Feb. 25 released its request for proposal (RfP) for the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV), the service's planned next-generation full-spectrum-combat troop carrier. "I am really hoping for three solid proposals to enter into the technology development phase," Gen. Peter Chiarelli,

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Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), is displaying two new tactical wheeled vehicles in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., today through Friday (Feb. 24-26) at the annual Association of United States Army (AUSA) Winter Symposium and Exposition. Two new variants of the MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle M-ATV are making their debut at the event, as is - for the first time in the Oshkosh booth - an Oshkosh truck from the U.S. Army's Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles. "This AUSA event is a great opportunity for Oshkosh Defense to demonstrate our support for the U.S. Army and showcase our newest offerings to military personnel across all ranks," said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense. "The face-to-face conversations taking place at this show allow us to gather important feedback and information, which we use to continually improve our military vehicles." The new utility and ambulance M-ATV variants on display at AUSA offer new capabilities and mission profiles while maintaining the durable, best-in-class mobility and superior crew protection of the original M-ATV offering. Utility and ambulance M-ATVs were developed to allow military operations to provide critical casualty care and resupply services in unforgiving landscapes where tactical missions must operate. The M-ATV has provided superior off-road mobility for harsh mountainous terrain and unimproved road networks in places like Afghanistan. To date, the company has received orders valued at more than $4.74 billion to supply 8,079 M-ATVs, spare parts kits and in-theatre aftermarket support.Oshkosh Defense is displaying two new tactical wheeled vehicles in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., today through Friday (Feb. 24-26) at the annual Association of United States Army (AUSA) Winter Symposium and Exposition, The M-ATV Utility Variant Cargo Carrier and the M-ATV Tactical Ambulance.

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BAE Systems recently completed two successful demonstrations of the Caiman Multi-Theater Vehicle (MTV) before U.S. military leaders. A new version of the combat-proven Caiman Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, Caiman MTV is designed for multiple theaters of operation and, specifically, the end strength transition from Iraq to Afghanistan. The vehicle will be on display at the Association of U.S. Army’s Winter Symposium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida February 24-26, 2010 at booth #2521. BAE Systems gave U.S. military leaders the first look at the RG Outrider recently at the Nevada Automotive Test Center – a light armored vehicle designed to meet the needs of U.S. special operations and coalition forces operating in Afghanistan. Based on the RG series of light tactical vehicles originally designed and developed in South Africa, the 4x4 RG Outrider offers a cost-effective approach to the enhanced protection, demonstrated mobility and payload capacity required in Afghanistan. BAE Systems recently completed two successful demonstrations of the Caiman Multi-Theater Vehicle (MTV) before U.S. military leaders. The vehicle will be on display at the Association of U.S. Army’s Winter Symposium, with the new wheeled armoured vehicle, RG Outrider.

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Force Protection, Inc., a leading American designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions, will debut the Joint All-Terrain Modular Mobility Asset (JAMMA) vehicle at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Institute of Land Warfare’s Winter Symposium in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., February 24-26, 2010 at booth #109. JAMMA is the only armor-ready, four-occupant, hybrid, high-performance off-road vehicle that can be transported inside the V-22 Osprey helicopter.Force Protection, Inc., a leading American designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions, will debut the Joint All-Terrain Modular Mobility Asset (JAMMA) vehicle at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Institute of Land Warfare’s Winter Symposium in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., February 24-26, 2010.

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Antiterrorist exercises of the Member States of the Cooperation organization of Shanghai (OCS) will proceed in Kazakhstan in September, announced Thursday, February 25, 2010, the chief of the Russian Army Land Forces, General Alexander Postnikov.Anti-terrorist exercises of the Member States of the Cooperation organization of Shanghai (OCS) will proceed in Kazakhstan in September, announced Thursday, February 25, 2010, the chief of the Russian Army Land Forces, General Alexander Postnikov.

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Russia's new Topol M missile system will for the first time be shown at the Victory Day parade on May 9 on Moscow's Red Square, a spokesman for the Strategic Missile Forces said. Earlier Topol M predecessors — Topol missile systems — were shown at Victory Day parades in downtown Moscow. Col. Vadim Koval said three Topol M launchers were brought to Alabino near Moscow early on Friday. The three-stage Topol M (SS-27 Sickle B) is a solid-propellant, silo-based or road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). It has a maximum range of 11,000 km (6,800 miles). On May 9, 2009, a military parade involving over 9,000 personnel, 103 sophisticated tracked and wheeled military vehicles, as well as 69 aircraft and helicopters was held on Red Square as Russia celebrated Victory Day. Victory Day marks the final surrender by Nazi Germany to the U.S.S.R. in WWII, often referred to as the Great Patriotic War in Russia and other states in the former Soviet Union. The 2009 parade was largely a rehearsal for this year's event, when Russia is to mark the 65th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. The first Victory Parade was held on Red Square on June 24, 1945 on the order of the then-Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Joseph Stalin.Russia's new Topol M missile system will for the first time be shown at the Victory Day parade on May 9 on Moscow's Red Square, a spokesman for the Strategic Missile Forces said. Earlier Topol M predecessors — Topol missile systems — were shown at Victory Day parades in downtown Moscow.

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A revolutionary new weapon system for the British and French armies has been given a major boost with the signing on the 8th of February of an £11m contract with the French and UK ministries of defence. Under the contract, CTA International, an Anglo-French joint venture between BAE Systems and Nexter Systems, will begin qualification in early 2011 of cannon and ammunition for the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP), the Scout reconnaissance vehicle for the British Army and the future reconnaissance vehicle (EBRC – Engin Blinde de Reconnaissance et de Combat) for the French Army.A revolutionary new weapon system turret CTA International for the British and French armies has been given a major boost with the signing on the 8th of February of an £11m contract with the French and UK ministries of defence.

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Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) announced this 23 February 2010 it has received an additional $640 million award from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC) to deliver 1,460 MRAP All Terrain Vehicles. To date, Oshkosh has received awards valued at more than $4.74 billion for 8,079 M-ATVs, as well as spare parts kits and aftermarket in-theater support. "Our Armed Forces have Oshkosh's full assurance that these highly mobile, life protecting vehicles will continue to be a top priority because we understand the urgency of the situation," said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh Corporation chairman and chief executive officer. "From day one, Oshkosh Corporation and our employees have been committed to meet or exceed the M-ATV delivery requirements, while simultaneously producing our other quality advanced tactical wheeled vehicles and meeting all other contractual obligations."Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) announced this 23 February 2010 it has received an additional $640 million award from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC) to deliver 1,460 MRAP All Terrain Vehicles.

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Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Feb. 4, 2010 a $26,884,609 firm-fixed-price contract for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Full Rate Production 5, option exercise for 12 Jordan Launchers. Work is to be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, (40 percent) and East Camden, Ark., (60 percent) with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Feb. 4, 2010 a $26,884,609 firm-fixed-price contract for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Full Rate Production 5, option exercise for 12 Jordan Launchers.

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Starting this summer, Soldiers sent to fight in Afghanistan will wear an Army Combat Uniform with the "MultiCam" pattern instead of the standard-issue universal camouflage pattern. Secretary of the Army John McHugh made that announcement Feb. 19, after the service conducted a rigorous four-month evaluation of various uniform patterns to determine what could best protect Soldiers in Afghanistan. The new uniforms are of the same material and cut that Soldiers are already wearing in the Army Combat Uniform or ACU. It is the camouflage printed on the fabric that will be different. The change allows commanders in Afghanistan to have more options in deciding how best to equip their Soldiers. The uniforms bearing the new pattern, like the latest ACUs, will be fireproof. The decision to use the MultiCam pattern came after the Army evaluated its effectiveness at providing camouflage protection in Iraq. That was done, in part, by consulting with nearly 750 Soldiers who had deployed to Afghanistan. Those Soldiers participated in a "photo simulation" study administered by the Army. Additionally, feedback from Soldiers who have already worn the uniform in Afghanistan was used to make the final decision. About 2,000 Soldiers were involved in tests to see how effective patterns such as MultiCam and UCP-Delta were at providing concealment in the varying terrain of Afghanistan. Starting this summer, Soldiers sent to fight in Afghanistan will wear an Army Combat Uniform with the "MultiCam" pattern instead of the standard-issue universal camouflage pattern. Secretary of the Army John McHugh made that announcement 19 February 2010.

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Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), has been awarded a delivery order valued at more than $13 million from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC) to supply more than 35 next-generation Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks to the Army Reserve. The variants included in the order include M984A4 wreckers and M1120A4 load handling systems (LHS). Production is expected to begin in September 2010 and be completed in June 2011. The order was issued under the Army's Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV) III contract.Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), has been awarded a delivery order valued at more than $13 million to supply more than 35 next-generation Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks to the Army Reserve.

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The first two air defense missile system S-400 systems have entered combat duty at the regiment base of the Military Space Defense joint command in Elektrostal, the Moscow Region. The S-400 Triumph (NATO code : SA-21 Growler) , seen by the Russian army as the best anti-aircraft missile system, has been adopted by the army. The military claim that the S-400 system boasts unique characteristics. It can destroy any air target, including aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise and ballistic missiles within a range of 400 kilometers and an altitude up to 30 kilometers. The system is almost three times more efficient than its Russian and foreign counterparts. There are no plans so far to export the S-400. It will be produced only for the Russian Armed Forces. An additional two systems will be deployed by the end of 2010.The first two air defense ground-to-air missile system S-400 Triumph systems have entered combat duty at the regiment base of the Military Space Defense joint command in Elektrostal, the Moscow Region.

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Manufacture of the first TERRIER production hull began on 27 January at the company’s Newcastle plant. In a ceremony attended by senior staff from both the MoD Combat Wheels Group and BAE Systems’ suppliers; visitors saw machining operations on the first side plate commence. Attendees at the production launch ceremony were able to see first hand the £2m investment in process and machinery which has been put in place to support Terrier production. Both have been completely overhauled to improve build efficiency and maximise build quality, following lessons learnt from production of the heavier Titan and Trojan engineer vehicles, and the mine-protected Panther command and liaison vehicle which was recently delivered to Afghanistan. The first TERRIER hull will be used in mine blast trials to demonstrate improved protection levels introduced by modifications resulting from experience gained on other vehicles during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The complete hull will be available for trials towards the end of this year. Assembly, integration and test of the first production vehicle is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2011. Another important TERRIER development milestone was successfully completed in December 2009 after two demonstrator vehicles finished a comprehensive performance trial designed to demonstrate reliability growth. This two-month assessment consisted of a range of typical battlefield missions, including:Manufacture of the first TERRIER engineer armoured vehicle production hull began on 27 January at the company’s Newcastle plant. In a ceremony attended by senior staff from both the MoD Combat Wheels Group and BAE Systems’ suppliers; visitors saw machining operations on the first side plate commence

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The Trojan engineer tracked armoured tank and its Python mine clearance system have been used for the first time in the ongoing Operation Moshtarak in southern Helmand province where troops' progress has been slowed by the number of deadly Improvised Explosive Devices, or IEDs, left by insurgents. The Royal British army Engineers have fired their latest weapon Python mine clearing system in their battle against the Taliban for the first time – an exploding hose which punches safe passage through suspected IED belts. In addition, The Royal British army Engineers used Trojan – which is fitted with a large plough on the front – to clear safe passage through a suspected IED belt to the north west of Showal, the Taliban’s ‘seat’ of governance.Trojan engineer armoured tank and its Python mine clearance system have been used for the first time in the ongoing Operation Moshtarak in southern Helmand province where troops' progress has been slowed by the number of deadly Improvised Explosive Devices IED.

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The Russian Ministry of the Interior east in negotiation with French General Panhard Defense in order to acquire light armoured vehicles VBL, written Tuesday the daily newspaper of Kommersant businesses. According to the newspaper, the negotiations continue but did not approach the official stage yet. The beginning of a “true co-operation” between the Russian interior and Panhard could be announced in June, at the Defense Exhibition Eurosatory 2010 in Paris. According to French sources, it could be a question of “a small batch” of vehicles. The experts recall on their side that the Russian police forces are already equipped with wheeled armoured vehicle Tigr and Medved (Bear), are more cheaper for the same type of vehicle. In addition, they say, the VBL do not protect the crew against mine explosions and the firing of heavy machine-guns, as operations in Africa and in Kosovo show it.The Russian Ministry of the Interior east in negotiation with French General Panhard Defense in order to acquire light armoured vehicles VBL, written Tuesday the daily newspaper of Kommersant businesses.

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Since this Friday, February 12, 2010, the NATO forces launched a great offensive in the South Afghanistan, under the code name “Moshtarak”, it is the greatest offensive operation carried out by the NATO troops since 2001, date of the Taliban overthrown. This operation saw the engagement of 15.000 Afghan and foreign soldiers, whose objective is to restore the authority of the government in the province of Helmand, one of the principal strongholds of the insurrectionists, and also a region of opium, which makes it possible to provide important incomes to the Taliban. At the second day of the offensive, the military officials of the troops of the coalition are very satisfied with the course of operation. According to the Afghan military forces, at least 20 Taliban’s would have been killed in the offensive. Five soldiers of NATO were killed, including three American and British soldiers. During the first hours of the attack, the troops underwent shootings of sniper, and American military troops used their new vehicle of mine clearance ABV (Assault Breacher Vehicle) to explode many explosive devices.Since this Friday, February 12, 2010, the NATO forces launched a great offensive in the South Afghanistan, under the code name “Moshtarak”, it is the greatest offensive operation carried out by the NATO troops since 2001, date of the Taliban overthrown.

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La livraison des véhicules blindés de combat d'infanterie VBCI conçu et fabriqué par la société française Nexter Systems continue, le 35° Régiment d’infanterie de Belfort (35e RI) a été le premier régiment français à percevoir le véhicule VBCI, c'est maintenant le 92° Régiment d’infanterie de Clermont Ferrand qui va être équipé avec le véhicule blindé de combat d'infanterie VBCI. Le Régiment d’infanterie de Belfort a été la première unité de l'armée française à être équipé de ce véhicule, et il a été en charge de réaliser des exercices tactiques au niveau d'une section, jusqu'à un niveau de groupes de combats entre octobre 2008 et juillet 2009. À la fin de ces exercices, le régiment a été déclaré opérationnel avec les nouveaux véhicules VBCI. Le VBCI serait susceptible d'être déployé en Afghanistan en avril de cette année.The delivery of the new wheeled armoured infantry fighting vehicle VBCI designed and manufactured by the French company Nexter Systems continues, after the 35th Infantry Regiment, it's the 92th Infantry Regiment. The VBCI would be likely to be deployed in Afghanistan in April of this year.

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Vietnam could arrive soon in second position after India for the volume of the purchases of Russian armaments, entrusted the vice-director of the Center of analysis of the strategies and technologies (CAST) Konstantin Makienko this 10 February 2010, to the Russian press agency RIA Novosti. India, Algeria and China are currently the largest purchasers of Russian armaments. “The contract of 4 billion dollars concluded in 2009 on the purchase from six submarines and construction from infrastructures for their exploitation in the old Russian naval base Camwood Ranh, as well as the contract of a billion dollar signed last week for the purchase of 12 fighting aircrafts SU-30MK2 make it possible to affirm that Vietnam east comes from there to become the second Russian purchaser of armaments after India”, M.Makienko indicated. “According to the analysts, since 2011-2012, Vietnam will buy Russian weapons for 1 billion dollar per year”, he specified. The expert stated that in 2009, Hanoï had acquired Russian armaments for an amount higher than any other country of the world. In addition to the six diesel-electric submarines and the naval Camwood Ranh infrastructures, it also ordered eight fighting aircrafts SU-30MK2 for approximately 400 million dollars. SU-30MK2 is a general-purpose two-seater fighting aircraft intended to destroy air, ground and maritime targets, to carry out reconnaissance missions and to train pilots.Vietnam could arrive soon in second position after India for the volume of the purchases of Russian armaments, entrusted the vice-director of the Center of analysis of the strategies and technologies (CAST) Konstantin Makienko this 10 February 2010, to the Russian press agency RIA Novosti.

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Following the completion of its test program, the Indian missile Agni-3 could equip the Indian national army soon, announced this 10 February 2010 to the journalists, the director of the program Agni, Avinash Chander. “Following the three successful tests, the missile is ready to equip the army”, indicated the person in charge. According to experts, this system has the longest range of South Asia and must exceed the performances of the Pakistani missiles. Only China has more powerful missiles. Agni-3 underwent its last test on February 7th, opening the process of its adoption by the army, announced on its side the director of the Indian Organization of studies and developments as regards defense, Vijay KUMAR Saraswat. With a range of 3.500 km, Agni-3 is able to transport a maximum charge of 1.5 ton. The missile has a length of 17 meters and 2 meter diameter, with a weight of 48 tons. “It is a very powerful factor of dissuasion”, explained M.Saraswat. The Agni-3 missile is designed and produced in India, it is able to strike targets with a precision of several hundred meters, it added. According to the person in charge, India could soon approach the tests of a new missile, Agni-5, whose range will be of more than 5.000 kmFollowing the completion of its test program, the Indian missile Agni-3 could equip the Indian national army soon, announced this 10 February 2010 to the journalists, the director of the program Agni, Avinash Chander.

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Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) announced this 10 February 2010, that its Defense Division received a delivery order to an existing contract valued at more than $158 million from the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) for more than 400 Logistics Vehicle System Replacements. The order brings the total number of LVSRs under contract to nearly 1,300. With this latest order, LVSR production and delivery is extended into July 2011. More than 385 MKR18 cargo variants will be produced under the order. The remaining variants will be MKR16 tractors.Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) announced this 10 February 2010, that its Defense Division received a delivery order to an existing contract valued at more than $158 million from the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) for more than 400 Logistics Vehicle System Replacements.

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The Russian and Mongolian Defence Ministers Anatoli Serdioukov and Luvsanvandangiin Bold evoked this February 8th, 2010 in Moscow, the prospects for the bilateral cooperation in the military and technical fields, from the spokesperson of the Russian ministry Irina Kovaltchouk. “The prospects for the Russo-Mongolian co-operation in the military and technical fields, as well as the security issues in Central Asia and in the Asia-Pacific area were with the menu of the negotiations of the two ministers”, indicated the spokesperson. “Russia confirmed its intention to continue the training of the Mongolian soldiers in the Russian military schools with the Russian ministry of Defense”, it added. The Ministers for the two countries also greeted the Russo-Mongolian military exercise Darkhan-2 which was held in August - September 2009.The Russian and Mongolian Defence Ministers Anatoli Serdioukov and Luvsanvandangiin Bold evoked this February 8th, 2010 in Moscow, the prospects for the bilateral cooperation in the military and technical fields, from the spokesperson of the Russian ministry Irina Kovaltchouk.

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Iran started on Monday production of two domestically-developed unmanned aerial vehicles capable of delivering high-precision bombing strikes and performing reconnaissance missions, the Fars news agency said. Iran unveiled the drones, dubbed Ra'd (Thunder) and Nazir (Harbinger), at a plant in the northern province of Mazandaran. "We plan to manufacture UAVs...at this site" Fars quoted Hamed Saeedi, managing director of Farnas Aerospace Company in charge of the project, as saying. He said both UAVs were short-range, low-altitude drones with reduced radar-detection signature. According to analysts, Iran has recently made significant progress in developing various types of combat planes and succeeded in gaining the technical know-how for producing aircraft and drones with stealth capabilities.Iran started on 08 February 2010 production of two domestically-developed unmanned aerial vehicles capable of delivering high-precision bombing strikes and performing reconnaissance missions, the Fars news agency said.

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Iran has developed its own air defense system comparable to and even more sophisticated than the Russian S-300 system, the IRNA news agency said Monday, citing an Iranian military official. Russia signed a contract with Iran on the supply of at least five S-300 air defense systems to Tehran in December 2005. However, there have been no official reports on the start of the contract's implementation. "In the near future, a new domestically-made air defense system will be unveiled by the country's experts and scientists which is as powerful as the S-300 system, or even stronger," IRNA quoted Heshmatollah Kassiri. He said the delay in the implementation of the S-300 delivery contract was unacceptable, and Iran would do everything possible to protect its "sensitive nuclear centers." Iranian Ambassador to Russia Seyyed Mahmoud-Reza Sajjadi earlier said the S-300 contract had been stagnated by some technical issues. However, many experts believe Moscow has refused so far to honor the S-300 contract due to pressure from Washington and Tel Aviv. Both the United States and Israel have not ruled out military action if diplomacy fails to resolve the dispute over Iran's nuclear program and have expressed concern over S-300 deliveries, which would significantly strengthen Iran's air defenses. Russian defense industry officials have repeatedly said that Russia is interested in fulfilling the contract, which is worth hundreds of millions of dollars, but the future of the contract would largely depend on the current situation in international affairs and the Kremlin's position.Iran has developed its own air defense system comparable to and even more sophisticated than the Russian S-300 system, the IRNA news agency said Monday, citing an Iranian military official.

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A contract on the delivery of advanced S-300 air defense systems to Iran has been stagnated by technical reasons, the Iranian ambassador to Russia said on Thursday. Russia signed a contract with Iran on the supply of at least five S-300 air defense systems to Tehran in December 2005. However, there have been no official reports on the start of the contract's implementation. "Iran is ready to receive these systems and our Russian colleagues have assured us that they will meet their obligations," Seyyed Mahmoud-Reza Sajjadi said at a news conference at RIA Novosti in Moscow. "Several technical issues [in the contract's implementation] have emerged, and we hope they will be resolved soon," the diplomat said without specifying the problems. Many experts believe Moscow has refused so far to honor the S-300 contract due to pressure from WaToufan-5shington and Tel Aviv. Both the United States and Israel have not ruled out military action if diplomacy fails to resolve the dispute over Iran's nuclear program and have expressed concern over S-300 deliveries, which would significantly strengthen Iran's air defenses. Russian defense industry officials have repeatedly said that Russia is interested in fulfilling the contract, which is worth hundreds of millions of dollars, but the future of the contract would largely depend on the current situation in international affairs and the position of the Russian leadership.A contract on the delivery of advanced S-300 air defense systems to Iran has been stagnated by technical reasons, the Iranian ambassador to Russia said on Thursday. Russia signed a contract with Iran on the supply of at least five S-300 air defense systems in December 2005.

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