Somali pirates get ransom, release ship Oct 20, 2008
U.S. warships are still surrounding the Faina to keep the pirates from unloading its cargo of battle tanks and heavy weapons. The hijacking of the Faina and heightened concern over the chaos in a key shipping route has prompted NATO, the European Union and India to send warships to help the U.S. Navy ships that have been patrolling the region. (MSNBC -- International)
Somali pirates get ransom, release Thai cargo ship Oct 19, 2008
U.S. warships are still surrounding another hijacked ship, the MV Faina, to keep Somali pirates from unloading its cargo of battle tanks and heavy weapons. Today in Africa & Middle East. (International Herald Tribune -- Travel)
Pakistan does some US dirty work Oct 18, 2008
HIT has the capabilities to build main battle tanks, armored recovery vehicles, armored personnel carriers and other military equipment. Humvees are currently produced by AM General, an American heavy vehicle manufacturer based in South Bend, Indiana. (Asia Times Online)
10-Nation Flotilla Converges to Fight Somali Pirates Oct 18, 2008
The seizure three weeks ago of the MV Faina, a Ukrainian cargo ship, drew special concern because it carries 33 battle tanks and other heavy weapons. U.S. warships have surrounded the ship but have not moved in. (Fox News)
Venezuela in talks to buy Russian tanks... Oct 18, 2008
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- Venezuela plans on purchasing Russian-made T-72 battle tanks and armored reconnaissance vehicles as the nations' increase military cooperation, a Venezuelan military commander said Thursday. ADVERTISEMENT. (The Drudge Report)
Somali troops free Panama cargo ship Oct 15, 2008
Relatives of crew members of the Ukrainian vessel, which is carrying battle tanks and other heavy weapons, have asked Ukraine to pay the ransom pirates have demanded. The demand started at $20 million but appears to have been reduced. (MSNBC -- International)
Pirated ship OK as deadline passes, U.S. says Oct 15, 2008
Her husband Olexandr is one of 20 crew on the MV Faina, which is carrying 33 battle tanks and other heavy weapons that the U.S. and other nations fear could fall into the hands of al Qaeda-linked Somali insurgents. An official at the president's office said Yushchenko was in a meeting and could not see the relatives immediately. (CNN -- World)
Pirates threaten to blow up ship Oct 11, 2008
The MV Faina is carrying a shipment of battle tanks. Somali pirates holding a Ukrainian ship with a cargo of military tanks off the Somali coast have threatened to blow it up if they are not paid a ransom. (BBC News)
Pirates in Standoff Threaten Food Aid, Global Shipping Oct 11, 2008
It was a surprise when they popped open the cargo hold and found 33 battle tanks and crates of small arms and ammunition, all bound for from. The pirates asked for U.S. $35 million a price they have since lowered. (National Geographic)
Somali Pirates' Unexpected Booty: Russian Tanks Oct 10, 2008
The pirates who seized a Ukrainian freighter on Friday may have netted one of their biggest prizes in the Somali coastline the vessel was carrying 33 T-72 battle tanks to Kenya. Related. (Time.com)
The Somali Pirates: Tanks, But No Tanks Oct 10, 2008
In reports to the U.N. over the past several years, Kenya has claimed no imports or exports, even though in 2007 Ukraine said it was shipping 77 battle tanks exactly the number found aboard the Faina to Kenya. One diplomatic source tells TIME that the most likely scenario would be for the tanks to simply turn around and return to Ukraine. (Time.com)
• Syrian troops gather on Lebanese border Oct 8, 2008
The pan-Arab Al-Hayat newspaper has reported that the deployment included battle tanks and that troops dug trenches and blocked smuggling routes along the border with dirt mounds. Syria's opponents in Lebanon still accuse Damascus of trying to control their country despite withdrawing troops in 2005. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
China says US arms sale to Taiwan harms ties Oct 7, 2008
In this May 17, 2007 file photo, Taiwanese military maneuver U.S.-made M60 battle tanks during. World Video. (Yahoo News)
Navy: Crew on Hijacked Ship Off Somalia OK Oct 7, 2008
The ship is carrying 33 battle tanks, military weapons and 21 Ukrainian and Latvian and Russian hostages JASON R. ZALASKY / AP. (NAIROBI, Kenya) The crew on a hijacked Ukrainian cargo ship laden with tanks and heavy weaponry appear to be in good health, a U.S. Navy spokeswoman said Monday. (Time.com)
US offers India missiles deal Oct 4, 2008
US offers India $375 mn deal for smart missiles- Politics/Nation-News-The Economic Times. US offers India $375 mn deal for smart missiles4 Oct, 2008, 0934 hrs IST, IANS. (India Times)
Russia Pledges to Join Battle Against Somali Pirates Oct 4, 2008
Somali pirates are holding a Ukrainian ship with a cargo of battle tanks and two Russian crew members aboard off Somalia's coast. Russia has dispatched a warship to the area but has not said what it will do when it gets there. (Fox News)
Talks with Somali pirates continue, but who would pay? Oct 4, 2008
Kenyan officials have denied this, saying the heavy weaponry, including battle tanks, is for their use. But Western diplomats have said this is a lie. (International Herald Tribune)
Somali official: Pirates, ship owners negotiating Oct 3, 2008
MOGADISHU, Somalia An official at Somalia s foreign ministry says negotiations are taking place between the Somali pirates who hijacked a Ukrainian cargo ship laden with battle tanks and the ship s owners. Mohamed Jama Ali, the ministry s acting permanent director, said Wednesday there are talks between the owners of the ship and the pirates. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Somali pirates want $20 million for hijacked ship Oct 3, 2008
Somalia says foreign powers may use force against Somali pirates who are holding the ship loaded with battle tanks for $20 million ransom, raising the stakes for a group of bandits who are facing off against the United States on the high seas. NATION/WORLD Latest Headlines. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Kenya: Showdown At Sea Over Hijacked Ship Oct 3, 2008
All branches of the Kenyan Armed Forces were on full alert on Sunday night and heading for a showdown with the pirates who seized a cargo ship carrying battle tanks for the army. The Navy put to sea and was racing to take up position in a joint operation to recover the hijacked Ukrainian cargo vessel, which was also carrying arms and ammunition. (allAfrica.com)
Kenya: Hijacked Tanks Were for Sudan, Says Military Oct 3, 2008
Doubts grew on Wednesday over official claims that the battle tanks hijacked by Somali pirates belonged to Kenya. The authenticity of shipping documents presented by the Government to prove Kenya's ownership was called into question -- and investigations showed the cargo might in fact have been destined for South Sudan, as the US Navy has claimed all along. (allAfrica.com)
Kenya: Battle Tanks in Pirate Drama Off Somalia Oct 3, 2008
In Nairobi, The Nation newspaper that the Ukrainian-operated ship was carrying 33 battle tanks and "huge quantities of ammunition and grenade launchers" for the Kenyan armed forces. Relevant Links. (allAfrica.com)
EU force to fight Somali pirates Oct 3, 2008
Meanwhile, authorities in Kenya have charged a maritime official who said that the battle tanks were destined for southern Sudan, rather than Kenya. Andrew Mwangura - the spokesman for the Kenyan chapter of the Seafarers Assistance Programme - was charged on Thursday with making alarming statements. (BBC News -- Europe)
* Islamists urge pirates to destroy ship Oct 3, 2008
Robow said the 33 Soviet-era T72 battle tanks and other military hardware on the Faina belonged to Ethiopian forces, who are propping up the embattled Somali government in Mogadishu. On Wednesday, the Somali government said it would allow foreign powers to use force if necessary against pirates who are holding the Faina. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Pirates say they will fight commando raid on ship Oct 3, 2008
Mogadishu, Somalia Somali pirates on a hijacked cargo ship holding battle tanks and hostages said Thursday that they were ready to battle any commando-style rescue attempt. The warning came a day after the Somali government gave foreign powers a blank cheque for using force against the pirates, while U.S. warships continued to circle nearby and a Russian frigate headed toward the standoff. (Globe and Mail -- International)
Talks begin to free seized Ukrainian ship Oct 3, 2008
The Somali pirates, who seized the MV Faina with its 21-man crew and 33 T-72 battle tanks last Thursday, said they are under 24-hour surveillance from the U.S. ships and helicopters. There are 20 crew on board after one Russian died of illness. (Xinhuanet, China)
Navy Pursues Pirates Who Grab Arms Shipment Oct 3, 2008
On board: some 30 T-72 battle tanks, which experts say the pirates will probably not be able to unload. Now, U.S. and Russian ships are steaming toward the captured vessel. (Forbes -- Business)
Somali pirates 'in ransom talks' Oct 3, 2008
Somali pirates who hijacked a Ukrainian ship laden with 33 Soviet-made battle tanks are negotiating with the ship's owners, says the Somali government. Mohamed Jama Ali, from Somalia's foreign ministry, said no other parties were involved in the negotiations. (BBC News -- Africa)
General Dynamics Awarded $34 Million for M1A1 Abrams Tank Upgrades Sep 6, 2008
Sept. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The U.S. Army TACOM Lifecycle Management Command has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: ), a $34 million delivery order for 30 M1A1 Abrams Integrated Management (AIM) main battle tanks ... AIM is a joint effort to refurbish M1A1 main battle tanks involving the U.S. Army Project Manager for Heavy Brigade Combat Team, the TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, the Anniston Army Depot (Anniston, Ala. (PR Newswire)
U.S. Demands Russia Leave Georgia 'Now' Aug 22, 2008
A Reuters reporter saw a column of T-72 main battle tanks lumbering across the border from Russia into Georgia the first sign of heavy armor being withdrawn from Georgian soil but elsewhere Russian forces remained in place. The commander of Russia's ground forces said all troops sent to reinforce Russian peacekeepers in South Ossetia would go back to Russian within 10 days. (Newsmax)
Russia starts to withdraw from Georgia - witness Aug 19, 2008
Under a scorching sun, four Russian armoured vehicles and several battle tanks and trucks blew up exhaust fumes and dust as they set off in the direction of South Ossetia. "I order you to carry out a march along the route Gori-Tskhinvali-Vladikavkaz," a senior Russian officer barked to troops before getting in his armoured vehicle near Gori. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
The Coming Polish Missle Crisis Aug 18, 2008
Last Thursday, the Bush administration scored a welcome victory, less than a week after the Russian army took Washington by surprise, sending its main battle tanks rolling into the former Soviet republic of Georgia. The Polish government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk took a quick, hard look at the Russian army showing real teeth again and promptly dropped most of its objections to the United States building a ballistic missile defense base on its territory to guard against any ICBM nuclear... (Human Events Online)
Russia Halts Attack on Georgia But Stops Short of Withdrawal Aug 13, 2008
Heavy battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, supply trucks and howitzers rumbled toward the capital of Tskhinvali. MIG helicopter gunships flew overhead in the same direction. (Yahoo News -- Russia)
Russia's Blitzkrieg Into Georgia Aug 13, 2008
Hard armed force exerted by lots of aircraft, artillery and Main Battle Tanks still trumps all. Hard power crushes soft power, which really isn t power at all. (Human Events Online)
'ETHNIC CLEANSING'... Aug 11, 2008
ARMED FORCES COMPARED GEORGIA Total personnel: 26,900 Main battle tanks (T-72): 82 Armoured personnel carriers: 139 Combat aircraft (Su-25): Seven Heavy artillery pieces (including Grad rocket launchers): 95 RUSSIA Total personnel: 641,000 Main battle tanks (various): 6,717 Armoured personnel carriers: 6,388 Combat aircraft (various): 1,206 Heavy artillery pieces (various): 7,550 Source: Jane's Senti. Tom on August 10, 2008 at 12:20 PM. (The Drudge Report)
Georgia 'pulls out of S Ossetia' Aug 10, 2008
ARMED FORCES COMPARED GEORGIA Total personnel: 26,900 Main battle tanks (T-72): 82 Armoured personnel carriers: 139 Combat aircraft (Su-25): Seven Heavy artillery pieces (including Grad rocket launchers): 95 RUSSIA Total personnel: 641,000 Main battle tanks (various): 6,717 Armoured personnel carriers: 6,388 Combat aircraft (various): 1,206 Heavy artillery pieces (various): 7,550 Source: Jane's Sentinel Country Risk Assessments. He told the BBC that the withdrawal was necessary because of the... (BBC News)
Tank Universal is Golden Aug 9, 2008
"Every time I play Tank Universal, it brings back memories of Tron; the MCP, LightCycles and the Battle Tanks," said Steve Milburn, Marketing Director at Meridian4. "I can't stop playing this game and now that it has been tweaked, it's ready to be released to the masses. So while you wait for more news about TR2N, get a feel for this great, addictive, Indie game of epic tank battles; Tank Universal!". (IGN PC Games)
HUGO'S ARMS SPREE Aug 7, 2008
Post-summit reports indicate there might be another 1 billion or so in advanced Russian Tor M-1 air defense systems, T-90 battle tanks and Kilo-class diesel submarines in the pipeline. But that's only the tip of the arms iceberg: The Russian press is reporting that arms sales to Venezuela over the next 10 years may top another 5 billion, including heavy-lift air transport, air-air refueling tankers (for the fighters) and long-range air-defense systems. (New York Post -- Opinions)
S Korea, Turkey in $400 mn tank deal Jul 30, 2008
"The Turkish government has recognised our rich experience and advanced technology in developing battle tanks," DAPA said. "It also demonstrates the superiority of our defence technology.". (India Times)
Guard to receive new armored vehicles Jul 19, 2008
The 1-163rd Cavalry Regiment of the Montana National Guard will receive the newly upgraded Abrams battle tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles, positioning the unit for future missions. It's a testament to the quality of soldiers, modern training areas, and the facilities we have in Montana, said Maj. (Missoulian, MT)
Montana Guard tagged to receive armored vehicles Jul 18, 2008
The 1-163rd Cavalry Regiment of the Montana National Guard will receive the newly upgraded Abrams battle tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles, giving the unit a new posture for future operational missions. It s a testament to the quality of soldiers, modern training areas, and the facilities we have in Montana, said Maj. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Montana Guard to get upgraded fighting vehicles Jul 18, 2008
The 1-163rd Cavalry Regiment of the Montana Guard is slated to receive newly upgraded Abrams battle tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. The regiment was deployed to Iraq in 2005. (Montana Standard, MT)
A war just waiting to happen Jul 16, 2008
These units had over 200 tanks, including 40 T-55 and 165 T-72 main battle tanks that are currently being overhauled. Kramnik says that the Georgian military faces a 10,000-strong Abkhazian Self Defense Force with 60 tanks, including 40 T-72s, and 85 artillery pieces and mortars, including several dozen with a 122-152mm caliber and 116 armored vehicles of different types, numerous anti-tank weapons ranging from RPG-7 rocket launchers to Konkurs-M anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). (Asia Times Online)
Thai massage for China's military muscle Jul 13, 2008
This included a follow-on order for two OPVs and an unspecified number of main battle tanks, while a proposed barter exchange deal involving 66,000 tons of dried Thai Longan fruit for Chinese-made APCs also fell through. (Instead Thailand purchased APCs from South Africa. (Asia Times Online)
The Pentagon's merchants of war Jun 26, 2008
Incorporated during the Vietnam War, DRS Technologies has long been "a leading supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide"; that is, they have been in the business of fielding products that enhance some of the DoD's deadliest weaponry, including "DDG-51 Aegis destroyers, M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks, M2A3 Bradley fighting vehicles, OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters, AH-64 Apache helicopters, F/A-18E/F Super... (Asia Times Online)
ATK Receives $97 Million in Tank Ammunition Orders Jun 16, 2008
With Options, Production Value Could Exceed $300 Million ATK to Provide U.S. Army with 120mm Tactical and Training Rounds, and 105mm Stryker Training Rounds ATK Produces Complete Family of Tactical and Training Rounds for Main Battle Tanks MINNEAPOLIS, June 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ) announced today that it has received $97 million in follow-on production and new contracts for tactical and training tank ammunition from the U.S. Army. If all production options are... (PR Newswire)
Sadr City Fighting Leaves Dozens Dead May 2, 2008
The violence appeared to be a continuation of the weekend's heavy clashes involving attack helicopters and Abrams main battle tanks in which about 45 militants and four U.S. soldiers have died. A showdown between the Iraqi government and the Mahdi Army militia - led by anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr - has increasingly drawn U.S. forces into battle. (CBS News -- Iraq)
Wright, Obama and black church May 2, 2008
Now, Islamic Brotherhood is in a position to inherit hundreds of M-1 main battle tanks, dozens of F-16 s and other advanced American weapons. Time to pay for your crimes, zionists. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Militants Fight On Despite Calls For Calm Apr 12, 2008
In Sadr City, a U.S. statement said American soldiers used Abrams main battle tanks and drone-fired Hellfire missiles in support of troops who came under sniper and rocket attack while trying to erect concrete barriers in the area. Two armored vehicles were damaged by at least 10 roadside bombs that exploded during the operation, but there were no casualties among the U.S. and Iraqi soldiers, the military said. (CBS News -- 60 minutes)
Expectations high as marines pour into Kandahar Mar 19, 2008
Col. Petronzio said that the marines - who will field their own helicopters, fighter jets, battle tanks and smaller armoured vehicles - will be operating as an integrated unit but will be happy to offer their allies access to any equipment they're not using. The equipment most coveted by Canadians are the marines' helicopters, 25 of which would normally be deployed with an MEU. These typically include both attack and utility helicopters, as well as the medium- and heavy-lift choppers so urgently... (Globe and Mail -- International)
* FEATURE: 'Land of a million elephants' is seeing its most prized possessions dying out Mar 17, 2008
During their heyday, elephants served as the country's trucks, taxis and battle tanks. Laos is communist-ruled today, but it used to be a kingdom that kept its independence by sending elephants as tribute to China and Vietnam. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Very ugly developments in the genteel world of town planning Mar 1, 2008
Perhaps the silliest stunt of all was to buy 59 second hand M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks for the army, $555 million at last count. What on earth are they going to do with them. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
* Sri Lanka marks 60th anniversary Feb 5, 2008
The celebration began with a 21-gun salute and a parade by hundreds of army, navy, air force and police officials, along with battle tanks, artillery guns and rocket launchers. Sri Lankan naval ships sailed off the coast while air force attack helicopters and jets flew overhead. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Sri Lankan celebrates 60th anniversary amid intense security Feb 4, 2008
The celebration began with a 21-gun salute and a parade by hundreds of army, navy, air force and police officials, along with battle tanks, artillery guns and multi-barrel rocket launchers. Sri Lankan naval ships sailed off the coast while air force attack helicopters and fighter jets flew overhead. (International Herald Tribune)
Air Force may cut F-15 fleet Jan 9, 2008
Air Force officials characterized the grounding of the F-15s as even more serious than if the Army had to take a large portion of its battle tanks out of service in Iraq. "This is grave; we've had a heart attack," said a senior Air Force official. (Los Angeles Times)
Armenia, Azerbaijan Mull CFE Treaty Withdrawal in Year of "Many Uncertainties" for OSCE Jan 8, 2008
In a report released last November, the Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank said that, in addition to some 20 combat aircraft, Azerbaijan purchased at least 12 multi-launch rocket systems and dozens of artillery systems, anti-tank guns, and T-72 battle tanks between 2004 and 2006. The United Nations Register of Conventional Arms shows that these items were purchased from Ukraine, Belarus, and Georgia. (EurasiaNet.org)
Russia suspends CFE arms treaty Dec 13, 2007
The document aims to maintain the military balance in Europe by setting equal limits for each signatory on five categories of conventional weapons - battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, artillery pieces, combat aircraft and attack helicopters. The treaty, which came into force on Nov. 9, 1992, also lays down measures to enhance confidence-building, transparency and cooperation between member states. (Xinhuanet, China)
harmon snow: Wasting America's Wetlands Dec 7, 2007
After decades of injusticeborn out of American slaverythe victims of the storm fell prey to an all-out military invasion involving aircraft carriers, Boeing Chinook and Sikorsky Blackhawk helicopters, M-1 Abrams battle tanks, M-2 Bradley fighting vehicles, amphibious assault ships, state-of-the-art weaponry, Blackwater mercenaries, U.S. Special Forces, and the special Bollinger SWIFTthe U.S. Navys interim Mine Warfare Command and Support catamaran. High-tech military command... (Zmag.org)
Frost & Sullivan Selects Nexter for 2007 European Land Armaments Strategic Development Leadership of the Year Award Dec 5, 2007
For instance, as Nexter delivers its final Leclerc main battle tanks (MBTs) to the French Army in 2007, the new wheeled 8 x 8 V. hicule Blind. (BusinessWire)
Toll in Sri Lankan clashes rises to more than 80 Nov 10, 2007
Meanwhile, pro-LTTE websites claimed that the rebels had "repulsed a major military ground operation towards the Northern Forward Defence Line (NFDL) positions between Kilali and Muhamalai in the early hours of yesterday." The LTTE claimed to have killed 20 troopers, injured 100 others and damaged the main battle tanks of the Sri Lankan Army, the news agency said. Comments. (Khabrein.info)
Polish tanks being tested after delivery Oct 16, 2007
KUALA LUMPUR: Six of the 48 PT-91M Twardy main battle tanks, ordered from Poland for the army, have been delivered and are undergoing tests here ... The deal made big news as it was the maiden acquisition of main battle tanks for the armed forces. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Ahmadinejad: Sanctions Will Not Stop Nuclear Progress Sep 23, 2007
Iran used the parade to display its latest weapons, including radar-avoiding missiles, super-fast torpedoes, unmanned surveillance drones, battle tanks and other domestically produced weapons. Some of the trucks carrying Iranian missiles were painted at the back the popular slogans: "Down with the U.S." and "Down with Israel.". (Fox News)
Ahmadinejad parades military might Sep 23, 2007
Some of the trucks carrying Iranian missiles were painted at the back with the popular slogans: "Down with the US" and "Down with Israel." The parade also featured flights of unmanned surveillance drones, torpedoes and battle tanks. Iran launched an arms development program during its war with Iraq to compensate for a US weapons embargo. (Jerusalem Post)
Got Heat? Many Uses for Natural Gas Substitute Sep 7, 2007
Huge U.S. military bases can use syngas produced from management of their thousands of acres of forest lands to heat soldiers barracks or prepare hot foods and then convert some of the excess into diesel fuel to operate trucks or even battle tanks. A manufacturing plant located Louisiana in the midst of thousands of acres of sugar cane fields can convert the cane harvest waste to syngas for use as a feedstock in production of electricity. (Energy Pulse, CO)
Altis being sold to Russian state-owned arms exporter, says report Sep 4, 2007
Rosoboronexport sells a comprehensive range of weapons systems for export including battle tanks, MIG fighter aircraft, surface warships and submarines, long-range air defense missile systems, radar and electronic warfare and electronic countermeasures systems. Altis has been used by Infineon and IBM to perform production of logic chips at 250-nm and 130-nm and research and prototyping of novel memory technologies such as magnetic RAM and conductive-bridging RAM. Rosoboronexport could use Altis... (EETimes)
