As Manmohan heads for US, expectations must be realistic Nov 22, 2009
Ahead of the Prime Ministers visit, there has been a deluge of commentary from the many policy advice institutions in Washington DC, a city famously said to have more thinktanks in it than many countries have battle tanks. Advice to the Obama administration ranges from the bold support India for a UN Security Council seat (from Ashley Tellis of Carnegie Endowment) to the brazen get India to play an even bigger role in Afghanistan (from Selig Harrison of Woodrow Wilson International... (India Times, India)
Oshkosh lands $20M U.S. Army order Nov 14, 2009
The Oshkosh heavy equipment transporter is designed to rapidly move M1A1 main battle tanks, armored vehicles and self-propelled guns, as well as a six-person crew, so the vehicles and soldiers arrive in mission-ready condition. In addition to spare parts, the contract, valued at $20 million, includes assistance from Oshkosh factory-trained technicians who provide in-field support and enhance military mobility. (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
Win a copy of Section 8! Oct 26, 2009
But there are more than just weapons to use to change the flow of the battles, thanks to the ability to call in vehicle drops such as mech suits and battle tanks allowing you to easily turn the tide on the battlefield. Tactical equipment is also another battle-changing feature to make it into Section 8, with a lot of gear to choose from. (iAfrica.com)
South America: Will defense spending trigger an arms race? Oct 3, 2009
Mexico City - Venezuelan President Hugo Chvez recently returned from Moscow flush with fresh deals for battle tanks and missile defenses a shopping spree that spurred a rare US admonishment that the leftist leader is provoking a regional arms race. Mr. Chvez claims that his latest move to stockpile weapons is in preparation for a future US attack to unseat him for better access to the country's vast oil reserves. (Christian Science Monitor)
China eyes defensive capability in building up military Oct 1, 2009
Gen. Liang said the PLA's arsenal has been equipped with all major weapon systems on the land, in the sea and air just like other major military powers, including military satellites, advanced jets, new main battle tanks, sophisticated warships and subs, with world-leading standards. Special Report. (Xinhuanet, China)
Defense Minister highlights military achievement Sep 22, 2009
"We now have military satellites, advanced jets, new main battle tanks, sophisticated warships and subs," Liang said, adding that some of the weaponry have caught up with world-leading standards. After nearly 60 years of construction and development, China has set a strategic target to realize basic defense and military modernization, he said. (Xinhuanet, China)
US is the real security concern, says Venezuela Sep 17, 2009
The Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, has announced a string of recent contracts with Moscow to buy 24 advanced fighter jets, 92 battle tanks and 300 surface-to-air missiles among other weapons acquisitions. The total value of the deals is more than $US6 billion ($6. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
* Clinton urges transparency in Venezuelan arms deals Sep 17, 2009
CONCERNS: The US is very worried about Hugo Chavezs deal with Moscow to buy battle tanks, multiple-launch rocket systems and vehicle-mounted missile systems AFP , WASHINGTON Thursday, Sep 17, 2009, Page 7 ... The US is especially worried about Venezuelas new deal with Moscow to purchase battle tanks, multiple-launch rocket systems, and vehicle-mounted surface-to-air missile systems targeting incoming missiles ... Chavez said Venezuela is buying 92 Soviet-era T-72 main battle tanks, 300mm... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Shop till you drop Sep 16, 2009
Then Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez returned last week from a successful shopping trip to Moscow, with T-72 main battle tanks and an unknown quantity of air defence systems in the bag. Both countries are ramping up military expenditure to levels not seen in decades. (BBC News -- Americas)
British Think-Tank: U.S. Power Fading Sep 16, 2009
Battle tanks are not built for street patrol. Spending billions to fight a bunch of shoeless goatherders is a fools game-it will bankrupt the US ,if it has not already. (CBS News -- World)
Hugo Chvez deepens petroleum and military ties with Russia Sep 11, 2009
The official RIA-Novosti said he would likely sign deals for up to $1-billion more, including 100 main battle tanks, three diesel-powered Kilo-class submarines, 10 Mi-28 helicopters, and several land-based anti-ship missiles. Experts say Chvez's search for more sophisticated weaponry may be due to growing tensions with his neighbor, Colombia. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
India shows off home-built tanks Aug 25, 2009
The Indian army has been showing off its first batch of T-90 battle tanks in a special 'rolling out' ceremony in Tamil Nadu. The 10 tanks were built in collaboration with Russia, but were manufactured and assembled entirely in India. (BBC News -- South Asia)
U.N.: Can halt violence against women Aug 12, 2009
TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Israel's Merkava IV main battle tanks will be equipped with the Trophy anti-missile system following a series of successful tests last week. Israeli army chiefs have been pushing for the system since 22 Merkavas were damaged by Russian Kornet anti-tank guided missiles during the war with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon in the summer of 2006. (Yahoo News -- Women's Issues)
DRDO to tweak aircraft engine for tanks Aug 3, 2009
DRDO to tweak aircraft engine to power battle tanks, locomotives- Engineering-Ind'l Goods / Svs-News By Industry-News-The Economic Times ... DRDO to tweak aircraft engine to power battle tanks, locomotives3 Aug 2009, 0238 hrs IST, Peerzada Abrar, ET Bureau ... BANGALORE: Indias defence scientists are tweaking Kaveri engine originally meant for the countrys light combat aircraft (LCA) project to power battle tanks, railway locomotives and commercial and naval ships, after project... (India Times)
Indian arms spree on the fast track Jun 4, 2009
The plans include the induction of 124 main battle tanks for the army and the first of a batch of locally made combat aircraft for the navy. Last month, the Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted the first of three Israeli Phalcon AWACS, India's most potent force multiplier, capable of tracking incoming missiles while keeping an "eye" on neighboring nations without infringing on airspace. (Asia Times Online)
In pictures: Swat exodus May 9, 2009
Battle tanks have been deployed in the government's "all-out" offensive. Some internal refugees are in displaced camps - having left most of their possessions behind, and sometimes having been separated from family. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Medvedev warning as Russia displays military might May 9, 2009
After Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov took the salute, standing in a grey, open-top Soviet Zil limousine, Russia's latest T-90 main battle tanks, armoured vehicles, howitzers and cannons rumbled past the red-brick walls of the Kremlin. Around 70 combat aircraft and helicopters -- over twice as many as last year -- buzzed Red Square at a record low altitude of just 300 metres. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Families welcome home troops Apr 30, 2009
There are a few mechanics wielding spanners and wrenches in the vicinity of some of the QRH's Challenger 2 battle tanks sitting idly in hangars. But a lot of the chatter on the base is among women, the wives left behind. (BBC News -- UK)
Venezuela Gets Russian Missiles, Announces Military Unit Apr 20, 2009
Venezuela has bought more than $4 billion in Russian arms in recent years, including 100,000 Kalashnikov rifles, helicopters and Sukhoi fighter jets, and negotiations are under way for the purchase of Russian-made T-72 battle tanks and armored reconnaissance vehicles. FOX NEWS VIDEOS. (Fox News)
Boiling over - 'Tea party' protesters decry bailouts, spending in Missoula Apr 17, 2009
Lance Carbuncle wrote on Apr 16, 2009 1:56 PM:" I am all for public protest. It's time for American's to get angry about the way our country is being run. However, I have to ask,where was all this concern about huge deficits when the burgeoning deficit spending was being used to kill Iraqis and Afghans over the last 7 years? Very few were marching in the street then. (Was that because opposing military spending was like opposing the war, which was considered unpatriotic under the Bush... (Missoulian, MT)
U.S. to give Lebanon spy drones Apr 15, 2009
Washington has in recent months stepped up its program to aid the Lebanese military, with a decision to supply battle tanks the first since the early 1980s after Russia promised in December to give Lebanon 10 MiG-29 fighter jets, its first fixed-wing combat aircraft. The statement Tuesday said the "Raven" aircraft the U.S. is providing performs remote reconnaissance and surveillance, identifies targets, provides protection and security and reports on military operations in urban areas... (MSNBC -- International)
US to give Lebanese military 12 unmanned aircraft Apr 15, 2009
Washington has in recent months stepped up its program to aid the Lebanese military, with a decision to supply battle tanks, the first since the early 1980s, after Russia promised in December to give Lebanon 10 MiG-29 fighter jets, its first fixed-wing combat aircraft. Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company. (Boston Globe)
Key U.N. powers in accord on N. Korea statement Apr 12, 2009
The sanctions included a prohibition on additional nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches and a ban on trade in conventional military equipment, including battle tanks, combat aircraft and warships. It also set up a sanctions panel to manage a list of individuals and companies that would be subject to a travel ban and a freeze on their financial assets. (AZCentral -- News)
"Short" Israeli War Stokes Pentagon Debate Apr 7, 2009
Instead you need infantry carries that can take hits up to 30mm and Main Battle Tanks with effective ranges at least 800 meters in excess of their potential opponents. We won't have any of that in 10 years if we concentrate on RPV's, etc, all of which are terribly vulnerable to jamming from modern ECM systems. (CBS News -- US)
News Analysis: Iraq prepares for post-U.S. occupation era Mar 21, 2009
As apart of U.S.-Iraqi 5 billion dollar arms deal, the first group of M1A1 battle tanks will be due for Iraqi army before next August, when most of U.S. troops left. Baghdad also announced recently a purchase of 125,000 U.S. made M-16 rifles to equip its nascent security forces. (Xinhuanet, China)
A second life for California wind turbines Mar 14, 2009
"They built themselves little battle tanks on top of the towers," said Kuhn, the company's vice president of marketing. New 65- to 100-kilowatt wind turbines wind turbines, large enough to power a farm or help defray a school's electric bills, can cost between $3,000 and $6,000 per kilowatt, meaning the entry prices would be close to $200,000, according to American Wind Energy Association. (Agri-View, WI)
Task Force Smith and the Bazooka Mar 12, 2009
US army general and armor expert George Patton stated that "the purpose of the bazooka is not to hunt tanks offensively, but to be used as a last resort in keeping tanks from overrunning infantry. To insure this, the range should be held to around 30 yards." The M9 was mainly used as a 'bunker-buster" during World War Two for such a reason. The larger M20 "Super Bazooka" was introduced before the Korean War and had a much larger warhead that could defeat modern tanks; however none were made... (Suite101.com)
Iraqi army to get US battle tanks Mar 8, 2009
BAGHDAD: Iraq will receive 140 Abrams battle tanks from the United States to bolster its new forces, the US army said on Sunday. The Iraqi army had taken "a major step in the force modernisation of its armoured units with the recent procurement of 140 M1A1SA Abrams main battle tanks," a statement said. (India Times, India)
Cold But Firm Mar 3, 2009
It has a standing army of 450,000 compared to Israel's 175,000; it assembles its own front-line American MIA1 Abrams battle tanks, the equivalent of the Israeli Merkava; like Israel, it has a large tank force of around 4,000; like Israel, it has over 200 American-made frontline F-16 fighter planes; it has Apache attack helicopters, frigates capable of delivering satellite-guided Harpoon missiles and Scud ground-to-ground missiles. Israeli critics of the Egyptian military buildup ask why, if it... (Jerusalem Post, Israel)
The 'Code': Going Inside the Mind of a Pirate Feb 21, 2009
The capture of the M/V Faina was considered a security issue: Faina's cargo included battle tanks, tank rounds, reactive armor and small arms. Genung was called in as the Navy's chief negotiator, speaking with the pirates twice a day. (ABC News)
Pirates Free Ship, Doubts Remain on Destination Feb 7, 2009
By Friday, Feb. 06, 2009. It's perfectly plausible, and it's up to everybody else to prove otherwise," says Paul Holtom, a researcher with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's Arms Transfers Project. "My point is that that manifest doesn't support definitively one or the other except to say that the consignee is the Ministry of Defense in Kenya. (Time.com)
