12 September 2012 defenceWeb (Reuters)

The U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other embassy staff were killed in a rocket attack on their car, a Libyan official said, as they were rushed from a consular building stormed by militants denouncing a U.S.-made film insulting the Prophet Mohammad.

Gunmen had attacked and burned the U.S. consulate in the eastern city of Benghazi, a center of last year's uprising against Muammar Gaddafi, late on Tuesday evening, killing one U.S. consular official. The building was evacuated.

The Libyan official said the ambassador, Christopher Stevens, was being driven from the consulate building to a safer location when gunmen opened fire, Reuters reports.

"The American ambassador and three staff members were killed when gunmen fired rockets at them," the official in Benghazi told Reuters.

There was no immediate comment from the State Department in Washington. U.S. ambassadors in such volatile countries are accompanied by tight security, usually travelling in well-protected convoys. Security officials will be considering whether the two attacks were coordinated.

Libyan deputy prime minister Mustafa Abu Shagour condemned the killing of the U.S. diplomats as a cowardly act.

The consular official had died after clashes between Libyan security forces and Islamist militants around the consulate building. Looters raided the empty compound and some onlookers took pictures after calm returned.

In neighboring Egypt, demonstrators had torn down an American flag and burned it during the protest. Some tried to raise a black flag with the words "There is no God but God, and Mohammad is his messenger", a Reuters witness said.

PORTRAYAL OF PROPHET

U.S. pastor Terry Jones, who had inflamed anger in the Muslim world in 2010 with plans to burn the Koran, said he had promoted "Innocence of Muslims", which U.S. media said was produced by an Israeli-American property developer; but clips of another film called "Mohammad, Prophet of Muslims", had been circulating for weeks before the protest.

That film portrayed Mohammad as a fool, a philanderer and a religious fake. In one clip posted on YouTube Mohammad was shown in a sexual act with a woman.

Jones, a pastor in Florida whose latest stunt fell on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, triggered riots in Afghanistan in 2010 with his threat to burn the Koran.

Many Muslims consider any depiction of the Prophet offensive and any depiction of him can cause outbursts of anger in the Islamic world and among Muslims in Europe.

Libya's interim government has struggled to impose its authority on a myriad of armed groups that have refused to lay down their weapons and often take the law into their own hands.

It was clearly overwhelmed by Tuesday night's attack on the consulate that preceded the assault on the ambassador.

"The Libyan security forces came under heavy fire and we were not prepared for the intensity of the attack," said Abdel-Monem Al-Hurr, spokesman for Libya's Supreme Security Committee.

In Benghazi, unidentified men had shot at the consulate buildings, while others threw handmade bombs into the compound, setting off small explosions.

LOOTED

On Wednesday morning, the compound stood empty, with passers-by freely walking in to take a look at the damage.

Walls were charred and a small fire burned inside one of the buildings. A small group of men was trying to extinguish the flames and three security men briefly surveyed the scene.

A Reuters reporter saw chairs, table and food lying alongside empty shells. Some blood stains could also be seen in front of one of the buildings. Three cars were torched.

The crowd of around 2,000 protesters in Cairo was a mixture of Islamists and teenage soccer fans known for fighting police and who played a part in the revolt that toppled Egypt's leader Hosni Mubarak last year.

The fortress-like U.S. mission is near Tahrir Square, where Egypt's uprising began and the scene of many protests since. Youths danced and chanted football songs. A Reuters reporter said they appeared to climb into the embassy compound almost as an afterthought.

"We sacrificed dozens and hundreds during the uprising for our dignity. The Prophet's dignity is more important to us and we are ready to sacrifice millions," said mosque preacher Mohamed Abu Gabal who joined the protest.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in a statement late on Tuesday, confirmed the death of the U.S. consular diplomat in Libya, who was not identified, and condemned the attack there; but she made no mention of an attack on the Ambassador's car.

11 September 2012 US Africom - defenceWeb

Members from the Missouri Army National Guard's 110th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, based in Kansas City, and representatives from seven East African countries have begun the U.S. Army Africa sponsored Eastern Accord 2012 Counter Violent Extremism Exercise.

The 10-day training exercise, which will help build partnerships with USARAF and the East African military forces, is designed to help USARAF and East African participants improve their capability to respond to regional security threats posed by Violent Extremist Groups and to more effectively counter the associated Violent Extremist Ideology.

The objective of the exercise, which began yesterday, is to build partnerships with Tanzania and other East African military forces to increase interoperability within East Africa, increase African partner nations' ability to counter violent extremism and to increase the readiness of U.S. forces to operate in austere conditions.

The Ministry of Defence and National Service Deputy Permanent Secretary Eng Mussa Ibrahim Iyombe attended the first day of the exercise and stated the importance of the exercise.

"Defeating terrorism and violent extremism require a long term and collective strategic efforts; and a break with the old patterns," said Iyombe. "It is now high time we fight these old enemies with both a regional and a global reach."

Brigadier General James Owens, USARAF Deputy Commander, emphasized this point.

"Our focus during this exercise is countering violent extremism," said Owens. "However, we must ascribe the proper level of importance to the value if working together--together we will focus on the Army's importance in securing stability and security for our respective nations."

Participants in Eastern Accord 2012 will conduct an academic program from September 6-9 with speakers that include Brigadier General (R) Meir Elran, Director of Homeland Security Program, Tel Aviv University; Brett Lovegrove, former head of counter-terrorism in the city of London, and many other professional speakers. All speakers involved in this exercise bring years of knowledge and experience that will provide valuable information to all who are participating.

The culminating event is a Table Top Exercise which will take place September 10-13. The TTX will apply all lessons learned during the academic portion of the exercise and apply them to the real world efforts for each country in attendance. The knowledge gained from this exercise will continue to enhance the relationships between the U.S. and African Nations.

11.09.2012 par P. CHAPLEAU Lignes de Défense

Et on reparle encore ce matin de Camp Lemonnier, avec l'attribution d'une partie du contrat US dont j'avais parlé dans un post du 2 juillet. Cette annonce concerne trois points de l'appel d'offres: l'extension du taxiway, la construction d'une soute à munitions et la construction d'un point d'armement des aéronefs. Cette annonce s'ajoute à celle du 6 septembre (voir mon post du 7).

CH2M HILL-METAG, a Joint Venture, Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a $61,995,330 firm-fixed-price design-build construction contract for construction of a combat aircraft loading area, an eastern taxiway extension, and an ammunition supply point that are required to support current and emerging operational missions at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The contract also contains two unexercised options, which if exercised would increase the cumulative contract value to $63,175,070. Work will be performed in Djibouti, Africa, and is expected to be completed by April 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $61,995,330 are obligated on this award and $50,642,630 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy electronic commerce online website, with 28 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N62470-12-C-2008).

September 12, 2012: Strategy page

Chaos and disunity reigns in the north (held by various Islamic terror and tribal separatist groups) and the south (run by a temporary government and army officers who want to run the country and openly disagree with the civilian government.) Islamic terrorists, many affiliated with al Qaeda, control most of the large cities and towns in the north, and have been enforcing Islamic law. That means no secular music, outside work for women, no school for girls and lashings and amputations for criminals. Short on fighters, the Islamic terrorists are recruiting (sometimes by force) teenage boys, while older people are secretly forming resistance groups. In the countryside up there the Tuareg rebel groups are in control and are starting to raid into the south as well.

In the south, the government has called for foreign troops to help deal with the Islamic terrorists, who have begun advancing into the more populous (and less arid) south. The army threatens to block foreign troops, but is willing to accept weapons, logistical aid (transports and helicopters) and cash. Few people, inside or outside Mali, trust the leadership of the Mali army (which only consists of a about five thousand troops.) The army is currently more concerned with growing competition (independent militias training and arming to retake the north) and regaing control of the government than they are with fighting up north.

The Islamic terror groups in the north are also driving non-Moslems out of the area. Some 200,000 Mali Christians have fled the north to Algeria and Mauritania. Meanwhile the senior Moslem clerics of Mali, especially those from the south, have opened discussions with the Islamic radicals who have taken over up north. This is unlikely to do much good since the Islamic radicals back a severe form of Islam that is not popular with most Mali Moslems (who are 90 percent of the population).

While the takeover in the north has disrupted the economy, it has not stopped merchants in the south, and neighboring countries, from moving in food and other goods. As long as Malians can pay, there will be food. But the Islamic terrorists have destroyed the tourist trade (a big business in some cities) and shut down some businesses. As more people have less money, they will have less food. The Islamic terror groups have been involved with moving drugs north into Algeria and thence to Europe and this will continue. The Islamic groups also smuggle weapons and people. There will still be jobs in the north, just more dangerous ones. In response to all this, hundreds, if not thousands of northerners are forming resistance groups. The Tuaregs up north are particularly angry at how the Islamic terror groups, which contain many foreigners, turned on the native Tuareg separatist militias that have been fighting southern control for decades and led the rebellion in the north earlier this year. Now the better armed and more fanatic Islamic terror groups control the cities, while the Tuareg rebel militias wait in the countryside, and plan their counterattack. The Islamic terrorists are trying to negotiate a long-term peace with the Tuareg, but this is not going well. The Tuareg are well and truly pissed.

September 8, 2012: Soldiers guarding a road near 400 kilometers northeast of the capital (near the border with northern Mali) opened fire on several vehicles, killing sixteen pro-government Islamic clerics, including many from neighboring Mauritania (whose government threatened military retaliation if the guilty Mali soldiers were not punished.) The clerics were members of the moderate Dawa sect and were headed for a conference in Mali (where many members of Dawa live). The army initially announced that their troops had killed 16 Islamic terrorists but are now trying to figure out a way to apologize without punishing the guilty (which would be bad for morale).

September 7, 2012: ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) is blocking the movement of a shipment of weapons to Mali. These weapons were ordered before the army coup last March but the loyalty of the army is questionable. ECOWAS, and many in Mali do not trust the Mail army.

September 4, 2012: France insists that Mali government officials want foreign troops to liberate the north. Apparently the Mali officials fear retaliation by their own army if they say that openly. 

September 1, 2012: The Mali government backed away from its earlier request for five battalions (about 3,500 troops) of infantry to help regain control of the north. Apparently under pressure from the Mali army, the government now announced that it just wants logistical and other support, including trainers to prepare more Malians to do the fighting. ECOWAS is stalled by this lack of unity within the Mali government.

Al Qaeda forces in northern Mali killed an Algerian diplomat they had been holding for ransom when the Algerian government refused to release Islamic terrorists from its prisons. The Algerians knew that giving in to the terrorists would mean more terrorists could operate and more Algerians would be kidnapped.

Islamic terrorists drove into the southern town of Douentza (800 kilometers north of the capital) and drove away a local militia. This town is just across the unofficial border between the north and south.

August 20, 2012: A new interim civilian government was finally formed. Five of the 31 ministers are allies of the rebel army officers, who backed off from running the government after the north fell to Tuareg rebels and Islamic terrorists. The army rebels are down but not out.

12.09.2012 par P. CHAPLEAU Lignes de Défense

Bientôt, au sein des FRCI et des forces de sécurité ivoiriennes, moins de pick-up (comme sur la photo) et à la place des VLRA!

Mon confrère Cyrile Pitois, de la rédaction de Saint-Nazaire, a publié ce matin un article consacré à la commande passée par la Côte d'Ivoire à Acmat. Une commande qui porte sur des véhicules de type VLRA. Ce véhicule militaire tout terrain fabriqué à Saint-Nazaire est utilisé par une cinquantaine d'armées au monde. L'entreprise reste discrète sur le nombre d'exemplaires commandés mais cette grosse commande ivoirienne permettra de créer des emplois.

La société Acmat de Saint-Nazaire, qui fabrique des véhicules tout terrain depuis 1948, vient de signer une importante commande avec l'état de Côte d'Ivoire. Le gouvernement français a donné son feu vert et la compagnie française d'assurance pour le commerce extérieur (Coface) vient de confirmer qu'elle apportait sa garantie au contrat. De quoi assurer le carnet de commandes de l'entreprise nazairienne pour les cinq prochaines années et créer entre vingt et cinquante emplois supplémentaires. L'effectif actuel est de 120 salariés.

Une bonne nouvelle qui pourrait en cacher d'autres : dans le sillage de la Côte d'Ivoire, plusieurs autres pays d'Afrique de l'ouest sont intéressés. Acmat fait partie depuis 2006 du groupe Renault trucks défense. Elle est connue sur le marché pour son VLRA ou véhicule de liaison, de reconnaissance et d'appui, qui est un des véhicules tactiques de référence dans l'armée française et auprès d'une cinquantaine de forces armées à travers le monde.

Aujourd'hui Acmat a renouvelé sa gamme avec l'ALTV, un 4x4 léger, premier pick-up militaire produit en France conçu pour la haute mobilité tactique. Il est équipé d'un moteur de 190 ch qui lui permet d'atteindre les 160 km/h et peut recevoir une protection balistique et anti-mine. C'est cette conception récente qui plaît aux nouveaux clients et vient concurrencer Toyota comme fournisseur des armées du monde. Acmat a aussi enrichi sa gamme avec le Bastion, qui répond aux missions de transport de troupes ou de reconnaissance et d'assaut.

Acmat refuse d'indiquer combien de véhicules ont été précisément commandés et ne révèle rien des conséquences de ce marché sur le développement et l'effectif de l'entreprise. Mais les parlementaires qui ont appuyé le dossier pour obtenir l'aval du gouvernement se félicitent déjà « de l'ampleur de la commande et des emplois durables que cela permettra de créer », commente le sénateur André Trillard. Par le passé, Acmat avait déjà connu des contrats d'importance comme les 600 véhicules fournis en trois ans au Maroc. « Nous sommes plutôt fiers du succès de cette nouvelle gamme. C'est encourageant pour l'avenir, » commente un salarié.

12/09/2012 Sources : EMA

Du 5 au 9 septembre 2012, la frégate La Fayette a escorté, du canal du Mozambique jusqu’au port de Mogadiscio, un cargo affrété par l’United-Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA) transportant du matériel opérationnel destiné à la mission de l’Union africaine en Somalie (AMISOM).

Tout au long du trajet, sur plus de 1000 miles nautiques, le La Fayette a escorté son protégé, le MV Roelef, en veillant sur tout l’horizon et se positionnant systématiquement en interposition des bateaux passant à proximité.

Dans la matinée du 9 septembre, c’est avec une vigilance accrue que le La Fayette accompagnait le Roelef jusqu’à proximité du port de Mogadiscio, pour la transmission de l’escorte aux forces de l’AMISOM. Moment toujours délicat, réalisé dans un environnement potentiellement hostile, la présence dans un proche périmètre d’esquifs non-identifiés a maintenu ce jour-là au plus haut le niveau de vigilance. En effet, la période de mousson qui restreint l’activité en mer des pirates touche à sa fin. Depuis quelques semaines, l’activité dans les villages de la côte somalienne a repris. Les boutres et les skiffs sont remis en état, prêts à naviguer.

L’escorte et la protection de navires affrétés par les Nations-Unies en soutien de l’AMISOM est une des missions principales de l’opération Atalante. Ce soutien à l’AMISOM s’inscrit dans l’approche globale de l’Union européenne qui vise à permettre un retour à la normale en Somalie.

Le bureau de soutien des Nations-Unies pour la mission de l’Union africaine en Somalie (UNSOA) assure la logistique de l’ensemble des troupes de l’AMISOM. A travers ce support, l’UNSOA supporte l’AMISOM dans son mandat d’appui au retour de la paix en Somalie.

11 September 2012 by defenceWeb

Denel is embarking on a concerted marketing drive to increase the sales of its products and services to other countries on the African continent, and the state-owned defence company will soon establish permanent marketing offices in different regions in Africa.

Riaz Saloojee, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Denel, said that Africa currently constitutes 27% of its total export sales of R1.33 billion but the company has identified promising opportunities to significantly increase this revenue.

The bulk of opportunities will be in the humanitarian demining services done by Denel Mechem but he also foresees strong growth in maintenance, repair and overhaul services in the aviation sector, unmanned aerial vehicles and infantry systems.

Saloojee said the sales of defence equipment contributes to the defence and security of the African continent. In addition, “the defence industry is highly dependent on government-to-government contact and we are fortunate that the South African government provides strong support to our marketing efforts.”

The recent restructuring of Denel will enable the company to consolidate the marketing initiatives of its various divisions and expose potential clients to the entire range of products and services in the aviation, landward defence and missile technology fields.

Denel regional offices will be established or strengthened in North Africa, East, West and southern Africa while the company will continue to grow its presence beyond the countries on the continent that are currently doing business with Denel.

“We are creating partnerships with our clients in Africa,” said Saloojee. “It is not a question of selling products and systems and walking away from the deal. Our African partners know that we continue to support our products through after-sale services, maintenance agreements, future upgrades and the subsequent provision of spares and support.

“Our products are all locally developed, tried, tested and adapted for African conditions. This commitment to Africa sets Denel apart from other manufacturers,” said Saloojee.

Denel’s approach is to establish strategic partnerships with local companies and create in-country capabilities in the markets it sells to, the company said in a statement today.

Given the continent’s history of past conflicts there are still huge demands for the humanitarian demining services provided by Denel Mechem. The company is currently supporting UN and African Union-sponsored peacekeeping operations in 11 countries on the continent to detect and dispose of landmines and other remnants of war. Mechem also produces the Casspir range of mine-resistant armoured personnel carriers.

Denel Aviation is growing its ability to perform maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to a wider range of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. It is already certified for MRO work on Lockheed Martin (C-130 Hercules) and Eurocopter products but intends to extend this to other original equipment manufacturers such as Russian Helicopters and Antonov.

On-going technical support, maintenance, training and skills transfer are important elements in Denel’s relationships with its African clients, the company said. The Denel Technical Academy, based in Kempton Park, currently trains more than 50 students from countries on the continent who will be fully qualified artisans and aircraft technicians following the completion of their studies.

Saloojee said the company also wants to grow its share of high-potential niche markets in Africa especially in the fields of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicle systems (UAVS) designed and developed by Denel Dynamics. Its Seeker range of UAVS has the ability to provide valuable surveillance and reconnaissance information to defence forces, especially in anti-piracy operations, Denel said.

Denel’s African strategy is an integral part of the company’s broader objectives to expand its business in the defence and security-related sectors. “Denel is positioning itself as the strategic supplier of choice to African defence forces,” said Saloojee.

11 September 2012 naval-technology.com

The Namibian Navy has christened its new logistics support ship 'Elephant' at a ceremony in Walvis Bay, President Hifikepunye Pohamba has revealed.

Pohamba was quoted by New Era news paper as saying that the event marked a significant milestone in the development of capabilities for the Namibian Navy and the Namibian Defence Force (NDF).

The new vessel is expected to boost the country's naval logistic capabilities, while ensuring safety of the nation. It will join the existing Namibian fleet consisting of the NS Brendan Simbwaye, as well as two harbour patrol boats called Mowe Bay and Terrace Bay.

"We firmly believe Namibian Ship Elephant will play an important role in defending Namibian territorial waters."

In addition to protecting the country's exclusive economic zone, the ship will also be capable of addressing unexpected threats or events that may occur in Namibia's territorial waters, according to Pohamba.

Wang Xiao Chao, vice-president and board member of China Poly, which is responsible for construction of the ship, said: "We firmly believe that Namibian Ship Elephant will significantly improve the Namibian Navy's capability of territorial water control and logistic support and will play an important role in defending Namibian territorial waters."

President Pohamba added: "It is for this reason that Namibia cooperates with other member states in SADC (Southern African Development Community) to maintain peace and security in our region."

Scheduled to replace the decommissioned lieutenant general Dimo Hamaambo ship for the navy, China's Wuhan Shipyard-built Namibian Ship (NS) Elephant is armed with a 37mm naval gun and two 14.5mm twin-barrelled machine guns.

Capable of carrying 6x12ft containers of 24t, the 2,500t ship has been designed to carry six armed personnel carriers of 12t each and at least a crew of 150.

10 September 2012 by defenceWeb

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa – Nqakula, will officially open this year’s Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition on September 19, which promises to keep its status as the largest exhibition of air, sea and land capabilities on the African continent.

The exhibition will take place at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Centurion, just outside Pretoria between 19 and 21 September, with two airshow days on the 22nd and 23rd, which are open to the public.

The opening day will be abuzz with activities, ranging from the official opening with military bands playing and a fly past by some of the South African Air Force’s aircraft.

This year’s exhibition, the seventh edition of the biennial event, will be attended by ministers of defence from around the globe, with ministers from Botswana, Italy, Egypt, Malaysia, Namibia, the People’s Republic of China, Tanzania, Ukraine, Thailand, Zambia and Zimbabwe having confirmed their attendance.

AAD is made possible by a partnership between the Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Ltd (Armscor), South Africa’s Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industry Association (AMD) and the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA), with full support from the Department of Defence and the active support of the Department of Trade & Industry, the Department of Transport and Department of Science & Technology.

Since its inception in 2000, the event has grown drastically and serves the interests of both civilian and military sectors. It has established itself as a major platform for South Africa’s defence, general aviation, space, homelands security, humanitarian relief, disaster management, freight and forwarding services as well as search and rescue technology industries and stakeholders. It is the largest exhibition of air, land and sea capabilities on the African continent.

Between 19 and 21 September, trade and static displays will attract visitors from over 31 countries as well as South African industry/trade delegates. The three trade days will be characterized by signing of trade agreements between South Africa and the visiting countries, as well as the signing of contracts with the local defence industry.

The trade days will be followed by the public days and spectacular airshow on 22 and 23 September 2012. It is anticipated that the public days will attract crowds in the region of more than 50,000 spectators per day.

The trade days will feature 11 national pavilions including United States, China, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Russia, India, Switzerland, Romania and the United Kingdom and are expected to stimulate business for local and international companies involved in the growing defence, general aviation and security industries.

The open days will also feature vehicle demonstrations and exhibitions. There will also be a youth development programme (YDP), where learners and student can experience the world of flight simulators, vehicle simulators and model building. They will also obtain and interact with high tech simulators and information from role models on future career in the world of aerospace and defence.

Industry representatives will be on hand to provide more information about careers in the aerospace and defence industries.

Entertainment for the whole family, static displays of aircraft, trucks and armoured vehicles and an entertainment park for children (Fun Fly Park) will be available. Tickets will be sold at R50 (Adults), Children under 12 and Pensioners R40 and for Prepaid tickets (R10 discount).

As an official media partner, defenceWeb will be providing complete coverage of the show, as well as post-exhibition analysis and comment. During the show defenceWeb will launch the industry's first totally free defence news application for iPad, iPhone and Android.

Proudly sponsored by industry giant Paramount, the application will be launched at the defenceWeb stand in Hangar 5. It will be available for free download from the Apple App Store and Android marketplace.

To further showcase its position as Africa's leading defence news portal, defenceWeb will be giving away three brand new Apple iPad 3s, sponsored by steel plate specialist VR Laser. To stand a chance of winning, all entrants have to do is subscribe to the free defenceWeb newsletter at AAD.

10-Sep-2012 africaguinee.com News Afrique (AFP)

ABIDJAN - La Communauté économique des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest organise le 17 septembre à Abidjan une réunion extraordinaire, consacrée à la situation au Mali dont le Nord est aux mains d'islamistes armés, a-t-on appris lundi auprès de la présidence ivoirienne, présidente en exercice de la Cédéao.

Cette réunion, qui se tient au niveau des ministres de la Défense, des Affaires étrangères et de l'Intégration africaine, précédée d'une réunion des chefs d'état-major, sera la première depuis la demande formelle d'aide adressée à l'Afrique de l'Ouest par les autorités de transition au Mali.

Les pays de la Cédéao tiennent 3.300 militaires à la disposition du gouvernement du Mali pour l'aider à reprendre le contrôle du Nord occupé depuis cinq mois par des groupes islamistes lourdement armés.

Le Mali a toutefois indiqué qu'il ne voulait pas que des troupes étrangères soient déployées sur son territoire pour combattre les islamistes, mais qu'il souhaitait un soutien logistique de la part de ses voisins ainsi qu'une participation au maintien de l'ordre, une fois les villes du Nord reconquises.

Sur le plan militaire, les chefs d'état-major de la Cédéao devront revoir leurs projets initiaux. Lors de leur précédente réunion, le 13 août à Bamako, ils avaient prévu une action en deux phases, dont la première consistait à sécuriser à Bamako le régime de transition, selon un document interne consulté par l'AFP.

Mais dans sa demande d'aide adressée à la Cédéao, le président malien de transition, Dioncounda Traoré, prend soin de préciser que le déploiement de forces militaires combattantes est sans objet à Bamako, conformément au voeu exprimé à plusieurs reprises par l'armée et l'ex-junte militaire.

Dioncounda Traoré demande à l'Afrique de l'Ouest un soutien et un appui aériens, des renseignements, une aide logistique et l'envoi de cinq bataillons à engager graduellement dans le contrôle des villes reconquises, sans participation aux combats préalables.

Le Mali était considéré comme l'une des démocraties les plus stables de la région jusqu'à ce que le coup d'Etat qui a renversé le 22 mars le président Amadou Toumani Touré le plonge dans le chaos.

Mettant à profit les événements, des extrémistes alliés à Al-Qaïda au Maghreb islamique (Aqmi) se sont emparés des principales localités du nord.

Kidal, Gao et Tombouctou, les trois régions administratives composant le Nord du Mali, sont tombées il y a cinq mois aux mains du Mouvement pour l'unicité et le jihad en Afrique de l'Ouest (Mujao) et d'autres groupes armés, dont des rebelles touareg et jihadistes liés à Al-Qaïda. Les islamistes ont ensuite évincé leurs ex-alliés touareg et contrôlent désormais totalement le Nord.

Ils ont depuis imposé dans la vaste zone qu'ils contrôlent une stricte application de la charia, la loi islamique, tandis que les autorités intérimaires à Bamako et des médiateurs ouest-africains étudiaient les moyens de résoudre la crise.

Le 1er septembre, le Mujao s'est emparé sans combat de la ville stratégique de Douentza, dans le centre du pays.

En huit mois, la crise a provoqué près de 443.000 déplacés internes et réfugiés, selon l'ONU.

10/09/2012 Sources : EMA

Du 30 août au 1er septembre 2012, 45 militaires du détachement air de la force Epervier ont conduit un exercice de « desserrement » des 4 Mirage F1 vers Faya, à environ un millier de kilomètres au nord de la base aérienne Kosseï de N’Djamena.

Un exercice de desserrement consiste à redéployer des moyens aériens vers un autre site. La manœuvre consistait donc à déplacer toute une plateforme de soutien dans un site isolé du désert du Bourkou et d’y réaliser des entraînements tactiques.

Cette mission, dans des conditions climatiques difficiles (fortes chaleurs et vents de sable), et avec un soutien arrière limité (une vingtaine de militaires sur place seulement), a nécessité la mobilisation de moyens matériels et humains importants. Un avion de transport tactique Transall a assuré le convoyage du personnel et du fret et le ravitaillement en vol des Mirage. Les exercices aériens ont engagé des pilotes de chasse et l’équipe de commandos parachutistes de l’air. La plateforme de soutien comprenait notamment des mécaniciens avions, chargés de la mise en œuvre et la maintenance des avions, et un contrôleur aérien, chargé de la circulation aérienne et de la surveillance des vols. Enfin, afin de garantir la protection de la zone de stationnement des aéronefs, une équipe de fusiliers commandos a participé à cette mission.

Les pilotes de chasse et les commandos parachutistes de l’air ont pu réaliser une série d’exercices ECAS (emergency close air support), à partir de différents scénarios : désignation fictive de cible par laser, description de cible par radio, poursuite de cible au sol, passe canon et simulation de tir, démonstration de force (show force) avec lancement de leurres, etc.

Le guidage sur cible a constitué la partie la plus difficile de l’entraînement. La description orale de l’objectif devait être d’autant plus précise que les militaires ne disposaient pas de cartographie détaillée de la zone et qu’il y avait peu de repères au sol.

Les Mirage F1 peuvent intervenir en appui des troupes au sol. Au sein de la force Épervier, ils réalisent notamment des missions de renseignement en appui des forces armées tchadiennes, conformément aux accords techniques de coopération signés entre la France et le Tchad. Le détachement chasse est armé, depuis août 2012 et pour une durée de deux mois, par l’escadron de reconnaissance 2/33 « Savoie » de Mont-de-Marsan.

09.09.2012 par P. CHAPLEAU Lignes de Défense

L'OPV de DCNS est au Cap depuis le 5 (cliquer ici pour lire mon précédent post). Pour voir une série de photos prise dans le port du Cap, cliquer ici. Pour lire un article sur le site defenceweb, cliquer ici. Sur cette photo prise par Dean Wingrin lors de l'arrivée de l'OPV, on aperçoit Signal Hill dans la brume. La visite du navire français suscite beaucoup d'intérêt sur place puisque l'Afrique du Sud projette un achat de patrouilleurs hauturiers.

September 7, 2012 defense-aerospace.com/

(Source: Rheinmetall Defence; issued September 6, 2012)

The Republic of South Africa is the regional superpower of Sub-Saharan Africa. Further reinforcing its role as an influential and responsible player on the global stage, the country is modernizing its armed forces. Every two years, the South African government invites the world to African Aerospace & Defence, the AAD.

As an important partner of the South African Department of Defence and its procurement agency Armscor, Rheinmetall will be showcasing a sampling of its products and projects at this leading trade fair held at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria.

Rheinmetall – Partner to South Africa

Rheinmetall has for many years been a partner of South Africa’s armed forces and defence industry. Founded in 2008, Rheinmetall Denel Munition (Pty) Ltd. is a subsidiary of Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH (51%) in Germany and the South African company Denel (Pty) Ltd.

A global player, Rheinmetall Denel Munition has unique expertise in artillery, mortar and infantry systems as well as plant design, ranging from development and engineering to production. Its stated goals are to supply the South African National Defence Force, or SANDF, with state-of-the-art effectors; to operate highly efficient, innovative production plants; and to take the lead in setting the technological pace. Besides South Africa, Rheinmetall Denel Munition primarily serves customers in Asia, the Middle East and South America. Rheinmetall and its South African subsidiary are thus able to supply their respective core markets with the Group’s complete, comprehensive array of products.

At Outdoor Stand 3SE/3SW1, Rheinmetall Denel Munition will be on hand at AAD with an extensive range of hardware, including a broad assortment of ammunition for indirect fire applications such as the ballistically matched 155mm Assegai, the 105mm, the latest generation of 60mm patrol mortar bombs, the extended range of 40 x 51mm grenades or the 76/62mm IM PFF (insensitive munition).

Assured mobility

Whether the task at hand is operational or logistical, conventional or unconventional, reliable wheeled vehicles form the backbone of modern, highly mobile military units. Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) covers the complete spectrum here – from lightweight patrol vehicles and its robust, versatile family of tried-and-tested TG, HX and SX trucks, right through to cutting-edge modular combat vehicles like the Boxer.

At AAD 2012 RMMV is displaying several different configurations from its pure military logistical HX series of vehicles. These include the HX60 (4x4), the HX58 (6x6) and the HX77 (8x8). All HX vehicles are “military off the shelf” (MOTS) products specially developed for military applications. Their main priority is extreme mobility and reliability even in the harshest terrain. As such they are the logistical backbone of numerous armies in Afghanistan, where they are put to the test in thousands on a daily basis.

If required, all of these vehicles can be either equipped with a modular armoured cabin (MAC) or a fully integrated armour cabin to meet the highest STANAG or Mil-Standard specifications with regard to ballistic and mine protection. Installation of the MAC takes only six to eight hours, and can be performed by two trained technicians with the help of a forklift.

RMMV has been systematically expanding its portfolio of commercial off the shelf vehicles in the under-3.5-tonne weight class. Prominent examples include the lightweight, highly mobile, all-terrain-capable Amarok M pickup truck (the ‘M’ stands for military) and the Widder van. At AAD, RMMV is showcasing an Amarok M configured as an off-road patrol vehicle, while the Widder version on display is the special “Pilot Rescue Vehicle” which the German Air Force deploys at its bases.

At stand 3SE/3SW1 in the Outdoor Space Hangar 3, RMMV vehicles can be experienced live.

Naval applications

The South African Navy is among the most advanced in the region. Here, too, Rheinmetall has emerged as an important partner: one of the company’s acclaimed submarine simulators has been in service in South Africa since 2005.

Visitors to AAD can view the company’s Multi Ammunition Softkill System (MASS) and Rapid Obscurant System (ROSY).

The fully computerized MASS decoy system protects from attacks with modern, sensor-guided anti-ship missiles on the high seas and littoral zones as well as from asymmetric, terrorist-type threats. Since its market launch in 2002, eleven nations have contracted a total of 186 MASS launcher systems for no fewer than 22 different types of vessels. The system is thus ideally suited for the combat performance upgrade of South Africa’s Valour-class corvettes, slated to get underway in 2013 with its first of class SAS Amatola.

The 40mm 360° Rapid Obscuring System Naval ROSY countermeasure system protects small craft such as fast attack boats and rigid hull inflatable boats. It enables sailors, coast guards and special forces operating in coastal waters and on rivers to defend themselves from sudden flat trajectory fire.

Air defence

Modern air defence systems have to be able to ward off attacks by fixed wing and rotary aircraft, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial systems. Rheinmetall has the necessary effectors for this, including the Skyshield and Skyguard air defence systems. Based on the company’s battle-tested Skyguard systems, Skyshield is characterized by a compact design and excellent combat effectiveness – around the clock and in all weathers; it is also impervious to electronic countermeasures.

Skyshield can use Oerlikon GDF 007 twin guns as its effectors. Coupling high precision with a high rate of fire – 550 per minute – the GDF 007 is designed to fire conventional 35mm rounds as well as Rheinmetall’s proprietary Ahead ammunition, which features a programmable ejection point of its sub-projectile payload. It is also possible to upgrade the combat effectiveness of older GDF 005 or Mk V gun systems.

At ADD Rheinmetall is displaying its SkyChamp Enhanced Mission Simulator, the training system for the Skyshield and the Skyguard air defence systems. Also on show are cutaway models of the company’s Ahead ammunition.

Optics and optronics

High-performance optics and optronics help to detect, recognize and identify targets more quickly. Especially at night and in conditions of reduced visibility, they give troops a crucial capabilities edge.

On display at AAD are Rheinmetall’s GN night vision goggles and KN 200/250 night vision device. Visitors can also view the company’s tried-and-tested laser light modules, including the Vario Ray (LLM-VR) and the LLM01. Both devices are currently being tested and evaluated as attachments to the R4 Assault Rifle Upgrade for the South African National Defence Force. In Germany, the Vario-Ray has passed the evaluation phase and is now being procured for the German Army soldier modernization programme “Gladius”. Further points of interest include the Dismounted Soldier Identification Device/DSID and the MultiRay fire control unit/aiming system.

Rheinmetall’s participation in AAD 2012 underscores once again the company’s versatility as a globe-spanning source of defence technology and a reliable partner of armed forces in Africa and around the world.