25/04/2013 par Jacques N. Godbout - 45eNord

Nouveau pas dans la construction de la puissance navale chinoise, le numéro deux de la Marine populaire de l’Armée de Libération (APL), Song Hue, a déclaré cette semaine que «la Chine aura plus d’un porte-avions», rapporte l’agence officielle chinoise Chine Nouvelles.

Song Hue a déclaré, lors d’une cérémonie pour célébrer le 64e anniversaire de la fondation de la Marine à Pékin, en présence d’attachés militaires étrangers, que «le prochain porte-avions dont nous avons besoin sera plus grand et pourra transporter plus de combattants».

Actuellement, la Chine opère un porte-avions, le Liaoning, qui a été construit sur la base d’une coque inachevée de fabrication russe et livré à la Marine le 25 septembre 2012.

Le Liaoning, doit effectuer sa première campagne en haute mer d’ici un an.

L’amiral Song a aussi rappelé que le Liaoning n’appartient pas à l’une des trois flottes de la Marine, mais qu’il est placé sous le commandement direct du quartier général de la Marine.

Le Liaoning a une cylindrée totale de plus de 50 000 tonnes et peut accueillir 30 aéronefs. Le prochain porte-avions, toujours selon l’amiral chinois, devrait en accueillir davantage.

Song Hue a également déclaré que la Marine chinoise est à bâtir une force aérienne navale et qu’il il y aura bientôt au moins deux régiments d’aviation à bord du Liaoning, y compris des chasseurs, des avions de reconnaissance, des avions anti-sous-marins, des avions de contre-mesures électroniques (ECM) et des hélicoptères.

Le numéro deux de la marine chinoise dit également que les futurs groupes de porte-avions comprendront aussi des destroyers, des frégates, des sous-marins et des navires de ravitaillement.

Plus de mille entreprises chinoises auraient participé à la construction et au réaménagement du Liaoning.

Apr. 25, 2013 – Defense News (AFP)

TOKYO — The United States’ top military officer said Thursday that his troops were ready to act if North Korea turned its increasingly bellicose rhetoric into action.

“We are seeking to deter North Korea from provocation,” Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told soldiers at the Yokota Air Base, about an hour's drive west of the Japanese capital.

“I can assure you that we are postured with our Japanese allies in order to protect our citizens, their citizens, our facilities, their facilities.”

Dempsey's remarks follow a visit to South Korea and China, North Korea's chief ally, as regional tensions rise over fears about Pyonyang's recent threats to attack its southern neighbour and wage nuclear war on the United States.

The Korean peninsula was already engulfed in a cycle of escalating tensions — triggered by the North's nuclear test in February — when Pyongyang decided on April 3 to block all South Korean access to the Kaesong industrial zone, a rare joint project between the two countries.

Dempsey, who has also met with Chinese military officials and President Xi Jinping, said the U.S. wanted closer ties with Beijing.

But he reiterated earlier official remarks that the U.S. would defend Japan if it came under attack -- as Beijing and Tokyo remain embroiled in an increasingly bitter territorial dispute.

“The theme [of talks with Chinese officials] was that we both aspired to a new, different and better relationship,” Dempsey said. "But that relationship has to be approached in the context of our other responsibilities, and alliances in the region.

“Will we trade off our relationship with Japan in order to have stronger relationship with China? The answer is no. That's not going to change.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed Tuesday to “expel by force” any Chinese landing on a chain of islands in the East China Sea, which are administered by Japan as the Senkakus but also claimed by Beijing as the Diaoyus.

His statement came after a flotilla of eight Chinese government vessels sailed into the disputed waters, the biggest number to do so in one day since Tokyo's nationalization of some of the islands in September.

The U.S. is engaged in a “pivot” to Asia after years of conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan.

April 24, 2013, zeenews.india.com

New Delhi: Against the backdrop of China strengthening its capability to airlift soldiers, India is planning to raise around 1,500 more airborne troops for deployment in the northeast along the China border.

Under the 12th Defence Plan, India is planning to raise two new battalions of the airborne troops with around 1,500 personnel under the elite Parachute Regiment of the Army, Defence Ministry sources said here.

The new raisings would be apparently used to check any move by any adversary to airdrop their troops within Indian territory and capture that area, they said.

The new units would also be used for the conventional roles in counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations in that area and would also be capable of being dropped behind enemy lines in case of any future war, they said.

Recently, the Army raised the 11 Para (SF) that is being deployed under the Tezpur-based 4 Corps and 3 Corps in Dimapur which are two of the Army's main formations looking after the border with China in the northeast.

The Parachute Regiment has 10 units under it of which eight are Special Forces units while the rest are Para Commando units with capability of launching airborne operations.

Seven among them have already been trained and classified as Special Forces, which are supposed to carry out counter- insurgency operations during peacetime and sabotage enemy installations beyond enemy lines during wars.

They are deployed in different sectors of the country and have also been given the responsibility to handle 26/11 type attacks near their area of deployment.

China in the recent past has significantly enhanced its capability to launch airborne operations and according to some reports, can air lift more than 3,500 soldiers for operational deployment in one go.

24/04/2013 par Nicolas Laffont – 45eNord.ca

Le régime du leader nord-coréen Kim Jong-un a lancé la construction d’obstacles antichars à sa frontière avec le Sud, ont rapporté mercredi matin plusieurs médias chinois.

La chaîne Beijing TV a ainsi diffusé une vidéo montrant des militaires nord-coréens en train de mettre en place de grands blocs en béton à la frontière avec le Sud. Selon les informations de la télévision chinoise, ces obstacles sont destinés à empêcher le passage de chars et d’autres véhicules militaires sud-coréen en cas de conflit ouvert.

Des experts chinois estiment qu’il s’agit là d’une mesure «inhabituelle» pour le régime nord-coréen, ce qui laisserait supposer que Pyongyang se prépare bel et bien à la guerre.

La péninsule coréenne connaît un net regain de tension ces dernières semaines.

Depuis le succès du troisième essai nucléaire du pays, les sanctions des Nations Unies ont ravivé la colère du régime qui a menacé les États-Unis, la Corée du Sud et le Japon d’une guerre thermonucléaire. De son côté, la Corée du Sud a annoncé la mise au point d’un plan de frappe préventive en cas de menace directe pour sa sécurité.

Début mars, Pyongyang, en signe de protestation contre les exercices conjoints entre la Corée du Sud et les Etats-Unis, a résilié tous les accords de non-agression et de dénucléarisation conclus avec Séoul et a annoncé l’annulation de l’armistice conclu à l’issue de la guerre de Corée de 1950-1953.

TOKYO, 23 avr 2013 marine-oceans.com (AFP)

Une flottille gouvernementale chinoise est entrée mardi dans les eaux territoriales des îles Senkaku administrées par le Japon dont le Premier ministre a prévenu qu'il repousserait toute tentative de débarquement.

Cette brusque remontée de tension est intervenue au moment même où près de 170 parlementaires japonais se rendaient au sanctuaire Yasukuni de Tokyo, symbole du militarisme nippon pour Pékin qui a immédiatement dénoncé cette visite.

Selon les garde-côtes japonais, huit navires de surveillance maritime chinois ont pénétré vers 08H00 (lundi à 23H00 GMT) dans la zone de 12 milles (22 km) entourant ces îlots de mer de Chine orientale, revendiqués par Pékin sous le nom de Diaoyu. Ils étaient toujours sur zone vers 08H30 GMT.

C'est la première fois qu'autant de bateaux officiels chinois pénètrent ensemble dans les eaux territoriales de cet archipel inhabité, depuis que ce différend territorial s'est aggravé en septembre après l'achat par le Japon de trois de ses cinq îles à leur propriétaire privé nippon.

La Chine y envoie régulièrement des navires depuis, qui croisent dans la zone quelques heures avant de repartir.

"Nous protestons vigoureusement auprès de la Chine", a réagi le porte-parole du gouvernement nippon, Yoshihide Suga. L'ambassadeur de Chine à Tokyo a d'ailleurs été convoqué.

Au parlement japonais, le Premier ministre Shinzo Abe a été interrogé sur sa réponse à un éventuel débarquement chinois. "Il serait normal que nous les repoussions par la force si d'aventure ils débarquaient", a-t-il prévenu, évoquant les garde-côtes nippons qui assurent la protection de cette zone.

L'archipel est situé à 200 km au nord-est de Taïwan, qui le revendique également, et 400 km à l'ouest de l'île d'Okinawa (sud du Japon). Outre sa position stratégique, il recèlerait des ressources énergétiques dans ses fonds marins.

L'incursion des navires gouvernementaux chinois a coïncidé avec une visite massive de parlementaires japonais au sanctuaire shintoïste de Yasukuni, au coeur de Tokyo.

Pas moins de 168 parlementaires se sont rendus dans ce lieu de culte où sont honorés 2,5 millions de soldats japonais morts pour la patrie, dont 14 Japonais reconnus coupables de crimes de guerre par les Alliés après la Seconde Guerre mondiale.

Ces députés et sénateurs, issus majoritairement du Parti Libéral-Démocrate (conservateur) au pouvoir, sont allés au sanctuaire dans le cadre de son festival de printemps. Cette visite, la plus importante de ce type depuis 1989, a été immédiatement dénoncée à Pékin comme à Séoul.

"Quelle que soit la forme qu'elles prennent, et quelles que soient les qualités de leurs auteurs, les visites de responsables japonais à Yasukuni sont par définition des tentatives de nier le passé d'agression du Japon", a déclaré Hua Chunying, porte-parole de la diplomatie chinoise.

Séoul a souligné pour sa part que Tokyo devrait "sérieusement réfléchir" à l'impact de ces hommages sur ses relations avec ses voisins. "Le sanctuaire Yasukuni est un endroit qui glorifie la guerre et honore des criminels de guerre", a déploré le porte-parole du ministère sud-coréen des Affaires étrangères, Cho Tai-Young.

En fin de semaine dernière, trois ministres japonais, dont le vice-Premier ministre et ministre des Finances Taro Aso, s'étaient déjà rendus au sanctuaire, ce qui avait poussé la Corée du Sud à annuler un déplacement au Japon de son chef de la diplomatie.

M. Abe s'est abstenu de se rendre au Yasukuni, mais y a dédié dimanche un objet en bois utilisé pour des rituels, appelé masakaki.

Les relations du Japon avec ses voisins restent marquées par les souvenirs douloureux de la colonisation de la Corée (1910-1945) et de l'occupation d'une partie de la Chine des années 1930 à 1945.

22/4/2013 EU source: Council  - Ref: CL13-038EN

Summary: 22 April 2013, Luxembourg - Council of the European Union 3236th FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting conclusions on Myanmar/Burma

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1. The European Union has watched and supported the remarkable process of reform in Myanmar/Burma. It welcomes the developments towards democracy, a strong Parliament, freedom of expression, and the government's efforts against corruption, as well as the efforts towards the release of remaining political prisoners.

2. The EU is willing to open a new chapter in its relations with Myanmar/Burma building a lasting partnership and to promote closer engagement with the country as a whole. In response to the changes that have taken place and in the expectation that they will continue, the Council has decided to lift all sanctions with the exception of the embargo on arms which will remain in place.

3. The EU congratulates the government of Myanmar/Burma on what has been achieved, but is conscious that there are still significant challenges to be addressed. It looks forward to working in partnership with the government, by establishing a regular political dialogue involving all concerned stakeholders:

- To achieve sustainable peace in Myanmar/Burma by addressing long-standing differences in an inclusive way, and in particular calling for an end of hostilities in Kachin State;

- To consolidate the democratic achievements so far and to move further towards full transition; in this regard, the EU is ready to share with Myanmar/Burma the recent experience on political transition and democratisation in some of its Member States;

- To strengthen human rights and the rule of law including through enhanced cooperation with the UN, in particular to ensure the protection of all minorities; to this end, the EU will explore ways to promote a regular human rights dialogue with Myanmar/Burma;

- To establish Myanmar/Burma as an active and respected member of the international community, by adhering to international agreements, including in relation to human rights, land mines, non-proliferation and disarmament, particularly supporting President U Thein Sein commitments to comply with the relevant UNSC resolutions;

- To encourage responsible trade and investment while promoting transparency and environmental protection. Furthermore, a swift reinstatement of the Generalized Scheme of Preferences to Myanmar/Burma will contribute to the EU's policy of supporting the economic reforms. As a next step, the EU will explore the feasibility of a bilateral investment agreement;

- To promote inclusive and sustainable growth, as well as good governance to achieve the Millennium Development Goals in line with the government's plans. The task is now to ensure that reforms are translated to economic benefits for ordinary people. The EU will maintain increased levels of development assistance, in coordination with other donors.

4. The EU stands ready to cooperate with Myanmar/Burma with regard to the following complex challenges while underlining its concerns on:

- The need to unconditionally release the remaining political prisoners, while noting with satisfaction the creation of a review mechanism and looking forward to the early completion of its work;

- The need to deal with inter-communal violence. The EU welcomes President U Thein Sein promise that all perpetrators of violence will be prosecuted, and his commitment to a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-faith society which should include addressing the root causes of the violence. In this context, the EU is studying the possibility of assisting the reform of the police service in Myanmar/Burma, in partnership with all appropriate stakeholders, in particular with the country's Parliament;

- The need for urgent action to deal with humanitarian risks for all displaced people in the Rakhine State. At the same time, the government should continue to pursue and implement durable solutions to the underlying causes of the tensions that include addressing the status of the Rohingya;

- The need for unhindered and full access for humanitarian and development aid workers to all communities affected by conflict and sectarian violence.

5. Recognising that the period leading to general elections in 2015 is critical for the country's overall transition, the Council underlines the importance of coordination and coherence in the EU's response. Consequently, building on the elements above, as well as on its conclusions in April 2012, the Council invites the High Representative/Vice President to discuss and propose a comprehensive framework with priorities for the EU's policy and support to the ongoing reforms for the next three years. Furthermore, the Council encourages relevant authorities in Member States and EU institutions to proceed without delay to joint programming of development aid for Myanmar/Burma while respecting the existing harmonisation efforts.

6. The EU will use all means and mechanisms at its disposal to support Myanmar/Burma's political, economic and social transition and in this context welcomes the initiative of a Task Force to be launched later in the year, building on the Joint Statement agreed on 5 March 2013 during the visit of President U Thein Sein to Brussels.

17 Apr , 2013 Lt Gen Prakash Katoch; former Lt Gen Special Forces, Indian Army - indiandefencereview.com

A study released by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, USA on 14 Jan 2013 has totaled the direct spending by the US on the war in Afghanistan for the period FY2001 to FY2013 as $641.7 billion. Of this, $198.2 billion (over 30 per cent) will be spent in FY2012 and FY2013.Bulk of the total spending and aid has been allocated since FY2009 – after insurgency reached high levels – clear case of too much, too late.

More significantly, it states that vast majority of aid went to the ANSF and ‘not’ on development. This indicates a US priority weighted on military expenditure and not on economic development. The emerging overall US doctrine implies US will not take primary responsibility for events but allow regional crises to play out until a new regional balance is reached.

However, US will continue controlled engagement in accordance with its national interests. This is how the game will play out in Afghanistan, Syria and other conflict areas including Asia-Pacific. This matches Obama’s January 2013 speech of “a decade of war having ended and time having come for reviving economy”. Barry Cooper, Senior Fellow, Canadian Defence and Foreign Affairs Institute, wrote thus on 8th January 2013 in Calgary Herald…“Most important are our own interests: we are willing to let Pakistan (and even Iran) establish spheres of influence in Afghanistan because at the end of the day, we really don’t care how Afghans govern themselves”.

A run up to future instability and chaos in Afghanistan has already commenced. John M Gillete wrote in Small Wars Journal on 05 Feb, 2013, “ANSF has committed extraordinary assets to road clearing/ security… over large parts of the country offensive operations have ceased entirely and, in cases even resulted in a withdrawal of security forces from key terrain… without adequate supplies and effective communications large portions of the east, south and west are effectively isolated from Kabul… abandonment of key terrain have caused increasing numbers of security force personnel to become disillusioned and normally high attrition rates have swelled to epidemic levels that greatly exceed the rate at which new recruits are being added.”

Earlier, in December 2012, John Glaser writing in AntiWar.com had reported that   around 50,000 Afghan soldiers (about 26 per cent)  quit the army annually, so do eight per cent of Afghan police officers every year quite contrary to the “rosy picture” Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and top US military officials have been painting.

As per Chris Sands (Global Post, Kabul – 20 Feb 2013), parts of Afghanistan have already descended into ethnic violence and civil conflict. In the southern province of Urugzan, a militia headed by a Hazara (ostensibly backed by US) is accused of deliberately destroying houses, raping women and murdering dozens of civilians. Up north, Northern Alliance is remobilising in case internationally supported talks with the Taliban see them return to power. Then there also have been reports of extremists from CAR, particularly from Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) fighting alongside the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The US will be content if Northern Afghanistan holds as a buffer between Taliban and CAR. The power vacuum in southern and eastern Afghanistan may not be addressed if the US decides to restrict itself to training role and the ANSF resorts to fortress defence in face of mounting Taliban pressure. SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) will likely have increased influence in Afghanistan but China will unlikely commit any troops unless Chinese interests are directly threatened.

However, there is possibility of increased NATO-CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) cooperation since China cannot provide security for her investments in the region and Russia understands the adverse effect of Taliban reaching Kabul. There has been some speculation of another international force like that from OIC countries but this remains speculative. A force under the UN flag too is unlikely as it comes into being only when both parties agree. So who is the other party besides Afghanistan; Taliban will not agree and Pakistan will say it was never involved. Can a UN force thus be deployed only on Afghanistan’s request to fight terror?

In the evolving situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan will continue to exert its influence to keep Afghanistan within its sphere of influence. Michael Hughes, geopolitical journalist spoke thus of Kayani in July 2010… “Kayani was brazen enough to try and inveigle Afghanistan to strike a power-sharing arrangement with the Haqqanis. And Kayani, apparently the spokesperson for the Haqqani group, said they’d be willing to split from and denounce Al Qaeda, which is President Obama’s primary rationale for the war. However, there is a higher probability of General Kayani converting to Hinduism than there is of the Haqqani Network ever being decoupled from Al Qaeda… Nine years, nearly $300 billion dollars and 1900 dead coalition soldiers later, the US has officially verified that the entire war effort has been focused on the wrong side of the mountains”.

Agha H Amin, a defence analyst and a former Pakistan army officer reinforces this by saying, “Utopians in India are jubilant that Pakistan has made peace with India. Nothing in reality can be farther from the truth… the real picture of true intentions of the Pakistani military will emerge when the US withdraws from Afghanistan. This will be the time when the Russians, Iranians and Indians will have no choice but to support the Northern Alliance against Pakistan sponsored Taliban who regard all Shias, Ismailis, non-Pashtuns, moderate Pashtuns as infidels who deserve to be massacred”.

Calls being raised for Indian military deployment in Afghanistan post 2014 are grossly unwise being out of sync with ground realities. In the first place, there has been no request from Afghanistan for the same. Secondly, supply lines would perforce have to pass through Pakistan which would make the move a non-starter.

In any event, sending Indian troops to Afghanistan when Karzai seeks the removal of all foreign troops is certainly not an option. India should however provide militarily assistance to Afghanistan. This could take the form of assisting Afghanistan in establishing country wide Industrial Security Force, reducing unemployment and providing security for mining, infrastructure and development projects to boost economy.

In addition, besides assisting in the training of Afghanistan’s young officers, India could assist ANSF set up Afghan National Army Officers Academy (ANOA) and provide instructors (as required by ANSF) to facilitate modulate US/NATO concepts of war fighting to Afghan requirements. India could also supply military equipment to Afghanistan consistent with envisaged Taliban/Al Qaeda threat – in conjunction/consultation with other countries. It could also look into having joint military exercises both in India and Afghanistan for counter terrorism,  operations under UN and special operations and regular exchange of intelligence teams as part of ‘Security Cooperation’ under the India-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement 2011.

Washington, Apr 19 , 2013  deccanherald.com (PTI)

US is looking forward to expand its military ties with India including the potential sale of F-35 stealth fighter aircraft, although no decision have been made so far, a top State Department official said.

"We have made tremendous progress in the defence trade relationship. Now we're at USD 8 billion, we think there's going to be billion dollars more in the next couple of years," said Andrew Shapiro, the Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs.

When asked about a potential sale of the fifth generation F-35 stealth fighter aircrafts to India, he said there might also be down the road some potential for it, but certainly no decision has been made regarding that.

It was earlier speculated that the US might offer the famed F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to India, following India's rejection of the F/A-18 and F-16 fighters in the multi-million dollar MMRCA deal.

"So we are on track," Shapiro told reporters in response to a question at the Washington Foreign Press Center.

He added that the Deputy Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter is heading up a defence trade initiative with India, which the US believes is making some good progress and will, hopefully, lead to even a greater pace of additional defence trade with India.

Last year, Shapiro had led the US delegation for the first ever political-military dialogue with India in six years.

"It was significant because we were able to help our Indian counterparts work through the challenges of inter agency cooperation on national security issues," said Shapiro.

"Indian officials' have remarked that this dialogue is especially helpful in helping coordinate between the various inter-agency partners in India," he added.

Responding to question on news reports that India might reopen its multi-billion dollar fighter jet deal, he said the American companies would have to consider if they want to participate in it.

"I wouldn't say we were kicked out (of the fighter jet deal). I would say there was a selection process where they made a determination to down select to the two and eventually to select the Rafale," he said.

"I have been reading in the Indian press various rumors about that transaction. We have no official communication from the Indian government and obviously if there was a reopening, US companies would have to consider whether they want to participate," Shapiro added.

April 20, 2013 by Shiv Aroor - Livefist

Full text of press release: With the twin objective of infusing greater efficiency in the procurement process and strengthening the defence manufacturing base in the country, the Defence Acquisition Council, the apex decision making body of the MoD, took a series of decisions today, including amendments to Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP).

Defence Minister AK Antony, who chaired the Council meeting, said the only way forward for the country is rapid indigenization of defence products, with both the public and the private sectors playing  pivotal roles in this endeavour. Antony said the government will make all efforts to create genuine level playing field for Indian manufacturing industries vis-à-vis Global Players.

Following are the highlights of the amendments to the DPP-2011:

1.  Prioritisation of Various Categories for Capital Acquisitions under Defence Procurement Procedure: Preference for indigenous procurement in the Defence Production Policy 2011 has now been made a part of DPP through an amendment that provides for a preferred order of categorisation, with global cases being a choice of last resort. The order of preference, in decreasing order, shall be: (1) “Buy (Indian)”; (2) “Buy & Make (Indian)”; (3) “Make”; (4) “Buy & Make with ToT”; and (5) “Buy (Global)”. Any proposal to select a particular category must now state reasons for excluding the higher preferred category/ categories.

2.  Release of Public Version of Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP): The DAC has approved the release of a public version of its 15-year perspective document (LTIPP), outlining the “Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap” (TPCR) against LTIPP 2012-2027. The TPCR will provide useful guidance to the Indian Defence Industry for boosting its infrastructural capabilities and directing its R&D and technology investments.

3.  Maintenance ToT (MToT) no longer through Nomination: MToT has been hitherto reserved largely for OFB and DPSUs through the nomination process. A DPP amendment has been approved that does away with nomination by Department of Defence Production and facilitates selection of MToT partners by Indian bidders. This measure is expected to have a positive impact on private sector participation in maintenance, repairs and overhaul work.

4.  Advance Consultations for “Make” Procedure: The DAC has approved an amendment mandating consultations to begin sufficiently in advance of actual procurement by Service Head Quarters (SHQs), so that capital acquisition plans can be translated into national defence R&D and production plans. In addition, a high-level Committee has also been constituted for simplification of “Make” procedures, with a view to unleash the full potential of this important category.

5.  Simplification of  “Buy & Make (Indian)” Procedure: The DAC has approved an amendment further simplifying this complex category. Its procedures have been brought on par with other categorisations, resulting in faster processing of cases under this category.

6.  Clear Definition of Indigenous Content: Increased indigenisation is important for our Armed Forces, in order that they have access to reliable supply chains in times of urgent need. Indigenous content has now been defined in an unambiguous manner, providing requisite clarity and a common understanding.

7.  Ensuring faster progress in “Make” and “Buy & Make (Indian)” cases: The Ministry has a limited number of acquisition cases under “Make” and “Buy & Make (Indian)” categories, with an estimated value of Rs. 1,20,000 crore. Instructions have been issued for speedier conclusion of these cases.

8.  Defence Items List: Indian defence industry was opened up in May 2001 for 100% private sector participation subject to licensing. The Defence Items List has been finalised by the Ministry and sent to DIPP for notification, which will bring required clarity in the licensing process.

9.  Licensing for Dual Use Items: The Ministry has categorically clarified to DIPP that dual-use items will not require licensing, thereby bringing added clarity to the licensing process.

10. Consultations on Security Guidelines for Indian Defence Industry: Draft Security Guidelines that will apply to all licensed defence industries have been circulated for consultations with various stakeholders. It is expected that a complete security framework for Indian private industries participating in defence cases will be in place in the near future.

11. Resolution of Tax-related Issues: Resolution of deemed exports status for certain defence projects and rationalisation of tax and duty structures impinging on the Indian defence industry has been taken up by the MoD with the Ministry of Finance.

12. Funds for MSMEs in the Defence Sector: The Defence Production Policy 2011 requires the setting-up of a fund to provide necessary resources for development of defence equipment. In order to ensure regular supply of funds to MSMEs involved in manufacturing of defence products, SIDBI has decided to earmark an amount of Rs. 500 crore for providing loans, and further, a fund of Rs. 50 crore for equity support out of “India Opportunities Fund” managed by its subsidiary, namely, SIDBI Venture Capital Ltd.

13. Efficiency and Transparency in Defence Procurement: A stipulation to freeze the SQRs before the “Acceptance of Necessity” (AoN) stage has been accorded, and the validity of AoN has also been reduced from two years to one year. These measures are expected to expedite the acquisition process and increase transparency.

14. Enhanced Delegation of Financial Powers: The financial powers of Service Chiefs/ DG Coast Guard have been enhanced from Rs. 50 crore to Rs. 150 crore for capital acquisition cases.

15. Powers to DAC: Approval for all deviations from the Defence Procurement Procedure will henceforth be sought from the Defence Acquisition Council instead of the Defence Minister.

18 avril 2013 Romandie.com (AFP)

WASHINGTON - Le secrétaire d'Etat américain John Kerry a estimé jeudi que les conditions posées par la Corée du Nord pour une reprise des pourparlers avec Washington et Séoul n'étaient pas acceptables mais affirmé qu'il s'agissait d'une tactique d'ouverture du régime de Pyongyang.

La Commission de défense nationale nord-coréenne a appelé jeudi au retrait des résolutions du Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU concoctées pour des raisons grotesques. Elle a également exigé la fin des manoeuvres militaires conjointes conduites par les Etats-Unis et la Corée du Sud dans le sud de la péninsule comme préalable à toute négociation.

C'est la première fois que nous entendons parler de négociations (...) depuis que tout cela a commencé, a remarqué M. Kerry lors d'une audition du Congrès, en allusion à la rhétorique guerrière employée par le régime de Kim Jong-un ces dernières semaines, dans la foulée d'un essai nucléaire qui a fait remonter la tension.

Donc, je suis prêt à envisager cela comme (...) au moins une tactique d'ouverture, qui n'est évidemment pas acceptable, et il faut que nous allions plus loin, a-t-il ajouté.

M. Kerry vient de revenir d'un voyage en Asie lors duquel il a cherché à persuader Pékin, le principal allié de Pyongyang dans la région, d'aider à réduire les tensions.

L'un des calculs de Kim Jong-un est de penser qu'il peut faire cela sans conséquences parce qu'il pense que Pékin ne sévira pas, a remarqué le chef de la diplomatie américaine: J'espère que (ce calcul) se révèlera faux.

Auparavant, la Maison Blanche avait appelé la Corée du Nord à faire preuve de sérieux et à respecter ses engagements dans le domaine nucléaire.

Pour l'instant, nous n'avons pas vu cela. Je pense que les déclarations et actes hostiles venant de Corée du Nord montrent le contraire, en fait, avait déclaré le porte-parole adjoint du président Barack Obama, Josh Earnest.

#Pakistan #Budget 2014- #Defense gets nominal increase - #Asia #Defence #Asie #Défense http://t.co/lYwbNr2EUY

RP Defense (@RPDefense)April 18, 2013