May 24, 2012 defpro.com

Baroness Pauline Neville-Jones, the UK Government’s Special Representative to Business for Cyber Security, has commended ITEC’s first Cyber Security Training and Education Workshop for the significant attention it has drawn to combating this evolving threat.

During her opening presentation, Baroness Neville-Jones provided an in-depth analysis of the progress being made in developing the nation’s resilience to malicious attack and the continued urgency with which the issue will be addressed.

“Cyber is making it wonderfully clear that time is not on our side” she asserted and, reflected by the increase in deliberately directed acts, “events are pushing us [into action]”. Tackling the assumption of those who understand the threat to be little more than a nuisance, the Baroness was adamant that “our understanding of resilience has to change…at the moment the advantage lies with the attacker, we must up the defence”.

The UK Government has allocated considerable funding to protecting the nation’s digital infrastructure which, while global defence budgets continue to be slashed, indicates the importance it is investing long-term. However, ITEC also provided a platform for the Baroness to emphasise the value of partnership between the parliamentary powers, the private and public sectors. To outwit the enemy requires initiative; the cyber battlefield must be approached from all angles. “It is really important that industry takes responsibility and works together [with the Government] in a collective sense” she stressed.

An emerging theme during the first day of ITEC’s Cyber Security Workshop exposed the central role that cyber skills will play in the coming years. Accordingly, if we are to safeguard nations’ digital infrastructure, awareness must be given to fostering these skills within the main educational framework.

ITEC’s debut into this critical arena confirmed that, once supported by a robust body of research, strong cross-sector partnerships and an attentive social audience, “we will have a much greater chance of success in the future”.

The show is taking place at ExCeL, London, 22-24 May 2012.

ITEC 2013 will be held 22-24 May in Rome.

Throughout two decades ITEC has provided a forum for the display of significant new training capabilities and the discussion of issues of key importance to the global training community. Today ITEC is jointly owned by Clarion Events and NTSA. Clarion Events, the majority stakeholder, is well known for running a number of highly successful defence and security conferences and exhibitions, including Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI), Counter Terror Expo (CTX) and Undersea Defence Technology (UDT).

RAF Tucano training aircraft over the Lake District Picture RAF 2008

24 May 12 UK MoD - A Training and Adventure news article

RAF Linton-on-Ouse is using its fleet of Tucano aircraft to help train pilots and Army controllers for front line duties.

Home to No 1 Flying Training School (1 FTS), the RAF station in the Vale of York is one of the busiest airfields in the UK.

Tasked with the training of future fast jet pilots for the Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm, the Station's fleet of 40 Tucano T1 aircraft are now also providing direct support to army units preparing for operations in Afghanistan.

    "We're enjoying a busy period of flying," explained the Station Commander, Group Captain Terry Jones.

    "Training the next generation of fast jet pilots, conducting close air support sorties for the Army, providing targets for air defence exercises and working up for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee flypast all mean that our flying rate is high.

    "We currently have 19 ab initio [beginner] pilots in training here, which is four courses' worth of students. We'll soon have five courses and at any one time we have six refresher courses. When you put all that together that's a lot of flying."

Following the disbandment of 207(R) Squadron in January this year, it falls to 72(R) Squadron to prepare students for advanced jet training on the Hawk T2 at RAF Valley.

    "Our primary focus is training fast jet pilots which gives us our raison d'etre," said Wing Commander Richie Bedford, Officer Commanding 72 (R) Squadron.

    "The students are the energy of the squadron and keep us all feeling young."

Having entered RAF service in 1989 when it replaced the Jet Provost, the Tucano remains an ideal training aircraft in Wg Cdr Bedford's view:

    "The platform itself is more than adequate for basic flying and is a step up from a Tutor, with the course here including an introduction to time-on-target, low-level navigation and advanced formation flying.

    "Because of its nature, the Tucano is relatively easy to fly, but to fly it well takes some time and effort, so it gives you a good grasp of a student's progress and future capability. It certainly stretches students."

He added:

    "We're looking for ability to handle the aircraft but also captaincy, airmanship, situational awareness, decision-making – those skills you can transfer to any aircraft so if you can develop them here at an early stage it will stand them in good stead for their future careers."

As well as training frontline pilots, the Tucanos at Linton also now help provide support to the training of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC), formerly known as Forward Air Controllers - skilled personnel who direct close air support and other offensive air operations from forward positions.

    "We're doing more close air support with Tucano, not with students but with instructors to help JTACs maintain currency," said Gp Capt Jones. "We've set aside 500 hours each year to do this and it's been extremely successful.

    "Much like pilots, JTACs have to remain current and by using Tucano we can complement the fast jet training already available."

With a readjustment of pilot training following the Strategic Defence and Security Review, the commitment of front line jets to operations over Libya and a general shortfall in JTAC currency, training using the Tucano for a task previously reserved for jets has proven an ideal solution for all concerned.

The new role also has the added benefit of maintaining the close air support skills of instructors:

    "It enables them to maintain core close air support (CAS) skills, which pilots can take back to the front line after their tour here," said Flight Lieutenant Ben James.

    "We have front line pilots from different aircraft types who bring different experiences and techniques on how their particular aircraft does CAS.

    "JTACS will work with various aircraft platforms in theatre and so we try and emulate those aircraft, not only in performance but also the terminology, the weapons they carry and how they are delivered, and the sensors on board.

A Tucano aircraft of No 1 Flying Training School in a steep climb Picture MOD 2004

The Tucano does a very good impression of a Reaper unmanned air vehicle (UAV) and, somewhat remarkably, a US A-10 Thunderbolt.

    "We're not too far behind an A-10 in terms of performance, but we can be whatever aircraft the JTAC wants us to be," said Flt Lt James.

JTAC training missions are usually flown dual, students often taken along to see some tactical flying to give them an early understanding of what's involved.

    "We have a long endurance on Tucano and can stay on station for more than two hours," said Flt Lt James. "This is of huge benefit to the JTACs, whose training is achieved far quicker than with a fast jet."

Techniques flown include medium-level CAS, low-level CAS, and joint fires integration with a time-on-target, the flight profiles flown by Tucano simulating various operational aircraft varying from a UAV to a B-1 bomber.

Reducing the demand on the front line fleet has obvious advantages; not least cost, but to realistically emulate a complex strike aircraft the Tucano pilot has to be experienced.

Whilst predominately a flying station, activity at Linton-on-Ouse is diverse:

    "There's a lot going on here," said Gp Capt Jones. "We provide Air Traffic Control to 4 bases (Linton, Dishforth, Topcliffe and Church Fenton) and provide a home for HQ Northern Region Air Training, the Tucano and Glider Support Authority, and the MOD Police Operational Support Unit North."

Since January, the station has also been the base for the AgustaWestland Helicopter Tactics Simulator, which trains 12 aircrew every three weeks in preparation for Afghanistan and has successfully integrated the Yorkshire Air Ambulance into RAF Topcliffe.

    "This is a great place to be at the moment, and I'm very proud of the huge contribution that my personnel achieve with such modest resources," said Gp Capt Jones.

Brussels - 24 May 2012 EDA News

On the 20 May 2012, the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, delivered a speech to the NATO Summit in Chicago. There, he highlighted EU defence efforts. In addition to noting the Union’s crisis management operations and comprehensive security approach, he also discussed in detail the changing geo-strategic environment. Noting that Europe is a significant spender on defence, even in the challenging financial climate, he argued for more effective spending through Pooling and Sharing. He said:

“The EU's initiative on Pooling and Sharing provides a common response to European capability shortfalls. I am happy that EU Member States’ efforts on Pooling and Sharing and the efforts of the European Defence Agency are yielding results. Cooperative projects have been agreed to in key areas, which are also of NATO's interest. There is Air-to-Air Refuelling, but also Medical Support, Maritime Surveillance, and Training.
These are promising steps, but they are only a beginning. There is a need for political leadership in all countries to achieve a longer-term policy, which is more sustainable and structured. Firstly, we should explore how Pooling and Sharing could be embedded more systematically in national defence planning. Secondly, we need to strengthen the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base, which is critical to developing Europe's future capabilities.”

This strong endorsement of the European Defence Agency’s work signals the unified political commitment in Europe in favour of progress through defence cooperation.

23/05/2012 DICoD

Il y a 20 ans, le 22 mai 1992, le Président François Mitterrand et le Chancelier allemand Helmut Kohl créaient le Corps européen. Ce faisant, ils témoignaient d’une vision partagée pour développer la coopération militaire entre partenaires européens.

Aujourd’hui, implanté à Strasbourg, le Corps européen regroupe neuf États. Cinq nations cadres, l’Allemagne, la Belgique, l’Espagne, la France et le Luxembourg, auxquelles s’ajoutent quatre nations associées , la Grèce, l’Italie, la Pologne et la Turquie.

Structure multinationale par essence, le Corps européen est dédié aux opérations. Il répond aux exigences de l’Union européenne et constitue une unité de réaction rapide certifiée par l’OTAN.

Il fut déployé en partie ou en totalité en Bosnie en 1998, au Kosovo en 2000 et en Afghanistan, en 2004 et depuis janvier 2012.

En saluant cet anniversaire, le ministre de la Défense souhaite rendre hommage au caractère visionnaire des hommes qui ont créé cette structure et réaffirme son attachement au développement de l’Europe de la défense.

May 23, 2012 defpro.com

The Royal Air Force has announced that the fourth front line Typhoon squadron will stand up at RAF Leuchars in September.

Number 1 (Fighter) Squadron will reform officially at the RAF Leuchars Jubilee Airshow on 15 September becoming the fourth front line squadron to operate the multi-role FGR4 Typhoon. It will be the second Typhoon Squadron based in Scotland, following the stand up of 6 Squadron at Leuchars in 2010.

1(F) Squadron has a distinguished history becoming a founder squadron in the Royal Flying Corps, the RAF’s predecessor, in 1912. Typhoon will join iconic aircraft like the Hurricane and Harrier that the Squadron has flown. The reformed Squadron will look to build on the recent success of the multi-role Typhoon now ‘battle-proven’ after its deployment over Libya in 2011.

Air Officer Scotland and Station Commander RAF Leuchars, Air Commodore Gavin Parker said:

“2012 is the 100th anniversary of the creation of 1(F) Squadron. I can think of no better way to celebrate in this Diamond Jubilee year, than to return the Squadron to front line status, equipped with Typhoon, an aircraft that is central to the RAF’s current and future combat air capabilities.

“The stand up of the fourth front line squadron is the next major milestone in the growth of Typhoon as we build towards Future Force 20. The success of the programme to date is testament to the MOD’s continued investment in future battle-winning capabilities for the UK’s Armed Forces, the excellent work done by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) in continuing to develop and deliver 1 Sqn Creston the aircraft’s huge potential, and the hard work and professionalism of all RAF personnel, both Service and civilian, here at RAF Leuchars and at RAF Coningsby.

“As we prepare to transition the Typhoon Force in Scotland to RAF Lossiemouth over the next few years, having two squadrons will improve our resilience and increase our flying capacity, allowing us to maximise our training opportunities, whilst meeting our operational commitments.

“1(F) Squadron will be the second Typhoon squadron to stand-up at RAF Leuchars. Since standing up 6 Squadron in 2010, we have seen Typhoon come of age as a multi-role aircraft maintaining the defence of UK sovereign airspace through the Quick Reaction Alert role, both here and in the Falkland Islands, as well as conducting air-to-air and air-to-surface sorties to protect the civilian population of Libya during Operation Ellamy.”

(www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/no1f-squadron-21052012)

23.05.2012 Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

 Implementation and exploitation of European satellite navigation systems

           AFET/7/08251

           ***I    2011/0392(COD)       COM(2011)0814 – C7-0464/2011

May 23, 2012 ASDNews Source : Ramora UK

Ramora UK, a leading global provider of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) services, has successfully removed one of two mines that had been buried for some 60 years under ground that now forms part of the BAE Systems site at Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

The site was previously occupied by RAF Somerton during WWII and it is believed that the mines - known as pipemines - were laid in order that the airfield could be rendered unusable in the event of an enemy invasion. Most of them were removed when the airfield was decommissioned but the two mines that remained appear to have been missed at the time.

Their existence came to light when BAE Systems undertook geophysical surveys on the land, close to the Somerton Roundabout, as part of an exercise required to enable the company to sell off the land for commercial use, including a new supermarket.

The first mine, which was located close to the island’s main gas pipe, was detonated safely during the early hours of Sunday 20th May. However, during excavations to deal with the second mine, it was discovered that it was approximately two metres larger than expected and that it bowed significantly in the middle. As a result, it was decided that further ground works would be required in order to remove it safely.

Ramora UK and BAE Systems worked in close consultation with the Hampshire Constabulary and the Isle of Wight Council to ensure that all necessary safety measures were in place, including a 200 metre radius cordon which was manned by the police throughout the removal process. No residential properties came within the limits of the cordon and those businesses that might potentially have been affected by the road closures were all given at least four weeks’ notice of the operation. The local media were also kept informed.

The size of the exclusion zone was calculated on the assumption that the pipemines would be loaded with fully functioning polar blasting gelignite.

The work was undertaken by highly trained Ramora UK staff, including former military personnel, using a proven bomb disposal methodology. Prior to the planned detonations, extensive tests were carried out but it was not until the cordon was in place that it became possible to determine the exact size and condition of the mines. In the interests of safety and to minimise the risk of any possible damage to the surrounding infrastructure, the decision was taken to carry out further scoping works before disposing of the second mine.

“We’re delighted with the progress of this operation so far and we look forward to a safe and timely completion of the remaining phase” commented David Welch MIExpE, Managing Director of Ramora UK. “The outcome of the first detonation showed how a complicated operation, previously only undertaken by UK military teams, can be successfully executed with appropriate planning and preparation. By working closely with our client, BAE Systems, the police and the local council, we believe we are helping to establish best practice procedure for the future involvement of expert commercial operators in all forms of bomb disposal.”

May 23, 2012 defpro.com

The British Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is once again hosting the international Chemical Weapons Demilitarisation (CWD) conference.

The conference, which returns to the UK for its fifteenth and final year, is taking place this week in Glasgow. It marks the passing of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) deadline of 29 April 2012 for possessors of chemical weapons to eliminate their stockpiles, and will mark the global progress in chemical weapons destruction, providing an opportunity for experts from all over the world to discuss their ongoing international co-operation in the effort to eliminate chemical weapons.

The CWD conferences have been held annually around the world for the last 14 years – the first took place in 1998 in Bournemouth, Dorset, in the UK. This year's event will be attended by more than 170 delegates from 16 countries.

There will be more than 90 speakers, with keynote speeches being made by the UK's Armed Forces Minister, Nick Harvey and the Director General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Mr Ahmet Uzumcu, and representatives from USA, Japan, The People's Republic of China, Iraq and Germany.

Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey said: "The 29 April 2012 marked another landmark for our efforts to rid the world of chemical weapons. Our goal has always been a world without chemical weapons, so we are obviously delighted that the possessor states have either completed destruction of their stockpiles or have made significant progress in destruction.

"I hope the 15 years of CWD Conferences has helped in this endeavour in some way. Delegates from over 25 different countries, who face the task of destroying chemical weapons – including old and abandoned chemical weapons - have attended the conference over the years to exchange information, experience and expertise to benefit us all.

"We cannot claim that all problems have finally been solved, but most of the key technical challenges have been resolved and the likely scope of new problems is reducing. It is my firm hope that the networks of experts that this conference has helped to build, will remain in place to support the completion of destruction of chemical weapons."

Discussions will include a long-term review of the progress made by national CWD programmes, focusing on successes, lessons learned and an exchange of best practice. Participants will also look at explosive detonation technology, given that many countries' plans are now to acquire such equipment. In addition, they will look at chemical safety and security, recovery of chemical weapons from rivers and seas and innovative technologies.

Mr Ahmet Uzumcu, Director General of the OPCW, said: "The Chemical Weapons Convention set out to completely eliminate chemical weapons from the world and to prevent their re-emergence in any form. Today nearly three quarters of all declared chemical weapons stand destroyed under OPCW verification.

"Although not all chemical weapons were destroyed by the final extended deadline, States Parties have dealt with this issue with characteristic wisdom and sagacity. Our members have remained focussed on the mission and what is best to accomplish it.

"The Technical Secretariat has been pleased to support the CWD Conference for the last fifteen years, as a means of promoting safe destruction of chemical weapons. In this regard, I would like to thank the UK for the support it has provided through these Conferences, and its commitment to work closely with the OPCW in the coming years."

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) maximises the impact of science and technology (S&T) for the defence and security of the UK. It supplies sensitive and specialist S&T services for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and wider government, and leads and undertakes those activities that it would be inappropriate to carry out in the private sector.

Dstl is a trading fund of the MOD and is run on commercial lines. It has a turnover of some £550m, much of which is spent in industry and academia.

Airbus A330 photo AirTanker

21 May 2012 by Craig Hoyle - FG

Madrid - Airbus Military has revealed the fifth Airbus A330 to be converted under the UK's Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft programme will be modified at its Getafe site, near Madrid, and not by Cobham Aviation Services as previously planned.

"We have reached an agreement with the customer and Cobham to move the work," says Francisco Carrasco, director of Airbus Military's A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) activities for Saudi Arabia. "This is to secure the delivery schedule on the programme," he adds.

The widebody airliner is due to arrive in Getafe from Toulouse, France, on 25 May, Carrasco says.

Airbus Military modified the UK's first two A330 Voyagers in Spain, with Cobham having been under contract to convert the remaining 12 at its Bournemouth airport site in Dorset, England. Two aircraft are in work in its "Hangar 12", with work on the first having previously been targeted for completion around August 2012.

Speaking in Getafe on 21 May, Carrasco said Airbus Military expects to deliver seven A330 MRTT aircraft in 2012 - to Australia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the UK, which flew its first operational air transport sortie with the Voyager on 6 April.

Work continues to address a fuel venting issue encountered during flight tests with the Panavia Tornado GR4 for the UK Royal Air Force, and to clear requested enhancements to the KC-30A version flown by the Royal Australian Air Force. Both should be resolved this year, Carrasco says.

May 22, 2012 Mr. Alan Shatter, T.D. / Irish Minister for Justice, Equality & Defence

I am pleased to announce that a significant milestone has been reached this afternoon (Friday, 18th May 2012) in the build process for the first of two new ships for the Irish Naval Service when a traditional Keel Laying ceremony took place in Babcock Marine’s Appledore Shipbuilding Yard in Devon, UK.

The Keel Laying ceremony was attended by senior representatives of the Naval Service the Department of Defence, as well as Naval Service members involved in the build project.

This is not the first time that the Department of Defence and the Irish Naval Service have had an association with Appledore. Two ships, LE Roisin and LE Niamh, were built in this very dockyard over ten years ago and remain key elements of the current Irish Naval Service fleet.

The first ship is scheduled for delivery in early 2014. The second ship will follow in 2015. The new ships will replace two of the older Naval Service vessels, which will be withdrawn from operational service.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A contract for the provision of two new ships for the Naval Service was placed with Babcock Marine, UK, in October 2010. The contract price is €99m exclusive of VAT and subject to contract terms and final agreed costs. In addition, the cost of providing a weapons system for the ships, similar to the systems on LE Roisin and LE Niamh, will be €7.8m, exclusive of VAT.

Payments on the contract are scheduled over a period of eight years, 2010 to 2017 and are being funded from within the annual Defence budget. The first ship is scheduled for delivery in early 2014. The second ship will follow in 2015. The new ships will replace two of the older Naval Service vessels, which will be withdrawn from operational service.

FURTHER TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Babcock Marine 90 metre Offshore Patrol Vessel

• Commonality of Layout with LE Roisin and LE Niamh

• Commonality of Equipment and Systems with LE Roisin and LE Niamh

• Maintenance and Spares commitments reduced

The following is an overview of the main characteristics and capabilities of the proposed new OPV’s. These vessels will provide strong operational capability for up to 40 years of service in their main area of operation which will be the North Atlantic ocean - out to the 200 mile Economic Exclusion Zone limit and beyond.

• Length: 90 metres

• Beam: 14 metres

• Draft: 4 metres

• Max Speed: 23 knots

• Cruise speed: 16 knots

• Loiter speed: 0-8 knots

• Range: 6000 nm

• Endurance: 21 days

• Propulsion: Diesel Electric

• Communications: Comprehensive Military Communications Package

• Stabilisation: Fin Stabilisers, Stabilisation Tank

• Flight Deck: Aft deck provided for UAV Ops and Stowage for 3 TEU on Aft deck

• Accommodation: 44 crew + 10 trainees

May 22, 2012 ASDNews Source : Babcock International

Babcock has been awarded a contract to support the design of the UK’s next generation Trident submarines, by providing through-life support expertise to ensure that the emerging design adequately considers and addresses in-service constraints and experience.

The contract is one of three announced by the MoD today, awarded to BAE Systems, Babcock and Rolls-Royce, worth a combined total of around £350 million.

The next generation ‘Successor’ submarines will replace the existing Vanguard class, and will help deliver a sustained nuclear deterrent well into the 2060s.  The MoD has signed a collaborative agreement with the three key suppliers in the UK submarine industry (BAE Systems, Babcock and Rolls-Royce) to deliver the design phase of the Successor submarine programme, as part of the Submarine Enterprise Performance Programme (SEPP).

Babcock has been involved in the programme from the outset.  The contract being announced today provides a long term framework for Babcock’s involvement at tier 1 in the engineering of the new submarine.

Babcock’s role, as the recognised industry lead in submarine support, is to ensure that the cost, programme and technical risks to achieving the required submarine availability and performance when in-service are considered through the design and procurement process.  The company undertakes the supportability engineering activities for the platform and major systems so that the requirements to enable effective and efficient through-life support are identified and met, as well as ensuring a smooth transition into service.

Commenting on this work, Babcock Director Integrated Management Services Andy Nicholls said: “The cost of design and procurement of a submarine is outweighed by the cost of its through-life support, and decisions taken early in the design phase will impact any platform throughout its lifecycle.  These early phases, when the design remains fluid, represent by far the best opportunity to influence the design from the point of view of whole life cost, including maintenance and support as well as manufacture.  The objective is to identify the impact of design decisions on supportability so as to optimise the balance between supportability, performance, unit production cost and cost of ownership.”

Approval of the early phase of design announced by the MoD in May 2011 ensures that, while the main build decision for the submarines will not be taken until 2016, more detailed design work will be undertaken and long-lead items ordered so that the first submarine could be delivered in 2028.  The contracts being announced today by the MoD allow detailed design work on the general arrangement of the submarines to get underway.

Brussels - 21 May 2012 by Raquel - EDA News

The European Defence Agency has launched its new magazine. The magazine is being circulated throughout Europe to national defence departments, armed forces, industry, research agencies – all the key institutions with responsibility for securing the welfare of our continent’s citizens – in order to become a growing focus of analysis and opinion on European defence matters.

In this first issue we help set the agenda, with a feature interview with EDA’s Chief Executive Claude-France Arnould on the challenges that lay ahead for the continent, and the steps the EDA is taking to meet them. European Commissioner Michel Barnier sheds light on the objectives and modus operandi of the Commission’s Task Force on Defence. We also hear from the Director General of the European Space Agency Jean-Jacques Dordain, OCCAR’s Director Patrick Bellouard, and Patrick Ky, Executive Director of the SESAR Joint Undertaking on how their worlds are being reshaped by the new defence and security environment. General Håkan Erik Gunnar Syrén, chairman of the European Union Military Committee, issues a call for more cooperation, for something ‘brave’. The magazine also features the views of some of the leaders of the continent’s industry and influential academics, from inside and outside Europe.

But the magazine is also concerned with more operational challenges. It covers initiatives which ensure sorely-needed capabilities – such as unmanned systems, helicopter crew training and counter-IED technologies – can be rapidly and effectively deployed.

Defence is an insurance policy. Like all such policies, there is a premium to be paid, the cost of which escalates in line with technological and commercial pressures. European Defence Matters sets out to provide better information on how strained defence budgets can be more efficiently spent, and to raise the level of debate and discussion as to how current achievements can be better exploited for the future.

Issue 1 of European Defence Matters is available here.

Les chefs d'Etats de l'Otan, réunis à Chicago

VILNIUS, 21 mai - RIA Novosti

Les chefs d'Etats de l'Otan, réunis à Chicago, ont décidé de rendre permanente la mission de police aérienne de l'Alliance dans les pays Baltes, a annoncé lundi le service de presse de la ministre lituanienne de la Défense dans un communiqué.

"Tous les chefs d'Etats (membres de l'Otan) sont tombés d'accord pour proroger la mission de police aérienne, basée à Šiauliai. Lors de la discussion, la majorité des dirigeants des pays ont fermement soutenu la mission. Il est important que cette mission ait été citée comme un exemple de "Défense intelligente", parmi d'autres projets, tels que le bouclier antimissile", a déclaré la ministre lituanienne de la Défense, Rasa Jukneviciene, citée dans le communiqué.

Par ailleurs, selon la ministre, la Hongrie et la Hollande ont exprimé leur souhait de se joindre à la mission, alors que le Luxembourg a proposé son soutien financier.

Anciennes républiques soviétiques, les pays Baltes ne disposent pas d'avions équipés pour le contrôle de l'espace aérien. De ce fait, depuis leur entrée dans l'Otan en avril 2004, ce contrôle est exercé par leurs partenaires de l'Alliance. Des chasseurs alliés sont basés dans l'aérodrome militaire lituanien de Zokniai, près de la ville de Šiauliai (nord-ouest de la république)

En 2009, l'Alliance atlantique a décidé de proroger sa mission de patrouille dans le ciel des pays Baltes jusqu'à la fin de 2014. La Lituanie, la Lettonie et l'Estonie ont toujours souhaité que cette mission soit prolongée au moins jusqu'en 2018, mieux qu'elle devienne permanente.