NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC:
Strathdonia is a small african republic occupying the Rl location of Malawi. We exist only for Rp in the sub-saharan roleply region and so it doesn't clash with chellis' nation claims.
In terms of back story Strathdonia came into existance following the collapse of of Rhodesia-Nyssiland(sp), after a couple of years of internal conflict the visionary Donald Livingston managed to bring the disparate factiosn together to create the nation ina new image. A small group of scottish missionaries and business men played a major role in bringing the antion together and as such the new antion has a distinctive scottish edge to it. Most of the land still belongs to relatively wealthy land owners (of both colonial and african descent as the years of trouble wiped out many previous land owners) as the government knew that feeding the nation was its number priority and that large well managed farms were the best way to do this (based entiely on my admittedly skewed veiw of what is goign wrong in zimbabwe). Once a self sustaining food economy was established the govenrment turned to brining the rest of the nation onto the long road to recovery.

IC:
In a recent series the SBC presetned a detailed look into the structure of the Strathdonian Defence forces this is a mere sumary of the program.

The SDF is devided into 5 sections or services:
The Strathdonian Warden Service (SWS): a large paramilitary organisation that provides, border patrol, game/enviromental protection and rural policing.

The Stathdonia Cavalry Corps (SCC): Premier section of the defence forces it consists of the light brigades (light tanks and wheeled vehicles), the Dragoon divsions (mechanised infantry), the horse artillery (main artillery formation consits of light SPGs and towed guns) and the heavy divsion (tanks). As such it provides the main manouver forces of the SDF

The Strathdonian Air Defence Force (SADF): basically the airforce, it operates all combat and support aircraft bar those part of the SWS, while not operating the latest aircraft those it does have are rahter more capable than their basic types would suggest.

The Nyasa boat section (NBS): a small organisation tasked with providing patrols and security in Strathdonian held areas of Lake Nyasa.

The Territorial Militia (TM): With the antion's compulsary national service this organiseation provides the frame work for thier mobilisation and deployment. It consits of Full time, part time and reserve units. Most recriuts spend thier national service in one of the full time branchs receiving thier full training before either signing up for another military branch or moving into the territorial (part time) or Militia (reserve) sections.


More detaisl to come

OCC: A can of Beans and a Giant broom isn't an Army.

OOC:
Why thank you for that deep insight...

you would be surpised by what a small 12million (fixed population) nation can afford to feild, essepcially when they don't have to worry about deploying anywhere.

More details (will be edited into main post later).


Strathdonian Air Defense Force (SADF):

No1 Squadron
12x Jaguar Mk101, 2x Jaguar Mk99T

No2 Squadron
12x Hawk Mk231, 2x Hawk Mk131

No3 Squadron
12x Hawk Mk231, 2x Hawk Mk131

No4 Squadron
14x Hawk Mk131

No5(T) Squadron
2x Hawk Mk131, 6x Hawk Mk66, 6x Pilatus PC9(M)

No7 Squadron
6x Shorts SC-7 Skyvan 6x Casa C-212-200

No8 Squadron
2x C130K Hercules, 4x Casa CN 235

No9 Squadron
2x Casa C-212OP, 2x BN-2 Islander 4x SB7L-360 Seeker, 2x SB9 Stormer

No10 Squadron
2x AB205, 4x AB206, 8x Gazelle

No11 Squadron
14x AH9 Lynx

No12 Squadron
6x IAR330L Puma SOCAT, 8x IAR330 Puma

No14 squadron
14x Mi-17UE-A Upgraded Mi-17 Battlefield Utility helicopter

No15 Squadron
8x Mi-17UE-B Upgraded Mi-17 Medical Evacuation Version 6x AB412




Aircraft:
Jaguar Mk101.
Modified version of the BAe/SPECAT Jaguar light strike fighter, upgraded with APG-66V(s) Multi mode radar and with MICA RF/IR capability to provide a super sonic multi role capability. It can also carry the lightning and lightning II laser pods and the 2 30mm ADEN guns are repalces with BK27s. MK99T is the twin seat training version which features only 1 gun.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Jaguar/Jaguar6.jpg

Hawks:
Mk231: Basic hawk 200 series light fighter upgraded to use MICA missiles and the 30mm ADEn pod is repalced with 1 for the Mauser BK27
Mk131: Based on the Hawk 100 series twin seat trainer/light attack fighter, modifed with laser designator and AEELs system ina ddition to MICA RF and ALARM 2 capabilities
MK66: basic twin seat jet trainer


Pilatus PC-9M: Basic turbo prop trainer
Skyvan: basic cargo aircraft
Casa C212: basic cargo aircraft.
C212 OP=observation and patrol version with radar and EO/IR turret
C130k hercules: the big herky bird
Casa Cn235: younger brother of the C212
BN-2 Islander: general purpose cargo/light passenger aircraft
SB7L-360 Seeker: light piston engined observation aircraft (as supplied to the new iraqi airfroce)
SB9 Stormer: upgraded version of the Seeker with a turboprop engine, and hard points for rocket/gun or laser designator pods and the ability to launch small UAV such as the I-wing
AB205: Your common or garden "huey"
Ab206: Augusta bell jetrnager light helicopter
Gazelle: ex british army light helicopter with observation systems and mistral self defecne missile capability
AH-9Lynx: Ex british army medium helciopter, used in attack, anti tank and transport roles. weapons loads include: up to 8 TOW2s (generally 4 TOWs and 1 door mounted .50 MG or a gun pod), 4x 19 round 2.75" rocket pods, 8x mistral self defense missiles. Currently Hellfire capability is being sought.
IAR330 Puma: Romanian biult version of the popular tranport helicopter
IAR330S SPuma SOCAT: heavy gunship varient of the Puma, with the full rnage of poden sensors and weapons it can carry upto pretty much the same load out as the apache, a nose turret for a GAU-19 3barrel .50" MG is currently being fitted in palce of the existing 20mm gun
http://www.helicopassion.com/images/BRG/brgt156c.jpg
Mi-17UE-A: Upgraded Mi-17 Battlefield Utility helicopter
Mi-17UE-B: Upgraded Mi-17 Medical Evacuation Version
AB412: late model member of the "heuy" family, configured for the SAR/med evac role.

Missiles:
AAM:
MICA: in both RF and IR varients giveing BVR and stand off passively giuded capability
AIM-9L Sidewinder: standard short rnage AAM, hopefully to be replaced with A-darter or pyhton 4/5 once funds become available
Mistral: short range self defense IR homing missile
AGM:
Mavrick: generally used in the -D IR imaging and -E laser giuded versions
ALARM 2: advanced Anti radation missile, procurment of which reprsents one of the largest weapons expenditures in recent years.
TOW2B: most recetn version of the long running wire giuded anti tanks missile
Hellfire: laser giuded ATGM
Mupsow: south african Air launched crisue missile

The Stathdonia Cavalry Corps (SCC): Premier section of the defence forces it consists of the light brigades (light tanks and wheeled vehicles), the Dragoon divsions (mechanised infantry), the horse artillery (main artillery formation consits of light SPGs and towed guns) and the heavy divsion (tanks). As such it provides the main manouver forces of the SDF

The Light brigades:
Equipped with light fast vehicles the Light Cavalry are the eyes and ears of the Corps. When called to engage in combat thier role is to strike fast and then withdraw while gathering as much information as possible about enemy forces. Operation behind enemy lines can also be called for where strikes agaisnt supply and other rear area targets would be the norm. While on paperan armored force the main vehicles of the Light brigade are actually a mix of land rovers and pinzgauer light trucks with heavy punch provided by a limited number of Scorpion light tanks and AV-VB4-RE Guardians armoured cars supported by Avibras HAwk MLRS vehciles and Mistral equipped Guardians.

Equipment of a typical light battalion (of which there are 8):
1st Company:
4x Scorpion light tanks
12x AV-VB4-RE(at) Guardians with MILAN launchers
2nd and 3rd company
8x AV-VB4-RE Guardians
8x Land rover Defencer XD110s
4th company
12x Pinzgauer 716M 4x4trucks
4x AB-VBL armoured vehicles
5th company
4x Hawk MLRS (version of the AB-VBL)
4x AV-VB4-RE(aa) Guardians with twin Mistral launchers
2x AB-VBL
2x Pinzgauer 718M 6x6trucks

The Dragoon Divisions:
Just in the past the Dragoons formed a core of hard hitting mounted infantry they fufill the same role in the modern SDF. Effectively a form of mechanised infantry the 2 divsions of the Dragoons tend towards the lighter end of that classification with extremely limited use of proper tanks and IFVs.
Equipment of No1 Divsion (Claymore Divsion)
4 Armored brigades each with:
1 tank battalion
20x Sherman MKXX (ex IDF shermans with 60mm HV guns)
32x Scorpion 90
1 Armored infantry battalion
52x M113A3 APC
2 Mobile Infantry battalions
52x AB-VBL Armoured vehicles
1 Light infatry battalion
26x land rover
26x pinzgauer 716M
1 Support battalion
16x Hawk MLRS
8x Mobile Rapier
10x AV-VB-RE(aa)
6x AB-VBL radar/command trucks
16x AV-VB-RE(at)
8x Pinzgauer 718M (mix of command, ammo and general)
8x AB-VBL support (mix of ammo and general)

No2 divsion (Grey divsion, the Strathdonian greys)
1 tank battalion
32x Sheriden MK3S (ex US Sheridans, fir control system for missile removed leaveing just a straight 152mm gun)
20x Scorpion 90
2 Armored infantry battalion
52x M113A3 APC
2 Mobile Infantry battalions
52x AB-VBL Armoured vehicles
1 Support battalion
16x Hawk MLRS
8x Mobile Rapier
10x AV-VB-RE(aa)
6x AB-VBL radar/command trucks
16x AV-VB-RE(at)
8x Pinzgauer 718M (mix of command, ammo and general)
8x AB-VBL support (mix of ammo and general)

The Heavy Divsion:
The real striking power of the SDF cavalry force. priamrily equipped with tanks they from a spear head force designed to crush enemy defense and froce lien breachs or at leats they do in theory. In practice they are extremely defensively orientated due to their closer ties to the extremely paranoid SDF high command.
The divsion has 3 brigades each absed around a single tank chassis.
No1 brigade: the 4 horsemen
2 tank battalions
52x Centurion MK16 (105mm gun)
1 Mechanised infantry battalion
20x Tortoise (APC biult out of centurion hulls, much like the IDF did)
32x M113A3
1 Anti tank battalion
20x Archer (centurion with turret removed and limited traverse 120mm gun fitted)
32x AV-VB-RE(at)
1 artillery battalion
16x AV-VB-RE(aa)
16x Hawk MLRS
20x Long bow (centurion hull mounting a 105mm L119howitzer).

No2 brigade: the Midnight riders
2 tank battlaions
20x Sherridan MK3S
32x Sherridan MK4D (sherridans fitted with 60mm HV guns)
1 mechanised infatry abttalion
52x M113A3
1 anti tank battalion
52x AV-VB-RE(at)
1 artillery battalion
16x AV-VB-RE(aa)
16x Astros II MLRS
20x G6 SPGs

No3 brigade: The Wild Ride
2 tank battalions
52x Sherman MKXX
1 mechanised battalion
52x AB-VBL
Anti tank battalion
52x AV-VB-RE(at)
1 artillery battalion
16x AV-VB-RE(aa)
16x Astros II MLRS
20x G6 SPGs

The Horse Artillery:
While described as a single formation it is extremely rare that more than one or two units from the horse artillery would be operating together. Most Horse artillery deployments are in support of other cavalary formations providing heavier fire to supplement the artillery assets organic to each. As well as deploying artillery in the traditional sense the Horse Artillery have also been given the task of operating a range of air defense systems to provide protection for both the armed forces and locations within the nation.
Equipment:
No1 and 2 Regiments(light)(32guns each)
1HQ battery:
4x AB-VBL command vehicles
8x 5 ton trucks
4 light batteries:
8x L119 light 105mm guns
8x 718M trucks
No 3, 4 and 5 regiments (heavy) (24guns each)
1 HQ battery:
4x AB-VBL command vehicles
8x 5 ton trucks
4 heavy batteries:
6x G5 155mm towed guns
6x 5 ton trucks
4x 718M trucks

No 6 and 7 regiments (mobile) (32gusn each)
1 HQ battery:
4x AB-VBL command vehicles
8x 5 ton trucks
4 mobile batteries
8x G6 SPGs
8x load bearer support vehicles (the G6 chassis but with an ammo transport and resupply system instead of the gun)

No 8, 9 and 10 regiments (missile) (24 launchers each)
1 HQ battery
2x comamnd and control vehciles (on ASTROS chassis)
2x AB-VBL command vehicles
2x mobile workshops
2x 718M
4x 5ton trucks
4 missile batteries
6x ASTROS II MLRS
6x Ammunition supply vehicles
1x electronic fire control unit
2x mobile workshops
1x AB-VBL

No11 regiment (missile/heavy) (24 launchers)
1 HQ battery
2x comamnd and control vehciles (on ASTROS chassis)
2x AB-VBL command vehicles
2x mobile workshops
6x 5ton trucks
4 batteries
6x ASTROS III MLRS
6x Ammunition supply vehicles
1x electronic fire control unit
3x mobile workshops

No12 and 14 regiments (air defence) (32 launchers)
8 MICA batteries
1x radar vehicle
1x Tactical comamnd center
4x Multi round launcher (4missile each)

No15 and 16 regiments (air defence) (32Rapier and 8 patriot)
4 Rapier batteries
8x Rapier FSC launchers
8x Dagger radar
8x 5ton truck
2 Patriot batteries
4x PAC3 launcher
1x Control station
1x AN//MPQ-53 radar


Rather secret: the ASTROS II and II batteries are all in line to receive the AV-TM 300km missile, so far only No11 regiment is supllied with them, how ever all the units have the FOG-MPM giuded missile.

OCC: A can of Beans and a Giant broom isn't an Army.

OOC: Never underestimate their power when combined.

And no I haven't the slightest clue as to what I'm talking about.

OOC: What small arms are your military equipped with?

Roycelandia's Imperial Armaments Corporation and the Colonial Small Arms Company (located in Nairobi) make a wide variety of weapons, ranging from the SMLE Mk III and the Self-Loading Lee-Enfield to the IA-FAL and reverse-engineered (and improved!) copies of various RL guns.

We'd also be happy to assist in Training your Military to defend against African Nationalism in all it's forms...

[tag]

Having recently undergone a massive internal restructuring following the absorption of the Ruro-Severian state factories, Lasatanian State Defence Industries has returned to the arms market.

We are willing to provide your nation with products on a hire-purchase arrangement, usually up to a credit limit of $250m for a new nation like your own.

A link to the storefront is contained in the signature at the bottom of this post and if you are interested in purchasing any of our products, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Exports Dept, LSDI

OOC:
The standard issue firearm of the SDF is the venerable L1A1 SLR, generally modified with a mounting to accept the SUSAT infantry scope.
At the current moment in time Small arms are one of the few things the SDF is able to produce in country.
There are no concrete plans to requip the infantry with new rifles (air defense and artillery are taking up most of the money at the moment). However there is some debate about procuring a new version of the SLR, perhasp with either 7x49mm ven or 7x43mm Brit ammo.

For weaposn sales you would be better directly amrketing to the memebers of the Warden service as they get to choose thier own weapon msot of the time (hence the eclectic mix of elephant guns, Fn-FALs, SMLE no4s, steyr scouts and even a few Tromix Jackhammers).

Oh dear i'm really nto very good at this puppet thing am I?

Well anyone who actually mattered already knew who Strathdonia was so i guess it doesn't really matter.

OOC: Just to say that your military seems of approproate size for the nation and that teh equipment you field is very similar to that of Rhodesia and Nyasaland which your nation formed out of. In other words: nice job Crookfur!

IC:

Strathdonia,

Noting that your nation is constantly facing the threat of attack from the belligerent UAR of Lusaka, the Foreign Military Assistance Department of The Ministry of Defence Procurement and Export has decided to gift certain equipments which would improve the capability of your armed forces to defend your soverign territory and enforce border security:


Strathdonia Military Aid Package I (S-MAD I)

The object of S-MAD I will be to provide immediate improvement where there is a lack of capability in comparison with other areas of your armed forces. All grants will be of a technology level that is appropriate to the current Strathdonian military and can be readily incorporated without much expense on training and logistical support beyond existing levels. For this reason, most of the equipment offered is retired Elias military hardware but still relatively modern by regional standards.

Artillery: Seeing as the SCC has a distinct lack of artillery especially with regard, heavy-calibre guns we offer:

28x MSTA-B 152mm Towed Howitzers
16x BM-21B Grad MLRS: 36-tube MRL on a 6x6 ZIL-131 chassis


Air Mobility:The SADF currently provides grossly insufficient levels of air mobility to ground forces, in response to this we offer:

16x Mi-17UE-A (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=326257) Upgraded Mi-17 Battlefield Utility helicopter

8x Mi-17UE-B (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=326257) Upgraded Mi-17 Medical Evacuation Version


Air Defence: The SCC lacks sufficient AD capability to defend against even minor attacks from a major Air Force. The following will improve this:

12x BUK-M1 Tracked SAM Launchers
2x Truck Mounted Mobile Aquisition Radar
8x GAMMA-DE (67N6E) Mobile 3-D Solid-State Phased Array Surveillance Radar
6x SENEZH-M1E Automated Control Systems


Anti-armour Capability The SADF seems to lack any significant precision anti-armour capability which would be needed to repel any armoured offensive:

120x EAW-54 (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=318951) (Scroll down to near bottom) standoff air-launched anti-armour missile


We sincerely hope that your nation accepts this grant for the sake of regional security and we look forward to working with your nation again in the future.

LUAN (the Lusakan United African Nationalist party) has wasted little time in calling Strathdonian militarism and the weight of international martial support the imperialist regime, "typical".

This week, City has withdrawn some of the forces defending the Republic of Gabon against aggression by United Elias, Roycelandia, and their imperialist cohorts, and has begun to deploy some of them in exercises at home.

The scope of these operations has been grossly limited, say analysts, by the poor state of the Lusakan economy since the over-throw of the Igomo Social Progress Party. Never the less, several R-Darter AMRAAM were fired against basic improvised drones, by two F-20L Tigershark light tactical fighters, and Hawk LIFT aircraft engaged in practice bombing runs over the traditional training grounds across the Tanzania-Zambia border area near Malawi. This area has long been used by the Lusakan military for gunnery practice, training Burkinabe special forces, and recently for mustering forces against the Al Khali invasion, and will probably not be seen as having been special chosen merely due to its proximity to Strathdonia.

OOC:
There is actually still a bit more to come, first the final section of the Cavalry corps in the form of the horse artillery which will be a brigade or 2 of G6 SPGs, towed G5s, a mix of ASTROS II and ASTROS III (only just found out about the III model and it kicks serious behind) and airdefence units with MICA VL and a battery or 2 of PAC3s (i know america would never sell them but i'll fluff soemthing about buying the german spec system from EADS). Then there are there is the Warden service, nyssa boat section and territorial militia...

Of course saying that the extra gear will come in handy until i feel that the nation could afford the wish list of gear ie converting all the pumas to SOCAT standard and replacing them with a force of Cougars or Merlins, repalcing the Jaguars with a couple of squadrons of tornado GR4Z and F3Z from TBF and repalcing msot of the medium tanks with brazillian Osirios or stingray IIs (the sting rays should hopefully feature a home grown 75/90 gun system as a sucessor to the 60mm HVG).

*bump* for adding the Horse artillery

The fact that the air defense sections of the Horse artillery probably cost more than both light brigades put together should give an indication of the paranoia felt by SDF high command... i tried to keep it reasonable for my requirements but if you think it's a bit too much i'll get the pruning scissors...

IC: The Strathdonian Government is deeply greatful to the generous aide supplied by our freinds in United Elias and we shall be happy to make great use of the boon you have bestowed on us. We face only one difficulty integrating the EAW-54 onto platfroms other than the Hawks (seeing as they are the only aircraft with a modern weaposn handling system) and as such we would be interested in hring the services of Elias engineers to aide us in integrating the missile into the Puma SOCAT and Jaguar platforms.

While the new Commonwealth government formally congratulates Strathdonia on building up a functional defense force to protect its sovereignty, the newly formed African Relations commision of the foreign office is formally condemning United Elias' contribution. Specifically:

the Military Relations group of the FOAR Commision as elected by the democratic peoples of the African Commnowealth:

Understands that African nations are best left managing their own internal affairs, particularly in so important regards as military matters.

Condemns the contribution of third-generation Howitzer and MLRS artillery from the federal dictatorship of United Elias to the free land of Strathdonia, as we see no use for heavy offensive artillery in the arsenal of a defense-oriented warden force.

Expects that no further contributions of military hardware intended for offensive campaigns are shipped from United Elias territory to Strathdonia.

Admits that the S-MAD I contains positive elements, particularly rotary aircraft configured to rescue and treat critically wounded servicemen, and mobile radars to aid in detecting hostile aircraft who would pursue offensive air strikes on Strathdonian soil.

The Roycelandian Governmen has noted Elias' supply of "offensive" artillery to Strathdonia, but since Roycelandia has a well-deserved reputation for selling all sorts of weapons to pretty much anyone with hard currency, no comment is being made at this time.

The Strathdonian Government hears the concerns of Commonwealth and understands them. The govenrment would like to reassure the commonwealth that the weaponary that concerns them would only ever be used as aprt of defensive operations and offers as eveidence of this the fact that the material in question has been assigned to the Territorial Militia as opposed to the professional front line forces of the Cavalry Corps.

However we would question the labeling of any artillery as offensive. Artillery of any time is of no more an offensive nature than any other weapon system and more defensive than many.

The Srathdonian Warden Service (SWS):
Part police force, part park ranger service and part border patrol the SWS is the single largest national organisation within Strathdonia. Devided into 3 parts it is tasked with the preservation of law and order, the enviroment and the nations borders.
The 3 sections of the SWS are: the Wardens, the Rnagers and the National intelligence service.

The Wardens are the most common face of the SWS seen by both Strahtdonians and foreigners. Tasked with the maintaince of law and order out side of metroploitan areas (where coverage is provided by munciciple police forces) they are in effect similar to the US state sheriff system. The nation of Strathdonia is devided inot a large number of small districts each of which has it's own Warden. Depending on the size and nature of the district a Warden may have been between 4-20 full and part time deputy wardens. Trained as both policemen and game wardens they are required to be armed both with a pistol and a rifle capable of dealing with any local wild life (Wardens and deputies are free to select either thier own rifle towards which the service will pay a set amount or use the standard SMLE no5, hence a wide range of arms are used often featuring expensive custom weapons). While the pistol must be carried at all times the rifle generally resides inside the ubiquitous land rover.

While the Wardens provide local police coverage there may be instances where they may require backup from personael better trained and equipped for certain situations, it is here that the Rangers come in. The Rangers provide support and back up from regional offices that cover a number of districts. A regional office will have a forensics lab, SWAtT team and an air detachment with a couple of light fixed wing aircraft, microlights and helicopters. In addition to the regional offices the Rangers also provide a perment armed border patrol from a series of larger premises located along the borders. One specail section of the Rangers is a small air detachemnt assigned to the Nyasa boat section. This detachment is the largest of the air units and is tasked with search and rescue and patrol duties over Lake Nyasa and the other large lakes. Operating from bases at Nkhotakota and Likoma it consists of: 4 AS 355N ECUREUILs , 2 Mi-17UE-As, 2 Seakings, 1 Wessex and 2 AB412s.

PRoviding the final part of the SWS is the National intelligence service. While the name would suggest an external "spying" organisation the NIS is aimed directly inward and tasked with both criminal intelligence and counter intellgence operations. Its powers go beyond that of most criminal intelligece operations and it can be tasked with activities that the government cannot be seen to condon. In effect it provides soem of the role of the FBI with soem of the darker aspects of Mi5.

Roycelandian East Africa's Colonial Small Arms Company has expressed an interest in obtaining the firearms supply contract for the Strathdonian Warden Service.

A spokeswoman for Colonial Small Arms said REA was prepared to supply "A generous quantity" of SMLE Mk III, Self-Loading Lee-Enfields, and Lee-Enfield No. 5 Jungle Carbines, as well as the Tiger, Webley, or Nagant revolvers to Strathdonia for "a very reasonable price".

Additionally, the Imperial Government has gifted a Sunderland Flying Boat to Strathdonia as an "expression of friendship between our two Nations".

The Strathdonian Government has received the gift of the wonderful aircraft from our good freinds with great thanks.
In response the govenrment has expressed interest in purchasing firearms from Colonial Arms with particular interest in the MKIIIs and no5s offered, some limited interest has been voiced over the SLLE but in the face of ongoing dicussion over a standard infantry arm to repalce the L1A1 SLR and such interest woudl only be from certain groups of specilist users.

The apparent government interest in over seas small arms has caused much consternation for the local industry, most notably Robertson's Fine Rifles and Henderson Arms. The govenrment has pointed out that these companies already make a great deal of profit particularly in the feild of custom weapons for the Warden Service and that if they want a slice of soemthign better they shoudl perhaps turn thier energies towards creating something useful for the Individual Small Arm-Military (ISA-M) project.

ooc
nice job modeling a small nations military forces.... not too high tech, and just the right amount of obsolete, obsolescent and modern equipment.

OOC: why thank you :)

The Teritorial Militia:
With the intensly paranoid mindset that took precedance in the high command of the newly unfied Strathdonia following years of turmoil it is perhaps no surprise that one of the first Acts of the newly elected parliment was to bring Conscription into force throughout the nation.

This consciption or "national service" as it is known is not entirely military in nature. Those called are free to chose how to serve the nation in a large number of civilian ways although it is required of all males to at least attend and pass the basic military preparedness course (MPC) which primarily consists of basic military feild craft and weapons handling with some degree of drill, a huge degree of fitness is not required to pass, the ability to fire weapons, move safely and understand that there are times when following orders would be a good idea are more important that becoming a fully fledged soldier. Of course with Strathdonia being such a modern antion females are perfectly entitled to chose to attend the MPC and even a full military service option but they would never be serving in a frontline role.

National service primaliry applies to school leavers between 16 and 18 years old (Strathdonia follows the scottish system where you can leave school at the end of 4th year or stay on for your 5th and 6th years), those who choose to attend univeristy can apply for deferred service to allow them to gain a qualification that would aide in following a specialist service path ie engineering students are heavily sought after by army engineering units and SADF support teams and docotrs and nursing graduates are always welcome. This tends to lead to a situation where strathdonian universities are domianted by young science students while arts, business and social science students tend to be a bit older and generally far more disicplined. the term of service generally lasts 2 years but can last upto 4 years for those taking up a deferred option or in a particualrly specialist feild.

In military service feilds the 2 years comprise a full section of basic infantry training followed by specialisation. Those on a military path can enlist for a full 5 or 10 year term at the end of either years 1 or 2 (a decision is required at the end of year one for those seeking pilot/WSO service with the SADF) in which case they will likely be transfered to the Cavalry or one of the full time TM units. If servicemen choose not to select a full term they are are free to return to civilian life and merely serve in one of the territorial or reserve units.

The units
Due to nature of the TM are rahter unique force structure has developed.
Essentially the TM is divided into a series of brigades. These brigades each cover a specialist feild and consists of all 3 types of unit each forming a number of battalions.
Regular battalions generally cosnsit of servicemen under going training but a few are fully mobilised combat units that operate in support of the standing cavalry.
Territorial battalions consist of a few full time support and admin staff but are primarily staffed by thsoe who have opted for territorial service: 1day a wekk parade with 4 weeks deployment a year, full mobilization is always possible.
Reserve battalions have fewer full time support staff with some territorial servicemen filling the majortiy of support roles. Reserve soldiers (ie basiclaly all the adult males between 18-50) are required to attend parade once a month and udner take the MPC once every year.

The units that make up the TM are:

1 parachute brigade
Seen as the premire TM unit the para's have the highest percentage of regular troops and only 1 reserve due to thier cosntant alert role. As para jumping is technically challenging the extra training lengthens the nationals ervice period to 3 years. While labaeled are para troopers msot memebers are more likely to oeprate as heliborne infantry due to the lack of transport aircraft.
2 full time regular service battalions
1 training battalions
2 territorial battalions
1 reserve battalion (memebers must maintain a current jump qualification)

2 Engineering brigades
As combat engineers or sappers these troops require an extended peirod of training thus the national service for Sappers is 3 years
2 full time battalions
2 training battalions
3 territorial battalions
2 reserve battalions

6 cavalry brigades
As the cavalry is nominally a sperate entity the TM cavalry priamrily cosnsits of trainign battalions with territorial battalions generally equipped as either ligth cavalry, dragoons or artillery, reserve battalions are generally very lightly equipped dragoon forces
3 training battalions/batteries
3 territorial battalions/batteries
2 reserve battalions

12 regional brigades
these units cosnsit of forces drawn from particualr local regions and are a mix of infantry and logisitcs supprot troops. Generally only the regualr and territorial battlaions are of uniform number, the reserve numebrs vary tremendously (ie i did a quick calc and realsied i migth need soemthing like 5000reserve battalions for my entire availble man power).
1 regular battalion
3 training battalions
5 territorial battalions
at least 6 reserve battalions

3 medical brigades
MASH units, feild hospitals, comabt medics etc
1 regular battalion
1 training battalion
5 territorial battalions
5 reserve battalions

6 Support brigades
mechanics, fuel transports, logisitcal staff, drivers etc
3 regualr battalions
1 training battalion
5 territoiral battlaions
2 reserve battalions

OOC: Whee glad thats out the way anyway before we get to the NBS...

IC:
Latest Defence Headlines

SADF to receive increased funding:
In light of the growing transport requirements parliment has authorised an increase in SADF fudnign to aquire additional transport aircraft. Specific funding has been approved for the purcasing of 4 Shorts Belfast heavy transport aircraft from an unnamed source, 2 additional Hercules of what ever type can be aquired perferably one with tanker capability and 6 ex-RAF Andover tactical transports. These aircraft will be joined by existing transports to form a number of reorganised squadrons.
The increase in funding has allowed the 6 Lightning F.6s and 2 lightning T.5s which have been in long term storage since the end of the troubles to eb brought closer to operational capacity, already the 2 T.5 trainers have completed thier rebiuld and upgrade work (now designated T.7S) and are beign used to train both experienced SADF and ADF reserve pilots for operations on the Fighter versions. The upgrade work on the F.6s (to be redesignated F.10S), as inspired by the Romanian LanceR MiG-21 program, has suffered a number of setbacks namely around the newly strenghened wings and interfaces between the weapons management system and the new hardpoints however it is expected that the first operational flight will take place within 6-10months fianlly bringing true super sonic capability to the SADF and providing a stop gap until a future fighter can be selected.
in the last month 3 Saab 340s in cargo layout and 2 VIP versions have been purchased from local airlines, 2 of the cargo aircraft are expected to be convereted to provide additional surveilance agaisnt tresspass over lake Nyssa while the third is belived to be intended for conversion to an AEW or AWACs configuration but is currently serving as a cargo. The 2 VIP aircraft will operate in support of government duties witha secodnary observation role.
Finally it has been anounced that a futher 3 Sunderland flying boats are to be sought from Roycelandia to supplement the single model currently serving with the NBS which will be transffered to SADF control.

Reoranised SADF roster

fighter squadrons:
No1 Squadron
12x Jaguar Mk101, 2x Jaguar Mk99T

No16 Squadron
6x Lightning F.10S 2x Lightning T.6S

No2 Squadron
12x Hawk Mk231, 2x Hawk Mk131

No3 Squadron
12x Hawk Mk231, 2x Hawk Mk131

No4 Squadron
14x Hawk Mk131

training Squdron:
No5(T) Squadron
2x Hawk Mk131, 6x Hawk Mk66, 6x Pilatus PC9(M)

Tactical Transport squadrons:
No7 Squadron
6x Shorts SC-7 Skyvan 6x Casa C-212-200

No17 Squadron
4x Casa CN 235, 6x HS.780 Andovers

Strategic transport Squadrons
No8 Squadron
4x Shorts SC-5 Belfast, 3x C130K Hercules, 1x KC130F

Observation/support squadrons
No9 Squadron
2x Casa C-212OP, 2x BN-2 Islander 4x SB7L-360 Seeker, 2x SB9 Stormer

No18 Squadron
3 Saab 340OP, 1 Saab 340 cargo, 2 Saab 340VIP, 4 Sunderland flying boats

Helicopters:
No10 Squadron
2x AB205, 4x AB206, 8x Gazelle

No11 Squadron
14x AH9 Lynx

No12 Squadron
6x IAR330L Puma SOCAT, 8x IAR330 Puma

No14 squadron
14x Mi-17UE-A Upgraded Mi-17 Battlefield Utility helicopter

No15 Squadron
8x Mi-17UE-B Upgraded Mi-17 Medical Evacuation Version 6x AB412

Colonial Small Arms is prepared to offer the SMLE Mk III and the No. 5 Jungle Carbine for $100 each (including bayonet) for the Mk III, and $110 each (including bayonet) for the Jungle Carbine. The SLLE is more expensive, at $210/rifle, but includes bayonet and a spare magazine...

OOC: My congratulations on designing such a well-rounded and beleivable Defence Force! It really does make Strathdonia more a country and less a name with a flag... And Roycelandia likes friendly Nations, especially in Africa. ;)

The Nyasa boat section (NBS) is as close to a navy as Strathdonia is ever going to get. Tasked with providing maritime safety aswell as national security the NBS oeprates a wide range of craft both on Lake Nyasa itself and on the various rivers and lakes through out Strathdonia. In many locations the basic policing and rescue duties are carried out by small craft operated by local branchs of the Warden service leaving the NBS to concentrate on more military matters.

To provide ease of logistical and admin tasks the NBS is devided into 3 flotillas: North, Central and South.
North Flotilla operates from docks at Chilumba and is responsible for operations in the northern 2/5s of Lake Nyasa down as far as Nkhata bay.
Central flotilla operates from Nkhotakota and is responsible for the area of Lake Nyasa where the Mozambique border enters the lake. it also has special duties in support of Strathdonia's islands.
South flotilla is based at Monkey bay and has responsibility for the southern 5th of Lake Nyasa and the additional water ways and water bodys in the southern end of the nation.

Vessels:
North flotilla:
1 Admiral class helicopter boat
3 Nasher class PMFs
4 Sentry class PCFs
6 Hardy class PBRs

Central flotilla
1 Saviour class LST
1 Admiral class helicopter boat
4 Nasher class PMFs
6 Sentry class PCFs
7 Hardy class PBRs

South flotilla
2 Admiral class helicopter boats
1 Nasher class PMF
4 Sentry class PCFs
9 Hardy class PBRs

In addition each flotilla has a wide selction of RiBs and other very small craft.

Ship types:
Saviour class LST
Essentially a tank landing ship similar to LST-762 Floyd County, used as a supply ship for bases on Strathdonian islands as well as a mobile hospital and the squadron command ship. It has been modified with a helicopter landing deck capable of acceptingmedium helicopters such as the Lynx and AB412 in Strahtdonian service. Its armament has been modified extensively and now instead of 8 40mm and 12 20mm guns it now mounts 2 40mm guns, 2 6tube SADRAL (navalised mistral) launchers, 2 Milan firing posts, 4 M230LF 30mm guns and 6 7.62mm GPMGs
stats:
Displacement 1,780 t.(lt), 3,640 t.(fl)
Length 328'
Beam 50'
Draft unloaded, bow 2' 4" stern 7' 6", loaded bow 8' 2" stern 14' 1"
Speed 12 kts.
Complement 8-10 officers, 89-100 enlisted
Troop Accommodations approx. 130 officers and enlisted
Boats two small craft
Aircraft 1 medium helicopter
Armament 2 40mm guns, 2 6tube SADRAL (navalised mistral) launchers, 2 Milan firing posts, 4 M230LF 30mm guns and 6 7.62mm GPMGs

Admiral class helicopter boat
Based on the helicopter capable Armoured Troop Carriers (tango boats) of veitnam, these vessels serve as command vessels for the individual flotillas although they can be used for the transport of small groups of soldiers if required.

Displacment: 73tons
Length:17m
speed:12knots
complement:9
Aircraft:1 light helicopter
weapons: 2 M230LF 30mm cannons, 1 Simbad launcher (naval mistral), 1 GAU-19 .50cal gatling gun and vairous 7.62mm GPMGs

Nasher class PMF
Based on the america osprey class PTF the Nasher serves as a light missile and gun boat. A couple of different weapons loads can be found on the different examples.
Displacment: 123tons
Length:29m
speed:40knots+
complement:10
weapons:
ver 1: 2 twin tube launchers for Sea Skua ASMs aft , 1 40mm gun fore, 1 Simbad launcher amidships
ver 2: 2 twin tube launchers for Sea Skua ASMs aft, 2 M230LFs (twin turret) fore, 2 GAU-19s amidships
ver 3: 2 40mm guns (fore and aft), 1 Simbad launcher+ 2 GAU-19s amidships

Sentry class PCF
Based on the US veitnam era swift patrol boat the Sentry class vessels serve as the main stop and search units of the NBS.
Displacment: 22tons
Length:15m
speed:30knots
complement:6
weapons: either a GAU-19, M230LF or 2 M2HB .50cals in the wheel house turret, some vessels retain the aft mounting point and use it for either a Milan firing post or Simbad SAM system

Hardy class PBR
Effectively newly biuld versiosn of the american PBR-2, used for general patrol and attack roles, a huge rnage of weapons fits exist inclduing some with only light weapons or no weapons at all.
Displacment: 9tons
Length:9.5m
speed:35knots
complement:3-6
weapons:
fore turret: either a GAU-19, M230LF, Simbad launcher or 2 M2HB .50cal MGs
Aft gun mount: either a M2HB, Milan firing post, simbad laucnher or 2 GPMGs
Amidships: upto 2 GPMGs

OOC: Ah, the Shorts Belfast, and Andovers, planes that history forgot!

IC:

Strathdonia,

Given your nation's recent decision to improve the tactical and strategic airlift capability of your Air Force, the government of United Elias has agreed to once again a limited military assitance package for the continued maintenance of your national security as well as regional stability.

Strathdonia Military Aid Package II (S-MAD II)

3x Tu-154 B2 medium range airliners, two configured as high density passenger transports and one as strictly a medical evacuation aircraft.

4x Il-18 Turboprop airliners, three configured for general transport and one for photographic reconaissance.

7x An-26 Tactical Transport Aircraft

12x Mi-17UE-A (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=326257) Upgraded Mi-17 Battlefield Utility helicopter

6x Mi-17UE-B (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=326257) Upgraded Mi-17 Medical Evacuation Version

8x Mi-24D Gunship/Assault Helicopters

4x Mi-24P Gunship/Assault Helicopters

OOC: Arrrgghh Jolt just ate a post that took me ages!!!!!

Anyway long and short of it:
IC:the Strahtdonia MoD welcoems this package from oruf reinds in United Elias and have dismissed rumors concerning 2 additional recently purchased Andovers simply stating that they are to be used for spares to keep the currently overworked fleet in good order.
Secret IC:
The 2 Andovers have indded had thier engines and other bits removed only for them to the replaced with upgraded engines, armoured floor pannels, bell mounted FLIR/TV sensor in "canoe" mounting, side looking FLIR in small turret locked on the starboard side just behind the cokcpit and weapons ports for 2 M230 30mm cannons (1 between the crew door and wing and 1 aft of the wing) and 1 GAU-19 .50cal MG (aft of the wing). these new gunships form the base for the new top secret "ghost" squadron.

New SADF listings:
fighter squadrons:
No1 Squadron
12x Jaguar Mk101, 2x Jaguar Mk99T

No16 Squadron
6x Lightning F.10S 2x Lightning T.6S

No2 Squadron
12x Hawk Mk231, 2x Hawk Mk131

No3 Squadron
12x Hawk Mk231, 2x Hawk Mk131

No4 Squadron
14x Hawk Mk131

training Squdron:
No5(T) Squadron
2x Hawk Mk131, 6x Hawk Mk66, 6x Pilatus PC9(M)

Tactical Transport squadrons:
No7 Squadron
6x Shorts SC-7 Skyvan 6x Casa C-212-200

No17 Squadron
4x Casa CN 235, 6x HS.780 Andovers

No20 Squadron
5x An-26 Tactical Transport Aircraft

Strategic transport Squadrons
No8 Squadron
4x Shorts SC-5 Belfast, 3x C130K Hercules, 1x KC130F, 1x Sunderland Flying tanker

Observation/support squadrons
No9 Squadron
2x Casa C-212OP, 2x BN-2 Islander 4x SB7L-360 Seeker, 2x SB9 Stormer

No18 Squadron
3x Saab 340OP, 1 xSaab 340 cargo, 1xTu-154 B2 MedEvac, 1xIl-18OP, 4x Sunderland flying boats

No19 Squadron
2x Saab 340VIP, 2x Tu-154 B2 medium range airliners, 3xIl-18 Turboprop airliners

Helicopters:
No10 Squadron
2x AB205, 4x AB206, 8x Gazelle

No21 Sqaudron
8x Mi-24D Gunship/Assault Helicopters, 4x Mi-24P Gunship/Assault Helicopters, 2x AB412

No11 Squadron
14x AH9 Lynx

No12 Squadron
6x IAR330L Puma SOCAT, 8x IAR330 Puma

No14 squadron
12x Mi-17UE-A Upgraded Mi-17 Battlefield Utility helicopter, 2x AB412

No22 Squadron
12x Mi-17UE-A Upgraded Mi-17 Battlefield Utility helicopter, 2x AB412

No15 Squadron
14x Mi-17UE-B Upgraded Mi-17 Medical Evacuation Version

Special:
2x Andover Ghost Gunships, 2x An-26 Tactical Transport Aircraft, 2x OV-10C Bronco, 2x Mi-17UE-A Upgraded Mi-17 Battlefield Utility helicopter

To the Strathdonian Defence Minister/Secretary,

Considering our nations increased mutual co-operation on defence issues with our S-MAD program, the Elias Ministry of Defence requests permission that an Elias Army unit be deployed to Strathdonia for the purposes of training in Sub-Saharan conditions.

Under what would be termed Operation Savannah Harvest, the 44th (Light) Mechanised Brigade (Separate) would deploy by air to an area designated by your government and conduct a two month training regime, which hopefully would include significant co-operation with your armed forces. By bringing our expertise and experience in warfare together with your military's expertise in the indigenous territory and clime, this would be a mutually beneficial program.

The 44th Mechanised Brigade consists of 4,660 personnel and is organised as an enhanced separate brigade so it is self-supporting. The unit itself is an experimental one to a degree as it has recently undergone conversion from being based on the BMP-2/3 IFV to an indigenously produced and modified line of Stryker/LAV-III vehicles, and is one of the first units to do so. The role of the unit is primarily to operate in NQW (not quite war) situations, including peacekeeping and counter-insurgency missions. in a major war, the unit would act more as a recon and escort unit, in a similar way to cavalry. This reflects an ongoing shift in the Army's makeup to fill the gap between motorised infantry and heavy mechanised/armoured units.

Given another shift in army thinking, which is one of increasing the amount of overseas training, particulaly in non-native climates, this operation could lead to further such programs in the future, should your nation consent.

Sincerely,
General Avrahim Poraz,
Field Marshall of the Army

Teh Strathdonian MoD would welcome our Eliasian (probabaly wrong term) friends coming to our small nation to conduct exercises.

We shall be happy to make the full facilities of the Falkirk advanced warfare ranges (basically a big opne expanse of land with a few evacuated villages, we think we got all the mines left behind after the troubles but it keeps our engineers on thier toes to look for more, located in the northern half of the nation) depending on your tiem of visist some of our dragoon forces and local territoral units will be available for joint exercises.

A full dossier with details and scheduling information is enclosed.


Yours
Miriam Godwinson
Secretary for Defence.

The current fire arms situation within the SDF is seen by many as beign little more than total chaos. After the years of the troubles the antion was literally awash with smalla rsm of all shapes and sizes and when the SDF were formed the MoD merely handed out what ever was locally availble.

Rifles:
Occifially the stadnard rifle of the SDF is the british L1A1 version of the FN FAL. However the actual version varies tremendously, some front line units have received recent supplies of DS Arms SA58s, while territorial and reserve units use a mix of british, isreali and african versions.
Also a large number of reserve units are actually armed with either the AK47 SLLEs or SMLE noIIIs as funds have not been availble to equip them fully with version of the FAL. M16 or HK G3 based weapons are an extreme rarity in the SDF most being cocnentrated amoungst special forces and paramility units such as the warden service.

Machine guns:
In terms of light machine guns the sitation is largely simialr if not worse than with rifles. Again on paper there is a standard weapon: the FALO heavy barreled version of FAL with a bipod and 50 round drum magazines (although there is a locallt designed 70 round BETA-C style mag in development) but forces are just as likely to be equipped with either a .303 or 7.62 version of the bren gun or even a soviet designed RPK/RPD.
Movign into the medium/GPMG arena thigns do settle down somewhat with either the FN MAG58 or soviet PKM weapons being common although a few MG3s and HK21s can be found. Currently there is no standard GPMG but there are plans to introduce the DS arms MG-M1 (a PKM design that fires 7.62mm nato).

Sub Machine guns.
As these are generally only supplied to vehicle crews and a few special forces or rear area staff the MoD has had soem success in standarddising them with the standard weapon beign the Uzi. A few units still use other designs such as the sterling, MP5 (sepc ops only) and the FAMAE SAF.
Pistols.
Another more or less sucessful area of standardisation with various evrsions of the browning hi-power beign the norm although a few CZ-75s can be found and the special operatiosn community use an infinite variety. the vast majority of the SDF personel are not issued with a pistol but msot have one as a personal weapon in their home so it is not unusal for these to turn up on exercise.

The ISA-M project:
Effectively the final goal of weapon standardisation within the SDF the Individual Small Arms-Military (ISA-M) project is a research and trials program that has been running to choose a new series of weapons to equip the armed forces.

The eventual decision was to for a local company: Robertson's Fine Arms to produce, under license from DS Arms, the SA58 version of the FN FAL as a standard rifle for Dragoon, heavy cav and infantry forces and the paracute brigade and light cav forces would receive the SA58 tactical carbine. A limited number of SA58 grey wolf varients would be supplied to marksmen.
reequipment of all cavalry and regular battaliosn with these weaposn is scheduled to be completed within 3-4years with territorial units within 6-9years and reserve units at least 10 years

While the ISA-M project was intially designed merely to select a new rifle it was widened to select new light and GP machienguns these being a FALO style version of the SA58 produced by Henderson Arms under license from DSA and Hesse Arms to be equipped with the previosuly mentioned local 70round mag and the DSA Mg-M1 to be produced udner license by Henderson Arms.

OCC: Was it you who I sold the Mirage 2000's to or The African Commonwealth?

I can't remember, but I know that if you're in the market for MiG-21 upgrades we've got upgrades upon upgrades!

OOC:
it was us.
I haven't added them to the SADF order of battle yet as i'm not sure we can afford to actually deploy them yet... a typically monumental government mistake...

I woudl imagine that about a squadrons worth of pilots are currently gettign used to flyign them and producing the various conversion coruse documnets.

Also they aren't quite the versions we were looking for (we had originally been hoping for -5mk2 models) so we are currently devsing an upgrade schedule fro bidders to under take the upgrade work require to bring them up the a standard i designat -6S.

So with no further ado:

IC:
Strathdonian Ministry of Defence Request for tender no9034a parts 1-3

Teh Strathdonian MoD hereby solicts bids for the upgrading of it's Mirage 2000 fleet.
Our currrent fleet consists of 48 examples of the mirage 2000H strandard with 10 of featuring upgraded avionics in addition to 7 2000TH twin seat examples.

We require all of these aircraft to upgraded to the provisionally titled Mirage 2000-6S/-6TS standard
This multirole standard features the following specifications:
Thales RDY+ or RDY2 radar or similar
2000-5 standard cockpit
2000-9 MDPU avionics
GPS
ICMS MK2 EW set
Lightning I and II targeting pod compatbility
Optional AEELs ssytem
weapons capability to include:
MICA RF/IR, AIM-9L, Mavrick, AS15L, Indiginous Land eagle msisile, south african Mupsow ALCM. ALARM2 capability is a possible option.

As mentioned in the title this upgrade process shall take place in 3 parts.

part1a: the upgrade of 6 2000H models and 2 THs models
part1b: the upgrade of a further 6 H models

Part 2: the upgrade of the remaining 7 THs and a fruther 12 Hs

part 3 the upgrade of remaining H models

Time line:
part1a, completion of developemnt work and protypeing of first upgraded aircraft(1TH and 1 H) to take no more than 2years with the remainder of the first batch compelted within 1 year afer that
part1b, to be completed within 1 year of completion of part1a

part2: to be comepleted within 18months of part1(a+b) completion

part 3, to be compelted within 3years of the completion of part2

total time scale: 8years and 6 months

Memorandum Of Interest Re: Invitation to Tender 9034A

Dear Sirs,

The Federal Dynamics Consortium (
http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=326083
) is a dedicated aerospace upgrade company, that has extensive experience with all types of aircraft, of all types of provenance. Therefore, we feel able and confident to bid competitively for this contract, and we wish to inform you that in the coming days we will be putting together a full package to meet the stated requirements with price and time estimates. Where possible we will conform to the equipment listed, however if we feel an Elias indigenous system, or another such similar system would offer more capability or be more cost-effective we will offer this is as an option for your government to examine.

Before we assess the costs involved in the upgrade you are soliciting, we would like to have some idea as to the timeframe you are working to, especially with regards to the time gap between each part of the project. An expense that would have to be incurred by your government, would be the shipping/flying of each airframe to our facilities, located in Brunei, unless the work was performed in Strathdonia. This would be possible if Federal Dynamics could be guaranteed future business in the region, so that setting up a facility in Strathdonia was economical.

Sincerely,
Ahmad Jamat,
Marketing Director

OOC:
i had actually intended to put a tiem frame in but got called away...
i'll edit one in.
as to the actual;y requirements they are mainly bench marks for each section in the actual systems, the only thigns thata re not optional are the weapons capabilities
IC: the Strathdonian fully understands the Issues raised by Federal Dynamics.

Response to Tender 9034A

The Federal Dynamics Design team has prepared a bid which meets the standards required and goes beyond them in expanding the capability of the Mirage-2000 airframe at a reasonable price solution. By using indigenous Elias systems, we have been able to keep the costs at a minimum, and Strathdonia's position of being a military assistance beneficiary has meant that the government has partly subsidised this program. If your Air Force desires to use foreign sourced electronic systems in place of the ones suggested, we can easily acommodate this, but the price will increase significantly with probably no gain in capability.

Rather than the prototype costing the most, with each subsequent batch being per unit cheaper, all development and research costs have been spread over the project so that the per unit price remains constant. This also means less investment is required in the immediate term and your nation has several years to find funding for the larger amounts.

Costs:

Part1A: $26,345,664 for
6xMirage 2000-6S
2xMirage 2000-6TS

Part1B: $19,490,748
6xMirage 2000-6S

Part 2: $56,118,786
12xMirage 2000-6S
5xMirage 2000-6TS

Part 3: $77,962,992
24xMirage 2000-6S

Total Program Cost: $179,984,308

Upgrade Details

Avionics Upgrade: (Essentially the -5 cockpit with VTAS instead of HOTAS)

The cockpit features three new multi-function colour displays. The pilot's control system is a voice-throttle-and-stick system (VTAS). The stick and throttle tops house 28 fingertip controls for sensor and weapon control, defence aids management, and in-flight handling. The direct voice input allows the pilot to carry out mode selection and data entry procedures using voice command. The Helmet Mounted Symbology System and Head Up Display show the flight reference data, weapon aiming, cueing, and FLIR imagery.The Moving Map Display uses digital terrain information to depict a graphical map of an area around the aircraft. The current position of the plane is obtained using the newly installed GPS and existing Inertial Navigation Systems
-Estimated Price: $458,000 per aircraft, 587,000 for two seat conversion trainer

Installation of Helmet Mounted Cueing System:

EAS-HMCS/12 combines a magnetic head tracker with a display projected onto the pilot's visor, giving the pilot a targeting device that can be used to aim sensors and weapons wherever the pilot is looking. With HMCS, the pilot can aim the radar, air-to-air missiles, infrared sensors, and air-to-ground weapons merely by pointing his/her head at the target and pressing a switch on the flight controls. Additionally, the pilot can view any desired data (airspeed, altitude, target range, etc.) while "heads-up", eliminating the need to look into the cockpit during visual air combat.
-Estimated Price: $190,000 per aircraft, 240,000 for two-seat conversion trainers

Integrated Countermeasures System:

EAS-ECM/1181B aircraft's defensive aids/EW sub-system is accommodated within the aircraft structure and integrated with the avionics system and includes: an electronic countermeasures/support measures system (ECM/ESM), front and rear missile approach warners, full automatic radar illumination detection and 30 round chaff/ flare/ DPS launcher.
-Estimated Price: $898,000 per aircraft

New Radar: (you're the expert here, so tell me if anything sounds off)

ERSS-228B radar is an elliptical, active electronically scanned antenna array of 2000 transmitter/receive modules which provides agility, low radar cross section and wide bandwidth. The radar is able to sweep 120 degrees of airspace instantaneously. In comparison to the F-15 Strike Eagle's APG-70 radar takes 14 seconds to scan that amount of airspace.
The system exhibits a very low radar cross section, supporting the and offers significant advantages over the current RDI radar. Among its most attractive benefits is the integration of agile beam steering. This feature allows the radar to carry out multiple functions, such as searching, tracking, and engaging targets simultaneously. Agile beam steering also enables the radar to concurrently search multiple portions of airspace, while allowing continued tracking of priority targets. The Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) capability of the radar defeats conventional RWR/ESM systems therefore the ERSS-228B radar is capable of performing an active radar search on RWR/ESM equipped fighter aircraft without the target knowing he is being illuminated.

The radar system allows aircrews to detect ground targets from longer ranges using the Synthetic Aperture Mode. For example, the crew can pick out bridges and airfields on the radar display from more than 80 miles away, while at closer ranges targets as small as vehicles can be easily detected. The SAR mode can also locate aircraft flying close to the ground while the F/A-18 is flying well above them (20,000 - 30,000 feet above them for example).

Radar Specifications:
Targets: 25 air targets
Air surveillance: 180nm
Surface scan vs. large targets: 85nm
Surface scan vs. small targets: 20nm
Rear scan: 40nm

-Estimated Price: $1,774,000 per aircraft

Installation of Advanced Weapons Control System:

The EAS-WCS/38 replaces the original weapons system with a digital stores-managemtn computer, new armament interface and control unit, which enables computerised control and release of weapons, including third- and fourth-generation infrared guided air-to-air missiles such as the EAW-67 Viper for short-range self-defence. This system also affords the pilot the ability to use blind attack as well as continuously computed impact point (CCIP) and dive-toss bombing techniques. CCIP bombing involves the deployment of air-to-ground weapons, using the HUD to indicate the impact point for release of the weapons. Dive-toss bombing involves the release of air-to-ground weapons at the end of a steep dive maneuver towards the target. In addition, the digital stoores-mamangement system allows for the deployment of precision bombs such as JDAMs and Laser guided weapons. The open-architecture system is designed to be flexible, programmable to accept nearly all types of weapons whether they be NATO, Eastern or indigenous.
-Estimated Price: $320,000 per aircraft

Service Life Extension Package (SLEP)

Federal Dynamics will inspect, repair, replace and overhaul many structural and mechanical systems to give each airframe an additional 20-30 years of service. The program will replace the outer and center wing panels on the aircraft as these are the highest fatigue points. The engines will also be removed, dismantled, inspected, re-engineered and then refitted.
-Estimated Price: $237,000 per aircraft

IC:
The Federal Dynamics is welcoemed by the Strathdonian MoD and it far exceeds our expectations. currently it hodls the number one spot in the program.

OOC: well the onyl spot i'll need to TG TBF to get him to notice.

To be honest the VTAS and HMCS are probaably overkill.
I would rather keep thigns fairly simple, the aquirement of the aircraft in the basic H format woudl make us terribly over powered for a small african state and i had envisioned taking the aircraft to standard about equal to the taiwan versions (but multirole) as opposed to a standard which woudl make the UAE's -9s look outdated. I know AMW/SSA isn't quite the real world but i'm fighting hard to avoid an uber military. Not to say i won't go for your option, after all you you woudl need to do was drop hints about zimbabwe's FC-1s and soem scary Lusakan fighter and the SADF/MoD woudl stopa t nothign for your offerings.

OOC: The reason I included the HMCS is that it isn't really very expensive, its even offered on Mig-21 upgrades, yet the capability increase is quite significant. While I understand and agree with your intentions, I dont think its ridiculous to operate 48 fairly advanced fighters, which regardless of the upgrades are still around twenty years old. Of course your not going to be in the aviation market again for while though!

OOC:
I suppose you are right and yes this will oru last major purchase for a long long time until i can scrape soem moeny together for some new tanks :)

The Hindustani state armories are obviously disappointed about having their deal capitalized on, and are also disappointed about Strathdonia's turn towards UE as their weapons supplier, as opposed to Hindustan.

Of course, such disappointment is not very well founded because the whole reason that the Mirage 2000s were sold off was because of the falling-out with France, when the availability of spare parts and replacement airframes appeared to be hanging in the balance. All just about anyone would get out of Hindustan in the way of military hardware would be the occasional unwanted MiG-23/25/27 , perhaps some logistical vehicles suspiciously devoid of much of their mass, and mabye an old Osa here and there.

In short, Hindustan has always been very picky when dealing with weapons systems exports.

However, surprisingly enough, the HAF's frightening indescision when it comes to fighter types has been showing itself more often lately than ever before, in the selling off of the FA. 5, what is now considered the HAF's vain attempt to make its own F-16. Apparently, it just didn't suit the airforce's fancy. It is quite possible that the next aircraft that will be copied is the JA-37 Viggen or JAS-39 Gripen.

Perhaps, with Derek Igomo out of power in Lusaka, Strathdonia or the African Commonwealth will find itself in line for a portion of the approx. 210 FA. 5s in service.

OOC:
The tender is still open for bids....


To be honest i did think on using the viggen but got seduced by the Mirage 2k

If you could use a few more jaguars we will eb retiring ours soon, probably not much lfie left in them but they would be good for spares

The Imperial Roycelandian Government would like to help our Strathdonian friends by offering our Self-Loading Lee-Enfield to the Strathdonian Government in sufficient quantities to equip the entire Strathdonian Defence Forces with.

Colonial Small Arms (Based in Nairobi, Roycelandian East Africa) can tender up to 200,000 SLLEs, with bayonets, for $50 apiece.

.303 British ammunition can be supplied if Strathdonia lacks the facilities to produce their own.

We can also offer the Bren and Lewis LMGs, as well as a variety of sidearms (The Webley, Nagant, and Tiger Revolvers, as well as the M1991A1 and Browing Hi-Power semi-autos) at cost price.

If Strathdonia requires SMGs, CSA can also provide the M1928A1, PPSh-41, and Lanchester SMGs at cost, or the schematics to manufacture the Sten Mk II at no cost.

A variety of payment plans are available, including payment in goods and trade credits, as well as more traditional methods.

We look forward to being able to assist the Strathdonian Government in their Defence Needs...

While the SDF and the MoD have already made thier decision concerning the future of Strathdonian small arms, namely the ISA_M project, it will be some time before full productiona nd introduction to service can take place.

As a stop gap measure the MoD have decided to equire about the possibility of aquiring approximatly 30,000 SLLE's preferably chambered for the .308Win round (since NATO is fairly new in AMW calling the round 7.62mm NATO seems bit silly). These weapons will be supplied to territorial units to free up the existing stocks of FALs for front line forces.

In addition the MoD has requirement for 2000 7.62mm versions of the Bren gun.

Additionally the MoD in congunction with the Warden Service have made an enquiry concerning the aquistion of approximatly 5,000 SLLEs in .303 but finished to a marksman standard perferably with a bull/free floating barrel, standard rail mount for sights and a bipod.

Paymnet for these reuests can be made in cash from the public pruse but soem sort of trade offset would be preffered with the Strathdonian government offering primarily agricultural produce with the addition of locally produced alcoholic beverages.

OOC: coudl be worse the thais are swapping chickens for attack helos...

Colonial Small Arms are more than happy to take Agricultural Produce and Whiskey in exchange for SLLEs.

The rifles, rechambered to .308WIN, will be delivered within the next NS month.

CSA can also fufil your request for the SLLE "Marksman" model, complete with Rail Mounts, Bipod, and fully floated barrel, not to mention an accurised trigger.

Farqhill Optics can also provide telescopic sights for the Marksman, if required...

As for payment, we beleive that 1 case (12 bottles) of 12yo Single Malt Whiskey per rifle and bayonet would be more than fair.

Alternatively, 200 litres of Milk per rifle/bayonet, or one Cow per case (10) of Rifles/Bayonets.

We would also be prepared to take grain, wheat, and other produce as well, if this would be more convenient.

We trust an arrangement can be come to...

OOC: 12year old Strathdonian malts might be difficult as the country is only 11 years old at the most...

IC: the Strathdonian MoD hasmade arrnagement for 1/2 of the total cost to be made in the form of produce, as we speak vast herds of cows, tankers of milk and othe rbulk transport crates are beign laoded onto trains on the livingston lien terminals ready for thier journey to the Cape to cairo line and onwards to REA.
(i'm at work and my head hurts so please forgive the rahter inaccurate numbers ;) )

We shall be happy to make the full facilities of the advanced warfare ranges (basically a big opne expanse of land with a few evacuated villages, we think we got all the mines left behind after the troubles but it keeps our engineers on thier toes to look for more, located in the northern half of the nation) depending on your tiem of visist some of our dragoon forces and local territoral units will be available for joint exercises.

A full dossier with details and scheduling information is enclosed.


Yours
Miriam Godwinson
Secretary for Defence.

Dear Secretary Godwinson,

During the course of Operation Savannah Harvest, the 39th (Light) Mechanised Brigade (Separate) has completed a highly extensive workup of the newly introduced Faaris Light Armoured Vehicle, and the type has proved itself to be most capable, particulaly suited the Strathdonian terrain.

Firstly we wish to thank your government for allowing our unit to operate in the Falkirk range, and we secondly wish to ask that a follow on operation be conducted by the 22nd (Light) Mechanised Brigade of the 8th Mechanised Division, and several support units. Now that the operational procedures on the Faaris LAV have been refined by Savannah Harvest, withthe Savannah Harvest II deployment we not only want to certify yet another Light Mech. Brigade for operations in a non-native climate type, but also work increasingly on co-operation between our armed forces. It would be an oppurtunity for your Defence Ministry to evaluate the performance of the Faaris at a time when bids for your own LAV are being solicited, and it may also give your forces a better idea of what your own specific requirements of an LAV would be.


Sincerely,
General Avrahim Poraz,
Field Marshall of the Army

Dear General Avrahim Poraz,
I thank you for your letter regarding the prospect of futher exercises to be held on our facilities and I am delighted to inform you that you are perfectly welcome to hold a repeat of this succesful venture.

We look forward to seeing your impressive Faaris Light Armoured Vehicle in action and would be most pleased to have the chance to evaluate it for our use.

Due to current ongoing security issues with our south easterly neighbour, I cannot, at the present time, garuntee which of our units will be available to take part in any manouvers along side your forces but we shall make all efforts to see that you are fully accomodated.

Yours
Miriam Godwinson
Secretary for Defence.

OOC:
Do you think i would be able to assume that you won the Mirage contract and that work has started? time in AMW is a bit weird even by NS standards and based on the rate some people are chucking out warships i might even have a squadron ready...
Oh and have you checked the SSA region board? we have a bit of an issue with simba (hence the reference to security issues) and your thoughts would be valued

OOC:
Do you think i would be able to assume that you won the Mirage contract and that work has started? time in AMW is a bit weird even by NS standards and based on the rate some people are chucking out warships i might even have a squadron ready...
Oh and have you checked the SSA region board? we have a bit of an issue with simba (hence the reference to security issues) and your thoughts would be valued

Sure, go ahead, I'll leave it up to you to decide how many have been completed. As for Simba, I have just seen it so I'll post a response on the SSA board soon.

Accursed UE! Stealing all my weapons markets...*slinks off into shadows*

Well, why get Elias...ian weapons for money when you can buy mine for...er...exotic horticulture?

Yes, I think some of those gangly trees would look quite nice in the botanical gardens.

Well if you have a LAV to offer then now would be good time...

Perhaps we could invite you to send a battalion of LAVs over for evaluation while the Elian exercise is undwerway, then we could get some sort of "drive off" competition going...


You actually raise a good point, i suppose i should learn something about malawi's flora outside of the food and booze crops...

(And here was me thinking a tree's a freakin' tree. ;))

(And here was me thinking a tree's a freakin' tree. ;))

Quite the contrary!

While I don't exactly know much about botany, I like it just the same!