NationStates Jolt Archive

(OOC: If you want to RP that you have someone in the conference hall in the bottom scene, go ahead, as long as you're not openly hostile to Kahanistan. If you want to RP a news rep, you can do so even if you are openly hostile to Kahanistan, but don't try smuggling guns, bombs, or other weapons into the Presidential Palace.)

Najaster, Capital of Kahanistan

Outside the Presidential Palace

Defense Minister Marcellus Valens bowed before President Mohammed bin Yusuf al-Za'if, who was leaving office after being defeated by Valens in the latest election. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=464848)

"Marcellus Quintus Valens, do you affirm to uphold, to the best of your abilities, the Constitution of the Democratic Soviet Republic of Kahanistan, to watch over its people, and to ensure that all are blessed with their inalienable rights?" the President asked.

The imposing old general nodded his head slightly. "I, Marcellus Quintus Valens, do affirm to uphold, to the best of my abilities, the Constitution of the Democratic Soviet Republic of Kahanistan, to watch over its people, and to ensure that all are blessed with their inalienable rights."

Mr. al-Za'if then raised the kneeling man before him to his feet and shook his hand. "Then may your next six years be the most fruitful of your life," said the now former President of Kahanistan.

---

NAJASTER, Kahanistan (AP) - Before throngs estimated at over forty million, President Marcellus Valens was sworn into office as our nation's 32nd President.

Valens, 70, is a veteran of the the Jenrak conflict, the Ottoman War, the invasion of Xirnium, and the Freekish invasion. Prior to being sworn into office today, he was the nation's Minister of Defense, and his assumption of the Presidency is the crowning achievement of a military career stretching over fifty years.

In his State of the Republic address, Valens stated that "no longer will the Kahanistan military be a laughingstock, the butt of CAD jokes," and "before Kahanistan can aid those abroad, it must first bring its own house into order." He is expected to appoint as Defense Minister his former Deputy Defense Minister, General Nora Kasagawa, a fellow veteran of the Freekish war and the commander of the defending forces at the city of Al-Bahr, which was sacked by AMF in that war and rebuilt nearly from the ground up.

He went on to assure the victorious Communist party, that while he himself is not a Communist, he will not veto a Supreme Soviet bill declaring Shoobans to be human, a fact which the Institute of Medical Research claims has been irrefutably proven by the fact that humans and Shoobans can breed successfully. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=413691)

Former President Mohammed bin Yusuf al-Za'if had this to say about President Valens.

"He is a good man, I have worked with him for as long as I have been President, and before that, when I was in the military. I trust that he will be able to fix the military in the ways that I could not."

Al-Za'if, 44, plans to retire to local politics and rebuild his reputation, shattered after claims of his complicity in Amestrian war crimes, which contributed to his defeat in the election. He has also announced plans to marry his former secretary, Lara Hollan, 33, with whom he is known to have had an affair with for the last three years of his presidency.

---

Presidential Palace, Conference Hall

President Marcellus Valens spoke with Senator Maribel Crowley, the chair of the Supreme Soviet's Armed Forces and Defense Committee, Defense Minister Nora Kasagawa, and Fleet Admiral Raghad Nazmareh. Some generals, politicians, and consultants from various foreign countries were there at Valens' request. They would provide input which would be critical to reforming the Kahanistanian military.

TO: Marcellus Quintus Valens, President of the Democratic Soviet Republic of Kahanistan
FROM: Paul David Nettleton, Minister of Defense, United Sovereign Nations of Southeast Asia
SUBJECT: Conference on defense of Kahanistan

Greetings President Valens,

His Leadership, Yao Yang Nelson Neo, the Prime Minister of the United Sovereign Nations of Southeast Asia, is unable to personally contact you on this, but he and the rest of the cabinet send their congratulations on the election results. You are a worthy man to be the President of your nation, and I must say, the people chose wisely. As I have stated in previous communiques, I am willing to help with your military reformations.

Only this time, I shall meet you in person....would you accept my nation's advice and help and welcome my visit?

Yours Truly,
His Excellency,
Minister of Defense
United Sovereign Nations of Southeast Asia
Paul David Nettleton

OOC: I think I might just step in.

IC: Letter sent a few days before the conference:

To: The office of President Marcellus Quintus Valens of the Democratic Soviet Republic of Kahanistan
From: The Most Satanic Imperial Majesty, Commander in Chief of the Socialist Imperial State of MelekTaus Maritime Forces, Emperor Anton IV
Subject: Conference on Re building of Kahanistan Military

Greetings, comrad, and congratulations on your recent victory in your nation's elections.

I, the Emperor of the MelekTaus Imperial Court (Military/Foreign Affairs/Intelligence section of MelekTaus government) grant the most warmest of welcomes to Kahanistan after its rebuilding following your recent wars.

Having known you are setting up a conference on the matter of rebuilding your Military strength, I, Anton IV, would like to request permission to join in this conference as an adviser on Naval matters. MelekTaus is almost exclusively a highly exanded Naval force, and as such we believe we can offer some helpfull advice and councelling on all of your Nation's Naval assets.

I look forward to hearing from you soon. In the meantime, please feel free to indulge yourself with the enclosed gift basket, filled with two boxes of the finest MelekTaus liqoure chocolates, a 1 litre bottle of the best brewed MelekTaus ale, a 1 litre bottle of the finest MelekTaus sake, and a voucher for the MelekTaus based "Haritari Sushi" restraunt chain, which we believe has branches in your nation. The voucher is exchangable for a First Class, All Course dinner for two, providing the finest of all Haritari sushi meals on offer. Consider this gift basket a congratulationary gift for your work within the Soviet Democracy, and for your success in the elections.

Signed:
Emperor Anton IV

On her break from her role as commander of the Fourth Fleet, Admiral Katie Patinkin was having dinner with her father. She looked at the report of Kahanistan's new president and the nation's intent to rebuild its military and retool it.

"Daddy, what do you think about this?"

"Katie, I haven't been following the situation there. I've been trying to line up that speaking engagement at the Maritime College."

"Dad, how long have you been trying to nail that down? Besides, this is an opportunity to do something concrete besides just spin old yarns about your days in command."

The older man grimaced at his daughter's comment, but nodded after a while. He had just sent his capostication materials back to Pacitalia along with a letter announcing his vacating the honour, but now was a chance for him to do something that was far more positive.

"Dad, I think you should go over there and have a meeting with President Vallens."

"What good would that do?"

"You've at least seen the intel dispatch I brought home with me, right?"

"Well, yeah."

"What was it you told me when you read it?"

Suddenly, the man's eyes brightened. He realised where his daughter was going with her line of questioning and he knew he still had a vital role to play beyond being a motivational speaker or a doddering old man. Suddenly, Admiral of the Incorporated Navy Marcus Patinkin had a job to do. Again.

"I said, 'they need a makeover of their entire combat doctrine, not just new equipment or technology,' Marcus said. He immediately pulled out his cell phone and punched in a few numbers.

"I'm going to see if General Quinn will be willing to add something. Maybe I can at least get a prepared statement from him." After a five minute phone call, he had his answer. General Mike Quinn, now the leading field boss for the Incorporated Sarzonian Army with General Ryan Kennedy's move to the Military Command Centre in Saugerties, was willing to go with Marcus.

"I guess I should plan my trip, huh," Marcus said. "And get my uniform."



Dear Mr. President,

You may not have heard of me, but you may have heard some of what I helped to accomplish. You see, I once served as an admiral for the Incorporated Sarzonian Navy during a period of tremendous growth in size and stature for the Navy and the nation. Our navy has earned a reputation throughout the world as one of the premier fighting units for any country.

I have observed your nation's conduct of its military operations in wars against Automagfreek and MassPwnage. Frankly, I believe there were issues more important than technological ones that need to be addressed. Yes, technology plays a role, otherwise we'd be using wooden sailing ships and grape shot. However, technology wasn't the only reason for my nation's failures in Inkana and it wasn't the only reason for your nation's failings against Automagfreek or MassPwnage.

With the help of the top-rated Sarzonian general, I offer my services to possibly testify at a hearing similar to the ones my own nation held in the wake of its failures in Inkana. I believe General Mike Quinn and I can shed some light into more effective battlefield tactics and overall strategy that can overcome your nation's previous failings. Both General Quinn and I have had a wealth of experience building our own national militaries and doctrines and we can point you in the right direction.

I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Marcus D. Patinkin
Admiral of the Incorporated Navy (ISN-Ret.)
Incorporated States of Sarzonia

Kahanistanian Presidential Palace

The small Xirniumite delegation, which had been invited by their old wartime allies to attend a conference in the Kahanistanian capital, stood apart from the main body of individuals present in the large hall – chosing instead to converse amongst themselves in dark whispers. The unique burgundy cloaks of two of the Xirniumites, in particular, unmistakably confirmed their identity as Parliamentarians of the High Ecclesiarchy (the Eternal Republic’s supreme parliament).

‘All either current or former members of Kahanistan’s military class…’ noted Lord Veleth Rostern, Parliamentary Secretary to the Chief Ministry, as he looked at the people that President Valens was conversing with. The Xirniumite appeared to be in his mid forties, was of medium height and, apart from the existence of several grey strands, had dark hair.

‘Indeed… the new President makes a powerful statement by whom he choses to openly associate with so soon after his inaugural address to the nation,’ opined the Parliamentary Secretary to the Defence Ministry, Lady Josephine Loravarnion. Of a younger age than her colleague by about a decade, the deputy Defence Minister had long flaxen hair and striking, blue-green eyes. ‘Consider that, having only recently been sworn into office, Mr Valens has already called a conference to discuss the reformation of his armed forces - and has surrounded himself with war veterans and people that have had long and distinguished careers in the military. His message is clear enough, for those that want to hear it: “I am not a politician, rather I am a general who has assumed the position of Head of State. You can trust me, for I am simply a soldier.”

It will be curious to see where this approach leads.’

‘Curious indeed, though I wonder if perhaps we do not place too much importance on this observation?’ mused Lord Rostern, frowning. ‘Even the Kahanistanian Democratic Party,’ explained the Parliamentary Secretary, nodding at Senator Crowley, ‘endorsed a former military officer during the Kahanistanian presidential elections. Remember also that they sent a military officer with no diplomatic training of any kind to a political conference in Torontia. Defence is clearly an issue of paramount importance in Kahanistan, and their attitudes towards the armed forces vary from our own.’

‘In a nation plagued by disastrous wars, the people will invariably desire stability,’ stated Lady Loravarnion simply. ‘I only wonder if President Valens will deliver it.’

‘As do I.’

Selecting an opportune lull in the Kahanistanian President’s discussion wth those grouped around him, the Xirniumite politicians decided that the moment had come to politely interrupt. As they briskly walked towards Mr Valens, the loud clicking of Josephine Loravarnion’s stiletto heels alerted the Kahanistanians to their approach.

‘Mr President,’ began Lord Rostern, beaming widely. The Xirniumite quickly introduced himself and his Parliamentary colleague, extending a hand to Mr Valens. ‘On behalf of the High Ecclesiarchy, please allow me to congratulate you on your recent election to the Presidency of Kahanistan. The Eternal Republic sincerely wishes you the best of luck for the duration of your time in office, and hopes that you will lead your nation to prosperity and strength.’

In actuality, the Xirniumite government had secretly hoped that Foreign Minister Delray would win the Presidential elections, both for the interests of Kahanistan and the Eternal Republic, but such was not to be.

‘Hopefully, yours will prove a less... eventful Presidency than your predecessor's,’ added Josephine with an enigmatic smile.

Official Imperial Response

Just for the record, your army is STILL the butt of our jokes.

[Thread tools aren't working for me for some reason. Consider this a tag.]

To: Marcellus Q. Valens, President, DSR of Kahanistan
From: Horace Laederbeck, Minister of Defence, UKIN
Subject: Military Reforms

Your Excellency,

First, let me congratulate you on your brilliant success in the last elections. I am certain your victory shall bring great rewards to your fellow Kahanistanis.

Permit me the liberty of addressing certain concerns your military might have by proposing the services of Director Edward Milne of the Foreign Services Division of our Defence Procurement Agency and of Major General Andrew Vanisle of the Royal Isselmere-Nieland Marines to assist your government in its reforms.

I thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

The Hon. Horace Laederbeck, MP, CS, PC
Minister of Defence
UKIN

TO: Marcellus Quintus Valens, President of the Democratic Soviet Republic of Kahanistan
FROM: Paul David Nettleton, Minister of Defense, United Sovereign Nations of Southeast Asia
SUBJECT: Conference on defense of Kahanistan

Greetings President Valens,

His Leadership, Yao Yang Nelson Neo, the Prime Minister of the United Sovereign Nations of Southeast Asia, is unable to personally contact you on this, but he and the rest of the cabinet send their congratulations on the election results. You are a worthy man to be the President of your nation, and I must say, the people chose wisely. As I have stated in previous communiques, I am willing to help with your military reformations.

Only this time, I shall meet you in person....would you accept my nation's advice and help and welcome my visit?

Yours Truly,
His Excellency,
Minister of Defense
United Sovereign Nations of Southeast Asia
Paul David Nettleton

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Office of the President

The Government of Kahanistan is and always has been willing to accept Southeast Asian advice on the conduct of its military. I look forward to meeting you and hearing your views.

Signed,
Marcellus Q. Valens,
President of Kahanistan

To: The office of President Marcellus Quintus Valens of the Democratic Soviet Republic of Kahanistan
From: The Most Satanic Imperial Majesty, Commander in Chief of the Socialist Imperial State of MelekTaus Maritime Forces, Emperor Anton IV
Subject: Conference on Re building of Kahanistan Military

Greetings, comrad, and congratulations on your recent victory in your nation's elections.

I, the Emperor of the MelekTaus Imperial Court (Military/Foreign Affairs/Intelligence section of MelekTaus government) grant the most warmest of welcomes to Kahanistan after its rebuilding following your recent wars.

Having known you are setting up a conference on the matter of rebuilding your Military strength, I, Anton IV, would like to request permission to join in this conference as an adviser on Naval matters. MelekTaus is almost exclusively a highly exanded Naval force, and as such we believe we can offer some helpfull advice and counselling on all of your Nation's Naval assets.

I look forward to hearing from you soon. In the meantime, please feel free to indulge yourself with the enclosed gift basket, filled with two boxes of the finest MelekTaus liqueur chocolates, a 1 litre bottle of the best brewed MelekTaus ale, a 1 litre bottle of the finest MelekTaus sake, and a voucher for the MelekTaus based "Haritari Sushi" restraunt chain, which we believe has branches in your nation. The voucher is exchangable for a First Class, All Course dinner for two, providing the finest of all Haritari sushi meals on offer. Consider this gift basket a congratulationary gift for your work within the Soviet Democracy, and for your success in the elections.

Signed:
Emperor Anton IV

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Office of the President

I offer my personal thanks for the kind gift and the offer of assistance. We will grant you permission to attend this conference.

Signed,
Marcellus Q. Valens,
President of Kahanistan

Dear Mr. President,

You may not have heard of me, but you may have heard some of what I helped to accomplish. You see, I once served as an admiral for the Incorporated Sarzonian Navy during a period of tremendous growth in size and stature for the Navy and the nation. Our navy has earned a reputation throughout the world as one of the premier fighting units for any country.

I have observed your nation's conduct of its military operations in wars against Automagfreek and MassPwnage. Frankly, I believe there were issues more important than technological ones that need to be addressed. Yes, technology plays a role, otherwise we'd be using wooden sailing ships and grape shot. However, technology wasn't the only reason for my nation's failures in Inkana and it wasn't the only reason for your nation's failings against Automagfreek or MassPwnage.

With the help of the top-rated Sarzonian general, I offer my services to possibly testify at a hearing similar to the ones my own nation held in the wake of its failures in Inkana. I believe General Mike Quinn and I can shed some light into more effective battlefield tactics and overall strategy that can overcome your nation's previous failings. Both General Quinn and I have had a wealth of experience building our own national militaries and doctrines and we can point you in the right direction.

I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Marcus D. Patinkin
Admiral of the Incorporated Navy (ISN-Ret.)
Incorporated States of Sarzonia

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Office of the President

The Kahanistanian military is eager to accept your offer. If you have information for our navy regarding tactics, Admiral Raghad Nazmareh, the commander of the Kahanistan fleet that faced MassPwnage, will be glad to hear of them. She has considered it a grave blow to her pride to lose her first engagement as commander of the Kahanistan Navy. She is in attendance at the upcoming meeting.

Signed,
Marcellus Q. Valens,
President of Kahanistan

Official Imperial Response

Just for the record, your army is STILL the butt of our jokes.

"Forward this to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is not worth my time," said President Valens.

Three hours later

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

We haven't DONE anything yet.

Signed,
Margaret Delray,
Minister of Foreign Affairs

To: Marcellus Q. Valens, President, DSR of Kahanistan
From: Horace Laederbeck, Minister of Defence, UKIN
Subject: Military Reforms

Your Excellency,

First, let me congratulate you on your brilliant success in the last elections. I am certain your victory shall bring great rewards to your fellow Kahanistanis.

Permit me the liberty of addressing certain concerns your military might have by proposing the services of Director Edward Milne of the Foreign Services Division of our Defence Procurement Agency and of Major General Andrew Vanisle of the Royal Isselmere-Nieland Marines to assist your government in its reforms.

I thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

The Hon. Horace Laederbeck, MP, CS, PC
Minister of Defence
UKIN

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Office of the President

We are eager to accept your delegation to our conference.

Signed,
Marcellus Q. Valens,
President of Kahanistan

Kahanistanian Presidential Palace

The small Xirniumite delegation, which had been invited by their old wartime allies to attend a conference in the Kahanistanian capital, stood apart from the main body of individuals present in the large hall – chosing instead to converse amongst themselves in dark whispers. The unique burgundy cloaks of two of the Xirniumites, in particular, unmistakably confirmed their identity as Parliamentarians of the High Ecclesiarchy (the Eternal Republic’s supreme parliament).

‘All either current or former members of Kahanistan’s military class…’ noted Lord Veleth Rostern, Parliamentary Secretary to the Chief Ministry, as he looked at the people that President Valens was conversing with. The Xirniumite appeared to be in his mid forties, was of medium height and, apart from the existence of several grey strands, had dark hair.

‘Indeed… the new President makes a powerful statement by whom he choses to openly associate with so soon after his inaugural address to the nation,’ opined the Parliamentary Secretary to the Defence Ministry, Lady Josephine Catilina. Of a younger age than her colleague by about a decade, the deputy Defence Minister had long flaxen hair and striking, blue-green eyes. ‘Consider that, having only recently been sworn into office, Mr Valens has already called a conference to discuss the reformation of his armed forces - and has surrounded himself with war veterans and people that have had long and distinguished careers in the military. His message is clear enough, for those that want to hear it: “I am not a politician, rather I am a general who has assumed the position of Head of State. You can trust me, for I am simply a soldier.”

It will be curious to see where this approach leads.’

‘Curious indeed, though I wonder if perhaps we do not place too much importance on this observation?’ mused Lord Rostern, frowning. ‘Even the Kahanistanian Democratic Party,’ explained the Parliamentary Secretary, nodding at Senator Crowley, ‘endorsed a former military officer during the Kahanistanian presidential elections. Remember also that they sent a military officer with no diplomatic training of any kind to a political conference in Torontia. Defence is clearly an issue of paramount importance in Kahanistan, and their attitudes towards the armed forces vary from our own.’

‘In a nation plagued by disastrous wars, the people will invariably desire stability,’ stated Lady Catilina simply. ‘I only wonder if President Valens will deliver it.’

‘As do I.’

Selecting an opportune lull in the Kahanistanian President’s discussion wth those grouped around him, the Xirniumite politicians decided that the moment had come to politely interrupt. As they briskly walked towards Mr. Valens, the loud clicking of Josephine Catilina’s stiletto heels alerted the Kahanistanians to their approach.

‘Mr. President,’ began Lord Rostern, beaming widely. The Xirniumite quickly introduced himself and his Parliamentary colleague, extending a hand to Mr. Valens. ‘On behalf of the High Ecclesiarchy, please allow me to congratulate you on your recent election to the Presidency of Kahanistan. The Eternal Republic sincerely wishes you the best of luck for the duration of your time in office, and hopes that you will lead your nation to prosperity and strength.’

In actuality, the Xirniumite government had secretly hoped that Foreign Minister Delray would win the Presidential elections, both for the interests of Kahanistan and the Eternal Republic, but such was not to be.

‘Hopefully, yours will prove a less... eventful Presidency than your predecessor's,’ added Josephine with an enigmatic smile.

The seven-foot tall warrior accepted Lord Rostern's hand. "The Soviet Republic has the same hopes," he said grimly, nodding to Lady Catilina. "We have been too weak, for too long."

In her high heels the Xirniumite deputy Defence Minister stood perhaps half an inch taller then her five foot, seven inch, Parliamentary colleague. They were both dwarfed, however, by the towering form of the seventy year old Kahanistanian Head of State.

‘A most curious means of expressing the myriad of problems that the Supreme Soviet will be faced with solving, Mr President,’ mused the Grand Cardinal, looking meaningfully at Veleth.

‘And not entirely inaccurate…’ pointed out the Parliamentary Secretary to the Chief Ministry.

‘No, not inaccurate all,’ agreed Josephine with a thoughtful nod that caused her blonde hair to shimmer. ‘With luck, perhaps you might find some of our own delegation's suggestions useful in restructuring your armed forces into a potent force.’

‘Maybe not too many suggestions though,’ added Veleth hastily, a wide grin forming on his face, ‘we wouldn’t want the whole world to have too detailed a knowledge of the Xirniumite Art of War.’ The Kahanistanian President had a strange feeling that the flippant laughter of the two Grand Cardinals seemed a little too forced, to lack genuine warmth.

‘Ahh, President Valens, we’ve someone in our delegation whom you may be interested in meeting,’ explained Lady Loravarnion, her eyes brightening. ‘Major General?’ she called to the nearby group of Xirniumite officials, though the edge of her apparent request carried the unmistakable note of command.

‘This is then Brigadier and Commissar Edward Poltk, commander of the 83rd Zealot Elite Infantry Division, elements of which engaged and defeated the Kahanistanian expeditionary battlegroup around Xigrat during the Xirnium-Kahanistan War,’ the Grand Cardinal explained didactically. She indicated an elderly man in his late seventies, dressed in the full uniform of an officer of the Xirniumite General Staff. Poltk wore a dark greatcoat with brilliant red trimming, several impressive looking medals (including what the President might have recognised as an "Order of the Grey Banner", the highest award for valour in the Xirniumite military) and a large officer’s cap. Standing before Mr Valens, the Kahanistanian President could not help but notice the hideous scars on the General’s face, an unwelcome souvenir from an earlier war.

‘Good day, Mr President. It is an honour to finally meet you,’ spoke Poltk with a rasping voice, a wry smile twisting his lips. So this is Kahanistan's greatest strategist... the General Staff spoke most highly of him.

He held out his hand for a hearty handshake.

‘The High Ecclesiarchy has selected General Poltk to provide advice to our noble allies in Soviet Kahanistan, to assist you in modernising your military,’ explained the deputy Defence Minister.

From: Grand Senate of the Allied Union of Velkya
To: President Marcellus Q. Valens

The Allied Union of Velkya congradulates Mr. Valens on his electoral victory, and cheer on his policies of military rejuvination and renewed belief in the Kahanistani spirit. In addition to this, in order to aid in the reconstruction of the Kahanistani military, we are sending General Jacob S. Harlem, the commander of the Allied Union's celebrated and effective air force to attend talks with Kahanistan and it's allies.

Good luck, may freedom and justice prevail!

-End Transmission-

President Valens accepted General Poltk's hand. "It is an honor to meet you, General. Your tactics at Xigrat are now taught at the Academy in military history and tactics classes, though it will be several years before officers graduate knowing them."

The President released the General's hand from his vice-like grip. He was an old man, but still very strong. "I am eager to hear what advice you have for the Kahanistan military."

Admiral Nazmareh finally spoke up, something that had apparently been on her mind for some time. "Lady Catilina... is someone to advise us on naval combat as well?" It would harm her pride almost as much as losing her largest naval engagement, but it might be necessary to prevent future fleets from being sunk by CAD fleets half their size. The blow to her honor as a commander had hurt even more than the shrapnel which had struck her in the shoulder during the destruction of her flagship.

To President Marcellus Valens of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Kahanistan -

Congratulations on your election and inauguration! Seeing as how we are allied against Gilabad, and as how Baltimore Shipyards has helped your military rebuild, we wish to formalize our relations with your nation. We hereby offer an embassy exchange; we would like a 40,000 square foot embassy in your capital. Ambassador Terry Lierman, whose credentials we hereby present, along with his family, fifty staff, and thirty-six guards (thirty-two armed with MP-5 submachine guns, two armed with M-82A1 sniper rifles, and two armed with M-240G machine guns), will live and work in the embassy; he will also be attending the conference, with your permission. We would like the embassy to have a helipad for nine VH-75 helicopters and a garage for ten armored Chevy Suburban vans. If you would like to reciprocate, please contact us here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=464604). Thank you; I personally hope to talk with you in the future.

Sincerely,
Mark Warner, Foreign Minister of The Beltway

snip
The Xirniumite Major General grinned proudly. Poltk was very much a “by the book” commander – whatever he may have lacked in creativity he certainly made up for in solidly conservative miliary tactics that invariably worked. Still, the General knew that he lacked that certain brilliant flair which some of the other, more famous, strategists had. Certainly he had never expected that officer candidates might one day be studying his campaigns (at least, not outside the Eternal Republic) and the thought was rather flattering.

‘That is wonderful to hear,’ General Poltk remarked.

‘I’m afraid we’ve not brought a representative from the Xirniumite Navy with us, Admiral, Lady Loravarnion apologised. ‘Admiral Elizabeth Patritsia, of whom you are no doubt familiar, is currently coordinating arctic wargames between the 4th High Seas Fleet and the Grand Home Fleet, while Admiral Fridor Moand is preoccupied organising the military element of the temporary Xirniumite occupation of East Torontia.’

The deputy Defence Minister frowned. Admiral Patritsia was arguably the most gifted naval commander in the Xirniumite Armed Forces, and might have proved invaluable here. During the Nuekallayan Civil War, the taskgroup under her command had succeeded in entirely wiping out the entire navy of Nuekallaya, while also destroying most coastal aerodromes in addition to their air defence network.

On a separate occasion, during the Battle of the Gwaith Sea, her fleet had completely annihilated a flotilla of the mad Novan renegade, Admiral Kukonois. The cost of that engagement had been high, however, and her own flagship was lost.

‘I’m certain you will find ways to modernise your fleets,’ explained Josephine, suddenly feeling sympathy for the Kahanistanian. Lady Loravarnion was reminded of the fact Nazmareh was not only the Presidential candidate of the Conservative Party, but also the commander who had lost her fleet to the vile Pwnage savages. While no one could possibly blame her for that tragedy, the defeat had no doubt hit her hard. ‘Perhaps our governments could schedule joint naval exercises sometime in the near future? Admiral Patritisia has been lobbying my office to do exactly that for quite some time now.’

Nazmareh smiled. "I look forward to meeting her. I'm sure that joint military exercises will be most beneficial."

President Valens nodded. "General Poltk, what advice do you have for the Kahanistanian ground troops?" Kahanistan ground troops had shown their ability to stand up to Kraven forces in pitched or urban battle, and the Imperial Marines were some of the best ground forces in the area, but from what the President knew of General Poltk, all the Xirniumite would know would be ground combat.

The Kahanistanian ground troops had never used tactics the Xirniumites would call conservative, having used improvised barricades and booby traps against Xirnium, and scorched-earth strategy against AMF. That was slowly changing after Kahanistan's latest defeat, but it would be some time before Kahanistanian strategists could compete on an even field with CAD or Freekish forces.

The President continued. "When can ground and air military exercises begin?" He was cutting to the chase, even as the civilian infrastructure destroyed by the putrid Pwnage beasts was being rebuilt, the defense of Kahanistan against the next war was already beginning.

The Southeast Asian Minister of Defense had arrived roughly half an hour after the Xirniumite delegation's transport. It was a B-747-8 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_747-8), chosen as a result of the Neo Administration's pro-environment policies (but Neo didn't completely alienate the right-wing bigwigs in the Big Business Area, so that was why Southeast Asia had a strong economy and the so-called 'left-wing' environmental utopia at the same time), it also could be found in Southeast Asian Airlines as one of their primary commercial fleet carriers.

Colored in emerald, and possessing a depiction of the coat of arms and a dove on the door where the delegation would exit, it was quite a flashy sight to behold and one that signified importance and respect. The massive aircraft landed without a hitch, and the aircraft rolled right to the place where the Kahanistanian Republic Guard units sent to welcome the Minister of Defense were.

As the door opened to reveal the Minister of Defense, people would realize that he was a controversial choice for Minister of Defense. Paul David Nettleton was a tall Eurasian man, six foot three inches, considered above average in Southeast Asia....even before the founding of the union, 6'3 was still considered above average - way above average. The average height was now closer to the Western nations' average height records because when the Neo Administration came to power democratically, their Western influences had an effect on many things, the diet included. As a result, the younger generation would often be above 5'10 by the time they reached their adult years. The Eurasian politician's frame was also quite well built, a sign of his passion of athletics - particularly swimming, basketball and football. His hair was a mixture of jet-black darkness followed by a light brown color that indicated friendliness....as did his eyes, which had the same color mixture. He typically wore a pair of silver-colored, titanium-framed glasses....when reading. He suffered from hyperopia, more commonly known as "far-sightedness". The suit was one that could have been worn by any high ranking official - outstanding and at the same time typical: shiny dark jacket and leather loafers, lavender four-in-hand (the most commonly known style of necktie) spread-collared white shirt and dark pants. Because of his race and the fact that he was an immigrant, the anti-Unionists tried to use him to deface Neo....but it turned out to be slander, and backfired, and that's for another story.

The Eurasian man walked down toward the Kahanistanian ceremonial guards, and extended his hand to the one with the highest rank. "Greetings Sir, Your Excellency Paul David Nettleton speaking." Nettleton smiled.

The Kahanistanian Major had been talking to another guard. As the officer turned around to speak to the Southeast Asian Defense Minister, the face of a pretty, dark-haired woman of about 27 years old came into view. She was wearing the standard dress uniform of an officer in the Republic Guard.

"Nobody's ever called me 'Excellency' before," said the woman. She was about 5'6", slender, with shoulder-length hair and gray eyes. She took Nettleton's hand. "Major Mara Fulton, head of Presidential Security." She smiled warmly. "We have several armored vehicles here, not all delegations share the Kahanistanian preference for inconspicuousness."

The security head gestured to several Merkava IV MBT's parked nearby. "Those are the safest vehicles around." She opened the door to the Merkava and removed a suit of body armor and NBC. "This will protect you, but I don't think you'll need it. But if something happens to you under my watch, I'll never live it down, so put it on, for my sake." The Major and some of the other guards laughed.

"Come on in, I'll take you to the palace." Nearby, a private made the mistake of making a gesture within her line of vision suggesting what he thought Nettleton would do with Fulton in the tank on the way and grinning widely to another private. The Major's face hardened. "You. Toilet duty for a month."

The soldier slunk off, hanging his head. He would be scrubbing the toilets in the Presidential Palace and checking the toilets for bombs and other traps seven days a week for the next thirty-one days.

Fulton continued and climbed into the tank's driver's seat. "Come on."

Nettleton chuckled. "Pardon the wrong choice of word, it should be 'His Excellency'. Anyway, thank you for the transport offer - but our nation prefers to use our own transports. And it should be here...."

The C-17 Globemaster (http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/c-17.htm) that had followed Nettleton's jet had rolled over beside the environmentally friendly B-747 variant.

"Right about now." The Southeast Asian crew in charge of the C-17 were aided in the unloading of the transport airplane by Kahanistanian airport staff. The DMI-designed-and-produced Elusion-class Transports (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10168550&postcount=2), the amount of transports being three specifically, slowly rolled out one by one by the unloading crew.

Nettleton looked at C-17 as he watched the crew unload the transport convoy, then turned his eyes to the Merkava IV tank. He plucked out his glasses case from his jacket's interior right pocket, put on the spectacles then stepped closer to inspect it. Instantly he was reminded of the many documents in the Defense Ministry Archives back at home.

This is going to be a long day, he thought deep inside, I'm here to assist with their military's technology, and this is going to be much longer than I expected....

Fulton nodded. "I don't get into cars with people I've just met, either." She laughed light-heartedly. "Follow my tank, I'll lead you to the Presidential Palace. President Valens is eager to see you."

She climbed into the Merkava, started it up, and drove toward the Presidential Palace through the eight-lane side streets, sixteen-lane major streets, and thirty-two lane highways that the Public Transportation budget had bankrupted itself constructing. After about thirty minutes of driving through the wide roads of Kahanistan, she arrived at the Presidential Palace, where she parked in the parking tower at the north end of the palace, a majestic structure two hundred stories tall which added to the already imposing nature of the palace itself.

OOC: Urgh, I'll say they followed the MBT.

The Elusion Transports were guided by the Merkava IV, and Nettleton was amazed by the sights of the Democratic Soviet Republic. Not because it had great beautiful scenery, but because it had been good and swift reconstruction effort considering the fact the DSRK went up against some of the world's best armed forces and lost.

Perhaps the determination or the experience due to the devastation, the politician thought, but it didn't really matter. It wasn't before long the transport convoy arrived at the Kahanistanian Presidential Palace's main entrance. The first SUV's doors opened up to reveal three bodyguards, armed with Desert Eagle pistols. Then the SUV rolled away into the parking lot. The second SUV, the one in the middle, followed suite. The final SUV opened to reveal the Defense Minister himself, flanked by two of his aides. Then the SUV drove away toward the Presidential parking ground.

The six bodyguard squad kept a distance as to not look overprotective, and the Defense Minister marched toward the President himself along with his aides.

"Greetings, President Valens," the Eurasian offered his right hand, "I am eager to help with your armed forces' reformations, and hope for the start of a prosperous DSRK-USNSEA relationship as a result."

President Valens took the man's hand and nodded. Without a word, he motioned for the Southeast Asians to sit down. Major Fulton took a seat in a corner, from which she could observe the meeting without being distracted by someone talking to her, as she was normally a very talkative person, the polar opposite of the new President.

"The Government of Kahanistan is eager to accept the assistance of all those who would help it," said the President. "First things first... the weaknesses of the Kahanistan military. We are good on the ground, but could use improvement, we are weaker in the sky, and we are very weak at sea."

OOC: Sorry for late post....

Just before the conference began, a small, unarmed BAE 146 CC2 trasport aircraft landed in the Kahanistan's capital city's airport. It was clearly marked with both the flag of the Socialist Imperial State of MelekTaus' flag, representing the fact it was a military aircraft, as well as a large Imperial Crown above the flag, representing the fact it contained a Royal VIP. Once the aircraft came to a stop, the passangers slowly shuffled out.

Five in total. One, Emperor Anton IV. He was dressed in a dark brown, Imperial Maritime Forces uniform, complete with an officer's cap with the Royal Crown badge to the front. On his shoulders were bdges of his rank, the Imperial Crown atop a large, prominant, yellow star on the red background of the rank 'slip'. The rest of his uniform, however, was exactly the same as all the other passangers.

Behind the Emperor was Grand Admiral Kasamoto, chief of the MelekTaus fleets. In the same style of uniform, but with a Trident for a cap badge, his rank slips displayed five stars on the red background, along with the trident symbol again above it. Kasamoto, unlike the more European Emperor Anton, had definitive Japanese features, a descendant from the original peoples of MelekTaus before the Russian and English settlers came to the islands many hundreds of years ago.

The remaining three passangers were Maritime officers. One, a Brigadier from the Imperial Marines branch, with a Trident and two crossed blackpowder pistols as a cap badge and on his rank slips. The other was the Admiral of the South Fleet, with the same cap and rank badge as his superior, but with only four stars instead. The final officer was dressed in the same style of uniform, but of a blue colour instead. This was an Imperial Fleet Air Arm officer, a Group Captain, incharge of all of the aircraft attached to the Home Fleet's Carriers, the equivillent of an Airforce Group, just sea mounted.

These officers were there to provide both bodyguard support for the Emperor and the Grand Admiral, as well as to give advice to the Kahanistan military. However, the reason why the Grand Admiral, and not the head of the Imperial Fleet Air Arm, or the Imperial Marines, accompanied the Emperor was simple. The nation of MelekTaus was here primarily to advise Kahanistan on /naval/ matters.

Quickly, the group of five made their way through the airport, before getting themselves a car to the conference. Knowing they might be delayed by using hired transport, and not their own to save on having to use an unneccisary large transport aircraft, the Emperor wiped his brow with his hand.

"We're going to be late, Kasamoto..." he stated softly, his accent gentle and calm, despite the obvious stressed look in his eyes.

The older military officer turned to his Emperor, a wrinkled face unmoving as he replied. "My Lord..... Anton.... There is nothing to fear. We will be there in good time. Remember, the Eagle is neither late or early. He arrives precisely when he wants to.."

The Royal nodded to the aged man, glad to have his most trusted of subordinates with him. Currently, back at home, the other two members of the Maritime Command were busy dealing with a 'UFO' sighting of some sorts (OO: See the topic "A state of unreadiness"). Since his father had died when he was but 15, Anton had always trusted Kasamoto's advice and father like treatment of him, even when he was being formal. When Anton took to the throne, Kasamoto was still only an Admiral of the East Fleet, but was wise beyond his years.

Eventually the car pulled up infront of the conference hall, the three accompanying officers getting out first to check the area. Once they were sure it was safe, they escorted the two superior officers out of the vehicle, and towards the entrance of the hall.

Eventually they made their way to where the meeting was taking place, quietly entering the doors. Seeing the Kahanistan President, the Emperor moved to where Valens could see him.

"President Valens, my comrad. I do appologise for our slight delay in making it to this conference. Please accept my most sincere appologise... I would like to introduce, however, Grand Admiral Kasamoto of the Imperial Fleet Service. He is my most trusted of advisors, and will gladly assist in helping Kahanistan with its Naval matters. Escorting us is Brigadier Luthor of the Imperial Marines, Admiral Johans of the Imperial South Fleet and Group Captain Khravner of the Imperial Fleet Air Arm. These men will help with Naval Marine matters, Fleet Service matters, and any Naval Aircraft and carrier deployment matter you may have. They are also serving as body guards to myself and Kasamoto."

President Valens took the man's hand and nodded. Without a word, he motioned for the Southeast Asians to sit down. Major Fulton took a seat in a corner, from which she could observe the meeting without being distracted by someone talking to her, as she was normally a very talkative person, the polar opposite of the new President.

"The Government of Kahanistan is eager to accept the assistance of all those who would help it," said the President. "First things first... the weaknesses of the Kahanistan military. We are good on the ground, but could use improvement, we are weaker in the sky, and we are very weak at sea."
Nettleton's aides stood back (in the sense that they appeared more subtle) and decided to take notes on the President of Kahanistan and later on, the other delegations that would be arriving. The first aide was an Indonesian man, skin like milk chocolate, short and stout, shiny and mostly-hairless head, and possessed a comforting aura of kindness. He wore golden-framed spectacles, oval-shaped, and was a loyal friend to Nettleton himself. The other was a younger man, a university graduate, one of potential and showed over-eagerness to learn and serve his country. Taller than the Indonesian and possessing a different race (a mixture of Chinese and Vietnamese features), he scribbled down a little too attentively, almost too hard. Both would be meeting with Neo himself and the rest of the other cabinet members on what they saw at the conference.

"Well, the Republic Guard is a versed fighting force. That is the plain and simple truth. However, we feel that your defeat at the hands of the CAD forces is due to technological superiority. Your soldiers fought valiantly against the ruthless far right-wing armed forces of CAD...but were no match technologically. The Aquila is a result of several Woodstock Pact member-states buying military products from the Holy Empire's ally and a key arms supplier, the Armed Republic of Soviet Bloc. The Imperial Air Force did not want to keep on the same playing field and lose it's dominance on the battlefield in terms of technological advantage, and thus maintains its cutting edge technology in the skies and on the battlefield.

What I suggest is your pilots get more advanced planes, or if they are too attached to your Soviet-era weaponry, simply train them to more higher standards. We have heard of Operation: Everest or as the Omzians themselves call it, the Homeland Defense War (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=291028). Several of the myths and legend we have heard of the Omzian Democratic Republic alongside the Free Land of Clan Smoke Jaguar [namely their aerial warfare divisions], fending off the international military juggernauts of Sniper Country, Omni Conglomerates amongst others and yes - the very same nation that you have fought, were defeated by and boasts it has never been beaten and dines at the table of victory every single time, the Excessively Armed Empire of Automagfreek. Perhaps they should be willing to assist in training, considering the fact they aren't exactly big fans of CAD or the fact that they have arguably the best aircraft in the world.

If you wish to stick to land warfare, then of course air defenses need to be bolstered upon. Kriegzimmer Conglomerates has recently released the SPAA-1 [Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Vehicle] (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10467193&postcount=1243), based on the old ZSU-23-4 to a very loose degree. While you and I mutually disagree about Absolute Capitalism and the Macabee alliance with the Doomingslandians, I say you take advantage of it - would Kriegzimmer be so successful an arms supplier even without Absolute Capitalism, had it not been for their expertise in design? The UKIN delegations should be arriving, I also need to discuss with you about the partnership with the RSIN and your country's shipyards."

Admiral Nazmareh nodded to the MelekTaus admiral and motioned for him to sit next to her. They could discuss naval matters without interrupting the discussion the President was having with the Southeast Asians.

President Valens nodded. "Our pilots are very well trained." The files on him would indicate that he had been a pilot himself as recently as the Invasion of Xirnium, shortly before being appointed Defense Minister.

"That said, we can always use new planes. The Czardaians have already shipped hundreds of new planes to Kahanistan, heavy bombers capable of carrying over sixty tons of bombs each. These Omzian planes would be useful, if we could find some they would be willing to sell or trade with us. Anything capable of repelling a Freekish invasion would be most useful to us, as long as our engineers can understand the technology."

"As for air defenses... it was only through sheer numbers that large numbers of Shilkas survived the Pwnage DEAD doctrine, and they have proven ineffective against Pwnage warplanes. Our engineers are currently drafting a design using air defenses and active countermeasures, mounted on a chassis based on the Merkava tank."

Senator Crowley passed a file to the Southeast Asian. It contained the blueprints and designs for a new Kahanistanian main battle tank, and the specifications of the Merkava IV (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merkava IV) tank it was based on.

Merkava VK MBT
General Characteristics:
Crew: 4
Length: 9.2 m
Width: 4.5 m
Height: 3.3 m
Weight: 115 tons
Armor and Armament:
Armor: Titanium-nickel composite armor + niobium-cobalt modular
Main armament: 1 x 130 mm smoothbore gun, 60 rounds, 20 x BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missile
Secondary armament: 2 x 12.7mm coaxial machine gun, Arena (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arena_(active_countermeasures_system)) anti-missile defense
Mobility:
Power plant: 2,200 HP biodiesel engine
Suspension: Helical spring
Road speed: 53 km/h
Range: 650 km
Other:
Estimated construction cost: $4.6 million USD



The Merkava VK is the successor to the Merkava IV, which has seen action in the CAD conflict and, to a lesser extent, the Freekish invasion of Kahanistan. It disposes of the rear-entry door, favoring a 30 cm clearance above the ground under which soldiers crawl, unlock a manhole-like hatch, enter the tank from the floor, and close and lock the hatch. This makes soldiers escaping a damaged Merkava VK more difficult to spot and shoot than soldiers running out the back of a Merkava IV. The door of the Merkava VK is also less accessible to enemy fire, reducing the weak spot in most conventional modern tanks.

The Merkava VK also introduces the biodiesel engine, one of the first, if not the only, tank to incorporate environmental friendliness with combat usefulness and economical operation. This further serves to ease logistics, as Kahanistan no longer needs to import diesel fuel for its tanks as well as produce biodiesel for civilian vehicles, biodiesel can do it all.

The twin coaxial machine guns enable engagement of enemy infantry both in front of and behind the tank. It incorporates the Arena countermeasure system for defense against enemy missile attacks.

The chassis of the Merkava VK is also planned for use as the platform for numerous Kahanistanian air defenses, artillery, and other offensive weaponry.

Terry Lierman, Ambassador of The Beltway in Kahanistan, was mildly annoyed. He knew why he had been tapped for the ambassadorship; Kaine wanted Lierman out of the country to make sure that Kaine's old friend Warner would win the nomination. Yet how could he refuse? Kahanistan, being a new ally of The Beltway, was a plum posting, like France or Britain had been before...

The flight attendant walked into the First Class section of the 7E7 and said, "Last call for drinks, ladies and gentlemen." Lierman ordered a coffee; he'd had a long flight and somehow failed to fall asleep on the plane, so he needed to be prepared for the long evening still to come...

Kahanistan - you can assume that he lands and arrives at the location of the conference. We're a bit late, as we're rather far from your nation.

[OOC: Ahh, the wonders of fluid time...]

Nazmareh smiled. "I look forward to meeting her. I'm sure that joint military exercises will be most beneficial."

President Valens nodded. "General Poltk, what advice do you have for the Kahanistanian ground troops?" Kahanistan ground troops had shown their ability to stand up to Kraven forces in pitched or urban battle, and the Imperial Marines were some of the best ground forces in the area, but from what the President knew of General Poltk, all the Xirniumite would know would be ground combat.

The Kahanistanian ground troops had never used tactics the Xirniumites would call conservative, having used improvised barricades and booby traps against Xirnium, and scorched-earth strategy against AMF. That was slowly changing after Kahanistan's latest defeat, but it would be some time before Kahanistanian strategists could compete on an even field with CAD or Freekish forces.

The President continued. "When can ground and air military exercises begin?" He was cutting to the chase, even as the civilian infrastructure destroyed by the putrid Pwnage beasts was being rebuilt, the defense of Kahanistan against the next war was already beginning.
‘Well…’ began Edward Poltk. The commander had not expected to be put on the spot so suddenly.

‘Speak freely, Major General, we would expect the same measure of kindness from our Kahanistanian friends were we after their counsel,’ explained Lady Josephine Loravarnion.

‘Very well. To be honest, Mr President, I sincerely doubt that any flaws that may exist in your infantry could have accounted for your disastrous martial history of late. Based on my observations, the individual Kahanistanian soldier is well trained, well equipped, well motivated and well led (at least, at the officer level, perhaps not at the political level).’

‘Your latest war with the Pwnage and Doomingslandian barbarians,’ the General continued, ‘was lost, not because of failures at the tactical or operational levels, but at the strategic, grand strategic and geo-political levels.

If I must find faults with your infantry, and I am reluctant to do so, then I will point to shortcomings in discipline and a propensity to take reckless courses of action. Now, granted, decisiveness is always necessary in combat, and hesitation can be fatal. However, the opposite can be just as dangerous. The actions of the Kahanistanian expeditionary force that was crushed at Xigrat were reckless because their foolhardy and eager drive into Holy Xirnium led to their force being cut off and surrounded, without support, by superior numbers of troops deep in enemy territory.’

The Xirniumite deputy Defence Minister was a little surprised by the Kahanistanian President’s question though, and narrowed her eyes. ‘President Valens, I was quite unaware that your military had already recovered sufficiently to engage in military exercises. Umm, small scale manoeuvres can be scheduled fairly soon if that is fine with your government, while, naturally, division-sized operations and greater will require more time and planning. Holy Xirnium doesn't have an unlimited military budget, after all.

Winter has only just finished in the Eternal Republic, and the Xirniumite military plans to hold subarctic infantry training in the far north of our country next. Perhaps we might arrange for some of your troops to participate as well, though I would have to check with the Defence Minister.’

‘Ahh, here come the Southeast Asians,’ noted Lord Veleth Rostern.

"The Kahanistanian military has several million experienced troops left, and we have recruited and trained enough to bring us back to our usual standard strength of 10 million troops," said President Valens. "Our training doctrine emphasizes placing more inexperienced troops under our most seasoned commanders, to even out the differences in experience."

Defense Minister Kasagawa spoke for the first time in the meeting. "So, what would you advise us to do at the strategic, grand strategic, and geo-political levels?"

In the corner, Major Fulton was taking notes on the meeting. While her role was primarily a security one, the resignation of the presidential secretary had left her taking on a more secretarial role as well. She hoped that President Valens found a new secretary, soon, before her hand fell off.

Tactical and operational commands not reason for defeat. Forces at Xigrat too reckless.

Well, no shit, Fulton thought. General Levitt's crazy, of course she's reckless. She continued writing notes on the advice.

Strategy and geo-politics weaknesses in Kahanistanian doctrine. Improvements?

That Merkava VK sounded interesting, a more advanced, safer tank... She allowed herself a smile, rare as of late, she had been rather depressed since the Freekish war, but she was somewhat excited at the prospect of a new weapon. The President's guards always got to test out new tanks, rifles, machine guns, et cetera, before they were produced in large quantities for wide distribution or sale. Maybe it can stand up to a Caesar tank?

After five minutes of reading the Merkava upgrade with the aid of his reading spectacles, Nettleton looked back toward the former military commander and current leader, along with Senator Crowley, govenrment officials of the DSRK.

"Well, I must say, it is a good design. Cost-effective, and stands a better chance against the technological might of the CAD armor divisions. I take it that your engineers have taken some inspiration off the IMW L-21 Kodiak Heavy Armored Vehicle series?

As for your air force's pilots - I know they are versed from all the conflicts they have been in. I simply meant that they were not as skilled as the Imperial Air Force of Doomingsland, which is without doubt some of the best in the world. The reason why the Omzians and Smoke Jaguars were able to hold off their invaders was because they were skilled enough to match their opposition - they didn't beat the invaders, but they did manage to bring the conflict to a stalemate. Omzian and Smoke Jaguar aircraft, are however, some of the finest in the world. If your pilots are simply too attached to Soviet designs, just contract the aforementioned nations to train them to beyond-cream-of-the-crop standards: and it will make technology almost irrelevent.

As for your navy - how did the Bullfinch-class frigate testing go? Did the Isselmere-Nielander crafted ships, live up to the standards the world expects of them?"

"The naval vessels performed adequately," said Admiral Nazmareh. "We found them superior to the La Fayette in speed, armament, and survivability."

Crowley shook her head. "The Merkava VK is... designed from the same model as the Kodiak, but we drew little inspiration from it. We had planned to import some Kodiaks for comparison, but upon inspecting their specifications... the Kodiak is somewhat faster, and has a bigger gun, but the VK is larger, cheaper, and very well protected, and concedes to the nationalists who want to move away from foreign designs. It's not so comfortable crawling under it to get into the hatch, but at least the hatch can't be blown off by enemy top-attack munitions or a lucky hit to the back."

President Valens spoke up. "I have no attachment to Soviet designs, after all, we have imported many Czardaian heavy bombers, in addition to F-35 JSF's and F-22 Raptor stealth fighters. With training, the pilots will accept whatever design they are given... and they will find these planes superior to the MiG-35's."

The Eurasian smiled at the female naval officer, to disguise his personal feelings on her comment: She's one tough customer on naval performance, I personally am selective myself, but this GLOBALLY ENDORSED, naval arms supplier, how could she possibly review them as adequate in performance?. "I take it that you shall continue using the La Fayette-class frigate over the Bullfinch-class frigate due to fiscal reasons, or will you retire the aforementioned, venerable warship?"

Nettleton turned his eyes toward Senator Crowley, both making eye contact. As usual, he was his polite and warming manner of communication.

"I understand your favoritism of the Merkava VK over the L-21 Kodiak family. Typical of most nations to select their own domestic design to one that may be superior out of patriotism. I mean no offense at all."

He returned to the Kahanistanian politician the Merkava VK folder back, and then he spoke to the President of Kahanistan in the same manner as he did to Senator Crowley and Admiral Nazmareh.

"Czardaian aircraft? Wise choice of aircraft replacement, Mr. President. While the Czardaian conflict with CAD is still ongoing, we have heard reports of the performance of Czardaian aircraft up against CAD fighter-jets....they fared quite well, and I have little to no doubt that the Czardaian Air Force will soon be as respected and admired as the Omzian and Smoke Jaguar air forces themselves. As for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and the F-22 Raptor Air Superiority Fighters - our own air force is slowly weeding them out - the F-35 has recently been replaced by Kriegzimmer's Lu-25 "Black Mariah" STOVL Multi-Role Fighter (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10472192&postcount=9)...a quarter of them have been retired out of service at least."

"The F/A-22 Raptor will be following suite like the F-35 JSF....unfortunately, there are just so many tough candidates out there. However, one of them we have been eyeing is a Mekugian design known as the F-33 Raven (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=458071). Very advanced and stylish jet plane, and very demanding in attention - as in to say, expensive and needs a lot of pampering. Superior to the Aquila though, in terms of quality....we're interested in it ourselves, considering about contacting the Mekugian Export Initiative?"

The sleek LJ-92 private plane landed, escorted by half a sqaudron of ISF-8 Hawk fighters (purchased for Kriegzimmer), at a Kahanistani airport. The craft was obviously Velkyan, as the words Allied Union of Velkya shown brightly on the blue and white aircraft Shortly after, a man in a Velkyan Air Force Dress Uniform stepped out, followed by bodyguards belonging to Halo Force (Velkyan Special Forces outfit). He walked to a waiting 4th Airborne (which was stationed in the capital of Kahanistan to protect it's embassy) transport vehicle, which drove to the conference site. Once there, the officer, Wing Commander Bernard Talius, walked into the conference room.

"President Valens, I assume?"

"We plan to gradually phase out the La Fayettes, give them to smaller nations as military aid... but the purchase of a large number of Bullfinches would overwhelm the capacity of the shipyards of Isselmere-Nieland... not something we wish to do."

Nazmareh took a look at the Southeast Asian Defense Minister. "You'll understand if I come across as a bit jaded. 'Adequate' is anything we think is superior to what we have. If it stands up to CAD or AMF, so much the better."

"The F-33's maintenance requirements militate against us accepting it as our main fighter," said General Kasagawa. "One of the reasons we stuck to Soviet weaponry for so long was the fact that they can function with minimal maintenance. While I am not as opposed as some of our senior generals to buying Kriegzimmer or even Doomingslandian equipment, the Supreme Soviet would be very reluctant to approve such a deal. It's a shame, really, the Lu-45 and ACI-73 are good fighters... if our JSF's and Raptor stealth fighters prove ineffective, we might move toward more Czardaian aircraft, for ideological reasons... that's what I predict the Supreme Soviet doing."

---

The sleek LJ-92 private plane landed, escorted by half a sqaudron of ISF-8 Hawk fighters (purchased for Kriegzimmer), at a Kahanistani airport. The craft was obviously Velkyan, as the words Allied Union of Velkya shown brightly on the blue and white aircraft Shortly after, a man in a Velkyan Air Force Dress Uniform stepped out, followed by bodyguards belonging to Halo Force (Velkyan Special Forces outfit). He walked to a waiting 4th Airborne (which was stationed in the capital of Kahanistan to protect it's embassy) transport vehicle, which drove to the conference site. Once there, the officer, Wing Commander Bernard Talius, walked into the conference room.

"President Valens, I assume?"


Major Fulton continued to take notes from the corner she was sitting in.

Bullfinch frigates as lighter escort vessels, but production is so long that we will largely stick to La Fayettes in the meantime.

Merkava VK rated as standing a good chance against CAD armor.

Czardaian planes appear to be the best choice of import.

The President rose and extended his hand. "President Marcellus Valens. And you are..."

As the meeting goes on, from somewhere behind the main collection comes the sound of someone clearing his throat. The seated ones twist around and look up to see a Czardaian Special Operative, standing in a side entrance, dressed in the traditional blue-and-silver uniform. Before they can ponder how he came to arrive in the room, he speaks in a slightly apologetic tone.

"Lorin Dax is on the way here."

And almost immediately, the front entrance opens and Dax himself enters, an extremely short debonair man with a playful, sardonic air. He has no bodyguards and is armed only with a ceremonial pair of long steel poles strapped to his back, each one at least a head taller than he is himself. Making several unnecessary and flirtatious comments to almost every female in his path and introducing himself to everyone within visual range, he takes off the poles and leans them against his seat, then sitting down and opening a briefcase of papers on the table.

"Sorry I'm late," he explains, "it was such a nice day I decided to walk." He laughs uproariously at his own joke, which of course cannot be understood by anyone else at the table unless they know that Dax barely escaped by the skin of his teeth from Czardas in an old Kahanistanian tank, with no transportation within Najaster itself...

Nazmareh nodded. At 57, she had little reason to think that the Czardaian would be flirting with her. Not getting the joke, she replied, "I like to walk too. I don't see what's so funny about it."

President Valens gave the Admiral a look. She's so impolite. Determined to forestall Dax's flirting, and get his mind focused on topic, the imposing man spoke to the Czardaian.

"We have determined that the Czardaian bombers exceed the capabilities of the B-1 and B-2 bombers in our arsenal, and will be assigned to elite bomber squadrons."

He awaited the Czardaian's input to the reformation of the Kahanistanian military.

"Ah yes, down to business." The comical little man removes a few papers from his briefcase and closes it once more. "Now, as it happens the area which we are best qualified to help in is the Air Force department. As you appear to be pleased with the Hailstorms, we have a good deal of other equipment that the MoD's been planning to sell you production rights to."

He hands a sheaf of papers to the Kahanistani Minister of Defense. "This here, my good madam, is a blueprint detailing the specifications of our highly successful Air Superiority Fighter, the CZF-24 Dagger. Therefore, if you find your current fighters lacking in any way, you will be able to begin manufacturing these without requiring their import from Czardas, where in all likelihood the infrastructure may not have recovered sufficiently to allow production. The next is our Striker Light Bomber, which between the F-35s and heavier bombers would add some variety to the arsenal. Finally... there is this."

The third blueprints are significantly heavier and larger, covered with several drawings of what resembles a small submarine or helicopter. Dax says, "This is a highly classified project the Czardaian Navy has been developing for some time now. I've been authorized to show it to you. This is the CZN/F-91 Otter Submergible Fighter, for lack of a better term—when completed it is intended to serve in anti-submarine and anti-shipping roles...perhaps we could complete it as a joint project, nothing much has been done with it in a while." The dossier includes pictures of the first prototype built from various angles, along with various specifications and a brief history of the project.


Length: 22.9 ft/7 m
Width: 9.7 ft/2.95 m
Wingspan: 16.7 ft/5.09 m
Height: 10.54 ft/3.21 m
Wing design: Switchblade
Propulsion: Two turbofan engines providing 30,000 lbf thrust each
Empty Weight: ?
Normal Weight: ?
Maximum Take-Off Weight: ?
Combat Range: 1920 km/1200 mi
Ferry Range: 3960 km/2475 mi
Operational Ceiling/Altitude: 85,000 ft/25,914 m
Maximum Altitude: 95,000 ft/28,963 m
Cruising Speed: Mach 1.25/1,522 kph
Supercruising Speed: Mach 1.8/2,192 kph
Maximum Speed: Mach 2.8/3,409 kph
Rate of Climb: 262 m/sec
Armament:
... /cannons - Two 25mm rapid-firing autocannons
... /pylons - Two internal and four external pylons. Two internal pylons capable of carrying one LRAAM, one MRAAM, three SRAAMs, or 2,000 lbs of ordnance/countermeasures/fuel pods each. Four external pylons capable of carrying one MRAAM, two SRAAMs, or 1,000 lbs of ordnance/countermeasures.
Crew (List): One.
Price: $50 million.
Avionics:
... /radars - multirole air/ground search electronically scanned array (for targeting, detection, etc.); ECM Concentrated Beam jamming systems; CIW datalinking
... /ladars - advanced medium-range blue/white lasers for detection, capable of passing through absorbent paint
... /lidars - medium-range sensors for detection and targeting
... /sodars - medium-range electronically scanned sensors
CZA-34 Striker Light Fighter-Bomber
Wing design: Modified delta
Wingspan: 14.5 m (48 ft)
Length: 20 m (66 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Crew: three
Payload: 7,000 kg (15,400 lbs)
Ceiling: 21,341 m (70,000 ft)
Powerplant: Two C/P turbofan-ramjet engines providing 48,000 lbs of thrust each
Range: 3,600 km (2,250 mi)
Absolute maximum velocity (sea level): Mach 2.2
Absolute maximum velocity (air): Mach 3.5
Maximum velocity (supercruise): Mach 2.7
Maximum velocity (cruise): Mach 1.8
Absolute minimum velocity: 190 km/h
Armament: Two rotary 30mm cannons; eight external missile pylons (three under each wing, two under fuselage) each capable of carrying 1 MRAAM, 2 SRAAMs, EMP bombs, chaff, flares, or ECM pods; six internal pylons capable of carrying additional AGMs, bombs, or LRAAMs.
Countermeasures: Built-in ECM systems; countermeasures placeable in missile hardpoints; decoy bomb releaseable from back of plane (gives off same RADAR signature as plane itself); 5x 'Firestar' miniature tungsten cube launchers; EMP shielded
Avionics:
... /radar: Electronically scanned array multirole radar; ECM-27 jamming; CIW datalinking mode; Active Radar Cancellation
... /ladar: Detection/targetting systems ranged 75 km
... /infrared: Built-in guidance for close-in maneuvering, short-range missiles, and bombs.
... /sodars: Advanced electronically scanned system capable of locating and targeting up to 8 targets at once (virtually unlimited with universal datalinking)

Name:
CZN/F-91 Otter SSF

Function:
Light ASW/ASuW/escort vessel

Dimensions:
4.1 m L, 2.9 m W, 2.25 m H
Displacement surfaced -- 20 t
Displacement submerged -- 26.75 t

Combat systems:
Next generation millimetric band radar; CIW universal datalink mode
Built-in ECM jamming
blue-green ladar
multirole advanced passive/active sonar
advanced passive/active sodar
infrared guidance

Armament:
2x underwater 24.5-mm cannons
4x 305mm torpedo tubes (two on either side of craft)
2x SAM launchers (above cockpit)
2x 'Firestar' tungsten flechette launchers

Other countermeasures:
Undersea lasers (blue-green)
Heat emitting noisemaker decoy (clipped to "tail")

Protection:
Armor composite (titanium+aluminium alloy)
24.5mm overall
26.9mm cockpit
27.4mm fuselage

Propulsion:
One diesel/electric hybrid engine; ? hp; 22 knots (submerged) 30 knots (surfaced)

"We plan to gradually phase out the La Fayettes, give them to smaller nations as military aid... but the purchase of a large number of Bullfinches would overwhelm the capacity of the shipyards of Isselmere-Nieland... not something we wish to do."

Nazmareh took a look at the Southeast Asian Defense Minister. "You'll understand if I come across as a bit jaded. 'Adequate' is anything we think is superior to what we have. If it stands up to CAD or AMF, so much the better."

OOC: He's saying his personal feelings in his head, Kahanistan. It's called a 'thought'.

OOC: I thought she'd see an expression on his face or something, after all, for an admiral to view Isselmere gear as merely adequate must be somewhat surprising to some commanders.

IC:

Kasagawa nodded. "These specifications suggest that the Otter could be effective against the CAD powers... Unfortunately, our infrastructure will not allow massive production if such advanced planes for some time. Civilian infrastructure takes priority over military facilities. Our imports will probably sustain us until we can start major work on our military assets, but we will be glad to provide assistance on the Otter project, not that we think you would need it, it appears to be an excellent attack submarine."

Senator Crowley interjected. "How much for production rights to the Daggers, Strikers, and Hailstorms?"

"Well..." Nettleton smiled again toward the female Admiral, "thanks for assuring me that you appreciated my suggestion, on the behalf of my country, to buy from the Royal Shipyards of Isselmere-Nieland. They did not get their reputation for nothing. As for overloading their shipyard capacity...perhaps not after all. Remember my proposal to the Director-General of the RSIN?"

Nettleton then turned to the current DSRK Minister of Defense. "That is understood, the maintenance issues. Our military is well funded and has a doctrine that favors advanced technology in minimal numbers over en-masse military swarms, so I understand the differences in our respective armed forces. But I do know a few designs that could be of use and more easily suited for the Republic Guard."

"We hope they will build a shipyard in Kahanistan," said General Kasagawa. "So, what other designs do you have in mind, that are so much less maintenance intensive?"

"By the way, our air defenses proved to be incapable of standing up to Pwnage HARM's, even when we resorted to attaching CIWS to our Shilkas and SAM launchers. What air defenses do you have in mind?"

Major Fulton continued to take notes on equipment.

Production rights to Czardaian equipment? Good for ideological and tactical issues...

Submersible fighter? Sounds like something out of an Admiral Kukonois flotilla... but whatever works.

Low-maintenance, high-capability combat aircraft needed.

Those HARM's are a pain in the ass. Solutions?

The figure saluted the President, before replying.

"I'm Commander Bernard Talius, deputy commander of the Velkyan 4th Air Force."

He sat down next to the Czardian delegate.

"President Valens, Commander Talius, and everyone else gathered here, I'm Terry Lierman, Ambassador from The Beltway; it's truly a pleasure to meet you all. I apologize for being late; our flight was delayed by high winds at National - sorry, Reagan National Airport in Georgetown, Washington, DC, The Beltway. Nonetheless, here I am, representing The Beltway," Ambassador Terry Lierman said, stepping into the room.

"Commander Talius, I am pleased to meet you," said the President.

He awaited the input of his Velkyan ally to the crisis the Kahanistanian military found itself in. Senator Crowley, Admiral Nazmareh, and General Kasagawa introduced themselves to the Velkyan.

"Indeed I do." nodded Nettleton once the Kahanistanian Defense Minister and her colleagues had finished greeting the other delegations that had arrived. "The United Sovereign States of the North Atlantic, to use the British term - crown corporation - called Red Star Industries, has a multi-role fighter designed to replace the F/A-18, MiG-29, and Su-27 and as a superior offer of choice to the Su-35 and the Raptor."

Nettleton asked Neville (the older Indonesian aide) in Javan for the folder. The aide complied and passed him the document. Nettleton thanked him in Javan, then opened it up for his foreign counterpart to read:
http://web.sfc.keio.ac.jp/~t02755th/wallpaper/Su-37.jpg

RS-7 Death Adder

Wing Span: 15.16 m / 49 ft 9 in
Length: 21.94 m / 72 ft
Height: 6.84 m / 22 ft 5 in
Empty: 12,956 kg / 28,565 lb
Fully Loaded: 28,858 kg / 63,634 lb
Maximum takeoff: 36,287 kg / 80,000 lb
Engine: Two Nexus DL-563OVT 3-D vectored-thrust supercruising turbofans, 37,500 lb thrust each
Maximum speed: Mach 2.45
Cruising speed: Mach 1.9
Range: 5,000 km / 3,106 miles
Service Ceiling: 18,288 m / 60,000 ft
Armament:
1 30mm cannon, 1,500 rpm, 250 carried rounds
Internal room for 6 missiles or 2 medium diameter munitions
6 detachable hardpoints on the wing
2 wingtip hardpoints
Crew: 1
Sensors: FLIR; IRST; “Peeping Tom” LPI/NPI, active electronically scanned array, multimode radar; laser rangefinder; advanced night vision and IR cameras.
Cost: $110 million USD


Overview
The Death Adder is a next generation multi-role fighter. It was designed as a replacement for the F/A-18, MiG-29, and Su-27 and better alternative to the Su-35 and F/A-22. The fighter was developed out of the need for a native high performance aircraft with stealth capabilities.

Design
The Death Adder was designed for high performance in hostile environments. With this in mind, its airframe, high thrust-to-weight ratio, and 50° thrust vectoring in any direction make it one of the most maneuverable fighters in the world. The stealth capabilities of the plane also make aid in its environment. With no 90° angles, low IR engines, RAM material use, and no gaps in the airframe this aircraft is about %96 as stealthy as the F/A-22.

Avionics
The Death Adder comes with the most up to date avionics in the industry. It has a fly-by-wire control scheme in an unusual, but surprisingly ergonomic, split control stick layout. The split control sticks are similar to the single mini-stick found on the F-16 and allow the pilot to perform high-G maneuvers while always being in the best possible position in the 30° reclined seat to take those said Gs. The right control stick act like a normal control stick on a regular fighter and the left control stick control the thrust vectoring. Using this system allows the pilot remarkable control over his aircraft. Because his hands are busy, the Death Adder utilizes an advanced voice recognition system to arm, fire, and luanch munitions as well as control other aspects of the aircraft.

Its forward and rearward “Peeping Tom” RADAR is a highly advanced radar that can track up to 48 targets including missiles. Its name is a direct reference to its LPI/NPI characteristics which allows the aircraft to use it while preserving stealth. One important factor of the RADAR is its ability to defeat ARC/Radar-Decoy systems by the use of automated, high-speed frequency and cycle-rate changes, which result in the ARC system “making a mistake” and revealing the presence of an ARC-using aircraft. The radar can also focus its emissions to overload enemy sensors, giving the plane an electronic-attack capability.

The IRST is used for close range target acquisition and can be slaved to the radar to provide even more accurate mid to long range accuracy. Another useful feature is that the 30mm automatic cannon can be slaved to the IRST and laser rangefinder. This allows even more accurate fire than radar-slaved cannons.

Another interesting feature is that the pilot's helmet uses an augmented reality system that effectively makes the entire cockpit a HUD. It also allows the pilot to switch between regular, night vision, and Infa-Red modes. This greatly increases combat awearness, and effective targeting. Wherever that pilot looks, the missil will target.

Armament
The Death Adder carries a fairly large payload supplemented by its 30mm automatic cannon. The cannon is very powerful and is able to take down most aircraft in 4-6 hits.

The aircraft usually carries its payload in two internal bays to preserve stealth. The missiles are launched by hydraulic arms that hurl them away from the aircraft so quickly that the weapons-bay doors pop open for less than one second. In missions where payload has priority over stealth, the aircraft has a total of 8 external hardpoints for other munitions.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Export RS-7 (Designated: RS-7E revealed (9/8/05)

The RS-7E Death Adder is now ready for production for any willing export customers. The only changes that are the the Radar is a standard phased-array system and not the "Peeping Tom" system and the RAM uses a different, less effective formula.

Cost: $110,000,000


"More expensive than the F/A-22, but oh well, nothing good in life has come free and no place worth going has short-cuts."

Kasagawa put on her reading glasses and inspected the file. "We'd have to develop our own radar system... but the warplane does make an excellent main fighter. With Czardaian planes, they rarely export, and sold us their domestic version. We will keep the Death Adder on our list of possible items for future procurement. Major," she turned to the young woman in the corner, "are you keeping notes?"

"Yes," said Major Fulton, somewhat irritably. I'm not their goddamn secretary, I'm just filling in. "I'm hearing everything. Good plane." She continued to take notes.

"Thank you, Mr. President, it's a pleasure to met you as well."

Bernard found his opening after the presentation of the Death Adder. He pushed his briefcase forward, opening it. A hologram projector protruded from the opening, and Bernard fiddled with it for a few seconds.

"May I present the MR-6 Gullwing."

The hologram projector fired up, displaying a large hologam of a fighter aircraft rotating slowly on an invisible axis. An automated female voice began to smoothly read the below text.

MR-6 Gullwing Cost-Effective Multi-Role Fighter

http://aeroflt.users.netlink.co.uk/types/usa/boeing/x-32/c22-621-19.jpg

Concept:
The MR-6 Gullwing is the first, and so far, only aircraft ever to be developed by the State Aviation Corporation that has not seen widespread use in the Allied Union’s armed forces. Built as a cost effective multi-role fighter for small nations seeking to defend themselves, the MR-6 can in a pinch be used as a fighter, bomber, recon craft or even an electronics warfare vehicle, all while staying immensely cheap.

Propulsion and Control:
The MR-6’s propulsion system is not nearly as fancy as that of the ISF-6 or ISF-2C, but it gets the job done admirably. The aircraft is powered by a JETJ-210 turbojet mounted in the tail of the aircraft. These engines have limited vectoring capability, but are still quite formidable, able to carry the aircraft to a top speed of Mach 2.2. It carries a fly-by-optics system in order to present a challenge to even the newest fighters, and the FBO system is one of the most expensive pieces on the craft. The MR-6 has a range of nearly 900 miles on internal fuel tanks and can be operated from both carriers and land strips using the engine’s STOVL configuration and an included carrier conversion kit.

Armor and Stealth:
While not as flashy as LCD camouflage, the MR-6 boasts carbon skin and smoothed edges, which reduces the RCS of the craft significantly. IR signature is reduced via small cooling jets which prohibit IR guided munitions from gaining a lock on the aircraft easily. A RJU-82 RADAR jammer is also carried, as is a full countermeasures suite for avoiding incoming enemy missiles. Acoustical suppression, used to quiet the plane’s sometimes noisy engines, is also carried to ensure that surprise attacks remain just as that, surprises.

Sensors:
The Gullwing carries a medium range RS-189 multi-arrayed RADAR system array capable of detecting an F-22 at about 140 miles, and IR sensors with a 50 mile range are also carried to aid in the delivery of IR guided missiles. GPS and terrain following gear is also carried, and, as standard on Velkyan aircraft, a universal IFF system is carried to avoid friendly fire situation.

Weapons:
A Gullwing carries an Aramalite AC-23 27mm main cannon system used for engaging ground and air targets. The aircraft is configured to handle both Velkyan and RL air-to-air and air-to-ground ordinance, and mounts an AWTES pod under the left wing to allow for all-weather air-to-ground targeting. The internal bays can hold eight normal sized missiles, and external hard points can mount six more, although this will increase the RADAR cross section of the aircraft.

Cost/Export Options:
The MR-6 can be purchased for $50,000,000 per unit, and production rights are approx. $40 billion. Payment plans for nations with limited budgets are also available; please enquire with State Aviation for details.

Nettleton was slightly annoyed at the fact that the Velkyans used a holographic projector, because he thought that it would cloud the judgment of the Kahanistanians due to the "cool" effect of the futuristic technology. But he made no sudden movement at all, and kept his facial muscles at a look that would take almost no common sense to recognize: a warm, natural smile.

"Now, how about the diesel-electric submarines you inquired to me in a previous communique?" He turned to the Kahanistanian government officials aas he removed his reading glasses "And are there any, how should I put it, 'pro-Kriegzimmer' or 'Absolute Capitalist' politicians in the Supreme Soviet?"

"Yes, there are," said President Valens. "Fifteen to twenty percent of the Supreme Soviet." He nodded quickly to acknowledge the Beltway delegate, but made it clear he was speaking to the Southeast Asian. "Capitalism is not popular in Kahanistan, and Absolute Capitalism even less so. Another ten percent of the Supreme Soviet has no regard for where our weapons come from, but the majority are strongly opposed to obtaining weapons from those nations."

"As for the diesel-electric submarines, we use them primarily for stealth missions, not regular combat, although they do sometimes appear in battle against powerful enemies we lack the ability to defeat by sheer force."

Nettleton acknowledged the President's statement by nodding.

"Kriegzimmer has a foreign armanents catalogue - and the Kriegzimmer board is very selective about what they pick to license their designs, after all, like the RSIN, they did not get their reputation for nothing...why do several armed forces in the world, my nation's armed forces included, deploy their weapons after all?"

"Have you heard of both the United Kingdom of Azazia and the nation of Novikov? Well, the Novikovians had an agreement (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Treaty_of_Poldi%E2%80%99sk) with the Azazians on the third of November in the year of 2005 (OOC: Azazia follows RL time), and prior to that, they submitted a few designs to Kriegzimmer. Things went badly due to some tensions, and that resulted in the Incorporated Socialist State of Novikov to vanish and become a royal crown colony of the UKA. The war resulted in damaged Novikovian shipyards and a few legal assets here and there seized, so if you want to a fine Novikovian-made diesel-electric submarine fit for today's naval warfare, you won't be able to get it from the annexed nation. You'll have to get it from Kriegzimmer. Besides, not many nations buy from their foreign armanents catalogue anyway, and overlook the fine designs licensed to Kriegzimmer. I have been eyeing a few of the Velkyan products recently licensed on there, and so have several of my nation's military commanders."

The Colonel smiled.

"The State Aviation Corporation recently liscensed their AV-18 Luna to go to Kriegzimmer, but the majority of their products are still coming from their own factories."

The President shook his head. "I do not believe doing business with Kriegzimmer is an option for this administration." He hoped this would drive home the fact that the chances of Kahanistan buying from Kriegzimmer were less than zero.

Valens continued. "The planes provided us by Czardas are more than adequate, capable of successfully resisting CAD forces. The warships from Isselmere are suitable for our needs. At this point, I believe we should switch the topic of discussion to military tactics."

From: President John Holtz, Holy Paradise.
To: President Marcellus Valens, Kahanistan
Subj: Congratulations
I apologize for the lateness of this telegram, but Holy Paradise would like to congratulate you on your election to the presidency. We hope you will bring about a more capitalist Kahanistan.

"Indeed, Mr. President. Shall we discuss naval tactics first, since this the area that Kahanistan is so strongly lacking in?"

The President nodded. Admiral Nazmareh smiled. This was what she had been waiting for, even if it did hurt her pride as a commander and strategist.

"What are your thoughts on the Kahanistanian Navy?" asked the Admiral.

Terry Lierman sat down near the delegation from Czardas. He was somewhat over his head; the briefing Admiral Campbell had given him by phone while Lierman was flying in wasn't nearly sufficient enough.

He listened to the conversation flow back and forth, and thought. Something had to be done about Warner; Lierman couldn't let the man of Baltimore Shipyards get in, not after Lewes. Yet Lierman also had the obligation of promoting the interests of The Beltway, and the Shipyards were one of those interests - abroad, anyhow.

A thought struck him. Perhaps forcing the Shipyards to spend their money elsewhere than on the campaign would hurt Warner...but how would he do that? He continued to brood...

"While I'm not a naval officer per se, I did spend several years as a carrier pilot during the Korridan War Of Independence flying F/A-35s, and I know my way around a ship. The most glaring problem is the Kahanistani navy's lack of experience. AMF and CADs crews are some of the best in the world, second only to the great naval powers of the Questerian Commonwealth."

"Perhaps an officer exchange program is in order," replied Admiral Nazmareh. "It would gain us experiences, and skills which would prove useful. But aside from experience issues, the tactics of other navies would also be imported in an exchange."

Major Fulton continued to make notes in her small, neat handwriting.

Kahanistanian Navy is inexperienced compared to Freekish and CAD navies.

An officer exchange program may prove useful in countering this deficiency.

Questerian Commonwealth navies even more skilled. Velkya is Questerian Commonwealth member? Exchange program feasible?

"Perhaps, rather than just an officer exchange, some sort of naval exercises would be useful. Obviously, our nation would not be able to participate immediately, due to our war with Gilabad; however, later on, we could set up joint naval exercises, giving all participants an experience similar to warfare, but without the attendant death and destruction," Lierman suggested, recalling that Campbell had been sent on exercise before the war began, and said that it would probably have been of benefit.

"Ah yes." smiled Nettleton, "at the end of the day, it does not matter who has the superior technology....for the most part at least. Brains often win pure brawn. However, I am not a strategist. I am but a man that has good fiscal policies....General Kasagawa, can you please pass back the folder of the RS-7 'Death Adder' Multi-Role Fighter?"

Inside his head, Nettleton thought: Damn, where's the UKIN delegations?

Kasagawa passed back the folder. "Thank you, I think that our fiscal policies are sound, but they won't exactly help us in wartime. We have the equipment, in fact much of our equipment now is superior to that of our enemies, but we still lose."

"What is at the bottom of the equation is why. Why are we losing? It's not our equipment. Better soldiers? No. Better politics? No. The answer is that we are still using World War II tactics, and our enemies are using modern, 2006 tactics. We have... about sixty years of tactical learning to catch up on."

The rest of the Kahanistanians looked at Kasagawa as if she had lost her mind.

"Honestly, during the Freekish war, the tactics we employed were lifted directly from a history of the Battle of Stalingrad. 2005, and we were still using 1943 tactics. We were using scorched earth tactics, for Christ's sake. We salted the earth with VX to the point we're still cleaning up the poison, to deny the Freeks their prize, and barricaded the capital to fight to the death."

"Velkya has been planning ISAF wargames for some time, perhaps we could host these."

"We are pending on relations with....a certain nation, and I cannot name one of them due to confidential reasons." Nettleton was as usual smiling warmly and giving the amicable appearance, revealing nothing. Oh no, not just one nation. A Gholgoth nation, several Gholgoth nations, in fact.

"But, aren't the Sarzonians to be here? Merely a guess - after all, with the United Kingdom of Isselmere-Nieland sending their Minister of Defense and his colleagues in the military over here, along with the fact that the Incorporated States isn't exactly in good terms with MassPwnage, it wouldn't be too surprising. The United Kingdom and Incorporated States will be more than willing to help out with your training, and my nation will gladly do so, after we get ours to a more higher standard."

"ISAF wargames sound like a good idea," said Admiral Nazmareh. "Of course, I'd hoped that the flagship would be available, but we can do without it. We have plenty of ships imported. When is a good time?"

Meanwhile, General Kasagawa cut short her rant. "Any assistance we can get from Sarzonian and Isselmere-Nielander commanders in training our forces would help us immensely." And pull us out of the 1940's.

Major Fulton's note-taking was barely able to keep up.

Joint naval exercises highly advisable.

Kahanistan uses obsolete World War 2 tactics.

Sarzonian and Isslemere commanders to train our navy?

Southeast Asian relations with mystery nation: Important?

Kasagawa nodded. "These specifications suggest that the Otter could be effective against the CAD powers... Unfortunately, our infrastructure will not allow massive production if such advanced planes for some time. Civilian infrastructure takes priority over military facilities. Our imports will probably sustain us until we can start major work on our military assets, but we will be glad to provide assistance on the Otter project, not that we think you would need it, it appears to be an excellent attack submarine."
"That was exactly what the Czardaian MoD believes as well," says Dax. "As you can see from this dossier, the project is nearly complete, and all we are looking for is a secure shipyard to begin manufacturing them."


Senator Crowley interjected. "How much for production rights to the Daggers, Strikers, and Hailstorms?"
Dax answers carefully, "The production rights for each is equivalent to the cost of one thousand units of that type, therefore $50 billion for the Dagger, $150 billion for the Striker, $300 billion for the Hailstorm."

The discussion turns to naval tactics. Dax stays mostly silent, with few comments. Training Kahanistani naval crews will be difficult, as Czardas has a similar lack of experience in naval warfare, one of the factors in its absolute slaughter by the CAD forces during the Invasion.

"I don't know how secure our shipyards are," said Senator Crowley. "But I assure you that the Supreme Soviet will not provoke attacks against them in the near future without good cause, so they're probably a wee bit more secure than yours." She smiled cynically.

"Not to make light of your situation. How does the war go on the homefront, Mr. Dax?" The Kahanistanian Senator hoped that the Czardaians were performing well, as much out of hostility toward CAD as out of concern for the Czardaian people.

Dax smiled, as well. "I have no qualms about admitting that getting involved in the Warmasterian situation was a bad foreign policy decision on Czardas's part. But I assure you we had quite a good cause for involvement... something perhaps disputable by your standards, but upheld by ours."

The sardonic touch vanishes as the Kahanistani Senator asks her next question. "Well.... I'll let you work it out: The enemy has supremacy over the seas; outnumbers us approximately five to one on land, six to one in the skies, and twenty to one on the waves; has had experience in dozens more invasions than we have; collectively spends eighty-one trillion Universal Standard Dollars a year on national defense to our eleven trillion; overall, everywhere but in the air, has far higher-quality equipment; and aims to destroy not only the Czardaian military but the infrastructure with the ultimate aim of enslaving all the Czardaian citizens and seizing the land for its resources.

"How well do you think we're doing?" He smiles and leans back in his chair complacently.

Admiral Nazmareh nodded to the MelekTaus admiral and motioned for him to sit next to her. They could discuss naval matters without interrupting the discussion the President was having with the Southeast Asians.



The Emperor and the Grand Admiral both sat next to Nazmareh, thanking her softly once they were seated. Clearing his throat, the more experianced, and elderly of the two spoke, as the three officers stood silently behind them.

"Admiral, As Grand Admiral of the Imperial Fleets, please might I be the first to engage conversation on inquiring on the exact strength of the Kahanistan fleet? If we know what you have, we may be able to advise you on what you need." the Grand Admiral stated to her quietly, his face not cold, but not warm either, just unmovingly stern.

OOC: Sorry, once again for lack of post. I've been banned from the internet for a bit and may only sneak online a few times.

Senator Crowley frowned. "Not too well, I'm afraid," she said. "If I were you, I'd try to negotiate a peace settlement that didn't involve surrender. Our Southeast Asian colleagues, however," she nodded toward the Southeast Asian delegates, "would be better at negotiating than we are. Frankly, our diplomats aren't the best." She smiled grimly.

Nazmareh gave the Grand Admiral and Emperor folders with all publicly available information on the Kahanistanian Navy.


Kahanistan Republic Navy

Total strengths:
2,000,000 personnel
Chuck Norris-class SDN (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Chuck_Norris_class_Super_Dreadnaught) x 1
Nimitz-class CVN x 25
Ticonderoga-class CGN x 100
Arleigh Burke-class DDG x 300
Victoria-class SSK x 50
Seawolf-class SSN x 50
Ohio-class SSBN x 25
Wasp-class LHD x 300
Supply-class (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_combat_support_ship) AOE x 301
La Fayette-class FFG x 200
Bullfinch-class FFH (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7151375&postcount=7) x 48
Total ship count = 674 warships, 125 submarines, 601 transports = 1,400 ships


"As you can see," said Nazmareh, reading over her copy, "we have an SD, 25 carriers, 100 cruisers, 300 destroyers, 50 diesel-electric attack subs, 50 nuclear-powered attack subs, 25 ballistic missile subs, 300 troop transport ships, 301 combat supply ships and 248 frigates."

Senator Crowley frowned. "Not too well, I'm afraid," she said. "If I were you, I'd try to negotiate a peace settlement that didn't involve surrender. Our Southeast Asian colleagues, however," she nodded toward the Southeast Asian delegates, "would be better at negotiating than we are. Frankly, our diplomats aren't the best." She smiled grimly.
"I believe Foreign Minister Alhoun has called for a peace conference," Dax says. "Delegations from The Warmaster and Freudotopia already appear to have responded, so there's some hope yet. In addition, we've asked the Woodstock Pact for diplomatic support, considering that we do have several allies there and were considered for joining... I think we'll do rather better on the negotiating table than the battlefield, if I do say so myself."

Senator Crowley frowned. "Not too well, I'm afraid," she said. "If I were you, I'd try to negotiate a peace settlement that didn't involve surrender. Our Southeast Asian colleagues, however," she nodded toward the Southeast Asian delegates, "would be better at negotiating than we are. Frankly, our diplomats aren't the best." She smiled grimly.

Nazmareh gave the Grand Admiral and Emperor folders with all publicly available information on the Kahanistanian Navy.



"As you can see," said Nazmareh, reading over her copy, "we have an SD, 25 carriers, 100 cruisers, 300 destroyers, 50 diesel-electric attack subs, 50 nuclear-powered attack subs, 25 ballistic missile subs, 300 troop transport ships, 301 combat supply ships and 248 frigates."

"Interesting..." Kasamoto said simply, nodding. The Grand Admiral then ran a hand across his brow. "You have sufficiant vessels for power, but would you consider adding just a few more SDs, and creating SD flagship lead 'combat groups'? This will aid in enabling you to split your naval forces into equal forces, and enable influence in various locations to protect Kahanistan holdings and interests.."

The Emperor let out a soft sigh, before taking a few minuets to think. "What kind of training do you provide your naval personel, do you have a Marine force of some sort, and what kind of experiance does your current Naval forces have?"

"Naval enlisted personnel receive four months of basic training followed by four months training in their field of specialty. Officers attend a program lasting up to eight years, which carries a civilian curriculum as well as combat, leadership and command training. We also have 2 million Imperial Marines, who are given similar training."

The Admiral took a breath. "We have been considering the construction of a second Chuck Norris-class warship, but the cost would be so high we are forced to delay it until our facilities are sufficiently repaired. We have not even finished the rebuilding of our civilian infrastructure yet."

"As for experience, we lost over 100,000 naval personnel in the Pwnage conflict. Among them were many of our best admirals. I myself was nearly killed in that conflict." The delegations would have noticed she could barely move her right arm, where a piece of shrapnel had struck her while escaping her sinking command battleship. "To make an Admiral is some thirty years as an officer, after two to eight years of training. So, many of our crews have been replaced by inexperienced, albeit well-trained, sailors."

"Wargames are still in the planning stages, but kick off in approx. six months."

"I appreciate the compliment on my nation's diplomatic personnel, Senator Crowley," smiled the Eurasian defense minister, "however, on the Republican Navy's technology - United States equipment was at one time, the best of the best in the entire world. But not anymore no. If I am not wrong, with the advent of technology, several of your friends are also slowly turning away from United States designs or other primitive weaponry that pre-date United States designs."

Unless your soldiers are just as potent as the Excessively Armed Empire's Sentinels, whose performance makes technology almost irrelevent, you still need to upgrade. And as for Admiral Kasamoto's statements on building Super Dreadnaughts for command and Mrs. Nazmareh's statement on construction issues, I can offer a simple solution to that. Why not build or purchase pocket super-dreadnaughts (OOC: basically miniature SDs, heavier than battleships) or dreadnaughts (median between battleships and SDs) or command battleships to assist that role? Portland Iron Works has constructed some time ago the Avenger-class pocket super dreadnaught was designed to replace many Incorporated Sarzonian Navy vessels in the command role, perhaps they may sell a few to you. Or take advantage of the partnership deal I proposed for Kahanistan, they [the Isselmerian-Nielanders] may very well do so in helping with the Chuck Norris design and a smaller command vessel."

Nazmareh nodded. "At this point, the Supreme Soviet is scaling back defense spending. In fact, for the first time I can remember, defense is no longer the largest area (http://nseconomy.thirdgeek.com/nseconomy.php?nation=Kahanistan) of spending."

"As a result, we cannot afford to spend any more on procurement. In fact, we're likely to be in debt for years with what we have, it's all the Supreme Soviet can do to keep us out of the Third World. Right now, I'll take the designs under advisement, and see if trade is possible in the near future for better ships."

"However, what we need right now, is improved strategies, improved tactics. We need this before the next war, and with all the morally backwards nations running around with Super Dreadnaughts the size of Mexico, war is probably soon."

"Naval enlisted personnel receive four months of basic training followed by four months training in their field of specialty. Officers attend a program lasting up to eight years, which carries a civilian curriculum as well as combat, leadership and command training. We also have 2 million Imperial Marines, who are given similar training."

The Admiral took a breath. "We have been considering the construction of a second Chuck Norris-class warship, but the cost would be so high we are forced to delay it until our facilities are sufficiently repaired. We have not even finished the rebuilding of our civilian infrastructure yet."

"As for experience, we lost over 100,000 naval personnel in the Pwnage conflict. Among them were many of our best admirals. I myself was nearly killed in that conflict." The delegations would have noticed she could barely move her right arm, where a piece of shrapnel had struck her while escaping her sinking command battleship. "To make an Admiral is some thirty years as an officer, after two to eight years of training. So, many of our crews have been replaced by inexperienced, albeit well-trained, sailors."

The Emperor nodded as she spoke, before replying

"Well, considering other people here are suggesting officer cross training and such, we can't offer much to your Ship Based Naval personel... However, for your marines we can offer a series of combat simulations that will be run by both the Imperial Marines and the Imperial Marines Commando. (OOC: Basically, the Imperial Marines are trained to around about UK Marines Commando or even US S.E.A.Ls standard of training, while the 30,000 Imperial Marines Commando branch is made up of Marine Veterans of atleast 3 years, and trained to UK SBS, US Delta Force and French Foreign legion Para-Forces, the FFL's equivillent of a special force, standard of training.) This training is also avaliable to any female Marine personel you have. We've recently incorperated females into combat roles, after three years of study and research.

Considering the fact you also are having problems with purchasing and producing your own equipment, although we cannot do it for you, we do have a very sizable amount of battleships and SD style Galleons in our fleets, hence we can offer two options. One, we loan, until your feets are of sufficiant size, some of our larger ships and train your crews with experianced personel on their use and maintainance. Two, we set up a Military Alliance or Pact, and devote one of our main fleets to the general area of Kahanistan Waters. These are both negotiable options.."

"We do not feel the problem lies with the training of our enlisted soldiers," said General Kasagawa. "Letting a few tens of thousands of soldiers gain experience during cross-training is a good idea, but as my colleague said, we are reducing defense spending. I think your first option, loaning larger ships, is best for our situation. We have too little information to decide on an alliance, and that decision would have to be approved by the Supreme Soviet."

"Also, many of our allies tend to be reluctant to assist us in battle, so the Supreme Soviet is considering an overhaul of our foreign policy. We will be extremely unwilling to consider new allies if that happens. The critical issue is not our equipment anymore, it's the way things are handled at the top level. Most of our mid-level and junior officers tend to be quite open to more modern and unorthodox tactics, and fewer senior generals are. The ones here are, but we aren't that representative of the military leadership in general."

"So, what I propose be done at the top level..." She circulated a document from the Ministry of Defense around the table.

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Ministry of Defense
Internal Ministry Memorandum

The antiquated tactics employed by Kahanistanian Admirals and Generals, many of whom graduated from military academies thirty years ago, and in some cases fifty or more years ago, are causing us to lose heavily in defensive wars.

During the AMF war, a fleet consisting of the majority of the Kahanistan Navy under the command of then Defense Minister Abdul-Rahman bin Muhammad was annihilated by the Freekish Navy. The Kahanistanian forces used swarms of MiG-29 fighter-bombers, inadequate 155mm coastal defense batteries, and concentration of fire onto enemy Super Dreadnaughts which failed to seriously damage even a single SD. Midway through the battle, the Kahanistan Navy switched targets to destroyers and cruisers in an attempt to inflict casualties against the Sentinels. This was more effective, but the Kahanistanian Navy had already lost most of its fleet. The Sentinels then stormed the beaches, into a VX attack which provoked international outrage - at us! They then began to slaughter millions of civilians and soldiers, advancing almost without opposition to our capital, where a last-ditch defense had been planned, but never executed.

Two months later, MassPwnage incited a similar incident, defeating a much larger Kahanistanian fleet. Kahanistanian air defenses proved almost wholly ineffective at neutralizing the SEAD and DEAD strike units sent against them. While our ground troops were more effective, we were seldom engaged on the ground. After the war, an improved air defense system was implemented, and attention was called to the tactics of the Kahanistan Republic Navy and Republic Guard.

Signed,
General Nora Kasagawa,
Minister of Defense

"Letting a few tens of thousands of soldiers gain experience during cross-training is a good idea, but as my colleague said, we are reducing defense spending. I think your first option, loaning larger ships, is best for our situation. We have too little information to decide on an alliance, and that decision would have to be approved by the Supreme Soviet."

‘Actually, the idea of you loaning foreign ships at this point of time sounds rather absurd,’ interrupted General Caracas as he approached the Kahanistan General and the foreigner he didn’t recognize whatsoever, having only just arrived after being rerouted to Kahanistan from Xirnium. Behind him the Imperial State Commander, Lady Saroir, stood silently. ‘If you are indeed reducing your defence spending, then there is no point devoting a percentage of that reduced budget into temporarily acquiring vessels. Not to mention, that your soldiers will need to learn how to use the loaned vessels and then require retraining when you purchase your own new ones.’

‘If you permit, I do perhaps have a viable alternative.’

Admiral Nazmareh smiled. "I'd like to hear it," she said to the Yallakian delegates. "Our defense budget is still very large, but a little over a quarter of the budget, whereas we used to spend over a third of our budget on defense."

"Let's hear your ideas for naval reform."

Nettleton watched the Yallakian delegations arrive into the room, along with his aides. He gave a friendly wave as a greeting gesture, then spoke to the Kahanistanian officials.

"Your long-time allied nation's military officers are correct. What is the point in having foreign warships loaned to you if you are cutting defense spending? Sure, it can still sustain a fleet, but as I said, United States technology unless you have insane levels of training like Automagfreek's armed forces are, pretty much are hopeless against opposition that have superior technology. Or, as you are good on land, why use your military's strength against the enemy navy? A good idea would be, if you think that you should stick to land warfare as your main arm, to solidify your coastal defenses."

"I never said we should stick to land warfare. We do well on land warfare, but our enemies do not engage us on land. They attack us with naval shells and missiles and eight-ton thermobaric bombs from ten kilometers above," Nazmareh said crossly. "We might not accept the offer to borrow warships, that's why we're here, to make these kinds of decisions about our forces."

"Therefore," she continued, "we have to attack their navy before that can happen, sink their missile vessels, their troop transports, their carriers, because if we can't do that, we will lose on the ground when the enemy takes naval and air supremacy. That's one of the reasons we lost to AMF, and sustained such heavy casualties in the Pwnage conflict." The admiral clutched her injured shoulder, as if to make a point.

"And coastal defenses are well and good if you want to flush money down the toilet. Static defenses are next to worthless if the enemy has precision guided missiles, which almost all of our enemies do. Every coastal gun we fired on the Freeks was targeted by satellite for missiles as soon as it fired. The stronger Kraven static defenses were equally worthless. So, we need a decent warfleet, we have a carrier under development, but at some point in time we will need destroyers and cruisers for our homeland defense."

[OOC: Sorry for delay, assume fluid-time]

Defense Minister Kasagawa spoke for the first time in the meeting. "So, what would you advise us to do at the strategic, grand strategic, and geo-political levels?"
General Poltk frowned.

‘Well… to give you specific strategic advice, Minister, I would need to have access to detailed information on the combat situation at hand, however Kahanistan is now largely at peace. In any case, I don’t believe that was the intention of your question,’ explained the Major General, readjusting his spectacles.

‘Generally, one should take care not to develop too formulaic a military strategy, as war is inherently unpredictable and commanders must always remain flexible and willing to use ad hoc manoeuvres when the situation dictates so. A most critical point is to have clearly defined military objectives, from which to guide the planning and execution of your campaign (as well as to serve as a yardstick for measuring progress). The lack of clearly defined, rational and measurable objectives can be fatal, and arguably doomed both the German invasion of the Soviet Union and the US war in Vietnam to failure.

Simplicity, surprise, speed and synchronisation between the different elements of an offencive (the four S’s, as they are taught at the Xirniumite officers’ academy) are also important. Furthermore, detailed planning of any war is essential,’ added Edward Poltk.

‘The most important point of all, the one that is least understood and yet, curiously, the most crucial, is to understand the dynamic between war and politics. War is merely a continuation of politics,’ recited the Xirniumite commander, repeating Carl von Clausewitz’s famous phrase. Indeed, it was a quote which also proudly adorned the top of the massive wrought iron gates of the Xirnium Military Academy at Tillis, and which remained indelibly marked in the minds of every graduate.

‘The importance of politics can never be underestimated. A single politician can be more devastating than an entire veteran armoured corps. Frederick II the Great managed to escape the threat of Prussia being dismembered at the hands of his enemies (Austria and Russia) by staving off defeat long enough for a diplomatic solution to be found – the death of Empress Elizabeth of Russia.’

Hmm, maybe I should become an instructor at the academy, though General Poltk.

The Defense Minister appeared unsatisfied. "The trouble, General, is that we can't stave off defeat. At this point, we would be interested in defensive tactics to use, our current defenses are insufficient to protect us should we be attacked by another major military bloc."

"And it isn't for lack of funding, either, which is why we're forcing the Ministry of Defense to become more efficient by taking away a large portion of its funding," added Senator Crowley. "It's because of weaknesses in the Air Force and Navy that have yet to be corrected."

President Valens merely nodded his head in agreement. "In short, we lack any sort of naval warfare expertise, and have a mediocre air force. What do you know about air warfare?" The President knew all about politics and war, having been the one to find a political solution to the war with MassPwnage that had been ended without Kahanistan surrendering and admitting defeat. He may not have had a domestic political ideology to speak of, but he did understand politics.

"True, Mrs. Nazmareth," nodded Nettleton, whom for a few seconds glared at the wound she had received from the battle. He turned back to the Admiral's face. "But you're forgetting a few things."

There are nations that have such good coastal protective systems they can still be extremely difficult to crack even without a navy. The Excessively Armed Empire's coastal defenses are an example of this. I don't know whether or not the Hogsweatian-Praetonian-Sarzonian coalition's military commanders were telling the truth when they announced they had no reason to advance because they had completed their objectives, but something tells me that during their fleets' deployments at the former Hogsweatian colonial holdings of the Cariya Islands, they would have to be extremely careful despite the fact that naval warfare is the Empire's weakest area in the military.
You're also forgetting that the Corporation was also hopelessly outnumbered and outgunned and outsmarted despite the fact that they had superior technology.
Do coastal defenses neccessarily have to be stationary? As you need mobility to achieve certain objectives in the military, mobile coastal defenses can also play a part in creating a tough beach to land on.
As balista can be taken down to save a nation from great devastation, so can satellites....though one would also have to consider the political consequences, as when it backfires, it can get very ugly and the enemy would obviously capitalize on it.
And last of all, not related to my previous points, here is a tip on tactics even though I have never served in the military. I am only the cabinet's Minister of Defense as said before, because of my fiscal policies and I act as the "in-between" person between them and the Generals. Why not redo the military designation system? NATO classification is fairly common in several armed forces around the world, so why not do a different one and make it as confusing as possible? That way, you can have a slight advantage.

Nettleton tapped each of his five fingers on his left hand every time he made a point. Then he awaited the Kahanistanian military leader's response.

The Admiral slowly addressed the Southeast Asian Defense Minister's points.

"We have little intelligence on the Freekish coastal batteries," said Admiral Nazmareh. "We were never exactly in a shape to launch an invasion of AMF. What kinds of defenses do they have...? We might be interested in constructing our own defenses along similar lines..."

"As for your next point. I'm not sure Kraven was that heavily outnumbered, but they did have their citizens revolting against them during the war, and they did have tactically unsound 2.5 meter coastal guns which could be detected by civilian seismology equipment. I would agree that they were outsmarted, however. My aim is to defend against an enemy on the sea that does outnumber us."

"As for mobile coastal defenses... one cannot build a mobile 600 mm coastal defense gun, the size of a Freekish superdreadnaught gun, for the same reason our field artillery are 155 mm and our tanks don't carry battleship guns, they are simply too large to fit on existing self-propelled artillery tracks. That said, I have no objection to entrenching MRLS and similar weaponry along our shores... we are, after all, looking for mobile defenses, unless you have other ideas..."

"We are currently looking into an anti-satellite system and trying to integrate it with our IFF protocols to prevent damaging civilian or neutral satellites, but not having a large degree of success."

"As for your fifth point, I'm not sure I understand the question about military classifications."

"No, Mrs. Nazmareth, we have absolutely no intelligence documents on the Excessively Armed Empire's shore protection systems....at least specifically. But what we do know, from general knowledge, is that the Excessively Armed Empire's coastal defenses alone would give even the best of the best navies in the entire planet, the most tense, difficult and brutal fight they ever experienced in their entire existence. Remember what I said earlier about my suspicions that the OMP member-state coalition (particularly the 'star combatants' so to speak: the former Valiant Commonwealth of Hogsweat, the Democratic Imperium and Commonwealth Realms of Praetonia and the Incorporated States of Sarzonia) that they were secretly planning an invasion on the Empire, and that if they actually had been cooking that scheme up, they would have to be extremely careful? If they actually were planning an invasion, I highly doubt the coalition's military command would allow you access to it, as it most definitely will be a top-secret document hidden away in a citadel that would make Fort Knox very poorly guarded in comparison."

"Only a tiny, in my opinion: suicidal coalition of countries - Dracun Imperium, Findan, Aust and our very own friends in The Fallen Races, made a mad rush assuming that the Sarz-Praeto-Hogsweatian triumvirate's navies would back them and the Freekish coastal defenses would fall easily. They were proven very wrong, and another warning in the Empire's military history that the Empire is too strong for one nation to deal with. AMF has never lost, and can be beaten - it's only one of the big nations out there, and it's arguably the most vocal and active titan. Remember the Homeland Defense War I talked about earlier?"

"Now this just popped into my head - may I please view the document on the Kahanistanian aircraft carrier you talked about not too long ago? Why not simply take advantage of the RSIN partnership and use one of the Isselmerian-Nielander designs as to succeed the Nimitz-class - because they are amongst the finest shipwrights in the entire world. The RSIN's Royal Holly-class aircraft carrier, a candidate we have been considering to replace our own American designs, is based off the CVN-77 (http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/cvn-77.htm), a transition ship that linked between the Nimitz-class of the 20th Century and the American 21st Century generation CVN-21 (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/cvx.htm) aircraft carriers. Or perhaps their Royal Edmund-class aircraft carrier, which is based off the British CVF (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/cvf.htm), Britain's successor to their own Invincible-class aircraft carriers (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/invincible.htm). As with the Royal Holly, my nation is also considering the Royal Edmund as part of our modernization program. Here's the information on the two vessels, also in the folder which contained the RS-7 article. Take your pick and when the UKIN's delegation arrives, let's sort things out."

Nettleton flipped to the appropriate pages, then passed the folder back.

Royal Holly-class CVN (http://www.nn.northropgrumman.com/news/2003/CVN21_Contract/DCS03-41.JPG)
Displacement: 110,800 t (full load)
Dimensions: length 317.3 m (wl), 334 m (oa); beam 40.8 m (wl), 77 m (oa); draught 11.9 m.
Propulsion: 4-shafts CONAG-IFEP; 2 pressurised water fission reactors (INNEC RA(PW)-6) and 2 gas turbines (IMW MTG-6), with 2 auxiliary diesel generators (IMW MED-31); 350 MW + 86 MW = 32.7+ kts.
Crew: 1,800 crew + aircrew; capable of accommodating 6,000.
Flight deck: deck angled at 10.5-degrees
Elevators: 4 deck edge (1-p, 3-s) rated at 70 t.
Catapults: 4; low-emission EMALS (2 on p-sponson, 2-f)
Arrestor wires: four; low-emission EARS
Protection: (Main belt): 15.5 cm; (Magazines): 13 cm; (Flight deck): 50.8 cm; (Engineering, additional): 13 cm.
Weapons:
AAW: 4 x 24-cell GWLS.33 (f/a, p/s), 2 x GWLS.65 (f/a of island), 6 x GWLS.68 (f/a, p/s, p/s-am.), 12 x MLG-27 (p/s)
ASW: 4 x 6-cell GWLS.60 (p/s)
Aircraft (not included in price):
Can operate 86-88 crewed aircraft, or more in emergency situations.
RINN practice: 24 Spectre FA.1, 36 Spectre FA.2, 12 Banshee ADS.1, 4 Wraith EF.1, 4 Heimdall AEW.1, 2 Gannet C.1, 10 Cormorant HM.1.
Other vehicles (not included in price):
20 Cuttlefish DSR.1A, 12 Canary DMNC.1, 30 Dodo DMU.1
Electronics suite:
Computer complex: MEI.5 Muninn/MEI.4 Mimir (ISOMS)
Threat management systems: MEQ.181 NAIADS (air threats), MEQ.185 SELKIE (anti-torpedo), MMX.193 MITRE (target recognition), MDQ.261 (signature self-detection)
Radars: MRU.113 Huginn/MRU.110c Raven (multifunction), MRS.118 Kafka/MRS.111c Jackdaw (air volume search), MRN.116 Beluga (navigation), MRS.164 Hofvarpnir (surface search), MRP.204 Wednesday (air traffic control)
Optronics: MPU.124 Adder (long range search and tracking), MPS.127 Owl (surface surveillance)
Combination radar/optronics: MMP.131 Friday (automatic carrier landing system), 6 x MMG.183 Gjallar (close-range fire direction)
Sonar: MQU.134 Fenris (keel-mounted, MF/LF)
ECM/ESM: MLR.165 (radar/signals emissions receiver and direction finder), MLQ.177 (jammer), MLR.184 Nott (laser warning receiver and direction finder), MWD.199 (signals receiver and direction finder)
Communications: CSZ.17b Godi (Link 17.2; secure command datalink protocol), MUZ.121 Alvis (secure satellite communications system), 6 x MSP.123b Gna (Link 17.2D; secure drone control datalink), 4 x GQZ.128b Dvalin (Link 17.2U; encrypted acoustic modem), MWZ.178 (secure communications system), MJZ.190 (laser communications transceiver), GSZ.196M (encrypted burst communications transceiver).
Countermeasures: 6 x MLQ.135 Mackerel (anti-torpedo), 8 x 16-cell MLE.140 MUSE (anti-missile).
Cost: $7,850 million USD

Royal Edmund-class CV (http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/cvf/images/cvf01.jpg)
Displacement: 52,167 t (light), 65,762 t (deep)
Dimensions: length 285.9 m (wl), 300 m (oa); beam 77 m; draught 10.8 m.
Propulsion: 3-shaft COGAG-IFEP with bow thruster; 6 gas turbines (IMW MTG-6); 257.4 MW = 34 kts.
Crew: 700 (+786 aircrew (62 aircraft warload configuration [your air group size may differ]) + 432 marines + 60 flag staff, for a total of 1,978); capable of accommodating 2,800.
Flight deck: angled at 10-degrees
Elevators: 3 deck edge (1-p, 2-s) rated at 70 t.
Catapults: 3; low-emission EMALS (1 on p-sponson, 2-f)
Arrestor wires: 4; low-emission EARS
Protection: (Main belt): 15.5 cm; (Magazines): 7.62 cm; (Flight deck): 40.65 cm; (Engineering, additional): 7.62 cm.
Weapons:
AAW: 4 x 16-cell GWLS.33 (f/a, p/s), 6 x GWLS.68 (f/a, p/s, p/s-am.), 12 x MLG-27 (p/s)
ASW: 4 x 6-cell GWLS.60 (p/s)
Aircraft (not included in price):
Can operate and deploy between 50-70 aircraft (not included in price).
RINN practice: 24 Spectre FA.1, 24 Spectre FA.2, 8 Banshee ADS.1, 4 Wraith EF.1, 4 Heimdall AEW.1, 2 Gannet C.1, 6 Cormorant HM.1
Other vehicles (not included in price):
12 Cuttlefish DSR.1A, 12 Dodo DMU.1
Electronics suite:
Computer complex: MEI.5 Muninn/MEI.4 Mimir (ISOMS)
Threat management systems: MEQ.181 NAIADS (air threats), MEQ.185 SELKIE (anti-torpedo), MMX.193 MITRE (target recognition), MDQ.261 (signature self-detection)
Radars: MRU.113 Huginn/MRU.110c Raven (multifunction search and tracking), MRS.118 Kafka/MRS.111c Jackdaw (volume search), MRN.116 Beluga (navigation), MRS.164 Hofvarpnir (surface search), MRP.204 Wednesday (air traffic control)
Optronics: MPU.124 Adder (long range search and tracking), MPS.127 Owl (surface surveillance)
Combination radar/optronics: MMP.131 Friday (automatic carrier landing system), 6 x MMG.183 Gjallar (close-range fire direction)
Sonar: MQU.134 Fenris (keel-mounted, MF/LF)
ECM/ESM: MLR.165 (radar/signals emissions receiver and direction finder), MLQ.177 (jammer), MLR.184 Nott (laser warning receiver and direction finder), MWD.199 (signals receiver and direction finder)
Communications: CSZ.17b Godi (Link 17.2; secure command datalink protocol), MUZ.121 Alvis (secure satellite communications system), 4 x MSP.123b Gna (Link 17.2D; secure drone control datalink), 4 x GQZ.128b Dvalin (Link 17.2U; encrypted acoustic modem), MWZ.178 (secure communications system), MJZ.190 (laser communications transceiver), GSZ.196M (encrypted burst communications transceiver).
Countermeasures: 4 x MLQ.135 Mackerel (anti-torpedo), 6 x 16-cell MLE.140 MUSE (anti-missile).
Cost: $4,000 million USD

He awaited the Admiral's response.

The Admiral Kasamoto decided to speak up once again. "If it is intelligence you need for a decision on an alliance, then intelligence you shall have. Just name what you need and I'm sure we, the Imperial Court, and the domestic People's Court will oblige.

Now, for mobile coastal defence, I may have an idea.... Why not try using rail guns? Not these fancy pancy 'magnetic' rail guns, but large guns on specially built railway lines around your major coastal areas? You can easily mount a large battleship sized gun or two on an extended 'battletrain'. The only reason such a concept failed back in WWII was due to lack of adequet protection and intelligence, which nowadays is a problem mostly rendered solved. It's just one option of many you can choose.."

"For us to even consider an alliance," said Senator Crowley, "we would need to know your human rights stances, the level of personal and political freedom in your nation, and if you would actually defend us in an invasion, unlike certain of our other allies."

Admiral Nazmareh decided to continue the discussions about weapons. "Railguns are fine until the enemy decides to bomb our railroad tracks. We can't have air defenses covering every inch of a railway system, and all it takes is one well-placed JDAM to render the entire system unusable."

"What we need is a less vulnerable defense system that can be effective even if the enemy deploys superdreadnaughts. Almost every major enemy we have has used them against us."

Lord Caracas nodded his head in acknowledgement of the Southeast Asian and his aids, before returning his attention to the Kahanistanian Admiral.

‘There are two options I can offer your nation,’ said the General quietly. ‘The first is funding. The Empire can provide a grant that will more than cover the costs of purchasing an adequately advanced navy for Kahanistan.’

Though considering that your previous ships were imported and absolutely wiped out, I would advise against repeating that course of action. Foreign products are so unreliable, he added to himself, pausing momentarily.

‘The second option,’ he continued, ‘involves our own shipyards. The Emperor has authorized the use of several facilities to help your nation develop and produce its own ships.’

"The Kahanistanian aircraft carrier does not even qualify as an original design," said Nazmareh. "It's a modified Nimitz-class aircraft, with six 457mm guns, two CIWS cannons, and a Tomahawk launcher. The modifications reduce its carrying ability from 85 planes to 60, but make it more defensible."

Turning to General Caracas, the admiral's expression softened. "I think funding is the best option, if we import Sarzonian, Praetonian, and Isselmere-Nielander ships, warships that have been tested in battle many times... and sell off the warships we already have, that would be the best course of action."

She sat back in her chair. "What do you recommend for coastal defense?"

The Kahanistanian Major in the corner continued to jot down her notes.

More modern tactics needed, still using WWII strategies.
Simplicity, speed, surprise, synchronization.
Mobile coastal defenses, preferably not easily disabled.
Yallakian aid to import ships of renowned naval powers?

OOC: Did your Admiral read the RSIN carrier catalogue Nettleton gave her?

(OOC: Yes, you'll notice she is willing to import Isselmere-Nielander ships in addition to Sarzonian and Praetonian ships.)

‘As you wish, Admiral,’ replied Caracas. ‘I cannot give you a specific grant value now, but it an initial estimate will put it around the order of one and a half trillion USD.’

Nazmareh smiled. "Add that to what we'll have from selling off large numbers of our current ships... I think it will be closer to two to two and a half trillion. That should give us a good navy."

"So... so far we've covered ground combat pretty well, unveiled a new tank, decided on suppliers for our navy, put together a list of possible suppliers for aircraft, and that leaves... air defenses, coastal defenses, naval combat, and conducting offensive and defensive campaigns."

"Naval combat and military campaings will be covered when we set up wargaming scenarios with the ISAF. So, let's concentrate on air defenses, and coastal defenses."

"Excellent." smiled Nettleton. "Your naval reformations are going well, and with training from internationally renown fleets like the Royal Isselmere-Nieland Navy or the Incorporated Sarzonian Navy, it seems that the Republic Navy will be more up to standard, and able to fend itself against larger foes. Pass the RSIN carrier article to your colleagues for them to make a statement, I insist on it - it will only help the armed forces of your nation. Tell me, Madame Admiral, which do you think will be more appropriate for your nation's successor to the Nimitz? The Royal Holly-class aircraft carrier or the Royal Edmund-class?"

"I'd go with the Royal Holly class," said Nazmareh. She handed the article to President Valens. "Larger target, but it has more countermeasures, and the nuclear propulsion is preferable, it simplifies logistics tremendously. The Royal Edmund is a smaller target, and cheaper, and we generally only carry sixty planes to a carrier anyway, but the logistical issues of fueling a non-nuclear carrier are too much of a constraint. It's enough for me to choose the Holly over the Edmund."

The President merely nodded. He had no knowledge of naval warfare. General Kasagawa, too, nodded in agreement. "The extra cost is acceptable to me. We can even sell off our refuelers and switch to an all-nuclear navy, cut down on our logistical train significantly."

"Naval combat and military campaings will be covered when we set up wargaming scenarios with the ISAF. So, let's concentrate on air defenses, and coastal defenses."

‘Good. The Empire would also be willing to run wargames with Kahanistans military. But for now, perhaps to start you could give us an overview of your current air and coastal defences?’

The President merely nodded. He had no knowledge of naval warfare. General Kasagawa, too, nodded in agreement. "The extra cost is acceptable to me. We can even sell off our refuelers and switch to an all-nuclear navy, cut down on our logistical train significantly."

The General nodded his agreement. ‘A wise decision, Admiral, the limitations of non-nuclear warships are great. They take an ever-greater toll on resources if used during an offensive operation too. One question though, why is it that you prefer carriers with an aircraft capacity of around sixty over other designs?’

"Basically organizational issues, one fighter or bomber fleet is 100 planes, we use fifty warplanes and ten AWACS per carrier, but if practical issues come into play, as they are now with our limited navy, that practice may change. It was never formulated into official policy," said Nazmareh.

"As for our current coastal defenses, we simply repaired the 600 mm, 762 mm, and 1,000 mm coastal defense guns that were used in the CAD conflict. We also have three fighter wings and one bomber wing on patrol at the coast, 40 F-22's, 20 MiG-35's, and 20 B-1 Lancers."

She took a minute to focus on air defense. "We have an estimated two hundred Patriot missile batteries and 9,000 ZSU-23-4M Shilka SPAAGs that survived the Pwnage conflict, of which about 4,000 are still in service. Also, an estimated 60,000 infantry carry Stinger anti-aircraft missile launchers."

"This was what I my fifth point meant earlier on. Classification schemes and strategy. Few people know why the Nighthawk, a.k.a. the Stealth Fighter was given the NATO classification of 'F' for 'Fighter' instead of 'A' for 'Attacker' or 'B' for 'Bomber': to confuse the enemy. The NATO classification scheme is very commonly used in many armed forces across the world. Perhaps you should make your own classification scheme and make it as confusing as possible to the enemy, so that you can have a slight degree in advantage."

"If a classification scheme confuses the enemy, it will inevitably confuse our own troops," said President Valens. "Besides, the advantage will vanish the minute they learn that the planes which they had taken for one type based on their classification are in fact another, and our own classification schemes will be seen as nonsensical to our soldiers, especially new ones."

"For us to even consider an alliance," said Senator Crowley, "we would need to know your human rights stances, the level of personal and political freedom in your nation, and if you would actually defend us in an invasion, unlike certain of our other allies."



The Emperor stepped in to speak this time.

That information we can submit easily. In brief, though, we have a good level of civil rights, drugs are legal in the privacy of your own home, and making racist comments in public and racial assaults are essencially a penalty of 5 years in a corrective facility, both a prison as well as a school to teach racists about other cultures, as well as to allow them the chance to gain qualifications for when they finish their sentance. It's a solution to the problem that most racists are angry, unemployed school leaver youths in our nation, and 86% of all those who finish their sentance go on to get good payed jobs, and stay out of crime.

Also, for political freedoms, we have a two part socialist government. The Imperial Court, which I run and rule and can pass rulership to my military trained heirs, is in charge of all foreign affairs, military and intelligence.

The People's Court is run by a nationally elected Premier who serves 3 years, who alone chooses policy within the domestic region, a.k.a our lands, runs the emergeancy services, and all laws are voted upon by a Council made up of 200 people who are randomly selected from our citizens to serve, like a jury service, for 3 years to act on behalf of the rest of the public. Corruption is currently a very very small problem, and to ensure intelligence and common sense in the courts, only those with a college level of education can be part of the Council.

As for defending you, we are willing to do the following:

1; Set up a permanent Military Pact, where by we will have atleast one of our 5 main Combat fleets reside for tours of 2 years at a time within the Kahanistan region, the Four Expiditionary fleets rotating around on that duty.

2: Allow one Auxillary Combat Fleet to be on call to immediatly assist the fleet in the Kahanistan tour of duty to come to your aid in the time of war.

Both fleets wil remain under our command, and may carry nuclear weaponry to act as a Nuclear Detterance on your behalf. To ensure that our men are serving in your interests, you may have one of your officers of your choosing serve as a personal Assistant to the Admiral of the Fleet on Tour in your waters, and cross training WILL be implemented while they're in the area to ensure good ties between our forces.


Admiral Nazmareh decided to continue the discussions about weapons. "Railguns are fine until the enemy decides to bomb our railroad tracks. We can't have air defenses covering every inch of a railway system, and all it takes is one well-placed JDAM to render the entire system unusable."


Have you considered using an Underground railway system, like the London Underground? If you accept a Military pact, I shall send a regiment of engineers to assist in the construction of an underground railway system, with key fortified firing points along the routes in main fireplacement areas, to enable a 'shoot-and-scoot' style of tactics. We will also provide civillian contractors and materials to greatly assist in this if neccissary.


"What we need is a less vulnerable defense system that can be effective even if the enemy deploys superdreadnaughts. Almost every major enemy we have has used them against us."

"Indeed, we agree, but we have already suggested the use of railguns. An alternative, maybe would be to use a system like the SS-1-C? Basicaly, portable relatively short ranged, truck launched nuclear weaponry with the aim of an Anti-SD role. Drive a few up on your coastline, and shoot-and-scoot."

"We'd be taking a fifth of your fleet out of commission, the Supreme Soviet won't allow you to compromise your own defenses with such a huge deployment," said Senator Crowley. "We might, however, allow a reduced deployment, say, 20 to 30 warships."

Nazmareh nodded. "Your military is to protect your own land, we can't be placing you on call, especially when our enemies are of the likes of the Excessively Armed Empire, the CAD power bloc, possibly the WACL... We can't allow your nation to face the same devastation that ours has."

"Regarding your question about underground railguns, all it would take would be one bunker buster to neutralize the entire system until we were able to repair it, which could be weeks if the enemy attacks repair crews, as the Pwnage forces did. While our siege supplies are now buried hundreds of meters deep to eliminate their vulnerability to such weapons, if we buried a heavy gun that far underground, it wouldn't be able to fire with any accuracy."

"Also, the firing points would be extremely vulnerable to JDAM's and bunker busters, and an even more expensive defense system is removed from action for days or weeks at a time, during which time the enemy can shell us with impunity."

"Not neccessarily." responded the Southeast Asian Defense Minister to the President of the Democratic Soviet Republic of Kahanistan, "The Incorporated Sarzonian Air Force used to use their own system, and it did work to some degree. Also, sometimes politics are involved - the Kahanistanian Republic has been criticized several times in the past of imperialism during your nation's so-called 'humanitarian operations', and critics often use the name of your nation's commando units - the Imperial Marines - as an argument. What controversy could there be if the Royal Holly-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier retains it's designation? It would be like pouring petrol on a fire in an attempt to put it out. Radical Kahanistanian isolationists would probably want to capitalize on it, so I'd suggest that if the Royal Holly-class carrier succeeds the modified Nimitz-class you use, you change the designation to something less imperial-esque, say Republican-class or Sovereign-class?"

Then he turned to the Kahanistanian Admiral, politely entering the conversation after she had finished speaking to the MelekTaus delegations.

"As for mobile coastal defenses, you are correct Admiral Nazmareh. One cannot mount a 600mm cannon on a mobile platform, but they still play a part. Once again, the Royal Shipyards of Isselmere-Nieland can answer that. Check their coastal defense systems catalogue (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7151407&postcount=11) once you get the partnership deal sorted out."

Defense Minister Kasagawa passed a copy of the catalog to Admiral Nazmareh. "Here, patrol gunboats, minesweepers, coastal defense systems, coastal artillery." The Defense Minister then turned to the Southeast Asian. "I fail to see the controversy in using a ship called Royal Holly. It sounds like something I'd use as a Christmas decoration."

Nazmareh had some more questions about the coastal ships. "These are all diesel... it shouldn't be too hard to supply them if they're just defending the coast, but can they use biodiesel fuel?" Kahanistan was only slowly beginning to introduce environmental reforms, and still spent less than a trillion dollars on the environment. Biofuel was also cheaper than fossil fuel, and could significantly reduce defense spending without harming the overall effectiveness of the military.

[OOC: Nettleton didn't put the coastal defense systems in the folder he and his colleagues brought with him....]

"It can happen." nodded Nettleton with a brief facial appearance that gave warning. "Portland Iron Works has been criticized several times for naming their ships after people from their allies like Praetonia - the Agrippa-class cruiser for example, that vessel was named after a Praetonian politician. And in various other cases like the Agrippa-class and the situation I described. The Royal Holly is named after one of the UKIN's Royal Family members, and as some see a Royal status and Imperial status as one, critics could capitalize on it."

(OOC: My leaders have access to armaments catalogs, too. And it's not like you haven't recommended Isselmere's ships on numerous occasions, the Kahanistanian leaders would have at least had an armaments catalog laying around that they could refer to.)

"Our enemies will see us as imperialist no matter what we call our ships," said Senator Crowley. "The political implications of what our imports are called are not the topic here. We require weapons with which to defend ourselves, and project offensive power."

"Now, after you've answered my colleague's question about the coastal defenses' fuel capabilities... perhaps we could switch the discussion to air defense?" The senator looked toward the President, who nodded his head in agreement. Air defenses were essential to preventing a debacle which allowed the establishment of complete enemy air supremacy over the entire nation, as had happened in the Pwnage invasion.

"That is understood." said Nettleton to the Senator, formally and politely turning his head toward the Kahanistanian politician's eyes and keeping his friendly, businesslike stance in his seat. "As for the diesel-powered engines - I am not sure whether or not they can also run on the more environmentally friendly fuel you are planning to use in your armed forces, but your military should have the resources to refit the diesel engines with engines that run on bio-diesel or ask the Isselmerian-Nielanders for a refit."

"Now, as for aerial defenses, I'll have to say this - when it comes to technology terms, like United States designs, Soviet-era designs won't get very far on the modern battlefield...only much worse than United States designs. Sad to see your countrymen in the legislative branch, the most of them at least, are so opposed to buying weaponry from Kriegzimmer Conglomerates - they have such fine designers, and the country their Board comes from and was founded in, and still is based in to this day: the Second Empire of the Golden Throne of The Macabees, is not an oppressive regime. Ridiculously unmonitored free market, but it doesn't have a poor human rights record. Also considering that they have recently rolled out a design based on the ZSU-Shilka and have a HMMWV replacement that suits your nation's geography, it is sort of a hindrance."

"We'd be taking a fifth of your fleet out of commission, the Supreme Soviet won't allow you to compromise your own defenses with such a huge deployment," said Senator Crowley. "We might, however, allow a reduced deployment, say, 20 to 30 warships."

Nazmareh nodded. "Your military is to protect your own land, we can't be placing you on call, especially when our enemies are of the likes of the Excessively Armed Empire, the CAD power bloc, possibly the WACL... We can't allow your nation to face the same devastation that ours has."

"Regarding your question about underground railguns, all it would take would be one bunker buster to neutralize the entire system until we were able to repair it, which could be weeks if the enemy attacks repair crews, as the Pwnage forces did. While our siege supplies are now buried hundreds of meters deep to eliminate their vulnerability to such weapons, if we buried a heavy gun that far underground, it wouldn't be able to fire with any accuracy."

"Also, the firing points would be extremely vulnerable to JDAM's and bunker busters, and an even more expensive defense system is removed from action for days or weeks at a time, during which time the enemy can shell us with impunity."

Nodding slowly, both the Emperor and the Grand Admiral agreed. "Agreed, it would be expensive and vulnerable..." the Emperor stated.

Kasamoto then began to speak up once more. "Regarding the fleets, we have five combat fleets, one of which is entirely dedicated to Home Defence. We have more than enough military to spare one fleet at a time, not including our two full time reserve combat fleets. If you took into account our home fleet AND our four expiditionary fleets as one large fleet, 1/5 is exactly what you'd be getting anyways. But if you're happy with 30 ships, that can be done.."

Crowley smiled sadly. "I'll talk to the Supreme Soviet about considering trade with Kriegzimmer, but I don't think they'll go along as long as the Second Empire is allied with Doomingsland. We don't have an official embargo, but the Supreme Soviet and the Ministry of Defense, for the most part, don't want to depend on a nation that could be an enemy tomorrow for arms."

General Kasagawa nodded toward the MelekTaus leaders. "Thirty nuclear-armed warships would make a more than sufficient deterrent. Now," the Defense Minister continued, turning to the Southeast Asian delegation, "what other air defenses do you know of?"

Patinkin walked in slowly, as was his wont as he was approaching his mid-70s. Even though his movements were deliberate and studied, he still cut an authoritative figure with the glittering stars on the epaulettes of a six-star naval dress uniform. The younger man with him only had three stars lined up on his own epaulettes, but anyone who saw him knew the kind of respect he commanded among Sarzonia's forces. The younger man spoke first.

"Hello, I'm General Mike Quinn of the Incorporated Sarzonian Army. To my left is Admiral of the Incorporated Navy Marcus Patinkin. We're here because we would like to help the Kahanistani military undertake the real reforms it needs. Admiral Patinkin?"

"If you'd prefer not to go the route of Kriegzimmer, I'm sure the Portland Iron Works and its affiliated Sarzonian companies would be willing to work with you on creating a package of products that could be to your benefit," Patinkin said. He straightened his shoulders and cast an even glance at General Kasagawa.

"However, we're here for more than just peddling my country's product designs. We believe the biggest change that needs to go into effect for Kahanistan has little to do with technology, although I'd be a liar if I said technology has nothing to do with modern combat. The biggest change that needs to happen is you need to completely overhaul your nation's strategies and tactics.

"Technology alone can only do so much for you," Patinkin continued. "The Incorporated Military was among the better-equipped in the world and it got its hats handed to them by Doomingsland in the Inkanan Civil War. I'm not going to mince words, the biggest difference between my country's abject failures in Inkana and its performance against Pantera was a basic fact that no amount of technology can overcome.

"To be perfectly honest, Sarzonia's troops weren't spectacular in that war, nor was the Navy or the Air Force. The biggest difference between our fighting in Inkana and the war against Pantera was the fact that we were fighting for something much more basic than preserving what we considered the legitimate government of Inkana. It was for much more than checking the influence of CAD. No, our men and women were fighting for their homes, their freedoms, their ways of life. Even more basic than that, they were fighting for their nation's honour. The fact that we stood toe to toe with a major world power and came away with a draw that some of our military analysts would consider a victory was a combination of factors, but one of them was dogged determination mixed with sound overall strategy."

General Quinn pulled out a pack with information and handed it to Kasagawa.

"Have a look at that," he said. "That's the H-18 Hurricane. It's the pride and joy of our helicopter fleet. Perfect for those missions you need an attack helicopter for."

H-18 'Hurricane' helicopter gunship (http://www.military.com/pics/SoldierTech_Mi-28-3.jpg)

Background With the poor performance of the Incorporated Sarzonian Army and the air wing of the Incorporated Sarzonian Naval Infantry in the Inkanan Civil War resonating in their minds, engineers at Windham & Green Defence Industries and the Avalon Aerospace Corporation set to work on adopting a new helicopter gunship to serve as the primary attack helicopter employed by the Incorporated Sarzonian Army. Using the successful Russian-built Mi-28 Havoc and American Apache helicopters as a base, the result of this development is the H-18 'Hurricane.'

Since Russian-derived systems have provided the basis for several Sarzonian weapons, the Avalon Aerospace Corporation chose the Havoc as the primary inspiration for the Hurricane, but also liked the survivability of the Apache and chose to adopt elements of that survivability into the design to create a truly dangerous attack helicopter.

Armament The 30 mm cannon found on the Mi-28 Havoc was given a face lift by the Incorporated Ordnance Company, which worked with Avalon and Windham & Green. Instead of the 30 mm cannon, a fast-firing 40 mm cannon was adopted to provide a much stronger punch against ground-based targets. Depending on role, the Hurricane can be armed with anti-tank missiles similar to the AT-6 Spiral or the SA-16 Gimlet. It can also carry a combination of weapons to serve as self-defence or as a multi-role attack helicopter. Deadly 80 mm unguided rockets also provide devastation.

Sensors/Electronics/Countermeasures Like the Mi-28N before it, the Hurricane comes with an integrated electronic combat system and night vision technology. It also makes good use of an AEGIS-similar system and GPS to allow it to track multiple targets and assign priority to targets based on several factors. The Hurricane also comes with flares and chaff to serve as a decoy mechanism to ward off attacks. The Hurricane comes with a millimetre-wave radar similar to Longbow that incorporates an integrated radar frequency interferometer for passive location and identification of radar emitting threats.

Survivability Some of the survivability features of the Apache were incorporated into the design of the Hurricane, while others were improved upon. One such improvement came when W&G adopted spectra fibre for use around key systems in lieu of the kevlar fibre which had been Sarzonian practice. Standard steel has been replaced with amorphous steel when possible to create an even stronger structure, while the frame has been hardened with titanium to provide greater protection against 12.7 mm rounds.

Specifications
Length: 17.2 m; Width: 4.95 m; Height: 3.91 m
Main Rotor Diameter: 17.4 m
Length with revolving rotors: 22.3 m
Weight: 10,900 kg normal; 12,100 m maximum
Maximum weight of consumable combat load: 1,810 kg
Weight empty: 8,020 kg
Power plant: Two Owens & Tucker VMA each providing 2,400 hp.
Maximum flight speed: 290 km/hr.
Cruise speed: 265 km/hr.
Hovering ceiling: 3,560 m
Service ceiling: 5,850 m
Range: 500 km normal takeoff; 1,200 km with drop tanks attached.
Price: $30 million

Quinn stood back at a respectful distance while he scanned Hasagawa's face for his reaction.

General Kasagawa scanned the document, nodded her head, and smiled. "These are indeed superior to the AH-64 Apache gunships we are currently using. Our priority for now is to develop an air defense system that can resist the forces of CAD, and to modernize our military."

Admiral Nazmareh spoke. "When Automagfreek and CAD invaded us, we were fighting for our homes, our freedoms, our way of life... we refused to surrender to CAD for our honor, but with AMF, the President surrendered to avoid a military defeat." She sounded bitter. "What do you have in mind for us?"

"I believe I can arrange for some of our more experienced military officers to mentor yours," Patinkin said. "General Quinn here has a list of army officers who can help everyone from your four stars to the guys in the trenches. I've got a few favours to call in among the Navy Command. I think our Air Force Chief can spare a few of our better air force commanders.

"You guys fight fiercely. I'll give you that," Patinkin smiled. Turning serious, he said, "As you may know, there's a distinct difference between working hard and working smart. By the time we're done with you, you'll be able to work smart and your guys will do a hell of a lot better in combat.

"The Doomies may be laughing now, but pretty soon they're not going to be doing much laughing," he said with a scowl forming over his face as he nearly spat out the word "Doomies."

Nazmareh smiled. She had nearly been killed by the CAD forces and was eager to wipe away their arrogance. "Your offer is acceptable. I look forward to working with your naval command. By the way, Portland Iron Works wouldn't happen to have air defense systems for export, would they?"

Major Fulton turned a page in her clipboard and jotted down the meat of the last few minutes of discussion.

Royal Holly-class CVN to succeed Nimitz?
Mobile coastal defenses needed, possible solution found at RSIN.
Air defenses needed to be able to stand up to conventional DEAD attacks.
Training from Sarzonian forces possible.
Avoiding Kriegzimmer a good idea?
MelekTaus providing nuclear-armed defense fleet?

"Greetings Sirs," smiled Paul David Nettleton to both Sarzonian military commanders, "I have heard many tales about your respective exploits in combat and leadership, and it is certainly an honor to meet the two of you here in person."

He offered his hand to the Sarzonian delegations sitting opposite him, then turned back to the Kriegzimmer topic discussion.

"I suggest what any smart diplomat would do: Convince the Supreme Soviet to fledge strong diplomatic ties with the Empire of the Golden Throne - this prevents the Doomingslandians or whatever hostile nations to Kahanistan that are allied to the Golden Throne from receiving Imperial aid, and Fedala (the Golden Throne's capitol) would act as a 'go-between', so to speak. And something tells us that Kriegzimmer's Absolute Capitalist policies are going to bring on their ultimate demise - after the War of Golden Succession ends, the Imperial government is going to do something about it, and you may as well have a Kriegzimmer factory in your country before Harbinger's corporation falls apart: the Imperial Government, which may nationalize the leftovers of Kriegzimmer Conglomerates after breaking down their monopoly, will still sell you their marvelous arms designs as with a factory in your nation, they will consider you a friendly."

"As for air defenses systems that are also of good quality - world-renown arms contractor giant DMG Military Industries, not too long ago, has released a replacement (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10242746&postcount=1645) to the Avenger Pedestal Mounted Stinger System (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/avenger.htm). With good, tactful coordination, it can create an almost impenetrable barrier. And my nation can help with your air defenses strategically."

Senator Crowley sighed. "I should probably have told you earlier... we have an embargo against DMG for their deplorable treatment (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10203930&postcount=1578) of newer nations. We no longer buy weapons from them, we haven't since our reconstruction from the Freekish invasion. But I am now more determined than ever to ensure that a working relationship with Kriegzimmer is established before the Second Empire realizes the folly of Absolute Capitalism."

"However, if either Kriegzimmer, or preferably Isselmere or one of its allies, Sarzonia or Praetonia, has a reliable air defense system... we would be willing to consider it. Our military decisions are constrained as much by politics as feasibility. We are willing to allow you to assist us strategically, as you have offered."

Crowley smiled sadly. "I'll talk to the Supreme Soviet about considering trade with Kriegzimmer, but I don't think they'll go along as long as the Second Empire is allied with Doomingsland. We don't have an official embargo, but the Supreme Soviet and the Ministry of Defense, for the most part, don't want to depend on a nation that could be an enemy tomorrow for arms."


The Emperor politely slipped into the conversation. "Unfortunatly, the Kriegzimmer is going to be closing down, and split up into multiple smaller arms companies, where the Kriegzimmer has factories, including within our own nation."


General Kasagawa nodded toward the MelekTaus leaders. "Thirty nuclear-armed warships would make a more than sufficient deterrent. Now," the Defense Minister continued, turning to the Southeast Asian delegation, "what other air defenses do you know of?"

"Understood, we can provide you with the following ships for both nuclear detterant and Defence" The Grand Admiral then took out a small notepad, and quickly scribbled down a note, before handing it to the general.

Proposed Imperial Kahanistan Defence Fleet Numbers

2 Argentine class Galleons (Anti Super Dreadnaught SD)
Capable of carrying up to 10,000 Marines, with 6 Hovercrafts to deploy
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9139231&postcount=295 Info here

6 Paramount class Air Defence Vessels
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9142148&postcount=299 Info here

5 Nuclear capable Kuznetsov class Aircraft Carriers
12 Joint Combat Aircraft V/STOVL (JCA); 12 F22 Raptors; 15 Sea King helos (Transport and ASW capabilities); 3 Ka-25 Hormone -B targetting helos; 2 Marine Regiments (Infantry), roughly 700 personel Inc. Officers; 1 Marine Battalion (Various Support staff), roughly 800 personel Inc. Officers.

5 Nuclear powered Imperator Class Battleship
4 Kasatka (Multirole) Helos

12 Nuclear powered, Nuclear capable Kirov class Battlecruisers
1 Ka-25 Hormone -B targetting helos; 2 Sea King ASW helos

2 Nimitz Class Nuclear Powered Aircraft Carriers
24 Grumman F-14A Tomcat; 24 JCA; 10 F-22 Raptors; 4 EA-6B Prowlers, 4 E-2C Hawkeyes; 9 Sea King helos (ASW capability); 12 F/A-18 Hornet

2 Moskva class Helicopter Cruisers
14 Sea King helos (ASW Capability only)

3 Slava class Cruisers
1 Ka-25 Hormone -B targetting helo

3 Audace clss destroyers
1 Sea King ASW Helo

9 Broadsword (Type 22) Class General Purpose Frigates
1 Sea King ASW Helo

3 Kara Class Guided-missile Cruisers
1 Ka-25 Hormone-A ASW Helo

3 Type 42 Class Guided-Missile Destroyers
One Sea King ASW Helo

[OOC: So, I take it that she's willing to establish relations with the Macabee Imperium (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/The_Macabees), Kahanistan?]

(OOC: She is, but whether or not the Supreme Soviet will go along with it, or whether the deal can be arranged before Kriegzimmer collapses, is another story altogether.)

"Fifty-five ships..." General Kasagawa looked over the note. "How many warships are there in the MelekTaus Navy?" She didn't want to weaken their defenses. "Also, will we be able to do business with these smaller corporations?"

[OOC: IIRC, The Macabees has stated that the role-play where Kriegzimmer Conglomerates begins it's ultimate downfall from globally renown profits and the world of corporate politics, Revelations (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=472201), is going to take a while. And only close observers of Kriegzimmer or those that have analyzed Absolute Capitalism can predict it's implosion.]

Lord Caracas eyed the arrival of the Sarzonian officials intently. He studied the two men as they entered the conversation, giving them a slow nod of acknowledgement. ‘Be mindful of what you say, Saroir,’ he said quietly to the women who still stood patiently beside him.

‘Do not be concerned, Senator,’ the General said dryly, returning his attention to the matter at hand, ‘there is nothing you can get from DMG that cannot be supplied in equal quality from somewhere else.’ Caracas made no attempt to hide how lowly he considered the “renown arms dealer”.

‘Given the current good relations between the Empire and Kahanistan, it is entirely possible that some of our older designs of air defence vehicles be made available to you. We still have a substantial quantity of them left in storage, and they are still in excellent condition.’

The Senator nodded. "If you provide us with the specifications for these vehicles, and the accompanying missiles, we will determine if they are acceptable. If they are, then I'll ask the Supreme Soviet to allocate funds for one final buying spree, and we can sell off our older designs and concentrate on developing military strategy."

The Kahanistanian commanders eyed General Caracas expectantly.

The General pulled out a data pad from his right trouser pocket and prodded at it for a few seconds.

‘There,’ he said a moment later, handing the device over to the Kahanistanian officials. ‘That is the specifications of the CS-12, which is similar in most respects to the CS-10 – the vehicle which we can provide you. The CS-10 is slightly smaller than this and only carries an eight cell launcher. Below it is the details of the medium range surface to air missiles it can be equipped with.’

‘The vehicle is designed for close air support of ground forces, but of course, with minor modifications it could be installed with larger launchers for longer range weapons.’


CS-12 ‘Arachnus’

Function: Combat Air Defence
Length: 7.9 m (25.62 ft)
Width: 3 m (9.72 ft)
Height: 3.6 m (11.68 ft)
Combat Weight: 21 tonnes
Ground Clearance: 0.5 m (1.62 ft)
Max Range: 660 km (400 miles)
Propulsion: 1 Lycome Augmented 2500 hp T-375 Gas Turbine
Speed: 61 km/h (road), 50 km/h (cross country)
Protection: Tiranaide Armour - 30 mm max
Main Armament: 12 cell AIM-163 Missile Launcher
Electronics: Under revision
Crew: 3
Upkeep: $12 Million per year

AIM-163 ‘Black Lance’

Function: Medium Range Surface to Air Missile
Date Deployed: October 2005
Power: 680 kg (1,497 lb) BF-107 Turbofan
Length: 3.6 m (11.68 ft)
Wingspan: 0.84 m (2.72 ft)
Diameter: 0.22 m (0.71 ft)
Launch Weight: 280 kg (617 lb)
Speed: Mach 5
Range: 50 km (31 miles)
Warhead: 40 kg High Explosive Fragmentation
Unit Cost: $361,000

‘As for funds, they are not required. These vehicles are surplus and will be donated to Kahanistan free of charge.’

The Neo Administration's public opinion on the Infinite Empire of Yallak was one of neutrality. In-private, they viewed the Infinite Empire as arrogant, intolerant and unpredictable, much similar to the Incorporated Sarzonian Government's view.

He said nothing when the Yallakian military officer made his comment, and maintained his amicable, polite impression. This is going to be interesting, he thought, with talented ISA Major-General Quinn here and one of the greatest naval commanders the world has ever had, Admiral Marcus Patinkin of the Incorporated Sarzonian Navy.

Crowley smiled. "A most generous offer. Just a few more questions, though. We aren't familiar with the properties of tiranaide, and how many units of this weapon will be available? We may still be forced to import other air defenses in addition to these."

President Valens turned to the Sarzonians and Southeast Asians. "Where do you procure your own air defenses? We would be interested in locating sources for advanced air defenses."

‘I am happy to answer any questions you have, Senator,’ replied the General, ‘Tiranaide is a nanofabricated alloy that is over ten times as hard as the highest quality steel and also twice as strong. There is no better metal on this earth and although quite heavy, its can be applied in much thinner layers to still give better protection than other armours. The metal will bend before breaking, giving a massive resistance to kinetic weapons and at the same time it is almost impervious to impact and heat damage (explosions).’

I can tell you nothing more in the present circumstances, he thought, gazing sideways to the Southeast Asian and Sarzonian representatives. ‘While entire brigades of these units were dismantled, there are still many thousand waiting their turn. I can only estimate, but I believe that number to be somewhere between twelve and fifteen thousand.’

(OOC: She is, but whether or not the Supreme Soviet will go along with it, or whether the deal can be arranged before Kriegzimmer collapses, is another story altogether.)

"Fifty-five ships..." General Kasagawa looked over the note. "How many warships are there in the MelekTaus Navy?" She didn't want to weaken their defenses. "Also, will we be able to do business with these smaller corporations?"

"We have 10 SDs in our navy, atleast 60 battle ships, or battlecruiser sized ships, and numerous cruisers, destroyers and frigates. That force there is barely 45% of just ONE combat fleet of ours, and we spend $17 trillion on defence. We have more than enough to spare to you.

As for the smaller corperations, you might be able to get the Kriegzimmer to establish a factory in your lands before it closes down, but if you're not quick enough, it won't happen. They've stopped shipping equipment, and instead the corperations will be producing the purchased products within the buying nation."

[OOC: Yallak, Nettleton wasn't thinking about the alloy you have, he was thinking about the Sarzonian-Yallakian argumentative dialogue which may or may not occur.]

"Exactly why there's been a lot more criticism of Neo going on about the cabinet being a cluster of hypocrites." Nettleton chimed with some annoyance in to the dialogue between the Kahanistanian Defense Minister and the Emperor of the Socialist Imperial State of MelekTaus. Nettleton did not notice the Yallakian delegation's momentary glance at him, and he did not care about their tiranaide alloy anyway, what he did care about was finishing the task at hand: helping the Kahanistanians reform their military.

"Kriegzimmer and it's ultimate downfall. We are trying to get a factory within our own nation before all the goodies are washed away." Nettleton then turned to the President of Kahanistan. "As for our air defenses, the Southeast Asian Army is remodernizing to more fit standards. We do use the Praetorian II Mobile Surface to Air Missile Battery, if that answers the question to an extent."

Patinkin glanced over at the General with an even expression until Quinn whispered that he was from Yallak. After a split second, he realised why that was notable and scowled.

So those arrogant bastards have made their presence felt Patinkin thought. He resisted the urge to go up to the general and "exchange pleasantries" with a representative of a nation Sarzonia viewed with anything but positive feelings. Quinn extended his left arm in front of Patinkin in a subtle gesture to keep him from losing his cool, but Patinkin decided he'd play tit-for-tat only if the Yallakian pressed his luck.

"Don't worry General," he whispered in his ear. "He's not worth the time of day." Quinn raised an eyebrow but decided to leave it at that.

"I believe you were asking about our anti-air defences," Patinkin said, returning his attention to General Kasagawa. "We have recently developed the Dragonfly long range AA missile and we continue to deploy the Hornet medium range SAM. Our Yellow Jacket extra short range AAM is one of our most popular systems ever," he said with justifiable pride. We also integrated that with the Millennium Gun 35 mm CIWS gun to create the Rattlesnake suite.

"However, we believe that a truly effective anti-missile defence begins with using missiles themselves, and that's where the Rolling Airframe Missile comes into play," he said. "If I remember correctly, PIW engineers were looking at improving the accuracy and reliability of that system to make it even more difficult for a missile attack to get through to its targets. General?"

Quinn nodded. "We're also developing mobile AAA guns to serve as a secondary defence against aircraft in the event that we're unable to get enough birds into the air to prevent the enemy from attaining air superiority. In addition to that, PIW developed the Rapid Anti Radar missile, which they've dubbed the RAR which combines some of the best attributes of the old HARM and ALARM systems; namely, it can either loiter until the enemy turns on its AA radar systems and go in for the kill or it can create an image of the location where the radar emissions originated and attack based on that information.

"Basically, that missile is designed to ensure a kill," Quinn said. "The ISAF's theory is that adding guidance and imaging systems to increase accuracy has a greater effect than pure speed. We want to make sure we get the hit on the enemy and when we get it, we want to make sure it counts."

Quinn waited for Kasagawa's reaction to the technology he and Patinkin were putting forward, deliberately paying no attention to either Yallakian. If they want an incident, let them start it, he thought. As far as I'm concerned, I'm willing to pretend they don't even exist.

Sounds superior to the Pwnage SEAD units. "This appears to be quite formidable, even superior to the weapons used against us by CAD. We were looking into active or semi-active radar homing missiles, anti-aircraft missiles that had their own radar in the missile itself," said General Kasagawa. "This would mean that our AA missile batteries need not emit radar signals and would therefore be virtually immune to standard anti-radiation missiles."

"Simply put," said President Valens, "the idea is that our AWACS detect enemy warplanes, then the pilots radio the air defense commanders to be on alert, and signal them to fire when the aircraft is in range. The batteries themselves need not broadcast radar signals. However, we are indeed interested in your SEAD systems."

"The article detailing the Praetorian II and the Praetorian P.746X variants are in the dossier my colleagues helped me bring along." Nettleton spoke to the President of Kahanistan, who had the dossier right next to him after he finished reading the articles detailing the Royal Holly-class CVN and the Royal Edmund-class CV. "Flip over one more page, and there you shall find the articles of the Kriegzimmer aerial defensive systems."

The President picked up the dossier and did as Nettleton told him. He would certainly be impressed by the Kriegzimmer designs.
Praetorian Part 1:
Praetorian II Mobile Surface to Air Missile Launcher

[Image: The image was drawn by myself, and colored by Ato-Sara.]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a338/Singaporean_Liberal/NationStates%20Modern%20Tech/609f7d7f.png

The Praetorian II was the response to the growing problems concerning the Praetorian mobile surface to air missile launcher, including the fact that the Praetorian V missiles sometimes jammed within the small tubes, and that regardless of the sold range, the missile didn't have that range, which was likely because the launchers were extremely small, constricting the original size of the missile. Furthermore, there were problems with the fact that the barrels of the Praetorian launcher could simply not stand the head of sustained fire from the missiles, cuasing them to be needing replacements after every two launching sequences. As a consequence, the Praetorian mobile launcher was just too expensive to keep in combat for sustained periods of time. Indeed, the cost of putting these into combat around Aurillac and Mosnoi Bor during the War of Golden Succession was immense, eclipsing the cost of operating the early aerial formations.

The Praetorian II, unlike the original design, is not a self powered vehicle, but instead relies on an Ebro Type 23 truck. The truck has a six hundred horse power engine with a two stick transmission designed to maximize par and minimize horsepower when in the context of acceleration, meaning the truck is designed to tow, not to move quickly. The first stick has five gears, which are directly controlled by the second stick with three groups, giving the truck a total of fifteen gears. The first group maximizes torque [par], while the second group is designed for more acceleration if there is a need, and the third group is for reverse. The steering application is done through hydraulics and the braking is done by wire, although the brake itself is divided into two, allowing the driver to apply the brake one tire, depending on the direction of the turn, consequently the truck can make wider turns.

Before the Praetorian launcher, the box guards the computer application which is the fire and control system, as well as the central nervous system for the Engagement Control Station. The computer also localizes a phased array radar, which works on multiple bandwidths, and is very difficult to jam. Indeed, the PAC-3 system's radar has been deemed one of the most difficult, and considering that the radar on the Praetorian is more advance than that on the PAC-3, it can be deducted that the Praetorian's radar is, indeed, very difficult to jam.

Praetorian II mostly work in packs, with a single command truck commanding up to one hundred batteries over a range of over one hundred kilometers. The command truck includes a Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, which houses and leads the information and coordination central, that controls air traffic locations during an air battle sending information to higher echelons and subordinate groups, Communications relay groups, antenna mast groups, Trailer mounted electric power units, and guided missile transporters.

The fire and control system present on the Praetorian II, dubbed 'Brass', is the new top notch of said systems, developed by General Dynamics (Canada) and expanded upon by the Empire's own engineers. It includes Multi-Role Sensor Suite, Multi-Sensor Integration, Integrated Sensor/TA Suite, Virtual Immersive, Environment (AVTB), Neuroholographic ATD/R, Immersive Visualization. Moreover, the new system has both a low altitude RADAR and LIDAR system which has capabilities of tracking and giving firing solutions for up to twenty different targets at up to four thousand meters for the LIDAR and up to eleven thousand meters for the RADAR (although, of course, a gun doesn't necessarily have the power nor the type of shell to reach that far, and of course, that doesn't mean that the area between you and the enemy tank if full of large rocks that can disrupt your shell and its vector). The LIDAR uses a gaussian transmitter, which is right now the most advanced LIDAR transmitter developed by the United States. Of course, this fire and control system also uses thermal imaging, and of course, infra-red imaging. The Praetorian II's computer also feeds transmissions from grounded, and larger, RADAR arrays, on land, air and sea, giving it wider and more accurate coverage.

The launcher can launch eight Praetorians within a time set of fifteen seconds. It can thus be reloaded within forty-five minutes, depending on the logistical capabilities of the nation using the equipment. To take the heat of multiple launch sequences the launcher is lined internally with a cap of RENE N6, a Nickel based aluminum superalloy which has been tested time and time again to have high heat resistivity and the additional resistance to hydrogen enviroment embrittlement, caused by high heat. The launcher must be maintained after every twenty launch sequences, but doesn't necessarilly have to be replaced.

The Praetorian missile, technically the Praetorian VI, has just reverted to the original name of merely the Praetorian surface to air missile. The missile has been changed to be exactly the same missile as used in fixed batteries in order to improve logistics capabilities of the Praetorian batteries, wether fixed or mobile. The missile uses a fully capable RAMjet, which works at lower altitudes than the SCRAMjet, but still uses a temporary rocket booster. The missile has the capability of hitting Mach 1.2 within ten seconds after launch, and Mach 2 after twenty seconds of launch. It's counter-thrust nozzle vectoring gives it superior manuevaribility. It's said the PAC-3 can out manuever any aircraft and most missiles; imagine the Praetorian.

The Praetorian II mobile launcher is to become the mainstay surface to air missile battery used within the Empire for at least the next thirty years, further improvements nonwithstanding. It's deemed a very large improvement over the past design, the Praetorian MSAM, and one of the best regarding international armaments.

Statistics:
Truck: Ebro Type 23 [Heavy Logistics]
Engine: 600 bhp biodiesel
Maximum Velocity: 60 kph
Range: 405 kilometers
Length: 13.5 meters
Width: 3.7 meters
Angle of Turn: seventy-six degrees
Sensor Systems:
Engagement Control Station
Headquarters and Headquarters Battery
Information and Coordination Central
Communications Relay Groups
Antenna Masts Groups
Trailer Mounted Electric Power Units
Missile Powerplant: Hydrogen enjection/RAMjet/Rocket Engine
Missile Range: 350 kilometers
Missile Length: 5.6 meters
Missile Weight: 376 kilograms
Warhead: 75 kilogram high explosive/CAPMES secondary warhead [disposable metalstorm canister]


Cost: 1.7 Million USD
[I]Praetorian Part 2
P.746.X Praetorian Surface to Air Missile and Variants
http://modernwarstudies.net/Lineart/praetorian.gif

P.746.A et P.746.B Surface to Air Missile
The P.746.A is a replacement to the Praetorian V which has seen a long life within the Empire's ground forces and naval forces. However, the armed forces dediced to pay for the release of a newer, cheaper, and more effecient surface to air missile, just known as the Praetorian. The administration also required five seperate variants, the P.746.A through the P.746.E. The project was finally granted to Golden Luftwaffe Industries (GLI) for a total of sixty billion USD, and throughout a period of two years, Dr. Ricardo Schumer and Dr. Karl Vectar, with their teams, have worked on the design, finally releasing it after a series of testing and such. The missile's certain differences from the obsolete Praetorian V include a more effecient two-state engine for the P.746.A, while the P.746.B uses a single stage engine for low altitude duties. Both missiles are also transonic.

Designation: P.746. A et P.746.B
Length: 6.3 Meters
Base Diameter: .8 Meters
Warhead: 70kg HE; enCAPsulated MetalStorm [CAPMES]
Propulsion [V. A]: Two-stage; solid rocket and ramjet
Propulsion [V. B]: Singe-stage; solid rocket
Maximum Range [V. A]: 550 kilometers
Maximum Range [V. B]: 130 kilometers
Maximum Altitude [V. A]: 27,000 meters
[color=red]Maximum Altitude [V. B]:[color] 11,000 meters
Maximum Velocity: Mach 3.7
Body:
Core of Phenolic Resin-Impregnated Aramid Paper Honeycomb Core Material
Inner Layer of Thymonel 8
Fins: 4 Delta Shaped Fins
Sensors and Electronics:
M3667 Arbit Computer Chip
Multi-band millimetric RADAR
Gyro RADAR Array
IR LIDAR Array
Inertial
Anti-Collision Sensor System

P.746.C et P.746.D Surface to Air Missile
The P.746.C variant is an anti-sattelite missile (ASAT), while the P.746.D is the newer ASAT design, the SLASAT, which is a submarine launched anti-sattelite missile. The principle difference between the P.746.C and the P.746.A is that the P.746.C has a body which cuts off in the middle, more or less, then constricts to allow for the different two-stage engine. This two-stage engine is comprised of a solid rocket fuel engine and a second-stage of a Versola motor. The P.746.C and P.746.D are officially supplements to the GPALS project, which has been the mainstay of the Empire's ABM system.

The P.746.D is exactly the same as the P.746.C, but on the outside looks much larger since it is encased within a sabot type design. The idea is that it needed to fit the Cartagena's and Cadiz' VLS tubes, consequently, the missile had to be made larger. To avoid the costs of completely redesigning the missile's body, the P.746.D used the encasement, which after launching and breakthing through the water, would tear apart, revealing the P.746.C. Recent testing has proved the missile to be dearly effective.

Designation: P.746. C et P.746.D
Length: 5.4 Meters
Base Diameter: .5 Meters
Warhead: 70kg HE hit-to-kill; enCAPsulated MetalStorm [CAPMES]
Propulsion [V. C]: Two-stage; solid rocket fuel engine and Versola motor
Propulsion [V. D]: Triple-stage; solid rocket fuel, the encasement breaks, solid rocket fuel, Versosal motor
Maximum Altitude : 730 Kilometers
Maximum Velocity: 24,000 Km/h
Body:
Core of Phenolic Resin-Impregnated Aramid Paper Honeycomb Core Material
Inner Layer of Thymonel 8
Fins: 4 Delta Shaped Fins
Sensors and Electronics:
M3667 Arbit Computer Chip
Multi-band millimetric RADAR
Gyro RADAR Array
IR LIDAR Array
Teal-blue array
Inertial


P.746.E HIBOLAAS
The P.746.E is a HIgh-G BOost Low Altitude Anti-Sattelite Missile (HIBOLAAS), designed to look much like the HIBEX missile. The P.746.E is designed to intercept inter-continental ballistic missiles at low altitudes, or in other words, as a last ditch attempt to stop an ICBM. With the successful testings of the HIBEX, it was decided to design one for the Empire itself, leading to this, and recent testing have underscored the chances for success. Nonetheless, again, the HIBOLAAS is always to be considered a final ditch defensive attempt, and is part of the multi-prong ABM system used by the Empire.

Designation: P.746. D
Length: 5.2 Meters
Base Diameter: .8 Meters
Warhead: 70kg HE; enCAPsulated MetalStorm [CAPMES]
Propulsion: Single-stage high thrust solid rocket fuel engine
Maximum Altitude : 7000 Meters
Maximum Velocity: 3 Km/s
Maximum Turn: 400G
Body:
Core of Phenolic Resin-Impregnated Aramid Paper Honeycomb Core Material
Inner Layer of Thymonel 8
Sensors and Electronics:
M3667 Arbit Computer Chip
Multi-band millimetric RADAR
Gyro RADAR Array
IR LIDAR Array
Inertial


P.746.F Ultra Long Range Surface to Air Missile
The P.746.F was released a couple of months after the P.746.A and B, offering a newer, longer ranged, missile for high altitude and quick response launches. The airframe and especially the engine of the missile is constructed out of a lightweight titanium-aluminum alloy, atomised for quick cooling so that the alloy would exhibit amorphous physical features, as opposed to crystalline, making it lighter and stronger. The engine uses a ducted ramjet engine, with a expendable rocket booster, giving it higher velocities and longer ranges. That said, most of the length of the missile is specialized towards fuel. The P.746.F is nominally launched out of fixed sites, while the launchers of the Praetorian II were lengthened to allow launch of the P.746.A. The P.746.B has remained a naval variant.

Designation: P.746.F
Length: 6.9 Meters
Base Diameter: .8 Meters
Warhead: 70kg HE; enCAPsulated MetalStorm [CAPMES]
Propulsion: Ducted RAMjet
Maximum Range: 850 kilometers
Maximum Altitude: 37,000 meters
Maximum Velocity: Mach 4.7
Body:
Atomized TiAl
Fins: 4 Delta Shaped Fins
Sensors and Electronics:
M3667 Arbit Computer Chip
Multi-band millimetric RADAR
Gyro RADAR Array
IR LIDAR Array
Inertial
Anti-Collision Sensor System

Nettleton and his aides analyzed the President' facial features for a response.

"A very good surface-to-air missile," said the President. "If the Supreme Soviet will agree to working with Kriegzimmer, we might be willing to import a quantity for testing, assuming they are not too expensive. The only difficulty I can foresee is that these trucks are very vulnerable to SEAD strikes, in a way that radarless launchers are not. Is it feasible to remove the radar from the launchers, and work with only the missiles' internal radar and AWACS for guiding the missiles to enemy aircraft?"

"I am glad that you are most impressed by the Praetorian II Mobile Surface to Air Missile Launcher and the P.746X Ballista Variants." smiled the Eurasian, "Even the Excessively Armed Empire itself was impressed, and purchased some Praetorian IIs for testing purposes (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9773293&postcount=3). Improvements can be made even to the best of the best."

"Now, for your questions on the RADAR and DEAD strikes. During the Southeast Asian testing of the Praetorian II, we found it a formidable countermeasure against aircraft - even without radar. However, with internal radar within the ballista, it isn't as effective, but good nevertheless. The P.746XA and P.746XB are very long range and highly difficult to shake off. However, I'm not sure about AWACs assisting the missiles, as Kriegzimmer never included them in the catalog or in the planning stages, but you can use AWACs to help the Praetorian II MSAML intercept aircraft."

"If they're good enough for AMF, they're good enough for the DSRK." General Kasagawa smiled. Clearly, the Kahanistanian officials at the table had been converted to the idea that doing business with Kriegzimmer was not such a bad idea. They hoped the Supreme Soviet would see things the same way.

"We have our own AWACS." Kasagawa looked at her watch. The Isselmere-Nielanders should have been here by now. "Well... shall we discuss our colleagues' critisms of our military tactics, until the Isselmere-Nielanders arrive?"

"If they're good enough for AMF, they're good enough for the DSRK." General Kasagawa smiled. Clearly, the Kahanistanian officials at the table had been converted to the idea that doing business with Kriegzimmer was not such a bad idea. They hoped the Supreme Soviet would see things the same way.

"We have our own AWACS." Kasagawa looked at her watch. The Isselmere-Nielanders should have been here by now. "Well... shall we discuss our colleagues' critisms of our military tactics, until the Isselmere-Nielanders arrive?"

"Tactics would be a good point of discussion..." The Grand Admiral stated. Blinking slowly, he then began. "What sort of naval tactics do you employ during, say, an offensive situation? Basically, what sort of vessels do you include in a typical battlegroup, and what would be your opening moves? Just so I know what sort of tactical level you're currently working at."

Nazmareh nodded. The commander of the Kahanistanian Navy was the person to talk to about naval tactics.

"In an offensive situation, where I'm sending a fleet of 100 warships, I'll probably have about 20 battleships, 40 destroyers, and 40 cruisers, with maybe the SD as a flagship, otherwise I'll use a battleship as a flagship, alongside a submarine escort of ten to twenty attack submarines. Standard procedure is to attack the enemy destroyers first with cruisers and missiles, if I have a few carriers, fighter-bombers such as the MiG-35 can take part, otherwise missiles and heavy guns do the rest. The idea is to let the submarines have unobstructed access to the enemy carriers, battleships, and superdreadnaughts."

Nazmareh nodded. The commander of the Kahanistanian Navy was the person to talk to about naval tactics.

"In an offensive situation, where I'm sending a fleet of 100 warships, I'll probably have about 20 battleships, 40 destroyers, and 40 cruisers, with maybe the SD as a flagship, otherwise I'll use a battleship as a flagship, alongside a submarine escort of ten to twenty attack submarines. Standard procedure is to attack the enemy destroyers first with cruisers and missiles, if I have a few carriers, fighter-bombers such as the MiG-35 can take part, otherwise missiles and heavy guns do the rest. The idea is to let the submarines have unobstructed access to the enemy carriers, battleships, and superdreadnaughts."

"I see you tend not to take into account enemy submarine warfare too much in your tactics. Spread out ASW units tend not to do an outstanding job, so instead, have you considered something like specialist ASW ships, and the like, to act as out flankers?

And also, enemy air activity could be a big problem. Once more, have you considered specialist Air Defence Vessels, much like our own Kiregzimemr purchased Paramount Air Defence Craft? Enemy SDs would also cause some problems, so guided missile ships with plenty of missile power, like the Kirov, can do well to overwhelm their anti-air defences. The Slava class is a good back up to that role as well. Overall though, the tactics appear sound, if a little simple and inflexible.."

"We generally use the Ticonderoga-class cruiser for defending against enemy air attacks, and our Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are more than capable of dealing with most kinds of submarine. These are guided missile destroyers, but they are effective in the anti-submarine and anti-aircraft roles. Also, our warships are all outfitted with the Aegis combat system for missile defense."

Nazmareh continued. "So, the answer is no, we haven't seriously sought out another air defense vessel. However, I'm sure that our new friends in Isselmere-Nieland will have one to sell us. The Aegis failed us seriously in the CAD conflict, but I think it had more to do with the superioriry of Pwnage naval technology than any flaws in the Aegis system itself."

"Exactly why I got the Isselmerian-Nielanders here - their internationally regarded excellence in ship-building, along with the fact that the Sarzonians are here, shall certainly get the Kahanistanian Republic Navy more up-to-standard. United States technology doesn't cut it anymore. They have the County-class air defense destroyer (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7151375&postcount=7), that could do the trick in anti-aircraft warfare. And the Ticonderoga-class cruiser in our fleet, is also getting the naval equivalent of the guillotine. While those Ticonderoga-class cruisers, along with other naval vessels that have played key roles in the War of Allegiance, will be preserved in a museum, the rest shall be scrapped or sent off as donations to smaller nations for military construction assistance. As for heavier Isselmerian-Nielander air defense vessels, they don't have one according to their catalog. You shall have Kahanistan Military Industries jointly design a heavier AAW ship after hammering out the partnership I brokered on the behalf of my nation."

[OOC: Kahanistan, this is a common war role-play habit by many NSers, and you are amongst those: logistics. If you include it in a role-play more often and make it well detailed, it will help a military rp greatly.]

Admiral Nazmareh listened to the Southeast Asian. The normally somber woman's face softened, and her dark eyes widened. "They would design a ship with us? We could certainly use one, this will be a major breakthrough in our defense. While we're at it, we can see if they would be willing to look over our entire navy, the Arleigh Burkes are showing their age."

"An arsenal ship would be good, too. It was Pwnage arsenal ships that decimated my fleet off the coast of Kahanistan. Upgraded CIWS and other missile defenses capable of dealing with seaskimmers and supercavitating torpedoes in addition to these will make us a force to be reckoned with."

"The Allied Union currently uses it's indiginous Fleet Air Defense Vessel to provide heavy air defense cover for it's naval assets against enemy missiles and aircraft. It's preformance in the Kraven theatre is a testament to it's raw power."

General Kasagawa nodded. "Not that the Kraven Air Force is particularly formidable, but your vessel is quite powerful, Commander. Is it available for export, and if so, do you have specifations available for it?"

She was eager to see something that could withstand heavy missile barrages.

The Commander set another 3d image in motion.

Generation II Fleet Air Defense Vessel


http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Quarters/2253/arsenal.jpg

The Fleet Air Defense Ship was devloped by the Naval Research and Development Board as an offshoot of the Quentin II Arsenal Ship employed by the Navy for anti-ship and anti-land operations. It is capable of holding up to 2,300 surface to air missiles, and mount five 5-inch CMSR cannons. A single FADV can intercept nearly 1,000 targets at once, and groups of them are extremely formidable. Each ship mounts extremely powerful RADAR arrays capable of reaching out nearly 600 miles, and IR sensors with ranges of nearly 300 miles. Grouped together, these ships can take on massive missile barrages and win. In addition to being able to intercept massed formations of aircraft and missiles, the FADV system is capable of firing ASAT munitions and a manner of ballistic missiles. In addition to it's primary missile and cannon armament, the ship mounts several dozen Needler PDSAM turrets, which are small, IR guided SAMs, and ten Ares series CICW guns.

(OOC: Pretend that I gave navally specs, ok? ;))

"This vessel could have seriously turned the tide of the CAD comflict," said the Admiral. "Unfortunately, I do not believe we would be able to either afford significant numbers of the vessel, nor arm them if we could. We are in the market for a much less expensive design, even if it is less powerful."

She shook her head sadly. "We hope that we can afford it or a similar design soon, before we face another war on our soil."

The Isselmere-Nielander representatives were late to arrive. "My most sincere apologies, ladies and gentlemen, for our late arrival," Edward Milne, Director of the UKIN Defence Procurement Agency Foreign Services Directorate, said, bowing his head deeply to each of the Kahanistan officials. "Your Excellencies, Admiral Nazmareh, General Kasagawa, I hope Isselmere-Nielander firms will be able to offer you certain of our wares, starting with the following." He presented each of the Kahanistan representatives with a catalogue of systems and services offered by the Royal Shipyards, Detmerian Aerospace, and Isselmere Motor Works products whilst a pair of subordinates set up a digital projector. "That catalogue covers just some of the systems we could offer you."

With the projector prepared, Milne began his presentation.
Wallace-class DDG (GP)
Displacement: 10,572t (deep)
Dimensions: length 167.5m (oa); beam 18.7m; draught 6.57m.
Propulsion: 2-shaft propulsors COGAG-IFEP; 4 gas turbines (IMW MTG-6); 128MW = 34+ kts.
Crew: 197 (+ vehicle crew, marines (40), staff (20))
Protection: (Main belt) 13cm; (Main turret): 13cm; (Main barbette): 13cm; (Main missile magazines): 7.62cm; (Hangar): 3cm; (Deck (key spaces)): 7.62cm; (CIC): 13cm; (Bulkheads): 5.08cm.
Compartmentalisation: 20 transverse and 2 longitudinal bulkheads.
Weapons:
AAW: 2 x GWLS.65 (f/a), 2 x GWLS.66M2 (p/s-a), 2 x GWLS.68 (p/s), 2 x NLC.30 (p/s)
ASuW: 4 x 6-cell GWLS.39 (p/s)
ASW: 2 x 3 324mm TT (p/s), 2 x GWLS.60 (p/s)
GP: 48-cell GWLS.35 (f), 64-cell GWLS.35 (a), 2 x 130mm guns (A; 1 x 2 AK-130-MR-184)
Vehicles:
Capable of deploying and recovering 2 Cormorant HM.1-sized helicopters, 2 (or more) Cuttlefish DSR.1, and 1 Auk DHM.1; equipped with the "beartrap" helicopter recovery system (DSR.1 launched from TT; two hangar doors, one helicopter landing spot).
Electronics suite:
Computer complex: MEI.5 Muninn/MEI.4 Mimir (ISOMS)
Threat management systems: MEQ.181 NAIADS (anti-air), MEQ.185 SELKIE (anti-torpedo), MMX.193 MITRE (target recognition)
Radars: MRU.113 Huginn/MRU.110c Raven (multifunction), MRS.118 Kafka/MRS.111c Jackdaw (air volume search), MRN.116 Beluga (navigation), MRS.164 Hofvarpnir (surface search), 2 x MRG.182 Balmung (gunnery fire control)
Optronics: MPU.124 Adder (long range search and tracking), MPS.127 Owl (surface surveillance)
Combination radar/optronics: MMP.133 Tuesday (helicopter landing system), 4 x MMG.183 Gjallar (close range fire control)
Sonars: MQU.134 Fenris (keel-mounted, LF), MQS.145 Herring (variable depth)
ECM/ESM: MLR.165 (radar/signals emissions receiver and direction finder), MLQ.177 (jammer), MLR.184 Nott (laser warning receiver and direction finder), MWD.199 (signals direction finder)
Communications: CSZ.17b Godi (Link 17.2; secure datalink), MUZ.121 Alvis (secure satellite communications system), MSP.123b Gna (Link 17.2D; secure drone control datalink), MSW.125b Ran (Link 17.2G; secure missile guidance datalink), 2 x GQZ.128b Dvalin (Link 17.2U; encrypted acoustic modem), MWZ.178 (secure communications system), MJZ.190 (laser communications transceiver), GSZ.196M (encrypted burst communications transceiver).
Countermeasures: 4 x MLQ.135 Mackerel (anti-torpedo), 4 x 16-cell MLE.140 MUSE (anti-missile).
Cost: $1,100 million USD

"The Wallace-class is a general purpose destroyer capable of performing both anti-submarine and air defence missions, with ample three-level protection against air threats: medium range with the GWS.57 Erne SAM, intermediate range with the GWS.74M Grand Kestrel, up to very short range intercepts with the GWS.66 Lark and 35mm autocannon complexes. Tied in with the NAIAD fleet air defence command and control network, this system can cooperate and allow the fleet to prioritise and destroy targets, minimising the wasteful expenditure of duplicating or sometimes triplicating responses to incoming threats. The gas turbine engines can be converted to running on biodiesel fuel, if necessary.

"The next vessel we offer is the Duchy-class heavy cruiser which was constructed for the express purpose of countering missile barrages with a counter-barrage of its own without the undo specialisation demanded of arsenal ships."

Duchy-class CAG (http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/horizon/images/Type45_2.jpg)
Displacement: 20,252 t
Dimensions: length 208.4m (wl), 213.5m (oa); beam 20.4m; draught 7.2 m
Propulsion: 3-shaft COGAG-IFEP with bow thruster; 5 gas turbines (IMW MTG-6); 160MW = 34.3 kts.
Crew: (standard): 242; may carry up to 400
Protection: (Main belt): 33 cm; (Main turrets): 25.4 cm; (Main barbettes): 33 cm; (Main missile magazines): 25.4 cm; (Hangar): 12.7 cm; (Deck (key spaces)): 25.4 cm; (CIC): 23 cm; (Bulkheads): 5.08 cm.
Compartmentalisation: double-hulled, reinforced keel, with 20 transverse and 2 longitudinal bulkheads.
Weapons:
AAW: 2 x GWLS.65 (f/a), 4 x GWLS.68 (p/s), 35mm CIWS (f), 4 x MLG-27
ASuW: 2 x 203mm guns (A and Y; RAIN), 4 x GWLS.39 (p/s)
ASW: 2 x 3 324mm TT (p/s; LWT), 4 x 6-cell GWLS.60 (f/a, p/s).
GP: 2 x 96-cell GWLS.35 (f/a), 64-cell GWLS.35 (a).
Aircraft:
Capable of deploying and recovering 2 Merlin HM.1-sized helicopters, and up to 3 Rook DRA.1 UMAVs or 1 Tern DA.1 and 1 Rook DRA.1; equipped with the "beartrap" helicopter recovery system.
Electronics suite:
Computer complex: MEI.5 Muninn/MEI.4 Mimir (ISOMS)
Threat management systems: MEQ.181 NAIADS (anti-air), MEQ.185 SELKIE (anti-torpedo), MMX.193 MITRE (target recognition), MDQ.261 (signature self-detection)
Radars: MRU.13 Huginn/MRU.110c Raven (multifunction), MRS.118 Kafka/MRS.111c Jackdaw (air volume search), MRN.116 Beluga (navigation), MRS.164 Hofvarpnir (surface search), 2 x MRG.182 Balmung (gunnery fire control)
Optronics: MPU.124 Adder (long range multifunction), MPS.127 Owl (surface surveillance)
Combination radar/optronics: MMP.33 Tuesday (helicopter landing system), 4 x MMG.183 Gjallar (close-range fire direction)
Sonars: MQU.134 Fenris (keel-mounted, MF/LF), MQR.145 Herring (variable depth)
ECM/ESM: MLR.165 (radar/signals emissions receiver and direction finder), MLQ.177 (jammer), MLR.184 Nott (laser warning receiver and direction finder), MWD.199 (signals direction finder)
Communications: CSZ.17b Godi (Link 17.2; secure datalink), MUZ.121 Alvis (secure satellite communications system), MSP.123b Gna (Link 17.2D; secure drone control datalink), MSW.125b Ran (Link 17.2G; secure missile guidance datalink), 4 x GQZ.128b Dvalin (Link 17.2U; encrypted acoustic modem), MWZ.178 (secure communications system), MJZ.190 (laser communications transceiver), GSZ.196M (encrypted burst communications transceiver).
Countermeasures: 4 x MLQ.135 Mackerel (anti-torpedo), 5 x 16-cell MLE.140 MUSE (anti-missile).
Cost: $1,800 million USD

"Both vessels have extensive countermeasures suites against incoming threats that might have bypassed the air defence systems.

"Since Your Excellencies are also looking for a fleet carrier, I gladly offer you the Royal Holly-class. Needless to say, the class names are simply those under which the ships sail within Royal Navy service and may be changed to suit local preferences."

Royal Holly-class CVN (http://www.nn.northropgrumman.com/news/2003/CVN21_Contract/DCS03-41.JPG)
Displacement: 110,800 t (full load)
Dimensions: length 317.3 m (wl), 334 m (oa); beam 40.8 m (wl), 77 m (oa); draught 11.9 m.
Propulsion: 4-shafts CONAG-IFEP; 2 pressurised water fission reactors (INNEC RA(PW)-6) and 2 gas turbines (IMW MTG-6), with 2 auxiliary diesel generators (IMW MED-31); 350 MW + 86 MW = 32.7+ kts.
Crew: 1,800 crew + aircrew; capable of accommodating 6,000.
Flight deck: deck angled at 10.5-degrees
Elevators: 4 deck edge (1-p, 3-s) rated at 70 t.
Catapults: 4; low-emission EMALS (2 on p-sponson, 2-f)
Arrestor wires: four; low-emission EARS
Protection: (Main belt): 15.5 cm; (Magazines): 13 cm; (Flight deck): 50.8 cm; (Engineering, additional): 13 cm.
Weapons:
AAW: 4 x 24-cell GWLS.33 (f/a, p/s), 2 x GWLS.65 (f/a of island), 6 x GWLS.68 (f/a, p/s, p/s-am.), 12 x MLG-27 (p/s)
ASW: 4 x 6-cell GWLS.60 (p/s)
Aircraft (not included in price):
Can operate 86-88 crewed aircraft, or more in emergency situations.
RINN practice: 24 Spectre FA.1, 36 Spectre FA.2, 12 Banshee ADS.1, 4 Wraith EF.1, 4 Heimdall AEW.1, 2 Gannet C.1, 10 Cormorant HM.1.
Other vehicles (not included in price):
20 Cuttlefish DSR.1A, 12 Canary DMNC.1, 30 Dodo DMU.1
Electronics suite:
Computer complex: MEI.5 Muninn/MEI.4 Mimir (ISOMS)
Threat management systems: MEQ.181 NAIADS (air threats), MEQ.185 SELKIE (anti-torpedo), MMX.193 MITRE (target recognition), MDQ.261 (signature self-detection)
Radars: MRU.113 Huginn/MRU.110c Raven (multifunction), MRS.118 Kafka/MRS.111c Jackdaw (air volume search), MRN.116 Beluga (navigation), MRS.164 Hofvarpnir (surface search), MRP.204 Wednesday (air traffic control)
Optronics: MPU.124 Adder (long range search and tracking), MPS.127 Owl (surface surveillance)
Combination radar/optronics: MMP.131 Friday (automatic carrier landing system), 6 x MMG.183 Gjallar (close-range fire direction)
Sonar: MQU.134 Fenris (keel-mounted, MF/LF)
ECM/ESM: MLR.165 (radar/signals emissions receiver and direction finder), MLQ.177 (jammer), MLR.184 Nott (laser warning receiver and direction finder), MWD.199 (signals receiver and direction finder)
Communications: CSZ.17b Godi (Link 17.2; secure command datalink protocol), MUZ.121 Alvis (secure satellite communications system), 6 x MSP.123b Gna (Link 17.2D; secure drone control datalink), 4 x GQZ.128b Dvalin (Link 17.2U; encrypted acoustic modem), MWZ.178 (secure communications system), MJZ.190 (laser communications transceiver), GSZ.196M (encrypted burst communications transceiver).
Countermeasures: 6 x MLQ.135 Mackerel (anti-torpedo), 8 x 16-cell MLE.140 MUSE (anti-missile).
Cost: $7,850 million USD

"Again, air defences -- apart from the aircraft it may carry -- and countermeasures have not been forgotten, permitting the carrier to repel attacks upon it or its battle group.

"The Royal Shipyards has considered requests by your government and that of Southeast Asia to establish a satellite yard within Kahanistan. Whilst His Majesty's Government does have certain concerns, the Parliamentary Foreign Arms Sales Commission is not adverse to the idea and will permit the establishment of a satellite yard within Kahanistan territory. At the present time, all orders for warships will have to be processed through the main office -- excluding coastal patrol vessels -- but that situation may be remedied in due course.

"I would also like to offer Your Excellencies the Sparrow HA.1 attack helicopter as an example of what Detmerian Aerospace can do."
(OOC: can only provide basic specs. at the moment)
Sparrow attack helicopter
Characteristics
Crew: 2; pilot, weapons systems operator (WSO)
Rotors: Pennyfarthing-fenestron; Main rotor: diameter: 14.67m, blades: 5; Tail rotor (fenestron): blades: 8.
Fuselage: Length: 15.82m; width: 5.12m; height: 4.26 (with “Crossbow” radar)
Powerplant: 2 x Isselmere Motor Works ATG-12 (1582 kW (2,120.64 shp) take-off rating, 1450 kW (1,943.7 shp) maximum continuous operation rating), 1780 kW (2,386 shp) emergency rating
Mass: Empty: 6,438 kg; Clean take-off: 8,243.12 kg; Standard take-off: 9,719.1 kg; Maximum take-off: 10,103.1 kg
Performance:
Speed: 370 km/h (clean max.), 328 km/h (armed max.), 272 km/h (cruise, standard), 86 km/h (reverse)
Range: 740+ km (internal fuel)
Endurance: 3 hours, 5 minutes (mission, with 10% reserve); 3 hours, 45 minutes (max.)
Hover out of ground effect (max.): 3,800 m
Service ceiling: 5,800 m
Climb rate: 16.2 m/s (max.), 8.4 m/s (max. vertical).
Internal weapons: Turret-mounted RINO 30mm (30 x 173) autocannon with 600 rounds (0.36 kg shell, either HE-I or AP rounds)
Hardpoints/Stations: 6; 4 wing hardpoints (575 kg each), 4 wingtip hardpoints (150 kg each)
Standard weapons loadout: 16 x GWS.80A Ostrich; 4 x GWS.66A Lark
Payload: maximum (max. internal fuel, take-off): 1,800 kg
Fuel fraction: 0.25 (internal; 1,545.12 kg)
Acceleration loadings: maximum: +3.54g to -0.52g
Electronics
Computer system: AEI.7
Threat management system: AMX.258 (identification friend or foe interrogation/response); AEG.259 (fire control system); AEQ.266 (threat collation system)
Radar: ARS.281 Arquebus (millimetric LPI search and tracking radar; atop mast)
Optronics: AAU.274 Cockerel (pilot’s day/night sight); APU.279 Blue Heeler (gunsight; laser designator/range finder (AJG.276), imaging infrared (IIR) camera (AAS.277), and low light camera (AVS.278); nose)
Communications: ASP.239 (drone control system); ASZ.246 (secure datalink; may interface with GWZ.129b Brono datalink); AWZ.251 (secure radio)
Navigation: ARN.238 (radar altimeter); AKN.268 (global positioning system); AJN.271 (laser inertial navigation system)
Countermeasures:
ALE.209 (chaff and flare dispenser); ALQ.227 (radar/signals countermeasures); AAR.239 (missile plume detector); ALR.241 (radar warning receiver system); AJR.243 (laser warning receiver and direction finder system); AAQ.245 (infrared countermeasures (IRCM) “turret”)
Cost: $26 million

"Detmerian Aerospace does, of course, offer several more helicopters and other aircraft, as well."

[Thus ends part one...]

Admiral Nazmareh looked over the documents. She would have preferred all-nuclear powered ships for offensive operations, as logistics could be threatened if ships needed to receive fuel shipments from home. We can sell off at least some of our tankers.

"These vessels are far superior to the United States, British, and Russian warships we have historically used..." she started. "I assume that the warships can be modified to suit our needs, for example, placing nuclear engines in the heavy cruisers? We are trying to reduce our logistical needs, tankers are uncomfortably vulnerable in an era where even our warships have difficulty surviving." The delegation would notice she still had difficulty moving her right arm, an injury from the Pwnage conflict.

Turning to the Southeast Asian, she explained. "We were interested in biodiesel as a possibility for our coastal defense vessels, which are too small for a nuclear reactor and close enough to home that they wouldn't need a tanker."

"By the way," said Senator Crowley, "Mr. Nettleton suggested that we jointly design a heavier AAW vessel, and arrange a partnership between Kahanistan Military Industries and the RSIN. Perhaps this vessel could be modeled on the Duchy and equipped with two nuclear reactors, and possibly a backup nuclear reactor?"

OOC: I figured as much, SEA.

"These vessels are far superior to the United States, British, and Russian warships we have historically used..." she started. "I assume that the warships can be modified to suit our needs, for example, placing nuclear engines in the heavy cruisers? We are trying to reduce our logistical needs, tankers are uncomfortably vulnerable in an era where even our warships have difficulty surviving." The delegation would notice she still had difficulty moving her right arm, an injury from the Pwnage conflict.

'The Empire could make such refits, should Isselmere be unable to accommodate you,' interjected the General. 'We could also make the same modifications to all of your existing vessels that are frigate size or larger. Tankers are an unwanted asset when in battle and your fleet will be easily more mobile once you have rid yourselves of their need.'

Patinkin snorted in disbelief.

"Farbeit for me to contradict this gentleman from Yallak," he began in a tone that clearly showed he was more than willing to contradict him. Especially if it would make an arrogant Yallakian look like a fool. "But tankers fill an essential role in a fleet. You can't launch air strikes if you don't have fuel for the aircraft.

"I know tankers present an attractive target to a would-be enemy, but if you improve your escorts and you maintain regular combat air patrols, you should be able to detect and eliminate threats early on. You also have to remember one other key fact: The enemy has logistics that you can and should take out just as readily."

‘Granted,’ replied Caracas, un-phased by the Sarzonian’s scornfulness, ‘that is one reason to keep them around, though it is far more efficient to have such necessities contained onboard the carrier itself.’

‘If a would-be enemy is vigilant enough, they would be able to employ similar strategies to your own and prevent any swift and decisive attacks, especially against their supplies. Therefore, if your enemy possesses tankers and you do not, an immediate advantage is gained in the battle.’

Nazmareh smiled. She was taking a liking to the Yallakian general's wisdom. In fact, the Kahanistanian Navy had carried fuel aboard the aircraft carriers for just that reason, but historically needed tankers to fuel the Arleigh Burke and Ticonderoga class warships in its service. Now the need for supplies at sea would be restricted to such items as food and ammunition. Even the RKS Chuck Norris could only hold so many MRE's.

This is bad. thought Nettleton, maintaining his calm and positive outlook as he remembered the tourist information guide-book he read to the United Kingdom of Isselmere-Nieland.
Since 1986, the UKIN consists of four autonomous regions (regions, Anguistian úlaeð, Nielander svæði): Anguist, Detmere, Isselmere, and Nieland. Do not refer to the UKIN as Isselmere even within Isselmere, for there one is likely to receive a long lecture about the United Kingdom’s history. Elsewhere, one might receive a punch in the mouth.
I hope that they ignore this man's comment and not start an international incident....

[OOC: We're only like that at home, Southeast Asia :)]

"I must agree with the honoured Sarzonian admiral, sir," Milne added. "An aircraft carrier can only contain so much fuel and modern aircraft -- both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft built by any nation -- are thirsty beasts that demand frequent resupply. Also, one needs to figure in ammunition for the vessels and aircraft, food, and other vital necessities, else one's fleet would not be able to leave one's bases.

"Should neither you nor your enemy possess tankers, neither you nor your enemy would be able to detect one another's approach until much later because one's air cover would be absent. Admittedly, aircraft carriers can contain vast quantities of fuel, but many present-day aircraft have fuel demands in the thousands of litres -- not something that can be maintained continuously without additional support. And the bunkerage for and ordnance demands of the escort's aircraft has to be considered as well -- given that those vessels' potential to resupply their own aircraft is quite limited. Tankers and other auxilliary vessels will remain an important part of naval warfare for many years to come.

"If the auxiliary vessels are placed within the battle group, missiles would have a difficult time differentiating between warships and most missiles are designed to attack either the largest signal return or the strongest emitter, as the case might be. The auxiliaries thus benefit from tight protection, all the countermeasures and counter-air capabilities of their escorts, and are able to perform their job.

"As for a joint nuclear-powered air defence warship design with Kahanistan, I would recommend a single, heavily protected nuclear reactor, as the Royal Shipyards has in its Castle- and Morrigan-classes [OOC: 175MW pressurised water reactor] with two auxiliary diesel engines. All-nuclear propulsion would present other logistical difficulties, and so many nuclear reactors is an invitation to disaster should one of the vessels be sunk. I can well-understand Your Excellencies interest in having a fully-capable, fully-mobile fleet in the very near future, but all nuclear-propulsion in such a vessel might make it unattractively expensive. Refitting the present Duchy-class design with a 175MW reactor instead of the gas turbines and retaining whilst its two auxiliary diesel engines is certainly possible, but would bring the cost of such a vessel into the $2000 million range."

"I must agree with the honoured Sarzonian admiral, sir," Milne added. "An aircraft carrier can only contain so much fuel and modern aircraft -- both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft built by any nation -- are thirsty beasts that demand frequent resupply. Also, one needs to figure in ammunition for the vessels and aircraft, food, and other vital necessities, else one's fleet would not be able to leave one's bases.”

‘So much fuel should be easily sufficient for at least many days of non-stop operations,’ replied General Caracas, ‘though inefficient designs in aircraft may change that prediction dramatically. Then one must take into account the configuration of the carrier itself. For instance, a carrier with no offensive weaponry will have all the more room for fuel.’

And the bunkerage for and ordnance demands of the escort's aircraft has to be considered as well -- given that those vessels' potential to resupply their own aircraft is quite limited. Tankers and other auxilliary vessels will remain an important part of naval warfare for many years to come.

‘Should the escort be unable to provide for their own aircraft then the use of tankers is justly warranted. Forgive me for over looking that, Imperial Navy warships do not carry aircraft of their own.’

‘I do not underestimate the value of auxiliary vessels and the need for any fleet to contain them,’ he continued, ‘but I’m sure you will agree that by decreasing the number of such ships needed makes them easier to defend and allows a fleet to be far more effective in combat.

Either they were being tactful, or I really need to check my facts again, Nettleton thought, immediately going onto to the Yallakian commander's statement.

"Erm," said the confused Eurasian, "excuse me? Offensive weaponry on an aircraft carrier? Don't you mean defensive weaponry, because an aircraft carrier's offensive power comes from the aircraft from her very flight decks. Assuming that you got your words mixed up, and that you meant defensive weaponry on an aircraft carrier removed for more fuel and other space for logistics, how would it intercept projectiles fired onto it or counter torpedoes? However, I will agree with you General Caracas that it does save time, inconvenience and money to make space to carry some of the replenishment goods along with you."

Nettleton then turned to Edward Milne, the Director of the UKIN Defence Procurement Agency. "His Isselmerian and Nielander Majesty's Government need not be worried of malicious intent, it was simply an oppurtunity for your naval shipyards to make up the losses in Andvari. And many cabinet members believe, myself included, that the Democratic Soviet Republic's new leadership, regardless of his differences in the cabinet's political ideology, will be more tactful a diplomat. We have strong confidence that the Kahanistanian people will likely be under peace for the most of the years, if not all years, under his Presidency, especially given the fact that he understands both the military and overall politics very well."

"We have little experience in warship design, hence our reliance on foreign imports," said Admiral Nazmareh. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but an all-nuclear fleet would reduce logistical difficulties, not add to them. Anyway, on to the development of a new ship. What we are looking for is a general purpose heavy destroyer, one that serves well in an escort, anti-air, anti-submarine, or coastal defense capacity. Of course, it would require a nuclear engine, and we will keep some tankers on hand in case we need them, but we do hope to reduce our logistical burden."

She passed a file to the allied officers. "Specifications for the destroyer we hope to design, which we were planning to construct with the aid of UKIN shipwrights and engineers. Of course, we might alter the specifications if advised, but we do not wish to compromise the defensive capabilities of the warship."

Type: General-purpose heavy destroyer
Displacement: 15,000 tons
Length: 200 meters
Beam: 25 meters
Draught: 10 meters
Speed: 40 knots
Propulsion: Two D2G nuclear reactors
Crew: 30 officers, 470 crew
Armament: Four 210mm cannons, three Phalanx CIWS (Block 1B configuration), 10 SA-N-6 Grumble SAM VLS, one Shkval 2 supercavitating torpedo launcher, two vertical-launch anti-submarine rocket launchers
Radar: 2 x SPY-1B phased array multifunction
Sonar: SQS-53C as found on older Tico cruisers
Electronic warfare: SLO-32(V)3 intercept / jammer, SLQ-25A Nixie torpedo countermeasure

OOC: Was the article passed toward the Isselmerian-Nielanders or held up to everyone in general?

"Erm," said the confused Eurasian, "excuse me? Offensive weaponry on an aircraft carrier? Don't you mean defensive weaponry, because an aircraft carrier's offensive power comes from the aircraft from her very flight decks.

‘No, I did mean offensive weaponry,’ responded Caracas casually. ‘Though I concur that an aircraft carriers power is no doubt its aircraft, I have seen several carrier designs which employ an array of offensive weaponry.’

(Copies were passed to everyone.)

The President continued the discussion. "Of course, as the Admiral said, we would be willing to accept suggestions on how to improve the design from engineers who have more expertise than we do in shipbuilding. What is your assessment of the vessel?"

OOC: I'm going to have to pull out of this RP due to pressingmmatters both in other RPs, as well as in real life. The Defence Fleet and Alliance Offers still stand Kahanistan, so Telegram me or something should you choose to accept. If war does break out after the allaince agreements or what ever, send me a message when I'm online on either AIM: MelekTausdav Yahoo: MelekTausdav or MSN: warsmithdave@msn.com and I'll jump into the topic to assist.

IC: The officer from the Imperial Marines whispered into the Emperor's ear briefly. Staring at the man with a look of bewilderment, the middle aged Military Royal slowly turned to all of the delegates, bowing to each of them. "My apollogise, to all of you, however a very pressing matter has come to my attention. This has been a most informative meeting, and I bid you all welcome to come to the Socialist Imperial State of MelekTaus to continue diplomatic discussions. Mr President of Kahanistan, my offer of Aliance and the Defence Fleet still stands firm. For now, I must bid you all adue. Ave Satanas, and good health."

Bowing once more, the Emperor, his Grand Admiral, and the three bodyguard officers then left the conference with an apperance of a polite hurriedness. Something was definatly up...

"I see." nodded Nettleton as he maintained his amicable appearance, "I shall check my facts again." Then he and his aides waved the delegations of the Socialist Imperial State, then gave the article what it's purpose was to do: detail information.

Well, how should I say this to the Admiral, he thought. For a few seconds, he contemplated this. Then he spoke.

"Well, good first attempt at making a warship, tell your colleagues at KMI that I said that for myself. However, after looking at the RSIN's profile of their Wallace-class general purpose destroyer, I suggest that you use the Wallace-class and refit it with a nuclear engine."

Admiral Nazmareh's eyes looked into those of the Southeast Asian Defense Minister as she listened intently. I see... but we're not here to push one design over another. If the Wallace is superior, we'll use it, and look for improvements to our own design.

"Very well, we'll probably delay production and attempt to acquire production rights to the Wallace-class destroyer, Duchy-class cruiser, and Royal Holly-class carrier. How much do the production rights for these three classes sell for? Also, do you have submarines that you believe would interest us, or are our own Ohio, Seawolf, and Victoria classes still adequate?"

"We are looking for quiet hunter-killer submarines, and ballistic missile submarines. As diesel submarines are quieter, we might use some, but we also would use nuclear submarines in operations where stealth is not a factor."

[OOC: My Minister of Defense wasn't implying in his thought that the ship you made was a poor design, he was simply trying to find the right words for an okay-to-good first attempt at designing a ship.]

"As I proposed in a communique to Kasagawa's predeccessor and current President of your nation, the partnership will enable you to gain access to to the domestic production rights of certain Isselmerian-Nielander designs amongst several other benefits for your country. Like more experience in constructing warships."

After speaking politely to the Admiral, the Eurasian politician turned to Edward Milne to ask him a question. "Director Milne, do you have a copy of the Partnership Contract at the RSIN?"

As Lord Caracas stood reading the specifications for the proposed Kahanistan destroyer, a quiet beeping from his waist alerted him to an incoming communication.

‘Excuse me for a moment,’ he said pulling the small black device from his belt and taking several steps away from the group. Although he spoke quietly, anyone paying the slightest attention may have been able to hear the conversation.

OOC: You can’t hear the italics
‘Lord Herusen. Is this important?’
It won’t take long – two things. Firstly the weapons test proceeded as scheduled today.
‘And?’
A complete success.
‘So the DMG dreadnought was annihilated?’
Lets just say there not a lot of it left for anyone to salvage.
‘Excellent. And secondly?’
Ah yes. I am sending you some data now in regards to Kahanistan.
‘Understood. Is that all?’
Indeed. Herusen out.

A moment later, the device beeped again and Caracas flipped open a display screen and read through the information appearing on the screen. After a few seconds, he flicked it shut and placing it back on his belt, returned to the nearby group of foreign officials.

‘Admiral Nazmareh,’ said the General, ‘I have just received the official figures regarding our military surplus and the amount of funding we can provide you in the military grant. Forget what I said before, the Empire will finance all of your naval purchases and upgrades.’

Nazmareh nodded. "What size fleet would you recommend? I was considering a fleet of perhaps 1,000 warships, radical enlargement of our shipyards, and perhaps 600 troop transports and 200 supply vessels. The supply vessel numbers would be low because we can store large numbers of packaged MRE's aboard the warships themselves, and relatively few of our ships will need fuel."

"Of course, we'd probably only have two to five superdreadnaughts, and maybe one to two hundred ships larger than destroyers, most of our ships would be much smaller... maybe 100 or so stealth corvettes and a few frigates for general-purpose coastal defense, and about 700 destroyers, a mix of our own and UKIN's designs. After the last battle, we decided having a lot of big ships just tells the enemy where to shoot."

"One thousand warships are relatively a reasonable fiscal burden for your nation. I suggest you don't spend on more Super Dreadnaughts or go above one thousand vessels, especially since it is the weakest area in your military and it isn't as versed as your new Isselmerian-Nielander friends or the Incorporated Sarzonian Navy.

"Wise decision on large boats - especially logistics vessels. Smaller replenishment ships often have a better chance of survivability and it's better to have five small supply boats carrying the same amount of replenishment needs as a big supply vessel and the five boats making it to destination than losing a lot of supplies from one large supply ship because of it's greater size and greater target profile. Of course, the bigger supply vessel would have to be escorted to reduce it's chances of ending up at the seabed. However, I feel that only 200 replenishment vessels will not be sufficient for your navy, and I suggest that you increase the amount."

"I think 200 supply ships (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_combat_support_ship) will be more than adequate," replied the Admiral. "We are unlikely to deploy a fleet larger than 300 warships at any given time, and when not deployed our ships will simply supply in port."

"Increasing the number of supply vessels will only make our logistical profile larger and more vulnerable," she finished.

"When you have to deploy a fleet that consists of more than three hundred combat vessels, that's when you have to be a bit concerned. Besides, given the fact that the AOE-6-class fast combat supply ship (http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/aoe6/), like most other designs by the United States, is outdated. Several months ago, I refered to the Security Council of the Commonwealth of Saint Fedski (then the Holy Empire of Saint Fedski), the globally renown shipyards of Portland Iron Works - before it incorporated the Avalon Aerospace Corporation and Incorporated Ordnance Company - contacted them for a custom design they needed for their own navy - the Endeavour-class large combat transport ship (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9912960&postcount=388)."

Nettleton turned and smiled as a compliment to the Sarzonian delegations. Then he turned back to the Admiral.

"I trust that you shall buy a few and designate it the Saint Fedski-class as a homage to your ally?"

(The railguns might be a problem for a MT navy.)

The Kahanistanians looked over the design specifications. "Naval railguns...? Those are a little ahead of us, the ones we can build fall apart after two shots, literally. We can't maintain them, and we can't repair them if something goes wrong, we don't have the expertise. But if they could be replaced with 305mm guns, or ASW / ASUW missile launchers, we'd be fine."

General Kasagawa nodded. "Before I forget, the Pwnage forces were able to rapidly obtain air supremacy by simply cratering our runways and bombing our repair crews. If we had VTOL fighters and bombers, we would be able to take off from even the most cratered runway. Also, we could use heavy bombers on our carriers, and carry more of them on a carrier."

OOC: No, not those futuristic railguns in that sense. They're MT railguns, but I don't know how to say it, so I shall leave it to Sarzonia....

OOC: As I'm too lazy to edit, here's the article on naval railguns - it's relatively in the general schmoe's definition of Modern Tech: 2006-2020. Click! (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2003/05/mil-030512-navsea04.htm)

"That said," the Defense Minister added, "we should increase funding to our own railgun development. After all, MassPwnage used railguns against us regularly. Perhaps this ship could help us with our railgun program."

"Now... let's get back to reforming our air force. We need a more survivable force if we are to face CAD in the air again."

"I'm sure that we could come to some deal over funding that." responded Nettleton, "And I'm sure that the Sarzonians would gladly do so."

Nettleton once again put on his silver reading spectacles, after taking out his red cylinder which contained them. He requested the catalog back, hunched down his head down to look for the appropriate page and he then he turned back to Kasagawa.

"Now, I know that I have convinced you and your fellow colleagues, General Kasagawa, that dealing with the Macabee Imperium's most famous business firm is not neccessarily a bad idea, but I have a feeling that the Supreme Soviet will be much harder to talk them over. VTOL aircraft are handy, but they can only go so far - they have less armanent capacity. So I suggest you adopt Short Take Off and Landing jets or even better - STOVL jets: Short Take Off and Vertical Landing. Kriegzimmer has two good designs that could be in your Air Force's inventory in the future, but I'm not sure whether I should reveal them."

He looked at the folder reluctantly, then spoke again. "Perhaps, for political reasons, the Isselmerian-Nielander Sea Fury should do the trick. The reason we didn't adopt it was due to timing constrants - Parliament was still too busy discussing whether or not to adopt the DAS-15 'Tiger' Interceptor (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10492062&postcount=13)."

"Unless these STOVL's can take off from cratered runways or damaged carrier decks, we won't be importing in large numbers," said General Kasagawa. "We will simply have to design a more powerful engine for our own VTOL, so it can carry the same armament as a conventional warplane." She was growing irritated with the Southeast Asian's apparent failure to understand what she wanted.

"I think it's time we changed the topic of discussion to tactics, as we have tried to do for the last half hour," she said coldly.

"Yes, STOVL aircraft can take off damaged runways." Nettleton responded, being quite patient with her cold irritance. He as usual, maintained his calm and friendly outlook. "Very well, I shall let you have your way and remain silent, as I would like to give the other delegations a chance to speak up a bit more."

Kasagawa nodded, but didn't speak. She was apparently trying to process what she had been told. President Valens looked at her, to see if he could get a response. When she merely turned her head toward him, he nodded and addressed the Southeast Asians.

"In that case," said the President, "I believe that the Isselmere-Nielander Sea Fury will be a most formidable addition to our forces. However, as the Defense Minister suggested, perhaps we should discuss military strategies now, we already have a plethora of military equipment to choose from."

"Yes, that's where my government comes in," Patinkin said. He decided to do his best to present a studied ignore of the Yallakian's presence and do his job. Either that or General Quinn would have done it for him.

"We believe that technology in itself is only the beginning of the answer, not the answer in itself," he said. "We ask that you consider that each warship you purchase would have a modern cadre of countermeasures that are put in place to prevent certain types of attacks. From torpedo decoys to anti-missile weaponry, there are answers to all different types of weapons out there.

"We also would like to call your attention to our latest round of air-to-air missiles that have also been equipped with electronic counter-countermeasures. We realise that many of the world's current generations of aircraft have modern countermeasures to deal with missiles and other threats. Electronics counter-countermeasures can help your missiles ensure a hit on your target, which is really what you need moreso than the fastest missile on the planet."

Quinn then took up Patinkin's argument with one of his own.

"The Incorporated Sarzonian Army is working with the IOC to develop anti-aircraft defences, both on the ground and in the air itself," he said. "If you're looking toward the eventual deployment of an anti-ballistic missile system, it will by necessity have to be multi-layered so that anything that gets past your first layer of defence doesn't kill your people. We are currently working out the bugs in an AA arty unit that can help with mobile anti-aircraft defence. That might be to your benefit."

Quinn and Patinkin then looked closely at Kasagawa.

The Kahanistanian Defense Minister slowly took in the Sarzonians' advice, and she nodded. "We currently use the Israeli-designed Arrow anti-ballistic missile system, but I assume you will say that is outdated, too. As for AA, we already have an idea in mind."

She passed a file to the delegations. It depicted hundreds of multi-celled missile launchers buried in the ground all over Kahanistan. "These missile launchers do not use radar and are therefore immune to anti-radar missile attacks from conventional SEAD units, such as those employed against us by MassPwnage. Enemy aircraft will be detected by our AWACS," the Defense Minister pointed out that more than fifty E-3 Sentries and over a hundred Harrier II VTOL's refitted with AWACS systems would provide constant patrols of Kahanistanian airspace, "and then our launchers will fire active radar homing missiles. The missiles themselves have the radar, not the launchers. In the event of a surprise attack, and the destruction of an AWACS plane, the missiles will launch automatically, they use a fail-deadly system rather than the fail-safe we historically used."

"Then, they will home in on enemy warplanes and destroy them. We have the idea fully conceptualized, all we need now are the designs for missiles capable of implementing it."

Lierman, who had been quietly checking his e-mail, suddenly spoke: "Minister Kasagawa, I wish to present the following design, courtesy of Martin Avionics, for a vertical take-off and landing A.W.A.C.S. aircraft." He then had an aide pass out copies of a small informational brochure that Terry Lierman had received via e-mail twenty minutes ago.

EV-22 Scout
Abstract: Based on the V-22 Osprey, this tiltrotor aircraft carries the Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS) found on larger aircraft like the E-2C. It is well-suited to serving on light carriers, and can be purchased for a mere $45 million US.

Length:
Wings Spread - 57' 4" (17.475 meters)
Wings Folded - 63' (19.202 meters)
Width:
Spread - 84' 7" (25.781 meters)
Folded - 18' 5" (5.6134 meters)
Diameter of tilt-rotors: 38' 1" (11.61 meters)
Diameter of radome: 24' (7.32 meters)
Height:
Spread - 22' 1" (6.731 meters)
Folded - 18' 1" (5.5118 meters)
Radome - 5' (1.524 meters)
Weights:
Empty - 35,140 lb (15,973 kg)
VTOL Max Takeoff - 54,600 lbs (24,818 kg)
Max Takeoff - 62,500 lbs (28,409 kg)
Propulsion: Two AE1107D Rolls-Royce/Allison/General Dynamics engines; 7,500 shp, 1 engine inoperative - 7,270 shp
Range: 300 nm
Airspeed: 255 knots
Rate of Climb:
Vertical - 1,090 fpm (332 m/m)
Max - 2,320 fpm (707 m/m)
Ceiling: 25,000 ft (7,925 m)
Electronics: AN/APS-145 radome, AN/ALR-73 Passive Detection System, IFF
Price: $45 million US

"Why is one engine inoperative?" asked the Defense Minister. "Other than the excess bulk, this is actually a very good aircraft. Also, is the AWACS on it as advanced as that of the E-3 Sentry in service in the Kahanistanian Navy?"

"The airframe of the Harrier is not a particularly up to date frame nor appropriate for a VTOL AWACS unit. Besides, AWACs systems on a VTOL, or STOVL craft, for that matter, are difficult to maintain and are expensive." Nettleton reentered the discussion. "OMASC/NDI (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278248), a nationalized armanents company, has designed a STOVL "Mini-AWACs" plane based on the F-35 airframe, which is more up to date, but they acknowledge that STOVL or VTOL AWACs craft are not, for the reasons I mentioned earlier, meant to succeed CTOL AWACs jets."

"Anyway, as for replacements to the E-3 Sentry - the allied nation that saved the Omzian Democratic Republic from Automagfreek and several other nations like Sniper Country in the Homeland Defense War, Clan Smoke Jaguar, has fine, general military designs (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278767) that could be of use. Namely, a decent, cost-efficient refit that could do well in the DSRK.

"The Velkyan Naval Defense Force and Air Defense Force uses speacialized zeppelins equipped with RADAR systems as long range AWACs platforms in conjuction with ship RADAR systems and fixed wing platforms. A similar system is used as a artillery spotting platform for the Army. The zepplins fly at extreme altitudes and are only able to be hit by anti-ballistic weapons in the sense of the Patriot missile system."

Lierman's aide, on hearing the questions of the Kahanistani minister, replied, "We included the horsepower for only a single engine in the event that one engine fails or is damaged to the point of inoperability. As for the electronics, this aircraft's radar is not as good as that carried aboard the E-3; however, it is as effective as an E-2C+, and can thus probably replace your carrier-based AWACS and AEW aircraft."

Kasagawa nodded. "We know that VTOL aircraft are expensive, but the defense of this nation is not cheap. Kraven forces used them to great effect in Xirnium, and it was only the lack of numbers and the superior commanders of the Yallakian Navy that prevented Kraven from obtaining air and naval supremacy."

"As for the AWACS, we will have to move the E-3 radar into any VTOL AWACS units we obtain..."

Admiral Nazmareh intervened. "I have some... missives... to send to arms suppliers, I'll be back in an hour or two." She nodded to the Kahanistanian Major in the corner to take her seat at the conference table, then got up and walked out.

"She'll be back," said the major.

"The Kraven air force is, or more accuratly, was laughable. In fact, Kraven itself did not have a drop of military tactics in it's commanders at all. Simply push as many troops in as possible, and you win. Reminds me of Hataria."

OOC: Your defense ministry considering Clan Smoke Jaguar Military Industries, Kahanistan?

Kasagawa nodded. "We know that VTOL aircraft are expensive, but the defense of this nation is not cheap. Kraven forces used them to great effect in Xirnium, and it was only the lack of numbers and the superior commanders of the Yallakian Navy that prevented Kraven from obtaining air and naval supremacy."
"I understand that you want to defend your own country, General Kasagawa - all of us are patriotic, no?" the Eurasian smiled slightly at his comment. "But perhaps you misinterpreted what I said."

His aides briefly smiled, then realized they had to get back to recording their observations on all the delegations around the place. The majority of the delegations had gained favorable impressions, and the notes would be passed onto the Neo Administration, but for now, the notes recorded down are information that is to be told at a later time.

"What I meant was, AWACs electronics on a VTOL, or STOL or STOVL aircraft, are feasible...but ultimately cannot replace a CTOL aircraft wielding AWACs. The Omzians have STOVL AWACs, but they only use them as tactical units in situations where a CTOL aircraft cannot be used."

(Yes, looking at pretty much anything that isn't allied to the Doomies or some other human rights violator.)

"I don't see why not... we always expect the worst, we expect not to be able to use CTOL aircraft," said Kasagawa. "The electronics on an AWACS system work the same regardless of how the aircraft takes off and lands, Naval Command is reluctant to leave itself open to having aircraft grounded due to damage to a highly vulnerable carrier deck, as happened in all of our previous naval engagements. But, we always like to keep a few older designs around, in case some new application for them is discovered, and that is what we plan to do with our E-3 Sentries, our only CTOL AWACS."

"I'm not a total expert on every single thing on military technology," Nettleton responded in his usual, calm and patient, polite manner. "But on certain airframes, a STOVL AWACs unit cannot function very well, an example being the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The Omzians have a tactical AWACs unit based on the F-35's frame, but due to the airframe's limitations, STOVL aircraft can't totally replace a CTOL. However, on an Osprey airframe, then you're correct - it can work."

Then Nettleton remembered something that snapped just right in after he said the Osprey. I'm glad I'm not in their shoes. thought Nettleton as he turned to Lierman. As usual, his facial features showed nothing but positive feeling. "I just remembered this - for Mr. Lierman and his associates offering the Kahanistanians the EV-22 Scout - you can expect a big law-suit from the Omzian Democratic Republic, they beat you to it (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7459657&postcount=735). I know it was probably unintentional and not meant to be copied - I just hope that you have a good lawyer waiting."

Admiral Nazmareh walked back into the conference, having just finished wiring some missives to naval exporters. "Sit down, you didn't miss much," said General Kasagawa.

"Other than the fact that Mr. Lierman over here is in a heap of trouble," said Major Fulton, nodding to the Beltway representative. "They offered us a design similar to a OMASC/NDI aircraft, a superior VTOL AWACS model."

The Admiral looked at Lierman with a note of concern. As the meeting progressed, Isselmere-Nielander warships bound for Kahanistan were being produced. She sat down next to the Kahanistanian Major.

[OOC: OMASC/NDI (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278248) product, not CSJMI product Kahanistan. However, you should note the fact that the Omzian Democratic Republic has a very close relationship with the Free Land of Clan Smoke Jaguar.]

"Thank you for the warning; I don't work for Martin Avionics, but suspect that the violation was entirely unintentional," Lierman said. He might have been embarrassed, but it wasn't his problem; besides, Martin Avionics donated to both parties, so it didn't matter much if they got burned. This foreign company would have found out anyways...

OOC: I'll try to post a reply by Wednesday, Pacific Daylight time. My apologies for the delays.

After listening to the various representatives, the Isselmere-Nielander delegate began to speak.

"There are some structural problems with placing a fin-back style phased array radar atop a small single-finned aircraft, particularly a V/STOL aircraft such as the Harrier and Harrier II, that would be obviated with a twin-tail design such as the F-35 or Detmerian Aerospace's Sea Fury design. Even so, the manoeuvrability of such an aircraft would be highly compromised. Speed also hampers the utility of AEW aircraft, something which a design based on the V-22 Osprey would not suffer; increased speed reduces useful radar range owing to the Doppler effect. The V-22 design does have one flaw, however, in that its rotating turboprops might reflect false images, but since propeller driven aircraft have been used in an AEW capacity for a half-century now, this problem is relatively minor if not inconsequential.

"Your Excellency's plans of alternating levels of defence is a good one, yet one that requires further elaboration. Since each AEW or, if you prefer, AWACS aircraft has its own fighter protection and air defence networks have fighters either on patrol or on quick response alert (QRA) stations and since the AWACS would, or should, be able to passively receive enemy radar transmissions at greater than its active detection range -- should the enemy be transmitting, of course -- the AWACS can guide your fighters in using passive detection rather than active radar. Alternatively, your manned AWACS aircraft can hand over active radar transmission over to unmanned transmitters; in other words, uncrewed AEW aircraft, admittedly with less active detection range than a full-sized manned AWACS aircraft (which will command the uncrewed aircraft), can serve as an expendable means of extending your radar coverage. Such systems are currently in operation.

"For air defence weaponry, Isselmere-Nielander manufacturers have several designs, from air-to-air missiles, anti-radar missiles, and surface-to-air missiles, as will be demonstrated below."

Air-to-air
GWS.65 Kite AAM (http://www.fortunecity.de/roswell/leviathan/59/aim-120/iris2.jpg)
Characteristics
Function: short range air-to-air missile
Launch Angle: all aspects, with 360 degree acquisition capability
Dimensions: length: 2.86m; diameter: 0.14m (core); wingspan: 0.45m (deployed)
Mass: 87 kg; warhead: 10 kg RF-proximity or impact fuzed
Range: air launched: 50km
Guidance: initial inertial navigation guidance, 256 x 256 pixel imaging cassegrain focal plane array (FPA) infra-red seeker with 90-degree off-boresight targetting, target capable of being updated in-flight by datalink
Propulsion: dual thrust solid rocket with thrust vector control (TVC) and tail control
Ceiling: surface or submarine launched version: 10km+
Speed: 3.5-4 Mach
Cost: $250,000


GWS.66 Lark AAM
Characteristics
Function: very short range air-to-air missile
Launch Angle: all aspects, with 360 degree acquisition capability
Dimensions: length: 1.8m; diameter: 9.2cm (core); wingspan: 21cm (deployed)
Mass: 21 kg; warhead: 4 kg laser-proximity or impact fuzed
Range: maximum range: 12km; effective range (helicopter-sized targets): 5.5km; minimum range: 180m
Guidance: initial inertial navigation guidance, 128 x 128 pixel imaging cassegrain focal plane array (FPA) infra-red seeker with 90-degree off-boresight targetting, target capable of being updated in-flight by datalink
Propulsion: dual thrust solid rocket with thrust vector control (TVC) and tail control
Ceiling: surface or submarine launched version: 4km+
Speed: 2.5 Mach
Cost: $80,000


GWS.74A Kestrel BVRAAM
Characteristics
Dimensions: length: 3.67m; diameter (core): 17.8cm
Mass: 157 kg
Range: 65 nm (120 km+)
Guidance: (initial) INS, cassegrain active/passive radar seeker with 90-degree off boresight targetting, capable of being updated in-flight by datalink, short-range LADAR
Manoeuvrability: >50g
Flight control: turbo-ramjet with thrust vectoring, tail control fins, and reaction control thrust vents for rapid manoeuvres.
Speed: 4.65 Mach (maximum; variable)
Cost: $325,000


GWS.75A Goshawk LRAAM
Characteristics
Dimensions: length: 4 m; diameter (core): 32.7 cm; finspan: 77.24 cm
Mass: 405 kg; warhead: 54 kg
Guidance: (initial-midcourse): laser INS, datalink, or semi-active radar guidance; (terminal): dual-mode radar, short-range LADAR
Maximum range: 140 nm+ (260 km+)
Speed (maximum): Mach 4.25+
Maneuvrability: >50 G
Flight control: Dual thrust solid rocket with thrust vectoring, aft control fins, and "PIF-PAF" rapid reaction control thrusters for rapid maneuvres.
Cost: $525,000


GWS.84A Peregrine anti-platform missile
Characteristics
Dimensions: length: 6 m; diameter (core): 32.7 cm (37.6 cm with IR blisters); finspan (tail): 77.24 cm
Mass: 624 kg; warhead: 54 kg
Guidance: (initial-midcourse): laser INS, datalink, or semi-active radar guidance; (terminal): dual-mode radar (active/passive), short-range infra-red (128 x 128 with 90-degree off-boresight seeker)
Maximum range: 230 nm (425 km+); 108 nm+ (200 km+) vs. manoeuvring (i.e. agile) targets
Speed (maximum): Mach 5.5+ (at altitude)
Maneuvrability: second stage: >50 G
Flight control: first stage: multiple-pulse solid rocket with thrust vectoring, aft control fins; second stage: hybrid ramjet-solid rocket with thrust vectoring, aft control fins, and "PIF-PAF" rapid reaction control thrusters for rapid maneuvres.
Cost: $750,000



Anti-radar

GWS.50 Pigeon ARM-ASM (http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/4552.jpg)
Test model. (http://www.astronautix.com/graphics/t/tacitrai.jpg)
Characteristics
Functions: real-time reconnaissance and attack aerial vehicle
Dimensions: length: 2.31m (2.58m with VLS booster); diameter: 0.275m (housed); wingspan: 0.82m (deployed)
Mass: 188 kg (total), 20 kg warhead
Propulsion: turbofan
Range: maximum (no return): 465 km (470 km VLS); combat (full speed, no return): 120 km+
Ceiling: 15 km
Speed: maximum: 0.65 Mach; loiter: 0.25-0.4 Mach
Price: $350,000


GWS.73A Ptarmigan ARM
Characteristics
Function: anti-radar missile
Variants:
-73Aa: unitary warhead
-73Ab: guided submunitions dispenser
-73Ac: cluster bomblet dispenser
Acquisition: 270-degree initial acquisition capability (120-degree without continued datalink)
Dimensions: length: 4.28m; diameter: 0.327-0.392m; finspan: 0.75m (deployed); wingspan: 1.08m (deployed)
Mass:
-73Aa: 592.36kg; warhead: 64kg HE
-73Ab: 592.68kg; warheads: 2 x 4 "skeet" dispensers (58 kg)
-73Ac: 598.23kg; warheads: 32 anti-personnel and anti-tank bomblets (48 kg)
Range (dependent on launch and attack profile): maximum (high altitude launch, cruise): 250 km; maximum speed, low level: 140km
Propulsion: turbofan
Ceiling: 15 km; attack altitude: warhead dependent
Speed: 0.85 Mach (cruise); 2.5 Mach (terminal)
Cost: $1.220 million

Kasagawa nodded. "I see... I'm not entirely familiar with UKIN military terminology, what do you refer to as 'alternating levels of defense?' As for these uncrewed AEW crafts you refer to... historically we have taken a dim view of UAV's except for the most basic purposes, for example, we almost never use UCAV's as the risk of hitting a civilian target is too great. Do you have files on these uncrewed AEW crafts?"

The Defense Minister seemed open to the idea. She merely hoped the technology wasn't too advanced for Kahanistanian military personnel to grasp.

"With regard to alternating layers of defence, I was refering to the use of long-range systems with great endurance, such as AWACS jets such as the E-3 and E-767, along with AEW aircraft with shorter ranged radar and much less endurance, such as a variant of a V/STOL fighter or transport aircraft, acting as pickets. In terms of an AEW-UAV, such a vehicle would not have to be terribly sophisticated: much of the flight control could be fully automated since it will be flying circuits rather than high speed manoeuvres or the like, and its radar data could be sent real-time via satellite to a manned AWACS aircraft. The size of such a AEW-UAV would have to be on the order of a Global Hawk UAV to give it sufficient endurance to make operations with such an aircraft economical.

"Otherwise, one could use semi-dirigibles or blimps for AEW operations, although such vehicles would have greater weather-based limitations than fixed-wing UAVs.

"As for designs, I'm certain Lyme and Martens would be able to provide some preliminary designs."

The Defense Minister smiled. "So far, we've covered AWACS, vessel designs, air defenses, and heavy armor. I think we should move the topic of discussion to the state of our navy. Don't you agree?" She turned her head to Admiral Nazmareh, who nodded her head in agreement. President Valens merely gave a curt nod toward the Defense Minister's general direction.

"First, I'd like to hear your input on the conduct of the Kahanistanian Navy in the Freekish, CAD, and Jagadian conflicts, the most recent major naval engagements in our history," Kasagawa continued, her gaze meeting the Isselmere-Nieland representative. How do I say this in front of the Admiral? "The Kahanistanian Navy hasn't had a lot of success recently, we are looking for ideas about why."

"One last final note on the subject of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles - as much as my own nation's armed forces trust flesh and blood over machinery, UAVs and UCAVs are starting to get a good part of usage in many armed forces all over the planet - Clan Smoke Jaguar, the Second Empire of the Golden Throne, to name a few. Even the Generals of my national armed forces are seriously considering of increasing the role of UAVs and UCAVs in our military - the Republic Guard is in needing of critical reforms to acommodate the rising role of unmanned aerial vehicles."

Nettleton said, politely entering the discussion.

"And now, let's depart from UAVs and UCAVs, and onto the Republic Navy. I shall start with this question for you, Admiral Nazmareth - what is the naval classification scheme of the Kahanistanian Republic Navy?"

Nazmareh smiled and passed down a file. "Our naval classification scheme is found in many other nations, with some variation."

The file detailed Kahanistanian naval classifications.

AOE - Fast Combat Support Ship
CVBN - Carrier Vessel, Battle, Nuclear (battle carriers, heavy carriers)
CVN - Carrier Vessel, Nuclear
BBN - Battleship, Nuclear
CGN - Cruiser, Guided Missile, Nuclear
DDG - Destroyer, Guided Missile
DDN - Destroyer, Nuclear
FFGN - Frigate, Guided Missile, Nuclear
LCS - Littoral Combat Ship (any vessel smaller than a frigate, used for coastal defense)
LSI - Landing Ship, Infantry
LST - Landing Ship, Tank
SDN - Super Dreadnaught, Nuclear
SSBN - Ship, Submersible, Ballistic, Nuclear
SSK - Ship, Submersible, Hunter-Killer
SSN - Ship, Submersible, Nuclear

Common it is indeed, thought Nettleton as he swiftly skimmed through the classification scheme the Democratic Soviet Republic used. "So, I take it that the Republic Navy generally doesn't classify ships by weight, and rather, by role?"

The Kahanistanian Admiral nodded. "Generally, yes. Some are classified by size, such as CVBN's, which are heavier than CVN's, and sometimes better armed, or classified by propulsion, such as SSK for a hunter-killer submarine and SSN for a nuclear hunter-killer, but the main distinction between classifications is the role of the vessel."

Commonly used designation terms, thought Nettleton as he maintained his amicable outlook, but on the part of not classification by weight, not so common.

"So, for example, what is the typical weight of a BBN in the Republic Navy? The Southeast Asian Navy's definition of a battleship is, an artillery coastal bombardment vessel in the one-hundred thousand ton to five-hundred thousand ton [100,000 - 500,000 ton] range. Beyond that, it is a Dreadnaught until the 1.75 million ton range, where it hits the Super Dreadnaught classification."

"In the Republic Navy, the difference between a battleship and a superdreadnaught is based on size. One megaton or higher makes a surface warship a superdreadnaught, below that to 50,000 tons is a battleship. Under 50,000 tons, a warship can be a cruiser, destroyer, frigate, or corvette, depending on its role. Corvettes are our coastal defense vessels, generally smaller and / or more maneuverable than other vessels. Frigates generally conduct patrols of the sea and defend against pirates, we still have pirates in the Mediterranean in this day and age, they also deal with smaller threats before they get to the coastline. Destroyers primarily seek out enemy submarines, but can usually be used to fire on air and naval targets. Cruisers are usually bigger, and form the backbone of our offensive navy. They deal with enemy aircraft and warships."

"What is the most commonly used battleship class in the Republic Navy, Admiral Nazmareth? I take it that the Republic Navy, like many other navies in the world, uses American and Japanese designs, in particular, the Iowa-class and the Yamato-class? Also, what is the Republic Navy's opinion on battlecruisers?"

"Historically, before and during the AMF conflict, we used Iowa and Yamato-class battleships, but they performed poorly against Freekish warships. We then advanced to using mostly Montana-class battleships, and they performed even more poorly against the Pwnage and Doomingslandian Navies." The Admiral seemed quite bitter. "We used a Xirniumite import, the H-44 (E) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10074148&postcount=7)-class, as my flagship in the Pwnage conflict, but it did little better than the Montana-classes."

"Since the Pwnage conflict, the only battleships we have are four King Henry V-class battleships imported from the UKIN," said Nazmareh, nodding toward the UKIN delegate. "Two of them are currently deployed protecting a fleet supplying our forces in Jagada. The other two are in our waters. Speaking of which," she added, "what is the status of our request to partner our KMI shipyard with the RSIN?"

"The Southeast Asian Navy lacked battleships due to the fact that we used to have an outdated opinion on them. However, due to experience gained by the War of Allegiance, we have changed our opinions on them and we have a different opinion on battlecruisers. The United States Navy's battleships, the Iowas, were designed to have the speed of a battlecruiser and the armor of a battleship. 'Fast battleships,' so to speak."

"However, due to today's naval combat standards, the Southeast Asian Navy now believes it still serves a purpose. That is the reason why we gave a contract (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10370274&postcount=1118) to the Kriegzimmer Conglomerates (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=409787) of the Macabee Imperium (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/The_Macabees) for a battlecruiser (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10380844&postcount=1134). What is the Kahanistanian Navy's doctrine regarding battlecruisers? You seemed to have avoided this question, Admiral Nazmareth."

Nettleton noted her bitterness in his personal thoughts. Perhaps I should recommend a bunch of battleships around the Iowa, Montana and Yamato-class battleships of the same tonnage displacement so that it can help out the Republic Navy and have less frequent bitter experiences.

"Battle cruisers are outdated," said the Admiral. "They have inferior armor, their speed advantage is insignificant compared to modern battleships, and we generally use guided missile cruisers for roles in which a battle cruiser would have been used."

She clearly didn't see why the Southeast Asians posed the question to her. "We have never used battle cruisers in our navy. To be honest, I'm surprised you still do."

"We only started using them recently. Actually, I take it back, we are reusing them. The battlecruisers we use are very good in quality and highly potent commerce warfare raiders. Nevertheless, every military has it's own doctrine, and if you believe that battlecruisers are out-of-date, which I can assure you, your newly-founded trade partners of Isselmere-Nieland shall disagree with. Nevertheless, speaking on the behalf of my nation, we respect your military doctrine."

"I note your humiliation Admiral Nazmareth, since you seem bitter about the loss of your prized flagship at the hands of a much more smaller and advanced naval force, perhaps I can offer a battleship within the same tonnage level as an Iowa and Montana and much tougher. The Isselmerian-Nielander King Henry V-class in our fleet classification scheme, would be in the medium battleship class. The Iowa-class would be a battlecruiser, or in another fleet, a light battleship."

Nazmareh nodded. "It was the largest we thought they would sell to us," she said, sheepishly. The two dreadnaughts in the RSIN had been labeled 'for sale only to firm allies.'

Kahanistan did not consider itself a firm ally of the UKIN. "We have different ideas on what a battle cruiser is. I was indeed thinking of smaller, older designs of battle cruisers. The Iowa-class ships that we employed against AMF had, in many cases, fought against the Kraven forces with distinction."

The admiral continued. "Now that that misunderstanding is cleared up, do you have any recommendations for a heavy battleship? Something that can be produced in numbers of around fifty, that can go toe-to-toe with those Pwnage arsenal ships...?"

"Smoke Jaguar designs. The Ragnarok line of "heavy battleships" (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9719045&postcount=431) has caught our eye, and unfortunately, they only sell to close allies. However, I strongly encourage that the Kahanistanians give Clan Smoke Jaguar and their defense-contracting giant a chance in order for diplomatic ties with the Free Land of Clan Smoke Jaguar."

"We have noted that the Kriegzimmer Conglomerates (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=409787) of the Golden Throne (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Second_Empire_of_the_Golden_Throne), in the catalog of the Empire's premier main battle tank, the Arca I. Cougar (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9906755&postcount=757), seemed to hint at friction of rivalry between the two nations*1. Perhaps this defense contractor is on-par, if not a better alternative, to Kriegzimmer?"

"For arsenal ships, the Smoke Jaguar-designed Firestorm-line of arsenal ships (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9719161&postcount=434) can give most opponents a good beating, and if you can seal a full blown alliance with the Free Land, they will sell the Democratic Soviet Republic their Tsunami-class arsenal ship. Which, given the wondrous designers of CSJ, have so well craftedly given it the ability to fire over seventy-six thousand and eight-hundred (76,800) rockets in ten minutes (10) and fifty seconds (50), a feat that would require over thirty-two hundred (3,200) regular MLRS launchers. This should cripple virtually anything or anyone unlucky or foolish enough to be in the bombardment zone." Nettleton thought inside his own skull that Nazmareth would be ecstatic for revenge on the CAD navies.

"And finally, for a good successor to the Montana-class in the role of a light battleship, would be the Zuiho-class light battleship (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9719079&postcount=432)*2. Clan Smoke Jaguar lacks Dreadnaughts and Super Dreadnaughts due to political reasons, and the fact that like a few nations, the Free Land believes that they are not cost-efficient for the role they provide. Nevertheless, these battleships are worthy for service in the Republic Navy, you have my word. If not, I'll eat my hat." the Eurasian joked.


(OOC1: This is before his suspicisions were later confirmed (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10686463&postcount=1353) by the new Kriegzimmer Board themselves.)
(OOC2: scroll down to the very bottom)

The Kahanistanian Admiral smiled widely. "Unfortunately, we lack the diplomatic quality or the time to form these alliances. We require warships we can obtain quickly and preferably obtain production rights to. That is not to say that we won't pursue alliances with these nations, but we need something now, not when CSJ or the Golden Throne becomes an ally."

"The Firestorm-class Arsenal Ship line, up to the Mark III version, can be purchased from Clan Smoke Jaguar itself. Even though you can't get the Tsunami-class yet, which is probably than a match for a Pwnage arsenal ship, the Firestorm Mark III should be sufficient to be used by the Republic Navy as it's own arsenal ship." Nettleton responded. "And how about the Zuiho-class light battleship? Are you considering it?"

Nazmareh nodded and took notes. "I'll take it under consideration. I'm a little suspicious of ships that make great claims about being able to fire over 70,000 missiles in 10 minutes, though. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

With the Admiral taking notes, the Kahanistanian aide was no longer needed. She had left about thirty minutes earlier. The President rose.

"I have very important matters of state to attend to," said Valens. "I'll probably be out for the rest of the day. Admiral, Minister... I want full reports on any decisions you make in my office at the end of the meeting." The huge man strode towards the archives.

The Kahanistanian Admiral and Kahanistanian Defense Minister eyed each other. Certainly the CSJ ships were of superb design, but even they weren't above hyping their own designs, or were they?

"The Firestorm-line cannot fire as many ballista as the Tsunami can, but it is nevertheless a well crafted arsenal ship. As for the part about it being too good to be true - why not ask the national operators of the Tsunami-class arsenal ship like the Omzian Democratic Republic? It has seen good service in the Omzian Navy, and given the fact that the Omzian Democratic Republic also uses Isselmerian-Nielander warships as well, they have credibility." Nettleton responded to the Admiral.

[OOC: Are you making this conference taking chronological precedence before the Kraven invasion? Because I have absolutely no plans of getting a special forces team to bail him and his aides out.]

Now I wonder where is the President off to...thought Nettleton as the giant Western-descented national leader went off.

"I'll see what I can find," said Nazmareh. "In the meantime, we'll keep an eye out for other arsenal ships, and possibly design our own."

(OOC: The Kraven forces haven't made it anywhere near the capital. Plus, that ship does seem like a g*****e to me.)

OOC: The Tsunami isn't a godmode, and neither is the Firestorm arsenal ship. I personally really explain it as I'm no expert on armed forces and technicalities, so go ask that question on the NS Draftroom (http://s13.invisionfree.com/The_NS_Draftroom)'s Give and Take (http://s13.invisionfree.com/The_NS_Draftroom/index.php?showforum=25) or Concepts Inc. forum (http://s13.invisionfree.com/The_NS_Draftroom/index.php?showforum=6).

The newly appointed Kriegzimmer attaché to Kahanistan, Artur Devlán, made his way into the coference room rather late. Kahanistan had been a no-go area for quite a while, especially when Jonach had professed his alliance to Doomingsland and even the CAD alliance. But with the death of Jonach in late 2015, and the accension of his grandson Fedor I, things seemed to change. Indeed, after the death of the Imperial monarch relations with Doomingsland became almost non-existant. So, by early 2016 Kriegzimmer had decided it was time to once again prove the Kahastani generalship and persuade them to purchase Kriegzimmer products. In that way, Devlán was the first attaché to the country and probably not going to be the last. He had left Fedala the day prior to the conference and had arrived about an hour after the alledged beginning, effectively arriving late. This was further worsened as his chauffer had managed to put the Mercedes into traffic. When it was said to him that they would be making it at least three hours late Devlán muttered, "What else do you expect from a country that still drives old German automobiles? What they need are good Tango et Kartumas." Tango et Kartuma being the Mercedes of the Empire, or probably, more accurately a mixture of the luxury and cost of Masarati, while still making cars for the middle class [much like Peugeot].

Regardless, he made it nontheless, as when he arrived he bowed deeply and to a general audience said, "I apologize for my late arrival. It seems that our jet had encountered some nominally obstacles during the flight, and the traffic did not help plenty at all." He chuckled to underscore that last part as more of a joke, and then waited to be directed. He was unknowing of Kahastani customs, so he decided to not take a seat until he was directed to do so.

Rather, he placed his suitcase delicately on the table offered in the room and opened his briefcase, showing a ream of papers and a manila folder. He brilliantly and neatly arrayed this along the table front, without encroaching upon anybody else's space, and waited for anybody else to finish and for the generals to direct their attention on him. Before they had a chance to do this, however, he let go of his briefcase and made his way to the generals, shaking their hands and greeting them with, "Good morning, it's an honor," or, "Good morning, I am rather glad to be here." There was also the sporadic, "Thank you for having me." A little mix of everything, if one understood. With that, he awaited.

[OOC: Mac, care to explain whether or not the CSJMI Tsunami is a godmode or not?]

Defense Minister Kasagawa nodded in the direction of the Kriegzimmer official. "Sit down," said the older Japanese-looking woman. She nodded to the two Kahanistanians on either side of her. "Fleet Admiral Raghad Nazmareh, Kahanistan Republic Navy," she said, nodding at a Persian woman in her late 50's, "and Senator Maribel Crowley, chair of the Armed Forces and Defense Committee," nodding in the direction of a Latina woman in her mid-30's.

The Defense Minister had not introduced herself. "And I am General Nora Kasagawa, Minister of Defense. Tell me, why has Kriegzimmer decided to make contact with us at this juncture?"

[OOC: Mac, care to explain whether or not the CSJMI Tsunami is a godmode or not?]

[OOC: I don't even know what that is.]

Devlán shook all their hands as he said in the general direction, "Thank you," when the woman directed him to his seat. With that he listened attentively to the question asked to him and he replied promtply, "Frankly, and being completely honest, we understand your disallusion with Kriegzimmer, knowing Kahanistan's opposition to Doomingsland, and furthermore anything Doomingsland. Because Absolute Capitalism is something endorsed by Doomingsland, we understand why you would be opposed to that as well. It should be noted, however, before we proceed, that AbsoCap in the Empire is completely different from AbsoCap in Doomingsland. Regardless, as we are no longer tight with CAD, I figure Kriegzimmer thinks it's safer to approach Kahanistan now."

He took a sip of water from a glass that was provided to him on the table, but she showed no signs of being nervous and kept a rather professional composure the entire time.

OOC: It's Clan Smoke Jaguar's best arsenal ship (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9719161&postcount=434). I think it's relatively possible to launch that many missiles in that amount of time.

[OOC: Doesn't look too crazy, and CSJ normally knows what he's talking about.]

Crowley smiled. "I think I should have a very easy time persuading the Supreme Soviet to do business with Kriegzimmer, then. Right now, the Kahanistanian Navy is in need of arsenal ships of our own to counter the CAD arsenal ships that were used against us. Unfortunately, the best arsenal ships are not available to us, so we have considered designing our own, but shipbuilding is not one of our strengths. Also, do you have any corrosion-resistant NBC warfare suits? Some of our enemies, namely Kraven and MassPwnage, possess weapons capable of eating right through our NBC."

OOC: What do you think of the Tsunami-class Arsenal Ship now Kahanistan, given the fact a couple of decent designers have created and one has reviewed it to find little to no flaws, respectfully CSJ and Mac?

Artur Devlán took another sip from the glass of water as Maribel Crowley finished her question. He took about three seconds to come up with a reasonable response, but he would keep it honest, "Well, the question should be what are you looking for in an arsenal ship? Are you looking for something that holds an incredible amount of missiles, and simply missiles, or something that can double as something else? The Kriermada (Imperial Navy) has always seen the missile boat, or the arsenal ship, as something defensive, as opposed to using it in a bombardment. Frankly, they see it as a waste of money, when tactically placed missiles in fewer numbers and well placed naval gun fire can do similar things - most of our missiles are reserved to hit inland targets, and in that role ten thousand missiles are rediculous, at least in their point of view. Ships laden with missiles also tend to explode better."

With that sarcastic remark he decided to dabble a bit further in the discussion in the tactical sense, "Frankly, something like our new heavy cruiser carries a total of six hundred to eight hundred anti-shipping missiles, easily exchangeable with smaller surface to surface land-attack missiles, and can be reloaded at sea. Even that is useless when considered for something other than an escort and a rapid reaction vessel. I find it a bit hard to explain it all."

Noting that he had probably confused his host to hell he decided to clear things up a bit, "What I'm trying to say is that the navy should be tailored around your strategy, not the strategy of your opponents. The latter will guarantee that your opponents will always be one step ahead of you." With that he began to adress the other question that had been put in the air - battlesuits. "Well, it wouldn't be too difficult to make a variant to our current suit, the BDU-64. I'm guessing that they achieved this weapon by using biological armaments, no? As in, bacteria to eat through the suit. Ultra-modern battlesuits are most likely crisscrossed with conducting wiring - a heating of that would effectively kill bacteria. Bacteria's pH's are just as fragile as a human's - heat will kill them."

His hand inched for his inner pocket, but he pulled it away and asked, "Are we allowed to smoke?"

Nettleton smiled when he heard the defense-contractor enter and greet the delegations. He smiled wider when the Kriegzimmer representative cleared things up with the Kahanistanians and the Supreme Soviet would be accepting it without too much and too long of an argument. And he smiled widest when he heard the Macabee man explain the Kriermada's view on arsenal boats.

"I support the Kriermada's opinion on arsenal ships, despite the fact my fellow countrymen leading my nation's defense forces, disagree with me on that. I also agree with Clan Smoke Jaguar's doctrine that Super-Dreadnaughts are (OOC note: Nettleton has a very daft and shallow view on SDs) ineffective white elephants - the Southeast Asian Navy lacks the facilities to store them in docks and as a result, we have to dock them at sea. Why? Because of the geographical terrain in the USAN, there are almost no places for dock storage of vessels over a million or so tons."

"You can smoke, but we usually don't." The more health-conscious delegates put on surgical masks, it was not considered unusual in Kahanistanian culture to find a way to accomodate those who wanted to destroy their lungs without putting their own continued breathing in jeopardy.

Nazmareh nodded. "We are looking for something that will defend us against enemy fleets. We generally don't bombard inland targets, the risk of civilian casualties is too great. Our invasion tactics are to deploy a fleet carrying transports and warships to protect the transports, and then our armor and infantry secure the cities. The weapons of our warships are for only one purpose - to protect the fleet and its allies."

"When we face enemies that have arsenal ships firing tens of thousands of missiles at us, we absolutely have to destroy the arsenal ships before they can fire on us. Otherwise, they will not only sink our fleet, but proceed to bomb our homeland. Since the arsenal ships are protected by heavy battleships and other escorts, we will have to penetrate these defenses as well as their CIWS systems."

"As for our NBC, we use chemical treatments as a counter to the Kraven bioweapon, but we know so little about the Pwnage weapon that we can't develop a counter. We speculate that it uses chemicals to eat through the suit rather than bacteria, in which case our chemical counters would be ineffective."

Devlán nodded as the Southeast Asian representative, Nettleton, gave his personal perspective, and then turned his attention to the Kahastanis who spoke after him. Given permission, he reached into his pocket and revealed a cigarette case, which he opened and took a cigar out. Before lighting it, he offered a cigar to other occupants of the room, and then proceeded to respond. He took a drag and turned his head to exhale the smoke away from the people and then shuffled through the papers arrayed on the desk. Looking first towards the Kahastanis he said, "If you pardon me, I will adress Nettleton first." With that he turned his attention to the Southeast Asian, "That is true enough. Although the War of Golden Succession has not seen great manifestation of grand naval battles yet, the two we have fought included at least three super dreadnoughts and galleons on our side. The advantage was the long range of the electromagnetically accelerated gun, but the same range can be achieved by a battleship equipped with the same guns, at a much lower price. Given that there will be no major range difference, the battleship is now capable of engaging and sinking a super dreadnought, despite size disadvantage. Two or three battleships have a very good chance of winning the battle. To us the super dreadnought is a matter of national esteem, as well as the sporadic wish to have twenty-eight inch railguns available just in case. Nevertheless, our older ships are severely outclassed, thus Kriegzimmer's recent spree in ship design, which has yet to be completed."

He brought the cigar back to his mouth, as his head turned simultanuously, and inhaled. Pulling the brown mass away and turning his head even more, he exhaled again, and then turned to the Kahastani host, "From Kriermada experiences mass missile strikes rarely work. Not to be rude, and this is purely coming from the perspective of one who wants to see the improvement of the Kahastani Navy, it was not the missiles that won the battle, but the lack of experience in your navy. Those mass missile strikes should have been destroyed with ease - clumped missiles are great targets for modern anti-air artillery guns firing modern FLAK rounds. It's something practiced both at Targul Frumos and Otium Aqua Sea (the two larger naval battles fought so far in the War of Golden Succession). The massive rate of fire offered by such ships is absolutely worthless in my opinion. Our motto has always been 'tactical, not brutal'. That said, a good number of 14"+ naval rounds in the hulls of those ships and they would have been set alight. Then again, we're one of the few nations to have ever scored a naval victory on Kraven, which can be seen at the War of the Fugue Straits, where we protected our claims to several islands."

He paused and then continued, "Well, I have trouble believing such weapons (OOC: that should more OOC than anything else, but meh), but your men saw them with their very eyes so they must be true. Modern materials should be resistant to corrosion compulsive chemicals, to be honest."

"We did shoot many of the missiles out of the air, and our CIWS systems fired at the closer missiles, but with sheer numbers, they will penetrate almost any defense." The Admiral seemed convinced she had done nothing wrong. "We even used ICBM strikes against the Pwnage fleet, it didn't stop them."

"With technology advancing at such a rapid rate, our railgun program has become very influential in our Defense Ministry. Our railguns still require maintenance after every other shot, and we feel that this handicap makes them impractical for modern warfare. As for a shell into the arsenal ships, we did fire on them, but they don't exactly make themselves easy targets. These are vulnerable ships, protected by heavy escorts we were struggling to fight through, and most of the few thousand Tomahawk missiles we were able to get off at them were destroyed by their CIWS and the escorts' weapons, which are superior to ours."

(OOC: For more information on the major relevant conflicts, the AMF conflict is here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=453666), the battles with MassPwnage and Doomingsland are here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=461880), and the Whyatican naval battle is here. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=474205) Just assume your satellite intelligence or spy subs caught them.)

[OOC: Either you were a victim of a serious, serious godmod, or something happened which I'm not aware of. Do you have any linkage to direct posts of naval battles? That way I don't have to shift through the multi-hundred post roleplays. :) Thanks.]

Devlán moved in to counter the admiral's assertions, "That's not necessarilly true, and I beg your pardon when I butt in like this. But the more missiles in the sky, the more density there is. Density is not a friend of missiles, but is of high burst rate weapons - rounds like the CAPMES rounds in use with the Kriermada will simply tear them to shreds. This is one of the reasons why missile warfare is so limited in Kriermada operations. Guns are much less prone to be shot down."

What the admiral had said next offered an interesting opportunity to Kriegzimmer, just about to release the Conhort Mk. II naval close-in weapon system and an avid fan of railguns. He smashed the cigar against the ash tray and shuffled his papers, ready to get to the real work, and finally he began to speak, "The Fuermak [armed forces] and Kriegzimmer have gotten far with railgun technology, especially considering the years upon years of work completed for both the Arca. I Cougar and the future Arca. IV Nakíl main battle tanks. In that sense, we have been able to achieve electromagnetic acceleration without huge amounts of corrosion, and this isn't anything futuristic. That's not to say that the Nakíl is using a railgun, however - everything on the Nakíl is still highly classified information. In any case, more importantly, Kriegzimmer is about to release the Conhort Mk. II close-in weapon system, which uses electromagnetic acceleration to achieve such high qualities. It will soon be released for public export and if you are interested it is surely an option."

The Admiral smiled. "Can you tell us about the CAPMES rounds? Also, this Conhort sounds interesting, if it's something our personnel can maintain. We do use heavy guns against enemy warships where CIWS is a problem, as long as we're in range to fire them. Otherwise, we nowadays use anti-shipping missiles."

(OOC: Putting fifty links would spam up the post, but in the AMF thread, posts 15-43, in the CAD thread, posts 85-182, and in the Jagada thread, posts 8-156, are the most relevant, especially the posts by me (obviously), AMF in the first, MP / Doom in the second, and Whyatica in the third. The information should tell you whether I was a victim of a serious g*****e or if I just didn't have good tactics [as some on both sides claimed.] I personally don't think most of my enemies g*****e, but there might be some instances.)

"Ah yes, Kriegzimmer's ship-making spree." Nettleton smiled as he recalled the request for the Ingrerier-class nuclear-powered battlecruiser. "And given the rlease of the Conhort Mark II CIWS product, you can expect an order from one of my nation's military commanders."

"And will probably modify our ships to use one single type of CIWS unit to reduce logistical effort, as we use a variety of vessels - American ones, which are in the process of being phased out, Sarzonian, Macabee, and quite possibly Praetonian and Isselmerian-Nielander vessels. However, given the Absolute Capitalist nature (OOC: Mac, keep in mind this role-play preceeds Harbinger's death), the Parliament, and to an extent myself, have concerns about several nations having found ways to counter it."

"CAPMES stands for enCAPsulated MEtalStorm, and in essence is a round of whatever caliber you please which acts like a more modern FLAK. The round disintigrates as an internal centrifuge spreads thousands of small tungsten ball bearings in all directions. We find it perfect for eliminating concentrated missile strkes," Devlán went into the technicalities of the system for some time thereafter, and then suddenly switched to the Conhort Mk. IIs, "This new CIWS should be just as easy to maintaine as any other CIWS, despite the railguns. There should be no large increase in maintanence cost, at all." He reached into his pocket for another cigar and put it in his mouth, lighting it thereafter and taking his time to take a drag and then slowly exhale, away from the direction of his hosts. He waved around his hand in a rather flamboyant manner and said, "In any case, with so much in the way of missile defense the Empire and the Kriermada has found it much more effective to simply blast them with out longer, long range guns."

He then turned to Paul Nettleton as he put the cigar in his mouth, inhaled and then exhaled in another direction. "What do you mean by countering absolute capitalism?"

"You must have gotten what I said mixed up." the Eurasian responded, showing in his eyes and a little degree of change in his tone of voice, signs of thankfulness that he didn't blow it in his face or anyone else's for that matter. Then he spoke in his normal tone, no adjustments at all.

"What I meant was, given the Absolute Capitalist doctrine of Kriegzimmer, armanent products sold by the conglomerate can be taken advantage of to say, reverse enginneering and testing, thereby resulting in copies of designs and foreign states developing ways to counter the products created by the firms that use the brand of Kriegzimmer. Not to mention, I would, if I were a Macabee, find it somewhat annoying that my own national defense contractor sell to belligerent states that we consider a foe, sell to them and encountering our very own weapon systems on the battlefield."

"That's why I'm not entirely sure of the UPH buying the Conhort Mark II CIWS, along with other minor reasons." the Defense Minister then analyzed Devlán's facial features for a response.

Devlán took a deep breath, silently, and then responded, "This is true, however, we find that opponents of nations that buy off us purchase their equipment of those that promise armaments that can defeat ours - whether it was true or not. In other words, it naturally seems to distribute itself fine, and although we have had instances were our own Empire has had to fight against our own weapons, it hasn't been necessarilly widespread. Besides, if our nation wasn't in the depths of a horrible war of succession anybody that dared reverse engineer our equipment and publically make that claim would most likely be crushed through economic might and perhaps even military might - although Kriegzimmer does not personally sponsor such missions." That was actually a lie. Kriegzimmer was a fan of paying off whoever they needed to pay off to get their way. "In any case, what other minor reasons? If they are technical, perhaps I can clear them up."

"The problem is that the Kahanistan Navy does not have personnel capable of maintaining railguns, they are several years ahead of us technologically," said the Kahanistan Admiral. "The CAPMES does sound like something we would be interested in using, and we are certainly interested in any advanced CIWS system we can obtain that will work against Freekish or CAD forces..."

Nazmareh smiled. "If you would provide your skills at producing, maintaining, and repairing railguns, we would probably be able to stand up to our enemies far more effectively on the sea. Of course, at first we would simply be replacing the guns on our current warships with railguns, it would be a long time before we could procure new warships unless we obtained production rights to certain warships, arsenal ships, heavy cruisers, coastal defenses..."

"Surely we can train some of your logistical personnel how to maintaine the railguns, and it would be easier, knowing that further progress with railguns has made it so that constant maintenance is unnecessary. In the end, it would be the simple process of either cleaning the rails, which is done the same way one has to clean the barrel, or replacing the rails after a number of shots [for CIWS, in the thousands]. It shouldn't be too difficult, nor too expensive to train some of your personnel, who could then train the rest. And yes, it would be much smarter to simply design new flights to your current ships, as opposed to straight off replacing them - much cheaper as well." Kriegzimmer suffered from replacing designs too fast, but that had come because the Fuermak had found out that the designs, even if slightly modified, were still behind the times.

"The problem is that our rails don't last. We can fire two, maybe, at the risk of the gun failing, three shots, but the rails have to be replaced too quickly to be of practical use. We can't be replacing our rails in the heat of battle and making ourselves sitting ducks in battle. We've tried alternating fire, so that only half of the guns fire in any one volley, but that reduces our firing capabilities..."

The Admiral continued. The fact was probably quite simply that the Kahanistan Navy wasn't ready for railgun technology, but the commander steadfastly refused to accept that.

Devlán turned to the admiral, "Admiral Nazmareh, excuse me for being blunt, but that is probably due to the poor material quality of the rails you were using. In any case, one could always opt for coiling when it comes to electromagnetic acceleration. There are more ways than one to do such a thing, but in the end, with the advent of better superconductors that can work under higher levels of heat the electromagnetic gun will be able to fire more rounds at higher velocities and at longer ranges than a solid or even liquid propellant gun. Indeed, there is no worry about the propellant expanding properly. If you wish to be able to compete in this future battlefield, the Kahanistan armed forces must be prepared to adopt more advanced technologies and work as hard as one can to fit this into their program. I assure you that it would be too difficult to revolutionise the Kahastani military in order to be able to accept such conceps as electromagnetic acceleration."

The naval commander gritted her teeth. "Nobody here would disagree that we need to accept more advanced technologies, the fact is that we simply don't know how to construct a durable railgun. You could sell us railguns, but in a year, when all of them are worn out and we don't know how to make practical replacement rails for our weapons, they're little more than scrap metal unless our technology improves."

"We are willing to accept whatever technology is feasible. I personally think railguns are a good idea, no more explosions in the ammunition storage. One of the ideas our naval command is going over is reducing the power to the railgun, so the shot is only as powerful as a conventional shell of the same size. That means our offensive capacity won't be reduced from what it is now, and we don't have to carry around dangerous explosives."

(OOC: I'm trying to keep my tech at a realistic 2006 level, but still a respectable military force. BTW, did you read any of the posts in the links a few posts up?)

[OOC: My tech level's Modern Tech, late modern tech - 2015-2020. And I can tell you, there's little hope today's technology has against that late sub-section of MT. Oh, and Mac, it's Kahanistanian, not "Kahastani".]

[OOC: Alright, even if that sounds a little strange. :) I'm used to having it end in i in adjetive form - Afghani/Afghan, Pakistani, et cetera. Meh. But, in any case, Kahanistan, if you keep such a low tech level why do you pick fights with people who wank the tech level? And, I read some of the posts.]

"Well, if your rounds are high explosive there will still be threat of an explosion should an enemy pierce into it. The myth that a railgun can only fire a sabot is incorrect - given advancings in fuse technology since the 1940s and better isolation of the fuse itself a railgun can fire a standard armor piercing high explosive round. That said, we wouldn't only sell you a railgun, we would sell you how to make them. In the end, it's all about selling you the material that conducts the electricity [a titanium alloy the Navy has been testing] - with that your industry can begin to pop out these rails."

"This is an acceptable offer," said the Admiral. "Of course, the Defense Ministry and the Supreme Soviet would have to approve this, but unless it becomes prohibitively expensive, I have no doubt that they will. The other naval commanders are as eager as I am for an improved navy, there will be unease about the technology, but they will eventually accept it."

(OOC: 1. Even if you did use the -i ending, it would be "Kahanistani," not "Kahastani." 2. As for picking fights with tech wankers, I don't usually know in advance they're tech wankers. I figure if AMF can defeat a tech wanker with Iowa-class battleships and psychologically modified troops, I can defeat a tech wanker with Montanas and highly trained, well-motivated troops.)

(OOC: Does that mean you won't NSify your military?)

Devlán smiled at his hosts and replied, "Good, good. I assure you that this should not be expensive at all. The costs would come in purchasing the idea to the material, and then switching factory procedures for new products, but this would be true for any change implemented. Barrel replacement would also be needed for any change in your navy, so the costs would only be marginally more."

[OOC: To offer some confirmation that the railgun is more or less feasible, they've done testing on railguns with 2000+ shots. Nonetheless, Rheinmettal has put a release date for a plausible electromagnetically accelerated gun on a tank by 2030. The DDX's railgun should be somewhere ~2025-2030, as well. Nevertheless, I've heard some good things about railguns - my future turretless anti-tank vehicle will use a railgun... a small one at that.]

"How much is all this going to cost?" asked the Senator. "We're talking about revolutionizing our artillery, vastly improving our naval capabilities against the Freekish and CAD navies... developing a technology several years ahead of our level..."

The Admiral had other questions for the Kriegzimmer representative. She passed a file down to Devlas, detailing the battles with the Freekish, CAD, and Whyatican navies from a Kahanistanian perspective, but edited to remove extremely sensitive information. Of course, the Second Empire probably knew everything about the battles that the Kahanistanians did, if they had good satellite intelligence.

"Tell me, what is your assessment of the Kahanistanian Navy? Strengths, weaknesses, ship distribution, crews, et cetera, et cetera..."

{OOC: SEA: Replied to that question by TG.)

[OOC: Got it, Kahanistan. And my view on rail-guns is, they're just beginning to be researched in, and I can allow them in armed conflict to a minimal extent.]

Railguns....Nettleton thought, feasible, but depending on the nation's research into the field of the railgun technological area, might not be appropriate for all armed forces. Oh well, this technology I can tell them of should be within reach of the Republic Guard's technological grasp.

"There are technologies that we are more knowledgable of and should be of better use than a conventional cannon. I know that the Republic Navy may not have the facilities to use railgun, but they should have the ability to use ETC - Electro-Thermal-Chemical. Several of the best crafted ships in the world possess ETC cannons - including the Royal Isselmerian-Nielander Navy, the purchase of the King Henry V-class battleship is most likely a step in the right direction for future successes on the battlefield for your nation."

"Interested? Should I explain more on ETCs?"

Nazmareh smiled and nodded. "I'm open to hearing whatever information on these weapons you may have."

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Kasagawa was poring over a file on the UKIN warship. Good vessel... if we'd had this kind of firepower during the Freekish invasion, we might have stood a chance... Not at victory, but at least a negotiated treaty. This would have been preferable for her to the unconditional surrender given by then-President al-Za'if.

"Very well. Electro-Thermal-Chemical weapons have been researched into since the 1980's and are nowadays, are very commonly found on ships used by maritime titans like Isselmere-Nieland and Praetonia, to name a few." responded Nettleton politely, as usual sitting well postured in his chair and his hands on his laps, and a mostly straight back.

"ETCs are superior to conventional cannons in terms of firepower because, as the meaning of the acronym implies, and stage by stage, electrical energy is used to harness chemical energy from the propellent, present day systems or more up-to-date, resulting in a high temperature, blast of thermal energy and plasma that sends the projectile on it's way and smashing into some enemy target. ETC weapons can be used on indirect fire and direct fire platforms, along with naval platforms, but however - there is a drawback."

"A tank wielding a 120mm ETC cannon can have the firepower of a 155mm conventional howitzer gun and mimic the range, but all the energy has to come from somewhere. Not to mention, they are more delicate and need more pampering than conventional cannons, expensive and contribute to a heavier vehicle platform."

"These are essentially, the medium between the railgun and conventional cannon. Electrothermal cannons, are the next step in the evolution of firepower and while relatively experimental, have proven their worth - the Armed Republic of Soviet Bloc's Mark 71 Advanced Naval Liquid Propellent Cannon (http://s6.invisionfree.com/International_Mall/index.php?showtopic=817&hl=), for example, and it is used on the domestic refits of the Incorporated Sarzonian Navy's Vigilant-class trimaran command battleships (Sarzonian nomenclemature for Super Dreadnaught)...and I'm sure you encountered the might of one of those electrothermal cannon-wielding vessels, haven't you Admiral Nazmareth?"

The cabinet knew from satellite reports and observation of other nations by the Foreign Ministry that the ARSB not only had friendly relations with the Woodstock Pact, but CAD as well. However, as Nettleton had stated earlier, the ARSB seemed to be less and less of an arms contractor to the Doomingslandians these days due to the Woodstock Pact's increasingly closer ties with the Armed Republic (and other probably technical reasons which were not known by the Southeast Asians), so there were suspicions that the electrothermal cannons sicced on the Kahanistanian Republic Navy were not the Mark 71 models made by the Dat' Pizdy Corporation, but rather electrothermal cannons of homemade Doomingslandian design.

Not that the Doomingslandian naval fleet made purely original native vessels - the Inkanan Civil War, which had resulted in the ultimate defeat of the Isselmerian-Nielander and Sarzonian armed forces, had many blows beside the smashing defeat of the United Kingdom and the Incorporated States - one of which included several disallusioned PIW engineers - some of the best engineers in PIW - defecting to the Holy Empire and constructing a mighty naval fleet for them.

Nettleton awaited the Admiral's response.

Devlán shot to interject Nettleton's descriptions, "That is not exactly true, Mr. Nettleton. And to be blunt, everything of Soviet Bloc's should be held with a grain of salt. They were already proven to that their dynamic gas assist was worthless, as was their cannon on their light tank, and they have proved unflexible in the face of critique. I have no more respect for anything that comes from that nation, and neither does the rest of Kriegzimmer. In any case, how the electrothermal-chemical cannon works is that an electrical charge acts as a catalyst for a plasma cartridge placed right behind the combustion chamber of the gun. Theoritically, the plasma cartridge is designed to regulate the expansion of the solid propellant, thus making it smoother and much more uniform. The end result is a better expansion of the propellant. Testing has given results of 16-20MJ of energy at the muzzle, but many people have translated this incorrectly. They have not been tested at velocities higher than 1,900m/s. That means that the rounds they are hoping to use weight of 11kg . In other words, people have severely overestimated the velocity of the electrothermal-chemical tank cannon. Despite growing velocities and impact energies, the ETC isn't that great."

He paused and then continued, "If you want range and pure power electromagnetic acceleration is your friend. You have many options to choose from, the most popular being the coilgun and the railgun. In the end, either one will only cost a couple hundred million more than anything else... in the end, you will have a change, so it's best to compare the price to other systems, as opposed to comparing it to not changing at all."

He then asnwered the other question, "I'm afraid that this might be taken strongly, and I strongly reinforce that this is friendly critique. Frankly, I think the crews are poorly prepared, or were poorly prepared for combat. I'm not educated on the current position of the Kahanastanian navy. Weaknesses were simply that your opponent outleveled technology wise."

[OOC: The more accurate opinion is that I think they beat you out of technology, and sorta like a game of cards. You didn't understand too much about it, so you didn't question, and they bullshitted you. That might not be the same for [i]all opponents...but some certainly did.]

"There are problems with electromagnetic propulsion, as well," the Isselmere-Nielander representative replied. "First is the comparatively high power demands required by EM weapons, which is far greater than that demanded by electric charge priming or electrically-controlled combustion as in ETC weaponry.

"Secondly, [assuming the weapons are first or second generation] EM weapons are more labour and capital intensive systems than either conventional or ETC artillery. ETC and conventional cannons offer greater firepower without the demanding infrastructure for high-temperature superconducting materials and the like.

"Admittedly, the power of ETC guns can be over-stated, and they do carry a large weight and volume penalty of their own. For instance, the energies produced by a 120mm ETC are exceeded by a conventional 140mm gun, but size and ammunition demands have made the former gun pre-eminent in modern tank design."

Devlan was suprised to see the Isselmerian [?] representative begin to argue. Another nation full of companies that Kriegzimmer admired, but it was time to defend his position, "That's not necessarilly true either. The ETC will require barrels capable of withstanding much more pressure than a railgun would have to, while newer superconductors work better at higher temperatures, including room temperature. In any case, a full superconductor is not necessarilly needed. In other words, both will be as logistics intensive, and the railgun, on a ship that's full of nuclear reactors anyways, will provide a much greater advantage. In any case, with a solid propellant the 120mm would offer about the same power at the muzzle as a 140mm conventional gun; the reason that the 140mm is not an acceptable choice in many armored projects is because of the huge weight increase."

[OOC: Merely an MT vs. PMT observation re: ETC vs EM, it being easier for me to mass produce stronger barrels rather than ruggedised high temperature superconductors (ca. 2006-2010 tech, with railguns -- for my purposes, at least -- being considered 2015-2020 tech), and you are correct, I ought to have written size, weight, and ammunition... wrt to the 140mm gun. IC response to follow...]