NationStates Jolt Archive

[OOC: This is the news and diplomacy thread, as well as the center of all information you might need from me. I guess this can also act as an out of character thread if you guys have any questions. Being Spanish I try to keep this as realistic to Spain's current position, which is quite underestimated in the United States, but I have to live with that.]

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/maps/sp-map.gif


Head of Government: Su Majestad Rey Felipe VI
Government: Monarchy
Official Name: El Reino de España
Global Economic Position, 2006: 8th
Economic Description: The Spanish economy boomed from 1986 to 1990, averaging five percent annual growth. After a European-wide recession in the early 1990s, the Spanish economy resumed moderate growth starting in 1994. Spain's mixed capitalist economy supports a GDP that on a per capita basis is 80% that of the four leading West European economies. The center-right government of former President AZNAR successfully worked to gain admission to the first group of countries launching the European single currency (the euro) on 1 January 1999. The AZNAR administration continued to advocate liberalization, privatization, and deregulation of the economy and introduced some tax reforms to that end. Unemployment fell steadily under the AZNAR administration but remains high at 10.1%. Growth of 2.5% in 2003, 2.6% in 2004, and 3.3% in 2005 was satisfactory given the background of a faltering European economy. The socialist president, RODRIGUEZ ZAPATERO, has initiated economic and social reforms that are generally popular among the masses of people but that are anathema to religious and other conservative elements. Adjusting to the monetary and other economic policies of an integrated Europe, reducing unemployment, and absorbing widespread social changes will pose challenges to Spain over the next few years. [CIA Factbook]


Spanish Army [Current, RP]:
Fuerza de Maniobra [Manoeuvre Force]

1st Mountain Brigade 'Aragon'
1st Mechanized Division 'Brunete'
Rapid Reaction Task Force [Light Infantry Division]
FMA Headquarters and Support Core
2nd Cavalry Brigade 'Castillejos'


Fuerza Terrestre

2nd Mechanized Division 'Guadalajara'
3rd Mechanized Division 'Pedroñeras'
4th Mechanized Division 'Leganés' [2014]
1st Armoured Division 'Ebro'
2nd Armoured Division 'Tagus'
3rd Armoured Division 'Zancara'
4th Armoured Division 'Duero' [2013]
1st Airmobile Division 'Valencia'
El Tercio [Foreign Legion]


Spanish Airforce:
http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/spain/spanaf4.htm

[OOC: For now, given that realistically the Socialist government wouldn't expand this by much, I'm keeping what it says on the site, including the planes still in production - RPd as if they were produced. When I start to phase out most of these planes, or buy new ones, then I'll just put in the list here.]

Spanish Armada:

Aircraft Carrier.

R-11 Principe de Asturias
Frigates.
F-100 Alvaro de Bazán class
F-105
F-104 Méndez Núñez
F-103 Blas de Lezo
F-102 Juan de Borbón
F-101 Alvaro de Bazán

F-80 Santa María class
F-86 Canarias
F-85 Navarra
F-84 Reina Sofía
F-83 Numancia
F-82 Victoria
F-81 Santa María
F-70 Baleares class
F-75 Extremadura
F-74 Asturias
Submarines.
S-80 class
S-84 ? (ordered, planned commission 2014)
S-83 ? (ordered, planned commission 2013)
S-82 ? (ordered, planned commission 2012)
S-81 ? (ordered, planned commission 2011)
S-70 Galerna class
S-74 Tramontana
S-73 Mistral
S-72 Siroco
S-71 Galerna
Amphibious ships.
Buque de Proyección Estratégica L-60 Aragón class

L-61 Aragón
LPD L-50 Galicia-class
L-52 Castilla
L-51 Galicia
LST L-40 Pizarro class
L-42 Pizarro
L-41 Hernán Cortes
Patrol ships.
BAM class
(4 ordered)
P-75 Descubierta class
P-79 Vencedora
P-78 Cazadora
P-77 Infanta Cristina
P-76 Infanta Elena
P-75 Descubierta
P-70 Serviola class
P-74 Atalaya
P-73 Vigía
P-72 Centinela
P-71 Serviola
P-60 Chirleu class
P-64 Tarifa
P-63 Arnomendi
P-62 Alborán
P-61 Chirleu
P-80 Toralla class
P-82 Formentor
P-81 Toralla
P-30 Conejera class
P-34 Alcanada
P-33 Espalmador
P-32 Dragonera
P-31 Conejera
P-20 Anaga class
P-30 Bergantín
P-28 Tabarca
P-27 Izaro
P-26 Medas
P-25 Grosa
P-24 Mouro
P-23 Marola
P-22 Tagomago
P-21 Anaga
P-10 Barceló class
P-16 Candido Pérez
P-15 Acevedo
P-14 Ordóñez
P-12 Laya
P-11 Barceló
P-110 Aresa class
P-114
P-111
P-211 Cabo Fradera class
P-211 Cabo Fradera
Mine warfare vessels.
MCM support ship M-10 Descubierta Modified class
M-11 Diana
Minehunters M-30 Segura class
M-36 Tajo
M-35 Duero
M-34 Turia
M-33 Tambre
M-32 Sella
M-31 Segura
Auxiliary ships.
Replenishment ships.
A-15 Cantabria
A-14 Patiño
Fleet oiler.
A-11 Marques de la Ensenada
Logistic ship.
A-01 Contramaestre Casado
Cargo ships.
A-05 El camino español
A-04 Martín Posadillo
EW support ship.
A-111 Alerta
Submarine rescue ship.
A-20 Neptuno
Salvage tug.
A-101 Mar Caribe
Fleet tugs.
A-53 La Graña
A-52 Las Palmas
A-51 Mahón
Polar research ship.
A-33 Hespérides
Hydrographic ships.
A-93 Sextante
A-92 Escandallo
A-91 Astrolabio
A-32 Tofiño
A-31 Malaspina
A-24 Rigel
A-23 Antares
Coastal water tankers.
A-66 Condestable Zaragoza
A-65 Marinero Jarana
Sail training ship.
A-71 Elcano
Training ships.
A-85 Guardiamarina Chereguini
A-84 Guardiamarina.Rull
A-83 Guardiamarina Godínez
A-82 Guardiamarina Salas
A-77 Sálvora
A-76 Giralda
A-75 Sisargas
A-74 La Graciosa
A-72 Arosa



------

Important Threads:
Roots to Branches (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10533069#post10533069)
Spanish-Moroccon War (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10572145#post10572145)

Special Allies:
Italy
Iran
Portugal

[OOC: A real news story; I don't claim authorship of the article.]

A Spanish Army general has been put under house arrest after suggesting that military intervention might be necessary to quell demands for greater autonomy from the northeastern region of Catalonia, the Defense Ministry said.

Recalling the dispute over Catalan autonomy that was a partial cause of the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, Lieutenant General José Mena Aguado, 63, said on Friday night that history appeared to be repeating itself as the nation debated Catalonia's recent requests for more self-government, and that the military was ready to act.

"It is our obligation to warn that there could be serious consequences for the armed forces as an institution and for its members if the Statute of Catalonia is approved in its proposed form," he said during a speech to members of the military in Seville.

"The Constitution establishes a series of impassable limits for any statute of autonomy," he said, referring to the type of law that describes the relationship between Spain's regional governments and Madrid. "But if those limits are exceeded, which thankfully is unthinkable at this time, it would be necessary to apply Article 8 of the Constitution."

Article 8 establishes that the armed forces are responsible for defending Spain's "territorial integrity" and "the constitutional order."

The proposed statute, which was approved overwhelmingly by the Catalan regional Parliament in September, says that Catalonia is a nation unto itself whose self-government is not restricted by the Spanish Constitution.

Critics of the proposal, who include both liberal and conservative politicians, say it could set the stage for an eventual declaration of independence if it were passed in its current form.

Although democracy has taken root in Spain since the death of Francisco Franco in 1975, the military's history of intervening to settle political disputes continues to cast a shadow over Spanish politics.

Today, many Spaniards remain wary of a strong military and refuse to support significant increases in military spending.

Most political parties immediately condemned Mena's comments, although a spokesman for the conservative Popular Party, the main opposition group in Parliament, said that statements like his were inevitable because the prime minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, had failed to vigorously oppose the Catalan proposal.

In comments to the Spanish news agency Europa Press, the spokesman, Gabriel Elorriaga, said that Zapatero had stood idle while the Catalan proposal created a "serious constitutional crisis."

Zapatero has said that the proposal is unconstitutional and must be modified before he will support it.

Catalonia, a region of about seven million people in Spain's northeast, has been home to a potent separatist movement for more than 100 years.

The region is one of Spain's economic engines, and supporters of more autonomy say that it provides Spain with much more than it gets in return, particularly in taxes that go to support poorer regions, like Andalusia and Extremadura.

In announcing the detention of Mena on Saturday, the Defense Ministry said it would propose to Zapatero that the general, who is scheduled to retire in March, be relieved of his command.

During his speech on Friday Mena suggested that others in the military shared his views.

"I have an obligation to know the feelings, concerns and preoccupations of my subordinates," he said. "It is their express wish that I transmit them to the top authorities of the army and to make them public."

The Republic of France would like to recognize the Spanish rightful claims to maintain the integrity of their state, and we offer any aid that your government would need to resolve this issue.

Secret IC to Spain...
From Israel

"Please pay close attention to this message (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=471911), and please reply there. Thank you."

Slightly updated; I'll have to make it neater later.

World Military News
The Spanish Army has informed the press that León y Cascarra Industria Militar and Iveco Fiat Oto Melara Syndicated Company are undergoing preliminary testing for a new join main battle tank program, dubbed the K.36.A. There have been reports that Iran will also join the project, whilst the project is to be formally declared August 2010. The K.36.A Pantera has a release date of 2019, although it's expected that the true release date will be sometime after, most likely 2022. The Spanish military has released that they are designing their own future combat system to mirror that of German, American and Anglo-Saxon armour projection. What's more, all participating countries are looking into future gun systems, including several that have been previously tested in Germany and the United States. The predominate engineering portion of the project is being conducted by Spanish engineers from LCIM, while IFOMSC is providing much of the monetary value since the Spanish Military can ill afford a major project until the year 2013, after the Ark Royal will be paid for - if the United Kingdom agrees to the transfer - and will be halfway through the industrial expansion program which will preceed most new Spanish military designs and allow for greater production rates when they are released. Currently, the Spanish military fields around 300 Leopard 2Es [~200 were constructed between 2007-2010, for the purpose of this RP], and a handful of AMX-30 French designs, as well as older M60 variants. The K.36.A would replace all AMX-30s and M60s, while the Leopard 2E would make up about 600 of the armoured strength by 2016. By 2020 the Leopard 2E would theoritically begin to lose numbers and slowly be replaced by the K.36, and by 2030 a theoritical 900 Panteras would serve with the Spanish Army. The Italian Army would most likely field a B variant, while the Iranians would either use the B variant, or yet another variant. Other than that, not much information on the project has been released.

With the new government in place, favouring rapid and ingenious military growth, Spanish armament industries have been looking more and more into naval experiment, and a concept for a Buque Submergible Balístico, which would be an equivalent to a SSBN but due to the lack of a nuclear program would instead be used to act as a submergible aircraft carrier, carrying a variety of new UCAVs and UAVs, which would use surface project ships like the Príncipe de Asturias to land after a successful strike. A concept has also arisen to create a sorts of retractable landing strip within this rather large submergible craft. In any case, any project including this is a far off hope, and even supporters believe that no project will begin before 2017, although apparently, engineering and research begun as soon as 2009, making a possible release date as close as 2024, although many still doubt this - especially since the technology touches such an iffy part of technology.

There are a host of other military projects Spain has embarked on, although relatively minor as compared to the K.36.

FYI Isn't Felipe the new king?

Yes, I should change that...

Danish diplomats are interested in knowing what kind of coup occured, as I can't seem to find it in this thread.

[OOC: It's in the thread linked - it was a one post coup, somewhere down the page.]

To HM Felipe VI of España-
The Royal Thai army is interested in joining the K.36.A Pantera project. We are in need of future tanks; we're using our Stingrays as a stopgap, but want more modern tanks to help us deal with future enemies in South East Asia. We have worked with your nation in the past on military projects, such as the Chakri Narubet, and are interested in continuing our relationship.
Sincerely,
HM Phumiphon Adunyadet of Thailand
PM Thaksin Chinnawat of Thailand

While we cannot interfere in internal spanish matters, Denmark reminds the new spanish government that elections must remain democratic and in the event of a failure to do so, it is grounds for being expelled from the EU.

Denmark would like to know Spain's position on its government

To: His Majesty Phumiphon Adunyadet of Thailand & Prime Minister Thaksin Chinnawat
The major concern for the Pantera project is monetary, and consequently, we would be willing to design a fourth variant, one for Thailand, or simply supply Thailand with what would be the K.36.B, which is a variant designed for the Italian armed forces, which would offer a different suspension system. It would all depends on what Thailand sees as the future of its warfare. The K.36.IR, for Iran, is designed to be lighter, with lighter armor and such, but that's because the type of warfare envisioned in Iran calls for a much lighter design - one of the reasons the United States is looking foward to its future main battle tank. All that would be required would be monetary funds to supplement those of Iran and Italy, and perhaps the ability for Spanish engineers to test seperate systems on Thai territory, including future tank armament and such. Should this be agreeable, welcome to the team!

[signed]Alejandro Moya, León y Cáscarra Industria Militár



-----------


To: Copenhagen, Denmark
The current government holds no democratic elections, and the entire administration is in the hands of Phillip VI. Understanding European Union guidelines, Phillip VI has instituted a reform program which would introduce Las Cortes by next year, and re-introduce democratic elections [OOC: Nominal, that is, and most likely staged]. Popular support for the current monarchy presists in the central regions of Spain - those that have always considered themselves Spaniards. Apathy exists in the northern regions, except in El País Vasco and in Cataluña, where seperatists have fought since the latter days of Francisco Franco - unfortunately, attacks have increased. However, very effective counter-terrorism operations [OOC: I.E. killing them with tanks, although not very officially] have been successfull in curtailing the rise of terror in the country.

OOC: Please RP your leader arriving at our Universal Summit and entering the conference room with the security there.

To Alejandro Moya, León y Cáscarra Industria Militár-
Thank you for your reply. Thailand is willing to put up eighteen billion baht (฿18,000,000,000; equivalent to $600 million US) over the next three years, and offers testing facilities within Thailand for the Pantera. We desire a tank that is light yet well-armed, and appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
HM Phumiphon Adunyadet of Thailand
PM Thaksin Chinnawat of Thailand

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=472000&page=2

Communiqué to Paris
As a European neighbor, and one of the leaders of political resistance against Australian imperialism, we ask France to begin the developement of some strategy, alongside Spain, for the preperation of a joint naval task force to block Australian access to their African colonies. We urge France that it is time to act, and peace will not solve the ambition of what seems a fool and a kid in the seat of the Australian administration. Unfortunately, Australia has been mirrored by Italy, but the Italian problem can be solved another day. Spain believes that the greater of two evils currently is Australia, especially since Italy still has some sort of cooperation with European countries, while Australia has risked cutting all diplomacy with all nations. Military intervention, in the end, will be the only way to humiliate Australia enough that it will not try again.

SIC: France will appreciate any support from NATO and/or the EU, as well as any just nation desiring to establish a set world order of peace and prosperity. We have set aside a preliminary force of 25,000 men to prepare for action, although we are still sincerely hoping that we will not need to use it.

El País
There has been a flurry of activity in the city of Cadiz for the past two weeks as massing Spanish deployments find themselves centered there, along with a major portion of the Spanish fleet. Official government releases report that El Tercio, and the 2nd Mechanized Division have been readied for shipment to Ethiopia, although there have been private accounts of heavy armour, which would imply that there is also an armoured division preparing for shipment. This would be the first of nobody know how much aid going to Ethiopia and Djibouti to curtail the expansion of Australian holdings in East Africa. Should the Ethiopians agree to this deployment, Spain is also preparing to launch a total of three squadrons of Eurofighters, and four squadrons of MMD F-18/A Hornets, as well as two modified P-3 Orions, and a single Boeing 707-320, along with two tankers and a host of other logistically minded aircraft. This, at least to the numbers we have now, would boost aerial power there by some eighty-four attack/intercept aircraft. Unfortunately, Spain will not be able to deploy the fruits of her labour, which would be another planned thirty-six Eurofighter Typhoons and two more ELINT aircraft, which are destined to be prepared for combat in the Spanish Air Force by 2014. Nevertheless, this is a powerful force, and one that Spain has never deployed to a foreign base for such a large scale defensive operation. What's more, Spain is planning to send both the Príncipe de Asturias and the Aragón - the latter being a Buque de Proyección Estratégica - constituting Spain's entire carrier force. Reported being prepared to leave as well are all five F-100 Alvaro de Bazán class frigates, and a host of other, smaller, vessels. This too would fail to be able to feed off the projected Spanish project to increase naval power through increasing the amounts of ships in the Armada, but cooperating with the French fleet, which has similar capabilities, the two would be largely unstoppable in case of war. Madrid has said that it would be prepared to begin deployments by next week should Ethiopia agree to allowing its bases to stage a defense, and Djibouti, the use of its city harbour.

World Military News
Madrid has released information detailing a new independent carrier project to mirror that of Italy, which would provide a larger, much more powerful, gas powered carrier. The carrier has been given the conservative release date of 2022, although many expect that the design project will be complete before that, and the first expected carrier, the Duque del Lébano, will be comissioned by 2020. This project comes coupled with hopes of Spain's own future destroyer project [DD-F], and a battlecruiser project that will match Australia's own older, but yet large, 'battleships', providing Spain with heavy hitting power. This latter ship is expected to be comissioned by 2021 and will be the only ship in its class - however, many naval experts are asking for the project to be scrapped, especially because of the funds its soaking up like a sponge.

To HM Felipe VI de España -
We would like to collaborate on the DD-F project; although we cannot provide much in the way of funding for a few years, we can provide research facilities near Bangkok, along with, between 2014 and 2016, six billion baht (฿6,000,000,000; equivalent to $200 million US). We hope this will be of use for you, and that you'll accept our offered support.
Sincerely,
HM Phumiphon Adunyadet of Thailand

To: Su Majestad Phumiphon Adunyadet of Thailand
Knowing Thailand's illustrious career with the Spanish Navy in ship procurement, Madrid accepts the aid and in return nominates the DD-F project as a cooperative project between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of Spain. We envision a destroyer with the capabilties of anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and a line of defense as an escort, meaning it will be nominally heavy, with just as heavy sensor equipment. In other words, we're looking at something superior to the Arleigh Burke, although most likely inferior to the American DDX project. Nevertheless, this ship should give us an advantage over neighboring navies, although it will not be nuclear powered [OOC: Unless someone offers Spain a project to develope a nuclear reactor; someone with the technology]. Spain is planning to comission fifteen destroyers by the year 2031. But this is besides the point; we welcome Thailand's introduction to the project, and perhaps the research will not be conducted much faster, between the teams of two countries.

[signed]Felipe VI

SIC:
You have our assurance against Australia their fleet off our coasts is becoming a problem for commerce. We don't have the economic power nor the military to go to war, however we dont believe that they dare risk a two front war against one of the largest armies of the world.

[OOC: You actually have a navy more capable than that of Australias, especially since Australia is now engaged in battle in the Red Sea. Here's the Indian Navy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Navy ]

anyway... waiting a reply (I edited the last post to)

OOC - sorry about the delay; assume we accept. It's too late for me to be thinking enough to make a good normal reply to this; sorry...

To: New Dehli, India
That assurance is good enough for Spain. Spain is prepared to begin a full program of economic aid with India, helping extend its industry and provide much needed employment for the majority of its population. However, Madrid stresses that India needs to adopt a strategy for curtailing the wild and uncontrolled population growth in their country, which will hinder their attempts to gain foothold in the world of economic success. Furthermore, Spain stresses to India that there has to be greater attempts of peace with Pakistan, as much of the wealth Indian produces goes towards procuring and developing weapons that can defeat and even destroy Pakistan in a war. Nonetheless, Spain will do as much as possible as per agreement.

SIC to spain:
"We highlt doubt that their army is captible of a prolonged conflict accross the continent via paradrop. If war does break out we shall help but we wequire help against their navy."

[OOC: Is that Pakistan or Australia you're referring to?]

OOC:
Hola

Espana, please check this thread: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10574742#post10574742

Asking for permission to send special forces through Morocco. It's SIC.

TO SPAIN: Are you in control of Morocco? If so, the Kingdom of Denmark is interested in sending some of its special forces into Algeria, through Morocco to search and rescue a number of our citizens that have been caught in Algerian territory. We also feel that Spain would have no issue in allowing our special forces to perform other clandestine operations in Algeria, in order to further opposition to the military rule of Algeria.

We eagerly await your reply and acceptance on this matter - PM Jacob Andersen.


To: Copenhagen, Denmark
{1024bit NATO Encryption}
Spain is not yet in control of Morocco, but should the country fail to respond, or respond negatively to our ultimatum, Spain will begin military operations in the country. There will be a temporary occupation of Morocco, in which time Denmark could use to base special forces to stage them into Algeria. The entire operation to crush the Moroccon army will most likely take around three to four weeks, and the occupation will ensue for at least four years, including the reduction and destruction of any insurgents that may rise. The Western Sahara will have independence restored, although it will become a Spanish dependency, with a Spanish friendly government.

ooc: yeah yeah, I know, copied format :p still, it makes sense to include that part. Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to find Any information on the royal danish air force?

To: Copenhagen, Denmark
{1024bit NATO Encryption}
Spain is not yet in control of Morocco, but should the country fail to respond, or respond negatively to our ultimatum, Spain will begin military operations in the country. There will be a temporary occupation of Morocco, in which time Denmark could use to base special forces to stage them into Algeria. The entire operation to crush the Moroccon army will most likely take around three to four weeks, and the occupation will ensue for at least four years, including the reduction and destruction of any insurgents that may rise. The Western Sahara will have independence restored, although it will become a Spanish dependency, with a Spanish friendly government.

To: Madrid, Spain
{1024bit NATO Encryption}
Denmark will support Spain's move to occupy and improve Morocco. Denmark would like to offer specially trained peacekeeping forces in the period after the Moroccan army's defeat, in order to help keep insurgency to a minimum, as long as Spain is willing to work towards an independent Spanish dependency in Morocco. Denmark is also willing to provide a single F-16 fighter plane for all hostile bombardments, as long as it is not recognized as being Danish, but rather part of the Spanish forces. We will send our special forces in half-way through military operations in the north of Morocco and possibly assist Spain with covert operations if this proves to be necessary. Special forces will include: Jægersoldater and Frømandskorpset. They will begin operations in Algeria once properly established in Morocco.

(US terms for danish special forces: Rangers and Navy Seals)

OOC: its australia as Pakistan and India already settled the Kashmir dispute

To: Copenhagen, Denmark
{1024bit NATO Encryption}

Although the offer of the F-16 was unnecessary, as we have a great deal of Spanish Eurofighters and F-18s at our disposal, as well as a few squadrons of Portuguese F-16s, we will take Denmark up on her offer for special forces. The war around the mountains will be quick, but it's expected that even after Morocco's army is crushed there will still be a rather large and tenacious contingent to take root in the Atlas Mountains. It was originally planned for the only Spanish Mountain division to deal with this threat in a long term, slow but methodical operation. The aid of Danish special forces would be without rival, especially considering the role played by U.S. Special Forces in Afghanistan. Indeed, they were able to do reconnaissance in force in the mountains and destroy hazardous defensive emplacements before the main military personnel arrived [including several strategically placed machineguns to down American choppers putting down men during operation Anaconda]. If all goes to plan, operations should begin within four weeks.

To: Copenhagen, Denmark
{1024bit NATO Encryption}

Although the offer of the F-16 was unnecessary, as we have a great deal of Spanish Eurofighters and F-18s at our disposal, as well as a few squadrons of Portuguese F-16s, we will take Denmark up on her offer for special forces. The war around the mountains will be quick, but it's expected that even after Morocco's army is crushed there will still be a rather large and tenacious contingent to take root in the Atlas Mountains. It was originally planned for the only Spanish Mountain division to deal with this threat in a long term, slow but methodical operation. The aid of Danish special forces would be without rival, especially considering the role played by U.S. Special Forces in Afghanistan. Indeed, they were able to do reconnaissance in force in the mountains and destroy hazardous defensive emplacements before the main military personnel arrived [including several strategically placed machineguns to down American choppers putting down men during operation Anaconda]. If all goes to plan, operations should begin within four weeks.

To:Madrid, Spain
{1024bit NATO Encryption}

The F-16 will remain at your disposal.

We look forward to performing covert operations with your forces.

[ooc: is the ultimatum to Morocco a move to occupy the country or to liberate Western Sahara?]

[ooc: is the ultimatum to Morocco a move to occupy the country or to liberate Western Sahara?]

[OOC: If Morocco refuses the ultimatum, both. If Morocco accepts it then the Western Sahara will be liberated and Spain is left without a cassus belli to occupy the country.]

[OOC: If Morocco refuses the ultimatum, both. If Morocco accepts it then the Western Sahara will be liberated and Spain is left without a cassus belli to occupy the country.]

OOC: so regardless, Denmark appears to be able to gain access to Algeria (there is a tiny border between Algeria and Western Sahara).

[OOC: If Morocco refuses the ultimatum, both. If Morocco accepts it then the Western Sahara will be liberated and Spain is left without a cassus belli to occupy the country.]

[ooc: why occupy Morocco if the intention to liberate Western Sahara? It's just like saying "I'm occupying Spain and France to secure the independence of the Basque people"...]

[ooc: why occupy Morocco if the intention to liberate Western Sahara? It's just like saying "I'm occupying Spain and France to secure the independence of the Basque people"...]

[OOC: Because if Morocco refuses the terms of the ultimatum, which it pretty much has to since the ultimatum's terms are rediculous, then Spain will have to liberate the Western Sahara by destroying the Moroccan army; much like the United States had to intervene in Iraq to free Kuwait. Since operations will be from head to toe that means that Morocco will be more or less pulvarized in the war, meaning that Spain will occupy the country under the guise of rebuilding it and changing the monarchy to a liberalized democracy.]

[OOC: Because if Morocco refuses the terms of the ultimatum, which it pretty much has to since the ultimatum's terms are rediculous, then Spain will have to liberate the Western Sahara by destroying the Moroccan army; much like the United States had to intervene in Iraq to free Kuwait. Since operations will be from head to toe that means that Morocco will be more or less pulvarized in the war, meaning that Spain will occupy the country under the guise of rebuilding it and changing the monarchy to a liberalized democracy.]

[ooc: the UN coalition in 1991 did not invade Iraq and occupy it...they simply neutralized the Iraqi army...]

[ooc: the UN coalition in 1991 did not invade Iraq and occupy it...they simply neutralized the Iraqi army...]

[OOC: Yea, but they didn't really hit Bagdad either. Spain is 'forced' to go head to toe, meaning that more or less, it's necessary to rebuild the nation post-bellum, and since this isn't a UN coalition I'm not bound by whatever the UN enforces. Furthermore, as implied by the explenation above, Morocco will undergo a full regime change.]

[OOC: Yea, but they didn't really hit Bagdad either. Spain is 'forced' to go head to toe, meaning that more or less, it's necessary to rebuild the nation post-bellum, and since this isn't a UN coalition I'm not bound by whatever the UN enforces. Furthermore, as implied by the explenation above, Morocco will undergo a full regime change.]

[ooc: France hates regime changes...you know that...especially one of a former colony...]

[ooc: France hates regime changes...you know that...especially one of a former colony...]

[OOC: Don't forget that the 'former colony' was a joint mandate between France and Spain.]

[ooc: yes...about 89% of Morocco was formerly French...the rest, along with Western Sahara, was Spanish...]

[SIC: In continuing our discussion about Italy...

Currently, Foreign Legionnaires in Tunis are being ordered to stay out of the way, and [pending Italy's continuation of the thread] we are upset that this has even come to the floor. France holds a special interest in its North African neighbors; as former colonies, cooperative partners in peace, and mutual allies in the Arab and European worlds, especially with Algeria. Ever since their declarations of independence, we have valued their territorial sovereignty and their political and economic stability. Italian attacks on Tunisia are in fact detrimental to these relations, and while we would simply retaliate, we are obliged to hold fast on another dear neighbor, and we are met with a conflict of interests - a conflict where we hold that Tunisia is in the right. As of the current, France is not personally holding to perform economic and/or military sanctions, seeing as our two countries are practically inseparable as friendly neighbors. But we are certain that other countries outside the EU would like to offer their retaliation, especially the USA, considering the Tunisian government's cooperation with American interests in the Mediterranean.

Nonetheless, seeing as it is Spain's interest to resolve this issue from within the EU [and seeing as the proposal condemning Italy was recently passed], what does Spain propose in counter action to Italy's aggression?

And we certainly hope that Spain still holds their friendship with France as dear [if not more] than that with Iran, since we are mutual neighbors.]

[OOC: Is Felipe a resident of the Bourbon family?]

[OOC: Yes, it's the curret Prince Phillip of Asturias, son of Juan Carlos I.]

{Encrypted DataBurst to the Head of State of France}

First of all, of course Spain values France over Iran! It's the same way we value Italy over Tunis. A European brother will always be held in higher regard that a new Arab friend, despite all the co-projects and fluff that is added to make it look the opposite. Iran is merely an ace we hold, although to be truthful, the only reason Iran even allows this is because we provide a valuable asset that goes beyond a major oil importer. We provide them with much needed western equipment, and we provide them with a western ally that Saudi Arabia and Gergia does not have - no nation would go ahead of themselves to support these latter two, while Spain would in Iran's case.

And yes, Tunisia was a valuable western ally, including a very avid supporter in the war on terror. Unfortunately, radicals in the Italian government have seen past this and have just attacked on simple imperialist zeal. And I have decided to send you this personally for this specific message. I would wait until after Italy has taken Tunisia. I have already warned Rome that it's forces will be tied down - but to no avail. Although Spain will not directly interfere in the matter on France's side, we will not intervene on the other side either. Meaning, we will give France and her allies a free hand in doing what they can to stop Italy. And Spain, I must say, is a growing force, but our economic aid can't help Italy. Spain does not make up for the loss of France as a trade partner for Italy.

In any case, if you wish to do this more peacefully, Spain, through the EU, would agree to a limited embargo. This doesn't have an impact on other nations. Should other nations want to do a full embargo, that's fine, but Spain will only participate itself through limited means, although it will publically support the full embargo. Meaning, we will cut short on certain goods to harm the Italian economy, but for the most part, especially in military trade, Spain can't cut those ties. That's as much as Madrid can offer right now, without disrupting valuable alliances on both sides of the net. Furthermore, with this in the open, Spain is glad to act as a mediator between France and Italy, since my country seems in the perfect position to do so.

My best wishes,

Felipe VI

[OOC: Yes, it's the curret Prince Phillip of Asturias, son of Juan Carlos I.]

{Encrypted DataBurst to the Head of State of France}

First of all, of course Spain values France over Iran! It's the same way we value Italy over Tunis. A European brother will always be held in higher regard that a new Arab friend, despite all the co-projects and fluff that is added to make it look the opposite. Iran is merely an ace we hold, although to be truthful, the only reason Iran even allows this is because we provide a valuable asset that goes beyond a major oil importer. We provide them with much needed western equipment, and we provide them with a western ally that Saudi Arabia and Gergia does not have - no nation would go ahead of themselves to support these latter two, while Spain would in Iran's case.

And yes, Tunisia was a valuable western ally, including a very avid supporter in the war on terror. Unfortunately, radicals in the Italian government have seen past this and have just attacked on simple imperialist zeal. And I have decided to send you this personally for this specific message. I would wait until after Italy has taken Tunisia. I have already warned Rome that it's forces will be tied down - but to no avail. Although Spain will not directly interfere in the matter on France's side, we will not intervene on the other side either. Meaning, we will give France and her allies a free hand in doing what they can to stop Italy. And Spain, I must say, is a growing force, but our economic aid can't help Italy. Spain does not make up for the loss of France as a trade partner for Italy.

In any case, if you wish to do this more peacefully, Spain, through the EU, would agree to a limited embargo. This doesn't have an impact on other nations. Should other nations want to do a full embargo, that's fine, but Spain will only participate itself through limited means, although it will publically support the full embargo. Meaning, we will cut short on certain goods to harm the Italian economy, but for the most part, especially in military trade, Spain can't cut those ties. That's as much as Madrid can offer right now, without disrupting valuable alliances on both sides of the net. Furthermore, with this in the open, Spain is glad to act as a mediator between France and Italy, since my country seems in the perfect position to do so.

My best wishes,

Felipe VI

[ooc: I hope that I didn't imply that France would go to war with Italy over Tunisia...I did say that France values its European neighbors as an inseparatable unit, with which we would lose too much...and furthermore, I think that Italy and Tunisia need the mediation, not France and Italy...but as you wish...]

[SIC: France appreciates the bold and laudable efforts by Spain to retain peace in the EU and the world! :)]

Spain has announced that it will begin the enrichment of more uranium. Currently, Spain is one of the last countries in the list of uranium mining nations [being 15-16 nations; Spain is 12-14], but Madrid has accounted for that this is enough for their own uses. Current application has said to be the new Duque del Lebano class Aircraft Carriers, the first of which is destined to be laid down in 2016 and comissioned in 2019, to see its maiden voyage 2020. Spain has also expressed interest in nuclear powered submarines - the SSN - although Madrid claims that it much rather buy one from the United Kingdom or the United States than spend money developing their own; instead opting to continue the tradition of diesel/electrics, such as the submarine designed between France and Spain in the early 2000s. Further application would be in the civilian sector.

More importantly, Spain has reassured many governments that it has no interests in the proliferation of nuclear warheads, stating that it "would go beyond [our] economic capacity, and it would detract from potential use in more important areas." It seems as nuclear propulsion is held in higher priority than nuclear destruction. Indeed, the only threat posed to Spain in the nuclear range are from nuclear powers - all of which are allies of some form or another. That said, Spain has no logical reason it would need a nuclear deterrant. Nevertheless, the news of increased mining could possibly send out alarms.

Spain has announced that it will begin the enrichment of more uranium. Currently, Spain is one of the last countries in the list of uranium mining nations [being 15-16 nations; Spain is 12-14], but Madrid has accounted for that this is enough for their own uses. Current application has said to be the new Duque del Lebano class Aircraft Carriers, the first of which is destined to be laid down in 2016 and comissioned in 2019, to see its maiden voyage 2020. Spain has also expressed interest in nuclear powered submarines - the SSN - although Madrid claims that it much rather buy one from the United Kingdom or the United States than spend money developing their own; instead opting to continue the tradition of diesel/electrics, such as the submarine designed between France and Spain in the early 2000s. Further application would be in the civilian sector.

More importantly, Spain has reassured many governments that it has no interests in the proliferation of nuclear warheads, stating that it "would go beyond [our] economic capacity, and it would detract from potential use in more important areas." It seems as nuclear propulsion is held in higher priority than nuclear destruction. Indeed, the only threat posed to Spain in the nuclear range are from nuclear powers - all of which are allies of some form or another. That said, Spain has no logical reason it would need a nuclear deterrant. Nevertheless, the news of increased mining could possibly send out alarms.

[ooc: mining is always welcome...it's the enrichment part that's the real bother...]

Army News
The two year order for Tigers has been declared cancelled by the office of weapon and ordnance procurement. Instead, the Spanish Army has opted for the purchase of fifty Mangusta attack helicopters from the Italians over a period of two years, for a grand total of €350,000,000. This comes as a blow to Germany who was expecting to make more off the Tigers, but Spain says that the time taking to accept the order and produce it was far too long for the nation's time table. The first batch of twelve Mangustas is expected by the end of the year, with the rest being supplied between that order and the end of the time limit [three years]. Spain has also declared that following those three years it will replace all Eurocopters with twenty-five more Mangustas, allowing the helicopter fleet a more uniform appearance and making it more logistics heavy. The Army has also said that those lost due to attrition in Morocco will be replaced by Mangustas, not Eurocopter Tigers.

Furthermore, Portugal, Spain and Italy have declared another joint project to complete a SVTOL version of the Eurofighter Typhoon, making the body a bit large to equip it with thrust vectoring. The new variant will make its appearance on the future Italian carrier to be commissioned in 2015. It will also make an appearance on the Duque del Lebano in 2018, now that the date has been pushed foward. The second ship of that class will be commissioned by 2020, to be laid down 2016, while no plans for a third have yet been declassified or mentioned. It's already been reported, however, that all three nations will be putting ~€6,000,000,000 a piece over a period of four years for the project. This adds yet another joint program, along with the FMBT Pantera, and the new anti-shipping missile due for release by 2015. Above all else, it has finally be declassified that the Duque del Lebano and sister ships will be nuclear powered, making them the first of such in the Spanish Armada. However, the battlecruiser project was cancelled after a reported ~€600,000,000 was spent on developing a plan to produce the larger cannons. Nevertheless, the Spanish Armed Forces still has a lot on its hands, but it's future looks very bright.

Moreover, the Spanish Air Forceh has suddenly exclaimed its decision to augment its Eurofighter Tifón force from ~88, to a total of 216 aircraft of that type, equipping a total of eighteen squadrons. This is expected to be completed near the year 2016, although with shipments coming from Italy as well, this could be as low as 2014. Spain is still looking foward to increasing Portuguese industrial potential for production of goods for the Spanish and Portuguese militaries. Indeed, it looks more and more that the two Iberian countries have joined forces in both military ventures and industrial growth. Apart from that, nobody really knows what the future holds for Spain.