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Healthy democracies need a healthy media sector. Yet, faced with multiple attacks and challenges, notably technological and financial, the sector needs a coordinated response.

Zwei Männer sollen auf einem deutschen Campingplatz mindestens 23 Kinder sexuell missbraucht und kinderpornografisches Material hergestellt haben. Ein dritter Mann soll als Auftraggeber fungiert haben.

A magyar mellett további három válogatott biztosította a helyét kedden a világliga kontinentális fináléjában, azaz az Európa Kupa nyolcas döntőjében.

TASR/BUMM: Négy új képviselője van a Szobránci járásban található Fekésháza (Fekišoviec) önkormányzatának. A neten közzétett alakuló önkormányzati üléséről hírhedtté vált Smer-SD-s polgármesternőt, Miloslava Fedorovát két hete hagyták faképnél a felesketett képviselők. A maradék hat póttagból ketten nem álltak ugyan kötélnek, de az éppen megmaradt négy tartalékos pont elegendő a "testületi állomány" feltöltéséhez.

Im Streit um die Aufnahme der Flüchtlinge an Bord des Rettungsschiffes «Sea-Watch 3» hat die italienische Regierung eine Einigung mit sechs anderen europäischen Staaten erzielt.

Labass.net - Le Maroc, l’Algérie, la Mauritanie et le polisario devraient se retrouver, en mars prochain, pour une nouvelle table ronde...

Wegen starker Schneefälle und heftigem Wind haben in der Waadtländer Gemeinde Apples-Bière knapp 1000 Schülerinnen und Schüler am (heutigen) Mittwoch schulfrei. Der Schulweg ist zu gefährlich.

Havonta fizet a telefonok megfigyeléséért a Facebook.

Americas

The Air Force contracted Honeywell International Aerospace $85.7 million for C-5 Honeywell software and engineering support services. The C-5 Galaxy is the primary lift aircraft in the US military for moving outsized cargo to global theaters of operation. It is distinct for having both front and rear cargo ramps allowing for much faster load and offload operations. The US Air Force operates the Lockheed C-5 since 1969. The C-5M Super Galaxy is an upgraded version with new engines and modernized avionics designed to extend its service life beyond 2040. Honeywell’s Versatile Integrated Avionics for C-5M Super Galaxy uses line replaceable units with shared functions to lower weight, reduce wiring and decrease spares inventory. New board Honeywell’s solution is based on key advances that were made by the company in the development and implementation of the advanced avionics architecture. Work for the new deal will take place in Arizona, Puerto Rico, Washington, and New Mexico and is scheduled to be completed by the end of January 2025.

Strategic Systems Programs awarded General Dynamics Mission Systems a $13 million contract modification for US and UK SSBN Fire Control System as well as the US Attack Weapon Control System (AWCS) sustainment. The Fire Control System delivers data required to monitor the launch sequence of ballistic missiles. The SSBN AWCS is a non-nuclear system that consists of an integrated Launch Control System interfaced with the Tactical Tomahawk Weapon Control System and the Captain’s Information and Control Station. In December 2014 General Dynamics was contracted for the development, installation and maintenance, and deployed-systems support of US and UK Trident II submarine strategic weapons systems and subsystems. The modification includes training and support equipment as well as research and development. Work will mostly take place in Massachusetts and is expected to be completed by December 2020.

Middle East & Africa

Israel’s Elbit Systems announced that it reorganized the company’s structure to establish two new business divisions: Land Systems, and C4I and Cyber. The announcement comes after completing the acquisition of IMI Systems Ltd. on November 25, 2018. IMI Systems manufactures weapons, munitions and military technology for the Israeli security forces. It is most commonly associated with the development of the Uzi submachine gun. Elbit now expects to record in the fourth quarter of 2018 expenses estimated in the range of $65-75 million. Elbit’s land division will focus on systems for military vehicles, artillery, and capabilities brought in from IMI, while the C4I and Cyber division will concentrate on command and control, radios, communications, homeland security, and cyber intelligence. The reorganization is supposed to improve the synergy within the Company with respect to the acquired activities and better address market requirements.

Europe

Greece contracted Chassis Plans (CP) Technologies to modernize and update the mission control computers in the P-3B Orion aircraft used by the Hellenic Navy and Air Force. The P-3 Orion is a four-engine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft developed for the US Navy. In 2014, the US State Department approved a Foreign Military Sale to Greece for P-3B aircraft overhaul and upgrade as well as associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $500 million. CP Technologies’ mission computers are used in the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) consoles onboard the aircraft and were designed to offer advanced computing technology in order to accommodate new ISR capabilities in the rough aircraft environment like Advance map rendering and GPS tracking, sensor, and surveillance data analysis.

Italian contractor Leonardo Defense Systems developed and tested an upgrade package for the M109L 155 mm self-propelled artillery system, according to Jane’s. The M109 is an American howitzer. The upgraded M109L, used by the Italian Army, has a 23 liter chamber and meets the Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding. It is fitted with a fume extractor and a new pepper box muzzle brake. Firing a standard 155 mm M15A2 high-explosive (HE) projectile a maximum range of 30 km can be achieved. An extended range ammunition could reach 40 km. The most significant range improvement would be firing the latest Leonardo Volcano 155 mm Ballistic Extended Range artillery projectile, which was type classified by the Italian Army and is ready for quantity production as soon as orders are placed.

Asia-Pacific

South Korea received its first of four Airbus Defense and Space A330-200 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. The aircraft arrived in November, making the country the seventh member of the worldwide family of A330 MRTT operators. The Republic of Korea ordered the A330s in 2015. Deliveries of the remaining three MRTTs are set to conclude later this year. The A330 MRTT is an aerial refueling tanker aircraft based on the civilian Airbus A330. It was procured under a $1.3 billion deal that will enable the Republic of Korea Air Force to project combat air power as far north as Pyongyang while allowing it to participate more fully in international peacekeeping missions.

Today’s Video

Watch: U.S. Air Force Finally Receives First Replacements for Its 60-Year-Old Stratotankers

Le trafic au Port autonome de Cotonou (Pac) a connu une hausse cette année contre les années précédentes. Selon les statistiques portuaires, le trafic global sur l'année s'établit à 10,2 millions de tonnes, soit une augmentation de 10,7% par rapport à 2017. L'importation de conteneurs pleins quant à elle, s'est établie à 20 000 EVP contre 15 000 les années précédentes. Les exportations de conteneurs pleins, ont atteint 5 580 EVP, soit une hausse de 14% sur la même période de 2017.
Des résultats qui témoignent de l'expertise du port d'Anvers auquel le chef de l'Etat patrice Talon a fait recours pour faire du Pac, le véritable poumon de l'économie béninoise.
F. Aubin AHEHEHINNOU

Greek P-3B
(click to view full)

Greece’s Hellenic Air Force currently operates 4 older P-3B Orion maritime patrol aircraft, which were delivered to the HAF from 1993 – 1996. They are reaching the limits of their airframe life, but Greece is nearing the end of their fiscal rope. In 2008, the odds appeared to tilt toward new aircraft, with at least EUR 250 million (then about $350 million) reportedly set aside for the winner of a 5-aircraft maritime patrol competition. In 2014, it became clear that Greece was considering another option…

Greece’s Options

P-8A Poseidon: cutaway
(click to view full)

In May 2005, “P-8A MMA Could Become a Multinational Program” said that:

“European nations operating the P-3 may gravitate toward smaller maritime patrol aircraft … Initial designs are even appearing in this class for executive jet aircraft equipped with maritime surveillance radars and related gear. Given that many nations’ maritime surveillance and attack requirements make the P-8’s range and endurance parameters unnecessary, it’s very possible that the EU’s moves will successfully bifurcate the global maritime patrol category into a broad class of nations who buy smaller aircraft, and an elite few with more extensive requirements who buy aircraft in the P-8A [Poseidon] class.”

Greece seemed to be firmly in that broad class who could buy smaller aircraft, and expected competitors are described in Appendix A. A different option also existed. The Orion has upgraded to P-3C designation, and has received a slew of updates since the P-3Bs were fielded. Efforts like Lockheed Martin’s reopening of P-3 wing production have made it possible for countries like Norway to keep upgraded P-3 aircraft in service.

In 2008, Greece had reportedly decided not to buy P-8s, or refurbish the Orions. By 2014, they had changed their minds.

Contracts & Key Events

Wing replacement
(click to view full) January 31/19: Modernization Greece contracted Chassis Plans (CP) Technologies to modernize and update the mission control computers in the P-3B Orion aircraft used by the Hellenic Navy and Air Force. The P-3 Orion is a four-engine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft developed for the US Navy. In 2014, the US State Department approved a Foreign Military Sale to Greece for P-3B aircraft overhaul and upgrade as well as associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $500 million. CP Technologies’ mission computers are used in the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) consoles onboard the aircraft and were designed to offer advanced computing technology in order to accommodate new ISR capabilities in the rough aircraft environment like Advance map rendering and GPS tracking, sensor, and surveillance data analysis.

July 27/14: Greece’s P-3B Orion aircraft are to undergo a $142 million mid-life modernization program. Work to be carried out as highlighted in the deal include the reactivation of one of the navy’s P-3Bs and the procurement of software and hardware kits for the upgrade and modernization of a total of four aircraft. Greece operates six of the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) P-3Bs.

Oct 7/14: P-3 overhaul. The Greeks have changed their minds. The US DSCA announces Greece’s official export request for modification and reactivation of 2 stored P-3B aircraft (bringing the fleet to 6), and the upgrade of up to 5 P-3Bs that will include structural Mid Life Upgrades (MLU) to provide 15,000 more flight hours, Phased Depot Maintenance (PDM), Mission Integration and Management Systems (MIMS), and new flight avionics. Not to mention the usual spare and repair parts, repair and return, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, and US Government and contractor support. The estimated cost is up to $500 million.

That’s quite the shift in policy, considering that it ends up costing Greece more than the previous budget for new acquisitions. The P-3s will also be more expensive to operate. On the other hand, their range will be very useful if Greece wants long patrol times over Cyprus’ offshore gas fields. Then, too, the DSCA statement suggests that things have become dire:

“The proposed sale for overhaul and upgrade would allow the Hellenic Navy (HN) to resume operations of its P-3B aircraft for land-based maritime patrol and reconnaissance, surveillance and protection of areas of national interest.”

Airbus performs these kinds of upgrades, and did so for Brazil. In this case, however, the principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Marietta, GA. If a contract is signed, the sale will require “multiple” trips to Greece by U.S. Government and contractor representatives for a period of 7 years for delivery, system checkout, training, and program reviews. Sources: US DSCA #14-47, “Greece – P-3B Aircraft Overhaul and Upgrade”.

DSCA request: P-3 reactivation and upgrades

S-3B Viking
(click to view full)

Oct 14/08: Competition. Flight International reports on the expected Greek Maritime Patrol Aircraft competition, and the expected competitors. See Appendix A for even more background. Boeing won’t be offering the P-8, and the magazine also reports that Greece has rejected American offers of refurbished P-3s or of second-hand S-3B Viking jets.

The S-3 is a twin-engine carrier jet whose mission is described simply as “sea control.” Their range fits well with Greece’s needs, and they come armed with advanced surveillance equipment plus the ability to carry torpedoes, missiles, sonobuoys – even refueling pods that let them act as aerial refueling tankers. The US Navy plans to phase out the S-3 by 2010, and is replacing them with MH-60R helicopters whose slow speed and reduced range will shrink the protective anti-submarine “bubble” around American carrier forces.

For Greece, the planes’ age and hard usage in carrier landings creates issues with spares, training, and operational costs. These issues combine to make an S-3B transfer unattractive as a long-term solution. If the current financial crisis pinches Greece’s defense procurement budgets sharply enough, however, a cheap enough S-3 transfer offer might begin to look attractive as a stopgap solution that would compete with P-3 re-winging and/or refurbishment.

Appendix A: Greek MPA Competitors, 2008

ATR-72 ASW
(click to view full)

Greece’s naval focus is limited to the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean, a sphere that is well within the capabilities of smaller and less expensive aircraft. A budget of about $350 million might buy 2 P-8As, plus spares and fielding support. It could not buy 5. In October 2008, Flight International reported that the budget for this purchase could increase, but:

“Boeing does not expect to offer its 737-based P-8A multi-mission maritime aircraft, but is promoting a Boeing Business Jet solution for a separate requirement for three VIP and presidential transports.”

An RFP was expected by the end of 2009, and viable candidates for the maritime patrol requirement reportedly included:

ATR-72MP (Alenia/EADS). This large twin-turboprop regional passenger aircraft has been developed into a maritime patrol variant that includes both integrated surveillance equipment and weapons carriage. Its use in civilian capacities creates an independent source of potential upgrades, troubleshooting, service networks, and trained personnel opportunities. In 2006, Turkey ordered ATR-72ASWs; picking this aircraft would give Greece assured platform parity with its rival.

Be-200
(click to view full)

Be200 (Beriev). Greece buys a lot of Russian defense equipment, from armored personnel carriers, to hovercraft, to advanced anti-aircraft missiles. The Beriev jet would be an interesting choice because it is a true amphibian that can land on water. It also comes with a fire-fighting mission module, something that might offer an attractive supplement to Greece’s Bombardier aircraft after the infamous 2007 fires. Beriev does not advertise a full maritime patrol variant, just a search and rescue variant.

If the competition involved only search and rescue aircraft, the Be-200 would have an exceptionally strong case. The Greek request also requires anti-submarine, anti-surface, and surveillance duties, however, which may prove problematic for the Russian design. There have been reports of a Be-40/Be-42 variant for maritime patrol since 1986, but the project’s status remains uncertain. Given Greece’s requirements for NATO commonality, it would also be fair to characterize a Greek Be-40 as a new variant when assessing development and delivery risks.

C-295-MPA concept
(click to view full)

C-295 MPA (EADS). Chile has ordered the C-295MP, a larger derivative of the CN-235MP Persuader surveillance-only aircraft that serves with a number of air forces. These aircraft offer good endurance in a small plane, and economical operating costs. The C-295 MPA version comes with an advanced surveillance system, and can carry torpedoes or Harpoon/ Exocet missile on underwing pylons. It does not appear to carry sonobuoy launchers.

The CN-235/C-295 family is in widespread use with a number of militaries as light transport aircraft, and versions of the smaller CN-235MP maritime patrol aircraft are already in service with 7 countries and the US Coast Guard. Greece doesn’t currently operate the C-235 family, however; it ordered Alenia’s C-27J as its light tactical transport instead.

P-99 MPA concept
(click to view full)

P-99 (Embraer). Like the ATR-72, Embraer’s offer leverages an in-service, popular civilian platform. An unarmed variant of this ERJ-145 based martime patrol aircraft serves with Mexico. Greece currently operates the R-99A Erieye airborne early warning derivative, and uses the ERJ-145 as a VIP transport. Embraer can also be expected to compete in Greece’s VIP/Presidential transport solicitation, where they will offer a potent challenge to Boeing.

A P-99 purchase would offer fleet commonality, and a jet solution offers greater speed and hence coverage at the expense of sustained low-level flight. Greece’s preferences in this regard will either tip it toward the ATR/EADS turoprop solutions, or give the Embraer aircraft a strong advantage. Embraer’s site touts the new P-99 variant as being capable of carrying weapons, and their concept art even shows sonobuoy launchers; but Greece would be the armed version’s launch customer. That creates customization opportunities, but it also makes that first buyer the guinea pig and bill-payer for platform development and integration issues.

Additional Readings

• DID – Meltem-III: Turkey’s New ATR-72 Maritime Patrol Planes. Includes 6 TMPAs, and 2 TMUA transports.

• Balkan Analysis (May 31/12) – Greece and Turkey: Offensive and Defensive Balance of Naval Power in 2012.

• Balkan Analysis (Feb 19/12) – Greece and Turkey: Offensive and Defensive Balance of Air Power in 2012.

• Flight Global (Oct 14/08) – Greek navy prioritises maritime patrol aircraft contest.

The Circular Economy Package and Plastics Strategy have set a high-level framework to improve the resource efficiency of the European economy. But to be effective, this framework must remain a policy priority for the next European Commission and Parliament, writes Nick Molho.

Melanie Winiger hat ausgelächelt bei Coop. Der Detailhändler hat nach zehn Jahren die Zusammenarbeit mit der Ex-Miss beendet. Man wolle sich künftig wieder auf Mode-Basics konzentrieren, so Coop.

Das Bildungsniveau der Schweizer Bevölkerung dürfte sich in den kommenden zwanzig Jahren weiter erhöhen. Diese Entwicklung deckt sich laut einem Bericht mit der Nachfrage des Arbeitsmarkts.

The Big Agri industry has launched a multi-pronged attack on the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) to End The Cage Age – a direct democracy tool that enables European citizens to request an end to the use of cages for farm animals, writes Olga Kikou.

Meghiúsult az a rendkívüli parlamenti ülés, amelyen az ellenzék ismét megpróbálta volna leváltani Andrej Danko (SNS) házelnököt a kisdoktori munkájával kapcsolatos botrány miatt. A parlament szerdán nem fogadta el az ülés programját, melynek összehívását 33 ellenzéki képviselő indítványozta. A 141 jelen lévő közül csak 65 képviselő szavazott a program mellett.

Zwei Wochen lang harrten 47 Migranten auf dem Rettungsschiff Sea Watch aus. Nun wurde eine Lösung für sie gefunden – und sie dürfen bald aussteigen.

Intenzív hóvihar alakult ki az amerikai városban.

Les gens se forment d'avantages, ce qui se traduira dans le futur par une augmentation de diplômés. Une évolution qui devrait correspondre aux besoins du marché.

TASR: Tibor Gašpar, volt országos rendőrfőkapitány tagadja, hogy parancsot adott volna a Ján Kuciakra vonatkozó adatok szűrésére a rendőrség adatbázisában – közölte Peter Pellegrini miniszterelnök, a szerdai kormányülést követően. Arról nem akart eszmefuttatásba bocsátkozni, hogy továbbra is Saková belügyminiszter tanácsadója marad-e.