Wednesday, April 21, 2010

The Allied Defense Group Announces Further Postponement of Special Meeting of Stockholders

Allied Defense Group

Defense News:
VIENNA, Va., April 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Allied Defense Group, Inc. (NYSE Amex: ADG) today announced that, after consulting with Chemring Group PLC, it has postponed the date of its special meeting of stockholders to approve its pending merger with Chemring currently scheduled for April 22, 2010 toMay 6, 2010.

As previously disclosed in the proxy statement mailed to stockholders on March 11, 2010, ADG received a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") on January 19, 2010requesting that ADG produce documents relating to its dealings with foreign governments. As also previously disclosed, ADG has initiated an internal review of the matters raised by the DOJ's subpoena and the indictment of a former employee of Mecar USA. The internal review is being conducted by ADG's Audit Committee with the assistance of independent outside counsel.

The special meeting was originally scheduled for April 6, 2010 and was postponed until April 22, 2010, in order to provide ADG stockholders with additional time to review our recently filed Form 10-K, to provide ADG with additional time to produce documents requested by the subpoena to the DOJ, and to continue ADG's internal review.

The special meeting has been further postponed in order to provide ADG with additional time to produce documents previously requested by the subpoena to the DOJ, to continue ADG's internal review, and to respond to additional requests for information from Chemring. ADG has been providing regular updates to Chemring on the progress of the internal review and has been cooperating with Chemring with respect to these matters. In addition, Chemring has requested additional information as part of its ongoing review. ADG intends to continue to cooperate with Chemring with respect to these matters.

The special meeting is now scheduled to be held at ADG's executive offices located at 8000 Towers Crescent Drive, Suite 260, Vienna, Virginia 22182 at 9:00 a.m., local time on May 6, 2010. The record date for the meeting remains March 10, 2010.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

This communication may be deemed to be a solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of ADG (the "Company") in connection with the proposed merger with Chemring. The Company has filed a definitive proxy statement and relevant documents concerning the proposed merger with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The proxy statement was mailed on or about March 11, 2010 to the stockholders of record of ADG as of March 10, 2010. Investors and security holders of the Company are urged to read the proxy statement and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC because they contain important information about the Company and the proposed transaction. The proxy statement and any other documents filed by the Company with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by the Company by contacting Investor Relations, The Allied Defense Group, Inc., 8000 Towers Crescent Drive, Suite 260, Vienna, Virginia 22182, telephone number (703) 847-5268. Investors and security holders are urged to read the proxy statement and the other relevant materials before making any voting or investment decision with respect to the proposed transaction.

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

This communication, and other statements that the Company may make, including statements about the benefits of the proposed merger, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, with respect to the Company's anticipated financial performance, business prospects and plans and similar matters. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as "will," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "target," "forecast" and other words and terms of similar meaning.

The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company assumes no duty to and does not undertake to update forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance. In addition to factors previously disclosed in the Company's documents filed with the SEC and those identified elsewhere in this communication, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives and strategies; changes in political, economic or industry conditions, the interest rate environment or financial and capital markets, which could result in changes in demand for products or services; the impact of increased competition; the unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings; the impact, extent and timing of technological changes and the adequacy of intellectual property protection; the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of governmental agencies relating to the Company; terrorist activities and international hostilities, which may adversely affect the general economy, financial and capital markets, specific industries and the Company; the occurrence, geographic areas impacted and severity of earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes or other natural disasters; the ability to attract and retain highly talented professionals; the stockholders of the Company may not approve and adopt the merger agreement at the special meeting of the Company's stockholders; the outcome of the internal review and the matters raised by the DOJ's subpoena and the indictment of a former employee of Mecar USA; Chemring and the Company may be unable to complete the proposed merger because, among other reasons, conditions to the closing of the merger may not be satisfied or waived; and the outcome of any legal proceedings to the extent initiated against the Company and others following the announcement of the merger cannot be predicted.

The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company's subsequent reports filed with the SEC and accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov discuss certain of these factors in more detail and identify additional factors that can affect forward-looking statements.

About The Allied Defense Group, Inc.

The Allied Defense Group, Inc. is a multinational defense company focused on the manufacture, sale, and distribution of ammunition and ammunition-related products for use by the U.S. and foreign governments. For more information, please visit the Company's web site: www.allieddefensegroup.com.

DTN News: Royal Malaysian Air Force To Fully Man SU-30MKM Flanker Multi-Role Combat Aircraft

Defense News: DTN News: Royal Malaysian Air Force To Fully Man SU-30MKM Flanker Multi-Role Combat Aircraft
Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) GONG KEDAK AIRBASE, Malaysia - April 21, 2010: By September, operations at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base here are expected to be an all-Malaysian affair. Gone will be the 50-odd Russian and Indian technical crew, engineering officers and instructor pilots following the end of their two-year service tenure.
RMAF chief Gen Datuk Seri Rodzali Daud said the departure of the expatriates would pose a strong challenge to the local airmen and women to stand on their own and operate the Sukhoi SU-30MKM flanker multi-role combat aircraft.
"We are confident (that we can) run the base and flight operations by ourselves, by which time there will be proper 'life support' maintenance and support facilities available," he said following a visit there by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on April 10.
During the visit, Zahid went on a demonstration flight on the Flanker, piloted by 11th Squadron executive officer Lt Col Muhamad Norazlan "Giro" Aris.
It is learnt that the RMAF will still utilise the services of 300-odd staff from local maintenance company ATSC Sdn Bhd to support a similar strength of its own crew to continue running the base.
The New Straits Times understands that two dozen RMAF pilots will by then be fully trained to fly the SU-30MKM.
"These pioneer RMAF crew members will train younger batches to replace them," said Rodzali. This will pose a stiff test for RMAF base commander Col Mohd Faudzi Ahmad, 11th Squadron commanding officer Col Suri Daud and their team.
While the Indians provided flight instructors, engineering officers, technical experts and administrative staff here, the Russians provided their test pilots and engineers to verify, certify and standardise the Flanker.
The base here is now Malaysia's foremost jet-fighter facility.
It was established in 1993, with nearby Bukit Puteri housing an air defence tactical radar for the RMAF's 321st Squadron.
By 2009, the ground-based 402nd air defence squadron and 11th Sukhoi Squadron were established.
To date, there are more than 1,000 servicemen and civilians stationed at the base, which is divided into two entities that nestle in an area straddling Kelantan and Terengganu.
The section housing the runway, technical and flight operations sits in Kelantan.
Across the border in Terengganu are the base administrative headquarters, staff quarters and other facilities like the flight simulator and meteorology station.Security is watertight, with double high-perimeter barbed fencing and closed-circuit cameras around the 1,400ha base, which is believed to have been developed at a cost of RM200 million ($86.04 million).
The base itself is equipped with giant hangars and hardened aircraft shelters to shield the jets from the scorching sun or in which to carry out maintenance work.
There is also the armaments and ordnance depot, and underground piping facility for aircraft refueling.
Zahid confirmed there were plans to expand the base to accommodate a new terminal for the arrival and departure of large transport aircraft, like the C-130 Hercules and VVIP jets.

DTN News: UAE TODAY April 21, 2010 ~ Iran's Occupation Of Gulf Islands ‘Shameful', Says Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed

Defense News: DTN News: UAE TODAY April 21, 2010 ~ Iran's Occupation Of Gulf Islands ‘Shameful', Says Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed
Source: DTN News / The National By Mahmoud Habboush
(NSI News Source Info) ABU DHABI, UAE - April 21, 2010: Iranian control of three islands in the Gulf is a“shameful occupation” rather than a “misunderstanding”, the Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, said yesterday.
Iran occupied Abu Musa near the mouth of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, along with Greater and Lesser Tunb, on the eve of the UAE’s independence in December 1971.
The issue has been a point of contention between the nations ever since.
“They like to call it misunderstanding, but we call it occupation,” said Sheikh Abdullah, adding that the situation was made worse because hundreds of Emirati families on Abu Musa have been cut off from basic health and education services available to the rest of the Emirates’ citizens.
“There are hundreds of families in Abu Musa under occupation,” Sheikh Abdullah told members of the FNC in his first appearance in the chamber since he was appointed Foreign Minister in 2006.
“Communication between them and the rest of their compatriots is almost non-existent, delivering aid or construction materials is impossible. Iran refuses that we send teachers, doctors, and nurses to them. There are few who know the daily suffering of our citizens in Abu Musa,” Sheikh Abdullah said.
“This is a burden that we should all deal with, not only as a Government but as a nation.”
For two decades, Iran has pursued a policy of fait accompli in the three islands.
In 1992, Iranian authorities forced Emiratis sailing to the islands to apply for Iranian visas. In 1996, Iran built an airport on Abu Musa and a power station on Greater Tunb.
In August 2008, the official Iranian media reported the construction of a marine rescue centre and a registration office for ships and sailors on Abu Musa.
“The occupation of any Arab land is only called occupation rather than misunderstanding, be it Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights, south Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza,” Sheikh Abdullah said.
“I am not comparing Iran to Israel … but I should be sensitive about the occupation of my land more than about that of others.”
UAE leaders, including the late Sheikh Zayed, the nation’s founder, have on many occasions urged successive Iranian governments to end the dispute through talks or international arbitration.
These calls, however, have been consistently rejected by Iranian officials.
Last month, Nasser Sudani, the deputy speaker of the Iranian parliament, declined an invitation by Abdul Aziz al Ghurair, the FNC Speaker, to form a joint parliamentary committee to discuss the islands.
“We don’t see any dispute,” Mr Sudani told the FNC Speaker during a meeting at an international parliamentary conference in Bangkok.
Yousef al Nuaimi, a member of the FNC from Ras al Khaimah, scoffed at the notion that it was a “misunderstanding”.
“What kind of misunderstanding [is] initiated with a military offensive and followed by evicting the residents and teachers by fishing boats?”
Mr al Nuaimi accused Iran of stealing oil from around the island in violation of a memorandum of understanding signed with the Government of Sharjah in 1971.
“No matter how long this goes on, the Emirati rights will be retained,” Sheikh Abdullah said. “Not only the Emirati land but also the draining [of our resources] as pointed [out] by one of the members. We cannot allow this.”
Sheikh Abdullah praised the FNC for drawing international attention to Iran’s occupation of the three islands.

DTN News: Boeing Team Delivers C-130H Aerial Refueling Tanker To Japan

Defense News: DTN News: Boeing Team Delivers C-130H Aerial Refueling Tanker To Japan
Source: DTN News / Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) GIFU, Japan, - April 21, 2010: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and partners Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) and Cobham Mission Systems todayannounced that they have delivered a C-130H aerial refueling tanker to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). The JASDF took delivery in late February at KHI Gifu Works after the aircraft completed modification and acceptance for testing at the KHI facility in Gifu.
KHI modified the C-130H, originally designed as a transport aircraft, to incorporate Cobham air-to-air refueling pods and Boeing design modifications affecting the structure, wiring and fuel system. The tanker currently provides aerial refueling for the UH-60J, a search and rescue helicopter. It now will move into operational testing with the JASDF.
"The Boeing Company has more than 80 years of experience in aerial refueling, and each member of our team feels great pride carrying on that tradition for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force," said Ken Hill, Boeing director of Special Operations Programs. "To work with people who have such dedication and commitment is an honor."
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

DTN News: Russia TODAY April 21, 2010 ~ Premier Putin Satisfied With Russian Fifth-Generation Fighter Tests

Defense News: DTN News: Russia TODAY April 21, 2010 ~ Premier Putin Satisfied With Russian Fifth-Generation Fighter Tests
Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti
(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - April 21, 2010: Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said he was satisfied with the tests of a Russian fifth-generation fighter jet.
"Flight tests of the fifth-generation fighter are continuing successfully," Putin said."Once again I want to thank everyone who worked on this machine, as well as those who are now putting it in the air," the premier continued.
The first Russian fifth-generation fighter jet was delivered to Zhukovsky in the Moscow Region for a flight test on April 8.
The fighter performed its maiden flight on January 29, when the jet spent 47 minutes in the air.
The Sukhoi design bureau started project development of the aircraft after it received the tender in April 2002. Last summer, the fighter's design was approved, and the prototype blueprints were delivered to the KNAAPO aviation construction company based in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.
The T-50 is the domestic name of the plane which had been developed as the Advanced Front-Line Aviation Complex (PAK FA) for Russia's Air Force. The PAK FA can carry either eight next-generation air-to-air R-77 missiles, or two large controllable anti-ship bombs weighing 1,500 kg each. It can also carry two long-range missiles developed by the Novator Bureau which can hit targets within a 400 kilometer range.

DTN News: Commander Stresses Iran's Capability To Overhaul, Optimize Fighter Jets

Defense News: DTN News: Commander Stresses Iran's Capability To Overhaul, Optimize Fighter Jets
Source: DTN News / FARS News Agency
(NSI News Source Info) TEHRAN, Iran - April 21, 2010: An Iranian Air Force commander announced here on Tuesday that the country overhauls and optimizes different types of military aircraft, mentioning that Air Force has even installed Iran-made radar systems on the sophisticated F14 fighter jets.
"Indeed, it can be said that most airplanes have the previous designs but all of their components, including systems and parts, are being optimized and upgraded on a continued and regular basis," Iranian Air Force Lieutenant Commander for Coordination General Aziz Nasirzadeh said in an interview with FNA on Tuesday.
The commander stated that mounting optimized home-made 2,000-pound (900-kilogram) smart bombs, Qassed (Messenger), on Iranian bombers is an instance of the country's capability to upgrade its fighter jets.
The Iranian Army's Air Force announced in September that it has successfully test-fired Qassed (Messenger) 1and 2, in aerial drills over the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.
Referring to the promotion of the systems and capabilities of F14 fighter jets, Nasirzadeh said, "…today we have a new generation of F14 fighters at our service, and its radar system has been upgraded by our local experts."
Reiterating that the new radar system has been built and installed on the F14 fighter jets by the Iranian personnel, the General added, "Therefore, we can enhance and upgrade it (radar) continuously.
The commander also pointed out that his forces have even upgraded the jet engines of F14, and said considering the numerous alterations that Iran has made to the radar system and the engines of F14, it can be said that what Iranian Air Force now has is a new generation of the globally known version of F14.
He further announced that Iran has already started a move to manufacture aircraft engines and has achieved acceptable results in this regard.
Iran has recently made good progress in the air industry and succeeded in gaining the technical know-how for producing stealth aircraft and drones.
In September 2009, Iran displayed the first squadron of Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) fighter jets produced by its defense industries in an air show staged during military parades at the beginning of the Week of Sacred Defense, marking Iranians' sacrifices during the 8 years of Iraqi imposed war on Iran in 1980s.

DTN News: Schiebel ~ Maker Of Camcopter S-100 UAVs Hovers Over New UAE Deals

Defense News: DTN News: Schiebel ~ Maker Of Camcopter S-100 UAVs Hovers Over New UAE Deals
Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) DUBAI, UAE - April 21, 2010: Schiebel, the Austrian defence company, is seeking more contracts in the Middle East for its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) after nearing the end of deliveries on its 60-aircraft deal with the UAE Armed Forces.
The focus comes as military and national security planners around the world shift to unmanned systems to lower costs and expand coverage of aerial reconnaissance activities to include critical assets such as power plants, oil and gas pipelines and refineries.
“There is a great deal of interest from a number of countries in the region – a couple are in the critical phases now, while others are in the early marketing phases,” said Neil Hunter, the managing director for sales and strategy for Schiebel.
The Vienna-based company, which also produces mine detectors, said the UAE was its first major contract and proved its products were able to withstand the hot and high-altitude conditions of the Middle East.
Schiebel has delivered 56 of 60 Camcopter S-100 UAVs to the Emirates, according to Wolfgang Steigberger, the regional sales manager at Schiebel.
The company declined to give a cost for the aircraft but said it was 10 times cheaper than another well-known UAV, Northrop Grumman’s Fire Scout, which the military data provider Deagel.com says costs about US$15 million (Dh55m).
Together, the two products have helped gain acceptance for helicopter-based UAVs, Mr Hunter said. “There has been a lot of scepticism and disbelief when it comes to unmanned helicopters but the likes of us and Northrop Grumman have proved they have a lot to offer.”
Schiebel has formed a partnership with Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments to customise the platform with specific payload and operational characteristics into a system called Al Sber.
There has been a significant growth of UAVs in active military theatres, Mr Hunter said.
“There is a shift in emphasis to unmanned systems because they do the dull, the dangerous and the dirty tasks that you can avoid being done by humans,” he said.
The US, which has the largest military budget in the world, said its army would move to operating mostly unmanned aircraft over the next 25 years.
But Schiebel said civilian sector opportunities could be even larger. “This area is probably going to see the fastest growth before any of the other sectors,” Mr Hunter said.
The rise of border protection agencies is likely to increase the civilian market. One could be the UAE’s Critical National Infrastructure Authority, which is tasked with protecting more than 24 facilities across the country and recently signed for 34 interceptor boats to protect offshore oil and gas installations.
While the initial UAV contract with the Emirates is nearing its conclusion, Schiebel is optimistic it may lead to other opportunities, including a logistics, training and sustainment contract for the 60 aircraft, which have a lifespan of 15 years.

DTN News: Indonesian Market Proves Attractive For BAE Systems Regional Jets

Defense News: DTN News: Indonesian Market Proves Attractive For BAE Systems Regional Jets
Source: DTN News / BAE Systems
(NSI News Source Info) KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - April 21, 2010: BAE Systems announced at the Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference in Kuala Lumpur (19-22 April) that it continues to enjoy success in the Indonesian domestic market with its BAe 146/Avro RJ family of regional jetliners.
Over the past year BAE Systems has placed four of these aircraft into Indonesia and is underscoring the importance it attaches to this market by planning to hold its first Asian Operators' Conference in the country during May.
The latest aircraft to be sold into Indonesia was delivered in November 2009 to PT Aviastar Mandiri, a certified air charter operator, which bought a BAe 146-200 which is being operated on behalf of Transnusa Air Services in a 98 seat all-economy layout. It is based at Denpasar Airport in Bali and operates to destinations in East Nusa Tenggara.
Aviastar Mandiri bought another BAe 146-200 in June, while PT Nusantara Air Charter also bought a Series 200 passenger airliner from BAE Systems and a Series 200QT (Quiet Trader) freighter in a deal brokered by BAE Systems last summer.
Mr Raj Singh, Director Sales and Leasing (Asia) for BAE Systems Regional Aircraft said: "Indonesia is a very receptive market for us at the moment and we are actively engaged in further discussions with a number of operators. The geography of the country means that regional air transport can often be the only reliable means of getting passengers and goods from one area to another. The BAe 146/Avro RJ family has the airfield performance, economics and price tag to make it a strong contender for these roles."
There are three variants of the aircraft operating with six carriers in Indonesia - a total of nine aircraft so far.
Scheduled and charter passenger operations are carried out by Aviastar Mandiri with two BAe 146-200s, by PT Manunggal Air with two BAe 146-100s, by PT Nusantara Air Charter with its Series 200 and by PT Air Maleo with a single BAe 146-100.
Freighter operations are carried out by the BAe 146-200QT operated by PT Nusantara Air Charter.
Two Avro Business Jet variants are operated by PT Pelita Air Service (one RJ85) and by PT Airfast Indonesia who fly a corporately-configured BAe 146-100 on behalf of Metro TV, Indonesia's first 24-hour news station.
Elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific air transport market BAE Systems products are also proving popular. The ATP turboprop freighter is in service with PT Deraya Air of Indonesia, while the Jetstream 41 turboprop transport flies in its 29-seat airliner role with Agni Air and Yeti Airlines of Nepal, and as a corporate transport with the Royal Thai Army and Royal Star Aviation of the Philippines. The Hong Kong Government Flying Service also operates two special mission Jetstream 41s.
The smaller 18/19 seat Jetstream 31/32 also features in operations with Royal Star Aviation and the Thai Directorate of Civil Aviation, while the older BAe 748 transport aircraft remains in service with commercial operators in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as well as with air arms in Nepal, South Korea and Thailand.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is a global defence, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of £22.4 billion (US$ 36.2 billion).

DTN News: BAE Systems In Talks To Supply 60 Hawk Jets To India

Defense News: DTN News: BAE Systems In Talks To Supply 60 Hawk Jets To India
Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) LONDON, U.K. - April 21, 2010: UK-based BAE Systems plans to sell 60 more Hawk trainer jets to India in a deal estimated to be worth Rs 3417 crore.Currently talks are on and a deal would probably see state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics place an order for the aircraft with the global defence, security and aerospace company.
An agreement might be reached within the next few months, the Financial Times reported quoting industry sources.
India had earlier ordered 66 Hawk jets from BAE in 2004 at a cost of about ?1bn. Of these, 24 were built by BAE at its Brough plant in the UK's north-east. The remaining 42 are being manufactured under licence by HAL in India with the first Hawks now in service.
All the aircraft in the follow-up deal would also be built by HAL, the report said.

DTN News: Israel TODAY April 21, 2010 ~ 'Hizbullah Arms Real Danger To Israel'

Defense News: DTN News: Israel TODAY April 21, 2010 ~ 'Hizbullah Arms Real Danger To Israel'
Source: DTN News / By JPOST.COM STAFF AND AP
(NSI News Source Info) JERUSALEM, Israel - April 21, 2010: Following last week's uncertainty surrounding a reported Syrian Scud missile delivery to Hizbullah, a senior US senator said Tuesday that the guerrilla group most likely obtained the weapons and that its missiles posed a real danger to Israel.
"I believe there is a likelihood that there are Scuds that Hizbullah has in Lebanon. A high likelihood," Senate Intelligence Committee chair Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat from California, told AFP."The rockets and missiles in Lebanon are substantially increased and better technologically than they were and this is a real point of danger for Israel."
Feinstein stressed that the tensions in the North would only subside with a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians.
"There's only one thing that's going to solve it, and that's a two-state solution," she said.
Hizbullah sources confirmed last week that the group had received a shipment of Scud missiles from Syria, but Damascus denied the reports, saying Israel was trying to stoke tensions in the region.
On Monday, the State Department summoned the senior Syrian diplomat in Washington to accuse his government of "provocative behavior" in supplying the arms.
A department statement announcing the complaint was imprecise about the alleged arms deals by the Syrians. It alluded to the transfer to Hizbullah of Scud ballistic missiles but did not say explicitly that Syria was behind such a deal.
The State Department said deputy chief of mission Zouheir Jabbour was called in to "review Syria's provocative behavior concerning the potential transfer of arms to Hizbullah." It went on to say that providing Hizbullah with Scud missiles risked escalating tensions in the volatile region.
"The United States condemns in the strongest terms the transfer of any arms, and especially ballistic missile systems such as the Scud, from Syria to Hizbullah," the statement said. "The transfer of these arms can only have a destabilizing effect on the region and would pose an immediate threat to both the security of Israel and the sovereignty of Lebanon."
Gordon Duguid, a State Department spokesman in whose name the statement was issued, said in a telephone interview that the department was not confirming that a Scud transfer to Hizbullah had taken place. He said the meeting with the Syrian diplomat was conducted to seek answers about Syrian arms deals and to reiterate US concerns.
Last week White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters that US concern about reports of Syrian Scud missile transfers to Hizbullah had been raised at the highest levels of the Syrian government.
On April 1, during a visit to Damascus, Democratic Sen. John Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, reiterated US misgivings about the flow of weapons through Syria to Hizbullah and told reporters the US view is that this is "something that must stop" for there to be peace.
The State Department statement linked the issue of Syrian arms provisions for Hizbullah to the broader Middle East conflict.
"The risk of miscalculation that could result from this type of escalation should make Syria reverse the ill-conceived policy it has pursued in providing arms to Hizbullah," it said. "Additionally, the heightened tension and increased potential for conflict this policy produces is an impediment to ongoing efforts to achieve a comprehensive peace in the Middle East."
Related News;
U.S. warns Syria after scud missile allegations

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated April 20, 2010

Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated April 20, 2010
Source: U.S. DoD issued April 20, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - April 21, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued April 20,2010 are undermentioned;
CONTRACTS
NAVY

~Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Fla. is being awarded a $44,414,000 firm-fixed-price supply contract for production of 18 AN/AAQ-30 thermal sight system (TSS) and associated data. The AN/AAQ-30 TSS provides detection, identification, and targeting capability in day/night operations for the U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Super Cobra helicopter. AN/AAQ-30 TSS is fully integrated into the AH-1Z fire control system, providing range and optical line-of-sight data for all weapons including the 20mm gun, Hellfire missile, 2.75 inch rockets, and sidewinder missile. TSS has an automatic video tracker and includes a laser rangefinder/designator which provides classified coded designation of targets for laser-guided munitions of the tri-service arsenal. Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla. (90 percent), and Ocala, Fla. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by October 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-10-C-JQ84).
~Complex Solutions, Inc., Kailua, Hawaii, is being awarded an $18,947,160 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity time-and-material contract modification for technical and educational support services to the Naval Postgraduate School's Center for Civil Military Relations education and training program. Work will be performed in Kailua, Hawaii, or Huntsville, Ala. (4 percent); Monterey, Calif. (9 percent); Tampa, Fla. (2 percent); various locations inside the contiguous United States (17 percent); and various locations outside the contiguous United States (68 percent). Work is expected to be completed by March 2011. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the fiscal year. This announcement combines services for the U.S. Navy (99 percent) and the governments of Austria, Egypt, Indonesia, and Singapore (1 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program. This contract was competitively awarded through Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with two offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00244-07-D-0035).
~Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Inc., Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $16,769,544 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-2116) for procurement of additional long lead time materials in support of the construction preparation efforts for the second aircraft carrier of the Gerald R Ford class (CVN 79). Work to be performed will provide all services and material in preparation for construction of CVN 79 including: necessary research studies; engineering; design; related development efforts; advanced planning; advanced procurement for detailed design and procurement of long lead material; logistics data; and other data to support the anticipated fiscal 2013 ship detail design and construction of CVN 79. Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and is expected to be completed by March 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
~Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $15,000,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-03-C-5115) for management and engineering services to maintain and modify, as necessary, the design of DDG 51 class combat system compartments and topside arrangements, in support of the Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J. (37 percent); Bath, Maine (25 percent); Pascagoula, Miss. (22 percent); San Diego, Calif. (6 percent); Washington, D.C. (5 percent); Norfolk, Va. (3 percent); Port Hueneme, Calif. (1 percent); and Syracuse, N.Y. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
~Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $15,000,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-03-C-5115) for engineering services for DDG 51 class and CG 47 class Aegis Combat System installation, integration and test, and fleet life-cycle engineering support in support of Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems. The required services for DDG 51 class ships and CG 47 class ships include program management and operation support; quality assurance; configuration management; ship design integration; fleet life cycle engineering support; installation support; firmware maintenance; combat system test and evaluation; Navy-furnished material support; special studies; and future-ship integration studies. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J. (50 percent); Baltimore, Md. (25 percent); Norfolk, Va. (8 percent); Washington, D.C. (5 percent); Akron, Ohio (5 percent); Mayport, Fla. (2 percent); San Diego, Calif. (1 percent); Oxnard, Calif. (1 percent); Bath, Maine (1 percent); Pascagoula, Miss. (1 percent); and Dahlgren, Va. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
~Bristol Design Build Services, LLC*, Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a $14,834,512 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a multi-purpose machine gun (MPMG) range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Work also includes relocation of an engineering training area (ETC) and explosive ordinance disposal site. The MPMG consists of 24 firing positions on an eight-lane raised firing line; 144 stationary infantry targets, 10 infantry moving targets; and 15 hostile flight simulators. Primary facilities for MPMG include: breakdown building, covered bleacher enclosure, target storage building, covered mess, vehicular holding areas, and bivouac area. Primary facilities for ETC include: administrative, classroom, sort and maintenance buildings, bleacher and mess areas, and magazine shelter. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by November 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured as an 8(a) set-aside via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site with six proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-10-C-5300).
U. S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
~FLIR Systems, Inc., North Billerica, Mass., was awarded an estimated $35,209,784 one-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the purchase of long range ground mobility visual augmentation system in support of U.S. Special Operations Command procurement division. The work will be performed in Billerica, Mass., and is expected to be completed by 2011. U. S. Special Operations Command is the contracting activity (H92222-10-D-0013).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
~Porter Manufacturing Corp.*, Lubbock, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $9,155,256 firm-fixed-price contract for diesel engine blocks. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There were originally two proposals solicited with three responses. The date of performance completion is April 20, 2011. The Defense Logistics Agency Warren, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (SPRDL1-10-C-0063).
~Buckeye Fire Equipment*, Kings Mountain, N.C., is being awarded a maximum $7,312,620 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, long-term, indefinite-quantity contract for support of Defense Logistics Agency direct deliveries only. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. There were originally seven proposals solicited with six responses. This contract has a two-year base period. The date of performance completion is April 20, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM8EG-10-D-0004).

JBT Corporation Awarded Halvorsen Loader Support Order by the U.S. Air Force

JBT Corporation

Defense News: CHICAGO, April 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- JBT Corporation(NYSE:JBT - News) today announced that the United States Air Force (USAF) awarded JBT AeroTech a one-year $6.6 millionengineering and logistics services order for the Halvorsen 25K Loader. This order is to provide continued worldwide support of the over 400 Halvorsen loaders that JBT AeroTech has delivered to the USAF.

"We are pleased with our long-term relationship with the United States Air Force and proud to continue providing strong support services for the Halvorsen fleet that is deployed around the world," said John Lee, Vice President and Division Manager of JBT AeroTech.

JBT Corporation (NYSE:JBT - News) is a leading global technology solutions provider to the food processing and air transportation industries. JBT Corporation designs, manufactures, tests and services technologically sophisticated systems and products for regional and multi-national industrial food processing customers through its JBT FoodTech segment and for domestic and international air transportation customers through its JBT AeroTech segment. JBT Corporation employs approximately 3,300 people worldwide and operates sales, service, manufacturing and sourcing operations located in over 25 countries. For more information please visitwww.jbtcorporation.com or www.jbtaerotech.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are information of a non-historical nature and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are beyond the Company's ability to control. These risks and uncertainties are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission that may be accessed on the Company's website. The Company cautions shareholders and prospective investors that actual results may differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements.

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