DTN News - QATAR DEFENSE NEWS: Sikorsky To Supply 12 UH-60M BLACK HAWK Utility Helicopters To Qatar

Defense News: DTN News - QATAR DEFENSE NEWS: Sikorsky To Supply 12 UH-60M BLACK HAWK Utility Helicopters To Qatar
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources DSCA Defense Security Cooperation Agency
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 15, 2012: The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on June 12 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Qatar of 12 UH-60M BLACK HAWK Utility Helicopters, 26 T700-GE-701D Engines (24 installed and 2 spares), 15 AN/AAR-57 V(7) Common Missile Warning Systems, 15 AN/AVR-2B Laser Detecting Sets, 15 AN/APR-39A(V)4 Radar Signal Detecting Sets, 26 M240H Machine Guns, and 26 AN/AVS-6 Night Vision Goggles. The estimated cost is $1.112 billion. 

The Government of Qatar has requested a possible sale of 12 UH-60M BLACK HAWK Utility Helicopters, 26 T700-GE-701D Engines (24 installed and 2 spares), 15 AN/AAR-57 V(7) Common Missile Warning Systems, 15 AN/AVR-2B Laser Detecting Sets, 15 AN/APR-39A(V)4 Radar Signal Detecting Sets, 26 M240H Machine Guns, and 26 AN/AVS-6 Night Vision Goggles. Also included are M206 infrared countermeasure flares, M211 and M212 Advanced Infrared Countermeasure Munitions (AIRCM) flares, M134D-H Machine Guns, system integration and air worthiness certification, simulators, generators, transportation, wheeled vehicles and organization equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. 

The estimated cost is $1.112 billion. 

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political and economic progress in the Middle East. Qatar is host to the U.S. AFCENT forces and serves as a critical forward-deployed location in the region. 

The proposed sale of the UH-60M BLACK HAWK helicopters will improve Qatar's capability to meet current and future threats and provide greater security for its critical oil and natural gas infrastructure, and significant national events. 

Qatar will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense. Qatar will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. 

The prime contractors will be Sikorsky Aircraft Company in Stratford, Connecticut, and General Electric Aircraft Company in Lynn, Massachusetts. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. 

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of two contractor representatives to Qatar for a minimum of three years to support delivery of the helicopters and provide support and equipment familiarization. In addition, Qatar has expressed an interest in a Technical Assistance Fielding Team for in-country pilot and maintenance training. To support the requirement, a team of 12 personnel (one military team leader and 11 contractors) would be deployed to Qatar for approximately three years. 

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded. 


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources DSCA Defense Security Cooperation Agency  
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS 

DTN News - ISRAELI DEFENSE NEWS: IDF Moves Forward On Second JSF Squadron

Defense News: DTN News - ISRAELI DEFENSE NEWS: IDF Moves Forward On Second JSF Squadron 
*Decision to continue comes despite reports of possible delays, rising costs. Israel could have 40 aircraft by end of decade
*Team goes to US to tailor F-35s for IAF
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Yaakoov Katz - Jerusalem Post
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 12, 2012: The IDF plans to approve the procurement of a second squadron of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters at a meeting of the General Staff later this month that will convene to finalize the military’s multi-year program.

Called Oz (Hebrew for Strength), the new multi-year program is scheduled to go into effect towards the end of the year. Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz will oversee deliberations on the program over the next few weeks and will bring the final plan to the government for approval.

One of the plan’s key elements is expected to be the procurement of a second squadron of F-35s despite reports of possible delays and a rise in cost.

On Tuesday, the US Senate Armed Services Committee questioned the quality of production of the aircraft by Lockheed Martin citing a “potentially serious issue” with its electronic warfare capability.

“The committee is... concerned about production quality and whether it is sufficient to ensure the delivery of JSF aircraft to the US and its allies at an affordable price,” the committee said in a report accompanying its fiscal 2013 defense budget bill.

Israel placed an order for its first squadron of F- 35s in October 2010 for $2.75 billion. Under the deal, Israel was supposed to receive 20 aircraft but the number could drop due to the rising cost per plane. The aircraft are expected to begin arriving in Israel sometime in 2017.

The fifth-generation stealth F-35 is purported to be one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world with the ability to fly undetected in enemy territory. Its uniqueness stems not only from its stealth capabilities but also due to its integrated sensor suite which provides pilots with unprecedented situational awareness and enables the sharing of information between the various aircraft.

The second contract would likely be of a similar number of aircraft and could mean – depending on when the second deal is signed – that the IAF could have 40 operational aircraft by the end of the decade.

Senate questions over the quality of production of the F-35 will compound the mounting woes of the $396b. Pentagon program, which has already been restructured three times in recent years to extend the development phase and slow production.

Italy has already scaled back its planned orders for the new, radar-evading warplane and several other countries are slowing their orders, citing budgetary pressures. Japan has warned it could cancel its order if the cost per plane rises from what it was offered.


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Yaakoov Katz - Jerusalem Post
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS 

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: India-Built Sub-Assembly On US Navy's Combat Planes

Defense News: DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: India-Built Sub-Assembly On US Navy's Combat Planes
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Military & Aerospace
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 1, 2012:  An India-built electronic sub-assembly will be part of the US Navy's combat planes, a statement said Wednesday as Indian companies step up efforts to be part of the global defence supply chain.

The sub-assembly provides the cockpit flood lighting compatible with the aircraft's night vision imaging system (NVIS).

American aerospace major Boeing has delivered the first EA-18G Growler aircraft fitted with a cockpit sub-assembly produced by Indian public sector defence electronics major Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to the US Navy on May 3, a statement from the firm said.

Boeing has also extended a contract signed with BEL for another year for supplying the sub-assembly for Boeing military planes.

Boeing had awarded BEL an initial contract in March 2011 for work on F/A-18 Super Hornet combat plane cockpit sub-assemblies.

That contract included options to renew annually for up to four years. "As a result of BEL's demonstrated performance, Boeing recently exercised an option to renew the contract for another year," it said.

August 2009, EA-18G Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129) and Electronic Attack Squadron 132 (VAQ-132) completed their first at-sea carrier-arrested landing aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). The first deployable EA-18G squadron is to be VAQ-132 "Scorpions", which reached operational status in October 2009. The first Growler operational deployment was announced on 17 February 2011.

In service, the EA-18's radio name during flight operations will be "Grizzly". The "Growler" nickname sounded too much like the EA-6B's "Prowler" name, so "Grizzly" will be used to avoid confusion. With the termination of the EB-52H standoff jammer, the Growler will become the sole remaining manned tactical jammer and Air Staff requirements director Maj. Gen. David Scott has indicated that the USAF will seek to provide electronic warfare officers to fly on US Navy Growlers, without providing funding to purchase additional aircraft. By May 2011, 48 Growlers had been delivered to the U.S. Navy.


The EA-18G was first used in combat during Operation Odyssey Dawn, enforcing the UN no-fly zone over Libya. The five EA-18Gs of VAQ-132 were redeployed from Iraq to Italy to support Libya operations.

Australia: In 2008 the Australian Government requested export approval from the US government to purchase up to six EA-18Gs, which would be part of the order for 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets. On 27 February 2009, Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon announced that 12 of the 24 Super Hornets on order would be wired on the production line for future fit-out as EA-18Gs. The additional wiring would cost A$35 million. The final decision on conversion to EA-18Gs, at a cost of A$300 million, will be announced in March 2012.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Military & Aerospace
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS 

DTN News - ITALIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Obama Set To Arm Italy's Drones In Milestone Move

Defense News: DTN News - ITALIAN DEFENSE NEWS:  Obama Set To Arm Italy's Drones In Milestone Move
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Reuters
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 31, 2012: President Barack Obama's administration appears set to notify the U.S. Congress of plans to arm a fleet of Italian MQ-9 Reaper drones, a step that may spur a wider spread of remotely piloted hunter-killer aircraft.

The administration could move ahead within two weeks on the proposal to let Italy join Britain in deploying U.S. drones with weapons such as laser-guided bombs and Hellfire missiles, American officials said.

Italy has a fleet of six Reapers. The sale of the technology to arm them, including bomb racks and "weaponization" kits costing up to $17 million, would help the United States redistribute the burden of its global military operations as the Pentagon's budget is being squeezed by deficit-reduction requirements.

Aides to Obama have been informally consulting the House of Representatives' and Senate's foreign affairs committees about the proposed sale to Italy since last year, congressional staff said.

The latest such period of "pre-consultations" ended May 27 without a move to block the sale, according to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the coming formal notification to lawmakers.

A transfer to Italy would make it harder for the United States to deny armed-drone technology if asked for it by other members of the 28-country NATO alliance or by close U.S. partners such as South Korea, Japan and Australia, arms-sale analysts said.

"I think that if you sell armed drones to Italy, you will very likely make a decision that any member of NATO that wants them can also get them," said a former congressional staff member who followed the issue.

Some lawmakers fear that a decision to arm Italian drones may spur overseas sales of related technology by Israel, Russia and China.

The United States has used its MQ-9s to hunt and kill members of al Qaeda and its allies in Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and Pakistani tribal areas.

Britain, the first foreign country to get U.S. technology to arm its Reapers, is considered a special case. Many U.S. officials and members of Congress view it as Washington's staunchest and most reliable ally.

The State Department does not comment on proposed sales of U.S. military hardware until formal notifications have been completed. But a State Department official described Italy as a strong NATO ally which contributes significantly to coalition operations.

"The transfer of U.S. defense articles and service to allies like Italy enables us to work together more effectively to meet shared security challenges," said the official, who declined to be named.

SPREAD DRONES, OR LIMIT THEM?

Senator Dianne Feinstein, chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has publicly opposed the transfer of armed drones. "There are some military technologies that I believe should not be shared with other countries, regardless of how close our partnership," Feinstein, a California Democrat, said last year.

She said she would put armed drones in the category of weapons the United States should try to rein in, not spread.

Turkey is among countries that have been seeking to buy U.S. unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs. The MQ-9 Reaper is larger and more capable than the earlier MQ-1 Predator, both built by General Atomics.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Chicago last week that Obama was leaning toward selling UAVs to Turkey, which has fought separatist Kurdish rebels for decades in a conflict that has killed 40,000 people.

"The administration's position (toward a sale) is favorable," Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency quoted Gul as saying after he met Obama. "They are trying to convince Congress."

A proposed U.S. arms sale to Turkey may proceed unless lawmakers enact joint resolution barring it, an event that has never occurred.

The Obama administration says that all exports of sensitive military technology are considered on a case-by-case basis under a general policy of "restraint," taking into account national security and foreign-policy considerations as well as U.S. multilateral commitments.

Purchasers of U.S.-made military systems must agree to a strict set of "end-use" conditions designed to limit the system to approved uses such as self-defense and United Nations missions. They also must agree to let the United States monitor their adherence to these conditions.

Italy has sought to arm its drones for use in Afghanistan, where it maintains about 3,950 troops. But it initially wanted the drones themselves for such things as border patrols, the former congressional staff member said.

TEAL Group, a U.S. aerospace consultancy, estimated in April that worldwide UAV spending will almost double over the next decade, totaling more than $89 billion in the next 10 years.

(Editing by Christopher Wilson)

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Reuters
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS 

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: HAL To Make Multirole Aircraft With Russian Firm

Defense News: DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: HAL To Make Multirole Aircraft With Russian Firm

UAC-Transport Aircraft, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL) sign contract on designing of Multimodal Transport Aircraft

Press-release of JSC "UAC-Transport Aircraft"

Bangalore, May 28, 2012

Today, JSC “UAC-Transport Aircraft”, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL) have concluded a General contract at the HAL’s headquarters. The contract was signed by MTA Program Director Alexey Boykov, HAL Design Director Shri T Suvarna Raju and MTAL General Director N.C. Agarwal.

As of today, JSC “UAC-Transport Aircraft” has completed preparation of IT and PLM infrastructure necessary to start work of a joint group on preliminary design.

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources The Economic Times

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 31, 2012: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will manufacture a Multi-role Transport Aircraft (MTA) with a Russian partner primarily for the Indian and Russian air forces, the state-run defence behemoth said Tuesday.

"The twin-engine aircraft in 15-20 tonne class will be designed, co-developed and manufactured for cargo/troop transportation; para-drop/air drop of supplies, including low altitude parachute extraction system," HAL chairman R.K. Tyagi said in a statement here.

In its transport fleet, the IAF has about 100 AN-32, including some overhauled and upgraded versions.

To execute the $600-million defence project, the $2.6-billion HAL entered into a contract here Monday with United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Russia and the 50:50 joint venture they have set up - Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd.

Capable of short landings and takeoffs, the aircraft will have capacity to ferry about 80 troops, infantry fighting vehicles, artillery pieces and ammunition and can be deployed for battlefield medical evacuation.

With a glass cockpit for electronic instrument displays, fly by wire controls and full authority digital engine control, the aircraft will have 800kmph cruise speed and a range of 2,500km without refuelling.

HAL will design and develop the MTA at its aircraft research and development (ARDC) centre in this tech hub, while its transport aircraft division at Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh will manufacture prototypes and commence serial production after the certification process.

"Our objective is to achieve self-reliance in design, development and production of a MTA and manage the programme with international collaboration and global suppliers," Tyagi said.

The first test flight of the prototype will be in five years (2017) and regular production two years later (2019).

HAL will also share the development cost of systems and manufacture of components, sub-assemblies and composite structure.

The tripartite contract was based on the inter-government pact signed in September 2010 by the Indian and Russian governments for joint design, development and production of the aircraft on cost sharing basis by the joint venture partners.

The joint venture will also work with Russia's aerospace major Rosoboronexport to co-develop the aircraft.

"We will showcase our expertise in designing the aircraft and its systems, manufacturing and flight testing in collaboration with our Russian partners in Moscow and India," Tyagi said.

The Kanpur facility had manufactured transport aircraft such as Avros HS-748 and Dornier Do-228 in the past for the services.

In all, the company manufactured 89 Avros from 1964 to 1984 and 116 Dorniers from 1984 to March 2012.

Two Dorniers were exported to Mauritius, while one export order to Seychelles is under execution.

MULTIROLE TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT (MTA), MEDIUM CARGO CAPACITY

Design features

Performance

Scheme (3 view)

Cargo compartment scheme (in cross section)

Cargo compartment scheme (in axial section)

Developed by: JSC United Aircraft Corporation –Transport Aircraft, Russia, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India

Project stage: design

The Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA) is a joint international project of JSC United Aircraft Corporation –Transport Aircraft and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) of India. It is being developed within the framework of the Russo-Indian intergovernmental agreement.

The research of the world market indicates a strong demand for transport aircraft with cargo capacity of up to 20 tonnes and a flight range up to 3,000 km. According to the regulatory documents the MTA is classified as medium cargo capacity military transport aircraft designed for strategic and tactical missions. The MTA provides for transportation of a wide range of cargoes up to 12,000 kg over a range of 4,700 km and up to 20,000 kg over a range of 2,000 km around-the-clock in any geographic areas and under any climate and meteorological conditions.

As a military transport aircraft MTA can perform the following tasks:

-Military personnel transportation (up to 140 people),

-Paratroopers deployment (up to 90 people),

-Transportation of cargo, equipment, all-purpose shipping containers and aircraft containers and pallets,

-Parachuting of cargo and equipment on the platforms,

-Low altitude free fall cargo drop.

The MTA is capable to airlift up to 80% of all existing weapons and military equipment. This capacity is mainly determined by three key features: the MTA’s design dimensions, its cargo department’s size and volume, and its power plant. The MTA’s size of the airtight cargo compartment’s cross section is identical to this of the heavy Il-76MD military transport aircraft. This allows employing all existing loading and unloading equipment, transportation and air dropping equipment and tools. The MTA’s pilots and technical personnel can manage transportation tasks and execute pre-flight procedures on their own (independently from the main base airport), these tasks require from 2 to 6 people.

The high thrust-to-weight ratio ensures the MTA’s operability from airfields in high mountains (on the altitude of up to 3,300 m above the sea-level) both from paved and unpaved runways (capable to sustain pressure up to 8 kg/cm2, that allows its operations on more than 90% of the Russian airfields). The MTA’s performance also is on par with current aircraft’s fuel efficiency level.

Considering high export potential of the aircraft, its design ultimately meets the requirements not only of both Russian and Indian Air Forces but of potential customers as well. It is expected that in 2015-2020 a number of developing countries can consider the new transport aircraft as an alternative not only for An-12 and C-130 Hercules but to a smaller An-26. The strong advantage of the MTA in comparison with its rivals is its relatively low price.

It is supposed that both parties will take part in the MTA program during all its stages. At present, the conceptual phase works have been completed. The joint detailed business plan of the project has been worked out and initialed. The parties established the Russo-Indian joint venture, Multirole Transport Aircraft Limited. It is expected that the Russian and Indian sides will finance the project on par. The first flight of the MTA is planned for 2016

Related News;

Russia, India Sign Multi-Role Transport Plane DealGlobalSecurity.org 15 hrs ago

...Air Force (45 planes), with the remaining 60 exported to third parties the report said. Their joint venture firm, Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL), also signed the venture deal. The tripartite contract is based on a Russian-Indian inter-government agreement...

Russia, India Sign Multi-Role Transport Plane DealRIA Novosti 30 May 2012, 16:18

...Force (45 aircraft), and with the remaining 60 exported to third parties, the report said, adding another Russian firm, Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL), will also join the Russian-Indian venture. The tripartite contract was based on a Russian-Indian...

Russia, India Sign Multi-Role Transport Plane DealRIA Novosti 30 May 2012, 15:18

...Force (45 aircraft), and with the remaining 60 exported to third parties, the report said, adding another Russian firm, Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL), will also join the Russian-Indian venture. The tripartite contract was based on a Russian-Indian...

HAL in pact for multirole transport aircraft Business Standard 30 May 2012, 00:05

...— Transport Aircraft (UAC-TA), the Russian partner and their JV-Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL) for the Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA) project. HAL and UAC-TA have proposed to design, develop and produce the multi-role transport aircraft in the...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India 

• HAL to develop multi-role transport aircraft
  January 19, 2008
• HAL, Edgewood approach FIPB for JV
  January 11, 2007
• HAL sees pink with fresh orders, global deals
  February 8, 2003

IN-DEPTH COVERAGE

• Joint Venture
• Hal

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources The Economic Times
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS 

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: NATO Strike Kills al-Qaeda No. 2 In Afghanistan Near Pakistan Border

Defense News: DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: NATO Strike Kills al-Qaeda No. 2 In Afghanistan Near Pakistan Border
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources ByStephenManual 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 30, 2012: NATO claims that it has killed al-Qaeda second in command in an airstrike inside Afghanistan near the Pakistani border. According to NATO, Saudi-born al-Qaeda leader Sakhr al-Taifi was killed on Sunday in the Kunar province of Afghanistan bordering Pakistan.

It is believed that al-Taifi frequently used to travel to Pakistan and was involve in attacks on NATO troops based in Afghanistan. It is also believed that the terror kingpin would take commands from senior al-Qaeda leadership based in the tribal region of Pakistan. The semi-autonomous tribal region of Pakistan has been a hub of training camps and safe haven of terrorists for quite a long time now.

NATO officials believe that the slain terrorist had been funding and supporting terrorists based in Afghanistan to carry out attacks on the NATO troops besides giving them commands on what to do and what not. 

The officials have termed the killing of the terrorist a big success, as they believe that the backbone of the militants based in Afghanistan and the tribal region of Pakistan has been broken. Some of them even say that the killing is the second biggest victory of the NATO troops after the killing of Osama Bin Laden.

Bin Laden was shot dead in a sting operation by a team of the US Navy Seals in Abbottabad in May last year. The incident strained relations between the United States and Pakistan due to the unilateral action of the Seals. Since the US invasion in Afghanistan back in October 2001, dozens of potential terrorists and militants have been killed by the US-led coalition forces based in Afghanistan. 

It is widely held that dozens of high profile terrorists fled to the tribal region of Pakistan following the US invasion in Afghanistan and they are still living there. Despite repeated requests and pressure by the United States, Pakistan army has remained unmoved and reluctant to carry out a full-fledged military operation against militants based in the tribal region.

Analysts and observers based here in the United States believe that Pakistan’s security agencies, including Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), deem the terrorists their strategic asset and that’s why they do not launch operation against them. 

The most dreaded Haqqani network is also based in North Waziristan agency of Pakistan and is believed to be involved in attacks on NATO troops and other military installations in Afghanistan. The US has been carrying out drone strikes against the potential militants based in the region following credible intelligence information from their sources on the ground.

As the US plans to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan at the end of 2014, it is a welcome sign that top leadership of al-Qaeda is being targeted and eliminated. The US and its allies should also consider negotiating with terrorists willing to lay down arms and become civilized citizens.

StephenManual is based in New York City, New York, United States of America, and is a Reporter for Allvoices.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By StephenManual 
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS