CNN: Canissian News Network
Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Purchased
The Ministry of Defense announced today the purchase of 1 THAAD Battalion from Tian Xia. The THAAD system is designed to shoot down short- and medium-range ballistic missiles over a theater or region by ramming them with interceptor missiles. It only has a limited capability against ICBMs. The THAAD system was purchased for an undisclosed amount.
The system will be placed initially around the capitol city of Neve Tikveh; the second system, when purchased, will go around Delphi City as a deterrent to terrorism during the upcoming Olympics.
Further purchases are considered, but not confirmed, at this time.
In other news, the Ministry of Defense decided not to replace the
Halifax-class frigates with the F101-class frigates being built in the Shinra Republic.
"After careful analysis, it was determined that the service life of the
Halifax frigates is still sufficient that replacement at this time would be an un-necessary indulgence for Canissia," Defense Minister Ral Tenn said, "The F101 is an outstanding design, and offers some key advantages, but not enough so that we can really justify a complete replacement program just yet."
The Navy, however, is following very closely the futuristic DDX program underway in the Lonestar Republic, which will rely on a great deal of automation to cut down on crew requirements.
"We are partners in the DDX," Minister Tenn said, "And we feel it is more prudent to wait until this comes to fruition rather than spend money on new Frigates right now."
Artist's impression of the supposed DDX.
Other reasons not to buy the F101 series could be the order for new supply ships for the Navy, as well.
One ship being looked at is the Type 332 Frankenthal class mine hunter, representing a capability that is sadly lacking on Nova Terra.
"We'd like to see maybe ten or twelve of these ships added to the inventory," Defense Minister Tenn said, "They're good for clearing mines, and when we look at all the problems currently faced in the maritime realm right now, we think this is very pro-active. Mines are a cheap way to deter shipping and create kill zones-- the types of situations that pirates or certain rogue-state elements might find appealing."
The Defense MInsiter would not expand on what "rogue state elements" he was referring to, but it is widely suspected that Libertopian-backed pirates or commerce raiders are becoming an increasing concern. Recent fiery rhetoric from the Saddamistan-backed Sultan of North Libertopia against both MESS and OMSK nations have sparked an increased interest in naval capability.
Other Navy projects include acquisition of four
Powhatan-class ocean-going tugs, all-round workhorse ships for everything from dive support to towing and sea salvage.
Powhatan-class tug used by the Lonestar Navy.
"The
Powhatan-class oceangoing tug will provide a great deal of flexibility to our Navy," Minister Tenn said, "Despite being a Navy vessel, over half the crew is actually made up of civilian contracted specialists. It is not a combat ship by any means, although the Navy crew itself is armed."
Overall, the Navy is increasing its use of supply and replensihment ships. Two other types of ships being ordered are two Type-702
Berlin-class replenishment ships, and two Type-404 Elbe-class small craft replenishment ships.
The Berlin-class replenishment ship, a large vessel with little armament.
Type-404 Elbe-class replenishment ships.
The Replenishment ships are basically oceangoing stores-carriers, and not intended for combat.
"They have light armament, mostly anti-aircraft missiles and light autocannon to repel boarders, as well as crew smallarms," Minister Tenn said, "These ships will add range and flexibility to our deployed Naval forces by allowing them to replenish food, fuel, ammo and crew needs such as mail delivery without having to pull away from stations."
While the vessels are certainly useful, a great deal of consternation has been raised in the Parliament about how to pay for all these ships.
"We've been hit with an environmental problem along the north shore, and the King has already authorized cutting the requisition of
Anuket-class missile corvettes to help pay for that," said Finance Minister Erma Felna. "I can't imagine where the cuts will have to come from to pay for these other projects, but I can tell you that I will not cannibalize Education or Science for this."
King Arik Coyotus-I is considering axing another 10
Anukets from the procurement budget to pay for the construction of the minesweepers and support vessels.
"If that happens, we can make the budget," Minister Felna said, "It will still come out a bit in th ered, but manageable. The thing I'm worried about is some of the other costs that are not being addressed by this issue-- we haven't even begun to consider the purchase of five Cruisers, three more Destroyers, two air-defense systems, and of course the Olympics promotion."
"Minister Felna is doing a fine job with the budget," Defense Minister Tenn said, "But she forgets that the Olympics will eventually pay for themselves with tourist revenue. We've had to tighten up a bit, true, but the volatility of the Libertopian situation deamnds that we be ready. This is our responsibility, and we have to absorb it with dignity."
Minister Felna was not so sure.
"We'll make some money off the Olympics," she said, "But it won't factor in until the next fiscal year. And we may just break even at best. Outdoor and Adventure Tourism is starting to shift back to the Bear Republic, so we can't bank on that any more. This would be so bad if we were at least building some of these ships here, putting money in the pockets of our own workers, but we're buying shipbuilding services from other republics."
"Minister Felna forgets that the
Anuket program is being built domestically, with few parts or services being contracte dout to MESS allies," Minister Tenn fired back. "Of course, if she wants us to axe the
Anuket program to pay for other needs, then we won't even be able to do that."
Minister Felna declined to retort, saying, only, "
What-ever."
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