Gaddafi's forces entered the Misrata

On the second day since the international military operation against Muammar Gaddafi, forces of the regime became located about 150 km east of Tripoli port Misrata, said the Italian agency AGI. Witnesses quoted by the agency say they have seen government troops and armored vehicles in the city center, where snipers shoot at citizens of Misrata. Simultaneously, Gaddafi's ships have blocked the port. Earlier in the day Al Jazeera forward the words of one of the fighters of the rebels in the city as saying that several shells fell on residential areas. Sadula el Mesrati added that shops were destroyed and power substations. Armored vehicles launched from bullets and artillery fire have destroyed public infrastructure, shops and administrative buildings. Earlier in the day the agency announced arrested by the forces of the regime Italian freighter in Tripoli. On board the "Ace 22" has eight Italians, two Indians and one Ukrainian, announced by the operator of the ship - Naples company Augusta Offshore. The Italian government said it would take "all actions" to release the vessel.

In Libya, the army approached the strategically important city for insurgents Ajdabiya

Subsection Libyan army approached close to the strategically important city of Ajdabiya, which stands at the crossroads leading to the stronghold of the opposition - of Benghazi and the port of Tobruk, which is located near the border with Egypt, RIA Novosti. For information about moving troops Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi reiterated several sources among the rebels. "Ajdabiya - the key to the entire eastern part of the country, sending troops to Tobruk, the regime (M. Gaddafi) will ring k Benghazi and all the east of it free of El-Marj, Al-Beida, turf" - the spokesman of the opposition Salem BENHARISI. The rebels on Monday actively preparing to meet the enemy. In the western gate of the rebels pidvozyly weapons, including mobile installation GRAD, T-55, equipped with antiaircraft machine guns off. Pick Japanese and Chinese origin with machine guns mounted on them a business card war Libyan rebels and the army Mr Qaddafi, they use both sides. Machine guns are in many courts in the city. Around them - the consolidation of sand and stones. Airplanes Air Force in Libya over Ajdabiya throwing leaflets, announced the "fair recompense traitor and mercenary are attached to respect the peace and order. On Monday, rebel commanders have denied to journalists recording their position, arguing that the Libyan army uses data, broadcast TV channels, for a task point attacks on their strongholds. Because of fears that the next day or two Ajdabiya go under the control of Libyan army, Benghazi left much of the foreign journalists. After opening the borders of the rebels about three weeks ago on Libyan territory illegally, without issuing visas through Libyan border crossing at Al-`Sallyum traveled nearly a thousand journalists from around the world.

In Colombia crashed two UH-1

In Colombia, two military helicopters collided. Killed at least five people. The event occurred near the city department of Tolima Melhar where lies one of the Colombian military schools military aviation. Two UH-1H helicopters performing training flight when the collision happened. As a result, four privates were killed and one Colombian army lieutenant armed forces of Mexico, who also participated in the exercises. Another three soldiers and one of Colombia's armed forces ordinary Mexican wounded.

A400M becomes serial

The European consortium Airbus Aircraft Manufacturing began mass production of military transport aircraft. As expected, the first four serial aircraft will be transferred to customers in 2012 to 2015 monthly volume serial production A400M will increase to 2.5 units.

For its border Russia will buy armored vehicles from France

French company "Panaro" is at an advanced stage of negotiations with Russia to supply 500 light armored vehicles and expects to sign a contract within the next few months. This, as the "Dzheyns DEFENCE uyikli," said company president Christian Mons. According to K. Mons, negotiations with Moscow related sales 3.1-ton light armored combat vehicles VBL with wheel formula 4x4. When signing the agreement, costs could reach about 200 million euros (260 million dollars). Russian armored vehicles side tested for several months and plans to ensure their units FSB Border Service of Russia. It should be noted that the potential contract of "Panaro" with Russia be considered by the organization that control the export of defense products. Specifically, in 2010 an inter-ministerial committee to monitor the export of military products CIEEMG vetoed French supply equipment to Pakistan. However, in the context of bilateral Russian-French military cooperation problems getting permission is not expected. Russia also expects to begin production of French technology in the license agreement on its territory.

U.S. Navy stopped test the electromagnetic catapult

U.S. Navy stopped test the electromagnetic catapult EMALS, intended for prospective aircraft grade Gerald Ford, soobshtava Defense News. The reason for this decision are the malfunctions that occurred during the first test 'launch' of the F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter aircraft of 18 December 2010 is expected to start testing again until the end of March this year The main problem is consistency in the operation of linear induction motors and current company General Atomics, which develops catapult EMALS, adjust the software of the complex to troubleshoot. This is yet another delay may affect the timing of construction of the aircraft carrier Gerald Ford, who has already finished 20%.

Increased military budget China - Again

In 2011 China will increase its defense budget by 12.7% compared with 2010, reports Associated Press. So in 2011 the development of its armed forces, China will spend 91.5 billion dollars, while in 2010 were 81milarda dollars, up 7.5 percent over 2009. The military budget represents 6% of the entire state budget and as a member of the CCP Central Committee Li Chzhaosin growth of defense spending does not threaten any country. But according to several experts, China's military spending to maintain armed forces, the purchase of weapons and equipment, and to develop new weapons models may be twice higher than officially announced. This causes particular concern in many countries such as Japan, India, Taiwan and USA. In early 2011 the Minister of Defense announced the renewal of the program to create a new generation strategic bomber, citing the need to project a rapid military-technological development of China. The Minister also announced the development of new radar and Reb and adoption of weapons on deck fighter F-35C Lightning II. Fearing a military preparations in China, Taiwan more insistently began to push for renewed talks with the U.S. to supply fighter jets F-16C / D Block 52 Fighting Falcon. India, which has territorial disputes with China also increased its military budget. Of particular concern causes early trials of promising Chinese 'stealth' fifth-generation fighter J-20, and also entry of weapons of anti-ballistic missile DF-21D.

DCNS conducts mooring tests frigate FREMM Aquitaine

The company DCNS announced the release of the final stage of the integration of equipment and acceptance testing of mooring head multipurpose frigate "Aquitaine" project FREMM, intended for the French Navy.
All major naval ship systems should be tested before sea trials, scheduled for spring of this year. Currently, 95% of electrical and hydraulic equipment has been installed, which allows testing of major systems: information and communications, navigation (navigation radar, the radar range detection), power systems, propulsion systems, command and control.
The first tests of electric motors and gas turbines have been successfully completed. In the near future, complete installation of security gates and a helicopter hangar shlyupbalok.
Formal contract for the construction of the French Navy for the first batch of eight ships FREMM Directorate-General for Armament (DGA) of France signed an agreement with MO DCNS in November 2005. New ships are intended to replace consisting in service class frigates "George Leahy", "Tourville", "d'Estaing d'Orve. In September 2009, the European Organisation for the purchase of arms (OCCAR) on behalf of the DGA signed a contract with DCNS to build three additional class frigates "Aquitaine".
Ceremony for the head of the frigate Aquitaine »(D630) was held at the shipyard in Lorient in December 2007. The ship was launched on April 29, 2010. It is planned that the frigate will be transferred to the French Navy in August 2012. All the 11 ships planned to put the customer in 2022.
According to the developers, FREMM frigate will be a vessel of length 142.2 m, 20 m wide, full displacement of about 6,040 m. The ship can reach a maximum speed of 27 knots and make transitions to a range of up to 6000 nautical miles at a speed of 15 knots.
The frigate is equipped with a multifunction radar Gerakles "Thales". The kit will include weapons FREMM developed by MBDA PKR MM40 «Block-3" Exocet "missiles" Aster 15 and Aster 30 "CD" Scalp Naval »(SCALP - Systeme de Croisiere Autonome a Longue Portee), known in France under the designation MdCN (Missiles de Croisiere Naval), as well as torpedoes, MU-90 "Impact". Due to the high level of automation of the ship's crew (including air group) is only 108 people. In addition, the board can accommodate 145 Marines.

Germany had supplied Libya with arms for 83 million euros for the period 2005-2009

Germany between 2005 to 2009 supplied arms to Libya, totaling 83.5 million euros. Only in 2009 the volume of deliveries totaled 53.2 million euros. Libya were put off, helicopters, communications and equipment for their jamming and radar. It is reported by Deutsche Welle referring to the newspaper Saarbrücker Zeitung, which received official government response to the request leftist faction in the Bundestag. According to the newspaper, in 2009, arms deliveries from Germany to the Middle East reached its peak. Their volume reached almost 1.1 billion euros. The recipients of the arms were Libya, Egypt, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Notably, in 2009, the government dismissed the supply of weapons only for 24,4 million euros. In a statement the government in this sense that Germany is "very carefully" take care that the weapon used to maintain peace, security and stability in the region. The fact that some requests were rejected, is "a sign of accurate and differentiated policy of arms exports, indicated in document.

Libyan rebels captured eight British military

Libyan rebels have captured  British military special forces in the east of the country after secret diplomatic mission for making contact with opposition leaders failed reveals newspaper Sunday Times. The team consisted of eight soldiers from the SAS (Special Air Service), were captured while escorted diplomat in anti-government controlled areas, the newspaper said.
British Foreign Office said in a brief message that it could "neither confirm nor deny" the news.
Earlier on Saturday, the Geneva-based rights group Human Rights Solidarity, which employs Libyan refugees, said by telephone told Reuters that "eight soldiers from the special forces" were captured by insurgents. British Defense Ministry also declined to comment on the news.
Interference of SAS is probably infuriated the Libyan opposition leaders who had ordered the soldiers to be closed military base, says the Sunday Times.
Opponents of Muammar Gaddafi's fear that he may use any license for Western military intervention to request continuing patriotic support more than two weeks revolt against 41 years of management.
Referring to Libyan sources, the Sunday Times said that British troops were captured in Benghazi, the second largest city in Libya and a center of resistance, and were led to one of the main opposition leaders for questioning.
The publication added that the diplomat, who was accompanied, is preparing a visit to its superior counterpart to establish diplomatic relations with the rebels.
The Sunday Times said that the Libyan opposition leaders tried to cover up the incident for fear of violent reactions of ordinary Libyans.

U.S. Air Force launched a second experimental space plane X-37B

Air Force (Air Force) United States launched a second experimental space plane, which outwardly resembles a small shuttle. Launcher Atlas 5 orbited aircraft X-37B, Having started from Cape Canaveral. First the same plane, which was launched into space last spring, spent 270 days in space, then landed in California in December 2010, the RBC with reference to the Associated Press. X-37B - orbiting unmanned aircraft developed by Boeing, which as written media, designed to test future launch technologies in orbit and descent into the atmosphere. It began as a joint project of U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Boeing. He was later given the American Air Force. Since much of the program objectives and a series of aircraft X-37B is kept secret.

Battles are already in Tripoli. Insurgents shot down a plane

On the streets of Tripoli is very intensive shooting. According to the BBC-B, in the Libyan capital shoot with firearms, in particular, to hear burst. Reported that the shooting is so intense in Tripoli has not been heard from the beginning of armed confrontation supporters and opponents of Muammar Gaddafi. So far in the city remained relatively calm, and Mr Qaddafi himself claimed that the authorities held him tightly and his supporters. And in the area of Ras Lanuf in western Libya shot down military plane, which belonged to the forces loyal regime of Muammar Gaddafi, said the radio station Europe1. The report stresses that the car was knock down just risen. Since the beginning of civil war in the Libyan army, which maintained allegiance to the government, actively used aircraft against the forces of the rebels. In the air they have the advantage, as it seems, the insurgents failed to capture serviceable military aircraft, says RosBusinessConsulting. We remind that the Libyan opposition created a National Council. Its chairman said the National Council - is now the sole legitimate representative of Libya.

Downed Libyan Mirage F-1BD or Su-24

Rebels in Libya have downed fighter Mirage F-1BD or Su-24, which is bombarded their positions in the disputed port city of Ras Lanuf. Both pilots were killed. In 2007 they signed with Dassault Aviation to restore the airworthiness of 12 pieces fighters Mirage F1BD/ED, from which a burst of excitement, only 4 have been completed. Two of them are in Malta, where the two pilots landed and asked for political asylum.

Saudi Arabia bans all protests and marches

Authorities in Saudi Arabia reported that prohibit any protests and marches after small demonstrations of Shiites in one of the oil-rich eastern provinces.
Security forces will use all means to prevent prejudice to public order, said a statement by the interior ministry said on national television.
The ban followed a series of protests by the Saudi Shiites, demanding to be placed on their relatives from prison, where their words have been held without trial, recalls Reuters.
Protesters say it is difficult to find work and do not preclude the administration of the Sunni monarchy absolute, with no parliament.
Shia minority lives near Bahrain, where protests also Shiite majority against the Sunni ruler.
Last week King Abdullah returned after three months' absence for health reasons and announced plans for 37 billion dollars, which the regime in Riyadh promised to give away as aid in various fields in order to prevent the outbreak of protests raging in the Arab world for more than month.

Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit

The main producer: U.S. Name: B-2 Spirit Type: Strategic bomber Year of adopting: 1987
Strategic Bomber B-2 refers to the third generation of U.S. stealth aircraft first is the Lockheed SR-71, the second - Lockheed F-117, the fourth - McDonnell Douglas A-12, the fifth - the fighters Northrop YF-23 and Lockheed YF-22. B-2 is not an "invisible" because there are systems that can detect it. Still, the visibility of small aircraft provides a high probability of survival in combat.
B-2 is made under the "flying wing" and has no vertical tail. Function rudders perform split flaps, mounted on the wing tips. Airframe is constructed mainly of titanium and aluminum alloys with wide application of carbon fiber with bismaleimidnoy and polyamide matrices having high heat resistance compared to epoxy resins. The main bearing component design is a single-spar titanium caisson, located in front of the central part of the body and the adjacent intermediate sections to which are attached carbon fiber wing, with no restrictions.
The thickness of the monolithic titanium panels caisson reaches 23 mm. A number of titanium components fabricated using superplastic forming and diffusion bonding. Some of the titanium cladding panels - the most lengthy in American aviation. For example, a panel of the intermediate hull sections in the area of engine compartments have dimensions of 0.31 x3, 66 m, three times larger than previously used. Wing equal to 19.8 m - an unprecedented lengthy composite structures.
Form B-2 in the plan established in 1912 with straight lines, allowing to concentrate all the reflections in the horizontal plane in several key sectors of the bottlenecks. Uses "a four" pattern: Parallel front and rear edges of the hull and the edge of manholes, valves niches chassis and engine compartment, as well as the shells air intake form the X-shaped arrangement of four major sectors of reflection (on the two sectors of the front and rear hemispheres). With the lateral and frontal plane angle has almost no straight lines and flat surfaces. Sock wing has an internal radar absorbing structure styloid honeycombed used radio-absorbing coating. The front edge of the body sharp, without breaks, its sweep - 33 °. Trailing edge is shaped like a double W, external point of inflection is located about polurazmahe. The wing has a supercritical profile. Four engines mounted in pairs on both sides of the central part of the body near the bomb bay. To reduce the radar visibility nozzle engines are made flat. This also contributes to the organization of isotropic scattering of incident waves by a smooth conjugation of structural elements and the minimal number of protruding elements. Cracks on the external surfaces are sealed carefully, and engines and armament are internal layout. The crew - two men who are placed in hermetically sealed cabin. Jobs each equipped with a full set of controls. In the cabin climb the ladders through the nose landing gear compartment. In the compartment of the chassis is a button to start the engines and the inclusion of key-board systems that are used during take-off the alarm. Glazed cabin of the four sandwich panels provides an overview of the horizontal 200 °. The panels have a layer with fotoreaktsionnoy ability and are lightproof to light effects of nuclear explosions. Gold-coated glass does not pass through the radar radiation. Pilots must fly a plane in protivolazernyh glasses. Fuel tanks are located in wing and tail parts of the intermediate hull sections. Top of the fuselage behind the cockpit is the receiver of in-flight refueling of aircraft K-135 and KC-10.
By-wire flight control system with high-speed digital kvadrupleksnaya drives. Has four of the calculator and keep working for two failures. The system of air signals discreet, with 20 pressure sensors. The complex of onboard equipment includes navigation subsystem NSS, including the inertial unit IMU firm Kirfott associated with astroinertial block AIU firm Northrop. There are eight multi-colored LEDs on a CRT - four for each pilot. At the 20-series aircraft will be installed satellite navigation system.

Modifications:
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Specifications:
Wingspan - 52.43 pm Aircraft length - 21.03 m. Aircraft height - 5.18 m. Bearing surface area - 477.52 m2. Empty weight - 56700 kg. Fuel weight - 74,845 kg. Take-off weight - 181,440 kg. Type of engine - Turbofan General Electric F-118-GE-110. Maximum speed - 950-1010 km / h. Service ceiling - 15,240 m Practical Range - 18,530 km.

Armament:
20 bombs the B-61 a total weight of 6,360 kg or 16 V-83 a total weight of 17,420 kg.

Russia will deploy the Kuriles onshore Bastion

Russia will deploy in the Kuril Islands mobile coastal missile system "Bastion", equipped with supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles Yakhont, Interfax reported, citing a source in Russia's General Staff. It will be used to protect the coast Kuriles. The exact number of complexes, scheduled for delivery in the Kuril Islands, not specified.
"Bastion" is intended to cover the coastline length of 600 kilometers. The complex can be used to defeat surface ships of various types, as well as radio-goals under intense fire and electronic countermeasures.
Maximum ammunition complex is 24 missiles. Rockets can be carried out at intervals of 2.5 seconds.
The structure consists of a complex missile in transport-launch container, self-propelled launchers, machine command and control, transport and loading vehicle, car security alert, and helicopter target acquisition range. Deployment time of the complex from the stowed position is about five minutes.
In turn, cruise missiles, "Yakhont capable of speeds up to 750 meters per second, and hit targets at ranges up to 300 kilometers. Rockets have a horizon range and are self-guided.

New fights in Libya

Heavy fighting is kept in the Libyan city Zauiya, about 50 km west of Tripoli, AP. Government forces have attacked rebel positions in the city with tanks and artillery. Reuters reported that the forces of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi have fired neighborhoods in the city.
A local man quoted by the BBC, the attack was repulsed, and tanks - captured and burned. Currently, no data on the number of victims of the clashes. Yesterday, opponents of the Gaddafi government forces rebuffed the city Ras Lanuf and continue to move west.

Meanwhile, Libya has asked the United Nations with a request to suspend sanctions against Muammar Gaddafi and four of its senior officials. Sanctions were imposed because the information about the brutal repression of protests in Libya by the authorities. The letter from the Libyan authorities stated that force was used only against people trying to sow anarchy. Libya and urged the UN to react against countries threatening to use force against the Libyan authorities.
In a television interview on Al Jazeera "a son of Gaddafi - Saif al-Islam promised surprises in the coming days that will" shake the world "and expressed confidence that insurgents will soon lift arms, ITAR-TASS.
However, it became clear that Libya has accepted the offer of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez for mediating mission to a peaceful solution to the Libyan crisis. This confirmed Foreign Minister Moussa Kusan and his deputy, Khaled Kaim, a day after Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam announced that Libya does not need such a thing. Chavez's proposal provides for a committee to achieve peace in Libya, which will promote national dialogue in Libya. The committee will come active and influential countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa.
Today the Libyan national council would therefore have a first meeting in Benghazi, which will be attended by representatives of all exempted from the regime of Gaddafi towns, police still ITAR-TASS.

NATO established a system to rescue damaged submarine

France, Britain and Norway have created a system to rescue fallen into emergency submarines. The new system NSRS (NATO Submarine Rescue System) became operational on March 4, 2011. Cost of the three countries amounted to 70 million Euros. The system consists of remote controlled autonomous underwater camera and a small unmanned submarine. The first is used to detect people in an emergency submarine and rub apparatus is intended for the breakdown towing submarine and landing her in the system and equipment to enter decompression. NSRS is designed to provide support for 72 hours of receiving notice of the accident and to operate at depths up to 600 meters. NSRS system is based on the naval base Fasleyn the UK and serves 72 people. In creating the French company involved DGA, DE & S UK and Norwegian NDLO.

Thailand will announce a tender for tanks

Command, the Thai government to prepare a request to allocate 770 billion baht for the purchase of new as well as repair and upgrading operating items weapons modernization program under the sun, whose value is estimated at 1 trillion baht. Under the Army modernization plan: Idea 2020, 497 billion baht needed to purchase new tanks to replace 200 old American M-41 and 100 sniper rifles for special operations forces and 33 300 body armor. The remaining 273 billion baht required to implement less important projects, including repair of 100 of 153, which are armed with light tanks of British "Scorpio", the restoration and maintenance of 263 different types of helicopters, aircraft maintenance in 1963, including the purchase of spare parts. Requirements to provide the delivery vehicle MBT maximum combat weight of 40-56 tons of speed - no less than 55 km / h Cruising fuel 500 km. Minimum caliber gun - 120 mm. The tank must be equipped with fire control computer system and stabilizer. A mandatory requirement is the maintenance of MBT in the armed forces producing countries. Among other projects - the gradual replacement of body armor rate of 8 thousand units. per year while the total demand of about 40 thousand units. Body armor should have an average life of 5 years. As justification for additional funds for procurement of arms called Command of the Thai worsening situation in the border areas with Cambodia and updating armored neighboring countries.

In Russia, crashed An-148 production plant owned aircraft Voronezh

Passenger aircraft An-148 Voronezh owned aircraft manufacturing plant (VASO) disappeared from radar screens during tests at 130 km from the border Byelohorodskyy Voronezh and Voronezh regions. As reported in AEX.ru Rosaviatsiyi, the plane was an experimental aircraft certificate. We certainly know that the airliner crashed. According to preliminary data, killing both pilots. The aircraft was tested, it was not the passengers. According to police, the plane hit the ground when engaged. Sources in aviapromi claim that AN-148 (61708) was built by order of Myanmar Air Force. According to MOE, the plane crashed in the Belgorod region, village Garbuzova. The plane fell on the private garden of homeownership. On land destruction and no casualties. According to preliminary data, the board of 6 persons. Four killed, yet the fate of 2 is unknown. According to some reports, on board were four crew members and two foreigners - citizens of Myanmar.

Libya clashes widen as Interpol issues Gaddafi alert

TRIPOLI, (Reuters) - Muammar Gaddafi's forces battled rebels on several fronts in a worsening of Libya's crisis on Friday and unrest erupted in the capital when gunmen fired to break up crowds shouting "Gaddafi is the enemy of God."Paris-based Interpol delivered a global alert against Gaddafi and 15 members of his inner circle to help police around the world enforce U.N. sanctions aimed at ending turmoil in the world's 12th largest oil exporter.
Vowing "victory or death," eastern-based rebels pressed home a westwards push towards Gaddafi's Tripoli stronghold with an attack on the oil town of Ras Lanuf, which lies on a strategic coastal road, claiming to have taken its airport.
In the west, security forces loyal to Gaddafi launched an offensive to retake Zawiyah, a town near the capital that has for days been defying his rule, and residents said 30 civilians had been killed. Among the dead was the town's rebel commander.
The rebellion in Zawiyah -- the closest rebel-held territory to the capital and also the site of an oil refinery -- has been an embarrassment to the authorities who are trying to show they control at least the west of the country.
The government said earlier in the week it was not using military force to retake rebel-held cities, though one official did not rule it out if all other options were exhausted.
POPULAR REVOLT
Eastern regions of the country, around the city of Benghazi, have already spun out of Gaddafi's control after a popular revolt against his four decades of rule. The rebels' grip on the coastal highway appears to be strengthening.
The uprising against Gaddafi, the bloodiest yet against a long-serving ruler in the Arab world, has knocked out nearly 50 percent of the OPEC-member's 1.6 million barrels of oil per day output, the bedrock of its economy.
The upheaval caused a humanitarian crisis on the Tunisian border where tens of thousands of foreign workers fled to safety with no means on onward transport. An international airlift is gradually reducing the number of people trapped in tent camps.
The rebels earlier told Reuters they were open to talks only about Gaddafi's exile or resignation, after attacks on civilians that have provoked international condemnation, arms and economic sanctions and a war crimes probe.
"Victory or death ... We will not stop until we liberate all this country," Mustafa Abdel Jalil, head of the rebel National Libyan Council, told supporters of the two-week-old uprising.
Abdullah al-Mahdi, a rebel spokesman, told Al Jazeera opposition fighters would attack the capital once a "no-fly" zone was enforced by international powers to try to shatter Gaddafi's grip on the country of six million people.
Western nations have called for Gaddafi to go and are considering various options including the imposition of a no-fly zone, but are wary about any offensive military involvement.
In developments likely to raise concern about dwindling food and medical supplies in rebel-held areas, reports from around the vast country suggested a sharp worsening of a conflict that the West fears could trigger a mass refugee exodus to Europe.
In the east, rebels were attacking a military base on the outskirts of Ras Lanuf, an oil port on the Mediterranean, which has a refinery, pipelines and a terminal, and the army responded with artillery fire and machinegun fire from helicopters.
Flashes, thuds and bangs resounded from the battlefield, along with wailing sirens and puffs of smoke in the air.
Rebels said they had captured the airport near the town and intended to push forward towards the military base after dark.
An oil facility at Zueitina, south of the rebel-held city of Benghazi, has been damaged and is on fire, Al Jazeera said, showing a video of black smoke rising from an oil plant.
In Zawiyah, about 50 km (30 miles) west of the capital, pro-Gaddafi forces fought for hours with rebels who have been holding the town centre, two residents told Reuters.
"From 11 a.m. until now Gaddafi's mercenaries, mainly from Africa, have been opening fire on people here," said a local man called Ibrahim. "Hundreds of victims are now in the town hospital."
"We have no choice but to continue our fight against this dictator."
In Tripoli, shooting rang out across Tajoura district as Gaddafi loyalists broke up a crowd of protesters seeking an end to his long rule and shouting "Gaddafi is the enemy of God!"
The demonstrators spilt out of the Murat Adha mosque after Friday prayers, and several hundred of them began chanting for an end to Gaddafi's four decades in power.
"This is the end for Gaddafi. It's over. Forty years of crimes are over," said Faragha Salim, an engineer at the protest in Tajoura.
Al Jazeera reported that up to 100 people had been arrested in Tripoli, accused of helping the rebels.
Earlier on Friday, rebel volunteers said a rocket attack by a government warplane just missed a rebel-held military base which houses an arsenal in the eastern town of Ajdabiyah.
U.S. President Barack Obama said on Thursday he was concerned a bloody stalemate could develop between Gaddafi and rebel forces. "Muammar Gaddafi has lost the legitimacy to lead and he must leave," Obama said.
ASSET FREEZE
As international efforts progressed to isolate the Libyan leader, Austria widened an asset freeze list to include a top official at the Libyan Investment Authority, Mustafa Zarti, because of possible ties to Gaddafi's inner circle.
Zarti, 40, will be questioned by Austrian authorities on Friday, interior ministry spokesman Rudolf Gollia said.

Plans to modernize the Air Force of Myanmar

Myanmar Air Force are currently engaged in concurrent purchase of Russian MiG-29 and Chinese K-8 Karakorum. However, the Myanmar Air Force fleet is so outdated that these supplies do not meet the full needs of the Air Force of Myanmar. In this regard in the future may be additional purchases of fighter jets.
To date, the Air Force of Myanmar has 58 fighters, including 48 F-7M (MiG-21F), set by China from 1991 to 2002. As well as 10 MiG-29C, supplied by Russia in 2002-2003.
In 1997-1998. China has put Myanmar 22 fighter-bomber A-5C.
Most "new" acquisitions in the segment of CNF / UBS (only about 70-80 cars) are 12 K-8 Karakorum (China, 1999), 10 FT-7 (China, 1990-1998.) And 2 MiG- 29UB (Russia, 2002-2003)..
The summer of 2010 began the practical implementation of the contract to supply the Air Force of Myanmar 50 UBS K-8 Karakorum, which can be equipped with 23-mm cannon, bombs, guided and unguided missiles. Decision to purchase 50 aircraft (according to other 60 units.) Adopted in November 2009.
At the end of December 2009, Myanmar signed a contract with Russia worth 553 million dollars (according to other 570 million dollars) for delivery of 20 MiG-29 fighters (10 MiG-29B, 6 MiG-29SE, 4 combat-capable MiG-29UB).
It should be noted that the Air Force of Myanmar in the past few years have implemented a program to modernize the infrastructure of airports. To date, Myanmar Air Force has at its disposal 10 bases.
Myanmar Air Force in March will receive the first batch of 20 ordered by MiG-29 fighters under contract with the RAC "MiG" worth about 400 million euros (553 million dollars), reports Flight International.
According to the contract signed in late 2009, Myanmar will be delivered 10 MiG-29B and 6 MiG-29SE and 4 combat-capable MiG-29UB.
It is reported that to perform the contract will be used to MiG-29B/SE gliders, remaining at the production site in Lukhovitsy the era of perestroika. The aircraft will be delivered in the original export configuration with radar N-019 company Fazotron.
Originally Myanmar planned to buy used ones MiG-29 in Belarus, but Rosoboronexport offered the best conditions for support, including supply of arms, spare parts and training, including the installation of the simulator on one of the bases.
Previously reported that the MiG-29 will be delivered unassembled sea and air transport to Myanmar. Final assembly must be made in Meyhtile.

US Navy UAV - Sea Avenger

The company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has successfully completed the test in a wind tunnel model of an unmanned attack aircraft Sea Avenger. This UAV is one of the main contenders for victory in the program UCLASS the U.S. Navy to create a shock UAV capable of take off and land on the deck of an aircraft carrier.
Recent wind tunnel tests were to confirm the predicted high performance of the new wing while flying at low speeds, which provide a longer flight and low speed approach. In this new wing should provide higher maximum flight speed for a rapid response to threats.
Eight 90-hour test was conducted at the Center for Space Technology in San Diego and was completed ahead of schedule. The results confirmed the high quality patented design of a wing - high-speed flight and ensuring a low speed when landing on the deck of an aircraft carrier.
Jet drone Sea Avenger is the next step in the evolution of proven UAV Predator. Unlike its predecessors, screw, Avenger is a big payload, flies faster, less vulnerable to air defenses and, most importantly - this is currently the only aircraft that fits into the tight schedule of the program UCLASS.
Sea Avenger is designed for fully automatic start and landing with both types of U.S. aircraft carriers - USS Nimitz and the USS Ford. Thanks to modern technology of designing UAV Avenger developed extremely quickly. During the first year of testing with a frequency of 2-3 flights per week, only one flight was canceled due to improper maintenance. UAVs have already passed extensive tests on ESR (effective area of scattering) and is an extremely secretive weapons.
Avenger is able to fly 30-45 minutes after removal from storage and take off and land automatically on any runway, including the deck aircraft carrier. The unmanned aircraft can carry radar GA-ASI Lynx for exploration and a wide range of precision-guided weapons, including powerful bomb JDAM weight of 900 kg. Payload of 2700 kg higher than that of manned fighter aircraft MiG-29, which in this case almost three tons heavier. Avenger can stay aloft for up to 20 hours, breaking the inter-continental distance of 12 thousand miles at a cruising speed of 650 km / h and an altitude of 15 km. Onboard electronics and a control station, developed on the basis of proven Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper, can carry out long Avenger stealth missions, surveillance, electronic warfare and reconnaissance in standalone mode, to apply precision strikes on land and water. Also in the future he is able to intercept ballistic missiles in the boost phase of the trajectory - to patrol the area where the missile launchers of the enemy, detect Warm missiles and shoot down it.
Cost Avenger compared with manned fighters is low - about $ 14 million

US Navy will buy two MH-60 SeaHawk for training

The U.S. Navy signed a contract worth $ 44 million for the purchase of two helicopter simulators Naval Aviation Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk. The first simulator will be installed at the naval base at Mayport in northern Florida by mid-2013. And the second - will be upgraded from version MH-60S in the MH-60R and 2014 aimed at a naval base in Japan. According to the characteristics of ordered sets would include flight simulators for pilots and flight simulators for tactical officers. Device simulators can be used independently from each other and provide multi-functional performance targets as part of the whole crew. Recall that the U.S. Navy already has 3 simulator MH-60R, which are used for training pilots since 2006.

Turkish navy wages with pirates in Somalia

Navaw ships of Turkey reflected in one day just three attacks by Somali pirates on merchant ships. ITAR-TASS referring to the statement of General Staff of Turkish Armed Forces, the frigate "Giresun", stationed in the Indian Ocean to the east of Oman, defended the Turkish cargo ship "Kiran Asya" and "Abraham", a Chinese fishing trawler "Zeng Hua.
According to the Turkish military, repelling the attack failed because the helicopter deck aircraft, which could quickly get to the places of incidents and prevent attacks by pirates.

Turkey with twice bigger military export in 2011

DIC Turkey in 2011 expects to double exports of defense products. To achieve this goal will create agency for export of defense articles, reports Daily Hurriyet.
As major buyers of the Turkish Armed considered the Middle East, Central and South Asia, as well as several European countries.
According to the national experts, the volume of exports DIC Turkey in 2011 could reach 1.5 billion dollars, almost 2 times higher than in 2009 (832 million dollars).
According to a representative of the Secretariat of Defense Industry (SSM) of Turkey, in 2011, offers large payments on contracts signed in previous years, as well as advance payments on contracts to be signed this year.
Export of military goods DIC Turkey 5 years ago was $ 200 million. According to the Association of Defence Industry of Turkey (SaSaD), exports in 2009 totaled 669 million dollars, exceeding the 2008 results (576 million dollars). Formally declared SSM figure for arms exports in 2009 was 832 million dollars, but in this volume include offset obligations for civil aviation industry. SaSaD counts only the export of defense articles.
According to the representative of the SSM, the growth of exports of the defense sector is a strategic objective of the Government of Turkey.
Turkish companies can compete with foreign producers in the sector of armored vehicles, electronic systems and software, marine and space applications. The main exporter company Tyurkish Aerospace Industries »(TAI), which already supplies various civil aviation equipment in the offset programs with American and European manufacturers, including Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Airbus.
The most successful sector of the Turkish defense industry in the context of export is the production of armored vehicles. Company "Otokar and FNSS in recent years signed contracts worth more than $ 1 billion, including agreements worth 850 million dollars from Saudi Arabia last year.
In 2010 FNSS signed an agreement, estimated at 500 million dollars on a joint project of delivery of armored personnel carriers for aircraft Malaysia.
The list of importers of Turkish arms also includes the country's post-Soviet space. In 2010, Turkmenistan signed an agreement worth 55 million euros with the Turkish company Dearsan for the supply of two patrol boats. Large-scale projects with the countries of the region, Turkey is implementing with Azerbaijan.
Pakistan is a major customer. F-16 fighter Pakistan Air Force modernized TAI with the permission of the United States. The company "Aselsan supplies to Pakistan wireless information sharing system.
TAI also upgraded the outdated F-16 fighter Air Force Jordan, and "Otokar has signed a contract worth 24 million dollars for the supply of armored vehicles of Azerbaijani Armed Forces.
In the long term, Turkey hopes to export drums and multi-purpose helicopters. In particular, together with the Italian Agusta / Westland "within the framework of the joint production of 60 attack helicopters, T-129, TAI expects to enter into agreements to sell them to third countries. In the near future, the defense establishment
Turkey plans to conclude a contract to supply 109 multi-purpose helicopters for the armed forces and security forces with a company Agusta / Westland "or" Sikorsky Aircraft. " Together with the winning bidder Turkish side plans to manufacture cars for export to third countries.