France is Creating a Space Command

The US isn't the only country that wants to create a dedicated space force within its military. French President Emmanuel Macron has greenlit plans to create a space command within his country's air force next September. The division would bolster defense of France's satellites, he said. Officials had yet to determine the scale of the investment.

This is just the start, Macron added. Eventually, France would rename the military branch as the Space and Air Force. It would be an essential part of the country's military strategy, then, not just a companion to the usual air, land and sea units.

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France also wants space based laser weapons on satellites.  The dam has broken.

Are Germany, France and Russia going to Collaborate with China on their new Space Station?

Tass quotes China National Space Administration Secretary General Li Guoping as saying his nation is ready to cooperate with Russia, Germany and France on a future space station.

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Proposed Apartments in Paris, France

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A Review of Kuehneotherium & its Mammaliaforme Relatives From Upper Triassic France

The Kuehneotheriidae (Mammaliaformes) from Saint-Nicolas-de-Port (Upper Triassic, France): a Systematic Review

Author:

Debuysschere

Abstract:

The origin and first diversification of mammals in the Upper Triassic remain poorly understood, in part because many fossil discoveries are not fully studied, and in part because the material remains poor. The Saint-Nicolas-de-Port quarry (Rhaetian, France) is the second most important locality that yielded remains of Kuehneotherium, after the fissure-fillings of the Glamorganshire (Lower Jurassic, Wales). This study identifies one new species of Kuehneotherium, K. stanislavi, sp. nov., and a new genus of Kuehneotheriidae, Fluctuodon necmergor, gen. et sp. nov. For these two new species, lower and upper molars are described and the first reconstructions of the postcanine row are proposed. Comparisons with material of Kuehneotherium from other Upper Triassic sites (Syren in Luxembourg, Emborough in England, and Jameson Land in Greenland) suggest two distinct Upper Triassic specific kuehneotheriid assemblages, respectively, west and east of the London Brabant Massif. They also suggest that the extinction event during the Triassic/Jurassic transition did not have a great impact on Kuehneotherium.

Scuffle in the South China Sea #45

China has vowed to increase its military operations in the South China Sea in response to American moves there.

Beijing has called the US the greatest threat in the region.

China flew H-6k bombers over one of the artificial islands.

China has greatly improved its ability to war game and will have a 3 month long war game in the South China Sea.

China can now target Guam with conventional missiles.

China's little green boats are a thing.  (part 2)

The US interests and the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea are reviewed.

US Admiral stated the US Navy will be continuing its operations in the South China Sea.

The intent to end the ban on selling weapons to Vietnam will face hurdles.

Should the Philippines use blimps in the South China Sea?

India is selling frigates to the Philippines.

The Philippines has signed a defense pact with France.

Excitement and Concern Over France's Win of the Australian Submarine Contract

Australia’s choice of French shipbuilding giant DCNS to lead the country’s ambitious 12-ship submarine construction program caught most observers by surprise. The quasi-government-owned DCNS — which often competes in international naval programs but rarely scores a major win — had been seen as an also-ran in competition with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and the Japanese government for the lucrative, Australian $50 billion (US $38 billion, €33.2 billion) Future Submarine contract.

But Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s April 26 announcement that the decision was “unequivocally” in favor of the French design set champagne corks popping in Paris even as Australian politicians and commentators debated the choice.

“This was the absolutely unambiguous recommendation from the Department of Defence that came through the competitive evaluation process,” Turnbull said, adding that all three bids were of a “very high quality.”

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France to Build Australian Submarines, but With American Components

Australia may have awarded France a bumper contract to build its next generation of submarines, but its highly secretive combat system will come from close ally the United States.

French shipbuilder DCNS last week beat off Germany and Japan to secure the Aus$50 billion (US$39 billion) deal to design and build the 12 subs, a scaled down conventionally-powered version of its 4,700-tonne Barracuda, to be named Shortfin Barracuda.

But it will have little to do with armaments and the complex combat system, which American defence giant Lockheed Martin — which is in the running to be involved — said was “essentially the eyes, ears and sword of the boat”.

Australia has made clear it prefers the American AN/BYG-1 system, along with the joint Australian-US heavyweight Mark-48 torpedoes as its main weapon.

A decision has yet to be made on which company will be responsible for integrating the system — essentially to detect, acquire and track targets — with US defence contractor Raytheon also said to be a contender.

Given the close relationship and the fact that its technology will be used, Washington was always going to take a keen interest in Canberra’s choice to build the boats.

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France to Build Australia's new Attack Submarine (ssk)

France has beaten Japan and Germany to win an Australian mega-deal to build a fleet of 12 new submarines in Australia, for the Australian Navy SEA 1000 program. The decision was formally announced by Australian Defense Minister Malcolm Turnbull today. The SEA 1000 program is the largest acquisition program in the history of Australian defense, representing an investment of around $50 billion. The submarines will replace the six Collins class submarines (Kockums’ Type 471 submarine) commissioned between 1996 and 2003. The lead ship of the Collins class is expected to retire by the early 2030s.

The Australian Government’s requirements addressed by the new design are superior sensor performance, stealth characteristics and range and endurance similar to the current Collins Class submarine.

Industry watchers had anticipated a decision to come later in the year, but Turnbull’s gamble on a July 2 general election sped up the process. The submarines selected for the Australian Navy are based on a diesel-electric version of the 4,200-tonne Barracuda nuclear-powered submarine designed by DCNS. The first Barracuda submarine is expected to be commissioned with the French Navy next year. Subject to discussions on commercial matters, the design of the Future Submarine with DCNS will begin this year.

The variant offered by DCNS is a conventionally powered diesel-electric design of the submarine – named ‘Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A’, a version of the Barracuda specially designed for the Australian Navy. The boat has a length of 94 meters, and displacement of 4,000 tons (when submerged), 200 tons lighter than the French Barracuda. It is designed as a sea-going submarine for long range and long endurance.

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French Company Creates Blockchain Derived Angel Funding Platform With Secondary Market

A subsidiary of BNP Paribas Group has announced a partnership that will find it leveraging blockchain technology to enable private companies to issue securities.

Revealed today, the partnership finds BNP Paribas Securities Services, its asset services division, working with investment platform SmartAngels on a pilot the firms said would be launched in the second half of 2016, pending regulatory approval.

In statements, BNP lauded the effort as a "major step" in advancing crowdfunding. The project will see BNP Paribas developing and managing a registry for shares in private companies using the blockchain that in turn will automatically register securities issued by SmartAngels.

Smart Angels will serve as a secondary market for shares registered on the BNP platform, a move the partners said would make it easier for startups and small businesses to access financing.

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Terminator Times #7

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles:

China's Chengdu seems to be trying to make a DARPA TERN equivalent with its VD200.

The South Koreans are developing a stealthy UCAV.

Here's a look at the strikes by drones.

A Reaper drone conducted ripple attacks against maritime targets for the first time. 

The US Air Force is planning on converting older 4th generation fighters in drones to be controlled by F-35s and other more advanced aircraft. 

The US Air Force thinks unmanned fighters will proceed unmanned ground vehicles. 

In the 1990s, it was debated whether or not drones with missiles attached counted as cruise missiles and, therefore, were a treaty violation by the US.  This delayed introduction of missile armed drones by years.  As a result, one Predator pilot watched Osama bin Laden walk away and couldn't do anything about it before 9/11.

The US Navy is set to procure UAVs to be launched from submarines to allow for over the horizon targeting.  The UAV's name is...AWESUM.

The US Army is looking at upgrading the RQ-7B Shadow's engine.

DARPA has selected four teams for its Gremlins UAV program.

The Russians claim to be working on three heavy UAVs.

France is ordered 14 Sagem Patroller UAVs.

An Israeli built suicide drone was used to kill a bus full of Armenian soldiers.

Israeli companies are offering their suicide drones for the US Army.

The US Army wants pocket sized drones for its soldiers.

Reapers are part of the uptick of the US Air Force spending.

Poland is considering which drone to buy.

India is in talks to buy Predator drones.  It will also bring up Avenger drones as well.

The US Army wants software to allow UAVs to scout ahead 60m for tanks.

Unmanned Surface Vehicles:

DARPA's anti sub USV has started testing and a bit more here.

USVs will be used for the mine hunting mission for the Littoral Combat Ship.

Unmanned Ground Vehicles:

Uran-9 is a Russian UGV sporting ATGM & a 30mm.  It's really cool and all, but is it really useful?

General:

The US has no plans for killer robots.

iRobot's military branch has been spun out and relaunched as Endeavor Robotics.

Russia's Most Syrian Adventure #69

It appears everything is about to spiral out of control. I'd LOVE to be wrong about that, but so many things are coming together in the worse possible way. To be sure, for the civilians on the ground, this has been out of control for a long time and its dumbass commentators like me that use euphemisms that down play the tragedy and devastation. Even so, it appears things are going to get worse. If this stays on course, this will be the 30 Years War for the Middle East.

The Turks have stated they and the Saudis may invade Syria now. For that matter, the Kurdish faction supported by the Russians is now being shelled by the Turks in the airbase they just captured.  

The Saudis are stating Assad will not stay in power.  dun dundun!

The Assadite Syrian Army is moving in on Raqqa, the IS/Daesh strong hold.

Assad has vowed to take back the entire country and will not stop until he does.

Russia has dispatched a new corvette armed with the long range cruise missiles to the Med to support Assad.

The Russians are stating a ceasefire will most likely fail now: this is happening as the Assadite army continues to make gains.  Despite the major powers agreeing there would be ceasefire on friday, the Russians continued their bombing and the Assadites continued fighting.  Furthermore, the Russians have stated cooperation with the US is vital in Syria.  This is classically Russian: talk, speak empty words, get the West to try to compromise and then do whatever they want.

Secretary Kerry continued to state the Russians had to stop targeting the rebels and needed to focus on Daesh/IS. This will not happen, Mr Secretary. I'm sorry.

The French have also called on Russia to stop targeting civilians.

The West conducted 20 air strikes on friday against Daesh/IS forces.  Keep in mind the 'weak' Russians have kept a temp of at least 70 per day just in Syria, not Syria and Iraq like the West.

Climate Change During the Valanginian Cretaceous Vocontian Basin, France

Eccentricity paced monsoon-like system along the northwestern Tethyan margin during the Valanginian (Early Cretaceous): New insights from detrital and nutrient fluxes into the Vocontian Basin (SE France)

Authors:

Charbonnier et al

Abstract:

High-resolution changes in terrigenous and nutrient fluxes into the Vocontian Basin (northwestern Tethyan margin) were investigated for the Late Berriasian–Late Valanginian time interval, in order to assess the precipitation patterns in the source areas and to evaluate the effect of orbital forcing on the strength of the hydrological cycle. In this study, new high-resolution mineralogical (bulk-rock and clay fraction) and geochemical (phosphorus and oxygen isotope) data are used from the astronomically calibrated Orpierre section. For the first time, kaolinite, detrital, and phosphorus accumulation rates (KAR, DAR and PAR) are calculated and compared to a set of 547 geochemical, and 260 mineralogical published data from other Vocontian sections. It appears that three regional increases in the KAR document three successive humid episodes during the Valanginian. This is confirmed by contemporaneous increases in DAR and partly also in PAR, which highlight higher terrigenous and nutrient fluxes to the Vocontian Basin during these episodes. Concomitant decreases in the δ18Owhole-rock signals may reflect higher sea-surface temperatures during the early Valanginian and the early–late Valanginian transition. The occurrence of the three humid episodes is interpreted to relate to an orbital-paced monsoonal circulation pattern through seasonally reversing movements of air mass heat and precipitation over the northwestern Tethyan margin. In particular, based on the correlation between the 405 kyr eccentricity cycles and the KAR signal obtained at Orpierre, an eccentricity influenced monsoonal circulation is proposed as the possible forcing factor behind these climatic patterns. The average duration between the climaxes of the three regional wetter episodes is approximately 2.43 Myr. The wetter and likely also warmer episode at the early–late Valanginian transition is in step with the onset of the Weissert episode. In this regard, the intensification of monsoonal-driven precipitations appears as a possible external forcing factor leading or at least accelerating the important perturbation in the global Carbon cycle associated with the Weissert episode.

France has Ordered 3 More Reaper Drones

France has ordered a third batch of Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles, with delivery in 2019 of three UAVs and two ground stations in the advanced block 5 version, a spokesman for the procurement office said Friday.

"The Direction Générale de l’Armement ordered Dec. 7 2015 the third batch of Reaper medium-altitude long-endurance drones,” the DGA said in a Dec. 10 statement. The delivery is due in early 2019.

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French may be Negotiating to Build Factory for Rafale Fighters in India

India's largest-ever military deal is likely to bring in big business for the private sector with the French side looking to set up a production centre for the Rafale fighter aircraft as well as a low-cost executive jet in India, besides sharing vital aircraft technology for the indigenous Tejas project.

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Russia's Most Syrian Adventure #41

This is a compression of the last two days.  The holiday impacted the posts.

Supposedly Russian MLRS with cluster munitions in Syria:

Russian artillery has been active for some time now.  T

his is the first video I've seen of it supposedly in action.

As of yesterday (Thanksgiving 2015), Russia hit 449 targets in the previous 72 hours.  They to have destroyed the rebels in the area where the Su-24 was shot down and the pilot was killed.  The Russians have repeatedly hit targets along the Turkish border.  You have to wonder if this was really about IS or just showing Turkey just how little Russia fears the potential consequences.  Russia hit a civilian convoy in Syria...and it was loaded with food and other supplies, not weapons.  Some are calling it an aid convoy.

In the same time frame, the US led coalition hit a grand total of 27 targets.

Russia has broken off military contacts with Turkey, as they said they would.  They have started propaganda against Turkey as well, claiming Turks are try to discover how to retake Crimea.  Putin has stated the shoot down was a deliberate attempt by Turkey to derail relations and a 'stab in the back.'

Turkey has stated had it known the jet was Russian, it would have acted differently (wuh?!).  Erdogan is stating he ordered the downing the the jet (so the buck stops there!).  Likewise he's stating Russia ought to apologize for the incident.  Erdogan has tried reaching out to Putin multiple times, but Putin has stated until Turkey apologizes, he will not speak with the Turkish President.

Russia has settled on economic retaliation for now.  They have banned Turkish food imports.  They are floating reducing the flow of natural gas to Turkey through the TurkStream gas pipeline.  Tourism to Turkey, a $10 Billion/year is spent by Russians in Turkey, is being ended: visa free travel for Turkish citizens ends on January 1st.  39 businessmen at an agricultural expo in Krasnodar (Russia) have been reportedly detained.

Anti Turkish protests are taking place in multiple spots in Russia, especially in Moscow and St Petersburg, but also in Crimea (see video).  Edrogan was burned in effigy in multiple places.

However, Russia has stated it has the right to retaliate militarily.  Turkey has suspended its military flights over Syria as a precautionary step.

In the end, ironically, it might be the Su-24s com system being on the fritz that made the shoot down happen.  The Turks did warn, but the Su-24 crew simply could not hear.   So who is at fault then?

Iraq's PM Maliki, the dumbass who helped create Daesh/Islamic State by being a Shiite bigot, has stated Turkey risks a world war.  wow.  Just wow.

Russia has stated their S-400 SAMs are now deployed and active in Syria.  That was...quick.  Probably meaning they were already there.  US commanders have stated this complicates the fight against IS/Daesh.  Turkey has stated if any of its fighters are shot down by an S-400, the response would be immediate and overwhelming.  That's the sensation of a finger on the trigger, folks.

Russia will be sending another 12 fighter jets to Syria as well.

The Saudis have stated they are still seeking Assad ouster through military means.

Hollande went to Moscow.  France and Russia will now coordinate their military strikes.  They will also share intel.  Hollande called for a grand coalition to fight Daesh/IS.  Russia happily responded they wanted to be a part and even willing to work with the US.  Hollande called on the Brits to join the airstrikes. France has come out to say they will work with the Syrian (assadite) army to wipe out IS/Daesh.  I guess at this point, France is willing to make deals with the devil.  BalazaPutin to Obama Therin: I win again.  :(

Brazilian Navy Purchasing French LPD, ex FS Siroco

The Brazilian Navy will commission the French Foudre-class FS Siroco (L 9012) landing platform dock (LPD) by 31 December, the service told IHS Jane's on 18 November.

The exact date for commissioning is yet to be finalised, the service added, but necessary documentation for the ship's transfer of property is expected to be signed by 31 December.

Brazil plans to soon commission the French Navy's LPD Siroco, pictured here in Toulon, after Portugal dropped interest in July. (Victor Barreira)

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ITER Woes Continue: French Based International Fusion Power Plant Prototype Delayed Six Years

The multibillion-dollar ITER fusion project will take another 6 years to build beyond the—now widely discredited—official schedule, a meeting of the governing council was told this week. ITER management has also asked the seven international partners backing the project for additional funding to finish the job.

It remains unclear whether the project will get what it wants: Delegations from the partners—China, the European Union, India, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States—concluded the council meeting today by announcing the council would conduct its own review of the schedule and funding to look for ways to tighten them up. In the meantime, the council approved the proposed schedule for 2016 and 2017, set out milestones for the project to reach in that time, and agreed to make available extra resources to help achieve it. After consulting their governments, the delegations committed themselves to agreeing on a final schedule at the next council meeting, in June 2016.

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Russia's Most Syrian Adventure #33

The Syrian Civil War became far more complicated when Paris was attacked.  The French hit Raqa with multiple bombings.  Raqa is the IS HQ.  The point of the reports here have been focused on the Russian involvement in the Syrian Civil War.  Putin is on the cusp of getting back into the international system through supporting France's seemingly coming offensive in Syria.  To be honest, it makes me sick.  Hollande will probably trade away the sanctions for the support in Syria.  gah.

This post series will focus on the Russians still, but may fade away if Russia's Most Syrian Adventure becomes subsumed into the French Fury.  We shall see.

Hollande is going to both Washington (Nov 24) and Moscow (Nov 26).

Russia has carried out 2300 air strikes in the last 48 days it has been in Syria.  In the last 24 hours, there have been 140 targets hit.

Russia has a started using its medium and strategic bombers: the Tu-22s (14), Tu-95s (6) and Tu-160s  (5) have started striking targets.  The Russians have been firing cruise missiles at Aleppo province from those bombers.

The Russians have admitted it was a bomb that took down their airliner and have vowed revenge.

Russia has stated it has 50 aircraft, - fighters, strike fighters and helicopters - in Syria now.  It will be adding another 37 aircraft, but it is unclear which types.  If the proportion of troops is the same has it is now, 4,000 troops for 50 aircraft, then Russia will be expanding their boots on the ground to at least 7,000.

United Arab Emirates in Final Stages of Negotiating for Rafale Fighters

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is in the final stages of negotiations to buy French Rafale fighter jets, the head of the Gulf nation’s air force told Reuters on Wednesday.

Abu Dhabi, which is looking to purchase 60 fighters worth an estimated $10 billion, is studying the Dassault-built Rafale after rejecting the four-nation Eurofighter.

“I think we are in the final stage of negotiations,” Major General Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, said in an interview at the Dubai Airshow when asked how close the UAE was to a deal to buy the Rafale.

In Paris, the French defense ministry declined to comment and Dassault Aviation was not immediately available.

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DCNS Offering Australia Conventional Version of Barracuda Nuclear Submarine

DCNS filed a draft proposal at the end of September and aims to submit a final offer at the end of November in Australia’s tender for a new class of attack submarines, reported to be worth Aus $50 billion (US $36.3 billion), a spokesperson for the French naval shipbuilder said.

Technology transfer will be part of the French offer of the concept vessel Shortfin Barracuda, a diesel-electric version of the Barracuda nuclear-powered attack submarine being built for the French Navy.

“The transfer of technology will be complete, to allow Australia to meet its objective of sovereignty and independence,” the DCNS spokesperson said.

Australia’s Sea 1000 project to replace the Collins submarines has attracted competing bids from DCNS, a Japanese offer from Mitsubishi Heavy Industry and Kawasaki Shipbuilding, and German specialist ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The tender is for six to 12 units.

A selection is expected by the middle of 2016, the spokesperson said.

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