Clones halt arms sales to DDS

The Clones have not replied to AP's warning that the HCS would have to "come through" the DDS if they want to invade the Eritrans however they have halted all arms sales to the DDS. This mostly includes aircraft with a number of COIN and transport types recently equipping the DDS Air Force. The Clones said that because of the "tense situation" unnecessary transportation must be postponed however one observer has noted this hasn't halted arms sales to Triple Megan as a transport loaded with tanks and other armoured vehicles was detected heading there earlier today.

The DDS have said they are not at war with the Clones and consider their orders for outstanding equipment still  valid but it is known that the DDS have begun looking for alternative sources.

• Director of Operations Knobhead has said the DDS is going to conduct a fleet strength review over the next few weeks. It will look at present and projected ship totals in the fleet and whether it matches current and projected requirements. There is already a feeling in the DDS that more heavy combat ships are required.
• The January Sunshine deployment has ended after some successful EW attack training sorties. The next training deployment for later in February has been postponed because of the Clone-Eritran situation.

Operation January Sunshine

The DDS have begun their first exercise of the year, as with the pattern established last year it will be a small scale deployment lasting 2-3 weeks. Operation January Sunshine will concentrate on electronic warfare and integrating the Marconi 81A EW fleet into combat operations. It is expected a number of mock attacks will be made against an imaginary foe using the Marconi's EW suite to cover and assist in the attack. A target range has been set up though the DDS are being more secretive about this exercise than usual and no further details have been forthcoming. The mock attacks will be made by 2 Rome 46As with the ground attack module fitted and MRMs launched by 2 MCS.

The following ships are involved:

A301E Marconi (flag)
A302E Morse
H161 Solaris
M104 Tertiary
M121 Freedom
P108 Seneca
P115 Horace
A150 Gasoline

The DDS have also announced a u-turn on their policy of ending Marconi production, a 6th and 7th ships will be built after all though no orders have yet been fully placed. They will likely be in the 2113/4 Ship Building Plan at the earliest.