NS to upgrade CM370 orbital defences and could extend to other planets

The CM370 network of "killer satellites" has been in operation over Proxima 7 for over ten years now but has not been upgraded in that time. Today, The Shiner announced an upgrade to the orbital defence system would finally be carried out. The satellites would be refurbished and upgraded - the TPM-1s they field (they are the last remaining NS weapon system to use the original TPM) would be replaced by new launchers that can fire TPM-3s. The communications would be upgraded to the new fractal standard. Data link bandwidth would also be tripled. The upgraded system will be known as CM370.1.

NS are also looking at extending the defences as Proxima 7 is no longer the home of NS GHQ! Proxima 5 and Solaris could also be covered by a new generation of defences. Though some sources indicate the cost is putting NS off.

DDS to invest in static defence

The DDS are to invest in static defence positions in 6 star systems and 3 key interstellar positions along space lanes in a 1.7 billion zark programme to run over the next 4 years. Automated sensor grids will be built along with improved defence systems on existing orbital facilities. Communications and control systems will also be upgraded.

DDS Research would also get funding for the AABS (Automatic Arsenal Battle Station), these are self-contained missile bases on asteroids (presumably towed to strategic locations) which as well as sensor, communications and weapon emplacements include full facilities to mine raw materials and manufacture their own TPMs on demand. AABSs could be fully autonomous only needing the occasional inspection or specialist maintenance. It is thought the simplified TPM-4 design could lend itself to rapid manufacture on demand in an AABS, maybe even within a few seconds.

Director of Operations Torus said that strong defences would mean that ships could be released for more pro-active duties elsewhere. She also said that DDS Space Force would be reorganised next year with a whole new ORBAT.

DDS places order for 200 more TPM-G launchers

The DDS has placed an order for 200 TPM-G launchers with its supplier Total Defence Solutions. The launchers will be a mixture of permanently situated defence positions and a new road-mobile version. The upgraded launchers will also be cleared for zero-G and zero-atmospheric use which will mean they could be sited on moons and asteroids.

The order is part of the DDS push into improving static defence, one of its strands of preparation for any future Tarbotian attack. The DDS will also increase TPM-2 production so every launcher can have at least 10 rounds ready for use.

Knobhead worried about concentrating too many resources at GHQ

Director of Operations Knobhead has issued a warning after Firefly unveiled plans for a large and powerful battle station in orbit over the new GHQ on Proxima 5. "We need to be careful we don't over concentrate power and resources in one area of space and neglect everywhere else." he said at a meeting of DDS Centre ship captains at DDS City. "We need to keep our borders and hinterland strong so we can present any future foe with a layered defence."

However Knobhead said he did agree with building the battle station but that it needed to be part of a wider system. "The problem with static defence is that... its static. An enemy could just choose to isolate it and fight elsewhere. For example the Tarbotians could leave Proxima 5 alone and lay waste to Solaris and other key DDS worlds instead. GHQ would be safe but the war would still be lost."

Firefly countered at his daily media briefing that defences elsewhere will not be neglected. "I agree with him [Knobhead] that static defence can be isolated but thats why it is just part of a planned system of automated monitoring stations, defence posts, fluid ship formations and static defence. The battle station will make GHQ a fortress but we plan to make the DDS itself one huge intergalactic fortress!"

DDS to built new orbital battle station over GHQ

With the new DDS GHQ taking shape on Proxima 5 DDS Commander Firefly is now turning to the next stage in his project to make the core of the DDS much more resilient. A new battle station will be built in a geo-synchronous orbit over GHQ acting as a spaceport for DDS ships (currently DDS ships at Proxima 5 use civilian facilities or go to the DDS Orbital HQ over Proxima 7).

The battle station will be a formidable static defence post. It will be equipped with the latest weapons including Z7 cannons and TPM launchers. One report says the station will carry over 5000 TPM-2s and have sufficient launchers to fire these missiles at the rate of up to 10 a second (and have sufficient sensor and tactical systems to engage over 120 simultaneous targets).

Planning and design work are now ongoing, work is expected to begin on the new station by the start of 2114 with a completion date of 2116 mooted.

DDS to upgrade orbital defences

The DDS have announced an early Christmas present for orbital defences across key points in the DDS. Orbital docks around Proxima 7, Proxima 5, Solaris, Terra and Liberation will all receive weapon upgrades in a 1.4 billion zark programme over the next 2 years. All stations will receive a new TPM-2 launcher that can fire up to 4 missiles per second, Z6ti turrets, improved tactical computers and enhanced internal security.

Chief of Operations Knobhead said that static defence was a vital part of the DDS equation. "If our bases are strong enough to stand tall then it means we need less ships tied up defending them and instead they can be used hitting the enemy elsewhere."

Operation of CM370 begins

The static defence system around Proxima 7 has now gone live, in a limited state at least. A ring of "killer satellites" around the planet is now in place. These automated systems include refurbished Z cannons and other reused systems to save costs. They are backed up by air-launched TPM-A aircraft over GHQ.

CM370 has suffered a number of delays and budget cuts but the DDS are relieved they finally have something to show for it. The CM370 system will be improved in future with TPM-1 missile launchers fitted to the satellites early in the next decade as these launchers are taken out of warships and replaced with TPM-2 launchers. Detection and control systems will also be upgraded next year. The air-based layer will be expanded over the next few years with a second squadron based at Hexian City, a third to supplement the 1st at GHQ and a 4th based elsewhere on the planet. Ground based TPM-G will also be deployed at some stage.