First LRM squadron is finally operational!

New Sparta's answer to the Clone Space Missile, the Long Range Missile (LRM) is finally operational after many delays. The LRM-20 is NS' first generation of interstellar missile. It's range is said to be around sixteen lightyears (not twenty as the name implies). Like CSM the LRM can carry a variety of warheads including nuclear. LRM-20 is not thought to be as accurate as CSM though with a nuclear warhead would be able to mission kill a target like a military base of another world according to NS.

The First Interstellar Attack Squadron has been formed on Proxima 7 at silos in a remote area of the planet. Two more squadrons are to be deployed on Proxima 5 and Solaris. The Remedians are also keen to have LRM-20 deployed on one of their worlds.

Vice-President of Operations Caratore said that this was just the start of LRM. A mobile launcher was in advanced development and would replace the silo based squadrons in the early 2120s. The silos would be retained for training and non-LRM launches when that happened. Improvements to LRM-20 would see range and accuracy improvements as well as enhanced stealth in the launch phase.

Operation Sharp Focus 2118

The latest operation is the second running of the Sharp Focus mine warfare exercise. A number of mine warfare drills will take place in the core of UNP space near Mars and Terra. The ships to take part will be:

023-201 Anubis (flag)
037-108 Sanger Alpha
041-113 Precambrian (mine warfare director)
044-101 Thycydides
044-103 Sappho
044-112 Xerxes
073-113 Propane

Knobhead discusses NS/UNP merger

Vice-President Knobhead gave a wide ranging interview with Proximan TV earlier today, while most of the interview was about his career and his time as NS Commander he was also asked about the merger.

Proxima News : Do you think the merger is a good thing?

Knobhead : Yes, I was a bit sceptical when Sea Urchin first mooted it but now I see it as the way forward for both New Sparta and the UNP. It will formalise the relationship. NS has been the defacto military of the UNP for years, it is time to make things simpler.

PN : How do you see it benefiting NS?

KB : It will save on some bureaucracy having direct funding. Also it will get rid of some uncertainty. I think it will also help us become more professional.

PN : And down sides?

KB : Well we lose some independence potentially. We will have to see how much the UNP will try to interfere in how NS is run. 

PN : How do you feel about the Epiphany name rumoured to be NS' new name after the merger?

KB : Well I quite like it, maybe its an Epiphany we have finally had that the NS and UNP should merge.

What is Epiphany?

A Proximan newspaper is reporting that NS may not be given a UNP name when it merges with the UNP Defence Forces after all following comments by senior NS and UNP officers after a series of focus groups. Many voiced the opinion that NS should retain a separate identity from the UNP though a new name be used to represent a "clean break".

President Sea Urchin is said to be in favour of such a rebranding. What name though is unknown. However "Epiphany" has appeared on some internal NS websites and some are speculating this could be the name chosen... or could be just the project name for the merging with UNP.

UV249 : Treason Must Be Crushed

• Incident At Romeo 14 - A Dino repair crew come under attack from the Tarbotians.
• I'll Be Your Queen - The Dinos fight back against the Tarbotians.
• Let Me Run Away With U - Windy recalls a battle during the Clone Wars.
• Why Don't You Do That? - Windy remembers his fight with the Great Moanki.
• Got No Money - A traitor seeks to sell NS' greatest weapon to the Bolitic.
• Incel Attack - The vile plot is foiled.

Leaked image shows new NS identity?

A leaked image is said to show the new visual identity of NS if/when it becomes the UNP Defence Force. An NS source said that the image was indeed official though the identity would likely be changed before the merger. The two-star logo is thought to be the basis of the new identity as it symbolises NS and the UNP (the source said).