Anderson denies CAF strategic bomber

Admiral Anderson has turned down a request by the Clone Air Force for initial gate funding for a proposed strategic bomber. The bomber is envisaged as a key part of the Clone "Stand off fight back" doctrine where an enemy has landed forces on Cloneworld or another key planet in the empire. Missiles and stand-off weapons launched by ground and naval based aircraft are intended to strike back against the enemy force.

The CAF say a strategic bomber would have the endurance and payload to make it a highly useful part of this doctrine. However, Anderson says the bomber would not have any other role and would cost a lot of money for an inflexible system. He says that more investment in land based and naval launched Gale ICBMs would be more cost effective.

UNDF begins to deploy Silver Dart anti-drone system

UNDF has begun the deployment of the new Silver Dart micro-SAM system designed to combat mass drone attacks. The missiles are small and can be fired in large numbers to defend against the kind of mass drone attacks that proved so deadly in the Miliaris conflict.

UNDF Terrestrial Forces have deployed sixteen land mobile Silver Dart systems, which carry 250 rounds. A hard sited version with 1000 rounds is also in development. 

ACSA begins flight testing

The OA-25 Advanced Close Support Aircraft (ACSA), which will be the backbone of UNDF air power over the next few decades, has begun flight testing. This is a highly flexible aircraft powered with a hybrid ducted fan. The first version is expected to replace the Clone built A-85 in COIN duties. 

The second version, expected in the early 2130s, will have enhanced attack capabilities and will replace the A-12 NDAA.

UNDF unveils new SSD land doctrine

After New Sparta (as UNDF was then) decided to get rid of it's amphibious warfare fleet and later on deeply cut it's Terrestrial Forces it was wondered what UNDF would be aiming for with it's land forces. Zeppelin has revealed the new SSD Land Warfare Doctrine which answers some of these questions.

SSD stands for Space Superiority - Special Forces - Drones. Instead of trying to land a powerful armoured brigade on enemy territory, UNDF will aim to keep it's edge in space and control that area of the battle sphere. On the planet itself special forces (UNDF Marines are being greatly increased in size and scope) and a new generation of drones will be used.

UNDF are expected to reveal their plans for drone warfare, both defensive and offensive, later in the year.

Third generation K72 Mustang unveiled

The Clone Air Force has unveiled the third generation of one of it's key aircraft, the K72 Mustang. The K72 is a tactical reconnaissance aircraft, with EW, Elint (and a number of other more specialised roles) also performed by the large fleet.

The K72NT has newer and more powerful engines, though with a reduced infrared and noise signature, a redesigned wing with a slightly larger span and an upgraded avionics system. Flight tests are due to begin next year, the CAF could order several hundred to replace older K72s in service.

Clones looking into navalising K58 Raptor

The Clone Naval Air Service has granted the Clone Aircraft Corporation initial gate funding for developing a navalised version of the K58 Raptor COIN/close support aircraft which has proved very popular with the air force.

The K58 has a hybrid ducted fan and is a much more modern platform than the K85. The Clone Air Force are seeking funding for a new batch of K58s which could replace many older K85s. CNAS is looking into the K58 to possibly replace it's NTK carrier borne and NTN land based K85s.