The DMZ is a vast region of Utrek space which the Utrekians are heavily restricted in the military forces they can deploy in it. For example any warship or assault transport is liable to attack if it strays into the DMZ. The problem for the DDS is how to monitor and maintain the DMZ's "rules". Monitoring the space will be made easier once a network of long-range surveillance stations are set up with neutrino detection to track cloaked ships. Currently only a station on Loeuss exists (though not at full operational capability) though by the end of the year there will also be stations on Mila and on a Raegris planet. To fill the gap 2 Marconi class EW ships are using their sensors.
The next problem is stopping any Utrek incursions that are detected. This requires a lot of warships to maintain a network of patrols with enough ships to enter the DMZ in strength. The DDS have calculated they require around 40 ships to provide a minimum of coverage with 60 being an optimum. Unfortunately providing such a force (the DDS are aiming for the minimum) as well as existing commitments will be very difficult for the DDS, the Dinos have pledged to provide 10-12 ships (currently 6 are on station) and the Aritans have also offered 2 ships for the DMZ Patrol Pool.
To supply and support these ships will stretch the DDS logistic train and a network of 5 way-stations will be built along the Remedian border. These will support the patrol pool ships and also provide secondary surveillance. They are expected to be in service by the end of next year.
Until the full network is in place the Utrek have been testing the waters, 5 warships entered the DMZ near Diareel yesterday. Unfortunately only 1 DDS ship (a Quasar) was available to pursue the Utrek. It was considered too risky to enter the DMZ alone, by the time 2 frigates arrived to support the Quasar the Utrek ships had already left the DMZ.
A DDS spokesman said maintaining the DMZ will be very difficult but "we will build up our network and control the Utrekians."
