The Raegris have awarded the DDS a 2.1 billion zark contract for refurbishment and modernisation of it's fleet of RC-2 Yel'Tema battlecruisers (known as the Cosmos in HCS service). The new model will be known as RC-2B and will have a complete weapons refit with a Z5 turret fitted and have TPM-2 missile launchers. Sensors and tactical systems will also be replaced and fitted with systems similar to be fitted to the Isometric frigates now being built for the Raegris. A key part of the upgrade will be to make the ships compatible with the DDS technology at the heart of the future Raegris fleet and allow them to integrate into DDS operations.
The refurbishment will give the spaceframes another 10 years of life. The programme is due to start in 2109 with all 9 RC-2s being updated over a 2 year period.
Meanwhile the first DF-1, a frigate based on the Isometric-E (and similar to the Battle class), is taking shape at a Raegris/DDS shipyard. The Raegris are hoping to begin flight testing by next Spring.
Finally the Aritans have teamed up with their neighbours Artic to order 2 Pentekonter-Es. The ships will be jointly owned but operated by the Aritan fleet and will be used for patrols in the space near both planets. A delivery date has yet to be set but is expected to be 2109. When they enter service the Aritan's Yeoman frigate will be withdrawn.
