Remedians to buy Corkscrew

The Remedians have placed an order for the first 5 Corkscrew sloops to be built from 2113 to replace their Perimpaz 39A (KT2) fleet. These ships were due to last until 2120 but recent surveys have reported that the ships are ageing faster than previously thought and would require an extensive rebuilding around 2113-4 in order to keep operating. The Remedians have thus decided instead to replace the ships with the new DDS escort type by the end of 2114. A planned fleet normalisation upgrade (half of the fleet are KT2Ns) has also been cancelled.

Original plans were for Corkscrew to begin construction in 2114 though the Remedians say they need at least 2 by 2113. This should not be a problem according to DDS Engineering who say the design work is mostly done and the 2114 target was mostly for cost reasons. The Remedians will buy the first 5 Corkscrews to be produced in 2113 and 2114. The Starbotians' 6 Corkscrews will be the ships produced in 2115 and 2116. It thus will not be until 2117 when the DDS will have to start buying the sloops unless they can persuade other allies to buy some too, which is a possibility.

• The HCS have disbanded 3 transport regiments as part of efforts to save 120 million zarks. The HCS Army budget is flat this year though cost savings are going to facilitate a "virtual increase" according to a HCS spokesclone mysteriously.
• 2 Coril 86B shuttles have joined the DDS fleet after being loaned to the Remedians for undisclosed purposes since construction last year. A582 Horsehead and A583 Truman have now been officially commissioned.