Dinos fund T-55ZDM3, TAA-5 development

The Dinos have provided 35 million zarks of development funding for the next version of the T-55ZDM tank which is co-developed and produced with the Clones. The new version, expected to be the ZDM3, could enter service around 2118 replacing the current ZDM2 in production. Few details have yet emerged about the ZDM3 but it could have a new hybrid engine and improved armour.

Also being co-funded is a new air-defence system based on the Clone SA-8 short and medium range missile. The TAA-5 Ferret will supplement the short-range gun/SA-6A armed TAA-4 Stoat. The Ferret will carry 3 of the larger missiles, targeting radar and datalinking capabilities. It will likely use reconditioned T-89 chassis. No entry into service date has yet been given.

• The battle on Austini 55 continues between government and Benito fanatics. Marcus has held off using air power at the moment though the Benito fanatics from the 2nd Legion are defending their area of the city house by house. Casualties are now listed at 337.
• The HCS to Clone Defence Forces name change has already been enacted at digital level with computer displays across the empire rolling out the name changes, as has this site. Physical name changes such as signs and uniforms have a target completion date of the end of 2114 though the CDF hope to get most of the major areas changed by the end of this year.
• Rather quietly the Clone Navy helicopter carrier CNSS Benito Clone has been renamed West Clone Republic.