UNDF investigating mysterious build-ups in Taragargi sector

UNDF are looking into reports that the Clone Defence Forces have begun build-ups in the Taragargi sector of the Clone Star Empire. Orbital facilities at Taragargi and Geulis are being upgraded with more ships allocated to both planets. A military hospital on Geulis has also been reactivated. There are unconfirmed reports that work has begun on several new military bases on Taragargi, Geulis and Teriatri 7.

Several military ordinance factories on Colom are also reported to have been ordered to increase production. Several ships in the fleet have also had their major overhauls delayed.

UNDF are concerned that the Clones may be planning a new military adventure. Forces based at Taragargi would be well placed to launch an attack on UNDF South.

Clones slash number of K85QA1 in major change in COIN strategy

The K85 will remain part of the Clone Defence Forces for a long time yet though their end has now begun. The Clone Air Force has said it will cancel most of it's outstanding order for the fourth generation K85QA1 COIN aircraft. Production will end later this year. This will still leave over K85 3,000 in CAF service (and others operated by the Clone Naval Air Service) and there are plans to keep the type in service until 2150.

However, the fleet will begin to age and is expected to be greatly cut in numbers as the CAF withdraws from CSE-E.

The K58 Raptor will become the front-line counter-insurgency aircraft in CAF service. CAF are expected to place a huge order for an updated version which could replace hundreds of the oldest K85s.

K47 to be updated

The K47 Freedom light fighter was designed as a cheap, easy to maintain fighter for secondary planets in the Clone Star Empire and reserve units. Although it fulfilled the briefs from the Clone Air Force, the K47 was considered a bit of a disappointment and production has ceased after 360 were built (the original plan was for over a thousand!) The K59 Flashlight has now replaced it in production as a secondary light fighter.

The CAF are intending to keep the K47 in service into the 2140s though the oldest are now over ten years old and CAF is preparing to an upgrade. The K47MEC (Modernised Enhanced Capabilities) will be a rolling programme of upgrades and refurbishments to the fleet. As well as a full overhaul, MEC will include an upgraded tactical computer, improved communications, a higher bandwidth datalink and an infrared seeker. The upgrade will maintain compatibility with the latest and next generation of CAF air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.

The first MEC is expected to be completed early next year.

Repulse enters service

51-213 Wilnecote, the latest Repulse 51B Medium Combat Ship, has entered service with the UNDF Space Fleet following the successful completion of it's trials. The ship will now join the UNDF patrol pool.

This is the 13th Repulse to be completed, seven more are due to be built by the end of next year. No more after that are expected to be built. The next Medium Combat Ship to enter service will be the Advanced Rome.

Utrek accuse Dinos of violating space, damaging ship

The Utrek are accusing the Dinos of violating Utrek space near to the border with the Remedian Belt. The Dinos are not denying that one of their ships did enter Utrek space, which they said was due to a navigational error and the Dino ship quickly left Utrek space.

However, the Utrek are also saying that the Dinos attacked a Utrek warship causing damage to it, which resulted in a number of serious injuries. The Dinos are denying they attacked the Utrek. They said that they detected some old mines of unknown origin in the area and have suggested that the Utrek hit them.

Clone Navy receive two more Dinomark XT SSNA

Two more ex-Dino Army Dinomark XTs have been delivered to the Clone Navy after a full refurbishment and localisation programme. The XTs are underwater capable and will join the six others already in service. The Dinomark XTs are said to be used for special forces operations and Clone Marine deployments.

The Clone Navy also said that their fourth Walrus ballistic missile submarine has begun trials and is expected to enter service next year.

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.

Dinomark HX delayed

The next generation heavy cruiser for the Dino fleet, the Dinomark HX, was expected to enter service before the end of 2126 but has now been delayed to the first half of 2127 following delays with the new power system which has caused issues during early service trials.

The prototype HX is now expected to resume trials next month following changes to the power system, as well as adjustments to the sensor suite. A Dino Army spokesdino said the delay was not a surprise as the HX has a lot of new systems so there would be some snags here and there.

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.

K40 to be withdrawn by 2128

The Clone Air Force has announced that the final withdrawal of the K40 fighter has been bought forward a couple of years and the last will be withdrawn before the end of 2128. Less than 300 now remain in service, all of them the final K40S variant. Withdrawal from CSE-E and the resulting disbanding of dozens of squadrons has allowed the K40 to be retired early.

A CAF spokesclone said that the K40 was iconic and had served the Clones with distinction since the Clone Wars but it was time for it to be retired.

Clone Army to disband dozens of regiments, withdraw thousands of armoured vehicles

The Clone Army is to disband dozens of regiments as part of the withdrawal from the CSE-E and a reorganisation of the army structure. Hundreds of tanks will be withdrawn, mostly older types. Over three thousand other armoured vehicles will also be withdrawn. The army say this will save several billion zarks a year, the money will be recycled into newer weapons.

The Clones are looking to try and sell these withdrawn vehicles, though many may be cascaded to territorial and internal security forces.

Repic open to joining Commonwealth of Interstellar Nations

The Repicans, a hyper capitalistic Saurian nation who have been aligned to the Bolitic Confederacy in the past, have made overtures to the Commonwealth of Interstellar Nations about joining. A senior Financial Officer of Repic has visited Castarian and met with Emperor Melson. Senator El Diablo also attended the meeting.

Whilst it is unlikely the Repicans could join the CIN in the short to medium term, it is possible Repic could join the Saurian Alliance - a sub-grouping which consists of the Dino Republic and Bolitic Confederacy.

Clones to develop next generation Gale ICBM / CSM

Admiral Anderson has agreed the development of the replacement for the Gale-III ICBM which also forms the launch stage of the CSM. The Gale-IV could enter service in the early 2130s and will include improved signal management, reduced infrared emissions and an improved guidance system.

Gale-IV will also only be mobile launcher based. The Clone have been wanting to shut down the Gale silo ring for some time. The fifteen remaining silos used for Gale/CSM will be closed, four sites will be repurposed for other Clone Army use, one silo will be used for development and missile research.

First Z26ZNX delivered

The first of one hundred Halogen Z26ZNX helicopters has been delivered to the Clone Naval Air Service (CNAS). The production line was re-opened due to delays in the Halogen replacement and the ageing state of the CNAS helicopter fleet. The ZNX is a minor upgrade to the previous final version the ZNS and will replace the oldest helicopters in the CNAS fleet.

The Clone Air Force has attempted to also get new build from the re-opened Halogen line though Admiral Anderson said that the production line will be closed once and for all when the new helicopters have been built for CNAS.

DF looking into "Chain Worm Drive" (Project Red Shift)

UNDF is looking into a so-called "chain worm drive" which is where multiple worm drives operate in series to result in extreme performance. It is thought that a Lavender 105A unmanned reconnaissance ship may be fitted with a second worm drive, this will then be used to perform double worm jumps in sequence. This could result in an equivalent speed of 10000ec!

However, there are a lot of unknowns with this technology. This is why DF want to test it with an unmanned ship first. If it is successful then DF are considering building a test ship based on the Type 35 platform with no fewer than four worm drives! This is known as Project Red Shift and could produce the ultimate rapid response ship. An equivalent speed of 20000ec would mean a ship could reach nearly all of UNDF in minutes.

One source says that tests with the Lavender could begin next year.

Anderson returns ashore to CNAS base

Admiral Anderson has returned to solid land after spending time aboard his floating HQ, the helicopter carrier CNS West Clone Republic. However, he has not returned to the Imperial Palace near to Ailier City. Instead, he has gone to North Point, one of the largest Clone Naval Air Service bases on the north coast of Ailier and also close to the largest Clone Navy base Rock Fall.

Anderson will live in specially converted and heavily largest new quarters at the base. Several hundred Clone Marines will be stationed at the base along with K45K fighters. A helicopter to take him to a carrier will also be kept fuelled.

Anderson said this new location will likely be permanent, he said he likes the sea air.

Black Triangles offered to Remedians

UNDF has offered the four Black Triangle 126A War Fighting Ships plus their tender ship to the Remedians to bolster their fleet. The Black Triangles are potent warships though have no current role in the UNDF fleet. The ships have been offered to the Remedians on an unlimited loan.

The Remedians have become increasingly concerned with the resurgent Utrek. UNDF have also increased their fleet deployment in the area. The Remedians are said to be seriously considering the loan.

DF to strengthen forces along Remedian flank

UNDF will send three more ships to strengthen it's presence in the Remedian Belt. The ships will be stationed at Remedia Prime and will perform patrols along the Remedian-Utrek border. Although the Utrek have not noticeably caused any issues for the Remedians, there is the worry this could change.

The Remedians have said UNDF should consider joining a grand coalition against the Utrek, though that itself is starting to fade away after the Clones said they are also not in a position to join in.

Two more Repulse join fleet

Two more Repulse 51B Medium Combat Ships have joined the fleet. These are 51-211 Hulcote and 51-212 Fulcote. These are the first ships completed of the second half of the planned Repulse 51B order. It has been reported that the ships have a number of detail changes compared to the first ten ships though UNDF have not stated what these are.

UNDF said they may add an extra five ships onto the order though funding is still being sought for this.

First two Provider MULEs completed

The final major upgrade of the Provider 71A fleet, it's Multi-Update Life Extension (MULE) has begun with the first two ships completed. These are 71-105 Flying Boxcar and 71-108 Lodestar. Both are now working up to a return to operations by next month.

The Provider MULE includes a new engine, a Proton RM-07MEGA e-Core as well as a full structural overhaul and refresh. The ships will be fitted for fractal communications and have improve data security protections.

After the completion of the MULE programme, the Provider fleet will be able to reach their planned end of life in the second half of the 2130s when they will be replaced by an as-yet unannounced new transport.

n-Core fails to meet all targets

UNDF Engineering has said that the n-Core testbed successfully completed it's first batch of bench tests including the extended maximum thrust "torture test". Whilst the engine has proven to be reliable it has fallen short of a number of key targets such as fuel economy and signature management.

A DF source says the issues are not a disaster, software tweaks and some modifications to the engine management system may help resolve these issues without requiring any major redesign. DF are still hopeful the first Tachyon family engine based on n-Core will be ready by 2130.

Torus rules out UNDF being involved in anti-Utrek action

UNDF Commander Torus has said that UNDF will not be involved in any near-future coalition against the Utrek unless UNDF is attacked itself. There has been talk lately of a grand coalition of the CIN, Clones, Raegris and UNDF joining up to take on the Utrek (though not through any official channels).

Torus said that the UNDF Space Navy is not in a position to take part in any long-range offensive operation. She said that the fleet was badly degraded during the MBO regime and war, the fleet has only recently got back to a minimum strength level to cover major commitments.

"The fleet is continuing to rebuild but will not be in a position to even think about such an operation until the early 2130s. Not that there has been any actual concrete objectives stated." Torus said.

Anderson says Clones would join force against Utrek

Admiral Anderson has said that the Clone Defence Forces would take part in a multi-national force against the Utrek. He said that it was clear the Utrek had interfered in the CSE-E. However, he acknowledged that the Clone Space Navy is not yet strong enough to face the Utrek alone in an offensive operation. He said that if the CIN and UNDF took part they would be strong enough to defeat the Utrek!

The Raegris are lobbying hard for such an operation. They are warning that the Utrek are regenerating their fleet quickly and within 15 years, maybe 10, they will be too strong for the Local Group to face even together.

DF attacked by suspected Utrek agent

A DF ship, thought to be SS Jurassic commanded by Caratore, has been attacked by a strange cargo ship which it is suspected was crewed by a Utrek agent. The transport, which appeared to be an ancient Tarbotian type ship was intercepted in the DMZ. UNDF officers boarded the ship and found a human crew woman. However, this turned out to be a shapeshifter alien who killed the three UNDF officers.

The "ancient" ship was then found to be heavily upgraded. After a brief skirmish, Caratore ordered a retreat due to being outgunned. They were pursued by the cargo ship but managed to destroy it using their SROPS, which was destroyed.

SS Jurassic has returned to Aldebra for repairs. DF are analysing the sensor data from the incident and say they have detected Utrek type energy signatures. Shapeshifters, an alien species heard about by DF though not yet encountered, are known to be used by the Utrek Jintara Omox secret service.

Mysterious Type 216X appears on engineering documents, future Isometric replacement?

While work on the Advanced Rome 216A continues, a new ship type has appeared on various DF Engineering documents and lists. This is the Type 216X which has appeared on the list of pending worm drive geometries to be created to allow the ship to safely make a worm jump. According to the details of the geometry it will be similar to the Advanced Rome but longer and have a mission wing like the Repulse 51B.

The second place Type 216X has appeared is on a list of n-Core engines being developed. A second generation engine with around 20% more thrust than the Tachyon PM-01A to be fitted to Advanced Rome is being developed. Analysts say the details of the Type 216X seem to match the planned Isometric family replacement planned for the second half of the 2130s.

The ship, when completed, will probably not be known as Type 216X as UNDF often use designations like this as placeholders. Indeed, it has been rumoured that the Isometric replacement could be the Type 220. As yet we are a long way off. DF's priority is to get Advanced Rome into service by 2130.

K59 enters service

The latest fighter of the Clone Air Force, the K59 has entered service. This is a light fighter version of the K58 COIN aircraft and also has a hybrid ducted fan powerplant. On the K59 the ducted fan has been uprated to boost performance. The K59 is highly agile (it is a development of the K03 Pterodactyl advanced trainer) and has been fitted with the same radar and avionics of the K47, the previous light fighter which the K59 is replacing in production.

The CAF plan to field five hundred K59s at least, these will help complete the replacement of the K40 and older K47s. The K59 has been given the name Flashlight, this was also used by the K43 light fighter the Clones developed during the Clone Wars though was ultimately unsuccessful (the CAF are hoping the K59 will have better luck!)

Dino Army to invest heavily in drone warfare

The Dino Army has spent the last few months looking into the lessons of the Miliaris insurgency and investigating a number of Molab-type drones they acquired. The Dino Army say they are vulnerable to this new form of warfare and have announced a multi-billion zark investment in drone warfare and a re-organisation of front-line units.

The Dinos are to buy 500 T-55ZDM-AD drone warfare tanks. This new version of their standard tank will be equipped with radar guided machine guns and an anti-drone missile system. The tank will also be able to launch a Dino version of the Molab-type drone. The Dinos will also buy around 2,500 soft-skinned launch vehicles for drones.

The three front-line legions will have have Drone Warfare Regiments added to them, the number to be created has not been mentioned. Money has also been invested in a next generation laser defence system and improved combat drones, as well as an interceptor drone designed for anti-drone warfare. The Dino Army is hoping most of these changes will be operational before the end of the decade.

Raegris call for attack on Utrek!

The Raegris has said that the Utrek are still greatly weakened after their catastrophic war with the Mantae but are rebuilding fast. The Raegris report on the Utrek says that in 15 years they estimate the Utrek will have restored their fleet to the pre-war levels (though much more powerful as older types like the Kalahati Tuul no longer exist). Maybe in 10 years the Utrek will be a direct threat.

The Utrek have said that the UNDF, CIN and Clones should join forces (with the Raegris) and attack the Utrek before it is too late. It is unlikely such an attack will occur though the Clones are furious at Utrek alleged involvement in the CSE-E uprising.

n-Core engine will be the Tachyon family

UNDF has chosen the Tachyon family name for it's next generation n-Core engine. The first ship to deploy the new engine is expected to be the Advanced Rome 216A early in the next decade. The engine is listed as the Tachyon PM-01A n-Core though the name may change by the time it enters service.

The Advanced Rome will launch with a Proton RM-01GX2 e-Core engine. This will be an upgraded version of the existing RM-01GX.

Utrek deny supplying Eritran rebel groups

The Utrek Federation has said that they have not been involved in supplying rebel groups in the Clone Star Empire - East. However, they said they could not rule out private groups or other powers using Utrekian ships or agents for their own ends.

UNDF has meanwhile reported on an incident where an alien of unknown identity was able to lure three UNDF officers, including the second officer of the SS Jurassic, to their deaths. The alien was killed though it is thought the alien may have been trying to destroy the Jurassic and harm the blockade. UNDF are considering sending more ships to the area.

Dinos and UNDF uncover evidence Utrek behind supplying some Eritran rebels

After the capture of several Utrek registered transports in the Clone Demilitarised Zone carrying suspected materials for rebels on planets such as Rendrial 4, the Dino SS and UNDF-IS held a joint investigation. It is understood a Utrek broke under interrogation by the gentlemen of the SS to reveal he is a Jintara Omox operative (the Utrek secret service).

Whilst it was clear (though never acknowledged) that Freedom Miliaris was supplied directly by Molab, who supplied the other smaller rebel factions in the CSE-E was never fully established. Now it appears that the Utrek may have been supplying rebels on planets like Rendrial 4 and Laalande 21649. If this is the case then it has very serious implications for the security of the Clones and in general for that region of space.

A Clone Intelligence team is heading to Starbot to meet with their Dino and UNDF counterparts.

Demilitarised zone breached already!

A DF patrol has already caught a ship carrying illegal materials trying to cross the demilitarised zone into the CSE-E. It is understood that SS Jurassic, commanded by Caratore, intercepted a small commercial trader (thought to be Oxsaxan though the registration may be fake). The ship was boarded and checked and found to be carrying hidden supplies of chemicals that can be used in the production of explosives.

The ship's captain later admitted he was carrying the chemicals to a contact on Rendrial 4. The crew were arrested and the ship destroyed as per the rules of the zone. 

Eritran demilitarised zone established

The Clone Star Empire is withdrawing from most planets in the CSE-East, a process due to take the next few years. As part of the agreement signed by the Clones, Free Eritran States (FES), Commonwealth of Interstellar Nations (CIN) and the United Nations of Planets (UNP), a demilitarised zone has been set up along the border between the CSE-E and FES.

This area of space is five lightyears across. No CSE or FES ships are to enter the zone. No military equipment is also to be transported in the zone. The zone will be monitored by UNDF and CIN ships. Three UNDF ships in a task force has arrived at Aldebra which will act as the support base for UNDF patrol operations. Two more ships are en route, one is SS Jurassic - the ship of former NS Commander Caratore - who has been made head of the patrol force (Demilitarised Zone Patrol Force - DZPF).

The Dinos have also sent six ships, two Sirikwanese ships will also join their patrol, as will the Bolitic. They will be based out of Starbot. The zone is expected to maintained until the final withdrawal from the CSE-E by the end of the decade. After that a new zone between the new border of the CSE and the former CSE-E may be set up, though talks are still ongoing.

Haylei to have their Pentekonter fleet upgraded and augmented

Haylei has ordered two more Pentekonter Protector 351HAs to augment it's existing fleet of eight. The two new ships will be of an upgraded specification with e-Core engines and improved tactical systems and sensors.

The eight older ships will also be upgraded with e-Core engines and the other tactical improvements.

Haylei are also interested in the Depender multi-role ship though as yet have not placed an order for it.

DF add new export customer

UNDF have agreed the sale of spaceships and other military equipment to the isolationist planet Julantek J4. Julantek lack much of a space fleet but their proximity to 7 Sa Sao Xeon space and the growing Tarbot threat has helped them decide to invest in their military.

Julantek have ordered three Pentekonter Protect 293J patrol ships, two Depender 777J multi-role ships and five Coril shuttles, two being VIP configured. Julantek have also ordered an undisclosed number of DAR-L1 laser rifles and are looking into SMA built ground vehicles (though none ordered as yet).

The value of the order has not been disclosed but will include UNDF help in upgrading Julantek's orbital facilities, training systems and interstellar communications.

Anderson hails return of shipbuilding to Clone Space Navy

Admiral Anderson has said shipbuilding capability has returned to the Clones after the first new Molentic Tuul MTM2 was completed after several years of frozen production lines and collapsed supply chains. Anderson said two more would be completed by the end of the year. New Sharks would also arrive soon.

In another boost to the Clone Space Navy, which has suffered from a growing lack of ships recently, the first three of six Raegris built Cosmos CSR have also been delivered and are being prepared for an entry into service later this year.

Order confirmed for Dreamscape special forces support ships

While the EW/Elint role of the Marconi 81A ships will be replaced by the forthcoming Sparkle 162As, there is also the secondary and much less discussed role of the Marconis in acting as a support ship for long-range special forces operations which needs to be covered.

UNDF has decided not to add this role to the Sparkle ships and instead have ordered two dedicated special forces support ships to be known as the Dreamscape 163A. These are also Friendship platform based ships. It is not known how the ships will be equipped but it is expected they have expanded docking facilities, a casualty handling station, planning/scenario training rooms and accommodation to support UNDF Space Marines. The ships are expected to be delivered in 2128.

Hospital ships to be replaced, turned into transports

UNDF has placed an order for three new hospital ships to replace the existing fleet of Nightingale 88As. The Nightingales are SUP based ships and considered far too large for the role now that UNDF have scaled back it's amphibious warfare capabilities. An analysis has shown that the maximum occupancy of a Nightingale since they entered service was 19%, and these days seldom in double figures.

The new hospital ships will be Friendship platform based and are expected to enter service in 2127. They will be much smaller, though fully capable and e-Core powered to save costs. The three Nightingales will be fully overhauled and converted into Provider or Extender transports. The ships have been lightly used and converting them will be less involved than the Missileers (though these are likely to be converted too at a later stage).

The new hospital ships are as yet unnamed but will be the Type 168.

Third Revolution enters service

The third Revolution 35Z multi-mode ship has entered service. This has a number of refinements to the aerospace mode including revised flying services, improved flight control systems and uprated turbines. The first two Revolutions are expected to receive this refined standard over the next couple of years.

The production rate of the seven outstanding ships is now expected to be ramped up. The Revolution's ground attack mode is to improved with a series of tactical updates over the next few months.

DF Marines switch to fractal communications as part of major upgrade

The UNDF Marine force has received a major communications upgrade which brings fractal encryption down to the personal level. This brings the Marine force up to speed with the rest of the space force as much of the combat fleet is expected to complete the roll-out of fractal upgrades by the end of the decade.

The Marines have also received new uniforms with a digital camouflage pattern and an update to the DAR-L1 rifle with improved energy management. Zeppelin has also announced that the Marine force will increase in size by 20% by 2135.

Bolitic renegade destroyed

The ship of Sir Airengor, a former knight of the now defunct House of Nevi, has been hunted down by a joint UNDF-Bolitic force. Airengor was responsible for a number of attacks on UNDF and civilian transports. After a brief fight, the Helwin of Airengor was destroyed.

Bolitic Emperor Melson said that Airengor was a throwback to an earlier age and did not represent the current and future Bolitic.

n-Core engine passes "torture test"

The latest development build of the next generation n-Core engine family has successfully passed it's "torture test" and will now be prepared to begin field testing in an actual ship later this year. The test is the final part of the standard bench testing of a new engine and includes pushing the engine to it's limit during an extended simulated test.

UNDF Engineering said that the n-Core engine had largely passed the test with just a few issues with cooling, power management and resource utilisation. Feedback from the test will now be fed into the next build of the n-Core which will also run on a bench test until a further development will be installed aboard a Rome to begin field testing.

Clone Navy and Air Force to take over protection of Clone Defence Force GHQ

The Clone Navy, including the Clone Naval Air Force, and Clone Air Force are to take over the protection of the central military district on Cloneworld. This is the centre of power in the empire including Clone Defence Force GHQ, the dacha of Admiral Anderson and other core political and military power in the empire.

Clone Marines will take over the guarding of the various sites from the Clone Army who are to be removed from the district. CNAS and CAF aircraft will increase patrols over the area.

Admiral Anderson is also thought to be considering setting up a new branch of the military dedicated to defending the regime.

F-20 could have manned and unmanned variants

The next generation fighter for the Air Department of UNDF, the F-20, could have both manned and unmanned variants and these will work together. This could be a real threat to the Clone K45C which is considered the best fighter ever made though an unmanned F-20 could even surpass the agility of an inertia dampened K45C.

The F-20 will replace the oldest F-10S in the next decade and is a key type for the future of UNDF air power.

Bolitic renegades attack again, damage Remedian ship

Suspected Bolitic renegades who attacked (and virtually destroyed) a UNDF transport have struck again in Remedian space. A civilian transport was attacked and badly damaged. A Remedian Corkscrew medium combat ship was nearby and intervened but suffered damage after a successful info-weapon attack. The Bolitic were able to get away, the Remedian ship knocked out of action. Two crew suffered injuries. All crew on the civilian transport are reported killed.

Meanwhile, the remains of 75-107 Circle has been towed to the nearest UNDF base. The ship has been declared a right-off and will be removed from the register, as much as possible will be stripped for spares.

Bolitic blame renegades for attack on DF transport

UNDF have named the ship attacked by an apparent Bolitic ship in Remedian space. The Friendship 75A utility transport 75-107 Circle had been on governance duties to mining colonies when it was attacked. DF say the ship was badly damaged with all crew being killed in the attack or shortly afterwards. One crew member was found alive when a DF ship reached the scene though died a few hours later. It is reported that he had been brutally tortured.

Bolitic DNA traces were found on the ship, the holds of which had been ransacked. The Bolitic are denying it was them, however they said it could be renegades. A joint Bolitic-DF mission is investigating.

DF transport attacked near Algol 7

A UNDF transport on communications duties to mining colonies near Algol 7 in the Remedian Belt is reported to have been attacked and badly damaged. One unconfirmed report states there was only one survivor found when a DF warship reached the scene. That survivor soon died.

DF are not commenting on whom they think did the attack. One unofficial source is saying a Bolitic warship may have made the attack.

Halogen production line re-opened for CNAS

The production line of the iconic Z26 Halogen helicopter has been re-opened to build 100 Z26ZNX for the Clone Naval Air Service. Delays with the Halogen replacement, the FUHX, and an ageing naval fleet of helicopters means that the CNAS faced the real possibility of being badly short of helicopters without the new build Halogens.

The ZNX is a minor upgrade to the previous final version, the ZNS. The ZNX has some avionic improvements and some internal layout changes. The first ZNS is expected to enter service by the end of the year.

Air base near GHQ to be reactivated for CNAS

A mothballed airbase near to CDF GHQ has been reactivated and will be operated by the Clone Naval Air Service (even though it is near the centre of the continent and hundreds of miles from the coast!) A squadron of CNAS K45s will be stationed at the base, as well as Clone Marines. This is part of Admiral Anderson's plan to reinforce the defence of the core of the Clone Defence Forces with Clone Navy personnel (which Anderson trusts more than the Army!)

CNAS is to receive 100 more K45s and the Clone Marines is to be increased in size by 50% to 30,000 men. Two more Olana destroyers are likely to be also ordered to improve the protection of Anderson's floating headquarters.

Agentis found dead, coup declared over

Field Marshal Agentis has been found dead at a remote location in northern Ailier. It is thought Agentis took his own life after the surrender of his remaining forces near CDF GHQ. Several other senior officers who had joined Agentis were also found dead.

Admiral Anderson said the remaining leadership of the coup would be found and punished. Several hundred Clone Marines have arrived at CDF GHQ to help secure the base.

Coup collapses as Anderson makes appearance

CNS West Clone Republic, the helicopter carrier which is acting as the flagship of Admiral Anderson (his floating GHQ), has received emergency repairs following the drone attack. Anderson has returned to the carrier and made an address to the Clone Defence Forces general staff.

Anderson said that the coup of Field Marshal Agentis was collapsing after coup forces were surrounded and forced to surrender after a relentless pounding by Clone Naval Air Service and Clone Air Force bombers. Agentis is understood to have fled. Anderson said Agentis would be captured and punished.

Fighting on Cloneworld as coup attempted

Fighting has been reported at over a dozen locations across Cloneworld as troops loyal to Field Marshal Agentis, the head of the Ailier Military District, have tried to seize CDF GHQ, the main military communications hub and other strategic positions in central Ailier.

Elements of two armoured regiments and three infantry regiments have been deployed by Agentis, though air power he tried to use was quickly stopped. Clone Naval Air Service and Clone Air Force fighters have attacked coup forces positions. Unconfirmed sources say the coup is going badly and none of the main objectives have been achieved.

Admiral Anderson has called on the coup forces to surrender or face "elimination".

Explosions reported at CDF GHQ, suspected coup underway

There have been explosions reported at the CDF GHQ on Cloneworld and the Clone Army HQ north of Ailier City. Admiral Anderson has ordered a full lockdown of all Clone Defence Force sites on Cloneworld. The media has also been completely shut down.

Dino sources have said there may be a military coup underway. Several airstrikes have been reported by Clone Naval Air Service fighters against undisclosed locations on Ailier.

Anderson's flagship attacked by drones

The Clone Navy helicopter carrier CNS West Clone Republic, which is currently the Imperial Command Ship - Admiral Anderson's floating HQ, has been attacked by dozens of Molab type drones. The ship is supposed to stay over 100km off any coastline while Anderson is in attendance but for some reason the ship had approached the coast to be within 10km of the Ramiri area along the Ailier coast.

The ship was attacked by several dozen Molab type drones. The defences of the carrier and it's two escorts were were overwhelmed. All three ships have suffered damage, two Z26 helicopters were also destroyed, one while trying to take off. Admiral Anderson was not injured though there were six fatalities and a number of injuries.

Anderson has been taken to a secret location. An investigation is currently underway as to why the carrier was bought near the coast against protocol.

Clone Naval Air Service and Clone Air Force fighters attacked the launch sites of the drones though later analysis revealed the site had already been evacuated.

CNAS planes strike targets on Ailier northern coast

Clone Naval Air Service K45s have struck two targets on the northern coast of Ailier. It is thought they were launching sites for another drone attack. Few details have been given by the Clone Navy though a local report states that a Clone Air Force Mustang reconnaissance aircraft discovered the launching sites and was able to direct four K45s launched from a nearby aircraft carrier.

Clone Marines are now thought to have secured both sites. It is not known if there were any casualties, one report states that remains of several drones were recovered.

Naval bases hit by drone attacks on Cloneworld

Two small naval bases along the northern coast of Ailier, Cloneworld plus a Clone Naval Air Service base in Micom have been attacked by Molab type drones. Each base was attacked by around a dozen drones. All of the bases had working anti-aircraft defences. The Clone Navy is reporting that most drones were shot down though there was some damage caused to the facilities of one of the naval bases. There were some minor injuries, no Clone Navy ships or CNAS aircraft were damaged.

An investigation into these attacks is ongoing. It is thought that members of the Clone Defence Forces opposed to Admiral Anderson may be behind, or at least assisting, the drone operators.

Future of propulsion will merge hyper and worm drives, says Dr Forbidden

The Head of UNDF Research, Dr Forbidden, has said that in future the two separate methods of spaceship FTL propulsion - hyperdrive and wormdrive - will merge into a unified engine which can handle both modes. It is speculated this is the core technology behind the x-Core engine which is in early development and could replace n-Core sometime in the 2140s.

Dr Forbidden also said UNDF is working on it's first upgrade to the W1A worm drive, which will offer a greater speed in equivalent c (ec) thanks to refinements in the subspace tunnel and power management. DF are currently preparing to build a prototype of WX drive, this may be ready to enter service by the end of the decade.

Hammerhead cleared to enter DFAD service

The F-12 Hammerhead LEO interceptor has been cleared to enter service with the Air Department of the UNDF Terrestrial Forces. The Hammerhead will take over LEO attack duties from the F-10S. It is a high performance and long endurance fighter that can carry up to three TPM-As which can attack objects in low orbit.

DFAD will buy fifty Hammerheads, though may order more if a planned development into a general interceptor is given the go-ahead.

First two Dinomark KXs (Pentekonter-MD) enter service

The first two Dinomark KX, which are Pentekonter-MD minesweepers, have entered service with the Dino Army. The Dinos will eventually operate fifteen of them as part of the CIN Mine Warfare Command. Ships will also be operated by Sirikwan. A total of 25 Pentekonter-MDs will be built.

The Pentekonter-MD is known to the UNDF as Pentekonter Protector 284M with an e-Core engine.

MBO base led by Von Kane detected and destroyed

UNDF has reported that it has discovered a major MBO base in the Rim Worlds, on the previously unexplored planet of Beta Algol 635B. The MBO was led by Kommandant Kurt Von Kane, the former NS officer who betrayed NS to join the MBO. It is thought Von Kane was trying to build an army of new MBO drones loyal to him.

A DF force led by Stella attacked the MBO base, which was protected by four MBO ships - survivors of the destroyed MBO fleet - and destroyed it. Von Kane is reported to have been killed during a battle with Stella.

DF units are now searching for any MBO survivors in the area.

CDF core communications node hit by drones

Although the news is being heavily suppressed, non-Clone sources are reporting that a critical piece of CDF infrastructure has been hit by a drone attack. The key communications node for the CDF, which relays communications between GHQ and other vital bases and orbital assets, was struck by drones and attacked. It is not known if there were any casualties.

The node was knocked out of action. The problem for the Clones is that the back-up node, which is supposed to activate within a second, failed to activate. For 27 minutes data communications with orbital assets was unavailable, though within a few minutes radio communications were restored. The CDF are now reviewing their back-up facilities as a data communications gap of that length in the event of Cloneworld being attacked could be catastrophic.

DF working on Coril replacement

The Coril shuttle is a venerable design, originally built by the Tarbotians in the 2070s, but copied by many nations and built since including by the DDS/NS/UNDF. Although it continues to be a highly useful ship, DF are now looking into a replacement which could enter service in the early 2130s.

At the moment the project is known as the Next Generation Utility Shuttle (NGUS) though DF projects tend to change name as they progress. NGUS will be of a similar size to the Coril, DF are said to be looking at a common core for the ship with a range of different crew compartments for different roles. DF have approached Consolidated Spacecraft and other commercial spaceship builders to assist. 

Anderson hails return of Clone space ship building as two new Sharks join the fleet

Admiral Anderson has said the arrival of two new Shark SKB frigates to the Clone Space Navy means that Clone space ship building has finally been restored after several years of chaos when barely a ship could be completed due to a skills shortage and a supply chain collapse.

Anderson said that more Sharks and also new Cosmos CM cruisers would be joining the fleet later this year and also in subsequent years. New ships are badly needed due to the looming withdrawal of the Kalahati Tuul S fleet and also the retirement of end-of-life Cosmos CA over the next few years.

Anderson also said the fleet would be further strengthened by three more Mekit MK4Y cruisers bought fron the Rectoids. Analysts say this purchase indicates that heavy combatant production may not resume for a while yet.

Clones unveil anti-drone Tapir

The Clone Army has unveiled a new version of the evergreen Tapir IFV. The J7HMA Defender Tapir will be new-build machines based on the latest version of the Tapir (HD), though it is possible older Tapirs could be retrofitted if necessary. The Defender Tapir is equipped with a 400 cell DART system with integrated radar. The DART is a new kinetic warhead missile dedicated to fighting mass produced drones.

DARTs are very small, almost pencil sized and are very short range. However, they can be built and fielded in the huge numbers required to protect against mass produced drones and other attack projectiles. The Clones are hopeful that mass deployment of DART will negate the growing threat of Molab type drones.

The Defender Tapir is also equipped with a radar guided machine gun as a back-up. The Clone Army has ordered 500 of them, with the first regiment already equipped and in training.

Anderson says operators of "terror drones" will be executed

Admiral Anderson has condemned the drone attack on Central Air Force Base a few days ago. He said the Clone Defence Forces would no longer tolerate "criminal, terrorist and treasonous" actions on Cloneworld and elsewhere in the Clone Star Empire. He said that operating, possession and building of drones would be punishable by death. Even possessing the plans for drones would be heavily punished.

The Clone Army has moved more anti-aircraft assets to key strategic positions on Cloneworld. A new version of the Tapir IFV dedicated to anti-drone warfare is said to be ready to enter service.

n-Core engine prepares for "nightmare" test

UNDF Engineering are reporting that static bench testing of the latest build of the n-Core engine, which will one day be powering the Advanced Rome, is going very well. However, the engine now has to face the Sustained Stress Test, said to be a "nightmare" for any new design. The test includes a full power run for several days followed by a series of maximum deceleration and acceleration events and then another multi-day run at maximum power. If there are any flaws in the engine design then this test will find them out!

If the test goes well, the n-Core engine will begin field tests next year. UNDF Engineering are currently working on a new engine build which will fit in the Advanced Rome design. Work has begun on the second ship which will be used to text the n-Core engine. The prototype will run initially with the e-Core engine used in the Classic Rome 46A.

Fleet news

Two Repulse 51B Medium Combat Ships have joined the fleet. The ships are 51-209 Caldecote and 51-210 Woodcote and have joined the DF fleet.

Half of the Repulse 51B has now been completed. DF say there will be no differences in the second half of the fleet.

Advanced Rome will be official name, Rome also renamed

UNDF has confirmed that the Advanced Rome 216A will be the official name of the next generation Light Combat Ship. They also said that the Rome 46A will be renamed the Classic Rome 46A.

DF also provided some more details of the Advanced Rome. The first few examples will use the same engine as the Classic Rome. The Advanced Rome will have a brand new tactical databus, this will be trialed on a Classic Rome later in the year.

Drone attack on Central Air Force Base on Cloneworld

A dozen drones, of the Molab type, are reported to have attacked Central Air Force Base in Ailier, Cloneworld. This is the headquarters of the Clone Air Force and a major logistics hub. The drones are reported to have struck a hangar, damaging a transport plane inside (type unspecified). A radar antenna was hit and badly damaged. No injuries are reported though an unofficial source says there were a number of minor injuries.

The attack is a major embarrassment to the Clone Defence Forces and a review of security is being carried out. The identity of the attackers is unknown. Analysis of a downed drone which did not explode indicates that the drones were built locally. Plans for the Molab drones were released onto the galactic internet and it is known that a number of insurgent groups have built them.

Admiral Anderson has ordered more anti-aircraft defence assets be mobilised in the area.

DF hunting for Von Kane

Kommandant Kurt von Kane, a former NS officer turned traitor and an MBO higher-up, was reported missing after the collapse of MBO-New Sparta. It is thought he escaped with a small MBO force though there also rumours of his death during space battles near Aldebra.

DF Intelligence say they are following up on a solid lead that von Kane and a group of MBO drones are hiding in the Rim Worlds. A DF team is said to be searching for them.

Dinomark HX begins testing

The next generation heavy cruiser for the Dino fleet, the Dinomark HX, has begin testing before an expected entry into service at the end of the year. The Dinos plan to build five of them, they will replace the Dinomark RS as the most powerful ships in the Dino fleet, though usually dedicated to home system defence.

The Dinomark HX is a development of the Bolitic Furl design, though has been heavily modified for Dino needs. The HX is said to be armed with twin fusion cannons, TPMs and auxiliary beam weapons.

Two helicopter carriers converted by Clone Navy to Imperial Control Ships

Two ships of the West Clone Republic helicopter carrier class of the Clone Navy, the navy has three in total, have been converted to "Imperial Control Ships". This means they are the floating bases of Admiral Anderson who no longer likes to live on land because of assassination attempts.

One ship will be used at a time with the other as a spare. The ships have had communication improvements, better internal security and a VIP suite for Anderson added along with extra accommodation for staff officers.

First five Stings head off for Triple Megan

Accompanied by a Rome escort ship and a Friendship transport carrying spare parts (and to bring the crews back), the first five Sting 58A patrol ships has left DF with skeleton crews for the transit to Triple Megan. All ten Stings have been sold to Triple Megan.

Sensitive equipment such as the fractal encryption layer in the communications stack have been removed though the ships are largely unchanged. The final five ships will be sent out in a few weeks.

Provider MULE 2126 announced

The hard-worked Provider 71A transport fleet, literally the backbone of UNDF, is to receive a much needed upgrade and refurbishment which will keep the ships in service until their planned replacement in the mid 2130s (though as yet no replacement has been designed).

The ships will receive a full refurbishment and replacement of life-expired structural components. The engines will be replaced by the Proton RM-07MEGA e-Core which is a re-working of the original engine with e-Core technology. Navigational systems will also be upgraded and communications will receive fractal encryption support.

The upgrade is known as Provider Multi-Upgrade Life Extension (MULE) 2126 and will be the last major upgrade to the type before it's retirement. A similar upgrade is expected to be made to the Extender fleet at a later stage.

The door explodes (3336)

The heist goes wrong.

Clones unveil active visual stealth for aircraft

The Clone Aircraft Corporation has unveiled a K45 Falcon fighter with a new active visual stealth coating. This is known as the "chameleon layer" (not that there are such creatures on Cloneworld). It changes the colour of the coating depending on the terrain the aircraft is traveling over, depending on the viewpoint of the threat.

It is thought the new technology could be part of the forthcoming mid-life upgrade of the K45A fleet due at the end of the decade (now known as the K45M) and also new build K45C from 2128 or 2129.

Other aircraft such as the K85QA may also receive the layer.

Southern only (3335)

Professor Piss and company try and steal gold.

Seemed to be (3334)

Joshi puts down Erectus' uprising.

Rush back to work (3333)

Windy passes her audition.

Things to go wrong (3332)

Windy and Tiger encounter an energy being.

Violence dubious (3331)

Windy and Tiger enter an asteroid field.

Nectars to replace Alpha Centauri

DF has two Alpha Centauri 93A training ships, plus a third which was going to join the fleet though has ended up being cannibalised to keep the other two going, for use in aggressor training. The ships are ex-Bolitic Helwin destroyers and are well regarded but DF are having trouble in keeping the ships going due to their age and a lack of spares. Plus the ships are now considered obsolete and not really that relevant to the kind of threat DF ships now face.

DF has decided to withdraw the ships by the end of the year. Instead, they will maintain a fleet of 4 or 5 Nectar 52A Medium Combat Ships in the aggressor role. DF was considering to sell them but Triple Megan have said they cannot afford to buy them for a number of years yet. DF have twelve Nectars and will begin to phase them out soon. The ships not retained are likely to be kept as a source of spares.

Molab signs biggest export order in DF history!

The Deputy leader of Molab and the head of the Molab military have signed a huge deal with UNDF which is said to be worth 12.7 billion zarks! DF are saying this is the biggest export order in history. 

The core part of the order will be 16 Advanced Rome medium combat ships for delivery from 2128. As part of the order, DF will loan Molab 6 Romes which are expected to enter service later this year following some localisation work.

Other parts of the order include an upgrade programme for Molab's four Isometrics including e-Core engines, tactical updates and sensor updates. Molab will also receive updated tactical systems for their Pentekonter Protectors, thirty more MRMs and more Ferret UCVs.

Depender fleet to receive e-Core engines

Following a successful test with 161-106 Illicit, the rest of the Depender 161A fleet of multi-role support ships (the official role, actual role is thought to be intelligence gathering) will receive e-Core engines during an upgrade later this year.

The engine upgrade will be carried out during scheduled heavy maintenance. The ships will also lose their Canister TPMs as these missiles are now obsolete, plus they have TPM-VLS cells in any event.

DF to develop future heavy combat ship to replace Solaris and Panther

DF have announced a new ship programme called Future Heavy Combat Ship or FHCS. This is a feasibility study which will look into potential specifications and future trends for a new heavy combat ship for the second half of the 2130s which will replace the Solaris 37C and Type 35 fleets between 2135 and 2150.

A modular design is expected which can replace the two heavy combat ships which form the backbone of the DF combat fleet. DF expect FHCS to feed into the Solaris replacement plan in the early 2130s with the first ship planned to enter service in 2135.

DF sells Stings to Triple Megan

UNDF has agreed an 750 million zark deal to sell it's surplus fleet of Sting 58A light patrol ships to Triple Megan. DF were already in the process of withdrawing the Stings but had no plans for the ships and so put the fleet of ten ships up for sale. Triple Megan will accept the ships and will carry out their own localisation and system integration.

The transfer of the ships will begin in the next few weeks. The final patrol duties of two ships will be completed this week. A Triple Megan team will arrive and assess how to take the ships to their planet. DF crews may ferry the ships to Triple Megan.

Three Okra to be retained as general purpose ships

Three of the five Okra 86L light patrol ships which had been earmarked for storage will be retained in DF service as general purpose ships. It is thought these will help replace the six Romes which will be loaned to Molab as part of the forthcoming Advanced Rome sale.

The Okra 86Ls will be redesignated as Okra 86K. They will retain their armament but will lose some of the tactical and sensor systems fitted for the patrol role. The space freed up will be used for extra accommodation and storage space. The ships will be added to the general purpose duties pool which means they are available for a whole host of missions such as ad hoc transport and crew transport, reconnaissance, surveying and testing.

Molab visit Solaris ahead of possible Advanced Rome sale

A technical team from the Molab military has arrived on Solaris to receive information on the Advanced Rome. They have received in depth information on the new ship including simulation data from the Advanced Rome bench testbed at UNDF Engineering as well as telemetry data from the n-Core test bed. They were also presented with details of the localisation options available for the Rome 46A ships which will be loaned to Molab to tide them over until Advanced Rome arrives.

Molab are after sixteen Advanced Rome with a delivery from 2128, with six Romes arriving from late this year to help ease the pressure on the crumbling Kalahati Tuul fleet. The value of the contract is said to be 9 billion zarks which would make it the biggest export order for DF for quite some time.

The main sticking point is said to be Molab's insistence on getting n-Core engines as soon as they are available in the early 2130s. DF originally wanted to keep n-Core to themselves for at least five years though may make an exception for Molab due to the importance of the order.

Molab decline Swordfish, interested in Advanced Rome

In a major shock, Molab has declined the chance to buy the Dino Swordfish and instead say they think the Advanced Rome is the ship they need to replace their eighteen Kalahati Tuuls which are in desperate need of replacement. The problem is, no Advanced Rome yet exists, building the prototype has only just begun. Even if things go smoothly Molab might not receive any ships until late 2128 or even 2129.

The Kalahati Tuuls will simply not last long enough, some are said to be already virtually end of life, with the remainder being rotated to prolong the ships so some can reach 2130, though none will live much beyond that. Molab said the Swordfish is an excellent ship but is too small and under-equipped to replace the Kalahati Tuuls being more a Dino equivalent to the Pentekonter Protector.

DF has said they can transfer up to six Rome 46As to Molab on loan, and after localisation could be ready to begin service by the end of the year. These ships can help tide Molab over until Advanced Rome can take over in the late 2120s and early 2130s. Molab could buy up to fifteen Advanced Romes.

DF makes big changes to export portfolio

UNDF has made some dramatic changes to it's spaceship export portfolio in an attempt to kickstart a new wave of orders. The Olympus-E, Provider-E and Extender-E have all been cancelled, the latter two due to DF closing it's SUP derived ship line.

The Oceania (which has not yet secured any orders) and Depender multi-role support ships have received a specification bump with improved sensors and tactical system options.

The best-selling Pentekonter Protector has also been upgraded to the x90 specification. The 390 and 290 models have improved sensors, defensive systems and tactical computers. The upgrade is fairly modest though.

DF are also looking into the possibility of an export version of the Advanced Rome to compete with the Dino Swordfish design.

Oojok warns that Clone Star Empire has no succession plan

Former Emperor of the Clone Star Empire, Oojok who is now living on Dino-Land, has said he has concerns about the CSE. He said that Admiral Anderson is the last clone standing from the generation who came to prominence in the Clone Wars. He warned that Anderson has eliminated most of his potential rivals, which may bring some short-term stability but if Anderson falls then the obvious successor is unknown.

One potential successor is the Clone Wars hero Xerxes, former commander of the 1st Armoured Division and now military commander in the Ailier South sector on Cloneworld. Cicero, the former deputy of Marcus, is now the governor of the CSE-E is another potential future leader. Oojok said that he hoped Anderson would not purge people like Xerxes and Cicero as the CSE might need them in the future.

MBH visits CIN East and Starbot

Emperor MBH has begun an extended visit of the former Free Eritran States, now known as the eastern states (not that directions mean much in space) of the Commonwealth of Interstellar Nations and Starbot. MBH has met the leader of Molab and will also see the leaders of Helinox and Sear N7. He will later chair a meeting of the leaders of the CIN East members on Starbot.

Sear N7 has requested information on the Swordfish patrol ship. Starbot are also said to be interested in it.

Clones launch offensive against Teriatri insurgents

Last month the Clone Defence Forces reinforced Teriatri 7 with two infantry regiments, a Red Lizard brigade and three COIN air regiments. This was possible to the ending of the insurgency in the CSE-E which has relieved a lot of pressure on the CDF.

The Clones have launched what they say will be a month long offensive against Teriatri insurgents including aerial and land assets. A K85 COIN aircraft is reported to have been lost though it is unclear if this was due to being being shot down or another reason.

Swordfish begins final trials before deliveries

The Swordfish, the Dino equivalent to the Pentekonter and Clone Shark, has begun final proving trials. The Swordfish is a multi-role small combatant which will be used by other navies in the Commonwealth of Interstellar Nations (CIN). Representatives from New Arit were on board during an early test run, they will be the first customer to receive ships, eager to replace their life expired Kalahati Tuuls at last!

The Swordfish is based on the Dinomark GL design, which had lost out to the PT in a competition for the Dino medium combat ship role. The design has been fully updated though specifications have not yet been made public. Although the Dinos do not plan, at this stage, to buy the type it has been given the designation Dinomark RA.

Clones may re-open Halogen production line for Navy

Production of the Z26 Halogen, an icon of the Clone Wars, ended a couple of years ago. The replacement, the Future Universal Helicopter (FUHX), is under development though has been delayed due to various problems. The first helicopters are not expected to enter service until the late 2130s, though as the Clone Air Force has over 8,000 Halogens in service, it is not expected to be a problem as they can rotate operational stock and have a large pool of spares.

However, the Clone Naval Air Service does have a problem. They have a much smaller fleet of navalised Halogens, many of which are old. With new carriers and other warships planned they need more helicopters and cannot wait over ten years for FUHX to deliver.

Clone Aircraft Corporation has been asked to look into the feasibility of restarting the Halogen production line ready for an order of 75-100 Halogen Z26ZNX, these will have some avionic improvements over the WNS already in service. CAC did look into the possibility of modifying surplus CAF Halogens but the work involved, including different avionics, engines, corrosion resistance covering and other changes would mean a virtual rebuild and not be much cheaper than building new from scratch. Any new Halogens could be completed by sometime next year if the order is finalised.

Rainbow to be converted into Sparkle

The singleton Rainbow 166A tender ship for the Black Triangle 126A fleet will be converted into a Sparkle 162A elint ship, DF have said. Both classes of ship are based on the Friendship platform, DF say that adding the required equipment and retaining the ability to support Black Triangle is possible, though some degree of modularisation will be required.

The first Sparkle is due to enter service next year, they will replace the Marconi EW fleet. 166-001 Rainbow is to trial some of the equipment intended for Sparkle later this year.

Quasar fleet to be withdrawn by 2130

UNDF have said the Quasar 15A bomber fleet will begin withdrawals in 2128 with the aim of the whole fleet being withdrawn by 2130. The ships, the first "generation 3" ships DDS built are due to reach the end of their fatigue lives by the early 2130s. It had been considered to rebuild them to help them reach the end of the next decade but DF has changed it's plans. DF bought back three ex-Raegris Quasars which only entered service last year! DF say these ships will be the last to be withdrawn.

The Warrior 16A bomber fleet and LRMs will perform the strategic attack role with back-up by ships like the Type 35 which can carry MRMs. DF did consider building some extra Warriors but have also changed their plans here too. The existing fleet is considered adequate.

Although capable ships, the Quasars are more expensive to run than more modern ships, plus their age had seen their availability drop.

DF begin work on Solaris replacement

UNDF has begun design studies on a replacement for the Solaris 37C cruiser which could enter service in the late 2130s. Although construction of the type only ended in 2117, the oldest ships (then known as the Velocity) were built in the early 2100s and will be reaching the end of their fatigue life by 2140.

DF are expected to look into a flexible design which can also be used to replace the Type 35 family which will also begin withdrawals in the 2140s.

Operation Atomic Fist 2126

For the first time in three years, the DF strategic attack exercise Operation Atomic Fist will be held over the next couple of weeks. The exercise will involve a number of mock attacks on targets built on asteroids in the Terran system. The final exercise will involve a live nuclear strike on a moon of Uranus. 

The ships involved will be:

36-105 Minotaur (flag)

16-101 Warrior

16-106 Wolf

16-115 Warp

35-306 Killer

51-201 Repulse

52-102 Nautilus

52-107 Night

71-121 Supplier

73-103 Zenith

Clones developing longer range CSM

The Clones are working on a new version of the Clone Space Missile which could enter service in the next decade. CSM-NG as it is currently known will have many improvements including enhanced stealth and guidance capabilities. It will also have a longer range.

CSM can currently reach most parts of the UNP though other powers such as the Dino Empire are out of reach. CSM-NG could reach Dino-Land and Castarian which could raise political tensions between the Clone Star Empire and the Saurian Alliance.

Further Terrestrial Force cuts announced

UNDF Terrestrial Force Land Divison is to be further cut, saving millions of zarks which can be used elsewhere. X04 Combat Brigade East (Reserve) is to be disbanded within the next few months. Most of the regiments are to be disbanded as well, a couple will be transferred X02 Combat Brigade West (Reserve) which will become the only reserve brigade (and will lose the West part of it's name).

Zeppelin said that there will likely be no further reductions in the size of Terrestrial Force. DF was now looking into improving it's artillery equipment.

Two new patrol ships join the fleet

Two new patrol ships have joined the UNDF fleet. 57-220 Veltheimia is the latest Violet 57B. It has been joined by 56-109 Midge, the latest Mariner 56A. Both are expected to perform their first patrol duties over the next few weeks.

DF have said they will reduce the Okra 86L fleet to just five ships as more capable patrol assets become available. The other five ships will be placed in storage, it is thought they may be converted back into shuttles.