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.

Telvin claims Aritan freighter destruction as "accident"

Telvin 802 has said that the destruction of an Aritan freighter was an unfortunate accident. They said their ship had been looking for contraband and restricted items and had not intended to destroy the freighter. However, the Aritan ship was in unclaimed space and the Telvins did not have any jurisdiction.

The Aritans have dismissed the Telvin excuses as "nonsense". 

Telvin 802 destroys Aritan freighter

The Aritans are reporting that a commercial freighter owned by an Aritan company was attacked by a Telvin 802 Shark. The freighter was badly damaged and had to be abandoned by it's crew, the freighter later exploded after a suspected reactor breach. Three of the ten crew were lost, two others injured. A Dino ship has picked them up.

A joint-Aritan and Dino team is now analysing telemetry from the freighter recorded during the attack. The CIN has promised a robust response to the Telvin aggression.

Dinos consider building competitor to the Pentekonter and Shark

Krok Industries, the manufacturer of most Dino spaceships including the Dinomark XT, are considering building a ship primarily aimed at the export market, especially the other DTA members. New Arit are looking at around 12 ships to replace it's aging Kalahati Tuuls, Sirikwan are also becoming frustrated with the Clones for the delays in it's second batch of Shark frigates. Krok Industries are said to be looking at a type to satisfy both New Arit's and Sirikwan's needs. Voth are also looking into replacing their Kalahati Tuuls.

Krok Industries are dusting off the Dinomark GL concept which lost out to the PT for the Dino Army Medium Combat Ship. An updated Dinomark GL design could be produced pretty quickly. New Arit is said to be very interested.

DTA and Clones sign huge arms deal

The Dino Empire, on behalf of the Dino Trade Association, has signed a huge deal with the Clones for land weapons as part of a homogenisation of the largest land armies in the DTA with the Dino Army. All existing tanks of the Sirikwanese, Aritan and Voth armies will be replaced by T-55ZDM3s of the same specification as the current main Dino Army tank (with relevant localisations).

The deal is for no less than 6000 tanks, as well as self-propelled artillery, training materials and spares. The DTA also want a standard infantry fighting vehicle though this future deal is still under discussion. The tank and artillery deal is said to be worth over 5 billion zarks. Tanks will be delivered from 2124 until early in the next decade.

Non-Saurian DTA members question Dino actions on Pulsin

The Dino Empire is coming under scrutiny from the non-Saurian members of the Dino Trade Association after it's actions against the Mosk on Pulsin. The Aritans have said the Dinos must show restraint, the Voth quickly followed up saying the Dinos must talk to the Mosk not massacre them.

This will be unwelcome to the Dinos, though the Aritans and Voth are not major members of the DTA. The reaction of the Sirikwanese, who have questioned the use of the SS, will be of more concern.

Aritans to replace Kalahati Tuuls with Dinomark AME

The Aritans have announced they have chosen a new export version of the Dinomark AM (the AME) to replace it's eleven Kalahati Tuuls by the end of this decade. This includes six KTs which have been refurbished and are viable to last until 2135 though the Is Lanki (Aritan space navy) will replace all of them by 2130.

The Aritans are also sticking with their order for Pentekonter Protectors despite talk they may cancel the remaining two ships on order after the MBO take over. The Is Lanki said that the remaining two ships are expected by 2124 and indeed a sixth ship may be ordered.

Dinos to offer version of Dinomark AM to DTA allies

The Dinos are developing an "export" version of the multirole Dinomark AM for sale to DTA allies. The Dinos are keen for New Arit and the Voth to cancel their orders for Pentekonters from NS and instead use the AM. 

The reason for this is the takeover of NS by the Mutre Bee Organisation. A Dino source said that NS cannot be considered allies anymore or reliable suppliers.

DTA orders 10 Pentekonter Protectors for Voth and New Arit

A joint-order for ten Pentekonter Protectors has been made by the DTA, five ships each will equip the Voth and New Arit fleets. The Voth Space Navy already has three on order, the extra five ships will be the same 281V standard. Delivery of all ships will be by 2124 though none as yet have been delivered. An NS source said that the first 281V was in final construction and would be delivered before the end of the year.

New Arit's Pentekonters will be to a similar standard. New Arit are a former Pentekonter operator but these new ships will cover for the Aritan's ageing fleet of Kalahati Tuuls which are reaching the end of their lives. The Aritans have eleven Kalahati Tuuls and are planning to refit the best six for operation into the mid-2130s, the rest will be replaced by the Pentekonters by 2125.

Saurian Alliance will "supplement not replace" the DTA

Emperor MBH has told the Dino Senate that the Saurian Alliance will be a new grouping that will stand alongside the Dino Trade Association, he said it would supplement and not replace it. MBH said he had spoken to the leaders of Sirikwan and Yeng about joining the Saurian Alliance. The other nearby Saurian nations of Repic, Durant 7 and the Solar Empire had also been approached.

MBH said that only Saurian majority nations would be eligible to join the Alliance, thats why he wanted the DTA to continue for the likes of the Aritans and Voth. MBH said Yeng was very keen, Sirikwan and Durant 7 had also shown an interest.

Ronald criticises other DTA members for dragging their feet

Censor Ronald has criticised the other members of the DTA for not stepping in to assist the fight against the Terrasaurs. So far only the Dinos and the Voth (who have been hit hard) have been involved. Requests to Sirikwan and New Arit to provide ships to assist in the defence of Voth have been declined. Sirikwan said they did not have surplus ships available which has surprised observers considering the relatively powerful fleet they possess.

Ronald said that the Terrasaurs had attacked not the Voth or the Dinos but the DTA and the other members needed to step up and play their part in defence. Minor DTA member Yeng said they will send two Dinomark XTs when "ready", however they gave no date as to when they would be ready.

DTA conduct large amphibious exercise

The DTA have conducted a large amphibious exercise with Dino Army, Sirikwanese and Aritan troops landed by Dino Provider SX and Provider MX amphibious attack ships. Over 3,000 troops and 120 tanks were landed at two sites on Sirikwan.

The Dinos' amphibious warfare capabilities will be greatly improved from 2122 when the first Dinomark SR enters service, this is a licence built version of the Clone Intruder design.

Ronald moots turning DTA into federation

Ronald has made his first public speech as Censor (and deputy to Emperor MBH) to say that the Dino Empire should consider merging with the other members of the Dino Trade Association (DTA) to form a federation.

"As a federation we would be better able to integrate the strengths of the DTA members. We face a number of threats and we need to be stronger to face them in the next decade and beyond." he said.

Sirikwan and Yeng have said that the idea has merit, New Arit's parliament was cool on the idea however.

DTA wants mine warfare capability

The Dino Trade Association is seeking a pan-DTA mine warfare capability. A fleet of minesweepers, perhaps as many as twenty five, is to be procured and operated as a joint-DTA pool. Mine sweeper direction systems would be fitted to a number of ships in the Dino, Sirikwan and Aritan fleets.

The Dinos have approached both NS and the Clones. NS have offered a fleet of Pentekonter-M minesweepers plus Pave Orange systems for the direction role. The Clones have yet to reply but it is likely the Shark would be the offered ship. Both Pentekonters and Sharks are operated by DTA members (Sirikwanese Sharks already perform basic mine hunting) already.

Aritans begin search for Kalahati Tuul replacement

Eleven Kalahati Tuuls are an important component of the New Aritan fleet but are ageing and come from a variety of sources with a number of different equipment fits and technology styles. The New Aritans have decided to replace the ships by "the early part of the 2120s".

The search has now begun for the replacement. Its thought the choice will be between more Shark SKH-EA frigates and a new type. Its not thought that Pentekonters are an option as Arit has operated them before.

New Arit receives Provider MX

New Arit has received its 4th (and so far) final Provider MX tactical transport. It has joined the Is Lanki and will join the others in providing forward tactical support for New Arit Army and other DTA detachments.

New Arit has begun to look at the replacement for its fleet of 11 Kalahati Tuuls which are expected to reach the end of their lives in the mid-2120s. New Arit would like to replace them with the Dinomark AM though funds may not allow this, it is thought a major refurbishment and upgrade keeping the ships viable for another 10-15 years might be the affordable option.

New Arit throw spanner in DTA-Clones defence deal

New Arit have said they are reconsidering their recent purchase of Clone built transport planes in the light of the defence cooperation deal between the Clones and Arit's mortal enemies Telvin 802. Although Sirikwan are also buying the planes New Arit pulling out could cause the deal to collapse because of the maintenance and joint-training agreements that had been put in place to cut costs.

The Dinos and Sirikwanese are both urging the Aritans to stay with the purchase. One insider thinks it is unlikely Arit will pull out but are taking advantage of the Telvin agreement to try and get a lower price.

Sirikwan and New Arit buy Clone transports

DTA members Sirikwan and New Arit have teamed up to buy 45 K44/C-440 transports from the Clones. The aircraft will help augment military transport and communications on both planets. Although the planes will be bought jointly they will be operated separately by their respective air arms with maintenance handled by a joint-agency which will be set up with Clone help.

The value of the order is said to be around 700 million zarks and includes 10 years of maintenance support and spares.

Three DDS ships will join DTA exercise

The DDS has accepted a DTA invitation to join an exercise being held next week involving the Dino, Sirikwanese and Aritan fleets. The Raegris were also invited but declined due to a lack of available ships.

Two DDS warships, probably Isometrics, and an oiler will set out tomorrow from Proxima 7 to join up with the DTA fleet near Xi mid-week. The DTA exercise will include mock combats and attack runs on ground targets.

Aritans and Voth to form legions of DTA Army

The Aritans and Voth are both to form legions on Dino Army lines as part of a DTA Army, which will largely consist of the Dino Army augmented with other member elements. The Dinos are providing 150 million zarks of funding to help the two nations form the 20,000 man strong units. The legions will be equipped by a mixture of J55Z, J88 and J5 armoured vehicles.

The Aritan and Voth legions will be charged with home defence though in future may also be employed in expeditionary warfare should the need arise. The legions are hoped to be operational by the end of 2115.