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.

Sirikwan and NS to meet over DTA minesweeping order

A few years ago NS scored a huge export success when the DTA selected the Pentekonter Protector-ME for it's DTA Standard Minesweeper. Twenty five 284Ms have been ordered, they would be crewed and maintained by Sirikwan but serve in the mine counter measure role with all DTA members including the Dinos.

However, the tensions between the Dinos and NS have put this huge order in doubt. Both NS and the DTA are keen for the order to go ahead and have emphasised that the order if for the DTA not the Dino Empire. A NS delegation will meet with the Sirikwan military next week to discuss the deal. The first 284M is thought to be under construction.

Clones criticise Sirikwan for lost order

The Sirikwanese have cancelled their outstanding order for Shark frigates due to production delays, and will order the new Dino Swordfish. The Clones have criticised Sirikwan for this, though the Sirikwanese have said they wish to maintain a relationship with the Clones and keep their existing Sharks up to date.

The sad fact for the Clones though is that their space ship building industry is in tatters. Domestic production is at a standstill due to a lack of funds and skilled workers, this has also badly affected their export orders.

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.

Wreckage of lost Dinomark found

A joint Dino-Sirikwan patrol has discovered wreckage of DM189 which went missing a few weeks ago on a long-range patrol in unclaimed space. The ship had been destroyed by an explosion and there are thought to be no survivors.

At the moment the Dinos are not commenting on the cause of the explosion though it is rumoured the ship was destroyed by an unknown enemy.

Sirikwan order new ships

Thought to be part of the upcoming DTA-CSE economic deal, Sirikwan has placed an order for Clone built ships. Sirikwan has chosen the Shark destroyer to replace it's six Helwins which are due to leave service in 2128. Eight Shark SKH-E2s have been ordered. This model has a number of upgrades over Sirikwan's existing fleet of Sharks which will also be upgraded as part of the deal. The details of the upgrades has not been reported.

Sirikwan's fleet of ex-Clone Nerval transports will be replaced by five Loader (Type C)s from next year. The total value of the contract has not been disclosed.

Dinos building "SS-Two" between Jeloka and Pulsin

The Dinos are building an extensive base on a large asteroid between Jeloka and Pulsin in the Dino Empire. The base, which some have dubbed "SS-Two" (SS-One being the vast new base on Jeloka) though has not been officially named yet, will have an SS garrison, basing facilities for up to a dozen Dinomarks and ship maintenance and supply facilities. An existing subspace communication relay and a listening post are likely to be decommissioned and the abilities moved to the new base.

The main purpose of the base though is to act as the relay for the second link in the Dino Deep Subspace Burrowing Technology (DSBT) network. This is an artificial continuous wormhole that has been built between Dino-Land and Jeloka and allows for instant teleport transportation between any two points (or ships in orbit) on the two planets.

The distance to Pulsin, the second planet in the empire, is said to be too far for a stable DBST stream hence the need for a relay station. When the link is active then anyone will be able to teleport from Dino-Land (or Jekoka) to Pulsin in seconds and vice versa.

The Dinos say the DBST link should be active by the mid-2120s. Work on a link to Sirikwan Prime is also underway though this may require up to three relays.

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.

Sirikwanese ambassador among those killed in Pulsin attack

The Sirikwanese ambassador to the Dino Republic, El-Takakson, was among the 117 people killed when a cargo Dinomark XT crashed into a shopping mall in the Pulsin capital. The ambassador was visiting Pulsin for a trade show.

Sirikwan has demanded more information on the Mosk insurgency which has raged on Pulsin for years. It is suspected the Mosk planted the bomb which is now thought to have bought the Dinomark down.

Dinos and Bolitic exchange embassies

The Dino Empire and Bolitic Confederacy have exchanged embassies in the latest sign of peace between the two former foes. The Dinos are hoping to set up a permanent embassy on Castarian by the end of the year, a temporary building will open in the next couple of months. The Bolitic plans are not yet known though are expected to be on a similar timetable.

Sirikwan has formally applied to join the Saurian Alliance. The application will be discussed by Censor Ronald when he meets Emperor Melson next month.

Sirikwan order replacement Shark

Sirikwan has placed an order with the Clones for a replacement Shark SKH-E to replace the ship destroyed in the DTA-Terrasaur War. The new ship will have an improved minesweeping suite similar to the Clone Space Navy's current system. The existing 13 Sirikwanese Sharks will also receive this upgrade. 

Despite this Sirikwan is still going ahead with purchasing 10 Pentekonter-M minesweepers from NS from 2123. These ships will act as a DTA pooled mine warfare fleet while the Sharks concentrate on Sirikwanese space, and also other patrol duties.

Voth Pentekonter Protector order increased, first ships delivered

The first two Pentekonter Protector 281Vs have arrived at the Voth, a few months early after NS shifted production due to an urgent Voth request. The two ships will begin testing and training ahead of an entry into service next year. A team from Sirikwan, who already operate the Pentekonter Protector, are assisting Voth.

The Voth order for the type has been increased from eight to twelve following funding from the DTA. Along with three rebuilt Helwin destroyers, these ships will form the backbone of the Voth fleet by the mid-2120s. The Dinos have also donated three older Dinomark XTs to transfer to Voth to bolster it's fleet.

Sirikwan delay withdrawal of Nerval transports

Following an inspection of the seven strong fleet, the Sirikwanese have announced that their ex-HCS Nerval transports will remain in service until 2124 due to the war situation. They had been expected to begin a phase out at the end of this year but now all will be withdrawn together as they reach the end of their fatigue lives.

Sirikwan has also inspected it's fleet of Helwin cruisers which were also due to be withdrawn in the mid-2120s. All six have been cleared to operate until 2128 at the latest though one or two may need to be withdrawn a couple of years before that.

Sirikwan ship destroyed by Terrasaurs

A Sirikwan warship has been attacked and destroyed by the Terrasaurs on a patrol on the edge of Sirikwan space. The Shark SKH-E patrol ship was ambushed after responding to a distress call, it is thought the distress call was faked to lure the Sirikwanese in.

Sirikwan has announced that no single-ship patrols will be carried out once the current missions are completed. 

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.

MBH discusses Saurian Alliance

Emperor MBH has been quizzed about the Saurian Alliance in a public session of the Dino Senate. MBH said that at the moment the Alliance's members consisted of the Dino Empire and Bolitic Confederacy but other Saurian civilisations like the Sirikwanese and Repicans would be free to apply to join. MBH said the Alliance would be a loose-knit group of powers with a non-aggression pact and would act in mutual self-interest. He did not think the Alliance would, in the short term at least, evolve into anything more.

MBH was asked about the Dino Trade Association and whether the Saurian Alliance replaced it. MBH said this would not be the case, the DTA and Alliance would operate independently. The DTA included non-Saurian members and MBH did not think they should join the Alliance.

MBH said the first priority was to win the war against the Terrasaurs, he said that the Bolitic would help the Dinos hold the line then later in the year they could go on the offensive.

Dinomark destroyed at Sirikwan-Dino border

A Dinomark LM has been destroyed deep in DTA space, at the border of Dino Republic and Sirikwan space. It is thought the ship was destroyed by a Terrasaur ship using their worm-cloak technology which the Dinos are struggling to find a counter for.

The ship was on a diplomatic mission to Sirikwan and two senior officers were among the crew of eight, all presumed lost.

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.

Dino convoy attacked deep behind lines

The Terrasaurs are said to possess a stealth technology which uses a variant of worm hole jumping to remain undetected far more than a conventional cloak. The Dinos are now concerned that Terrasaur ships are now operating deep in Dino and DTA territory.

Yesterday a convoy of ships from Dino-Land to Voth was attacked near the asteroid field RPK/737/01E, which likes roughly half way between Sirikwan and Voth. Two Dinomarks received minor damage with no serious casualties, it is thought the Terrasaur ship suffered a weapon malfunction. It was hit by two TPMs and received damage, it disappeared using the worm hole jump.

Although the attack was not serious the Dinos are worried now for the safety of other convoys and ships operating deep in DTA space. Censor Ronald has tasked Chief Scientist Dougson with a way to combat the Terrasaur stealth. However, Dougson admitted that at the moment there is very little they know about what the Terrasaurs are using.