Monday interview : The Shiner

Former DDS Commander (with the longest reign by far) The Shiner is the head of the New Sparta Estate which means he runs all NS facilties and also the budget! He gave this short interview to Proxima Business Daily at the weekend.

Proxima Business Daily : Mr Shiner, you recently said New Sparta has some financial turbulence on its horizon. Can you elaborate on that?

The Shiner : We live in uncertain times. As you know the majority of our budget comes from the UNP and thus we are dependent on the UNP economy doing well. Recently things have not been that smooth.

PBD : Indeed, while the core planets have done well some of the outlying UNP worlds such as Saeou have been stuck with anaemic economies for a number of years.

TS : Yes, and so the pressure on the core planets to cover the NS budget funding becomes more onerous. Thats why i fear there will come a time the UNP might want to cut things back.

PDB : Well that is threatened fairly regularly but New Sparta is the military of the UNP in all but name.

TS : Well we all know that the defence budget is always a tempting target for cuts in times of peace. Its why i am trying to reduce out reliance on the UNP grant and raise funds from other avenues.

PDB : A few years ago exports of weapons and technology bought in nearly 15% of the NS budget but that has dropped to 12%. Can you explain why.

TS : There has been a downturn in our military exports. We are improving our portfolio but i think the main problem is we have saturated our market for space ships (and of course have growing competition). To compensate we are looking into the after market for growth. We've sold scores of ships. Now lets sell upgrades, improvements.

PDB : The new e-Core engine technology could be a big part of that.

TS : Indeed, we think re-engining the many Pentekonters out there could be lucrative over the next few years. I want us to grow our export revenue by 30% over the next 5 years. After market will be key but our improved portfolio will also be vital. We're looking into new types of ships for different roles.

PDB : For existing customers?

TS : Yes, we see many of our customers as being on a journey to build up their space presence. Many start with transports and shuttles, then they get some Pentekonters or refurbished Kalahati Tuuls. Now they have a working fleet but maybe they need combat support, mine warfare, EW. New Sparta needs to be where they come to develop their fleet and capabilities to the next level.

PDB : Is there not the danger though if you raise billions of zarks from other revenue sources the UNP might feel able to reduce your grant?

TS : It is a possibility but i hope not. We can't worry about this happening, we have a commanding lead in ship exports and we need to maintain it. Its not just revenue we bring in. Our customers become our friends, maybe some become allies at some stage, and of course already operate compatible hardware so integration is easy. 

PDB : Finally how do you see New Sparta financially by 2120?

TS : In a good place overall. We've managed to build some reserves so barring a major war we should be OK even if there is some turbulence. We just need to start selling ships again.

Witchdoctor to return to NS to head Central Committee

Former DDS Commander Witchdoctor recently returned to NS to conduct the investigation into the NS failures early in the pirate war. It is understood he has accepted a permanent role in NS heading the new NS Central Committee as its General Secretary. The role is not a full-time one as the committee is only due to meet 4 times a year, originally it was planned for someone to take it as well as their other NS duties.

However Witchdoctor approached NS saying he would like to return with to a permanent role and its thought heading the Central Committee would be perfect. His first task will be to organise the first proper meeting later in the year where the vote will be held to elect the first NS President.

Story #2395

End Of A Road
Von Kane is captured.

CAF to refurbish transport planes

As already announced by Admiral Anderson the Clone Air Force is to refurbish 80 older K44 transports which are approaching their end of fatigue lives. The planes will be fully refurbished, given new engines, updated avionics and have strengthened floors and improved rear ramps. The refurbished planes will be known as the K44LE (for Life Extension)

New build of K44s will continue but at a minimum rate, the production line is one of the lines which has strategic protection and must be kept open (the K85 COIN aircraft and Tapir IFV are also protected).

Anderson announces major boost in Clone defence spending

With the Clone economy on the up, some major programmes now having ended and the decentralisation of most secondary forces to local territorial forces there are major new funds available for new weapons and upgrades. The Clone defence budget will grow at 5% a year for the next 5 years at least. At a lengthy presentation the head of the CDF Admiral Anderson outlined some of the improvements.

Clone Army

• Production of T-55ZDM2 will increase. T-55ZDMs will be upgraded to ZDM2.
• Several hundred J98 rocket artillery systems will be built.
• More land mobile Gale-III launchers (number not specified)
• Development of laser rifle for infantry.
• Improved battlefield communication systems.

Clone Space Navy

• Molentic Tuul MTM2 production to begin at once.
• Shark SKB production rate increased.
• Improvements to 6 orbital space docks.

Clone Air Force

• Upgrades and rebuilds to 80 K44 transports to K44LE (Life Extension) standard.
• Prototype funding for K85QA COIN aircraft, plus upgrade for 450 K85NT to NTE standard with QA avionics and equipment.
• Increased production rates for K45C and K47.
• New air base to be built South of AIlier City.
• Initial gate funding for new generation of AAMs and ASMs.

Clone Navy

• Two more Olana class destroyers to be built.
• More K45K to allow for the withdrawal of the K40.

Story #2394

Hot Air!
Windy is on the trail of Von Kane.