Balzac Self Defence Force v. People's Republic of Camastan

[7.62]

The BSDF has been following the deployment of the Dong Class for some time. This is a worrisome addition by our Southern neighbors of a very capable system.
It is to all intent a Chinese Type 039 but of shorter length. It is know as the Short Dong by the BSDF.
We believe it's crewmen use the same term for their Leader.

It has forced a review in Balzac and may require an early deployment of some new assets.
We do have limited ASW Helicopters in the form of the older Super Pumas but they are showing their age.
Also the Huey replacement is going well with the AS565 Panther for the Army (WZ-9B) and some will be ship based by the Navy, we just need the ships!
The NH90 (Puma replacement) program is well behind schedule. We have a few transport versions entering service but we may need to push for the planed Naval ones right now.

Until then we are keeping a close eye this subs comings and goings.
Listening to comms, phone calls, reading e-mails and working out where the crew lives, eats and drinks.

[7.62]

The final draft of the Balzac Defence review is not due out for another couple of days but the local papers and TV are carrying a few leaks.

It points to a deteriorating security situation in the region and the need for reorganization of the Land Forces to face new threats.
One of the special priorities is to assert territorial integrity and defence of the Crossiron Mills economic zone. This is centered on the Island of Goatland about 90 km off the mainland. Since the end of the cold war the BSDF has draw down it's presence on the Island to just the the local home guard unit.
The review calls for the full time stationing of a battle group there before the end of the year.

[chrisswim]

Cama,
How can you take this sitting in your sub or with Ginger? You must counter Mick's build up of words and military assets being organized and deployed.

Mick, Nice looking air group. Show more pics please. Please let me/us know what modifications that you did.

Mick, my E-detection units have detected some logistics going your way. The supply corps you have is working to get the units and equipment needed.

I do have a C-141, C-17, and a Russian Il-76 being shipped. I do have some concern that the C-141 will be a bit too small. As I recall, it has 5.5 inch wing span. another inch or 1.5 inches would be better I think. It is 1/300 scale.

[7.62]

"Nice looking air group. Show more pics please. Please let me/us know what modifications that you did."
Chris, not sure I have any photos of the the build, I'll look. When the PM of Balzac got his new ride Challenger 850 (Bombardier CRJ 200) the BSDF got a spare for peaceful "weather research". Kind of a poor mans Sentinel R1. Green stuff putty and plastic.
Air Balzac also has CRJ200's in use.

"some logistics going your way"
Most excellent, all part of the plan 2020 defence update.

Unlikely to see any major incident with Camastan over the Summer Months.
However the fall may bring things to a head.

[7.62]

BSDF on Goatland.

32 Home Guard (Goatland Regt) Rimbey main town.
RHQ
2x Land Rover (not ever the GHQ ones!)
2x Samil 20
2x small water craft

A Coy. Rimbey.
1x Land Rover. 1x Samil 20.
33+3 Infantry

B Coy South.
1x Land Rover. 1x Samil 20
22 Infantry

C Coy North.
1x Land Rover. 1 Samil 20
11 Infantry

203 Amphib Training team.
10-15 Marines.
Goatland HG is the only HG trained by Amphib Corps.

Air Force.
Goatland Radar.
few military and civil operators.

1 Liaison officer Rimbey airport.

[chrisswim]

Our e-detection an-alysis, supported with eyes-on at the rail-hub, has identified traffic from the manufacturer. The cargo is being transported currently to the military depot for final out-fitting and in-field testing of weapon systems before final shipment for deployment to the units in the field.

An-alysis estimates: quantative comments
20 Leopard 2A6 ugly camo
2 companies of CV9040 finish with camo
4x4 light transport/cmd a dozen or so vehicle
Heavy Transport Mil 15 w/PLS
Police car??? could this be true, for MP
Civilian auto?? undercover MP, high ranking officer,

an-alysis from alternative shipping location:
ammo, 120mm, 40mm, 7.62mm, ATGM, food, medical supplies,
tentage, logistic supply sent, uniforms, communication systems, etc.

confirmed,
Supply: shipping by rail, sea, and truck: tires, parts, batteries, etc
warm weather uniform parceled to company-level, cold weather uniform being parceled to brigade-level.

What conclusions may be drawn.
1: training operation
2: transporting to another ally
3: operations assessment of logistics and command only
4: expected military operation- show of force
5: Military operation to engagement/conflict

Probability: 72% for Military operation to conflict
11% show of force only
8% logistical and command operation only
2% Transportation operation to another ally, only
7% Training operation

For Level IV Security Clearance only!!
Restriction, Leave cancelled, Call up requested.
24 hour validation assessment.

[7.62]

Just another load for the MV Tim Horton.
All paperwork is in order, nothing to see here, move along

[dragon6]

1/700? Different scale?

Just another load for the MV Tim Horton.
All paperwork is in order, nothing to see here, move along

[7.62]

Started out as an Imex 1/450 Nedlloyd Rouen.
WIP but the 4 story superstructure is now down to 2 floors and a new bridge on top.
I need to make some stairs and railing (maybe 1/350 PE?) some 1/285 crew should complete the illusion.
In for a summer refit but at 19" long a full length of containers with a decking on top should take 4 x NH90 with ease, I mean peaceful consumer goods.

[chrisswim]

7.62,
Peaceful consumer and industrial products.... sure,... you gonna attack Camastan, aren't you? It is nice looking, especially for an assault ship... errr cargo carrier.

[piersyf]

No no! They're only going for refurbishment! And they aren't hidden under those sacks of sugar, it's the only place they could fit!

[chrisswim]

Intel Assessment:
The Balzac DF has received new equipment from the factory, There are reported Leopard 2A6 or 2A7, CV9040, logistic vehicles, recon, command wheeled & tracked vehicles. Assessment is confirmed on the shipping and at point of delivery, demarcation.
It is additionally reported that Balzac civilians were elated upon the arrival. It is additionally reported that soldiers are happy that they do not have to run with a holding a large stick for tactical training.
Camastan soldiers are delighted at seeing the news reports on CNN & FOX about the equipment. Also about the ability of the Mi-8 HIP helo, it flexibility and lethality causes elation among the military of Camastan.

All questions should be directed to the public relations or propaganda officer, respectively.

[7.62]

Information Office of the BSDF.

The BSDF would just like to clarify some of the news reports of the last few days.
The MV Tim Horton (on lease to the BSDF) did dock in Balzac yesterday on returning from Europe on a routine logistics rotation.
The cargo did include MBT and IFV as part of the long planed and ongoing replacement of BSDF equipment.
This was not an unusual or large arms increase as had been report by some media.
The BSDF has owned CV90's for over 10 years, they are in the process of being replaced by newer 'C' models from Sweden. The Leopard 2's are second hand and are part of the ongoing effort to update the old 2A4 fleet and standardize on the 2A6 model to save money.

This is the normal day to day operation of the BSDF and is in no way linked to the problems we are seeing in some areas of our region.
The Balzac government today passed the latest defence bill before retiring for the Summer. This will naturally be open to the public and it shows only a very minor increase in defence spending.
The BSDF wanted more but most of the defence review on which the bill was based is about the realignment of existing forces.

As for the statements from the PRC this is not something new and we continue to monitor the situation.
The right of free passage in international waters is backed by maritime law and the UN.
The BSDF will ensure that this right is available to all.

The BSDF training with sticks? Well you can't believe everything you read!

[7.62]

Paris Air Show News.

A quick updated from Paris last week.
Air Balzac signed a deal with Boeing for 2 x B777 and 2x more B737-800.
The deal will allow Air Balzac to retire the DC-10 and 747 from service along with the last of the 727's. On a side note Marshall of Cambridge will refit a number of old Air Balzac 727 cargo aircraft for Air to air refueling (they did the original cargo mod).
Air Balzac also said it will acquire more Bombardier Q 400's after excellent customer review of the type introduced last Dec.

A large deal was also rumored to be signed with Saab but details are hard to come by at this time. Said to include aircraft (more Gripen? Saab 2000 MPA?) , radars, missiles, ASV/CMD 10x10 LAV's?

Airbus Helicopters (Eurocopter) again showed the Tiger HAP in BSDF colours but no known deal has been signed. One has been flying at the trials unit in Balzac for almost a year now.
Not seen by many was the display (late in the day) of the Naval AS565 Panther of 'M' flight BSDF.
The NH90 program was again committed to with a renewed focus to have the Naval versions deliver on time and budget.

[7.62]

Defence review BALZAC 2020- A stronger defence for uncertain times.

The most important priority of this review is to increase the operational war fighting capability of the BSDF.

As a nonaligned Nation, Balzac's defence and security policy ultimately aims at preserving Balzac's independence and autonomy. This policy must protect our sovereignty, territorial integrity and allow freedom from political, military or any other pressure.
A modern well trained and equipped force will be maintained for the total defence of the nation. Co-operation with other nations is an advantage and will be expanded as required.

It is recognized that the cutbacks of the last years have pushed the BSDF to the limit. Renewal is required to keep core assets viable.

At this time Balzac does not share a common boarder with any hostile nation. However events in Europe have shown that conditions may change very quickly and it is possible that we may have to face a land boarder scenario with little time or warning.

Through it's geographical position in the regional sea, the Island of Goatland is of vital strategic importance for Balzac as well as the region as a whole.
Goatland is important for sea lanes and air routes within the region.
It is a Balzac strategic interest to have a permanent military presence on the Island.
A Balzac military presence in and around Goatland will have a stabilizing effect for the entire region.
The need to meet and conduct hybrid and cyber warfare will be increased.
The deterioration of the security situation highlights the strong need to collect, process, understand and produce intelligence, this will be reinforced.

The land force will consist 2 Brig HQ, 2 Recce Comp, 5 mek battalions, 2 motorised battalions, 1 light (air mobile) Battalion, 1 SOG and units in the support group ( Eng, Art, AD, CBRN, transport, logistics etc) plus a Mek Bat Goatland by end of 2015.
Home guard will be increased and re-equipped.

Air and sea review to follow.