LOCATIONS

LAND

29 May 12. Sonardyne and ESE to protect high security Saudi facility with Sentinel IDS. ESE, a security systems integrator based in Saudi Arabia has been awarded a contract for the installation of the Sonardyne Sentinel Intruder Detection Sonar (IDS) for the protection of an undisclosed key energy asset. The order also includes a specialised deployment system and a sonar head designed for the demanding environmental conditions of the region. A corporate brand of Said A. Al-Ajou Trading Corporation L.L.C (SATC), ESE specialises in the design, supply, installation and integration of telecommunications, video and security systems. After indentifying the client’s need for a waterside security system preventing unauthorised access from the sea, ESE and Sonardyne are to supply the best performing intruder detection sonar on the market for protecting strategically important waterside facilities, ports and vessels. With global orders approaching 100 systems in 3 years, Sentinels are operational worldwide protecting energy infrastructure, coastal assets, vessels and strategic military assets. The system reliably detects, tracks and classifies underwater targets approaching a protected asset, providing security personnel with advanced threat warnings. The system is scalable to meet the needs of a single vessel right-through to the largest port and coastal borders.

30 May 12. ReconRobotics, Inc. has established its international headquarters in Lugano, Switzerland, signalling a significant advancement in the company’s three-year global expansion. Known as RRI Global SAGL, the new wholly owned subsidiary will oversee all sales, marketing and customer service operations outside of North America. Barry E.T. Harris MBE, the company’s Director of International Programs, will lead RRI Global and direct the growth of its international reseller network, which currently extends to 33 countries. The US plans to boost its naval presence in the Pacific as part of the Obama administration’s “pivot” towards Asia, a move that will almost certainly antagonise China. Leon Panetta, US defence secretary said the US would deploy 60 per cent of its naval assets, including warships and submarines, in the Pacific by 2020, up from the current 50 per cent. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue – an annual meeting of Asian defence officials and experts – Mr Panetta said the shift underscored Washington’s intention to remain what American officials describe as a “resident” Pacific power. The US defence chief, who will also visit Vietnam and India on his week-long tour of Asia, said the Pentagon would also increase the number of military exercises it conducts in the Pacific, and make more navy port calls, including in the Indian Ocean. (Source: FT.com)

22 May 12. Government Pipeline and Storage System (GPSS): Probable Sale. The Defence Equipment Minister presented (22 May 12) a Written Statement outlining a draft Energy Bill which includes provisions to enable the sale of the GPSS.
Comment: The GPSS was established at the start of World War II in order to supply aviation fuel to military airfields throughout the UK. The organisation subsequently grew to serve a number of civil airports while military use now only equates to about 10% of the GPSS throughput. A review has concluded that the GPSS does not need to remain under MoD ownership and could benefit from private sector investment.
(Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 12/22, 04 June 12)

MARITIME

18 May 12. NECC announces formation of Coastal Riverine Force. The US Navy has announced the creation of a new force intended to protect littoral critical infrastructure and conduct offensive missions in riverine and coastal environments. To be stood up by Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) on 1 June, the new Coastal Riverine Force (CORIVFOR) – formed by merging Riverine Group 1 and the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force – will seek to bridge the gap between naval operation