NEWS IN BRIEF
————————————————————————
Web page sponsored by Comtech Systems Inc.
For over 30 years, Comtech Systems has been the world leading supplier of troposcatter communications products and integrated long range high data rate communications systems for global defense and industrial markets. Comtech’s tropo modems, solid state amplifiers, four port angle diversity systems, and integrated quick link tropo systems continue to set the industry standard.
Comtech Systems integrated communications systems include troposcatter, satellite, line-of-sight microwave, VHF and UHF, and HF radios supporting data, voice and video networks for applications such as C3I systems, tactical communications, air defense, offshore oil and gas platforms and telephone networks.
———————————————————————–
EUROPE
27 Jul 09. Afghanistan: OP HERRICK. A Warrant Officer Class 2 from the Royal Artillery was killed as a result of an explosion in Sangin District on 27 Jul 09. A Trooper from The Light Dragoons died in an explosion in Lashkar Gah District on 27 Jul 09.
UK deaths since the start of Operations in October 2001 thus rose to 191, of whom 160 were killed as a result of hostile action. (MoD, 27 Jul 09.)
From 1 Jan 06 to 15 Jul 09, 753 personnel were categorised as Wounded in Action and 2,280 were aeromedically evacuated. (MoD, 30 Jul 09.) From 1 to 15 Jul 09 the figures were 57 and 88.
OP PANTHER’S CLAW, which started on 19 Jun 09, ended on 26 Jul 09. 3,000 British troops were involved in the Operation to clear insurgents from the area between Lashkar Gah and Gereshk, prior to the elections due to take place on 20 Aug 09. (MoD, 27/28 Jul 09.)
Two Tornado GR4 have crashed recently in Kandahar. On 19 Jul 09 a brake fire caused minor damage to an aircraft but the crew were unharmed. On 20 Jul 09 the crew ejected from an aircraft following an aborted take-off. Both the crew were safe but the second aircraft was destroyed. (MoD, 30 Jul 09.)
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) recorded 1,013 civilian deaths in the first six months of 2009. About 59% of civilian deaths were caused by anti-Government elements and 31% were the responsibility of pro-Government forces. (UN, 31 Jul 09.)
Comment: The figure of 170,000 quoted for the Afghan National Security Forces in DNA 09/28 has been queried. The figure is correct. As at mid-July 2009, the Afghan National Army (ANA) had an actual strength of about 91,900 (the balance to 170,000 being Police). In his speech to NATO on 27 Jul 09, the Foreign Secretary forecast that 134,000 members of the ANA will have been equipped and trained by the end of 2011 and that they will then be supported by 97,000 Police.
42 Countries continue to contribute to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), although adjustments have been made to the numbers from the US, the UK and 16 other nations. A revised list of Troop Contributing Nations (TCN), indicating an overall increase of over 3,300 personnel, is shown below.
AFGHANISTAN: INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE (ISAF)
TROOP CONTRIBUTING NATIONS (TCN) AS AT 23 JUL 09
United States 29,950
Lithuania 200
United Kingdom 9,000
Macedonia 165
Germany 4,050
Latvia 165
France 3,160
New Zealand 160
Canada 2,800
Estonia 150
Italy 2,795
Greece 145
Poland 2,000
Albania 140
Netherlands 1,770
Finland 110
Australia 1,090
Azerbaijan 90
Romania 1,025
Portugal 90
Spain 780
Slovenia 80
Turkey 730
UAE 25
Denmark 700
Ukraine 10
Belgium 510
Luxembourg 9
Norway 485
Iceland 8
Bulgaria 470
Singapore 8
Sweden 430
Ireland 7
Czech Republic 340
Jo