Sunday, October 7, 2007

SLN warships destroy LTTE arms vessel in international waters

Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) delivered yet another blow to Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's (LTTE) clandestine arms network when it successfully intercepted a LTTE cargo vessel in international waters 1700km away from Colombo. We can confirm that the destroyed ship, known as "Matushima", is the same ship that fled when Navy intercepted 3 other LTTE vessels last month.

Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) SLNS Suranimala, SLNS Sayura and SLNS Sagara formed the core of a special naval task force that sailed to the deep seas off Dondra Point to hunt down the LTTE vessel after an early intelligence tip off. Supply vessels A520 and A521 were also engaged in the operation. LTTE vessel was identified at 5.30am today (7th) and was completely destroyed by 9.30 am after it drew 76mm, 37mm and 30mm cannon fire from SLN warships.

This ship is supposed to be the last of LTTE's fleet of cargo vessels. However this claim cannot be verified. LTTE is known to fill up its inventories in utmost secrecy. Most LTTE agents that operate their arms network are still at large. That being said there is no doubt that the Sri Lanka Navy, with its limited resources and small OPV fleet, has delivered another deadly blow to the terror movement with the destruction of the 7th arms vessel during an year.

187 comments:

  1. What a great news. Three hoorays for SLN! Hope they already know about the other ships acquired by LTTE! May be it is a good time to acquire more OPVs for SLN to keep up with the speed. Keep up good work.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Folks, the newly promoted to Brigadier, the Former head of Special forces is back in Business.........

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  3. Guys listen up

    There are pro LTTE poster in strategypage who claims that this blog is "anti-Tamil". A guy called CannotHideTheTruth is posting that this is a racist sinhalese blog. we all know thats not true.

    We need some of you guys to sign up on startegypage so we can clear this muddling of information by some of these pro LTTE tools. There one pro-sinhalese guy who has spoken on our behalf and he goes by GreyJackal.

    There is also a pro LTTE guy in SP who actually wrote that:

    "North east have always been tamils homeland"

    If anyone has studied history they will know that Sinhalese established their first kingdom and ruled over the entire island way before the Tamils established their first kingdom in the North after numerous invasions from Tamil Nadu.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Goldeneagle,

    Where exactly is the strategypage forum?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Here's the link

    http://www.strategypage.com/

    Your participation is very important.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Here's the link to the listing of articles on Sri Lanka

    http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/srilank/default.aspx

    ReplyDelete
  7. The Israeli built ships carry Gabriel anti-ship missiles. SLN is known to carry a load of them on those ships. At a cost of appx US$1.0million a piece they are expensive.

    Shooting with guns is cheaper, and good for target practice.

    And its so much more fun too.

    ReplyDelete
  8. It is obvious to any layman that the Sri Lanka is 27 Kms away from Tamil Nadu (the real Tamil Homeland) where 60 Million of Tamils live, and they encroached Sri Lanka from time to time and settled around coastal areas of North.

    But LTTE is doing all their best to turn the truth around.

    The biggest disadvantage that the Sinhalese faced after Colonial times was the Tamil Surveyors giving Tamil names to all the Sinhala names in the North and East. Otherwise, we would still be using the Sinhala names for those places.

    Another truth is, TamilNadu Tamils treat Sri Lankan Tamils as Pariah. They treat Sri Lankan Tamils as third-grade. So, Sri Lankan Tamils have no other alternative than shouting for an Eelam (the actual translation of Eelam is Sinhala Nation).

    In TamilNadu Sinhala Nation is still call Eelai.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sam

    When you go to the main page of Strategypage, listed above horizontally are various links. Take your mouse cursor to the "community" link and it will open a drop-down menu that lists a bunch links vertically, now click on the "military discussion boards" link.

    If you still can't find the discussion boards. Just go to Google and type in the word strategypage. The very first link will be the offical Strategypage link, and underneath that very same link in smaller text are a bunch of sub-links, click on the "military discussions" sub-link and you are there.

    ReplyDelete
  10. What we need is not division as races or religions, but unity.

    Only a Unitary State can find answers to the biggest problem that the people face - 'Poverty'.

    We have to fight it as a single united nation. Prabhakaran wasted 30 years of Sri Lankan people on his Nazi Single Race divisional ideology.

    It is time for Tamil people to understand the true traitor of Tamils and flock for a united Sri Lanka.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Guys,

    Another similar site is www.topix.net, which was dominated by the tiger media called'sibernews' for a while. I personally took the fight to them and protested repeatedly to the editors regarding who was using their bandwidth. Things changed quite fast once these folks realized they'd been hijacked by terrorists and now sibernews is unheard of.
    Instead there is a balanced view regarding SL. There are also plenty of tiger loonies there which provides for some fun. That is where I play rough and dirty.

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  12. Thanks Defencenet for the update. Now the challenge is to be vigilant to LTTE attempts at resurrecting their fleet!

    More importantly thanks to everyone here who have been trying to counter the LTTE propaganda on the www. Great effort their storm with siber news! We will need a lot of individual effort to get out a more balanced view of SL!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Dear Asithri,

    Thank you for taking time in replying to my previous post, and I understand that you have done quite a lot of help and that’s good substance.

    I wish you good luck in continuing these efforts to support the motherland!

    Pls forget about the “pol pala’ comment and monetary assistance to MR comment 

    Btw Asithri, as I realize we need a mechanism to keep the US senators updated about the real situation in SL and to ensure that they don’t get mislead by terrorist sympathizers. In the past a lot of negative comments made against the country by US senators were due to the fact that they were “bought in” by the terrorists. One might say its Lankan Embassy’s duty to disseminate right information but as I understand sending emails to senators offices can do quite a much. Are there any active campaigns being carried out by our expats or by you ? If so we can inform the bloggers here to support for that.

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  14. Great achievement guys.
    Our Leadership is improving and become very strong now.
    LTTE is becoming very week in front of him.
    Our boys with excellent moral to go forward and finish LTTE Terrorist within very short period i guess.
    Great Leadership is thinking one country for our next generation guys.

    Look guys' Our power full forces came from lost minded to winning minded under great Leadership.

    Eg : Earlier We lost Army camps with more boys on the spot some times.

    But Now LTTE is loosing their all camps with many terrorist on the spot.

    THIS IS THE HIGHLY COMMANDING IMPROVEMENT FROM CHIEF IN COMMANDER WITH ALL THE COMMANDERS IN SRI LANKA AGAINST LTTE TERRORIST.

    ReplyDelete
  15. SLNS Suranimala isnt an OPV its a Saar 4 Fast Missile Vessel. And regarding the Gabriel surface-to-surface anti-ship missile, there were unconfirmed reports that the Navy had bought some, but it was never verified. I highly doubt this, I cant think the navy would use a Gabriel to take out an LTTE boat, and you dont need guided missiles to take out slow moving unguarded cargo vessels. The Saar 4 also usually has a Phalanx vulcan canon which is missing on the two SL ships.

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  16. Guys...considering the time that this happened with clear visibilty and decent weather too... why doesn't SLN try to capture these ships after disabling them.
    This time we had multiple support ships...good visibility and calm weather... cant we take out those heavy gun operators from the enemy ship with our sharpshooters and try to board the ship?
    There's got to be a way to disable the ship so we can even stake-out and capture it...
    I understand the dangers of doing so but it'll be superb to break the spirits of tiger supporters and silence their propaganda at least to a bit

    ReplyDelete
  17. http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/naval/saar4/Saar4.html

    ReplyDelete
  18. tropicalstorm,

    I wish you good luck with all your efforts..

    ReplyDelete
  19. Kamikaze air attack on a Presidential event... or multiple series of suicide attacks.

    These are being the talk of LTTE town..

    Take measures!

    ReplyDelete
  20. DefenseNet..(when you have the time)..any news about that soldier who was injured and left in the LTTE area.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Any verification on these casualty figures from Tamilnet?

    http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=23484

    ReplyDelete
  22. Ranil,

    I heard that the Navy took the SBS with them this time, however the fire on-board was so horrific the SBS personnel could not get close.

    That's why the vessel was not boarded.

    It shows intent though. They did try.

    ReplyDelete
  23. defencenet:

    What is this tamilnet claim about LTTE killing 6 STF commandos in trinco? Any truth to it?

    ReplyDelete
  24. Patriots,

    The claymore ambush on the STF in Ampara is noteworthy. This tells that there are some LTTE maggots still active in that area and proves that STF must not be complacent and continue with pre-emptive ambushes of them, especially night ops. These are likely new infiltrations and that’s why it is more important to do the “clean-up” before the maggots start a re-infestation.

    Dear Observer,

    Glad I got my point across to you. Yes, I will forget those “other comments” from you as to me it is obvious you made them without any knowledge of what I am about. As for your point about that SL missions abroad must do an effective job of counter-propaganda, yes, it is a valid point and I must say it used to be pretty awful long ago, but did greatly improve during Kadir’s (may his soul rest in peace) time as the SL foreign minister. During that time, we saw some very high-caliber individuals in our missions and I would say it is incumbent upon MR GOSL to ensure that this vital effort is not left to degrade (and we have personally made some representations to Bogollagama re. this). However, what is an important element is the counter-propaganda from the non-LTTE SL expats as that is often more powerful than what the GOSL says and it is doubly more powerful when it is done by those constituents of those Senators/Congressman etc. This is where we have had some good success as that is exactly what the LTTE-supporters did earlier and by the mere fact of presenting a counter-point (in this case, by some other constituents), we have been able to make some of these politicians’ view more balanced vis-à-vis SL. There are still challenges and we do the best while juggling time in between our professions and personal commitments.

    As for specific campaigns I/we have undertaken, I rather not mention them in this public forum for the obvious reason of not giving the enemy heads-up on who/what we are working on. Having said that, I would say it is always helpful to drop in a note to Mr. Richard Bouchar (Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs) and Mr. Nicholas Burns (Under Secretary, Political Affairs) as those are two individuals who have had much crap thrown their way from the “thamileelamists” terror-supporters and their Norwegian supporters.

    They can be contacted via email at:

    http://www.state.gov/aboutstatedepartment/

    (No direct emails for these individuals are given; you need to fill out an online comment to them)

    OR, through snail-mail at:

    U.S. Department of State
    2201 C Street NW
    Washington, DC 20520

    PEACE to all patriots…

    OaO Asithri

    ReplyDelete
  25. Ga
    tks. yep saw that on defencewire... getting tired of having fightout with ltte supporters from other fourms saying this is all propaganda :(

    Asithri,
    Yep mate you gotta keep on taking on these ltte supporters from all these web forums. otherwise lots of the people who browse through those sites will beleive their stories...
    too bad brown banned you from LNP..we miss that kinda talent there now :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. There are other masterly yet shady players who are the true winners at everryone else' cost.

    By last year the EU nations were starting to get jittery with reports of LTTE infliteration in most of them. Today we know that this is true. THe Brits even had an 'understanding'with the tigers that the harrassment will be only for tamils in UK and will not touch their citizens. The threat towards the EU nations started growing at a time when ol' Anton Bala once declared that 'the day they (Brits) take us (LTTE) on, will be the day they learn the meaning of 'true terrorism'. Given all that and continuous intel on increased tiger activity and cooperation with other domestic terror outfits was making the entire EU very uncomfortable by the end of last year. It was around that time that the EU parliament blurted out that the SLN should be provided with all assistance to wipe out the tigers. But then that had to happen at the Sri Lankans' cost, and could not involve the EU nations, though they would benefit in a tremendous way by being able to stop any arms supplies to their own home grown terras.

    Since then what they wanted has happened with amazing results. And there's not a hum from any of those countries. Or anyone else either. Ten major naval clashes resulting in loss of life in international waters does not make any waves in anybody's tea-cup? Wonders never cease.

    Also, during these times, the EU threatened SL with actions against alleged 'Human Rights violations' on a number of times, almost trotting out the animal, but backing it again into the barn at the last moment. What really were they intending?

    Pacifying terrorists?

    ReplyDelete
  27. "Police Recover Military Items on Civilian Information "

    Hey guys I know someone had suggested here that MCNS stop using the term 'war like items' and instead use 'military items' guess what! Looks like they are listening :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. My opinion:
    The SLN site (hosted by Mr Brown) is trash.Useful only to LTTE supporters when they need to gain some amusement at our expense during their leisure.The internet in the UStates costs peanuts compared to us in SLanka as a percentage of total income/year.Why not let these LTTE supporters chat with each other?.This is a much better forum.

    ReplyDelete
  29. folks fyi -

    "A suspicious contract in Navy"

    http://lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=4757&PHPSESSID=e5080f3a7296a9f265a112775df26b6e

    ReplyDelete
  30. rif,

    LEN is not a site I would take seriously.

    ReplyDelete
  31. sri lankan...
    i also go to brown's site to bash eelamists when i need some entertainment :) had a bit of fun in da morning :)
    you're right about the site though...brown posts most of the news favorable to the tiger supporters so he can watch as the hit count on the site goes up :)
    war is something that lots of people use for their personnel gains....sad but that's the reality

    ReplyDelete
  32. If anyone reports corruption, we have to take it seriously. The allegations should be investigated. Corruption is always detrimental to the nation.

    If Navy has given a contract to a 'black-listed' party, it should be a concern.

    To purchase right equipment, no corruption required. If a corruption happened means, it provides substandard equipment, and it will jeopardies lives of the security forces and the national security.

    That allegation should be investigated!

    ReplyDelete
  33. The defence.lk claims that 65 LTTE's killed on 25 September by an SLAF air strike..


    It is not a good idea to report large casuality rates amoung LTTE's because of Human Rights issues.


    It is better they don't report any casualities including that of the SLA.

    That is my oppinion..


    Regarding the clamis that 6 STF men died, ...It could be true since the Sunday observer last week reported that LTTE infiltrated Trinco and urged SLA to be more vigilant on this matter.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I sense LTTE is preparing Mass murder against the SLA..

    Please be vigilant.

    ReplyDelete
  35. SLDF need to conduct some neat searches in estates of Deniyaya, Udupussellewa upwards. During Ranil's time, LTTE had transported more than 2500 kgs of C4 to such areas for safe-keeping. They were never recovered. Now it seems that everyone has forgotten about them.

    SLDF needs to create a mobile search team comprising Army, Police, SLAF, and Navy. Their job should be acting as flying-squads and conduct instant searches covering large areas. The team could comprise of 150 - 200 personnel, and should be professionally trained and equipped to conduct searches for hidden military hardware.

    The current searches are less productive, because the teams are randomly picked, and lack special knowledge.

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  36. Hello Ranil.Thanks for your comments.If i have some free time i will get some sleep :):).

    Tangara the LTTE have been murdering the DForces for 30 years.This time the forces must make sure they kill as many as possible in air force counter attacks.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Ranil,

    Do not you think that LNP provides a platform for anyone to trash out LTTE propaganda.

    I like Mr. Brown putting articles that have been published by LTTE elements.

    So, everyone can flock and bash them off! Good fun!

    But one of the greatest service that anyone can do is to do some counter-lobbying LTTE false propaganda.

    I saw recently one of the British High-commission Official saying that "Sinhalese Only Policy". He has been so brain-washed and misled, he thinks that still Sri Lanka has a Sinhalese Only policy.

    He does not know that both Sinhalese and Tamil are official languages in Sri Lanka, which was declared more than 20 years ago.

    ReplyDelete
  38. The LTTE Passing Out Parade should have been treated with Air-bursting Frag bombs fitted with proximity sensors. The LTTE FDLs also should be treated with the same. Thermal imaging at night could be a great aid, whether UAV driven or through on-board equipment of Mig 27s.

    ReplyDelete
  39. The initial photos released by LTTE had the full faces of the LTTE TAF guys showing. They smudged them later. Why?

    http://www.sibernews.com/news/sri-lanka/-200703257899/

    Mainly for them to use the Katunayaka airport to fly out of the country when required.

    A conspiracy theory is that LTTE may hijack a plane and reenact 9/11 too.

    But, the intel at Katunayake is so weak, even Prabhakaran can go out of the country very easily. That is one of our national problems - the lack of security and intel at Katunayake. It is one of the biggest corruption dens in our country - it has yet to beat the Colombo Port.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Tamilnet article on STF incident is true. It is indeed a fact that some LTTE elements are still operating in Ampara area. However they do not have bases and are stationed in the jungles just to carry out hit and run attacks.

    "
    I heard that the Navy took the SBS with them this time, however the fire on-board was so horrific the SBS personnel could not get close."

    Even last time 4 attack teams of SBS were on board the ships. It would have been suicidal for them to board the ships as cadres on board were instructed to blow up themselves and the ship in case of hijack attempt.

    About the Air and artillery strikes today it was all thanks to good intel. LTTE has suffered casualties but were are unable to confirm the number that got killed or injured. It is also unlikely that any senior leader was injured in those incidents.

    ReplyDelete
  41. This is called stupidity,

    http://www.lakbima.lk/img/oct-09.jpg

    ReplyDelete
  42. Two great articles from Island,

    http://www.island.lk/2007/10/10/features2.html

    http://www.island.lk/2007/10/10/opinion3.html

    ReplyDelete
  43. No LTTE,

    That link doesn't work.

    Is it that research ship picture on lakbima?

    ReplyDelete
  44. ga,

    The picture is Mahinda going into the crowds in Badulla who are behind a metal fence to give hi-five to people.

    That is not bravery.. it is idiocy.!

    MR is taking too much risks when SLDF discovering suicide jackets in every corner of SL.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Not sure how reliable Indian media is related to Pakistan - Sri Lanka military deals, but this article says we're planning to buy 25 MBTs.

    http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20071010/main7.htm

    They claim Pakistan is trying to force us to buy their inferior Al Zarrar tanks instead of cheaper T-72s.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I don't see much use in buying Pakistani Al Zarrar tanks or Soviet T-72 tanks. This war doesn't need much tanks. That kind of money is better spent on buying more OPVs(which we really need) or larger calibre MBRL systems that have deep strike & steel rain ability.

    All our current tanks use 100mm ammo and adding another type of tank that uses 125mm ammo will make things once again more complicated and expensive when it comes to maintainence of our equipment. I say lets stick with the 100mm.

    If we really want buy more tanks then lets buy some from China and lets also upgrade and up-armor our existing tanks with the help of the Chinese. China offers some good add-on armor(ERA) kits for T-55 type tanks, and I am sure that they can also revamp the insides of our existing tanks to make them more high tech(maybe even digital) at an unbeatable price.

    This is a picture a Chinese up-armored T-55 type tank:

    http://www.sinodefence.com/
    army/tank/type593.asp

    Looks mean, don't you think?

    ReplyDelete
  47. Well, well, what have we here….!!!

    “An air strike by Sri Lankan warplanes killed 69 Tamil Tiger rebels at a training camp last month, the military said on Tuesday, the biggest single-day rebel casualties in months of renewed fighting.”

    Simply Outstanding!

    I see the confirmation finally came! The Sept 25th SLAF crapping run on the maggots was fait accompli that it had caused a huge "damage." The post-attack maneuver/theatrics on the part of the maggots (i.e. the whole area was cordoned off and no civilians were permitted in, many vehicles moved in (likely to carry the bodies), heavy AA guns moved into the area (so that the clean up can proceed), etc. etc.) alone told that a death-blow had been delivered!

    They say one should not rejoice on the killing of fellow human beings…but as I always say, these are not human beings, so let’s rejoice. Aha, down the hatch! LMSSAO!

    Ranil: Thanks for the nice words mate…No, I don’t fret over LNP anymore…I used to see many hardcore LTTErs “stepping out of line” three and getting away with it, so my “proscription” (heck, I had to go for psychological counseling! LMSSAO!) was in a way a blessing in disguise as it helped me to concentrate on some valuable counter-propaganda where it matters.

    NoLTTE=Heaven (LMSSAO!):

    Thanks for the piece on :
    “SLDF need to conduct some neat searches in estates of Deniyaya, Udupussellewa upwards. During Ranil's time, LTTE had transported more than 2500 kgs of C4 to such areas for safe-keeping. They were never recovered. Now it seems that everyone has forgotten about them.”

    This is good stuff man! You could do a whole lot good for the Motherland if you were working in the MOD as I bet the blockheads there have forgotten about what happened during she-male Ranil’s time and have overlooked tracking this consignment of explosives.

    PEACE to all patriots…

    OaO Asithri

    ReplyDelete
  48. Golden Eagle,

    I totally agree with your below comments,

    "I don't see much use in buying Pakistani Al Zarrar tanks or Soviet T-72 tanks. This war doesn't need much tanks. That kind of money is better spent on buying more OPVs(which we really need) or larger calibre MBRL systems that have deep strike & steel rain ability."

    However, the current tanks we have are 'boiling inside' during the day-time. Needs some neat A/C system inside too. I know how our boys sweat in there when steel gets hot.

    Better to spend some money on Chinese long-range MBRLs. Really agree!

    We really, really need Mini UAVs to supplement all the MBRL and Arty teams. It can save enormous amount of costs by reducing round wastage.

    One of the weaknesses in our forces is that Airforce think that they are the only people who should even touch an aircraft or a helicopter. Navy thinks that Army should not touch even a fibreglass boat and it is Navy's job to take care of army in waters. This is bullsh*t.

    What is wrong with Army operating their Medium Range UAV while keeping SLAF informed there whereabouts. Else, every MBRL team should be supplemented with two SLAF guys flying mini UAVs. Would it satisfy the egos?

    ReplyDelete
  49. Asithri.. man I am blushing .. thanks for the complements, we will do our part while sitting in front of our computers.

    So have you substituted your key-word Pansy with She-male when describing Ranil?

    I share the same pains as you man.. the security damage he did to the country within his two-years is more than enough to bring and throw all my foul words in my dictionary.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I don't understand why the SLAF doesn't do a follow up strike to take out the heavy armour when it converges into a place like that. Sounds like they are asking for it and we should not disappoint them.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I am really pissed off over the stupidity surrounding the Mig-27 deal and the sanctimoneous crap of a few media mudalalies who are willing to sell the future of the nation to achieve their own personal career objectives. Let me explain the basis of my irritation;

    There are different ways to measure the value of anything, including military assets.

    The first method is to value them based on what the market pays for them. This is a valid process where the asset is not in desperate need for survival, but serves only a 'in case of need' purpose.

    The second method is to estimate the value of the asset based on the value of its service is to the individual investor based on the importance and urgency of need. In cases such as the one Sri Lanka finds herself in, this is the more appropriate method since the asset goes into action immediately and serves its purpose. In such cases the value of the asset needs to be evaluated taking into consideration what it performs and its proven value in the individual scenario. The value of the services rendered by the Mig-27s so far should by now convince any independent minded Sri Lankans that the dollar value which anyone else, who does not share Sri Lanka's own unique security situation is willing to pay for a Mig-27 has no relevance to Sri Lanka. To Sri Lankans who are sick and tired of tamil terrorism, the Mig-27s have already proven their value to be above and beyond the dollars paid for them.

    Let me pose this question to you, the intelligent reader;
    How much are you willing to pay for a compatible human kidney today ?
    How much would you be willing to pay for the same kidney if your life depended on having it quickly?...

    The issues revolving around the Mig-27 issue are no different. To find the right answer, it is imperative to always understand the problem clearly first.

    And for those who kiss Iqbal Athas' ass, pose these to him and see what he has to say now..
    [http://srilankaairforce.blogspot.com/]

    Feel free to use this posting on my blog to take this issue further in any forum.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hi guys,

    Well well.. first Vishwamadu then this!!!. Makes my day any day. We should have done this to these criminals from day one.Then 50,000+ People could have been saved. Better late than never. Hip Hip Hooray....

    ReplyDelete
  53. Can anyone tell me..
    What are the sniper rifles are used by LTTE, and Sri Lankan army
    (If it's possible)
    As I know Dragunov SVD type Chinese modals (79 and 81) are the most powerful variations using here,
    But I want to know are there Fifty Calibers?

    ReplyDelete
  54. Guys,
    65 killed in air attack in September
    +
    40 killed in Villattikulam during 1st week of October
    +
    10 sea tigers killed when LTTE arms vessel sunk
    +
    lets say 20+ were killed when senior LTTE leader was targeted in Vishwamadu
    +
    40 killed in the Wanni FDLs (assuming 3 were killed daily for the past 2 weeks)
    =
    175+ LTTE killed during last 2 weeks...

    Man, this is a damn good kill ratio... :-)

    Good example of the capabilities of the current military leadership and the commitment by the guys who actually carry out the operations!

    noltte=peace;
    I just froze for a minute when I read your "conspiracy theory"...
    It sounds very realistic! Might be just what the LTTE wanted to put the whole country in to chaos!
    I just hope the relevant precautions will be taken...

    ReplyDelete
  55. hi defencenet, any reports on the claimed air attack. When you have time pls update us.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Very nice comments.!!.However you are misinformed.According to Revy(LTTE un rep) we killed 69 teenage girls who were attending a knitting class.As a result of this gross human right violation by the "Sinhala buddhist..govt" the parents are applying for canadian citizenship...why not morroccan?.
    I hope the media keep us informed as to what happened to those 2 SLankan tamil crooks..(needless to say extremely soft spoken) who were caught by the met police engaged in a visa racket?.They had accumulated a total of £3.0 Million.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Goldeneagle,

    Yes, we shouldn’t change our MBT yet, our boys love the T-55AM2 and know how to use them well, they a rugged & reasonably effective for our battle fields.

    The Al-Kalhid is way too heavy for our bridges and will have limited mobility in our terrain. The T-72 could be an option considering its wide spread, been cheap and easy to train but it too is very heavy. But we can’t think of changing MBT’s now, in another 3~5 year perhaps.

    I think we should replace the four MBT’s we lost and get a few more T-55AM2’s (at least lease a few about 12) in the short term. We have crews and mechanics who know how to run and repair them)
    But one of the key problems for the armored corp. is the lack of spares. We need spares for all our A Class vehicles. T-55’s, 55AM2’s, BMP-1&2’s and Type-85 Chinese IFVs and even the BTR’s.

    Our army needs a good armored vehicle maintenance & overhaul plant ASAP. And we should look to upgrade all the fire control systems of our MBT’s and IFV. ERA for the T-55AM2 might make it too heavy for the sandy areas but it is a risk worth taking if the tigers acquire ATGM’s. But some additional armor for the Type-85 APC including the ones in the Mech. Div might help, with an internal automatic fire suppression kit.

    The APC’s including the tracked Type-89’s and Wheeled Type-92(W 551) all need a better gunners shield (1 man turret). The current one offers little protection from the front arc and the gunner can be easily picked out by a sniper. In addition the single 12.7mm HMG it is armed with is a bit cumbersome to operate manually.

    I suggest a power assisted traverse & elevation system, coupled with a 7.62mm PKT in coax like in many IFV. Or you can have a 40mm AGL as primary with the 7.72 in coax.

    Currently the BMP-2 is the most formidable IFV in our arsenal. We should have it upgraded (with better FC system and IR gunners sight) and acquire a few more and retire the old BMP-1s and the old Type-86 (which are Chinese copies of the BMP-1)

    I am in heavily in favor of phasing out the BMP-1/Type-86 and some older British & Chinese vehicles and buying the BMP-3 (with some upgrades like thermal cam/secure coms) IFV from Russia. They have been put in to service with many nations and have proved well.

    The 100mm low recoil gun /30mm cannon combo system is devastating. It is faster than a BMP-2, more survivable and packs a big punch like a light tank. And it carries a squad of combat ready troopers. Since it is lighter than our MBTs and can carry troops as well, it’s the ideal choice for our armored need.

    We can also get a simulator in advance of the delivery and start training our crews for them. If we can get about 48-64 of them, we can place a squadron in each Armor regiment.

    The armored corp. needs to standardize pronto:
    1 type of MBT(T-55AM2 for now),
    1 type of tracked APC(Type-89),
    1 type of wheeled APC (BTR-80A, the W551 should be given to the Mech. Div or kept for patrol/liaison /convoy duties)

    1 type of IFVs (BMP-2 upgraded for now, replaced with the BMP-3 in phases)

    Plus we should reinforce key bridges in all districts so that armor has better access to them. Also a underground controlled environment storage complex built to keep military hardware that is not in use or in reserve/storage. (Just an idea for the future) :)

    Just a thought, your views please.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Guys check this article from LBO about the Colombo Dockyard bidding for Navy tenders! I pray the Navy will look towards indigenous development which will strengthen our economy!

    The important bit is the 8th paragraph!

    http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?newsID=235657863&no_view=1&SEARCH_TERM=35

    ReplyDelete
  59. Noltte=peace

    “One of the weaknesses in our forces is that Airforce think that they are the only people who should even touch an aircraft or a helicopter. Navy thinks that Army should not touch even a fiberglass boat and it is Navy's job to take care of army in waters. This is bullsh*t.”

    You are right,

    Im with you 100% on this one.

    It’s a sad tale, the Artillery reg. don’t want the STF to have 160mm mortars, the Army doesn’t like the SBS working on land, Navy doesn’t want the army to have boats even for flood evacuation!

    The air force goes nuts when the Navy asked for Helo’s and the Army asked for wings to be pinned on paras!
    The Force and police treat the Home Guards (Civil DF) as expendables……

    They (all three forces) got to learn to work together…. It’s for the good of our country and nothing else aint it??

    ReplyDelete
  60. @tropicalstorm

    Regarding your comments on the MIG 27
    MIG 27 is doing a good job along with the kfirs. but dont you think is isnt in the public intrest to know below facts i quote directly from Athas column

    "Making the situation worse, The Sunday Times investigation reveals, is the composition of the four MiG-27s now being procured. Two of these aircraft were offered to the Air Force by D.S. Alliance Private Limited in May 2000 at cost of U.S $ 1.75 million (or Rs. 189 million) each. The Air Force did not deem it fit to obtain them. But they are now being purchased at a cost of US $ 2,462,000 (or Rs 265,896,000) or by paying a further US $ 712,000 (or Rs 76,896,000) according to documents in possession of The Sunday Times.
    "A third MiG-27, also offered to the Air Force in October 2000, by DS Alliance Private Limited, documents reveal, for US$ 1.6 million (or Rs 172.8 million approximately). Here again an excess sum of US $ 862,000 (or about Rs 93,096,000) has been paid for the same aircraft which was not deemed fit for purchase earlier. It is not clear how prices of old aircraft are higher when they should be lower as they age. Unlike antiques, they do not have value as they become older."

    and the role of mysterious Bellasimma holdings as stated below

    "As a direct result of this disclosure, the Government of Ukraine has ordered a probe into the deal, authoritative sources in that country's capital Kiev said yesterday. This is to ascertain why it was touted as "Government to Government" when in reality the deal was made through a third party - an unknown company named Bellimissa Holdings Ltd., which operated from a London address. They suspect this to be a ruse."

    You are missing the whole argument of exposing this particular corrupt activity, the point to look for here is the corruption that happened when buying these planes not that we should not buy them. The country was cheated out of vast sums of money which could have been used for other defence related purchases or making the lives of soldiers better.

    There are other facts reported on your site which are plain wrong.please try to get all the facts before you shout about something it makes you look like an idiot.

    ReplyDelete
  61. "What are the sniper rifles are used by LTTE, and Sri Lankan army"

    The LTTE definitely uses the 7.62-mm Dragunov SVD, but they also use some bolt-action rifles, and there are reports of a .50 being used too.

    The Army uses the L96 family of bolt action rifles, from the 7.62-mm to the .300 Winchester Magnum. They have used both Remington and Winchester bolt actions in the past, and currently use a .50 semi-auto rifle. Some years ago a South African arms manufacturer announced the sale of a 14.5-mm anti-material rifle to "an undisclosed South Asian nation", and it is thought to be SL. Army special ops units use a variety of other sniping rifles, including the Valmet silenced rifle.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Cable,


    The purchases made in 2000 were shaddy deals by the then Defence Minister A. Ratwatte.

    The present controversy is not regarding those jets...

    It is totally different..

    Why are you digging 7 year old story now...

    Some of the migs you are talking here were distroyed by the LTTE in 2001..One or two crashed...

    The rest is flying...

    Former President Chandrika's decision to give Ratwatte a second term as the Defence Minister was really costly...

    The suprise and mass withdrawal of our troops from Vaunia FDL's was the direct result of Defence Ministers corruption..This is my oppinion...

    Now things are much better..

    At present the government is atleast looking after its precious soldiers though there may be corruption at higher levels...You and me will never see the day that
    GOSL stop the corruption to ZERO.

    Don't waste time arguing here something that is not going to benefit any of us.

    ReplyDelete
  63. In the above comment I am referring, it should be written as follows.
    [

    The suprise and mass withdrawal of our troops from Vaunia FDL's [in 2000] was the direct result of Defence Ministers corruption..This is my oppinion...

    ]

    ReplyDelete
  64. Cable,

    Fix your cables mate...

    They are too old...lol...

    ReplyDelete
  65. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20071010_07
    [
    A soldier who was wounded in a mortar attack, returned to the battlefront, after his wounds healed. He didn't want to declare his name. I asked him why he returned to the battlefront and he said, "We are heading into the last den of the terrorists. I want to be a part and parcel of this historical victory." ]

    SLA's historic march continues....

    May the force be with you forever...

    ReplyDelete
  66. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Cable were the migs in both situations used? and did the migs purchased in 2007 have fewer flying hours on them?.This is what is important.

    ReplyDelete
  68. @tanagara

    do i have to spoonfeed you like a baby. i dont know how to make my point more clear but i will try

    mig-27 bought in 2000 for 1.75 mn USD each

    mig-27 bought in 2007 for 2.4 mn USD each

    dose the aircraft appreciate with age?

    according to you the 2000 deal was also crooked with ratwatte pocketing the difference. Then the actual price would have been lesser so the corruption in present deal is much more than what Athas says

    is what i am saying clear to you now ? or do i have to put in a cable throught your thick skull to make the light go on

    ReplyDelete
  69. sri lankan

    i repating again the quote i posted earlier

    "The Sunday Times investigation reveals, is the composition of the four MiG-27s now being procured. Two of these aircraft were offered to the Air Force by D.S. Alliance Private Limited in May 2000 at cost of U.S $ 1.75 million (or Rs. 189 million) each. The Air Force did not deem it fit to obtain them. But they are now being purchased at a cost of US $ 2,462,000 (or Rs 265,896,000) or by paying a further US $ 712,000 (or Rs 76,896,000) according to documents in possession of The Sunday Times"

    Which means 2 out of the 4 bought this time was offered at a lesser price in 2000

    ReplyDelete
  70. So we are buying exactly the same machines?....after a span of 7 years?

    ReplyDelete
  71. It's pointless for me to argue if everybody has closed minds and think that the Rajapakshe clan do no wrong

    But keep in mind that the presently much reviled Ratwatte was spoken of as the sapumal kumaraya when under his "leadership" jaffna was liberated.

    Things can go wrong in a big way thats why as the public we must be vigilant to expose and condemmn corruption whereever it happens and whoever did it.
    Dont be gullible to fairytales woven by Hulugalle and co

    ReplyDelete
  72. Cable..the paper should have said how many flying hours the planes in 2000 and 2007 had..In my very limited understanding a plane having less flying hours is more expensive than one having more flying hours..naturally,, or did the paper conveniently forget it.Cable no offense to you but ratwatte cant fry a f***ing egg.I am telling you this because i know him closely.the credit is due to the clever junior rankers that fought

    ReplyDelete
  73. Cable think of it this way.You cannot liberate anything if you have not fought in the war yourself.

    ReplyDelete
  74. sri lankan

    why dont you read the whole article and make up your own mind

    Link

    I'm not saying Iqbal Athas should be be all and end all of everything but keep an open mind and make you own judements

    ReplyDelete
  75. aircraft's worth can't be measured directly by its own age. The migs bought in 2000 were bought at the end of their maintainance cycle. (800 flying hours) but in 2007 they were bought just after the complete overhaul repairs were done (that means with 800 flying hours)
    any comments dudes...

    ReplyDelete
  76. Will do cable..thanks
    SF does this mean the planes had the same amount of flying hours?

    ReplyDelete
  77. I dont think i am getting my point across

    my objective was not to glorify rathwatte we all know he and daluwatte will have the blood of the soilders on their hands. according to kamma they will get their dues visited to them if not in this life then in next.

    I wanted to point that a lot of ppl were fooled by rathwatte they were speaking of him as they are speaking of present day ppl now.

    So i dont want ppl to make the same mistake again

    By the way according to the articl 2 out of the 4 planes we have bought are the same planes which were offered to us at an earlier date

    ReplyDelete
  78. Cable,

    Its you that require spoon feeding not anyone else.

    The reason for the difference in price in price between 2001 and now has been explained many times over by the SLAF. Namely its because of overhauls that were done to the aircraft to extend available flying hours.

    You can find all these details on the defence.lk site. If you can find something wrong with the explanation that is given then you might have an argument. At the moment you are just qouting Athas's amateurish approach to defence matters.

    An example is his comparison of airctaft to antiques which shouldn't appreciate with age. It depends entirely on the condition of the aircaft and available number of flying hours, not the age of the airframe as anyone will tell you.

    Please go ahead and feel free to refute the technical details that have been given on this matter if you can, rather than qouting a moron like Athas.

    If you are not unbiased, why are you presenting only one side of the argument when the SLAF has made a perfectly valid counter argument?

    ReplyDelete
  79. SF Admirer

    quote

    "aircraft's worth can't be measured directly by its own age"

    so can it only be judged by number of hours flown?

    ReplyDelete
  80. Cable,

    This might also be of interest to you.

    www.strategypage.com/dls/articles/200798224136.asp

    The fact of the matter is that at around USD 2.5 million (with or withour corruption) this is the cheapest fighter on the market. I don't think you will find anything else for less.

    Athas will also complain if we try to buy more modern aircraft which will cost from USD 11-15 million and upwards. In fact he is already doing it with the Mig29's.

    So whatever they do Athas will criticise any and all defence purchases.

    ReplyDelete
  81. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070818_01


    Read this carefully and if u have facts break these points 1 by one.

    any child with a minimum amount of economics knowledge who understands the concepts of inflation will understand the difference of the currency and depreciation within 7 years. And the advantage of buying aircraft after overhauls with additional flying hours (800 is a lot considering our operational hours )

    ReplyDelete
  82. Nemesis and GE,

    I am very impressed about your knowledge on Military Hardware.

    Cable,

    You seem to have twisted your cables..

    The Sunday Times has clearly twisted the truth to get your cables twisted. I am not going to give you all the reasons why, but Defence.lk exactly clarified why it was expensive to buy the MIGs second time.

    The MIGs that were bought in 2007 have been overhauled (unlike the previous ones) with many flying hours left. If we have bought the exact 2001 ones, we would have incurred more money to overhaul them. That's the simple truth. Cost per flying hours left on the 2007 MIGs are lower than the 2001 MIGs.

    The second purchase is a better deal. But Sunday Times has deliberately tried to hide the truth.

    However, corruption in Defence purchases are not new to us. Many people from JRJ days earned fortunes thanks to all the defence procurements.

    Corruption should be stopped nevertheless.

    But this MIG talk that Sunday Times brought is baseless.

    ReplyDelete
  83. shay

    in the article quoted by sf admirer available in the defence.lk site it says

    quote
    "Defence.lk: How about the serviceability of the earlier batches of MIG27 fighters those were procured in 2000?

    The first batches of the MIG 27s that we purchased in the year 2000 had been last overhauled in 1992 and had flown for only 5-10 hours"

    so according to this statement in 2000 out of the 800 available flying hours before an overhaul is done only 5 to 10 were used? so at the maximum 790 hours of flying time was available at 2000

    so in effect it boils down to

    mig-27 bought in 2000 for 1.75 mn USD each (another 790 flying hours available)

    mig-27 bought in 2007 for 2.4 mn USD each (another 800 flying hours available)

    It also quotes

    "Defence.lk : What is the role of Bellimissa Holdings?
    It is also a privately owned company that Ukrinmash has indicated as its financer in the offer. Why the particular company was selected was only known to Ukrinmash officials. In the initial offer itself, Ukrinmash said that it would indicate a financer to whom the payments to be made prior to the signing of the contract."

    This stement is highly suspect as the ukraine goverment has initiated an enquiry into the involment of a third party

    and by the way who is giving the answers to the questions posed by defence.lk. there is no name
    it only says. we dont know which answer is attritutable to which person as the article only says

    "defence.lk team met with a panel of senior Air force personnel including the Director Aeronautical Engineering and the Commanding Officer of the MIG-27 squadron."

    If say the answer is given by say Director aeronautical engineering. that person can be held responsible and belivable otherwise any one can slip in any text into the interview not said by the interview panel and pass it off as something said by the panel

    ReplyDelete
  84. Cable,

    "aircraft's worth can't be measured directly by its own age"

    With regard to what SF admirer said above, and as I tried to explain to you before on another blog, the worth of military assets such as aircraft and ships is not related to their age.

    Military assets can be kept in service almost indefinitely as long as the required overhauls/upgrades are done.

    There are any number of examples. The long range strategic bombers operated by the US and Russia are relics of the cold war and many are more than 40-50 years old and expected to be around for a long time more. Lots of navies around the world still operate WWII era ships.

    Fighter planes generally have shorter life spans but I believe there are many fighters still in service around the world which are older than the 1980's vintage Mig's that we have. For example the A4 Skyhawk (1960's and 70's vintage) I think is still in service in Brazil and was only recently retired from many other air forces.

    So when buying a used aircraft, yes the available flying hours would be the most important consideration.

    Also the price paid of around USD 2.5 million is not very much for a used fighter. The Kfir's which are also the same age or even older costs more than the Mig27.

    ReplyDelete
  85. WHY U SKIPPED THIS PART........of the article

    The first batches of the MIG 27s that we purchased in the year 2000 had been last overhauled in 1992 and had flown for only 5-10 hours since then. Therefore, the calendar life span of eight years was almost finished for the aircraft. Since the aircraft had been in Ukraine and not flown very much since the last overhaul date, they were cleared for two years of guaranteed operational lives up to 2002 by Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant, Ukraine.




    The newly purchased aircraft were also there at the Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant, Ukraine, when we went there in the year 2000 to buy the first two batches from the D.S. Alliance. There is no difference in features. Yet, unlike in the previous occasion, we bought them after the overhauls had been completed and therefore with eight years of operational capability or with 850 flying hours per each aircraft. This is the reality that the so called "defence analysts" have tried to conceal. As we stated earlier, the value addition of a fighter aircraft must not be determined by the number of physical frames only. It is the number of flying hours or the amount of fighting capability we get that really adds value to the Air Force.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Cable,

    No, you have got your cables twisted again.

    It clearly says that the aircraft after each overhaul are good for 800 hours or 8 years, whichever comes first (even if it has not been flown after the last overhaul). This type of thing is quite normal for aircraft.

    So the aircraft that were overhauled in 1992 and acquired in 2001 have finished their 8 years (even if they have only flown 5-10 hours as you say). So they needed to be overhauled again, and hence could not fly much after they were acquired. This is explained very clearly, so please dont try to distort things.

    Now, if you/Athas can find evidence or get opinions from an aviation experts to refute what the SLAF has said, then you might have an argument. As things are at the moment, the 2007 deals looks much better than the 2001 acquisition.

    ReplyDelete
  87. SF admirer
    you say

    "any child with a minimum amount of economics knowledge who understands the concepts of inflation will understand the difference of the currency and depreciation within 7 years."

    aney please think of me as a child without even a minimum amount of econimic knowledge. Budu educated sir can you simplyfy things so that a mere mortal as me can begin to grasp concepts devised by your vast intellect and answer the following question

    currency can be appreciated or depreciated against only another currency so are you saying that (since i quoted US$) the Ukrainian Hryvnia appreciated against the US$ during the period 2000(may) to 2007(august) by the difference between the prices in 2000 and 2007 quoted for the migs?

    ReplyDelete
  88. http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2006/9/8415.html


    Cable and others who got their cables twisted because of some MIG's must read the above 150 pages of Sri Lankan Airforce History.

    There is no point reinventing the wheel..

    Cable...Please read the above link...

    You will realised how damn good and cheap are those MIGS bought by the SLAF.

    ReplyDelete
  89. No Millitary Deal is clean and sweet...There is always enogh room for corruption since the money involves in such deals usually runs in to millions.

    We get our wires crossed they get their pockets full...lol...

    ReplyDelete
  90. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  91. On a more relevant topic. The LBO report today says that Colombo Dockyard is bidding with a Croatian shipyard for an international tender to build some ships for the SLN.

    Defencenet or anybody else. Do you know what type of ships the SLN called for in the tender? Are these OPV's or corvette type vessels? Did the tender give any specifics as to what types of weapons systems etc the ships would be capable of mounting?

    ReplyDelete
  92. yeh ..cable am sorry.. all ur point are correct this deal is a corrupt one and MR brothers have vandalized public property by buying these flying coffins. yes this is very bad as mr athas says... sira point ekak tama oba tuma dunne no depreciation talks migs shoud be given to us in 2007 for the same prize as in 2000 what is the overhaul bulshit we shud topple this govt and bring on a UNF regime to rectify all these corruptions. all bulshit in the defence.lk article
    AM SORRY FOR believing defencenet

    ReplyDelete
  93. guys,do not believe everything the government dishes out to you-especially casualty figure.there was an interesting article about the defence ministry's casualty figures of the LTTE & the army's version-which was significantly lower..of course the govt is riding on the HYPE that the tigers are almost totally silenced..that's really not the case-the govt should not become complacent & underestimate LTTE capabilities,like what happened in the Muhamalai debacle last year,whare we lost so many men & around 9 tanks/IFV's destroyed and/or captured..

    nemesis posted some v.interesting & timely comments-thanks a lot!! bdw,don't we already operate around 24 BMP-3 IFV'S.pls correct me if i'm wrong..

    ReplyDelete
  94. Gentlemen lets not argue here based on facts in papers just put there to sell them.I dont think any journalist is loosing any sleep about the stories they publish..

    ReplyDelete
  95. Well today is my birthday and i am so proud and honoured to share it wilh a national hero like general Fonseka :):).

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  96. noltte=peace

    I agree with you. Our MBRL units do need a small UAV to improve our target accuracy. We are capable to building that our self. I hear right now the Russians are building a mini-UAV specifically for their Smerch MLRS units.

    Nemesis

    I agree with you, but I don't think that we have to limit our scope to the T-55am2 type alone. Any T-55 type tank will do, and we can send them to Chinatown for a quick upgrade. The Chinese can give it an ERA armor kit upgrade and rebuild the whole inside of the tank to make it look "space age"(yes that includes AC). In other words the Tank will be more computurized on the inside.

    I agree with your take on reducing the different types of APCs and IFVs. This will reduce our maintainence cost by a lot. BTW, I think we already have a handful of BMP-3.

    ReplyDelete
  97. shay and sf admirer

    The article on the defence.lk dosent say how many flying hours are available in the MIG 27 we bought in 2007. the article say "we bought it after overhauls has been completd"

    when were the overhauls completed? was it 2001,2002,2003..... no where dose it say that the aircraft bought are overhauled after purchase. so the aircraft could have been overhauled at any point of time between 2000 and 2007

    I would love to hear some comments from you guys?

    "Now, if you/Athas can find evidence or get opinions from an aviation experts to refute what the SLAF has said, then you might have an argument. As things are at the moment, the 2007 deals looks much better than the 2001 acquisition"

    i dont know about athas but i certainly dont know any avaiation experts i have written what i can discern from information i have gatherd. but will an aviation expert connected to sri lanka speak out against any wrong doing? specially when MCNS DIrector says that critcisim against them is tantamount to being a traitor to sri lanka.

    But US pacific command did say in a report in 2002 about the air force that we should concentrate on the Kfirs and the Helicopters and sell off the MIGs. THis is not to say i agree with it but you can read a part of it in Athas column
    Please note that the report was compiled in 2002 when UNF was in power and CFA was in operation
    (just trying to put it in context)
    Link

    ReplyDelete
  98. GoldenEagle

    "I think we already have a handful of BMP-3"

    Are you sure GE? which reg. are they attached to?

    As for mini UAVs for arty fire correction, there are cheap ones as low as $50K with GPS/IR optics and about a 40KM range!

    I think SL should have a joint program with Pakistan & China to devepon TUAVs locally.

    Why china & Pakistan and not US and Israel, well the indians will block any help from US n Israel.

    China & pakistan has always stood by us and their stuff are cheap too.

    Rifard

    No mate i dont think we have BMP-3s, sorry i'd love for SL to have them...but i dont think we do...

    ReplyDelete
  99. Regarding the report of US pacific command I must point out as is stated in the report that "Rajapaksa administration had not been able to trace the original copies handed over earlier"

    ReplyDelete
  100. Thanks Jack and Cable...I feel so honoured.

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  101. Happy Birthday Sri Lakan...

    I am glad that you have not born on the 26th of November to share the birthday with "you know who" :-)

    ReplyDelete
  102. Nemesis and goldeneagle, from an IISS report in 2001,

    "In 2000, the Sri Lankan Air Force received four MiG-27 fighters from Ukraine – later it acquired new helicopter gunships. The Sri Lankan Army acquired multiple rocket launchers (MRLs) and, from Russia, 36 BMP-3 armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) and ten BTR-80 armoured personnel carriers (APCs). The Sri Lankan Navy expanded its fleet and formed an air wing to check the LTTE’s smuggling routes. In November–December 2000, it procured its first helicopter, an Indian Chetak, as well as Sukhanya Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) and Shanghai-class Fast Attack Crafts (FACs). On the Sri Lankan Navy’s fiftieth anniversary in December, the government acquired three Israeli Fast Missile Vessels and an Indian OPV."

    http://acd.iiss.org/armedconflict/Mainpages/dsp_ConflictWeapons.asp?ConflictID=174

    ReplyDelete
  103. Hey guys,

    Unless it is in the public domain, can we refrain from discussing how many and what military hardware that SLDF has in this forum?

    Thx!

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  104. :):)Many thanks Noltte=peace.Dont worry about him ..he wll get his dues from god soon for sending so many innocent children to their death.

    ReplyDelete
  105. Pres has increased the pay of the tea plantation workers....Way to go MR President..way to go!!

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  106. Many thanks perein..thankgod it was not on the 26th nov:)

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  107. This potential deal in which Colombo Dockyards will work with a Croatian Dockyard to build a new type of patrol ship interests me.

    I did some digging and found out that Croatia is planning to modernize its navy and it also plans to build some new patrol ships. Maybe these future patrol ships could be a joint project between CDL and Croatia if it is given the green light by our government.

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  108. Hapy Birthday Sl u old fart ! Ha ha ha ! Fellas, rifard.... are ya sure we have BMP 3's bro ? Cuz, if we do they are ideal for SLA than MBT's due to there multi purpose capabilities !

    But,my worry iz that Icelandic dude... why was he in Idiot land ? We should have stopped him at Omanthi mates ? He applied to be a SLMM monitor hmmm ! Can someone check this old news out ?

    By the way that sortie on the ltte passout parade, should have happened many moons ago ! Why do we let them parade around without harasing fire ? I cant believe we cant push the buggers back in Mannar ? What gives ? like McArtur did in Pusan... we need a hook dont ya think ?

    But, SLA needs our support more than ever ! Anyone watching Rugby world cup mates ?

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  109. Many thanks to all for the B'day wishes

    ReplyDelete
  110. Cable,

    This is old news and I cant be bothered to read everything again. However, the SLAF statement clearly said that the overhauls were done immediately before purchase as part of the deal (hence the difference in price) and that 850 hours is available on the fighters at the time they were purchased. So what exactly is your problem here? If you/Athas or someone else can prove this is not the case, then fine. Otherwise stop nit picking.

    As for the US recommendation that we buy Kfir instead of Mig27, that is only an opinion. Please read the thread on LNP that Tangara recommended and make up your own mind. You can also easily find lots of details on Kfir and Mig's on the web, wikipedia etc.

    Also keep in mind that Kfir is older and more expensive than Mig27's and in many ways less capable. Also they are now only operated by two countries in the world, us and Ecuador I think, so maintaining them might be a problem in future. Mig27 is likely to be around for a while longer because the Indian's still operate a large fleet, so getting parts etc will be less of a problem.

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  111. Rajaratasurfer...about the icelandic guy....Are you sure you for that matter know the whole story.I will bet you that there is much more to this than published.Probably if the whole story is published it will be "boring"..and people wont bother to read or buy newspapers for that matter.

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  112. SL Navy attacks two LTTE boats; finds two remote controlled aircraft- Mannar Sea


    http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20071011_04

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  113. Shay

    where the hell dose it say clearly

    "However, the SLAF statement clearly said that the overhauls were done immediately before purchase as part of the deal"

    the article only says,

    "we bought them after the overhauls had been completed"

    I dont know how you can conclude from that the overhaul was done as a part of the deal!

    "As for the US recommendation that we buy Kfir instead of Mig27, that is only an opinion"

    agreed but it is the opinion of the biggest military power on earth and you are the one who asked me to provide an aviation experts opinion.

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  114. Cable, the defence.lk posts clearly explain that the Migs have a larger payload, so can deliver more bombs in one sortie.
    If you just focus on ground attack capability, the decisions taken to purchase Migs looks sound. Not having interception capability was a mistake though.

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  115. Cable,

    The article says:

    "we bought them after the overhauls had been completed and therefore with eight years of operational capability or with 850 flying hours per each aircraft"

    Now unless you can prove that this is not the case just give it a break.

    "biggest military power on earth"

    Well, thats purely because the US is the largest economy on earth. It does not make them experts on what is good SL. As I have told you before, there are other blogs which discuss the technical merits of the Kfir vs. Mig27 in great detail. If you think that the SLAF should have acquired more Kfir's instead please back up your argument with facts and technical details without blindly quoting some report that no one has seen.

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  116. Lankapura: It is for the interception capability that SLAF was to order the Mig-29. Defencenet and others : Any update on this ? Are we going ahead with this Mig29 order or is it shelved ?

    Another question is how do we plan to intercept LTTE aircraft till we get a dedicated interceptor (Mig-29??) are we going to use Mi-24 gunships which can match the speed of the LTTE planes or a modified K-8 Jet Trainer?

    And this with regard to remote-controlled planes, a comment left on the LBO site by Civil Aviation Authority chairman Paddy Mendis

    < New restrictions have even banned the flying of radio-controlled model aircraft owing to fears that the Tigers could use them for attacks.

    Mendis, a former air force commander, said it was necessary to distinguish between what was possible and probable.

    "Blowing up houses using model aircraft is limited to Hollywood," he said.

    Likewise, he added, hang gliders can fly at a top speed of 30 miles an hour and not higher than 500-600 feet, and could be hit by soldiers armed with rifles. />

    For more read - http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?newsID=230549999&no_view=1&SEARCH_TERM=7

    Guys, I think this is a bit untrue, For e.g a remote controlled plane cud be a threat to a VVIP personnel not to any location/site.

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  117. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  118. lankapura

    I was pointing out the irregularities in the deal not that kfirs were better than MIG 27 or not. I dont have the expertise to evaluvate between MIG 27 and KFIR's. I put the US pacific command report as somebody challenged me to get an aviation experts opinion, by the way did you read the part of the report i linked compiled by US PAC-COM?

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  119. rif,

    The proposed Mig29SM is a multi-role variant with both interceptor and ground attack capability.

    I doubt if a Mi24 can be used to bring down an LTTE plane. Helicopters can carry AA missiles but its mostly for self defence. I don't think they have the necessary radars to find the target unless they are guided to it from ground or airborne radar. The same is probably true for the K8.

    There are doubts about how good ground based radar (even a 3D) is at picking up very small low flying aircraft at a distance (because of curvature, obstacles etc). The best option for detecting one will always be airborne radar as carried in a dedicated interceptor like Mig29, which has look-down shoot-down capable radars.

    The Kfir C7's I understand can be upgraded to an interceptor role. However, given the amount of time it takes to get one off the ground, it might not be the ideal solution for SL.

    At the moment, I would guess that the only option for shooting down an LTTE plane is to hope that it flies within sight/range of a MANPAD.

    ReplyDelete
  120. Shay

    I still dont know how you can say

    "However, the SLAF statement clearly said that the overhauls were done immediately before purchase as PART OF THE DEAL"

    from the defence.lk article


    "Now unless you can prove that this is not the case just give it a break."

    I cant prove it if you take defence.lk be all and end all of everything. However let me assure you if the article in connection had the names of people who answered the specific questions i would be inclined to belive it since that person is responsible for what he/she says.Here nobody knows who has answered what questions. I personally have very serious doubts as to the bonafides of political apointees controlling defence.lk. I have mentioned this in some previous posts too.

    "Well, thats purely because the US is the largest economy on earth"

    according to this logic Japan should be the second biggest military power in the world!

    I feel its pointless arguing about this as you are set in your opnion Its ok i respect that.

    We'll postpone this argument till the bribery commission concludes its inquiry (if it ever will) and argue from its findings and subsequent reactions. i read that some investigators have flown to ukraine get some information

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  121. sounds like another good news....
    trying the toys now ...
    Wonder what happened to those real air crafts.
    Defencenet:
    We get lot of intelligence related to all the top leaders etc. these days. How comes we have not heard anything related to those LTTE Aircrafts?

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  122. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  123. sam perera,

    The aircraft can be used as artillery spotters as well after some modifications like attaching a camera! This has become more relevant because of SLNs success at curtailing LTTE gun running activities! Just like the SLAF who make small UAVs locally!

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  124. perin,

    These mini planes could be for many purposes. Crash in to target with some chemical weapon could be the most likely purpose. Otherwise, it could be Charles Anthony wanting entertain himself with a remote controlled aircraft since his Papa does not allow him to get in to a real one.

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  125. Oshada,

    I doubt that these are arty spotters, though it is a certain possibility. My reason to say so is that their control range is not that much (assuming it is regular civilian toy). I can see LTTE bringing in 50 of them to start an attack like EPS. Instead of suicide bombers, these minis will carry chemical weapon to paralyze the front line, probably some gas with a short life span (to harm our soldiers but themselves and their kin). In addition to gas masks RF jamming devices can be helpful to our forces.

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  126. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  127. Cable,

    I'm not referring only to the defence.lk article. If you research it you will find other articles as well. For example part of the deal also involved overhaul of the existing Mig27's.

    "I cant prove it if you take defence.lk be all and end all of everything".

    On the contrary it is you who believes everything Athas says is the be all and end all. I did refer to many other sources apart from defence.lk (but if you prefer not to read, thats your prerogative).

    "i would be inclined to believe it since that person is responsible for what he/she says"

    I don't see why it matters who said it, if you cant disprove the statements. But if you research the topic I think you will find other interviews including with the head of the Mig27 squadron and the Commander of the Airforce himself, where they say the same things.

    "I feel its pointless arguing about this as you are set in your opnion"

    I am not set in my opinion at all. On the contrary it is you, Athas and such people who have already formed your opinion, namely that Rajapaksa is bad and this deal is corrupt etc. If you can prove it, thats fine (I didn't vote for him myself, so I couldnt care less). But at the moment you are trying to argue without having any facts to support you.

    I have said it as simply as I can. The SLAF has presented their case in response to Athas's allegations. If you cant disprove it, then just give it a rest. Otherwise its not a debate/argument, its just mud slinging and there are other forums if you want to do that.

    “We'll postpone this argument till the bribery commission concludes its inquiry”

    LOL :-) I wouldn’t place much hope on that, if the past is anything to go by.

    As for the US report in the link you provided, if you read it its clear that its being taken out of context. If you require I will tell you why.

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  128. Cable

    I don't intend to add to the bashing you are getting. Neither was my article only a counter-point to Athas'.

    It was an invitation for those who blindly follow the lamentations of 'celebrity status' media personnel to instead excercise that wonderful organ, the brain we all get at birth to determine the truth. And be certain not to let yorself be tied down to a moment in time when the issue at stake deserves on going evaluation.

    Guys like Athas depend on folks like you not realizing your own thinking abilities. And guys like you gladly contribute to that fallcy. That makes guys like Athas into celebrities, all of which is bad for all concerned as well as others who do not deserve to be on that animal circus.

    By the way, what would you pay for a human organ you wouldn't need today? What if your life depended upon it, and there wasn't anything better available?

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  129. LTTE is claimed to have captured 4 officers among 15 SLA men..
    GOSL says they are missing...

    Anyone knows anything?

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  130. Cable

    By the way, it is good to see youngsters like you prepared to hold the government accountable for our tax money. Our previous generations, including mine lacked that ability.

    It's better to prepare you to do that job more effectively by understanding what matters, and when. Keep learning and take up the fight where it truly makes sense.

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  131. Tangara.. where did u get the news about the 4 officers and 15 men...What the hell is going on?.

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  132. DefenceNet ...(when you have the time)can you let us know if the capture of 15 soldiers is true including 4 officers.

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  133. Cable, the thing is you accept whatever Iqbal Athas dishes out as gospel truth. Iqbal Athas is nothing but a primadonna, prostituting himself for his readers. And if you're anything to go by, it would seem his fans are lapping up all his crap with much glee. Perhaps if you spent less time masturbating to pictures of Iqbal Athas and being so servile to his mad rantings, you might be able to take of your tinted glasses and see the truth.

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  134. Tangara,

    Where does it say 4 officers went missing etc...?

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  135. GoldenEagle,

    I really like you pushing the idea of building UAVs locally. Surely, we can build a UAV for a very low cost, catering to specific local need or two. We could adapt the type of UAV depending on the task in hand.

    BTW, sometime back I believe that it was SriLankan who wanted to start a discussion about effectiveness of Personal Communicators in SL war context. What are you guys ideas?

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  136. "LTTE is claimed to have captured 4 officers among 15 SLA men..
    GOSL says they are missing...
    "
    Tangara mate where is this news? I don't see it on Tamilnet? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  137. Shay/Devon/TropicalS/NoLTTE=Heaven, et al, greets mates...

    Shay/TropicalS, I followed the thread re. this MiG27 deal and your exchange with this "Cable" and I say hats off to you mates for the patience you have shown in the face of moronic disposition! (no, OaO Asithri does not have that kind of patience! As such, I fall humbly at your feet! LMSSAO!).

    Shay, just give it a rest mate...obviously this "Cable" has swallowed hook, cable (sic!) and sinker of a "media celebrity" and he has no idea what is meant by owing the "burden-of-proof!" So, do not pour water on a ducks back anymore mate.

    "MiG27 deal," "human rights," "Aston Martin," etc. etc. are some of the slogans in the forefront of the insidious plots by the pro-RaniW/pro-LTTE "reactionaries" who are now hatching plots to bring down the MR GOSL so that Ranil the she-male can give LTTE the "thamileelam" on a platter after he wins the PE!

    Often, when asked for proof, nothing substantive and verifiable is provided but only "allegations" and even the so called "disappeared" (under the "human rights" plot) have mysteriously reappeared upon investigation!

    It is a fact that these reactionary scumbags are expending vast amounts of money to bring down the MR GOSL and thereby destroy what's called the "hub." The "hub" consists of the current political and military leadership that is whacking the bloody LTTE maggots left, right and center! I hear no sum is too exorbitant if they can achieve this objective.

    We will overcome these scummies and we will take back our Motherland in wholesome soon. This is a promise we have from no lesser person than Commander Fonseka.

    PEACE to all partriots...

    OaO Asithri

    p.s. btw, my belated b'day greetings to you SriLankan! Hope you had fun and "lit the b'day candle!" too. LOL!

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  138. Patriots...

    In the above post, in no way am I denying that there is corruption in MR GOSL. The point is, what GOSL have we had that didn't have corruption before?

    However, the more salient point is this is a time to liquidate the LTTE mf's once and for all and not a time to weaken or remove the apparatus that is doing it! Time to punish the corrupt GOSL politicians will come and then we will do it with glee.

    When your guard dog is doing a such a wonderful job of keeping the fox away from your livestock, you do not kill the guard dog for occasionally devouring your sirloin steak from the kitchen! That would be "bad economics" if you did so!

    OaO Asithri

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  139. Defencenet

    Do you know any info about the type of patrol ship that could be built by CDL and their Croatian partner?

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  140. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  141. Defencenet and others,

    Your article as well as the defence article in todays Daily Mirror refers to an OPV called "SLNS Sagara".

    Is this a new addition to our fleet? I read elsewhere that India had given us a free lease on another OPV while Sayura was being re-fitted and this ship was going to be retained and commissioned by the SLN as Sagara. If this is the same vessel, is it now a permanent addition to our fleet? If so, does anyone know what type of vessel it is (i.e. another Sakunya etc)?

    Asithri, thanks for your comments mate.

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  142. Shay,

    "I'm not referring only to the defence.lk article. If you research it you will find other articles as well. For example part of the deal also involved overhaul of the existing Mig27's."

    Please provide me with a substantiative link where i can read this. looks like ukraine actually made a loss on selling the MIG-27's to us ! ALL HAIL MAHINDA

    "I did refer to many other sources apart from defence.lk (but if you prefer not to read, thats your prerogative)."

    What are the sources you refer to. anonnymous article in defence.lk and an annoymous postings in lankanespapers? I suppose you think that these sources are better than a report written by a nameed reporter who can be held accountable to anything he says?

    "I don't see why it matters who said it, if you cant disprove the statements."

    Of sourse it matters who said it. its called accountability.Anyone can say anything in this forum or any other forum but its basically so much hot air because the person cant be held accountable as we dont know who he/she is. Will a court of law recognise an alleagation by an annonymous source?

    Its not in my capacity to disprove it. I am just an ordinary citizen browsing internet without any military background. The whole deal shoud be investigated by relevant ppl with the necessary resources as i hope is being done by the bribery commision now.It is in my prerogative to question suspicious deals done with my tax money. If there is a climate to question in public i would have done so but there is no such climate in this country as Hullugale said quoting Bush "if you are not with us you are against us"

    "But if you research the topic I think you will find other interviews including with the head of the Mig27 squadron and the Commander of the Airforce himself, where they say the same things."

    Where has the head of the Mig -27 squadron said that this deal is clean? please provide me a link where i can find him saying this directly and where he is named not something like in defence.lk where the answers are not attributable to anyone. By the way do you know that the Squadron leader of the Mig-27 was not included in the TEC(technical evaluation commitee) which initially looked at the proposal to by the MIgs ? I wonder why?

    "I am not set in my opinion at all. On the contrary it is you, Athas and such people who have already formed your opinion, namely that Rajapaksa is bad and this deal is corrupt etc. If you can prove it, thats fine (I didn't vote for him myself, so I couldnt care less)."
    Name one major politician in this country who has been proved to be corrupt? Much less than nobody in the history of this country has manged to prove any major politician corrupt in this country perhaps except for small fry like Mervin Silva who was convicted of cheque fraud recently and who is keeping him as a minister Mahinda Rajapakshe!

    "But at the moment you are trying to argue without having any facts to support you."

    What is the proof you have any annoymous article in defence.lk

    "LOL :-) I wouldn’t place much hope on that, if the past is anything to go by."

    Sadly i have to agree with you here

    tropicalsorm,

    good advice but i dont agree with you what about the MIG deal

    devon,

    Its the ppl like you who now mastrubate fantasising that rajapakshes will poke you that contribute to fucking up this country. Have a opinion of your own and critisise me with some valid arguments dont jump into the bandwagon because everyone is in it you moron! Probably you are one of those guys who had a hard on for Rathwatte in 1995 and called him the sapumal kumaraya

    mervin silva,

    you know who you are! i cant be even botherd to reply to a jokers comments like yours


    have i missed anybody if so sorry

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  143. Hi everyone
    My personal view is most of the blame should direct to media (I can call em bastards)
    This is regarding both who are spreading the bad and false stories which are demoralizing the patriotic people and the forces mostly private media , other set of bastards is the government media personals who cant make a program that can be solve most of the problem, who are just copying that sirasa, the Voice of Tigers’ crap and all that
    Look they haven’t even created a video for making our soldiers moral up, why cant they just show the prices of goods compare to the $ and inflation + military expenditures against the Year, it would be just a chart that solve most of the issues in the mind of common intelligent people , these government media workers know only going after women, this whole media is a pit of shit there is no professional people , first what should Mr. President do ,kick the bastards off

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  144. Hey Cable, don't get too upset. Mahinda has splashed his hot piss on your face and so have a lot of the guys here at this blog. You're just humiliated and trying to clutch at straws like a drowning mongrel. Only a dumb fucking twat like you would come to a blog like this and whine and whelp about Iqbal Athas with no evidence to back up your claims except Iqbals cum rag. Take it elsewhere, along with your collection of nude pics of Iqbal Athas and masturbate to your heart's content, jerking off and mumbling "oh yeah, Iqbal baby, you're my hero, oh yeah, Iqbal baby come to papa."

    I'm not going to be judgemental but it seems you've got your tongue connected directly to Iqbal Athas's butthole, and you seem to like it that way.

    Fucks like you should be lined up and shot.

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  145. Cable,

    You're lucky its a slow day (TGIF) and I don't have any urgent work, so I have some time to entertain retards like you.

    "Please provide me with a substantiative link where i can read this. looks like ukraine actually made a loss on selling the MIG-27's to us ! ALL HAIL MAHINDA".

    Search and find it yourself, I'm sure you know how to use the internet. Actually, even if they sold it for 1 USD, it would probably be a profit. All of these (Mig27, Kfir's etc) are retired aircraft which are in storage, they have an extremely limited market, but Ukraine/Israel have to incur costs to store/maintain them. Since you're such a smart ass why don't you impress us by telling us from where we can buy a comparable aircraft for less (corruption or not, thats what it comes down to at the end of the day).

    “What are the sources you refer to. anonnymous article in defence.lk and an annoymous postings in lankanespapers? I suppose you think that these sources are better than a report written by a nameed reporter who can be held accountable to anything he says?”

    Actually I did give a link to a strategypage article as well, which usually has the authors name/contact details at the bottom. So feel free to contact them (incidentally it’s a good site for the details of weapons procurements etc). Damn right I think most of these anonymous articles are better than Athas. The LNP thread for example contains many technical details that can be cross checked and verified from other military related sites/publications (refer things like Jane’s, Brassey’s for aircraft).

    What exactly is the accountability that Athas has and who is going to hold him accountable? The problem is that most people who read him don’t have a clue and believe everything he says. E.g. take the following famous article (sorry to detract here).

    www.sundaytimes.lk/070513/Columns/sitreport.html

    This is what Athas says;

    “MiG 29s have not been used in any theatre of combat anywhere in the world to attack non-combat light aircraft by any conventional Air Force in the world”

    Well, that is a blatant lie. The Mig29 is one of the very few modern combat aircraft which has been used to shoot down light aircraft similar to what the LTTE use (Kfir also has done the same). The Cuban airforce used Mig29 to shoot down a couple of Cessna’s in the 1990’s on two or three occasions (use google to find it). Then he goes on some irrelevant crap about the Mig being faster than a Zlin (duh) and comes out with his now famous bullock cart/Mercedes comment. So if we go by Athas’ knowledge of military matters one would presume that the SLAF would have to buy Spitfires to counter the LTTE threat. Then he gives the price of a 14.5mm shell (a heavy machine gun as far as I know) as USD 28,000 (more than a cheap LGB…very unlikely). There are any number of other lies/mistakes in that single article, and this is an example of what people like you think is the gospel truth while everything MOD says is a lie.

    “Of sourse it matters who said it. its called accountability”

    Like I said, even the Commander of the Airforce repeated much of what is discussed here. The article was in many newspapers (find it yourself). The SecDef gave a very lengthy TV interview where they again discussed the Mig27 deal and he repeated what the SLAF had already said (you can find it on youtube). Not accountability enough? If we go by your logic, if an anonymous person says that 2+2=4, you would say that it’s a lie.

    “Its not in my capacity to disprove it”.

    What cant you understand here. Athas made his allegations and the SLAF (anonymously or otherwise) in return presented its case. The “burden of proof” is on people like Athas/you to prove that what the SLAF has said are lies. If you cant do it in your personal capacity get your hero Athas to do it (after all he claims to be an investigative journalist).

    Sorry for the lengthy post everyone. Some people just ask for it.

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  146. “MiG 29s have not been used in any theatre of combat anywhere in the world to attack non-combat light aircraft by any conventional Air Force in the world”

    i m wondering wht kind of war reporter is he, Indian air force has 56 MIG 29z. if this wasn't a worthy deal for India why would they buy more than 50 fighter jets. i think this athas is trying to get money as much as he can frm unp criticizing our military.

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  147. Many thanks Asithri...I didn't celebrate.I am looking forward to a grand celebration in future..I hope you are working and studying hard.Dont forget those nice American girls:):).

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  148. oooh seems i have hit a nerve of someone!
    suddenly (im)posters like devon and sarath who strangely enough happen to be users created in october are posting their first postings attacking me. score one for me :)

    shay

    "You're lucky its a slow day (TGIF) and I don't have any urgent work, so I have some time to entertain retards like you."

    thank you lord genius shay that you take time off from your busy schedule and try to entertain retards like me. Here i was thinking that you were sad bugger whos life consisted of browsing internet forums and reading every post.

    I did read the ONLY article you pointed out external to the defence.lk site which was backed up by a difinie name very intresting it says

    "That said, Ukraine could have sold the aircraft for less, and still come away with a profit. These aircraft were headed for the recycling facility in a few years anyway. And the refurbishing contracts meant months of well paid work for hundreds of Ukrainians."

    very intresting how much are the ukranians actually getting do anybody know? because the whole money is being channeled through the front organisation "Bellasima Holdings" if the deal is a goverment to Goverment what the hell is a front organization doing being the middle man. Dont try to push the defence.lk article which states ukranian goverment directed us to go through it thats bullshit even ukraine goverment has started an investigation as to how a middle man came into the deal despite the whole excersise being a goverment to goverment one.
    Thanks Shay all the hours you spent poring through those articles actuallay do have a use.

    "Since you're such a smart ass why don't you impress us by telling us from where we can buy a comparable aircraft for less (corruption or not, thats what it comes down to at the end of the day)."

    sorry but i dont have that kind of knowledge but come to think of it what about the other former soviet union states as to quote your article in strategey page

    "when the Soviet Union was dissolved. The dissolution deal had military equipment belonging to whatever new country the stuff was in"

    ahhhh but cant do that as i think we dont have any embassies in those countries where we can put a Rajapakshe first cousin as the ambassdor

    "Damn right I think most of these anonymous articles are better than Athas. The LNP thread for example contains many technical details that can be cross checked and verified from other military related sites/publications (refer things like Jane’s, Brassey’s for aircraft)."

    Its your right to think annonymous articles are better than articles which are named therefor have accountability. my opinion is otherwise.

    Are you a paid member of Janes do you have Brasseys books? and most important of all have you cross referenced these facts appearing in these annonmous articles?

    "What exactly is the accountability that Athas has and who is going to hold him accountable? "

    If athas is wrong the goverment can sue him and/or his paper....sorry this goverment dosent do that they gather some supporters and entact a mock protest opposite his house and label him a traitor. The trouble of being accountable Athas should have stayed silent publicly and written the MIG article in the lanaka newspapers forum annonymously.

    "The problem is that most people who read him don’t have a clue and believe everything he says. E.g. take the following famous article (sorry to detract here). "

    who are you to say this are you GOD? you are so full of your own importance its unbelivable. stop being so full of yourself. reading and writing some military terms on a website dosent make you an expert on what "MOST" people reading a newspaper do or dont do

    I am not here to defend Athas I belive that the MIG deal is corrupt so i am using information contained in his writings to convince everyone that we as the tax paying public should be asking for an inquiry into this matter. If any pppl here think that i am a athas supporter then they are mistaken. Athas writes a column in a newspaper which i read and has read for a long time. he seems to be independent and knowledgable about military matters. He dosent seem to be pro UNF or SLFP as per his crticisim of both. In a country like sri lanka where a person holding an opposing view is branded a traitor can we relastically expect more? but as you say in the article you mentioned if there is an error then he is wrong I have no problem with you criticising that.

    "The SecDef gave a very lengthy TV interview where they again discussed the Mig27 deal and he repeated what the SLAF had already said (you can find it on youtube). Not accountability enough?"

    I dont want to criticise the SecDef as far as i know he is a honest person who conducts the war to the best of his abilities at present time. But here he is safeguarding his brother/family if you ask from any person who are associated with the Rajapakshes you will know for them family comes first (Thats natural to most sri lankans) So in this instance i dont accept his statements

    "What cant you understand here. Athas made his allegations and the SLAF (anonymously or otherwise) in return presented its case. The “burden of proof” is on people like Athas/you to prove that what the SLAF has said are lies. If you cant do it in your personal capacity get your hero Athas to do it (after all he claims to be an investigative journalist)."

    Thats where you are wrong. If the Mig deal was corrupt it not only affects me but all the citizens in this country. You are satisfied the deal is ok and above board i am not. since there is no mechnaism to find out where majority of the people stand on this Controversial issue “the burden" is on the goverment to appoint an independent panel to inquire about it. pigs might fly!

    From what i read in todays daily mirror the rajapakshas are trying to stifle any kind of inquiry into anything!

    interested ppl can read it through the following link
    Shay i dont know if this article is good enough for your level of investigative journalism so cant recommend you to read it

    New appointee Basil scuttles COPE

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  149. " Indian air force has 56 MIG 29z. if this wasn't a worthy deal for India why would they buy more than 50 fighter jets."

    What has this got to do with us? The IAF's enemy are other conventional airforces like Pakistan's and China's.

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  150. Death By Inches
    October 12, 2007: Despite recent military victories over Tamil rebels, the defense budget is being increased 20 percent next year, to about $1.5 billion. While the LTTE government along the east coast has been destroyed destroyed, there are still groups of former LTTE operatives who continue to live by extorting payments from Tamils and professing loyalty to the government. These former LTTE rebelled against the mainline LTTE over a number of issues, but seem determined to remain in control of the east coast Tamil areas. As a result, the government has had to put more police and paramilitary troops in east coast areas, just to maintain law and order.


    The fighting continues to cause 30-40 casualties a day. The losses are largely from patrols clashing, or LTTE attacking troops advancing into areas previously considered under LTTE control. The army continues to uncover LTTE weapons and equipment caches. Tamil civilians are increasingly providing information on where this stuff is hidden.



    The navy intercepted two small LTTE smuggling boats off the north coast. On one boat was a large (seven foot wingspan) remote control aircraft, apparently to be rigged with a remote camera and used for gathering information on government forces. Islamic terrorists have been found using similar methods in Pakistan. Over a dozen radio and GPS units were also found on the boat.



    October 10, 2007: Radio intercepts confirmed that air strikes and artillery fire killed 69 LTTE operatives who were rehearsing a ceremony at Pooneryn (in the northeast) on September 25th.



    October 7, 2007: The navy destroyed what it believed was the last large LTTE arms smuggling ship. The 3,000 ton, 220 foot long vessel was intercepted and sunk 1,700 kilometers off the southeast coast. When navy gunboats challenged the ship at about 5:30 in the morning, the crew of about a dozen men opened fire. After about four hours of shooting, the LTTE vessel sank. The ship was found to be carrying artillery ammunition, radar, GPS, radios and other electronic gear as well as scuba sets and jet skis. This ship is believed to be the last large smuggling ship the LTTE possessed.



    October 6, 2007: There were over 300 casualties last week, including at least 70 LTTE dead in the north and the east. About a third of the casualties were government forces. The disproportionate losses were the result of the army have more artillery and mortar ammunition, and the air force carrying out more accurate attacks.



    September 30, 2007: A few thousand of the 100,000+ Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in southern India (Tamil Nadu) have begun returning, mainly to eastern Sri Lanka.

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  151. May be this is not relavent for us...However...

    Russian Eyes Over the Indian Ocean
    October 11, 2007: India has received another Russian built Tu-142 maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Beginning in 1988, when it received three of these aircraft, India has bought more and now has a fleet of nine. The Tu-142 (PHOTO), which was introduced in the 1970s, is the patrol version of the Tu-95 heavy bomber. This aircraft entered service 51 years ago, and is expected to remain in service, along with the Tu-142 variant, for another three decades. Over 500 Tu-95s were built, and it is the largest and fastest turboprop aircraft in service. Russia still maintains a force of 60 Tu-95s, but has dozens in storage, which can be restored to service as either a bomber or a Tu-142.


    The 188 ton aircraft has flight crew consisting of a pilot, copilot, engineer and radioman, and an unrefueled range of 15,000 kilometers. Max speed is 925 kilometers an hour, while cruising speed is 440 kilometers an hour. Originally designed as a nuclear bomber, the Tu-142 version still carries up to ten tons of weapons (torpedoes, mines, depth charges, anti-ship missiles, sonobuoys) and a lot more sensors (naval search radar, electronic monitoring gear). There are two 23mm autocannon mounted in the rear of the aircraft. The mission crew of a Tu-142 usually consists of eight personnel, who operate the radars and other electronic equipment. Patrol flights for the Tu-142 can last twelve hours or more, especially when in-flight refueling is used. Maximum altitude is 45,000 feet, although the aircraft flies much lower when searching for submarines. India requires aircraft like these for patrolling the vast India ocean waters that surround the subcontinent. India wants to upgrade the electronics on its Tu-142s, but has been put off by the high price, and low performance, of what the Russians have offered. So Israeli suppliers have been consulted to see if there is a better solution available.

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  154. read the article that Shay claimed was totally erronous from Iqbal Athas regarding buying of MIG 29 and came across this

    "The four aircraft which were reported to be completely overhauled were delivered to the SLAF. Recently two of them were listed as unserviceable. One, however, was repaired this week. The other remains still unserviceable due to minor defects. Air Force sources said spares were being awaited from Ukraine under the warranty to effect repairs."

    as time passes i am sure we will see much more about these planes
    let everybody judge then.


    “MiG 29s have not been used in any theatre of combat anywhere in the world to attack non-combat light aircraft by any conventional Air Force in the world”

    In response to the above paragraph from Athas shay states

    "Well, that is a blatant lie. The Mig29 is one of the very few modern combat aircraft which has been used to shoot down light aircraft similar to what the LTTE use (Kfir also has done the same). The Cuban airforce used Mig29 to shoot down a couple of Cessna’s in the 1990’s on two or three occasions (use google to find it). "

    Initialy i was content to belive what shay said and thought Athas was wrong but then i googled it as he suggested the incident revolves around two Cuban MiG fighter planes shooting down two Cessna airplanes belonging to the Brothers to the Rescue, a group which tries to rescue boat people who try to illegally immigrate from cuba to usa from the sky.

    Hardly a theater of combat is it? look at what Athas has said in his article above!

    Shay says

    "Then he goes on some irrelevant crap about the Mig being faster than a Zlin (duh) and comes out with his now famous bullock cart/Mercedes comment.

    The whole article if read in full and in context of the time it was written deals with the Goverments response to the tiger air raids.From what i can read in this article the writer questions the need to acquire a Mig 29 just to shoot down the tigers light aerobatic aircraft built in the Czech Republic . Remeber this is after we had recived the 4 Mig 27's
    For me its a valid argument Of course anybody reading this might disagree with me saying we must get the Mig-29s to win the war. I have no problem with that but in the same instance i cant find fault with Athas writing about this so that we have the information to judge for ourselves.

    Shay has attempted to present this article out of context i am trying to clarify it so that everybody is clear about what is said.

    "So if we go by Athas’ knowledge of military matters one would presume that the SLAF would have to buy Spitfires to counter the LTTE threat"

    What i gatherd from this article of what the writer is trying to say is not that we should buy Spitfires to counter the LTTE threat but in evealuating many competing requiremnts for the war effort within the parameters of a 3rd world countrys budget can we afford to fork out so much money on a mig 29?

    Is asking this or informing this fact to the public so wrong? i'll let you decide

    Finally i hope this is the last time i comment on criticisim about athas. He should've given me some money :) and no he didnt give me any nude pics as Devon and Sarath (Two (or ONE?) our resident expert(s)of mastrubating to gay porn say :) Its for you people to decide what to belive or not but keep an open mind and dont fall into a trap of letting someone else make your mind for you just because he/she writes some defense industry related technical terms.

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  155. We know that LTTE played several cards in the recent past,

    1. Dis-arm Para-military (else we -LTTE would do it). We are not doing it, because we have let the government to do it :-)

    2. Hacking 9 Muslims to death and trying to put the blame on STF to create backlash among Muslim communities was another cheap attempt of LTTE. Fortunately, the surviving Muslim told that it was in fact the LTTE who did the massacre. The cheap LTTE plan blew in their hand itself.

    3. GOSL engages in child-recruitment. This is another LOL, when LTTE was the sole culprit who is responsible for thousands of child abductions and recruitment. They came up with this whole world-wide campaign against GOSL, but miserably failed, while taking down their LTTE supporting hero Alan Rock. Alan Rock lost the fruits of his loins after pulling the LTTE line (remember his photos with Waterloo Suresh)?

    4. The next PR campaign of LTTE was Rajapakse Corruption and having $9M houses in USA. These also were proved wrong by many who investigated the allegations. LTTE lost that too miserably with their supporting BBC Payroll men in the Tamil and Sinhala service.

    5. MIG 27 deal corruption charges - this is again proving to be false, and based on false accusations that have been 'economical' with the truth. Some people trying to bring that over and over even after LTTE and Ranil (with Asithri's adjective) has already abandoned the same.

    6. Shooting and killing of Indian Fishermen campaign - It was later proved that indeed, LTTE was the culprit who shot and killed several Indian fishermen and hi-jacked two trawlers, and one being later caught by Indian Coastguards with the LTTE men, and one being destroyed by the Maldivian authorities. This whole saga led to the demise of four LTTE cargo ships. Another LOL!

    7. HR Violations Card - This is another LOL scenario, where LTTE has denied any right of alternate views than their Nazi facisizm, killing thousands of moderate Tamil intellectuals and civilians who maintained alternative views. LTTE is the biggest violator of HR, who shot point-blank anyone who criticize them (recently in Vaunia also they have killed two Barber father and son, because they criticised Thamil Selvan, who also was a Barber).

    They try to hide the fact that alleged HR violations would not happen if the government does not need to fight with a fascist terrorist group, who has a history of indiscriminate killing through mass bombs, suicide bombers to pistol gangs.

    The Rights Violation card has been the most successful of LTTE campaigns against the government so far.

    The irony is, every time that there is some important HR related international meeting or conference taking place, the Tamils get killed under mysterious circumstances in dramatized ways and appear on road-side, near government institutions, 'the so called government controlled areas'. This is another LOL because, anyone who has a little bit of brain realise that if the government is doing them, they would take all the precautions in this world to avoid such incidents when some important HR decisions are taken by the world bodies. It shows how cheap these LTTE b*stereds are, and how cheaply they take the lives of people for their petty gains.

    LTTE has been doing PR killing for 30 years, killing thousands of innocent people for PR gains. They have no shame whatsoever of doing these killings.

    Everytime when LTTE is doing false PR campaigns, not only LTTE and its network such as the various LTTE linked NGOs, BBC, AFP, and thousands of LTTE websites consort together, but also Ranil and few s*ckers in the south. These s*ckers are very sympathetic towards LTTE, and advice the government to dance to the LTTE tune.

    The Ranil (wth Asithri's adjective), goes around the world internationalising domestic issues asking not to support the GOSL. Has anyone seen any other opposition leaders in any other country anywhere in the world doing such lament (give me some words Asithri.. I do not have suitable words in my dictionary to describe how childish this loser is) acts?

    Now the loser has abandoned his world tours and has started tours in village fairs. Meanwhile, the government is ignoring this joker and doing their job.

    I thought to write the above to highlight the jokers and how LTTE PR engine got everything blown in their own hand so far.

    The government only can not fight LTTE.

    As patriots, please take your time to counter-lobby against LTTE false propaganda and lobbying. It is one of the biggest service that the patriots can do. I am standing for a united Sri Lanka where all the peoples can work and prosper under a single flag. With the LTTE Nazis, you can not achieve that. They all need Davy Jones treatment.

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  156. Shay I'm not sure if your aware, btu Athas is a correspondant for Janes, which is probably the best source for defence related matters. Thats far far more accountable than some rubbish that comes out of the mouth of the secdef

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  157. Raptor,

    Being a reporter of Janes does not mean anything. Janes also based on reporters like Athas... Reading his dramatisation, Janes also thought that Athas is the man for them. But over and over it is proved that 'Athas is a man when there is no man'.

    There are no defence correspondents in Sri Lanka who can handle English very well like Athas, but else is just dramatisation and less substance.

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  158. lets put it this way... after reading all the for and and against arguments about athas's credibility, my opinion of janes took a severe battering. i am by no means a 'military man', but as a casual observer it seems athas is very ignorant about a lot of issues, or at least this is what the internet forums seem to suggest.

    BBC, Janes, CNN,...reality is hard to ascertain. i would not pay so much attention to these titles.

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  159. Some great articles in Divaina today..

    http://www.divaina.com/2007/10/13/editor.html

    http://www.divaina.com/2007/10/13/feature03.html

    http://www.divaina.com/2007/10/13/feature02.html

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  160. The Divaina article tells that under the Ranil administered CFA, LTTE got two priced catches "Suresh" and "Kenndy" released from GOSL custody.

    Suresh was the executor of Katunayake attack, and Kennedy has been responsible of destroying a helicopter in Palaly.

    Capture of Suresh has been a brilliant work of our Intel, but this Ranil the---------- (put whatever in this space) has let him go.

    What else could you say about that ------------ (again fill your blanks).

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  161. noLTTE=Peace
    Very good analysis of facts against the LTTE.
    Keep up the good work..

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  162. Cable,

    Are you crazy to divulge names of SLAF technicians and pilots? How cheap can one individual be? Have you ANY idea how well protected these technicians and pilots are?? duh!

    and so much for believing in Athas. He made an enormous blunder when he said in one of his articles that SLAF did not have MIG21 s. lol.....when all the time the Chinese F-7s were in its inventory.

    and what? "“MiG 29s have not been used in any theatre of combat anywhere in the world to attack non-combat light aircraft by any conventional Air Force in the world”

    What rubbish is that?

    One example - does cuban MIG29s shooting down cessanas belonging to 'brothers to the rescue' ring a bell? Too bad Athas is such a puny analyst :-(

    If you are such a fan of Athas, then please go back and read on the era of air marshall ranasinghe, where SLAF lost as many as 19 aircraft in ONE year or so. now thats corruption to the max! Now compare that to the current scenario. How many have we lost? and how much havoc has it been wreaking on the adversary?

    Visit the LNP thread mentioned abov e and get first hand info from ex-SLAF associates.

    Thank you.

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  163. Does anyone know who the big honcho baby-killer was, that was creamed by the SLAF in that classic air-strike?

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  164. NoLTTE=Heaven

    You said:

    Ranil the (with Asithri's adjective – aha, gladly mate - “she-male hooker”), goes around the world internationalising domestic issues asking not to support the GOSL. Has anyone seen any other opposition leaders in any other country anywhere in the world doing such lament – OaO Asithri: NO! (give me some words Asithri..OaO Asithri: gladly mate - This is what you call “prostitution of your mother!”) I do not have suitable words in my dictionary to describe how childish this loser’s acts? OaO Asithri: No fear mate - I do always! :))

    Capture of Suresh has been a brilliant work of our Intel, but this Ranil the “she-male hooker” (put whatever in this space – OaO Asithri: done mate!) has let him go.

    What else could you say about that Ranil the “she-male hooker” (again fill your blanks – OaO Asithri: done mate!).

    Truly LMSSAO! Man NoLTTE=Heaven, you are a riot! :)) :)) :))

    Here’s a serious question: Has anybody ever seen a single word of praise from this she-male hooker for our brave forces re. any of their fine victories? Rather, all I have seen is denigration of their achievements by saying things like they captured an “empty patch of jungle!” Aha, now you see why this SOB has to be a “she-male hooker!”

    Shay, hope you had fun beating that brain-dead, blindly RW-supporting, unpatriotic scumbag! As Sarath said, these buggers are equally vicious as the LTTE maggots and as such, they too must be treated with the same “extreme prejudice” we reserve for the LTTE maggots and dished with “cruel and unusual” punishment! LOL!

    SriLankan: you said: “…I hope you are working and studying hard.Dont forget those nice American girls:):).”

    Well, with utmost respect to our patriot DefenceNet (as this is his blog dedicated to not this type of idle chatter), I will answer only because you broached the subject….Yes, I work hard, but no mate, my days of academic studying are long over (it ended when I finished my post-grad nearly 10 years ago!). Today, it is all about PD (professional development) to keep abreast of what’s happening in my IB field and that’s not bad as it comes with travel and some good perks (like golf!). As for the last part, no mate, I am not into “whiteys” as I am a true “connoisseur” of our SL/Indian gals as I think they are the prettiest! :)) :)) :))

    OaO Asithri

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  165. I don't Lanka should buy the Mig-29 fighters. They are too expensive for us right now.

    I say lets go with the F-7G, which has hi-tech avionics and the look down shoot down capability. It would make a good interceptor.

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  166. Goodluck Asithri..Professional Development is the way to go.Reminds me of those Diff Equ:):)

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  167. hELLO..GEagle..what r the maintenance costs of the F-7 compared to the mig29

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  168. There was a fight in Gurunagar sea Jaffna, Tamilnet claimed they have captured 3 SLN bodies ,
    You guys know something about this?

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  169. Thanks Asithri for taking out very light adjectives from the dictionary :-)

    BTW about the MIG 29 shooting down light aircraft, I have been in air shows and seen how ferocious the MIG 29 is as well as how mild it can be. Man it can just twist the metal of a Slin by huffing and puffing without any cannon support. I thought the MIG 29 can land without an airstrip even. It was maneuvered much like an attack helicopter than an aircraft. It could stay still on air for few seconds on upward movement too.

    In many combat exercises MIG 29 has outperform American equivalents in dog fights as I heard. The machine is affordable too compared to US F series aircraft.

    If it is the comparatively best, then we should go for it. However, we need to standardize our fleet on two different types of craft from two different camps.

    If one day Israel decided not to sell parts for us, then we should be able to operate MIGs and wise-versa.

    Ranil went to China and asked China not to help GOSL. Else, Chinese aircraft also may be an option (risk minimization perspective). I am not an expert on aircraft. This is only a pure risk minimization strategy that I am mentioning.

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  170. Patriots…

    The sinking of the LTTE’s “Matshshima” video is now posted in

    http://www.defence.lk

    Go enjoy witnessing some cool target-practicing! Appears that sucker sank in double quick time as the SLN boys have had some good practice recently…Mmmm, I wonder how? LMSSAO!

    As well the site shows another video of the SLN ships that took part in that “clobbering” being ceremoniously welcomed in Trinco. One should feel real proud witnessing the entry of those fine crafts into Trinco SLN base. We owe these brave sailors big time.

    OaO Asithri

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  171. Srilankan

    The maintainance costs are much lower for the F-7G.

    I heard that the F-7G is supposed to be more agile than the F-16.

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  172. LTTE claimed to have captured the SLA boat with 5 bodies..

    I guess this attack was a total surprise for our boys...Where was the SLN's SBS boys?

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  173. noltte,
    Any interceptor with look-down-shoot-down should have no problem with the LTTE aircraft. My feeling also like GEs is that there are cheaper alternatives - but hey someone in the air force probably knows better.
    Mig-29 doesn't really stay still.. it and other russian aircraft (SU-27?) does a stalling movement which slows it down to a stop. It looks very impressive at airshows, but only good for show :-) I think it's call the Cobra.

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  174. Mig-29 doing a Cobra:
    http://youtube.com/watch?v=BAxx3T53TxM

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  175. F7-G is around $ 16M per aircraft. I believe that MIG 29s are less than $5M each.

    [Nigeria's government approved the purchase of 15 fighter and trainer aircraft from China on Sept. 28, further strengthening ties between the African and Asian heavyweights after a series of oil deals.

    The cabinet agreed the $251 million purchase of 12 fighter planes and three training aircraft from China's National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corp, Information Minister Frank Nweke said.]
    http://defensenews.com/story.php?F=1141670&C=mideast

    If we hit oil, it will not be much problem, but for the time being MIG 29 seems to be an option. Just my thought.

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  176. noLTTE=Peace

    Mate

    yes, oil will give us money. But it's when we hit oil, that all hell will really break lose...

    Interest in SL by superpowers will increase, and with it power play and covert workings, we will be under the microscope for any small incident which will be blown out of proportion to get intervention!!
    India will be more concerned, US and PRC will try to gain a “foot hold”

    I’m glad we didn’t find oil in the 70s~90s. And may be we should wait to finish the tigers off and get on our feet. And be more visible, credible and stable both socio-politically and economically before we exploit oil in a big way.

    Just a thought..

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  177. C'mon sarath & u other guys!!mind ur language..this is NOT a porn blog,for heaven sake.let's keep discussions strictly defence-related..i really can't understand why do many of you'll still enjoy dissin iqbal athas..seems like sarath himself is eyeing Mahinda's butt-hole or arse-crack with much glee..not cable..does the truth hurt so much..of course everyone makes mistakes time after time..even athas admitted as such.however,it seems that exposure of corrupt deals like-mig27,saar4 missile boat,etc..seems to have hit some bloggers in this forum right in the G-spot,aye! why?does the truth hurt so bad?.

    On another more relevant note..guys,i viewed the video of the SLN's fleet review & it showed the SAAR-4 missile boat sans missiles or atleast the launchers.the shot on the SAAR4 was not v.clear anyways.can anyone pls enligten me on where the missiles have gone?also,i read a book recently in which it says that the srilankan SAAR4's have their anti-missile chaff/decoys removed.also,the electronics,sensor systems have been downgraded compared to similar SAAR4'S operated by Chile & South Africa.

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  178. Rifard

    The reason given for the SLN's SAAR ships not using their Gabriels yet was that they are required to make positive visual identification before attack. At that range guns become a lot more cheaper than a USD 1Mn missile shot.
    Truth could be stranger than fiction.

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  179. The Navy ceremony video makes it look like a container ship and a fishing boat buggered the LTTE arms ship.

    When will our defence guys learn to make a decent video?

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  180. Defencenet

    Is there any truth in the claims made in this article? I wasn't aware of a major split in the LTTe until Karuna walked off with piece of the action.

    http://www.independentsl.com/cgi-bin/newsscript1.cgi?record=2234

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