Reorganisation of our forces following the War of Reunification has led to 3 and 4 Division being oversized, reducing unit cohesion. To remedy this, the 12th and 13th Cavalry Brigades will be deactivated and their VCB-105A's mothballed at Joint Base Colmenar Viejo.
In addition, the lack of a cohesive naval infantry solution in the face of potential future overseas deployments has demonstrated the need to train our existing land and naval forces in joint operations. The first such candidate for this program will be 3 Division, who will go on an extended deployment at sea with the Armada.
The Air Force, in an effort to create its own elite unit to match the Royal Legion of the Army, has drafted its assembled it pilots into the 1st and 2nd Tactical Fighter Squadrons. With the next-generation fighter Cuervo already in production, their ageing Golondrinas will be retired and stored at Torrejón Air Base while they retrain on the new fighters. At the conclusion of their training, they will be condensed into the new 11th Tactical Fighter Squadron.
News from Aragon
Re: News from Aragon
Classified Message wrote: 1005 Central European Time, July 14th, 1972
To General-of-Division Argelich,
From the Office of la Princesa Real,
The situation has Changed, your forces are needed Elsewhere. Disengage from your planned Activities, repossess any of our Assets that have already been delivered, and Prepare to return at earliest convenience.
Re: News from Aragon
Following the precarious position produced by sending First Army to defend the French Republic, the necessity for a new branch of the army to be formed has been made clear. They will be a garrison force to defend the nation, lightly armed and armoured and unspecialised for offensive mobile warfare. Meanwhile, the air force and navy have snuck in some force expansions of their own. The air force, deciding that two squadrons of Lechuzas would be insufficient for a future war, is more than doubling its fleet. The armada, outnumbered as it was by the showing put out for the French conflict, is ordering additional surface and subsurface combatants to swell its ranks.
Re: News from Aragon
New year, new procurement.
Trials of the nuclear-powered Sant Fructuós aircraft carrier have proven sufficiently promising that a second ship of the class is ordered, to be named Santo Amador. A further expansion to the submarine fleet is also ordered, featuring a slightly improved version of the emerging Type 73 class. Naval stations in the Kingdom of Portugal have been ordered as well, to expand the Armada's ability to project power in the Atlantic.
The Air Force is being expanded to ensure the Principality's ability to defend itself from a potential incursion from the North, with several new fighter squadrons and some facilities on the docket. With the Colmenar Viejo Joint Base's success, the establishment of a similar complex near Lisbon is ordered. RAEA has gained another round of funding, leading to significant growth for El Arenosillo Space Centre.
As always, however, the Army gets the most attention. Once more, several new divisions have been ordered as well as additional garrison forces. The study into the VCB-105 tanks' treads poor performance has produced its results: a new track linkage has been designed that, while still suffering from weaknesses endemic to the design of the VCB-105 itself, should offer improved longevity and durability. All future tanks will be built with these new linkages and all existing tanks will receive the new linkages as well. It has also been noted that, due to an administrative error, a small portion of our OB-155 fleet has not received longer-barrelled guns, an oversight that will be rectified immediately.
Most exciting however are emerging developments surrounding the TOA-60 armoured personnel carrier. The VCL is a light armoured fighting vehicle and infantry carrier, combining aspects of armoured reconnaissance concepts and the armoured personnel carrier into a light and inexpensive package based on the TOA-60 hull. The VCL mounts a 25mm autocannon in an offset one-man turret, and is armoured, in addition to the welded aluminium hull, with spaced steel laminate. It will be employed as the front-line infantry fighting vehicle for our mechanised units while the TOA-60 is gradually moved to rear-line roles.
Trials of the nuclear-powered Sant Fructuós aircraft carrier have proven sufficiently promising that a second ship of the class is ordered, to be named Santo Amador. A further expansion to the submarine fleet is also ordered, featuring a slightly improved version of the emerging Type 73 class. Naval stations in the Kingdom of Portugal have been ordered as well, to expand the Armada's ability to project power in the Atlantic.
The Air Force is being expanded to ensure the Principality's ability to defend itself from a potential incursion from the North, with several new fighter squadrons and some facilities on the docket. With the Colmenar Viejo Joint Base's success, the establishment of a similar complex near Lisbon is ordered. RAEA has gained another round of funding, leading to significant growth for El Arenosillo Space Centre.
As always, however, the Army gets the most attention. Once more, several new divisions have been ordered as well as additional garrison forces. The study into the VCB-105 tanks' treads poor performance has produced its results: a new track linkage has been designed that, while still suffering from weaknesses endemic to the design of the VCB-105 itself, should offer improved longevity and durability. All future tanks will be built with these new linkages and all existing tanks will receive the new linkages as well. It has also been noted that, due to an administrative error, a small portion of our OB-155 fleet has not received longer-barrelled guns, an oversight that will be rectified immediately.
Most exciting however are emerging developments surrounding the TOA-60 armoured personnel carrier. The VCL is a light armoured fighting vehicle and infantry carrier, combining aspects of armoured reconnaissance concepts and the armoured personnel carrier into a light and inexpensive package based on the TOA-60 hull. The VCL mounts a 25mm autocannon in an offset one-man turret, and is armoured, in addition to the welded aluminium hull, with spaced steel laminate. It will be employed as the front-line infantry fighting vehicle for our mechanised units while the TOA-60 is gradually moved to rear-line roles.
Re: News from Aragon
A faction of the army, who had been growing more vocal in recent months, has finally gotten its way and the ordnance board has approved the creation of a committee to evaluate the potential for a rifle cartridge that is intermediate in power between the standard 9mm Largo used by pistols and sub machine guns and the 7.62mm CETME used by service rifles and machine guns. The belief being that on the modern battlefield, individual marksmanship and stopping power are less important than volume of fire and ammunition capacity, that a middle-ground between a sub machine gun and a rifle would benefit from the best of both worlds, and that the core of such a weapon will be its calibre. The committee is currently investigating two main avenues: the first is a scaled-down version of the 7.62mm CETME, the second is an all-new design built from the ground up to fit the required formfactor. They have already come up against staunch opposition from large swaths of the general staff, dissenting against the mere premise of their exploration and implicating that such a weapon would suffer the drawbacks of both and none of the benefits of either. At these early stages, however, only time will tell who is right.
Re: News from Aragon
Months of labour had arrived the Intermediate Rifle Cartridge Commission at three calibres that their ballistics engineers believe will perform optimally while fulfilling the requirements and promptly drafted up experimental specifications that were handed off to Santa Barbara state arsenal and CETME for limited-run production of prototype ammunition and converted standard rifles to test with. The calibres would be 6x45mm, 5.6x57mm, and 5.56x45mm, and they would use the latest cutting edge technology, using lightweight aluminium alloy cases, a revised polymer formula for the bullet cores, and a handful of different jacketing materials. Delivery of the prototypes was significantly delayed, the ammo and parts had to be handmade using unfamiliar materials, but delivered they were, to the jubilation of the Commission. That was, until they discovered that their vision had been seriously compromised by the arsenal, who had expedited production after the first handful by retreating to the currently in-use polymer formula and jacketing material and had simply not had time to implement tooling for producing aluminium cases at all, every round being in brass. The Commission raised a fuss, and Santa Barbara replied that if they really wanted all those whizzbang features, they'd need to put up a few more million pesetas and wait at least eight months.
Furious, but not deterred, the Commission proceeded to load and test the cartridges. The very first round exploded in the chamber when the brass ruptured, over-pressure from being loaded with a charge intended for a completely different material. A few weeks of reworking the specifications later and the Commission was back on the range. Hampered by failures to feed as they were, the oversized recoil springs having been just within tolerance for the hotter loads they had been designed for, being just cut down 7.62 springs, preliminary results came in. The conclusion was resounding: more development time was needed. The Commission shelved the ammo and, after some pleading with Ordnance, Santa Barbara had its pesetas.
Furious, but not deterred, the Commission proceeded to load and test the cartridges. The very first round exploded in the chamber when the brass ruptured, over-pressure from being loaded with a charge intended for a completely different material. A few weeks of reworking the specifications later and the Commission was back on the range. Hampered by failures to feed as they were, the oversized recoil springs having been just within tolerance for the hotter loads they had been designed for, being just cut down 7.62 springs, preliminary results came in. The conclusion was resounding: more development time was needed. The Commission shelved the ammo and, after some pleading with Ordnance, Santa Barbara had its pesetas.
Re: News from Aragon
TRAGEDY strikes Vandellòs Research Institute as a technical mishap results in multiple confirmed deaths. A steam containment vessel burst, resulting in a concussive explosion that, albeit small, rocked the east wing of the facility. Following this, CIRN has implemented new safety regulations to prevent another such tragedy from happening again. Such a minor setback will not deter ...
HOPE is on the horizon as the West Europe Security Treaty is signed. In response to the international reaction to the French War of Independence, our great nation has embarked upon a great mission of upholding peace, security, and justice, and has done so alongside great allies. The signing of WEST marks the beginning of a new era in Europe that ...
REUNION with our island-bound countrymen! The Lord Grand Admiral has seen fit to dispatch the Armada to our island territories of Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands. After a thorough checking up on, their inhabitants have been judged to be in good health and spirits and are currently being processed for the citizenship they are entitled to. Additionally, the Armada has begun the establishment of permanent naval facilities on ...
In nomine Providentiae.
Re: News from Aragon
This year marks a departure from all those previous, as there are no new major expansions to any branch announced beyond those already planned for. What remains are a handful of new ships for the Armada as its carriers enter sea trials this year.
With the FEFA program entering its final phase, production orders are coming in. Deliveries of domestic production will be prioritised for the Aragonese and French air forces, with Italy being made capable of producing its own. Between the air force's and the Armada's new aircraft all Golondrinas currently in service will, eventually, be replaced. As the new aircraft come on-line, existing Golondrinas will be either put in storage or sold to allies. Procurement of a laser guidance kit for air-dropped bombs is also underway. The army is getting the bulk of the new hardware though, with all-new utility trucks, improved versions of their utility and attack helicopters, and all-new self-propelled anti-air guns to support their mechanised forces. Like the Golondrinas, the Palomas Armas in service will be retired and either sold to allies or put in storage.
The Armada is pursuing an upgrade for their, relatively, ageing Type 59 missile frigates and designs for a new universal dedicated-purpose anti-ship missile. The army is pursuing trials for a man-portable air defense missile in light of the SRA's penchant for air assault operations and the numerous and heavy helicopters they employ to carry them out, as well as new night-vision optics for all stations on the VCB-105 tanks to greatly enhance their night fighting capabilities.
With the FEFA program entering its final phase, production orders are coming in. Deliveries of domestic production will be prioritised for the Aragonese and French air forces, with Italy being made capable of producing its own. Between the air force's and the Armada's new aircraft all Golondrinas currently in service will, eventually, be replaced. As the new aircraft come on-line, existing Golondrinas will be either put in storage or sold to allies. Procurement of a laser guidance kit for air-dropped bombs is also underway. The army is getting the bulk of the new hardware though, with all-new utility trucks, improved versions of their utility and attack helicopters, and all-new self-propelled anti-air guns to support their mechanised forces. Like the Golondrinas, the Palomas Armas in service will be retired and either sold to allies or put in storage.
The Armada is pursuing an upgrade for their, relatively, ageing Type 59 missile frigates and designs for a new universal dedicated-purpose anti-ship missile. The army is pursuing trials for a man-portable air defense missile in light of the SRA's penchant for air assault operations and the numerous and heavy helicopters they employ to carry them out, as well as new night-vision optics for all stations on the VCB-105 tanks to greatly enhance their night fighting capabilities.
Re: News from Aragon
Celebration of the new year is tinged with sadness this month in northern Portugal as several factory workers were injured in a violent attack carried out by a number of sick individuals. The investigation has been handed over from Su Católica Majestad's royal police in the Kingdom of Portugal to the national police, due to the severity such a threat poses to the safety of our Portuguese citizens. We hope justice is brought swiftly upon those responsible as our hearts and prayers go out to those affected and their families.
In nomine Providentiae.
Re: News from Aragon
Terrorist activities continue in the beleaguered Kingdom of Portugal as the violence escalates. Those vile fiends would provoke us into creating a vicious cycle, a part of their plan that we will not be party to. Cooler heads must prevail, otherwise things might pass beyond the point of no return. Recognising that we must tread carefully so as not to simply incite greater retribution, a measured response is prepared. As the situation grows beyond the capabilities or mandate of the National Police Corps, The Guardia Civil has been tasked with countering the threat and the Army General Reserve called in to provide security and screening for likely targets. Expansions to the local Portuguese government and an increased level of autonomy are underway. We will not be submit to the will of terrorists.
Construction of a new RAAC radar site in Galicia is approved along with production of the new Cuervo fighters continuing at full speed. The Army is introducing a night vision upgrade package to their VCB-105 fleet, which will greatly improve their night fighting capabilities, and will be replacing the final Palomas Armas in their inventory with the new Pinzónes Reales still coming on-line. The Armada's fleet of Págalo interceptors and carriers Sant Fructuós and Santo Amador have come online, freeing up procurement for a new frigate to replace the ageing Type 59s and to retrofit the Sant Jordi and Sant Eulària with nuclear power plants and generally bring them up to the standard of their newer sister ships. Additionally, an entirely new model of single-mode anti-ship missile capable of serving in sea-, land-, and air-launched roles across all platforms is being introduced, dubbed the MAB-2. It is not expected to replace the MAB-1 in some maritime applications, particularly aboard rotary-wing aircraft, but rather will be generally supplanting the MTA-2.
Initial deliveries of foreign exports are on schedule for next year, with two squadrons of Eurofighters destined for France and four squadrons of Pinzónes headed for Italy. Besides these, a flotilla of Type 50 missile boats and two wings of navalised Golondrinas are in storage at the naval base in Cádiz, the first of a stockpile that is only expected to grow.
Construction of a new RAAC radar site in Galicia is approved along with production of the new Cuervo fighters continuing at full speed. The Army is introducing a night vision upgrade package to their VCB-105 fleet, which will greatly improve their night fighting capabilities, and will be replacing the final Palomas Armas in their inventory with the new Pinzónes Reales still coming on-line. The Armada's fleet of Págalo interceptors and carriers Sant Fructuós and Santo Amador have come online, freeing up procurement for a new frigate to replace the ageing Type 59s and to retrofit the Sant Jordi and Sant Eulària with nuclear power plants and generally bring them up to the standard of their newer sister ships. Additionally, an entirely new model of single-mode anti-ship missile capable of serving in sea-, land-, and air-launched roles across all platforms is being introduced, dubbed the MAB-2. It is not expected to replace the MAB-1 in some maritime applications, particularly aboard rotary-wing aircraft, but rather will be generally supplanting the MTA-2.
Initial deliveries of foreign exports are on schedule for next year, with two squadrons of Eurofighters destined for France and four squadrons of Pinzónes headed for Italy. Besides these, a flotilla of Type 50 missile boats and two wings of navalised Golondrinas are in storage at the naval base in Cádiz, the first of a stockpile that is only expected to grow.