My one landed today too.

The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) recently celebrated 55 years of 348 Mira & 30 years of RF-F4E service at Larisa.

Thanks go to : mpampis210, Elfot, dimitris_falcon!

[size=8]$1bn Seasprite project canned[/size]

March 05, 2008

THE Federal Government is cancelling the troubled $1 billion Seasprite helicopter project, Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon has announced.

The Labor Government began a review of the Seasprite helicopter project late last year and, after careful consideration, had little option but to cancel the project, Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates our determination to make tough decisions whenever required for the security of the nation and the safety and capability of our defence force,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

The Government would instead improve the current Seahawk fleet and investigate replacing the ageing aircraft later.

“We are determined to ensure that the defence force receives the capability it needs, and Australian taxpayers receive value for their money,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

The Government would have discussions with the contractor over legal and financial issues and announce the details when they were agreed.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23322971-26103,00.html

At last!

The federal government has cancelled the $1 billion Seasprite navy helicopter project.

Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon made the announcement at a visit to a Newcastle engineering firm this morning.

The Seasprite has been one of the most difficult projects for the Defence Department, running more than six years behind schedule and with no helicopters operational.

The cancellation follows a major review of Australia’s military defence capabilities.

The helicopters are one of a number of military projects that are running behind schedule, over budget or don’t operate as intended.

Also in doubt is a $6 billion purchase of 24 Super Hornet fighter aircraft undertaken by the Howard government.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=387569

[size=5]Russian Navy ship under tow by Greek frigate after issuing distress signal in Aegean Sea[/size]

© AP

2008-02-18 20:01:59 –
ATHENS, Greece (AP) – A Russian Navy auxiliary ship that issued a distress signal during a storm in the Aegean Sea was being towed to a safe harbor late Monday, officials said.

The PM-138 repair ship, carrying a crew of 88 but no weapons, experienced engine trouble 15 miles (25 kilometers) off the eastern island of Ikaria, according to the Merchant Marine Ministry, which handles rescue operations.

Winds of up to 90 kph (55 mph) were blowing in the area.

A ministry spokesman said a Greek frigate was towing the Russian vessel to a sheltered anchorage on the island of Chios, north of Ikaria.

«The weather is bad, and the operation will take some time,» he said.
A Greek Navy tug boat, as well as two coast guard Super Puma helicopters and an airforce C-130 transport plane, were also in the area.

Russian naval officials said the ship was a repair vessel from Russia’s Black Sea fleet, and was carrying no weapons.

The vessel is without power and cannot move on its own, but the condition of the crew was «satisfactory,» Russian navy spokesman Capt. Igor Dygalo said. He said the problem was apparently caused by a storm.

The ship had been sailing to the base of the Black Sea fleet in Sevastopol, Ukraine, after a long stint in port in Syria Dygalo added.

Greece is suffering from a cold spell, with snow blanketing much of the country and gale-force winds lashing the Aegean Sea.

http://www.pr-inside.com/russian-navy-ship-under-tow-by-r443445.htm