Ausozera News [IC] [New Ausozera members only.]

by **The Unified Isles** » Wed Apr 04, 2018 8:27 am

2nd Official Respone of the Provisional Government
To the international outcry about the legal procedures of the Provisional Government
Stated by President Maitland, 4th of April, 17:00 PM

In the name of our beloved country,

By the Grace of the Isle'ish King, his power vested into this Provisional Government,

We hail the governments participatory in the international outcry about the legal procedures of the Isle'ish King, his power vested into this Provisional Government

Due to your concern and about our legal procedures, as well, as your reaction to it, we feel responsible to answer you.

It is therefor,

That we first announce that 39 Persons currently under remand, hailing from Tangaliro, Ygartha and New Roma, have been found clear of charges and will be brought back to their respective nations within the next hours. We would also like to inform the goverments of the United Remnant and the Dominion that some of their citizens have been cleared of charges, but can not be brought back to their respective nations due to security concerns over their goverments actions. They have been set free, but are not allowed to leave the country till security concern have been cleared. These security concerns also apply to 8 IADA workers from Ygartha, Valefontaine and Entrecaseaux, who are so far clear of charges, but due to their connections to the Aegeon Pact in case of Valefontaine, and their apparent support of military actions against the Isles. We would note though that of course such concerns can be cleared rather quickly through respective demonstrations of a will for peace.

We would kindly like to remind the Cirillan, Esgonian and Portean governments that we approve of their attempts of negotiations, but that they have to make offers towards us if they demand something.

We do currently not know about the whereabouts of Fronslandish workers, but are investingating into this.

We also are comfortable with deporting the Donnish citizens home if Donnerland in turn withdraws its military presence. However, we can not deport non-Donnish citizens in favour of Donnerland.

President Maitland
1st of April 2018

Glory or Defeat!

by **New Roma Republic** » Wed Apr 04, 2018 10:19 am

Office of the Caesar

STATEMENT ON THE DEVELOPMENT IN THE UNIFIED ISLES

It has come to the attention of this glorious republic that several nations, who do not hail from Ophir, may be making moves of a hostile nature against TUI. Let it be known that any military advancement by an interloper into Ophir will be countered with greater or equal force. Ophir is for Ophir. Interlopers shall be beaten back as needed.

In addition, the Citizens of the NIR wish to extend to TUI a hand of friendship in these trying times. It is dangerous to go alone. We would like to offer, in the event of economic sanctions against TUI, to extend trade among our two nations, for the betterment of us both, and by extension, the rest of Ophir. Ave Ophir!

Senatus Populusque Romanus,
Quintus Oranius Octavian
Caesar, NIR

by **Saradena** » Wed Apr 04, 2018 10:49 am

Esgonian News Online
Bringing you the latest updates around Esgonia and Ausozera 24/7

The TUI-IADA crisis - Rakosanka Challenges Allegations

By: Marumo Jougasaki. 25 Minutes ago.

D ays following the escalation of tensions between The United Isles and multiple IADA signatory nations, which includes the URA, Vanquaria, and the Free Asian Ports in response to the arrests of 306 workers in the IADA offices in Midsex, the Provisional Government has recently issued a press statement, which included the release of more workers, along with the urge for belligerent nations to de-escalate military actions against the nation.

The response by the Isle'ish Government officially stated that 39 workers from the nations of Tangaliro, Ygartha, and New Roma, have been released from detainment and are being sent back to their home countries. In addition, they have stated that the workers from the URA and the Dominion had also been cleared of charges, but cannot be returned back home due to their escalation of action against the island nation and has urged their governments to de-escalate military actions for their safe return.

Meanwhile, the Isle'ish Government has agreed to Esgonia's request for dialogue for the release of the 27 Esgonians still detained and awaiting trial in the country, but has stated that they would need to "make an offering if they were demanding something." The news was greeted with massive public outcry, with many politicians citing their statement to an offer as 'preposterous' and one stating that they were 'Out of their minds that they had the audacity to make such a statement after their unlawful action against the international community.' Mass protests, mostly organized by the radical right-wing Isegai Gomari, have been conducted at the Isle'ish embassy, which led to 25 arrests, and other conservative parties urging the Akinojekan government to take military action against the Isles.

President Rakosanka, however, chooses to challenge the Isle'ish allegations instead, as quoted from a recent speech she made two hours ago:

The Provisional Government's statement for the Esgonia to "make an offer" to the Isle'ish is absurd, especially that they had committed an unlawful act against the Esgonian Government and the International Community by arresting workers, in which they had diplomatic immunity due to the nature of their work in the country. Which, in itself, would instantly warrant full military action against the host nation.

In addition, the allegations made so far against the IADA and the detained workers have been baseless and has no 'real meat' into it. There has been no concrete evidence so far to prove that the IADA's public funds were used for Donnish and Portean naval build-up, minus an 'investigative report' by a local newspaper, which has also provide no sufficient evidence regarding the issue. In addition, the newspaper is being run by the Royal Army itself, which makes their claims even more dubious.

We have decided that, in order to ensure a safe return of our detained workers, as well as to avoid another needless war and further bloodshed, the Esgonian Government will instead challenge the Provisional Government's allegations against the workers and the organization and prove to the Isle'ish Court, that the IADA has done no wrong. We will continue to engage in talks with the Isle'ish Provisional Government regarding the process. And if necessary, will send a legal body team to act as defendants to the our detained workers, and, if allowed, to the IADA. If the TUI wishes to make an offer to us for the release of the workers, then they must prove to us that their arrests are even justifiable in the first place.

We will do OUR best to make sure that our loved ones wrongly detained in the country can return home in one piece. And if the Isle'ish will act in a hostile manner to them. We WILL respond in kind.

Thank you.

Following the speech, there have been reports of mass movement of the Esgonian Armed Forces, especially the Esgonian Southern Fleet and the Esgonian Air Force - South. Military officials have made no comment regarding this issue.

In other news:

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MikotoHazemi2007, Arcea, Esgonia | So we're not just instantly deploying troops and dropping bombs this time? Color me surprised!
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by **Imperial Valaran** » Wed Apr 04, 2018 10:56 am

Valaran-Donnish Alliance Confirmed

A Donnish UH-1D is tested by VRF personnel, 01/03/18

Alex Cestan (@AlexCestan)
^{17:32, 03/04/18 | Astaria, The Valaran Empire}

Keenes and Hesseren Move Past Complications to Cement Relations

Was Valaran even at war with Donnerland?

That question might seem distasteful to some readers — after all, the Valaran invasion was a very real prospect for the families of Donnish soldiers and civilians killed by VIN missile strikes. But for most, the removal of Voy, the boots of VRM on Donnish shores, the spectral overhang a conflict has passed like a winter chill: shrugged off, now that spring has arrived.

There are more fresh shoots to celebrate. The Valaran Parliament has ratified the alliance negotiated by Hesseren and Keenes in February — by far the most significant of the flowering relationship. The Alliance’s Passage was passed with relative ease: as usual, rebellions in the government ranks were more tun made up by the support of the Liberals, and the acquiescence of the Conservatives. Polling for the alliance has never gone under 60%. Hesseren now has the rare credit of starting, winning and ending war in under a year — and winning the peace too. Few others could boast of such a payoff.

Other agreements are also making their way through the legislature, though in the end it was not quite the “100 deals” boasted off in Rathras. Instead, it was 87. A trade deal is expected to pass with an even greater majority than the alliance — not least since it includes some major gems in form of trading licenses for Valaran banks to operate in Donnerland, and similar access for Valaran shipbuilding firms. Other major legislation includes special Visas for Donnish students and workers, a general relaxation on Valaran tariffs, and loosened regulation for the import of nickel, cobalt and REMs from Donnerland.

Existing projects have already started. Construction has progressed on the Donnish base in Kyadir, and the first steel was laid down for the amphibious transport ships (two LPDs and one LHD). The ships are expected to take about six and nine months to construct (respectively), while the base will have limited operability from June, and full operability from september. Meanwhile, prototypes of the new bull pup rifle have been delivered to the VRF for testing, and the first batch of UH-1Ds has been delivered. Progress has been slower on the construction launch pads for the Donnish space programme in Rathras, with some delays attributed to increased rebel activity, and the difficult of securing parts from the Isle’ish suppliers. The latter has issue been resolved, with parts instead sourced from a Valefontene aerospace firm. The SSBN / SSN programme has also suffered delays, stated as being due to difficulties over the designs. Construction of the first submarines is expected to dart in May.

All this comes as diplomats from both countries announced a fresh raft of agreements. First up are another batch of naval sales. Donnerland has agreed to purchase twelve of the brand new Savra Patrol Frigates, and five large LSTs, from a Rathran design. The Savra purchase represents the first export win for the littoral warfare development programmes of the past two decades. Despite being a major supplier of naval vessels overall, Valaran firms have generally lagged behind its allies Urran and FAP in selling smaller scale littoral ships. This was in part due to the recent creation of Valaran’s own Littoral Warfare Squadron (LWS). [The LWS is a new organisation, and it took sometime for its classes to mature]. The LSTs will be a cost-effective boost to Donnerland’s burgeoning amphibious capabilities.

Both deals were major wins for the “mass purveyors” of the Valaran shipbuilding industry — Kianes and Tyrvas. Both have recently seen their margins squeezed by the VIN favouring the construction of larger warships, produced mainly the industry titans of KDX and Sianar. There has also been the spectre of Remnant firms flooding the market with cheap and unreliable ships, further crowding the market. Yet Tyrvas and Kianes stole marches on both their domestic and internal rivals with these sales.

Don’t feel too bad for the executives at Sianar though — they secured a contract on technical assistance for the new range of Donnish CGNs: The Tutten class. Half constructed by Voy in a fit of megalomania, these behemoths are the latest Class to enter the ranks of super-sized surface combatants, joining the Pakirani Talhassar Class and Valaran’s own Varnaus ‘Heavy Destroyers’. Three Tuttens have already been constructed, and Keenes recently laid out plans for a total of sixteen such ships. Sianar, along with Kythean and Silicas (Valaran’s two largest firms) will give technical advice and assistance on the electronics and sensors of these Cruisers. Kythean and Silicas will focus on chips and radar transceivers; Silicas will also have help on nuclear propulsion; while Sianar deals with combat management and system integration. Construction of the Tutten Class will be strictly limited to Donnerland, no doubt to retain and develop domestic shipbuilding capacity — a strategic resource in these times.

The Valaran contributions form part of an ambitious effort to expand and the enhance the Donnish Navy. Typically, this has been the most neglected branch of Donnerland’s military, with priority (and most of the budget) given to its vaunted airforce and army. Both of these services acquitted themselves admirably during the invasion, stalling most allied forces at Soraught. Only the Valarans were able to find another avenue of attack, in this case from the north. However, the Donnish Navy could not contest any of the allied landings, ceding the entire southern coast. Indeed, the Valaran Task Force also sailed right past the Donnish Navy without issue, despite consisting of a much smaller force, with no carriers. For the unmatched strength of the Donnish military generally, its navy has proven a vulnerability.

Such vulnerabilities are clearly things Keenes wishes to prevent in the future. Recently his government’s public line has been that the navy was too weak to defend Donnerland, and so should be upgraded. The SSGN / SSN programme is a core plank in this process, creating a much needed submarine force. Meanwhile the Tutten Class will provide them with a replace to the ageing Ticonderogas, retaining missile capacity while aching a ‘quantum leap’ forwards in sensors and stealth capabilities. Donnerland has also secured a new line of Destroyers from Pakiristan, and is planning acquisitions of LHDs and LPDs from the Free Asian Ports. Both Pakiristan and the Ports are also leading naval powers.

There is also evidence Keenes wishes to create a capability for maritime power projection, again typically not something Donnerland has focused on. The CGNs and SSNs will be able to support extended offensive operations due to te nuclear propulsion, while the SSGNs are purpose built for such operations. Meanwhile, with the Valaran and Portean supplied amphibious ships, Donnerland will now have a dedicated transport capacity for the Marines.

This focus could hardly have come at a more relevant time. The fraught international situation around TUI’s dramatic departure from the IADA and arrests of IADA workers has taken a fresh twist, with Urranese public annoucment against a blockade. The Valaran government is inching towards a similar position, potentially putting it on a collision course, with Donnerland, which has proposed naval action against the Isles. Althougth not mentioned directly, the spectre of such tensions hung heavily over the debate in Parliament preceding the vote on the alliance. However, officials from both Donnerland and Valaran were quick to stress that the Isle’ish situation will have no bearing on bilateral relations. The Foreign Ministry has been especially forceful in such denials, pointing out that “[The Valaran] Empire has been supportive of the return of Donnish Nationals”.

All the same, the situation seems eerily similar to that of a year ago. Then it was Donnerland that was the ostracised power, throwing up two fingers to an outraged globe. Now it is an upstanding member of the international community, condemning the very same behaviour it so recently conducted. Even as the chill wind of last year is shrugged off, a new gale seems to be rising.

More Leading Articles

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44,000 Comments

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Comments:

By The Real Stephen Colbert - 4 mins Ago

This is how peace should be done.
11,002 Likes | 3,370 Dislikes
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By HippoLover564 - 10 mins Ago

Why are there so many pro-Donnish posts online?? Where did all these people come from?
173 Likes | 4,035 Dislikes
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By Totallynotagovernmentclone - 16 min Ago

I am Don.

You are Don.

We are Don.

Don Don Don. 
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by **Empire of Donner land** » Wed Apr 04, 2018 1:17 pm

New Donnish Times
Long Live the Empire!
Naval forces return to Bögt, Donnish Citizens to return home.

.5 Hours ago, Turets Beteurg(@TurtsBet).
Bögt, Donner Land

After negotiations, it was confirmed half an hour ago that Donnish Citizens are prepping for transit, in exchange, the Donnish Fleet will be returning to port. The situation, after asking numerous representatives in the council, is tense but very quickly deescalating as nations hope to get their people out without conflict. Nations are still acting aggressively however as not all hostages have been returned to their home nations. Namely, the F.A.P and U.R.A, with the Free Asian Ports apparently putting into play a Nuclear Submarine to threaten the Isle'ish nation.

Though President Keenes was unable to get all hostages out, he has reaffirmed that for other nations the route of diplomacy is still open to those who wish to prevent fighting.

However, now that the crisis for the Donnish is over, how and why did this all exactly happen? The New Donnish Times will attempt to put together a chronology and explain further in depth the causes.

Firstly, the 306 Hostages were taken after the Royal Gazette, a newspaper also owned and operated by the Isle'ish Royal Army, had investigated and reported that the F.A.P and Donnish Navies were increasing their size and building up, enabled their nation's governments who, by their findings, were taking IADA Funds and using that.

Then came the international outcry, but nations favored by the TUI quickly handed over their hostages to their respective nations. In this time, however, it appears that no one in the Isle'ish Provisional Government cared much that this action happened in the first place, which is startling. Among this, the Dominion and the U.R.A sent in Naval Forces along with the Donnish Government.

With all of this, nothing in the Isle'ish government appears to be even close to an outcry against its own government for its actions of taking foreign nationals prisoner for these crimes with little to no evidence.

In other news, see our other articles.
- Donnish-Valaran Alliance signed. 32,534,690 Views
- Approval Rating for Keenes rises 5% after Donnish Citizens returned. 22,552,520 Views
- Is Donner Land today a direct mirror of it's former self under Voy? 50,502,100 Views
- Esgonia elected to GSC Seat representing Ashai, Free Asian Ports has high expectations.1,202,120 Views
- Keenes negotiating with Civilian Council, word "Embargo" heard. 2,342,120 Views
- Snow Fires extinct? Rattean documentary on "How a disaster became a meme". 520,100 Views

Comments

-Juruh,K
Damn.
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by **Vanquaria** » Wed Apr 04, 2018 2:23 pm

The Dominion has confirmed that it is withdrawing its carrier groups deployed to intimidate the underdeveloped Isle'ish country. The battlegroup will return to their previous duties of patrolling around the seas around the island of Aratoas.

At the same time, another carrier group alongside special additional, supporting naval elements, has left the ports on a deployment to the East Helsa sea to assist the ongoing counter-terrorism operations there.

Sources report the presence of littoral warfare submarines within the waters of Aratoas. Special ops units have yet to undergo sea cable disconnection missions as the whole blockading force sits awaiting further orders from the Autarch who is himself awaiting an official response from the Rattean government.

At the same time, the Autarch has publicly mocked the IADA organisation for "being completely irrelevant in world crises as of yet" and has promised even stronger international activity from the Dominion beginning with counter-terrorism operations in Reutoa and Namenia.

by **The United Remnants of America** » Wed Apr 04, 2018 7:02 pm

Remnant National News

Your Daily Update

Olympia, URA, GRCS

- The CPD Flotilla that left Zhangua days ago was seen entering Westwake Base in Oenosia, reportedly for a join maneuver with Remnant Navy and Ygarthan Navy forces. The flotilla was originally thought to be heading towards the Unified Isles. The flotilla is also now without a few days' sail from Olmar Bay in Imalakia, where CPD's Task Force Imalakia is heading.

- International Gladiatorial Championship 1 is beginning to recruit for participants. The current brackets expect a total of eight fighters in order for a day's worth of fighting. There has been talk of expanding to sixteen gladiators if there's an influx of applicants from various national leagues. Remnant League Champion Chrom Averin is expected to participate, among other Platinum League regulars from the URA.

- Aegaeon Pact members URA, VDR, Vanquaria, Donner Land, and Valaran agree to split the Azenyanistan debt of $10 billion to the Free Asian Ports. The Portean government had transferred the former Azen debt to the newly-founded Federation of Sishai. The Aegaeon Pact, in an act of international goodwill, paid the debt of the Federation in order to nurture a new nation.

- Relations between the URA and Ophiric nations New Roma and Tangaliro become strained during recent Isleish hostage crisis, where the Unified Isles took over three-hundred IADA workers hostage upon the Isleish exit from the IADA. The Remnant response was deemed heavy-handed by Roman officials and overly-aggressive by Tangaliroan officials. Experts say tensions will normalize after the Isleish-created crisis ends.

This has been your daily update.

- John Jackson, Well-Done Correspondent, RNN

In other news:
- How To Live Rich Without Breaking The Bank
- The Most Recent Cirillian Fashions
- Rainfall Expected This Weekend

by **Greater Liverpool** » Wed Apr 04, 2018 9:51 pm

The Eastern Empire invades Namenia

Pucalza, Greater Liverpool - Today at 6:04am a letter directed to the United Socialist states of Namenia arrived at their government building, the letter contained an official declaration of war on Namenia by the Eastern Empire of Greater Liverpool. Greater Liverpool stated the following reasons for the war:
1. To dismantle the destructive governments of Modeno and Namenia
2. To stop states funding international terrorism
3. Liberate the people of Namenia and Modeno from the communist system
4. To find international criminals that are being harbored inside the Namenian state.

The invasion began at exactly 6:30am with Greater Liverpudlian imperial forces crossing the border from the North of the country. Mechanized Infantry backed up with small elements of tanks crossed the border after a period of bombings by the Greater Liverpudlian Air force. The Imperial forces were initially met with little resistance as they crossed the border a confused Namenia force was unable to halt the advance after they attempted a counter attack. However they encountered strong resistance as the day went on and their advance has been slowed considerably but not stopped. General Geraldo Alves commander of the invasion released a state "So far the invasion into Namenia has been a success for our Imperial forces, we have gained much ground in the first day and we expect to gain more as the days go on. The Namenia government has its day numbered as we will dismantle the government and bring them justice the criminals that reside in that country and those that even claim to be politicians. May I just also say that our troops have been well received by the Namenian people with many of our boys being labeled as liberators by the Namenians." However the General's words have be contradicted by the Namenian state as they claim that many Namenia have taken up arms against Greater Liverpudlian forces.

However, international it is to quick to say what exactly the international community will do but Greater Liverpudlian allies the Dominion have welcomed the invasion as the two nation states will now be working together in destroying the Namenian communist government. It was announced that the Dominion will now have full military access to Greater Liverpudlian Naval, Army and Air Forces bases. The Imperador has given his blessing in this move citing that the support the dominion can give and the support Greater Liverpool can give will be crucial in destroying international Terrorism. This may also be the basis for a greater Alliance between the Dominion and the Eastern Empire as the two will be working closely in dismantling the United Socialist States of Namenia.

In other news
-Greater Liverpudlian national rugby federation announces new International tournament (more to follow)
-The People's Prince (Leonardo of Mánco) is spotted in his flying suit as he goes and helps with the invasion of Namenia
-The Government has announced that it has revoked it's guarantee of Protection on the Isle's citing that their fail to release all hostages

by **The United Remnants of America** » Wed Apr 04, 2018 10:18 pm

Remnant National News

Greater Liverpool Invades DEN; URA Condemns, Pledges Full Support For DEN

Olympia, URA, GRCS

"Early this morning, the Liverpudlian government invaded one of the URA's oldest and closest allies, of Namenia," Drake posted on his 2gethr account shortly after the news of the war went viral. "Namenia and the URA have had a long and mutually beneficial relationship, even going so far as allowing Namenian citizens in the CPD in large numbers, and Remnant troops training in Namenia, of which there is an undisclosed amount."

"The unwarranted, expansionist, and aggressive invasion by the Liverpudlian government spits in the face of international norms," continues the post, "and we cannot simply idle by as an ally is wronged. That is why the GRCS will be conducting a global pivot and turning attention from most minor security matters in an effort to move forces northward in defense of our Namenian allies and our now-trapped Remnant soldiers. In addition, as the CPD has a large percentage of Namenian citizens, the CPD will likewise be repositioning their forces in support of our ally. I will be meeting with my senior advisors later this morning to discuss the possibility of declaring a full and total state of war on the nation of Greater Liverpool if the Liverpudlian government does not immediately cease their hostile and barbaric actions. I hope you will now all take a moment of silence for our Namenian friends thrust into battle, as well as our Remnant brothers and sisters, who are now in harm's way due to the careless and horrid actions of Greater Liverpool."

Embedded correspondents in Imalakia, Sishai, Oenosia, and elsewhere were unable to get a comment from any military officials, but the CPD spokeperson website posted that they would be immediately suspending all ongoing operations to acknowledge and fully ascertain the severity and depth of this new development.

This story will be updated as new unfolds.

- Mia Reznova, Senior Correspondent, RNN

In other news:
- IGC 1 Details
- Imalakia Update
- Ygartha: A Factbook

by **Valefontaine** » Wed Apr 04, 2018 10:44 pm

Home / TUI

Amid IADA Crisis, GenSec urges reason
Published Apr. 5, 2018
7:30 PM

Erebus (VFN) — In response to the mounting tensions regarding TUI, General Secretary Ernst Koehler has urged all parties to have restraint in the ongoing affair. "Valefontaine and the Isles have had a long, mutually beneficial history. Neither myself or the Ludzkongress intend to allow the current matter to affect our history of good relations." He said earlier in the day, during a press release.

by **Imperial Valaran** » Thu Apr 05, 2018 4:27 pm

Naval Reforms Part Two: Electric Boogaloo

‘How Times Change’: Imperial Fleet Review, 1967

Alex Cestan (@AlexCestan)
^{18:39, 05/04/18 | Astaria, The Valaran Empire}

The Military-Industrial Complex Shifts Gears

Astaria, ValaranThe Valaran Imperial Navy (VIN) has embarked on the next phase of its reform programmes, announcing a series of polices today. These are intended as a follow-up to previous measures announced in January and February, in turn the result of planned reductions to budget increases by the Hesseren administration. While the previous set of reforms were snap responses to budget cuts, and dealt with existing numbers of ships, these reforms are sweeping organisational changes. They are designed to correct a number of pervasive issues in the VIN, including the lack of forward deployed forces, readiness issues and “a muddled and over ambitious procurement strategy.”

First, the changes to existing naval strategy and organisation. Valaran used to operate a 4-4 Fleet Structure, with four Expeditionary Fleets of 25-30 ships and four Patrol Fleets of 6-12 ships. The Expeditionary Fleets were the prime instruments of power projection and used for peer-to-peer combat; the Patrol Fleets took care of lower-scale conflicts and oceanic defence. Patrol Fleets also served as training of new crews and the were comprised of older and lighter ships. The VIN sought to keep an Expeditionary Fleet and a Patrol Fleet deployable at one time, with another Fleet of each readied. Other fleets were typically undergoing periods of refitting and maintenance, training duties, or reserve. In this arrangement, the Expeditionary Fleets were prioritised, to some degree at the expense of the Patrol Fleets.

No more: Valaran has thrown the 4-4 system into the trash. The Expeditionary Fleets will remain, though they will be standardised. The main differences are in the Patrol Fleets. These will be reordered and set to a more uniform size: either nine or eleven ships. Patrol Fleets typically have lacked aviation capabilities; however three will be given Karvas LPHs, presumably to aid with AEW&C and ASW duties (which makes sense in a patrol formation) and act as command ships. The VIN ostensibly has several spare Karvas’; however these normally have been used to bulk up amphibious transport formations, due to the general lack of carriers or carrier-like ships, and a need for additional transport capacity. Yet the Karvas has always been more of an aviation vessel than a transport one, and this role is considered much more suitable.

More strikingly, two Patrol Fleets will now no longer be stationed in Valaran itself, but actually in the colonies, where they will form the nuclei of new naval organisations, mixing patrol fleets, VRM units, amphibious squadrons, logistics ships, littoral defence units, submarine squadrons, and end some surveillance vessels. The Third Fleet will be stationed in Rathras, its eleven ships combined with sixteen other vessels. Meanwhile, the 7th Fleet will be housed in the Sirides, with twenty-three vessels in total. The rationale for such deployments is obvious: in the event of war, ships arriving from Valaran will take time to deploy, and the colonies may be cut-off entirely. Having forward deployed units will act as a deterrent, bulking up already large colonial navies and may also hasten Valaran naval deployments for interventions. It is clear the crisis surrounding Aratoas has influenced this decision — the deployments will ensure that no Valaran colony will be encircled like this. On the flipside, the small deployment to the Sirides probably reflects a desire to not alarm the Dominion, which the Empire has been careful to avoid infuriating. The Third Fleet will be moved sometime in may, and the 7th Fleet in June.

So far, these reforms have all dealt with the existing nature of the VIN . However, this is integrated into the VIN’s procurement strategy. The forward deployed Fleets will be supported by some new vessels under construction, including small and cost-effective (read: cheap) LPDs; these will be attached to the Patrol Fleets. Moreover, these deployments will be indirectly aided by the current wave of naval procurement, which is designed to create spare capacity, and free up units for deployment at low cost. The increasing size and capability of the Littoral Warfare Squadron (LWS) has reached its logical conclusion: the creation of Patrol Frigates, and a new range of enhanced Corvettes and Patrol Vessels. The LWS has increasingly taken over patrol duties in around the Valaran archipelago itself and opposite Kirana, generally at lower cost (by using smaller warships). This trend has been crucial in freeing up the Patrol Fleets to be stationed overseas. Meanwhile. the planned creation of a new class of LHDs has in turn freed up the Karvas LPH’s to be added to Patrol Fleets; previously spare Karvas’ needed to be kept back, in order to reinforce amphibious squadrons. Finally, the VIN as been focusing in general on a range of less costly warships in addition to its headline projects, making low-intensity and routine deployments much more affordable.

These trends were apparent before 2018. However, they have all be accelerated by the dramatic cuts to the VIN’s budget increases. In response to this, the naval strategists abandoned plans for new high-end warships, and cut production of existing ones. It then used the spare resources to fund more cheap warships. Yet this response, while solving some of the budgetary pressures, has created new issues. For one, despite the emphasis on shared systems and hulls, the VIN is now in danger of drowning under a vast array of different ships and classes. Many of these news ships only have limited production runs, resulting an absence in the usual economies of scale and hefty support frameworks for each class. For instance, there are now four new classes LPD either planned or being built. Of these, no more than eight ships are being planned for each class and for most, it is under this. There is also a wide range in capabilities and equipment used on each. This is in stark contrast to the previous phase of LPD construction. This consisted of a single class — the Raef — of which seventeen were built, plus an additional twenty-six for export. Although the Raef was an expensive class, this scale of production meant significant savings in supply networks, spare parts and economies of scale. Such benefits were also enhanced by the extended period of production — the Raef was made over 12 years, meaning that manufacturers could benefit from stable returns and long-term planning. These new classes are all expected to be built in 3 years.

The contributes to another main problem: a sudden shortage in shipbuilding capacity. Manufactures had to swiftly reduce production of some existing classes, like the Viapori Frigate, and instead rework their shipyards to make these new classes on short notice. These companies have also been victims of their success — they are currently also making over twenty-five warships for export this year. This focus on exports has been a relatively recent phenomenon, starting in 2004 but only really picking up pace in 2008. For warship construction, increases supply typically lags behind spikes in demand — it is expensive and time-consuming to make more shipyards for factories, and also more risky (demand could drop off while making new factories). Shipyards designed in 2012 to meet the surge in demand then have only just come online, and now an entirely new wave is needed to meet the next increase in demand. Meanwhile, firms like Tyrvas and Kianes have borrowed heavily to expand capacity, though their gambles have been rewarded for the most part. Meanwhile, building many different warships (which have become more complex over time) in limited production runs only complicates this issue as did the knee-jerk response of the VIN to budget cuts. The increase in orders from both domestic and foreign clients has seriously strained production. Mavra Sians, speaking on behalf of her father Jaklan (CEO of Sianar Heavy Industries), highlighted the issue: “Everyone, including our rivals, is currently operating at full capacity. We don’t have an inch of unused space in our shipyards. Tyrvas is paying to house the families of its employees near its factories, so they can continue work on weekends and holidays. Its insane.”

The VIN — and the government — are acutely aware of these issues. Shipbuilding (both commercial and military) is Valaran’s second largest industry after finance, and is considered a strategic resource. The market is dominated by a four major corporations, however these are connected to hundreds of other firms both small and large, including suppliers, contractors, technology companies, utilities, consultancies and banks. Some estimates put 12% of economic activity as related to shipbuilding, and the industry supplies 4.6 million jobs by conservative estimates. Thus, any spasm felt by the sector, however temporary, is a major headache for the government.

Procurement also touches on something much more fundamental to the VIN: its future. The decisions it makes now as to what classes to build, in what numbers, and with what systems, have a lasting impact. VIN planners are constantly aware of the blow shipbuilding took from cuts in the 1970s, and how it took nearly three decades to rebuild the industrial base. Though the VIN regards itself as a global trendsetter in naval affairs, the decisions other nations are making with regards to their navies also weigh heavily. For instance, the Urranese expansion of its coastguard strongly mirrors Valaran’s own littoral efforts, while the Pakirani focus on large surface combatants is leading to fresh examination of the relationship between displacement and capability.

None of this has been helped by the cuts, or by the reaction to it. The VIN had to abandon many projects, including plans for new CVNs. Some of this was considered helpful, forcing a hard, critical gaze on many projects of dubious value. But it has also placed considerably uncertainty on the correct response: the VIN no longer has the budget to afford mistakes.

This leads (apologies, dear reader, for the time it took to reach here) to the final series of reforms. The VIN has realised current production rates were too high, and too varied. It has cut production again — this time on Savra Patrol Frigates and new LPDs. This means that it has emphasised (by not cutting production) new aviation ships, the Skira DDG Class, and submarines. The SSGN programme remains the flagship project for the next decade, but it notable that the second and third largest line-items are the budget are two Skira Destroyers ($6.4 billion a year until 2030) and two Kivakka Landing Platform Helicopters ($2.8 billion a year until 2021). The VIN appears committed to a retention of absolute numbers of destroyers, an expansion of submarine capability, and a focus on helicopter aviation as a substitute for fixed-wing dreams.

This is effectively “the response to the response.” After the jump-start initiatives announced two months, a more level-headed, deliberate series of measures have been set out. But what does this say about the Navy’s fears? What is the most important initiative? It is hard to say for sure. But if this author would venture an opinion, and not a fact, it seems the greatest reform of all is this: for once, the VIN is learning to appreciate reality.

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by **Atreidya** » Fri Apr 06, 2018 1:46 pm

Border Standoff!

Tensions flare once again as a brief but brutal firefight between Agrabah border Guards and Galrid State Security Troopers. While the engagement only lasted around seven minutes in total time four Agrabah guards are wounded with one dead and seven GSS troopers have been hospitalized for gunshot wounds and fragmentation injuries. The fighting began early this morning with Agrabah patrols and GSS patrols meeting by accident in a border town. While the GSS claims the Agrabah troopers were likely off course in a long patrol, judging by their long distance vehicle and several days worth of rations some believe this to be a scout team that was accidentally encountered by GSS forces. The Imperial army has now deployed forces to the region in greater numbers to counteract the buildup across the border that has only quickened in pace in the last 24 hours.

While no Atreidyan citizens were killed in the incident there remains extensive damage to homes in the small town of Derhlen. One house which the defending GSS troopers used as cover for a portion of the fighting has been severely damaged following a fire after Agrabah soldiers used grenades to push the GSS out of cover. In the following skirmish a nearby convenience store was also gutted as the GSS and Agrabah armored vehicles attempted to combat one another in the streets nearby. In the end with reinforcements from the GSS surrounding the Agrabah units the attacking forces surrendered and their wounded were treated while those not injured were taken to GSS headquarters for questioning and detainment. There were no civilian injuries largely thanks to the actions of the GSS troopers, and the town has been thoroughly secured as of this moment.

The Agrabah regime has failed to make any comment as of this time.

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by **The Enclave Government** » Fri Apr 06, 2018 4:06 pm

Developments in the War for South Ophir!

In a televised press conference from the Blue House today, President Eden announced the promulgation of an executive order issuing a call-up for regular troops of the Third Division of the Army of the Republic. The Third Division, "Judgment," will be deployed to the Euphemian-South Ophiric border. This announcement marks a widening of Operation Able Eagle's mandate, hitherto limited to elements of the Republican Guard. The call-up of Augustan regulars signifies, in the President's words, "a recognition that the threat posed by Euphemie is fundamentally a threat to the safety and sanctity of the Republic." The commitment, in terms of men, will now number 175,000 troops of the Guard and Regular Army, under the overall command of Major General Windsor. Unlike their Republican Guard counterparts, which have been integrated into the command structure and operate in conjunction with Continental System units, the Regular Army will remain fully independent and operating in a sovereign basis.

by **Cirilla** » Sun Apr 08, 2018 6:36 pm

Natalia Aveline Rosenwen

@nataliarosenwen | 1,024 posts | 187m followers | 660 following

issa birthday look. Straight from a personal collection, exclusively from @EmpressInc

10,623,897 Hearts
April 4, 2018

Comments:

By kansasprincess

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by **Free Ezkanteia** » Thu Apr 12, 2018 7:37 am

"CHAIRMAN ANKYLOS IN RECOVERY" SAYS FIRST PREMIER ANASTASIOS

pictured: the chairman at his last public appearance during last year's independence day celebration

After much anxiety and speculation over the Chairman of the Supreme People's Congress of the Free Ezkanteian Democratic Christian Republic's health, the First Premier on behalf of his excellency's cabinet has announced with much joy that the honorable Chairman Ankylos has begun to recover from a serious shock he endured following the victory of the great Ezkanteian people over the forces of fascist tyranny. "He has endured so much, and has put himself in great danger and stress for his age. It's all for us-the people of Ezkanteia" the honorable First Premier said to state news earlier today, "We truly are blessed to have such a magnificent leader for our nation!"
The comments came as both shock and relief as no mention had been made of the Chairman's health, good or bad, since his inauguration into the office of Chairman 50 years ago. We at Ezkanteia State News pray for his speedy recovery, and the Archbishop of Kolonis has personally done so as well. We ask that all good communists follow suit, and for the final victory of our truth over our Imperialist neighbors.

by **Reuss-Lippe** » Thu Apr 12, 2018 7:26 pm

LLF knocked off last leg in city as remaining pockets Stomped out.
Light Infantry patrolling the industrial zone of Schömberg

by **New Roma Republic** » Fri Apr 13, 2018 2:29 pm

Citizen's Indepentant News
"Senatus Populusque Romanus"

Military Buildup Outside New Rome

New Rome -- In Castra Basiliscus Militum Iuncturam Facilitas, it has been reported by anonymous sources that a number of legions are being concentrated there. It is known that the famed Legio XVI Scorpius and Cohort CIC Aerium have been moved there. These units are well known for service during the Second Zamada War, where they were the first units in, and last out of the island during the glorious crusade against the Manatee Maters. Death came to them in glorious combat, as they both delt and received the bite of the bullet.

In addition, there has been a large number of military planes flying into the base, with its airfields becoming filled. Many of these planes are PUAD C-LX, which are used for cargo transport, and notably, military airborne operations. With the naval yard filling with assault vessels, many are speculating that an invasion is being planned, but for where?

Though there are many theories, the most believable is that this is an operation to take the only unclaimed island in the Triumvirate Islands. This is a historically Roman chain of islands that after the fall of the Old Empire were taken by non human abominations and abusive colonial powers. The only island to escape such a devastating fate was Lepidus, the smallest, and least notable of these islands. The other two, in ascending order from South to North, is Antonius and Octavianus (also known as Zamada). These islands have been in the scope of the Roman public recently as the Caesar and government have expressed the desire to rid this continent of dirty colonialists and other undesirable creatures. The Caesar has been questioning the legitimacy of the claims of these nations on islands whose names are so Roman, despite the fact those names are covered up in a blatant anti-Roman and anti-Human campaign.

More as the story develops.

by **Free Asian Ports** » Sun Apr 15, 2018 5:04 pm

Ports News Network

Valefontene Embassy Under Siege

An Osaka Police SAT team outside the Consulate

Just moments ago, the sound of gunshots echoed through Embassy Street here in Osaka. According to police, a group of armed gunmen have taken over the Valefontene Consulate here in the diplomatic heart of the capitol city. The police have responded by cordoning off the building and setting up a perimeter. They have recently given the press access to some of the situation details. According to the police, between 6 and 8 gunmen have seized a portion of the consulate building and have taken hostages. The hostage-takers claim they have 14 hostages, primarily of Portean and Valefontene nationality. Their demands are as follows:

1. The withdraw of Union and Continental System troops from Ophir and Lotschen
2. The release of 29 members of related terror groups that have been detained by the FAP
3. Safe passage out of the country

The terrorists call themselves the League of International Liberation, and have set a 24 hour deadline for their demands to be met, whereupon they will kill one hostage every hour. Police have declined to comment on what the planned response will be, saying that they are working through negotiators to extend the deadline. The Prime Minister has released a statement reassuring the public that the government is in talks with the Valefontene ambassador and that a response plan is being put into action. Further updates will come as the situation develops.

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by **New Roma Republic** » Sun Apr 15, 2018 7:34 pm

Citizen's Indepentant News
"Senatus Populusque Romanus"

Freedom Fighters Take Over Consulate in Osaka

Osaka, Free Asian Ports -- Freedom Fighters have taken over the Valefontene Consulate in Osaka in the Free Asian Ports. Police are securing the scene. Soon after the story hit the news, the Caesar made a statement commending the freedom fighters whose demands are perfectly reasonable. These demands are as follows: The withdraw of Union and Continental System troops from Ophir and Lotschen, the release of 29 members of related terror groups that have been detained by the FAP, and safe passage out of the country.

In his statement, the Caesar urged the government of the FAP to meet these demands quickly, and fully. Adding, the Caesar offered to give the Freedom Fighters amnesty and facilitate the decolonialization of Taoyuan, including with the NIR helping with the nation's transition to independence from colonial overlords.

by **Anowa** » Mon Apr 16, 2018 8:30 pm

Language: NOR | GER | INU | PHY | ESO | ENG

Anowan National News

Home > Government > Foreign Relations

A guardian for All? or the next IADA?
Published, 04/14/2018, 0850, Paradiso

Following the dissolution of the IADA less than a month ago, many were wondering where the world would be lead in terms of peace, cooperation and prosperity. With a lack of regulating force to prevent needless deaths due to preventable causes or wars from spilling over into neighboring nations the future of Ausozera was left in a grey void, with no answer to these questions.

However, those prior members of the IADA do still have the prospects of the now defunct organisation. With attempts to salvage what they could, they managed to hold on to the notion that wars should have a de-escalating party, and that any nation should have the prospect of first world medicine. In the past few weeks, what has been taken from the IADA's attempts to deliver that, comes The International Shield and Cross Foundation (ISCF [Isif]). Founded with a combined legwork from the Valaran Empire, Empire of Donnerland, and The Union of Autocratic Empires, Allied States of Anowa, The Oceanic State and Nauchrtenfield. The ISCF is seen as a more tame and less widespread attempt at making a regulating body, to ensure the safety of as many people as possible in a turbulent political climate of the world today.

However, despite the noble cause it has, many are still warily looking upon it as a rather swift reincarnation of the IADA, seemingly doomed to fail due to a lack of action. Though at the moment, only time will tell.

by **Steir** » Thu Apr 19, 2018 10:07 am

Jaegr's Watch
Steirer International News Service .

Keizer Willem II announced today his intent to finally re-enter the world stage after a long period of isolation from international alliances. With Steir having withheld membership from IADA, the Dominion and several other international juntas, this comes as a shock to many who've grown to accept the nearly overriding neutrality doctrine that has dominated policy since the end of the Nauchrten Wars. While traditional Steiric neutrality has had a few exceptions (notably, the Nauchrten-Steirer Alliance) Steir has attempted to shy away from international affairs after the disastrous results of previous conflicts. However, with the end of our neutrality, it seems the Reikswehr is preparing for coming conflict with the southern and eastern powers that surround Steir. The announcement took the form of a brief public address held in the Kastel's courtyard. In it, he proclaimed his intent to join the Union of Autocratic Empires. The application process has begun, but it ultimately remains up to the current members to decide the fate of the nation.

It is believed a large factor in this choice was the recent incorporation of traditional ally and neighbor Nauchrtenfield into the UAE. With the Gray Sea powers increasingly factionalizing, it seems war is on the horizon for the north... read more

by **Free Asian Ports** » Sat Apr 21, 2018 2:47 pm

Ports News Network

Hostages Freed, 6 Terrorists Reported Dead

SAT sharpshooters land on the roof of a building across the street from the consulate

A flurry of explosions and gunfire rocked the Valefontene Consulate yet again today as a SAT assault team from the Osaka Metropolitan Police and National Mounted Police Corps breached the building and freed the hostages taken by LIL terrorists earlier today. The first sign of an assault was the sudden arrival of two Police helicopters over the building, which dropped off SAT commandos on the roof of the building. Tear gas canisters were shot into several windows as the SAT teams breached the building from the roof, the lobby, and windows on two floors. Several minutes of gunfire followed, after which reporters were told that the situation was under total control.

Two ambulances were spotted leaving the scene at high speed, and a police spokesman told the press that one hostage and one consulate security guard had been wounded in the crossfire. The two, a Tangaliroan national and a Valefontene national, were reported to be in stable condition. Police say that during the firefight the Tangaliroan hostage had been wounded by one of the hostage takers, but precise details remain unclear. The Valefontene national, a security guard for the consulate, was wounded by the terrorists during the beginning of the crisis. The complete Police report coming to the media now is that a total of 7 terrorists have been identified, of which 6 are now confirmed to be dead. The remaining terrorist has been taken into custody by police and was photographed being pushed into a police vehicle by two SAT officers.

Prime Minister Kawashima congratulated Osaka Police and National Mounted Police on the successful rescue operation, and promised an in-depth investigation into the incident. The Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Internal Security, and the National Mounted Police will be jointly investigating how the terrorists managed to smuggle weapons into the FAP, how they assaulted the Valefontene consulate without tipping off local and national security, and who supplied and supported the terrorist cell. Following this statement, the Prime Minister confirmed that the Self Defense Force will be mobilized to assist the National Mounted Police in a manhunt for what they believe is the remainder of the terrorist cell that executed the attack today.

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by **Reuss-Lippe** » Sat Apr 21, 2018 8:07 pm

Head of Government praises Porteans for swift action, vows action against Euphemie
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by **Saradena** » Sun Apr 22, 2018 7:36 am

Esgonian News Online
Bringing you the latest updates around Esgonia and Ausozera 24/7

Esgonia strikes major deals with Donner Land; Valaran Empire

By: Marumo Jougasaki. 25 Minutes ago.

I n a recent public conference, the spokesperson for the Esgonian Foreign Ministry, Ikaiji Telkumeija has stated that following the Isle'ish crisis that ended with the unconditional release of all detained Esgonian IADA workers from the Isles, President Rakosanka and her cabinet had reportedly engaged in talks with the Valaran Empire, and the Military Republic of Donner Land, in two separate meetings over the course of four days. The talks, stated by Mr. Telkumeja, were to increase cooperation and strengthen ties between Esgonia and the two nations.

According to the Foreign Secretary, who was also present, the first meeting was between the Foreign Minister and Donnish envoy Keenes in the conference hall in Arcea, with President Akinojeka present. Relations between the two were cut nearly a year ago during the Donnish Crisis, wherein the country, under the then-leader Voy had 'declared war on the world'. Now with the crisis over and Voy under custody, the current Donnish Military Republic, under President Keenes, is now seeking to increase international cooperation, now being a member of the YDPV2 treaty and the Aegaeon Pact, to name a few.

The meeting aimed to bring military cooperation between the two, with representative Keenes asking for basing rights, allowing their forces to be stationed in Esgonian Military bases, in exchange for increased military cooperation between both respective militaries, especially against certain entities both parties share mutual concern of. After a 3-hour-discussion between the two parties over the terms of basing rights and conditions, the Esgonian delegate gives them the approval. The secretary refuses to comment on further details.

The second meeting, stated by Mr. Telkumeija was held in Solaris tower between President Rakosanka herself and Madam Tarengard, the envoy for the Valaran Empire. The Esgonian Government had been eager to seek bigger cooperation with the Empire, as they both had similar interests. The talks were of economic cooperation between the two nations, especially within the Agribusiness and the Energy Industry, as well as Real Estate, stating that the Empire was seeking to invest in them, to name a few. After a brief discussion and the agreement of terms, the meeting concluded, with Esgonia and Valaran securing the deal.

President Rakosanka also mentioned the talks in her latest address, stating that the meeting had successfully aimed to help secure cooperation and friendship between the three nations, and that it would help in bringing prosperity and security to all parties.

In other news:

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MikotoHazemi2007, Arcea, Esgonia | So we're not just instantly deploying troops and dropping bombs this time? Color me surprised!
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