military info

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Yeovil, UK, July 5, 2007 -- The VH-71 helicopter made its maiden flight at AgustaWestland抯 facility in Yeovil, UK, on July 3, marking a significant milestone in the development of the United States' Presidential aircraft.

The new "Marine One" will be the world抯 most technologically advanced helicopter that will safely and reliably transport the president and vice president of the United States, heads of state and other official parties both at home and abroad with mobile 揙val Office in the sky

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ST. LOUIS, July 02, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has selected Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control division to supply up to 150 Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems for Super Hornet Block II aircraft. The selection of the Lockheed IRST system for this U.S. Navy program follows a rigorous and competitive request for information process.

"IRST is yet another addition to the Super Hornet Block II arsenal, and it will truly change the nature of the air-to-air fight," said Capt. Donald "BD" Gaddis, U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F and EA-18G program manager, PMA-265. "Sensor-fused data from IRST, AESA, ALR-67(v)3 digitally cued receiver and off board information will ensure the Super Hornet Block II dominates and survives against the most challenging air threats well past 2024."

Boeing expects to receive the initial IRST development contract from the Navy in the summer of 2008. The total contract value is expected to exceed $500 million through the development and production phases of the program.

"Integration of IRST significantly enhances the capability of the Super Hornet Block II by providing multi-spectral air-to-air targeting," said Bob Gower, vice president, Boeing F/A-18 programs. "IRST, a key component of the Super Hornet's 'Flight Plan,' will provide the warfighter with unprecedented on-board situational awareness and enhance the engagement range of modern high-performance air-to-air weapons."

The Flight Plan is a roadmap of planned capability enhancements that will allow the Super Hornet Block II to remain ahead of emerging threats, while addressing warfighting needs in an integrated, cost effective manner.

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"The taxpayer is benefiting from Boeing's early selection of a supplier," added Gower. "Boeing and Lockheed Martin are partnering to invest more than $10 million to conduct a risk reduction demonstration, with U.S. Navy participation, prior to the start of the IRST development contract."

IRST is a passive, long-range sensor system that searches for and detects long-wave IR emissions within its field of view. It can track several targets simultaneously and provide an effective air-to-air targeting capability, even when facing advanced threats with radar jamming equipment.

Boeing will conduct a prototype flight demonstration in the first quarter of 2008, using a modified 480-gallon centerline fuel tank to house the IRST system. The modified fuel tank provides a cost effective, software-only integration approach, requiring no structural or wiring changes to the aircraft. This supports potential integration of IRST on existing and future F/A-18E/F/G aircraft.

The production system will contain more than 330 gallons of fuel in addition to providing the IRST capability. First production deliveries of IRST systems are expected in 2012, with initial operational capability anticipated in 2013.

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ST. LOUIS, June 29, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a U.S. Air Force contract worth up to $2 billion between 2007 and 2018 for engineering services and the manufacturing of 242 wing sets for the Air Force's A-10 fleet.

"We are pleased that the Air Force has recognized that Boeing has the skilled expertise, engineering know-how and the affordable solution to address the needs of the A-10 program," said Charles T. Robertson, vice president of Boeing Support Systems' Maintenance, Modifications and Upgrades division.

The A-10 wing replacement program calls for the replacement wing sets to be delivered in parts and kits for easy installation. Boeing has teamed with key suppliers to meet all the requirements presented by the A-10 contract, Robertson said. He added that the Boeing solution will allow the nation's A-10 fleet to fly at least 20 more years.

"This contract extends the life of a valuable platform that supports our warfighters in accomplishing their mission to defend freedom around the globe," Robertson said. "Employing our integration expertise and lean manufacturing techniques, we are well-prepared to meet the challenges presented in this contract."

The A-10, first introduced in 1976, is a twin-engine jet aircraft designed for close-air support of ground forces. The simple, effective and survivable single-seat aircraft can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles

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Lockheed Martin AEGIS ballistic missile defence system successfully destroys medium-range separating ballistic missile during test


KAUAI, HI, June 22, 2007 -- During a test today, Lockheed Martin's [NYSE: LMT] Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System intercepted and destroyed a separating ballistic missile target during its midcourse phase of flight.


The test represents the Aegis BMD system's ninth successful ballistic missile intercept in 11 attempts and is the first ballistic missile intercept conducted by an Aegis BMD destroyer. This also marks the third time the Aegis BMD system has demonstrated its target discrimination capabilities by intercepting a ballistic missile with a separating reentry vehicle. In addition to its record of intercepts, Aegis BMD has successfully supported more than 15 ballistic missile defense system tracking tests since June 2004.

In today's test, USS Decatur (DDG 73), an Aegis BMD destroyer equipped with the latest U.S. Navy certified version of the Aegis BMD Weapon System (Aegis BMD 3.6), successfully guided a Standard Missile (SM)-3 Block IA missile to intercept a medium range, separating ballistic missile target outside the Earth抯 atmosphere.

Watch Video: Flight Test Mission - 12 (3 MB)

In addition to USS Decatur, the Aegis BMD Cruiser USS Port Royal (CG 73) and the Spanish Navy Aegis-equipped frigate M閚dez N鷑ez (F-104) participated in the test as a training event to assess the future capabilities of the F-100 Class.

During the test, USS Port Royal used its SPY-1B radar augmented by a prototype Aegis BMD Signal Processor (BSP) to detect and track the separating warhead in real time, and to differentiate

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France selects Lockheed Martin Hellfire II missile to equip HAD Tiger helicopter


The Government of France has selected Lockheed Martin抯 [NYSE: LMT] HELLFIRE II

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ST. LOUIS, June 11, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a $28 million U.S. Air Force quick reaction capability contract for delivery of its Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM) weapon system.

The contract will add 600 laser seekers (400 for the U.S. Air Force and 200 for the U.S. Navy) to the services' existing inventory of 500-pound bombs. Boeing will deliver the systems by June 2009.

"Laser JDAM's performance continues to exceed our highest expectations," said Dan Jaspering, Boeing Direct Attack program manager. "This weapon will fill a significant gap in capability currently encountered by our warfighting customers, specifically the ability to attack high-speed moving targets and targets lacking accurate coordinate data."

During recent demonstration tests at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and F-15E Strike Eagles flying at 24,000 feet released 12 500-pound LJDAMs that hit within lethal range of multiple high-speed moving targets. Using onboard targeting pods, the launch aircraft laser-designated the roofs of the target vehicles and guided the weapons to successful impacts.

The Laser JDAM sensor is a modular kit that is easily installed in the field to the front of existing JDAM weapons. The laser sensor further enhances the highly capable Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System JDAM into one of the most mission flexible, low-cost weapons available in the world today.

Initial production deliveries for the U.S. military are scheduled to begin early next year. Several potential international customers have requested LJDAM price and availability information

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Boeing Awarded $30 Million U.S. Air Force Contract to Upgrade B-52s

ST. LOUIS, May 22, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a $30 million U.S. Air Force contract to upgrade the B-52 fleet's Integrated Weapons Interface Units (IWIU), providing flight crews with enhanced smart weapon visibility and control.

"IWIUs represent a significant upgrade to the B-52 fleet," said Scot Oathout, Boeing B-52 program director. "This contract will allow us to upgrade existing fleet equipment and support future enhancements that will keep the B-52 flying a very important mission for our armed forces all over the world."

Boeing will replace the current, three-piece interface units with a single, state-of-the-art IWIU. Boeing will assemble and test the units at its St. Charles, Mo., weapons facility, before shipping them to Wichita, Kans., where the company will prepare the modification kits for final delivery and provide engineering support during customer installation.

"Boeing, along with our Air Force customer, is committed to developing cost effective and innovative solutions for the B-52," said Oathout. "The new IWIU also can be used in future modifications that could double the platform's smart weapons capacity."

Boeing will deliver the first kit in October 2008. The Air Force will perform the modifications using contract field teams at the main B-52 operating bases in Barksdale, La., and Minot, N.D. The modifications are expected to be completed by late 2011.

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Today Norway and Saab, through Gripen International, have signed a Letter of Agreement regarding the future development of the Gripen fighter. The total value of this agreement is some 150 million Norwegian Kronor (approx. $25 million). This agreement strengthens Gripen磗 chances of being selected as the future fighter aircraft for the Norwegian Air Force.

The Norwegian Defence Minister Anne-Grete Strom-Erichsen and the Swedish Defence Minister Mikael Odenberg, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on co-operation in development work on the future versions of Gripen.

This agreement is an important step for Gripen as a candidate to be selected as Norway磗 future fighter aircraft, which is planned to be in-service with the Norwegian Air Force around 2015. Through this agreement, the Norwegian authorities and Norwegian commercial companies will get an extensive understanding and insight into the Gripen system, leading to Norwegian participation in future development work in co-operation with Saab.

There was also a Letter of Agreement (LoA) signed between the Norwegian authorities and the Saab subsidiary Gripen International. This agreement will enable Norwegian companies to work on advanced development work in a range of high technology areas, such as composites, communication systems, studies and integration work for Norwegian weapon systems, ammunition, logistics and data systems. The total value is worth some 150 million NOK for a period of two years, with the option to further extend the agreement. At this time, Norwegian companies will take part in an increased industrial cooperation connected to the development of the future Gripen.

Gripen International Managing Director Johan Lehander is very positive about the forthcoming co-operation:

"These two agreements clearly emphasise the importance the Norwegian government puts in co-operation between Norway and Sweden. From a Saab perspective, it means that we are now industrial partners. In the longer term, it also strengthens the possibilities for Gripen to replace the current F- 16 fighter aircraft in the Norwegian Air Force", says Lehander.

Gripen is the first of the new generation, true multi-role combat aircraft to enter service. Using the latest available technology it is capable of performing an extensive range of air-to-air and air-to-surface operational missions and employing the latest weapons.

Gripen is designed to meet the demands of current and future threats, while at the same time meeting strict requirements for flight safety, reliability, training efficiency and low operating costs. Gripen is in service with the Swedish, Hungarian and Czech Republic Air Forces and has also been ordered by the South African Air Force. The UK Empire Test Pilots

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Turkey, United States sign agreement for sale of additional Lockheed Martin F-16 aircraft to Turkey



FORT WORTH, Texas, May 11, 2007 -- The governments of Turkey and the United States have signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the sale of 30 additional Lockheed Martin [NYSEMT] Advanced F-16 Block 50 aircraft to Turkey.

The new aircraft will supplement the Turkish Air Force抯 (TUAF) existing fleet of F-16s and contribute to the upgrade and modernization of the TUAF. The new aircraft include the same advanced systems being installed on Turkey抯 existing F-16 fleet as part of an on-going upgrade program. At the conclusion of these two programs all Turkish F-16s will be in a common, state-of-the-art configuration. The total LOA value for the 30 aircraft and equipment is approximately $1.8 billion (U.S.). Lockheed Martin and its supplier base will receive approximately $1.1 billion of this amount.

Final assembly and delivery of the aircraft will be performed at TUSAS Aerospace Industries (TAI) in Turkey, furthering the longstanding business relationship between Lockheed Martin and TAI.

揟he government of Turkey and Lockheed Martin have enjoyed a long history together,

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Raytheon Tallies $100 Million in Awards for Upgrades of Patriot Missiles

TEWKSBURY, Mass., May 1, 2007 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile-T (GEM-T) upgrade program reached its first-ever $100 million sales award. This award includes orders for the U.S. Army and a Foreign Military Sales contract for 230 GEM-T upgrades, plus spares. This is the largest order received to date for GEM-T and bolsters Raytheon's upgrade output to levels not seen since the mid 1990s. This large order benefits both customers with significant price reductions. For successive awards, Raytheon has successfully reduced the acquisition unit price for the U.S. Army. "As the Global War on Terror wages on and budgets tighten, we are proud to be able to provide our warfighters with an affordable, highly accurate missile that can be counted on the first time, every time," said Pete Franklin, vice president for National and Theater Security Programs at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. "This GEM-T upgrade enables our troops to continue to rely on Raytheon's Patriot system to identify, track and eliminate airborne threats into the future."

GEM-T is a significant upgrade over the existing Patriot Advanced Configuration-2 (PAC-2) missile and, when fielded in conjunction with the Patriot Advanced Configuration-3 (PAC-3) system, provides a robust capability against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft and remotely piloted vehicles. GEM-T provides the U.S. Army and its allies with enhanced accuracy at a low cost. GEM-T missiles are PAC-2 missiles that are refurbished and modernized at Raytheon's Integrated Air Defense Center, Andover, Mass. Through the upgrade process, older components are replaced, new technology inserted and reliability increased.

Raytheon IDS is the prime contractor for the Patriot system and the system integrator for the PAC-3 system that includes the GEM-T missile. As the system integrator, Raytheon IDS ensures that all Patriot system components provide the warfighter a reliable and lethal capability to defeat the threats in current and future combat environments.

The Patriot PAC-3 program is managed by the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space and executed by the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Project Office, Huntsville, Ala. Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Joint Battlespace Integration providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security.

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Boeing Awarded Contract for Additional Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing Systems

ST. LOUIS, May 07, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has received a $69 million contract for 321 additional Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS). The multi-role system enhances pilot situational awareness and provides head-out control of aircraft targeting systems and sensors.

Under the contract awarded April 4, Boeing will equip U.S. Air Force (USAF) and Air National Guard F-15 Eagles, USAF F-16 Fighting Falcons, U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets as well as eight international customers with the innovative system and associated components. The contract is the company's fourth JHMCS full-rate production order.

"U.S. Air Force and Navy pilots tell us that they love this system, which greatly increases their combat capability," said Phil King, Boeing JHMCS program manager. "The proven success of JHMCS in the field continues to result in strong customer demand."

The system, first used operationally in Operation Iraqi Freedom, gives flight crew members the ability to rapidly acquire and designate a target simply by looking at it. By placing an aiming cross, projected on the helmet visor, over the desired target and pressing a button, pilots can quickly and easily aim weapons and sensors to designate and attack airborne or ground targets. JHMCS also displays tactical information, aircraft altitude, airspeed, gravitational pull and angle of attack on the visor to increase the crew member's situational awareness.

Since 2000, Boeing has contracted for more than 2,500 systems. The company is the prime contractor and integrator for JHMCS. Vision System International, based in San Jose, Calif., is the major subcontractor.

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WASHINGTON - Pentagon officials are considering whether to halt the drawdown of U.S. troops in Europe because of the war in Iraq and other world developments.

A Defense Department official said Monday that some defense leaders are studying whether the 2002 plan to cut troops on the continent by nearly half still makes sense today with America's ongoing wars, worsening relations with Russia and Iran and a recent plan to expand the Army.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the proposal on the record.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the Joint Chiefs of Staff are considering recommendations in a June 26 report on the subject requested by Gen. Bantz Craddock, who questioned the troop reduction plan shortly after taking over late last year as head of the U.S. European Command.

The decrease in troops so far - amid repeated deployments to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan by those remaining in Europe - has forced officials to cancel military exercises and other activities with European allies, the official said.

The idea of cutting troops from 68,000 in 2001 to 28,000 by 2012 was part of an initiative by former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld to transform the military into a leaner, more cost-effective force.

Cmdr. J.A. Surette, a spokesman for the European Command, said he didn't have the most updated figures for the drawdown so far by the Army alone, but that as of May there had been a cut of roughly 13,000 Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen in Europe, leaving 100,000.

"The concern I have is the ability to conduct the missions that we've been given in European Command with the forces available, because the forces are ... moving into Iraq and Afghanistan on a rotating basis," Craddock told Congress earlier this year. He said he feared that too severe a cut would hamper his ability to tend to partnerships the military wants to foster in the region.

James Townsend, director of the program on international security at the Atlantic Council of the United States, said a decision to stop drawing down U.S. forces in Europe would probably be based on the usefulness of those troops in other more demanding areas, such as the Middle East.

"It's a sign the administration is looking in every available nook and cranny for forces," Townsend said. "They're finding that in terms of logistics, or in terms of force flow, that it is more convenient and easier to do it out of bases in Europe."

Forces in Europe have been needed in an Iraq war that has gone on longer than expected. Relations with Iran have worsened over that nation's alleged interference in Iraq and its nuclear program. There are fresh tensions with Russia over its opposition to the U.S. missile defense plan and U.S. allegations that Russia is backsliding on democracy.

A portion of the troops from Europe were to come back and be stationed in the United States. But the military is going through a mandated consolidation and closing of some domestic bases, threatening a shortfall in housing for those returning.

And that's before the planned increase in the size of the Army. Gates early this year set a goal of increasing the size of the active-duty Army by 65,000 to 547,000 and Marines by 27,000 to 202,000 within five years in hopes of easing some of the strain caused by commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Along with the plan to cut the Army presence in Europe to 28,000 from 62,000, the idea also was to reduce the Navy there to 25,000 from 35,000 and the Air Force to 8,000 from 15,000.

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Dua negara kuasa nuklear Asia yang berjiran dan bersaing sengit, India dan Pakistan menyambut kemerdekaan ke-60 baru-baru ini, berlatarkan peristiwa-peristiwa dramatik dan bersejarah dalam sejarah kedua-dua negara.


India baru sahaja menyempurnakan perjanjian kerjasama nuklear dengan kuasa besar Amerika Syarikat, menandakan kedudukannya sebagai sekutu strategik Washington dan pengiktirafan sebagai sebuah negara nuklear yang direstui kuasa besar itu, walaupun tidak mematuhi rejim kawalan nuklear antarabangsa.

Penyempurnaan perjanjian itu melalui jalan yang sukar dan terus mendapat tentangan banyak pihak di AS dan India sendiri, akibat sensitiviti melibatkan banyak perkara, terutama penyebaran teknologi nuklear di pihak AS dan kemungkinan pengaruh Washington dalam dasar luar New Delhi di kalangan rakyat India.

Bagaimanapun, prestij perjanjian itu, yang mendekatkan lagi hubungan India dengan AS diperlukan India ketika ini, disebabkan persaingan serantau dengan China dan Pakistan dan kepentingan politiknya di peringkat global. India memerlukan sekutu yang kuat ketika ini disebabkan pelbagai kepentingan.

Di Pakistan pula, sambutan 60 tahun kemerdekaan berlangsung di tengah-tengah pelbagai krisis, lebih-lebih lagi bagi pemimpinnya Pervez Musharraf yang memegang kedua-dua jawatan presiden dan ketua tentera.

Kepimpinan Musharraf hampir membawa Pakistan gagal berfungsi sebagai sebuah negara. Beliau berdepan krisis demi krisis sehingga kelihatan kini telah berada di penghujung jalan.

Hubungan kerajaan Musharraf dengan Washington semakin terjejas, antaranya disebabkan dakwaan beliau gagal menangani militan di negara itu yang mempunyai hubungan dengan Taliban di Afghanistan, perkembangan yang berkait rapat dengan ketidakstabilan dalam negara Pakistan.

Hubungan Islamabad dengan Washington semakin terjejas sejak akhir-akhir ini dan pada masa sama, perkembangan sebaliknya berlaku di India, dengan tercapai persetujuan kerjasama nuklear AS dengan India.

Kerjasama itu perlu dipersetujui kumpulan pembekal nuklear sebelum ia boleh dilaksanakan, tetapi sukar untuk dilihat halangan yang konkrit akan timbul kerana banyak pihak lain turut berkepentingan dalam hal ini.

Sekutu AS, Australia berhasrat membekalkan uranium kepada India, memperlihatkan sikap yang sama dengan AS terhadap India. Ini bermakna hubungan India dengan negara sekutu AS terutama Australia akan turut bertambah baik.

Australia dan Jepun April lalu menandatangani perjanjian kerjasama pertahanan, merapatkan hubungan pertahanan pimpinan AS di Asia Pasifik.

Kini Jepun paling kuat berusaha mahu India terlibat dalam pakatan ini, untuk menyempurnakan pakatan negara-negara yang mengelilingi China dan paling mampu menangani penyebaran pengaruh China dan kemungkinan lain.

Kerjasama nuklear India dengan AS ini bermakna dasar luar New Delhi akan mudah untuk diselaraskan dengan dasar luar AS. Konsesi yang diberikan Washington bermakna New Delhi perlu memberikan kerjasama yang setimpal dengan apa yang diberikan pentadbiran Presiden George W Bush.

Sebagai permulaan, India telah pun menunjukkan sikap agak dingin terhadap Pertubuhan Kerjasama Shanghai (SCO) pimpinan China, pesaing serantaunya.

Dalam sidang kemuncak SCO tahun lalu, perdana menteri India, Manmohan Singh tidak hadir dan New Delhi meneruskan sikap ini dalam sidang kemuncak kali ini. India menghantar menteri minyak ke sidang kemuncak SCO di Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan dan bukan wakil kementerian luar. Sikap India terhadap SCO ini jelas sekali disenangi AS.

Dan dalam masa sebulan selepas SCO mengadakan latihan perang besar-besaran di wilayah Rusia dan China, India pula akan mempamerkan kekuatan tenteranya dengan mengadakan latihan tentera laut di Teluk Bengal.Latihan itu, dinamakan Malabar 07 dijadual berlangsung pada 4 hingga 9 September akan diketuai AS dan India.

Latihan itu melibatkan India dan sekutu rapatnya AS, Australia, Singapura dan Jepun. Sebelum ini, April lalu, India juga telah terlibat dalam latihan ketenteraan berhampiran Jepun.

Kemudian, satu pertemuan India dengan sekutunya di satu mesyuarat Asean telah disusuli dengan pertanyaan rasmi Beijing mengenai tujuan mesyuarat itu diadakan, menggambarkan kebimbangan China terhadap peranan India.

Peranan India yang semakin penting kepada AS ini menunjukkan kedudukan Musharraf semakin tidak selesa. Kesediaan AS mengadakan kerjasama nuklear dengan India tetapi tidak Pakistan juga menjelaskan satu perkembangan penting.

China, sekutu Pakistan juga mempunyai pandangan sama tentang kerjasama nuklear AS dengan India. Pesaing China yang tidak menandatangani Perjanjian Mencegah Percambahan Nuklear (NPT) itu tidak dihukum tetapi secara tidak langsung telah diterima sebagai ahli kelab nuklear.

Secara signifikan, Washington telah menguatkan sekutunya yang juga pesaing China. Kebangkitan India ini tentu sekali dibimbangi Beijing. India juga berusaha untuk memperolehi kerusi tetap di Majlis Keselamatan Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu. Hal ini menunjukkan keyakinan baru India dan pengukuhan kedudukannya di arena global.

Hakikat bahawa kerjasama nuklear diadakan oleh AS dengan India juga menunjukkan kebimbangan Washington terhadap Pakistan yang tidak menentu politiknya.

Selain menjadi sekutu China, Pakistan juga berpotensi dikuasai kumpulan-kumpulan Islam, kemungkinan yang dibimbangi AS. Disebabkan Pakistan dan China memiliki senjata nuklear, AS perlu menguatkan sekutunya India.

India jelas sekali telah memilih untuk bersama AS dengan berperanan sebagai sekutu strategik kuasa besar itu di Asia. Masalah yang dihadapi Musharraf hari ini bukan sahaja menunjukkan kepimpinannya semakin tidak popular, tetapi juga memberi gambaran tentang kemerosotan pengaruh berbanding pesaingnya India.