Lodamun

National news threads that host the key national news outlets for each of the game’s countries.

Re: Lodamun

Postby imperialpearl » Tue Sep 24, 2024 12:35 pm

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Following overtures from Mordusian Government for greater cooperation between Lodamun and Mordusia, Secretary of Defence Edward Mears, the Governor of Millford Mason Cooke and Mordusian Minister of Defence William Striker have signed a trilateral agreement between the Lodamese Commonwealth Guard, the Millford State Guard and the Mordusian Armed Forces, which would ultimately formalise Mordusia’s long-term partnership with the MSG. Although the scope of the agreement is broad in nature as it covers numerous areas of cooperation including intelligence/information-sharing between the relevant authorities and agencies, its focus nonetheless hinges on the creation of a new dynamic between the Millford State Guard and the Mordusian Armed Forces. The agreement forms part of a long-standing programme within the Lodamese Commonwealth Guard which encourages the five (5) state guard formations to seek out partnerships with regional and international militaries for the expressed purpose of exchanging tactics, strategic and enhancing cooperation. This programme dates back to the initial reforms to the Commonwealth Guard, initiated under President Andrew Neilson. Through this trilateral agreement, the Mordusian Armed Forces is expected to gain significant assistance in enhancing operational effectiveness, even as the nation’s government has announced potentially crippling defence-heavy budget cuts. These cuts, which ultimately reduce the Mordusian Armed Forces’ role to home defence and coastal security, have been deemed necessary as the nation strives to tame its deteriorating economic situation. Secretary Mears noted that although the cuts would ultimately result in a reduced role for the Mordusian Armed Forces in South Seleyan defence and security, it nonetheless opens the door for the nation to have some “introspection” on how it views itself within the South Seleyan region, the Seleyan Continent and the Luthorian Commonwealth by extension. “I think this is ultimately an opportunity for a much-needed rethink. Although progress had been made to ensure Mordusia would ultimately fit into the South seleyan security picture, much of that progress could be said to be diminished. Now is time for a review of the nation’s broader national security landscape.” Secretary Mears said.

The cooperation between the MSG and the Mordusian Armed Forces, according to Governor Cooke, is likely to cover areas related to aerospace and home defence. Here, he noted that the MSG could impart useless advice on tactics and strategy related to territorial defence, and as such, discipline is essential to Lodamun's own philosophy. “Like any other State Guard formation, the MSG is structured in such a way that territorial defence is an essential part of its function. I am certain there will be a mutual exchange of ideas, talent, tactics and strategy between these two entities,” Gov. Cooke commented. A separate agreement is likely to be signed between Secretary Mears and Minister Striker on a broader cooperation between the Lodamese and Mordusian Armed Forces, which may include the potential for basing rights for Lodamese ships and maritime aircraft (including drones). According to Secretary Mears, the Mordusian Government has made a statement of intent to cooperate with/learn from the Lodamese Coast Guard. It could be said that the LCG has revolutionised the deployment of Coast Guard assets, particularly in its deployments along the western seleyan coastline under Operation Barracuda. Previously, the Luthorian Coast Guard had expressed interest in learning from and working alongside the LCG in the Artanian Sea, however, little movement has been made on realising those ambitions on the part of Fort William. Defence analyst Edward Gibson noted that in the case of Mordusia, the nation need not maintain a sizeable coast guard with medium-to-long-range capabilities similar to the Lodamese Coast Guard. “The Mordusian Coast Guard or Border Force ought to focus its efforts on cost-effective measures which ultimately aid in achieving its primary objective of protecting Mordusia’s maritime borders. Investment in offshore patrol boat platforms is the best route,” Gibson explained.
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Re: Lodamun

Postby imperialpearl » Tue Sep 24, 2024 4:18 pm

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After it had seemed that the Lodamese Government had seemingly moved on the event and had concluded matters related to it, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) has confirmed that the investigation was not concluded but had in fact entered a new phase. At a joint press conference held at the Department of Defence building in Kensington, NIB Director John Howard, whilst speaking alongside the Director of the Naval Bureau of Criminal Investigations (NBCI) Darrell Woods, noted that although much news related to the investigation had not been forthcoming, the investigation nonetheless continued, with the investigation set to enter a new phase: an inquest for more detailed access to the crash site. As previously reported, a Triton high-altitude, long-endurance drone in the service of the Lodamese Coast Guard had reportedly went missing some miles into the inner limits of the Arctic. Thus disappearance ultimately prompted an investigation from both the Lodamese Navy and Coast Guard. Subsequently, a tail belonging to the drone had been found by the Lodamese Navy following a low-level maritime air patrol, with said tail possessing indications of previous damage which ultimately led investigators to conclude that the drone itself had been destroyed. Following this revelation, the Trigunian Government led by then Prime Minister Urvan Nekrestyanov denied any involvement in the drone’s disappearance after speculation gathered related to the presence of Trigunian naval assets in the area where the drone had reportedly disappeared. “Trigunia respects international law and despite our issues with unmanned aerial vehicles operating within our area of interest, we had no part in this loss.” Prime Minister Nekrestyanov said, immediately following up that statement with an increase in Trigunian military patrols throughout the region. Although State Department officials have refused to comment on whether there had been Trigunian involvement in the drone’s disappearance, the NIB subsequently became involved after it became clear that the NBCI would require significant assistance in “piecing the picture.” As the nation’s premier investigative body, Howard stated he hoped the NIB’s involvement in the investigation would ultimately open once closed doors, thus enabling the investigation to proceed to an amicable conclusion.

At the press conference, Director Howard confirmed that they [the NIB and the NBCI] had made inquests to the Trigunian Embassy in Kensington and the Trigunian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to supervised access to the Trigunian arctic zone, where they believe the remaining parts of the drone could potentially be found. “It is our belief that owing to the oceanic current, the remaining parts of the drone including its fuselage, the other tail and more could have drifted into the Trigunian arctic economic exclusion zone and settled potentially on the sea floor. Earlier this week, we have made inquests to the Trigunian Embassy in Kensington and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for access to this area, to determine whether the remaining whole of the drone is indeed there and thus enable our investigation to continue.” Director Howard explained. Officials from the Bureau of Transportation Safety (BoTS) who are being roped into the investigation, noted their involvement in the investigation largely relates to recovering the drone’s flight data recorder. They note that in usual circumstances, it would be prudent for rescue authorities to search for the flight data recorder with immediacy as the record has a pinger which sends a sonar signal at intervals for about 30 days. However, as the drone had been missing for the better half of over a decade, much time has passed since the data recorder had sent its last ping. They noted that although in the absence of the pings, finding the flight data recorder would be much harder, the data within the drone would nonetheless still be intact. “Most flight data recorders are meant to be survivable and thus they can withstand some crushing depths and extreme temperatures. If we could venture into where we believe the drone had been pulled by the current and settled, we could retrieve the data recorder and continue the analyse the data.” One BoTS official said. Director Howard noted that both the NIB and NBCI continue to await a response from the Trigunian Government, stating that it was imperative that they be granted the opportunity to search for the drone, even if supervised by Trigunian authorities.
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Re: Lodamun

Postby imperialpearl » Wed Sep 25, 2024 1:43 pm

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With special considerations made for the Lodamese Navy’s continued commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the Lodamese Marine Corps, the Defence Procurement Administration (DPA) announced earlier this morning that it had granted Harrington Dynamics Maritime Systems the contract to construct three (3) Amphibious Assault Ships (AAS) and has also granted Cowgill-Masterson Maritime Engineering a separate contract to construct three (3) additional Portswood-class landing platforms docks. The awarding of both contracts comes amidst a resurgence of activity within the Department of Defence as both President David Stedman and Secretary of Defence Edward Mears reaffirmed their commitment to seeing the Naval Modernisation Programme (NMP) to its completion. At a joint press conference at the DoD in Kensington, Secretary Mears stated that the Naval Research Institute (which now houses the Naval Doctrine Unit) has been considering both the feasibility and potential benefits which could be accrued from the Lodamese Marine Corps maintaining a capability such as an amphibious assault ship. In light of the Marine Corps’ broader ambitions to capture the true essence of expeditionary warfare (i.e. warfare beyond the nation’s borders), it became increasingly clear to defence planners that in lieu of an aircraft carrier and the limited number of landing platforms docks operated by the Lodamese Navy/Marine Corps, the corps itself would need to maintain some capability wherein it can project both air and land power into any given theatre. “Although the air power projection is often done via an aircraft carrier, these vessels aren’t suited for bringing land assets such as armoured vehicles into a theatre and subsequently launching troops. What the Marine Corps has long looked for is a healthy balance being the air power capability of an aircraft carrier and the ability to bring land forces to bear of a landing platform dock,” explained LCDR Jethro Adams of the Naval Research Institute. According to LCDR Adams, the NVI had looked at pre-existing designs in nations such as Lourenne, Deltaria and Trigunia and found the designs currently operated by said nations were largely ill-equipped to handle the scope and scale of the missions envisioned for these vessels within the Lodamese Marine Corps. Thus, Adams notes that the DPA initiated a design competition among the nation’s leading shipbuilders.

The end result of this competition was the proposed St. Christopher-class amphibious assault ship, developed by Harrington Dynamics. The specifications of the DPA’s contract were such that the vessel would have to be in excess of 44,000+ tons and should be capable of being fitted with the most modern air defence systems including CIWS (close-in weapon systems) and RAM (Rolling Airframe Missile). Compared to previous specifications for ships, the vessel will not feature the AEGIS combat system as it will likely work alongside AEGIS-equipped vessels such as the Andrew Neilson-class guided missile destroyer and the Julliet Andrews-class guided missile frigate. As its nature, the vessel would be capable of supporting certain types of aircraft, that being STOVL (short take-off and vertical landing) aircraft. There has been considerable debate among defence planners as to what aircraft should be operated from these vessels. Some have noted that although not as advanced as its more modern, stealthy counterpart, the Harrier which has been operated by other territories in the past, is still an extremely capable aircraft and is also cost-effective. Others have advocated for the F-35B, as its stealth and broad combat spectrum capabilities were perfectly suited for the Marine Corps’ “broad spectrum combat” principles. Even as its primary doctrine places significant emphasis on nimble, expeditionary warfare, the Marine Corps is nonetheless guided by principles which underpin the importance of maintaining the ability to respond effectively and efficiently to a changing/changed operational dynamic. “The Marine Corps has always searched for these “silver bullet”-like hardware, a singular application capable of being used to address any challenge. The F-35B, which I should note is STOVL capable, is that silver bullet, although it is on the more expensive side,” defence analyst Christopher Baird suggested. Secretary Mears stated that the decision would likely be processed in the coming months as the DPA is set to announce a separate request to test both the Harrier and the F-35B to determine whether both systems can be employed or whether it would be better for the marine corps to place its bets on one horse.

Additionally, specifications outline that the vessels must be capable of launching helicopters ranging from utility/transport to attack helicopters with relative ease alongside accommodating the Navy and Marine Corps much larger tilt-rotor helicopters such as the Osprey. According to Harrington Dynamics, the vessels would likely feature the aforementioned capabilities alongside being capable of launching land-based vehicles such as the AAVP and the LAV-25, and heavier land-based vehicles such as the M1A2 Connelly main battle tank via LCACs. Secretary Mears noted that the DPA’s contract with Cowgill-Masterson for the construction of three (3) additional Portswood-class landing platform docks came amidst growing interest among marine corps planners for the establishment of expeditionary task forces, groupings of ships potentially deployed throughout the world (via Lodamese foreign military installations), acting as “mini-strike groups”. The completion of both Naval Base Amsted in Aldegar and Naval Base Crockett in Malivia would enable the Navy and Marine Corps to advance these plans. Secretary Murphy also noted that both contracts are likely to cost the Lodamese Government within the vicinity of 15-20 billion LOD, as the starting costs of the St. Christopher-class LHD/AAS remain high owing to a lack of economies of scale in building the vessels. Owing to the long-term nature of the construction process, it is expected that the vessels may be financed through expenditure (as Lodamun has maintained a relatively normal, yet still thin surplus) and some loan financing arrangements managed by the Treasury Department.
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Re: Lodamun

Postby imperialpearl » Thu Sep 26, 2024 11:38 pm

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There is an enduring argument to be made that Star Lines' current situation is as a direct result of both a series of unfortunate events and numerous instances of incompetence by the company’s managers and would-be directors. Decades of journalistic reporting on the company’s financial woes have documented a play-by-play wherein it is now possible to map the company’s precipitous decline from the very beginning. It is out of these woes that the company ultimately finds itself largely incapable of maintaining sustained profitability beyond incomes capable of “keeping the lights on”, despite being a well-known entity within Lodamun itself. Be it poor decision-making or a lack of long-term strategic vision, the end result of these well-documented blunders was the company’s decision to file for bankruptcy only a month prior. It ought to be noted that prior to its bankruptcy, Star Lines enjoyed favourable bailout conditions by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, who following an internal assessment of the company’s financial accounts believed that a “turn-around” was possible, given the right conditions. Initially, an 800 million LOD bailout was proposed to the company’s board, which was ultimately rejected on grounds that it was not enough to save the company from what was otherwise a slow and painful death: being picked apart by asset management firms. In recognition of its supposed relevance to Lodamese culture as a key institution of Lodamese history, the DoIT was instructed by then President Dr Jane Whitmore to increase the bailout offer from 800 million to 2.3 billion LOD, an eye-watering 187.5% increase. This value, it was believed, would ultimately cover expenses related to the maintenance and replacement of ageing/outdated equipment, vessels and terminals, therein addressing the supposed concerns held by the company’s board. The multi-billion dollar bailout proposal came as a surprise to many as numerous business leaders noted that the previous political administrations in Kensington had never shown such an eagerness to rescue a private entity without making significant demands aimed at ensuring said entity realigns with both the thinking and conduct of the administration itself. “Notwithstanding that massive increase, I don’t think I had ever seen the [federal] government go so hard for something like that. Usually, after the initial bailout proposal is rejected, they [the federal government] basically tell firms “then die”, and they move on. That change in conduct certainly piqued my interest,” Sam Harper, an investigative analyst with PCH Caville explained.

Whereas with the new administration in it was believed that the matter had been dropped, at a substantive press conference held at Whitehall, Vice President Mr. Isaac Kisiner speaking alongside Merchant General Tom Quigly confirmed that the matter had not yet been concluded. VP Kisiner noted that during the transition, it was communicated to the company’s administrators that the Lodamese Government would acquire both the firm and its assets, pointing to the company’s importance to Lodamun’s coastal and ravine ferry system. “Star Lines is an important part of Lodamese maritime history and tradition. To let this company slip into irrelevance and not raise some structure in its place would be a great disrespect to what is centuries of Lodamese seafaring tradition,” VP Kisiner said. Star Lines, according to the terms of the agreement signed by the company’s board, would become a subsidiary of the Harrington Company a major development in the entity’s history. The recent reconstitution of the Harrington Company’s Charter for an additional two hundred years has granted lawmakers with a unique opportunity to address chronic woes experienced during the entity’s initial 200-year run. The principle of these woes is its visibility. Although in many instances, the Harrington Company is potentially one of the more unique structures in the world, it ultimately suffers from a major problem of recognition. As Lodamun’s chief negotiator and the mechanism through which imports and exports are made, the HC’s otherwise restrictive charter has granted little to no wiggle room beyond these responsibilities. VP Kisiner noted that the administration believed that it was time to grant the Harrington Company the opportunity to demonstrate that it could be a responsible chartered company. Pulling the cat out of the bag, MG Quigly stated that the HC’s takeover of Star Lines is ultimately a venture aimed at reinforcing the entity’s control over greater portions of Lodamun’s maritime landscape, particularly international maritime travel.

According to Quigly, the HC had envisioned that the restructured Star Lines to be known as Harrington Lines, would herald in the return of a once thought-to-be-extinct class of ship: oceanliners. Prior to the advent of commercial air travel, the fastest and maybe the only means of travel from one continent to another was via ship; ocean liners which could close the gap between the vastness of the ocean and therein connect continents could be viewed as the foundation upon which the modern, globalised economy was built. Yet, as commercial airliners grew in fame and technological prowess largely due to their ability to “connect continents” at a faster rate via faster and more economically feasible air routes, the viability of ocean liners declined all but died alongside previous marvels such as aerostat travel. Quigly believes that it may be possible to revive this class of vessel by finding the perfect middle ground between fast, oceanliners and the more relaxed cruise ships of the modern era. He noted that even though commercial airliners had all but killed the oceanliner industry, cruise ships had nonetheless grown to prominence as there remained a broad market for individuals seeking to “cruise” through the various tourist hotspots throughout the world. Numerous cruise ship brands have seen broad success particularly those serving Eastern Seleya and the major tourism centres of the Dovanian continent. Veteran mariner and maritime consultant Connor Fletcher believes that the Harrington Company could potentially carve out a new market for itself in oceanliners. “To make something like this viable, the Harrington Company would have to find the sweet spot: the balance between speed and the ability to keep routes down to a week or potentially less and maintaining that aura of comfort which has become a stable of cross-border, cross-continent maritime travel today,” Fletcher explained. Such a venture, as mentioned previously, is likely to enhance the portfolio of the Harrington Company in that for the first time in its history, the entity may be granted the ability to own and operate assets in a foreign nation, despite being a quasi-government department and state-owned corporate entity.

VP Kisiner noted that the vessels to be fielded by Harrington Lines, a new class of oceanliner, could become symbols of Lodamese and Seleyan pride. He noted that the company had already agreed on the names that these vessels will likely occupy, notwithstanding the fact that said vessels haven’t even been constructed, let alone conceptualised. “The SS Lodamun, the SS Schismatic Dream, the SS Mid-Artanian Runner, the SS Majatran Rover and the SS Anantonese Sprinter, are but some of the names they’ve come up with,” Kisiner explained.
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Re: Lodamun

Postby imperialpearl » Thu Oct 03, 2024 12:20 pm

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Although the State Department is yet to articulate the Lodamese Government’s complete policy on Seleya and Western Dovani in the immediate aftermath of the political crisis currently brewing in Lourene, which has resulted in the nation’s sudden withdrawal from the international sphere, the Department of Defence is reportedly moving swiftly to plug what many are calling a major gap in Seleyan and potentially global security. At a press conference held at the DoD building in Kensington, Secretary of Defence Edward Mears alongside Chairman of the Combined Chiefs Gen. Kristian Harding and the respective heads of the various branches of the armed forces confirmed that amidst Lourenne’s seemingly spontaneous withdrawal from the global order it once held and fought to maintain, security within Seleya, particularly on the eastern coast was largely exposed. “Although we cannot and will not comment on the evolving situation unfolding in Lourenne, that crisis has undoubtedly altered the otherwise promising outlook for security on the Seleyan continent,” Secretary Mears said. Although the details surrounding Lourenne’s political crisis remain scarce at this time, what is known is that the PRN (National Revival Party), one of Lourenne’s longest-standing political institutions and the entity largely responsible for Lourenne’s rise to international supremacy, suddenly announced its withdrawal from Lourennais and Canrillaise politics, thus sending the future of that nation and the Canrillaise Empire which is recently rebuilt into uncertainty. The situation has propelled the UNIE (National Union for Ethnic Integrity) into power, wherein they promptly held a series of emergency sessions aimed at dealing with the immediate aftermath of the PRN fallout. As a result of the relative confusion brewing in the world’s leading economy, this according to Secretary Mears, has become a cause for concern, not only politically but also economically and militarily. “We continue to monitor this situation as it progresses and hope that there is a return to some semblance of normalcy,” Secretary Mears said.

General Harding stated that although the situation in Lourenne would not result in an overnight abandonment of the nation’s historic military positions/structures, he nonetheless noted that in the absence of clarity, security on the Seleyan continent was undoubtedly at risk. Historically, Lourenne has maintained a strong security relationship with numerous states on the Seleyan continent, including Aldegar, Gaduridos, the Canrillaise states and Lodamun. In the aftermath of the Hubris War, the nation committed to maritime patrols throughout the Seleyan continent, largely enabled by its outposts in Rildanor, Alduria and Kanjor. Under the guise of Operation Golden Sea, the Lourennais Armed Forces conducted broad FoN maritime patrols through various bodies of water in Seleya and environs including the Kanjor Strait, the Aldegar Canal, the Schismatic Sea and the once highly contested Sea of Lost Souls. According to General Harding, although missions such as Operation Barracuda pre-date Operation Golden Seas, the latter nonetheless maintained a scale which the former could not replicate. Here he noted that Operation Barracuda, the Lodamese Coast Guard’s long-term mission to conduct patrols and other constabulary operations (including SAR) throughout the Seleyan continent, had been largely constrained to Western Seleya as, throughout its existence, it was perceived that if any threat to Seleyan security emerged (particularly following the Hubris War and the Treaty of Altatepec), it would have been from the western and south-western quadrants of the continent. “Although the Lourennais patrols had underscored a potential to patrol the entirety of Seleya, there was a clear Lodamese presence in Western Seleya; starting from the Mad Dog Ocean to the South Ocean,” Gen. Harding explained. According to the Commandant of the Lodamese Coast Guard Adm. Nicholas Grant, Lodamun’s historically friendly relationship with Lourenne made the need for a Lodamese presence in Eastern Seleya unnecessary. “It can be said that Lodamun, recognising Lourenne’s broader commitment to security on the continent, viewed it unnecessary to expand its presence into eastern seleya/western dovani. We [Lodamun] ultimately counted on the fact that should any challenge to Seleyan security emerge from the east, it would be aptly dealt with by Eroncourt,” Adm. Grant explained.

With many noting that Lourenne’s political crisis could potentially trigger the withdrawal of Lourennais military assets throughout the continent, Secretary Mears noted that it would undoubtedly mean that numerous nations on the Seleyan continent would have to “step up” towards ensuring security on the continent. He noted that although it would be reasonable for one to conclude that Lodamun could replace Lourenne in this regard, such a conclusion would be made without consideration of numerous facts. The first being that in order to expand its net to cover the entire Seleyan continent, Lodamun would need to exert itself to a degree it had never done before. Much of the nation’s military infrastructure has been aimed squarely at the Mad Dog Ocean, Artanian Sea and the South Ocean and as such the nation lacks critical infrastructure which would make a “pivot” to eastern seleya and western dovani seamless. Although the nation maintains an ever-expanding military base in Aldegar, this too is limited as it would only grant Lodamese assets range into the southwestern limits of the Schismatic Sea. Secondly, the Lodamese Armed Forces is limited (at this point in time) in its capabilities to establish its presence in eastern seleya and western dovani. Only recently it was announced that the construction of three (3) marine expedition-oriented amphibious assault ships were to be constructed for the Lodamese Navy, a step below the aircraft carriers which Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Declan Barker theorises may be required to establish a clear Lodamese presence on the continent’s eastern shores. “In the absence of the necessary independent infrastructure needed to make such a pivot possible, we [Lodamun] will have to strengthen and in many cases establish new relations with nations we have historically viewed as being outside of security considerations,” Adm. Barker noted. “With this in mind, we will be signing a series of cooperation with agreements with various states on the Seleyan continent to establish a new security dynamic/order,” Secretary Mears added. Chief of the Air Force Gen. Garrett Conley noted that in hindsight, Lodamun’s refusal to accept temporary basing rights in Kalistan was shortsighted as it would have granted the Lodamese Air Force with a ready presence/capability for operations in eastern seleya/western dovani. “Notwithstanding our own shortsightedness, it is our view that Kalistan has a much larger role to play now more than ever,” Gen. Conley explained.
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Re: Lodamun

Postby imperialpearl » Tue Oct 08, 2024 7:06 pm

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A historic hesitation to involve, let alone approach one of Kensington’s closest geostrategic partners in the border affairs of the continent has largely resulted in the nation being overlooked, especially with respect to the ever-expanding role being taken by Lodamun in Seleyan affairs. The nation has, for the most part, distanced itself from much of the continent’s wider geopolitical events, only rearing its head when it became clear that the moves of largely external actors may jeopardise their otherwise pedestrian relation to Seleyan affairs. “They’ve largely acted as an onlooker to some of this continent’s and potentially the world’s most significant events, ranging from the Canal Crisis to the Hubris War. And yet, they have remained one of the continent’s most relevant states.” Political turmoil in Eroncourt, coupled with uninspiring overtures toward calm and normalcy from the Canrillaise states, threatens the continent’s long-established peace; a peace which had been largely maintained via the allure of Lourenne’s “arms-reach” presence. Secretary of State Ester Kenly, Secretary of Defence Edward Mears and Director of National Assessments David Cord are expected to travel to Kaliburg, Kalistan where they are set to meet with numerous key figures within Kalistan’s political and security/intelligence communities. Against the backdrop of the State Department’s broader strategy for the Seleyan continent in the post-Lourenne era, Whitehall Press Secretary Nicole Spencer noted that the visit would likely bring to the surface numerous discussions which were once held behind closed doors, owing to the otherwise sensitive nature of their content. “Our relationship with Kalistan has historically been built on the idea of trust and we intend to strengthen that relationship moving forward,” Spencer said. “There are numerous discussions we [Whitehall] have been having with the government in Kaliburg for decades and in some instances centuries. The changing serious dilemma on the continent necessitates that we speak frankly about the numerous challenges we face today.”

Via a joint press statement issued moments prior to their departure, Secretary Kenly confirmed that prior discussions with her counterpart in Kaliburg had resulted in a heightened sense of awareness towards the potential for meddling by extra-regional entities in the continent’s affairs. Recently Kalistani Foreign Minister Jacqueline DuMont noted that Lourenne’s potential withdrawal from the region would undoubtedly result in a resurgence of Luthorian interest on the continent. “Luthori has made it very clear that their motivation is to check Kalistan in Seleya,” she noted. Although Luthori and Lodamun remain extremely close partners in relations to security, the latter’s withdrawal from the Commonwealth structure ultimately severed most economic ties which had existed between the two nations by virtue of the Commonwealth treaty. For the better half of a decade, the Ross Administration has dodged the question of whether Lodamun would rejoin the Commonwealth group, with most questions to Kenly often being either segwayed or ignored outright. As a result of this clandestine divorce, Luthorian-Lodamese relations largely exist through the Luthorian-Lodamese Defence Agreement which governs their joint defence relationship. Secretary Kenly noted that insofar as Kensington was concerned Luthori’s presence on the continent, largely enabled by Mordusia and potentially Likatonia was a “non-issue”. Here she underscored that the historic grievances between Luthori and Kalistan ought to be settled between the two states themselves, as both nations possessed “rationale” and “competent” governments. “We are aware of Kalistan’s concerns related to Luthori’s presence on the continent and we are of the view that both nations, possessing rationale and competent governments, will not be drawn to blows. Our policy on Luthorian military presence in Lodamun remains the same as it has been for the past century: temporary accommodations, no permanent basing,” Secretary Kenly’s statement read. Accompanying Secretary Kenly would be Lodamun’s new Ambassador to Kalistan, John Edmiston.

Secretary Mears explained that Lodamun’s security relationship with Kalistan will undoubtedly become the centre-piece of the nation’s broader Seleyan strategy. With recent years, the Kalistani military has undergone significant transformations, all squarely aimed at enhancing their warfighting capabilities. Lodamun has naturally supported its initiatives primarily through training/exercises. A lack of movement by Lourenne to demonstrate to the wider world that it is capable of a steady transition has made the situation in the Anantonese Sea all the more concerning. As the continent lacks a comprehensive, continental security agreement much of the work related to establishing secure channels of trade largely lies on nations within Seleya itself. “It is our belief that Kalistan is more than capable of bringing hardware to bear in the Anantonese Sea, recognising that it has been a historically contested space as a direct result of its Strait policy. Lodamun is prepared to continue to assist Kalistan in building out infrastructure not just for the defence of the nation itself but for North Seleya as a whole,” Secretary Mears noted. Mears is expected to meet with his Kalistani counterpart Col. Martin Jackson where Mears will seek out a more concrete security relationship with Kaliburg. It is expected that a re-examination of the question of basing in Ananto will be broached, as such an arrangement would give the Lodamese Armed Forces much-needed range into eastern seleya, where much of the LAF’s momentum seems to be oriented towards. The Strategic Defence Agency, the agency responsible for missile defence in Lodamun, is likely to forge a new alliance with the Kalistani defence establishment. The SDA has long maintained ambitions towards a continental missile defence and radar network, which would provide Seleya with a much-needed capacity to defend against missile threats and to track the movement of potential adversaries throughout the various physical domains.

DNA Cord’s involvement in the visit is likely to focus primarily on intelligence-sharing, which the Kalistani Government has noted will become a major feature of their relationship with Lodamun moving forward. Baltusia’s turn towards syndicalism, although not of major concern to the NIB and thus Lodamun, is likely to bring Lodamun’s security and intelligence community closer to their Kalistani counterparts. Inclusive of the NIB, the Bureau of Firearms and Control, the Strategic Services Agency, and the Government Cryptography Office have all expressed willingness to share information with Kalistani authorities, even as the nation sits outside the CISA (Common Intelligence Sharing Agreement). Historically, Lodamese intelligence sharing has been restricted to nations which are full members of the agreement owing to the often sensitive nature of the information shared. This was evidenced in the ongoing challenges with sharing intelligence/information with Luthori which exists outside of the CISA, but which has been encouraged to ratify the agreement. “Kalistan sits in a sort of special place in the eyes of Kensington. It does not believe that sharing information with Kaliburg would ultimately jeopardise Lodamun’s position. The CISA stands as a bulwark against Lodamese information finding itself in the hands of potential adversaries, and thus the Office of the Director of National Assessments, which manages the CISA, has always been extremely careful with whom Lodamun shares information with,” Jasper Wiley, a former intelligence analyst for the SSA said. Director of the Bureau of Naval Intelligence, Rear. Adm. Candace Peters is also accompanying DNA Cord where she is expected to sign an agreement with the Kalistani defence establishment which would grant them full access to the Lodamese Navy’s acoustic library. For the better half of a century, the Lodamese Navy through the SOSUS (sound surveillance system) network operated alongside the Dolgavan Navy, has been gathering acoustic signatures of various ships moving through the Karzon Strait and the Sea of Deliverance. Although the details surrounding the extent of the library, some sources have noted that they have collected acoustic signatures on Beiteynuese, Lourennais and Luthorian warships (and potentially submarines) among others. “Notwithstanding the work, Kalistan is doing now to build out a similar capability of its own in the Anantonese, access to our acoustic library will be essential in giving Kalistan a much-needed edge over potential adversaries,” RADM. Peters explained.
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Re: Lodamun

Postby imperialpearl » Fri Oct 18, 2024 8:50 pm

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Following delays related to numerous subsystems crucial to the vessel’s general operation, the Lodamese Navy has formally launched the lead ship of the St. Christopher-class amphibious assault ship (AAS), thus propelling the Lodamese Marine Corps into a new era of expeditionary warfare. The launching of the vessel, which has taken the name LCS-St. Christopher, took place at Cowgill-Masterson Maritime Engineering’s shipyard in Harrington. Secretary of the Navy William Glover, who was present for the vessel’s launching from the drydocks stated that the event represented a significant advancement in Lodamese amphibious warfare capabilities, noting that it was the first time the nation would field such a vessel in centuries if not millennia. “I think this is a significant and very important day for the Lodamese Navy, more specifically the Lodamese Marine Corps. It would be the first time that we as a nation are fielding such equipment and ultimately runs in line with our long-term strategy for the Armed Forces,” Glover said. The Department of Defence has maintained a long-term commitment towards enhancing the capabilities of the Lodamese Marine Corps, which alongside the Lodamese Airborne will become the tip of the spear for the Lodamese Armed Forces. “Persistent investment into the amphibious warfare capabilities are essential in ensuring the Lodamese Armed Forces is capable of conducting operations of varying complexities anywhere around the world,” the most recent Strategic Review of the Armed Forces read. Defence Analyst Dane Case noted that much of the doctrine surrounding amphibious assault ships such as those currently employed in the Mordusian Defence Force and the Lourennais Navy, are largely seen as mini-aircraft carriers. In the case of the Mordusian Randworth-class, the vessel maintains a wide enough landing zone capable of supporting VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft such as the Harrier and the F-35B. The Lourennais Thiers-Class is largely geared towards helicopters and associated rotor-winged aircraft. In the case of the St. Christopher-class, Case noted, although the vessels were built to conduct both operations (supporting VTOL aircraft and helicopters), their deployment as advanced/forward combat formations would likely set them aside from their Dovanian and South-seleyan counterparts. “Usually, if the convention set by Lourenne is to be followed, these vessels will be deployed alongside an aircraft carrier and will support larger operations. However, the Lodamese Navy and by extension the Marine Corps have noted that these three vessels will be employed as forward deployed elements, establishing a clear presence in regions where an aircraft carrier may be largely unnecessary.” Case explained.

The vessel’s launching from the drydock does not mean that it has been formally commissioned into the service of the Lodamese Marine Corps, as Secretary Glover notes that there are still numerous tests of subsystems to be done during its sea trials. “Although we’re launching the ship and will immediately begin work on the 2nd ship of the class, as with all vessels commissioned by any competent nation, a significant amount of sea trials need to be conducted to determine whether the vessel itself is truly fit for at-sea operations.” With the Lodamese Air Force, Commonwealth Guard and Navy united in their decision to procure varying platforms of the acclaimed F-35 stealth strike fighter, it is likely that these jets specifically the F-35B, will feature heavily in these sea trials. Commandant of the Lodamese Marine Corps, Gen. Oliver Booth stated that the F-35B alongside the Harrier would become the backbone of the branch’s aerial warfare capabilities. “We’ve underscored the importance of maintaining a capability to conduct various operations independent of the Lodamese Navy, as there may be instances in the future where that may be necessary. As such, we have received approval from the CNO (Chief of Naval Operations) to procure aircraft specifically for the St. Christopher-class amphibious assault ship. What we’ve envisioned is the deployment of the Harrier in general operations and the F-35B in special deployments to areas which we may consider to have a heightened threat outlook. These vessels will essentially become mini-carriers for us [the Marine Corps] and will work in tandem with the Portswood-class LPDs and other Lodamese Navy vessels attached to our forward deployment concept.” Gen. Booth explained. The Forward Deployment Concept as mentioned earlier as well as by the LMC Commandant relates to the deployment of task forces, led by the amphibious assault ships in various regions including South-Western Artania, Dovani (Southern and Central) and Eastern Seleya. Through these task forces, the Lodamese Armed Forces would likely be able to respond faster to potential crises which may emerge along the Harrington Company’s merchant routes, thus leading back to the Lodamese Armed Forces’ core function of defending Lodamese interests both at home and abroad. It is being reported that once much of the vessel’s subsystems have been fully integrated, including the fitting of anti-air defence systems and air-search radar, the LCS-St. Christopher could see its first deployment to Migrant’s Pass alongside other vessels.
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Re: Lodamun

Postby imperialpearl » Sat Oct 19, 2024 1:28 pm

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“First reactions to our deployment have not been favourable, however, we continue with the task and purpose of said deployment,” said Admiral Eliab Pymer, Commander of the Lodamese Navy’s South-Western Command said at a press conference earlier this morning. The press conference had been largely set against the backdrop of the sudden increase in tensions in the region surrounding Migrant’s Pass, the channel which allows for trade and military flows from South-Eastern Dovani into Majatra, Artania and the western approaches of the Seleyan continent. Recently, the Lodamese Navy issued a communique to the governments of Pontesi, Beiteynu and Narikaton/Darnussia informing the governments of its decision to deploy advanced units to the area with the intent of establishing “a ready action force capable of responding to any and all threats which may hinder the Harrington Company's free access to the Migrant's Pass.” Admiral Pymer, the communique’s author and Lodamun as a whole have drawn serious condemnation from numerous states within the region including Narikaton/Darnussia, Pontesi and Hobrazia. Although the press conference covered numerous areas related to deployment ranging from their journey to Malivia and the potential basis for a permanent basing of forces, Admiral Pymer focused much of his responses on the individual responses of those nations who have reacted to the deployment thus far. He noted that in the case of Narikaton/Darnussia’s broad and open threat to the safety of the deployment itself, such a response was nonetheless expected. “Notwithstanding the fact that the communique issued by the governments of Narikaton/Darnussia initially expresses rosey intent towards peace and then subsequently contradicts itself at the end with a bold statement of intent for military action, we continue to seek to establish clear lines of communication between our forces, the Narikaton/Darnussian Government and their military,” Pyrmer explained. He noted that although the undiplomatic language of the communique would likely be handled by the State Department, the part wherein the communique notes: “IF, Lodamun decides to continue its course, there will be military retaliation and ensured destruction of their naval forces” is of concern. “It is clear that the government of Narikaton/Darnussia does not intend to establish clear lines of communication as was proposed in our communication. Lodamese maritime conduct, that being our track record for safe maritime operations has been largely predicated on the existence of clear lines of communication between our forces and others within our AO. We will continue to conduct ourselves in a manner which does not violate this long tradition for professional at-sea conduct.”

Pymer’s comment calls back to the Lodamese Navy and Coast Guard’s tamed/measured response to numerous acts by Majatran and Dovanian states in the waters surrounding Seleya. Namely the Joint Beiteynu-Lourenne military exercise to the SE of Migadon and the deployment of a Lourennais fleet in New Endralon in response to a dispute with Dolgava. Here he noted that in both instances and others, the Lodamese Navy and Coast Guard have underscored the right for nations to conduct operations in defence of their strategic interests guided that such operations avoid military miscalculations. “Our requests for communication have been ignored by most of the governments to whom the communique was issued, save Beiteynu who continues to consult its alliance mechanism. Instead, most went immediately to headlines and public statements. Our operations will remain professional in the absence of clear lines of communication and we will not invite a military confrontation with any nation in the region,” Pymer concluded. Via a press statement, Secretary of Defence Edward Mears confirmed that the vessels will remain in their port in Malivia and have been ordered not to act on the clear threat outlined by Narikaton/Darnussia in its communique. “These operations are part of a much larger concept of operations for the Lodamese Navy, in that, we will be seeking to position/base units out of various areas throughout the world where we have a clear presence in order to be better prepared to respond to emerging threats to Lodamese prosperity. These deployments are not different to the deployment of a Lourennais fleet (and accompanying Dundorfian Task Force) in Keymon. Nor are they different from the former deployments of the now defunct Zaar fleets of Beiteynu. No actions have been announced nor threats issued and the relevant nations have been informed with an expression of intent to establish lines of communication. This mishegoss surrounding these deployments is simply that: mishegoss.” Secretary Mears’ statement read. It has been reported that Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Declan Barker has instructed Admiral Pyrmer to continue seeking lines of communication between all relevant parties, with the potential for Pymer to fly to Beiteynu (via Helicopter) to answer questions related to the deployment, reportedly being on the table.
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