Vanuku

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Huurbieding

Wiel: The Wiel City Council has approved a plan of several private construction companies to start preparations and eventual construction of a new international airport in Wiel, meant to tripple the size of the current airport and increase logistical capacity in the city and wider region. The plan, which was initially vetoed by Wiel mayor Hjelm who was affraid it would "be a out of proportion project both in costs and the toll it would take on my city." Despite his veto, the City Council, controlled by the local "Wiel Workers Party", decided to work together to still approve of the plan. The WWP is a left of center party that has won the city council elections for over 20 years. The Velvet Movement, the national ruling party, only holds 2 seats in the city council but Mayor Hjelm is himself from the movement, being appointed by the king a year ago. Now the WWP and 2 other parties in the council have teamed up to overwrite the mayor's veto with a 2/3rd majority. The plan, send in by over 4 private companies, would expand the current "National" airport to become of international standards, doubling the amount of terminals, upgrading the different landing zones and pavements and completely modernizing the current main building, adding more stores and facilities. The plan, which costs the city of Wiel over 1 billion, will be realized in a span of 5 years with construction starting next year. Operations on the airport will continue but certain terminals and sections will be cordoned off over the course of the construction period to better facilitate construction workers.

Mayor Hjelm has issued a statement saying that, "The decision made by the city council is dangerous and will lead to the further internationalization of the city of Wiel, degrading our own values and destructing the health of our most vulnerable citizens." The major refers to several reports that have stated that the construction of the new airport would lead to health concerns for nearby residence and significantly increase noise polution in the area. Other reports seem to weigh heavier for the city council though, which sites several that talk about the economic impacts of the new airport, which would see the Wiel economy grow by 50% over the next 2 decades and make it a hub for international activity, bringing more bussinesses to the capital and increasing overall development. The national government, despite the oppossition to the plan from their own mayor, have hinted at possible subsidies for the construction of the airport, being willing to invest 200 million in its construction if the Wiel government subsidizes the rest.

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Reddit

Wiel: Soldiers of the Special Airborne Division (Speciale Luchtmobiele Brigade or SLB) as well as several units within the regular army have been fitted with the newly developed "infantry kit" developed and produced by Radnek. The kit, developed under the Resurgent Tiger program, gives infantry units more highly modern tools and options to use on the battlefield, with the additions including new armour plating that is made of lighter but still strong material, new insignia, a improved helmet that has longer durability and every squad possessing a "portable pad", mounted on the arm of a squad leader. The pad is smaller then many civilian used pads and displays information such as nearby air assets, radio communication range and can also call in air support, to then be directed by a radio crew. One of the biggest additions in the new kit however is the addition of the "Augmented Reality Assistance Tool" better known as ARAT. The tool, which looks like night vision goggles but have a multitool purpose. They can be used as regular night vision but can also be used to identify targets and show vital battlefield information, such as temperature, terain assesment and more. ARAT was developed by Radnek and the National Defense Institute, meant as a tool to give soldiers a better perception of the enemy and battlefield. The ARAT goggles are however quite expensive, with them costing around 200.000 per goggle as of right now, with development continiously ongoing. The more cheap changes and additions on the infantry kits have largely been implemented, but the ARAT goggles have for now only been handed to the SLB and several other specialized units for testing.

Defense Minister Reskai has stated that it is the military its intend on further testing and developing the ARAT system and, "Gradually deploying it accross our different infantry brigades." No specific timeline was given on its implementation, with the cost of the goggles likely being a big hinderance and preventing its widespread implementation for now. Estimates suggest the goggles will likely only be issued to special forces and paratroopers for now, with a total of 20.000 of the 150.000 soldiers receiving the goggles over the next few years. All other upgrades to infantry equipment will go faster, with their full implementation expected to roll out to all soldiers within the next 8 years, preparing the army for the future of combat and finalizing the transition of the Landmacht into a smaller but more specialized force.

[Rogue]

OOC: DSI
NSFW

Prinsenaard: The largest city of Vanuku, Prinsenaard, was waking up to a shocking reality this morning as at 7:00 AM local time a gunmen opened fire in and around the building of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The gunmen, armed to the teeth according to current reports, rammed his truck into the police checkpoint in front of the ministerial building, killing two officers instantly as he drove over them. When disembarking from his truck he immediately opened fire with a military grade machine gun, shooting another officer guarding the front door of the building. He then killed 3 civilians that were in the parking lot of the building before entering. When inside, officers outside tried to rush after him, his truck however exploded partially, with a improvised device only partially detonating, blocking their way.

Inside mayhem ensued, employees rushed under their desks and tried to find other hiding spots while shots rang for over an hour. When the Military Constibulary finally issued a order to intervene over 41 people had already been killed. In a intense firefight the gunmen eventually shot himself through the head. 2 hours after the attack was commenced the Military Constibulary issued the all clear signal. In resposne to the attack the MC and Ministry of Internal Affairs ordered the additional protection of all government buildings, with MC units complemented by additional police being dispatched to step up security efforts. Now, after 6 hours, much remains unclear. A unknown terror organization, named the "United Front for Hosian Freedom" or UFHF has claimed responsibility. Its a group that has long been active in Istapali, raiding banks and destroying infrastructure in its barren territories. The MC, intelligence community and Prefect's office have so far refused to comment on the origin of the attack, only stating that it is "highly likely" that terrorist motives have played part. Additional security measures are expected to stay in place for at least a month as security forces and the intelligence community try to unravel what happened. The Ministerial building for Finance will remain closed until further notice as the investigation continues, the ministry will be housed with the Ministry of Internal Affairs until the building is cleared. Those that witnessed the attack have been offered closed casualty support in case of mental distress or if seeking a venting tool for their fear and anger. The King is expected to address the nation once more details emerge.

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Youtube

Wiel: King Mrukai adressed the nation earlier today following the terrorist attack on the Ministry for Economic Affairs late last month. The attack killed over 42 people including the attacker and had been claimed by the relatively unknown terror organization United Front for Hosian Freedom, which operates from the desserts of Istapali. In his speech the King emphasized the importance of coming together during these times, stating that "We, as a nation, should stand tall and stand strong. We should not bow to terror." Furthermore he explained the origins of the attack and the steps his government will take.

The attack had shocked and, in hindsight suprised, us all. Me and my government take full responsibility and i have asked Prefect Merlkai to step down as head of government. In his place i will appoint Alex Sumrak, director of national intelligence, to the position of Prefect and give him the right to form a government and deal with the threats facing our kingdom. Furthermore, our intelligence services have identified the attacker to belong to a group named the United Front for Hosian Freedom. This group has terrorized the Dovani nation of Istapali for years with relatively unsuccesfull results. Now they have struck our nation. We do not know why and believe it was a random attack. Nevertheless we will act. I have directed the new Prefect Sumrak the task of rooting out this terror organization. We will do this by contacting Istapalian authorities and working together with them to find this organization its leaders and bring them to justice. These actions will take work, dedication and possibly further lifes. But we owe it to those innocents that have died last month to bring those responsible to justice. My government takes your security seriously, that is why i have appointed director Sumrak as our new Prefect. Together we will bring justice to this savage group. Together we will defeat our enemy. Thankyou

This is the first time the King has directly intervened in government since his crowning. The terror crisis has caused the Merlkai government to fall, instead Sumrak is now prefect. Sumrak is a known conservative who has served as intelligence director for over 2 decades even before the new king assumed his throne. He is likely to appoint a conservative cabinet, seeking to bring the terrorists to justice while at the same time strengthening the conservative grip on the country, stepping away from the slight liberalizations Merlkai tried to maintain. This one act has drastically changed the course of Vanuku.

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Dutch Ministry of Defense

Kalibaka: The Vanukean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense have struck a deal with their Istapali counterparts that will see around 2000 members of the Vanukean Korps Veldjagers 2nd corps as boots on the ground in the Dovani nation, training and working together with Istapali leaders and soldiers to root out the UFHF terrorist organization in the country. The Korps Veldjagers are normally used for military police duties, protecting strategic sites at home or on missions abroad. The 2nd corps however is fitted with some of the best gear of the entire branch, allowing to to be deployed in a more military oriented capacity. Istapali initially refused Vanukean deployment to the country as Vanuku offered to use regular army units. The Korps Veldjagers are officially not a regular military unit, making it a acceptable compromise for Istapali authorities. The 2000 men will be stationed on bases already operated by the Istapali military. One Vanukean logistical base will be constructed, meant to provide logistical support to the deployed force. Their main task will be the apprehention or killing of the UFHF leaders and the stabilization of the Istapali desert, which is largely seen as a anarchist region with little central government control. To further support the mission a squadron of Vanukean Unionfighters, consisting of 19 unionfighters in total, will be stationed at the military airport in the capital of Kalibaka, meant to provide reconnaisence and close air support assistence for the troops on the ground.

In the agreement, struck with permission from the new Prefect Sumrak and the King, both sides have agreed that Istapali forces will take initiative, with the Korps Veldjagers primarily there to provide advice, assistance and reinforcements to local forces when needed. It also includes a provision about intelligence, stating that Vanukean intelligence services will be allowed access to public data and military intelligence agencies of both nations will share information with eachother to create a more effective response to possible threats. Prefect Sumrak also urged other nations in the region, such as Vanuku's new ally Lourenne and Kazulia, to also aid in the mission through other means, laying out the possibility for development aid in the desert region to potentially limit the influence of the UFHF with the local population, or by also providing intelligence support.

The first 500 Korps Veldjagers will arrive in Kalibaka next month, with the rest gradually being deployed in the next 3 months. Full operational capacity is expected to be reached by the end of the year. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has furthermore extended enhanced security measures at government buildings accross the nation, citing that the increased threat level has, "yet to go down", and urging citizens in general to remain vigilant in public.

[Luis1p]

LE GLOBE- Lourenne activates IRSA to fight Istapali Terrorism with Vanuku

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Time Out

Wiel: The Vanukean economy is continuing its trajectory of steady growth even amidst recent terror and stability threats. This came to light in a recent report published by the Central Economic Bureau and the private Stormkaap Institute. The Vanukean economy has been hovering between 2.5 and 3% growth for the past 2 years with unemployment at a record low of 3.2%. Inflation has also stayed under control as the government has had a hands off approach when it comes to the Vanukean economy, even selling at least 80% of shares in Petrovan, further relaxing its grip on the market. The growth has seen Vanuku catipult to become one of the largest economies in Majatra, driving further growth throughout the entire Majatran Economic Association. The report also showed that nations not part of the economic bloc of the MEA, such as Cildania and Selucia, have been struggling to enter its markets and have seen little growth themselves, showing the benefit of Vanukean membership to the organization. The economic growth Vanuku is experiencing is largely fueled by the big cities in the country, which have benefitted from a renewal in entrepeneurship and their better digital infrastructure compared to the more rural areas in the country. Rural areas only grew their economies by around 1%, largely in the agricultural and light industrial sectors, while big cities and their surrounding minucipalities have grown their economies by a staggering 20% on average.

The CEB and Stormkaap Institute, despite the rosy numbers currently being projected, expect the Vanukean economy to slow down as economic reforms are settling down. Expectations are that the growthrate will lower to around 1% in the coming years. It is also the first time in years that the unemployment rate has been lowered by private sectors. Previously government sectors and state owned enterprise employed a large part of the population, but with the latest privatization reforms and tax cuts private enterprise has for the first time hired more people then state enterprise, with the private sector lowering unemployment by a estimated 1% in the last 3 years. There are some concerns however. Critics of the new reforms point to Deltaria for a refference, a country that enacted major privatization reforms and in the end was to dependent on the global economy, causing it to spiral into a major economic crisis. Newly appointed Minister of Finance Aldrmai Heijkai has waved off these concerns, stating that "Current implemented reforms have proven their succes. The government will monitor market behaviour and has anticipated any possible faults in the system. We are prepared and have learned from the mistakes of other nations. This government believes in free enterprise and i think we have shown that it works."

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Military.com

Istapali: The Korpsveldjagers (Luthorian: Military Constibulary) has revealed the names of three UFHF leaders likely at the top of the command chain within the organization. The names of the leaders were found after intense intelligence work by Istapalian, Lourennaise and Vanukean intelligence services. The leaders, Thaamir el-Shaer, Faai Z el-Elbaz and Kabir Fadika, have now been put on the "Black List", newly introduced by the Vanukean Ministry of Defense as a list with the most dangerous and highly sought after enemies of the Vanukean state. A reward of 2 million for each leader will be rewarded to the person that can direct Istapali and Vanukean forces to the hideouts of these leaders. It has been a few months since Vanukean KVJ units have arrived in Istapali. Since then the first mission, "Operation Hiding Fox", has reportedly been completed succesfully. The operation was led by a combined command of Vanukean intelligence and Istapalian army command and sought to retake the desert village of Kambika from UFHF militants, who had reportedly killed the town its mayor several days prior. The operation saw Istapali military units move in while Vanukean KVJ units provided recon support and boots on the ground wered covered by Vanukean unionfighters above. A small shootout reportedly occured, ending with a laser guided bomb from a unionfighter dropping on a small compound in the village.

Following the operation KVJ and Istapali units secured the village and surrounding area and created a FOB, now manned by around 100 Istapalian soldiers. While this was only a initial operation, the Ministry of Defense expects more of these operations to be conducted in the following months, emphasizing that the Istapali military is in the lead here and that Vanukean units are their to provide a supporting role. The possible deployment of Kazulian or Lourennaise troops was not commented on by the Ministry, although with the threat the UFHF poses to especially Lourenne their role in the mission is likely to be expanded upon.

[Rogue]

OOC Source: US Airforce

Wiel: Aerospace company SATURN has revealed the newly upgraded "Unionfighter-V2" and a completely new developed tactical bomber named the X1-Tiger to the public and defense world during a expo in the Vanukean capital of Wiel. Both aircraft were designed using funds from the Resurgent Tiger program initiated by the previous Vanukean government and seek to grant Vanuku, "A combination of firepower, mobility and adaptability when it comes to its fighter aircraft." As it currently stands within the plan of the Ministry of Defense and Central High Command these will be the two combat aircraft primarily used by the Vanukean airforce, supported by a variety of logistical and tactical aircraft. The new Unionfighter, specially designed for the Vanukean airforce, incorporates a new AESA radar, advanced avionics systems, a new onboard flight computer, a new targetting pot and newly designed air to air missile meant for medium to long distances, finally giving the Vanukean Unionfighter a good missile for air superiority missions. The revealed bomber, officially classified as a subsonic heavy bomber or tactical bomber, is the X1-Tiger. The tiger is meant to be able to strike targets deep in enemyt territory, having the capability to fly low and undetected from enemy radar systems. Furthermore the bomber is able to carry a large amount of weapons, from bombs used for carpet bombing to guided bombs for targetted strikes. Suprisingly the bomber is also capable of carrying nuclear missiles or bombs according to the spokesperson at the expo, something that might have military and political experts scratching their heads. The current airforce strategy seems to suggest that the new Unionfighter will be the main air superiority and multirole fighter of the airforce, being used for air to ground, air to air and reconnaisance missions. The new X1-Tiger will likely be used for heavy bombing missions, possibly providing CAS support using guided munitions for troops on the ground, carpet bombing foritified targets and generally performing a variety of bombing missions. These two aircraft will be supported by a variety of logistical aircraft with a AWACS system and aerial refueling tanker also reportedly being developed.

SATURN is clearly the main partner of the government in the aerial part of the Resurgent Tiger program. VNN requested hundreds of documents which detail that both the upgraded unionfighter design and X1-Tiger design have been "locked" by the Vanukean government, having payed at least 200 million to SATURN in order to keep them "exclusive Vanukean designs." Furthermore the documents suggest that the current fleet of unionfighters is expected to be replaced by the new V2 in the coming 8 to 10 years. In the end the airforce seeks to have 160 unionfighter V-2's in active service. The X1-Tiger is seemingly still in development and the first serial production aircraft of the type is expected within 2 years. Once fleshed out and ready for production the airforce seeks to buy around 40 of them. The total project is currently estimated to cost around 5 to 9 billion, with the Vanukean government also largely financing the development of both aircraft.

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Shell Global

Wiel: Petrovan, the former state owned and now private petroleum and gass company of Vanuku, has announced its new "Green Initiative Investment Strategy" otherwise known as GIIS. The new plan, revealed during a press event in Banstill, will see the traditional fossil fuel giant invest over 30 billion in green energy initiatives, focussing heavily on solar and hydro power. The new plan was revealed during a important time for Petrovan, with tyhe company recently having been mostly privatized and their new CEO Yil Djir already hinting at a possible "hybrid focus" for the company. Petrovan has long been one of the "last men standing" in the fossil fuel industry. The company refused to, "put a single dime", in green energy and instead fully focussed on the lucrative market of fossil fuels. Those are times of the past according to Djir who, with his new hybrid strategy, seeks to compete with Lourennaise and Artanian energy companies and stake out a large Petrovan share in the green energy market.

The two areas to be focussed on, solar and hydro power, are expected to be beneficial to Petrovan, with Vanuku and the wider Majatran region having significant sun hours as well as Majatra boasting some impressive waterways and rivers, ideal for hydroelectricity. The 30 billion will be invested rather quickly and should be fully spend in the next 6 years, with Petrovan aiming to aquire at least 10% of the market share in solar and 6% marketshare in hydroelectricity by that time. Petrovan will be competing with the highly succesfull Lourennaise green energy companies as well as some other upcoming competitors. Despite now investing in green energy the company will continue to operate its gass and oil plants in the Majatran Sea but did state during the press event that if its new endeavours prove succesfull it, "might scale down activities in the area of fossil fuels."

The Vanukean government is currently in talks with Petrovan to possibly provide subsidies to encourage the hybrid strategy. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has send its delegates to Petrovan and talks are expected to finalize in the coming months.