+- Particracy Forum (https://ptr.zanz2.dev/_forum)
+-- Forum: In Character (IC) (https://ptr.zanz2.dev/_forum/forum-6.html)
+--- Forum: Newsfeed (https://ptr.zanz2.dev/_forum/forum-7.html)
+--- Thread: Lodamun (/thread-37.html)
RE: Lodamun - imperialpearl - 01-12-2024
![[Image: lj1xKTT.png]](https://i.imgur.com/lj1xKTT.png)
Although an enduring case for it had been made under previous administrations, especially amidst the otherwise unpredictable fluctuations of the global and national economy, the concept of a “rainy day” fund/budget stabilisation fund for the Lodamese states had not gained much momentum since it was initially proposed in a memo from the Treasury Department decades prior. Yet, with its eye ever trained on ringfencing the nation from external risk, the Stedman Administration is seemingly eager to matter and push it beyond the point where previous administrations had fallen short: implementation. On the sidelines of the recent Lodamese Governor’s Conference, the annual meeting between the President and the Governors of the Lodamese States and Territories, Secretary of the Treasury Dr Peter Freeman held a series of conversations with various State and Territorial Treasurers wherein he sought to gauge both their appetite for continued fiscal reforms as well as a commitment to see the implementation of such a scheme to its completion.
The proposal, as argued by its creator former Secretary of the Treasury Dr Capria Bowman, had been conceptualised in the latter half of the banking crisis which ultimately spawned the creation of the Credit Reconstruction Corporation (CRC) and new rules to govern the conduct of the nation’s financial institutions. Bowman, as the former President of the CRC, believed that the exposure to which the nation’s state and territorial government had opened themselves up was an extremely “uncomforting” risk, especially amidst the potential for a similar if not worse crisis to befall the nation once more. The memo noted that in the event of a national or even global recession, state governments may be forced to make difficult decisions in relation to spending priorities owing to budgetary shortfalls. It adds that although austerity/budget cuts may be the “go-to” option for addressing such shortcomings, it need not be the case, given the various fiscal tools available to state and local authorities. Treasury Department officials familiar with the Secretary’s initial intentions going into the conversations noted that although he [the Secretary] was eager to see the proposal introduced throughout the states and territories by executive order, he ultimately understood that such a measure could not be forced onto the states but would instead require significant buy-in whereafter the states/territories could be locked into compliance.
At a press conference held alongside the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank Dr Eric Todd, Secretary Freeman provided a brief synopsis of his discussions with his stately counterparts alongside providing greater clarity on how such a scheme would ultimately play out. He noted that in proposing the idea, the Governor of the Native Territories Nakai Smith was the first to voice his approval of the proposal. Historically, the Native Territories have had to enact crippling austerity measures to address budgetary shortfalls in times of economic uncertainty, owing to the territory’s already depressed economic fortunes. Secretary Freeman also confirmed that the Governors of Millford, Berkwaki and Newchester had also expressed interest in the proposal owing to the volatility of their respective state economies, especially in the case of Berkwaki which is now wholly dependent on fortunes from its downstream petrochemicals sector. However, the Governor of St. Christopher Evelyn Murray objected to the idea, noting that her administration had already initiated advanced discussions on a similar proposal.
FRB Chairman Todd stated that the states/territories would likely take on technical assistance from the FRB as its rules will govern how these rainy-day funds will be structured for compliance. He explained that similar to any rainy-day fund, capital accumulating would likely come from surplus revenue, however, he noted that it was possible for capital accumulation to occur via an initial windfall tax (and the revenue generated therein), followed by surplus revenue. A major underpinning of the principle guiding this theory is that in times of positive growth, it would be local for the funds to gain revenue and in times of uncertainty/irregular growth, the fund will either provide “drawdowns” or will halt revenue accumulation. Beyond this, Secretary Freeman noted that special consideration had to be made to ensure that the funds were not to take on the form of a structural fiscal balance fund. “I can make an informed guess that Governor Murray’s non-participation stems from the fact that St. Christopher’s proposed “State Economic Fund”, will likely take on the shape of a structural fiscal balance fund, which will primarily address issues not related to the state of the economy.”
Secretary Freeman noted that the federal government was not interested in advancing such a structure as these funds ultimately tend to lose focus, especially when they have to balance between a structural fiscal balance fund as well as a cyclical fiscal balance fund. “Obviously by virtue of its structure, St. Christopher’s fund would have to be governed under a separate regime, one which I imagine will be more stringent than what we’ve proposed here,” He explained. Freeman maintained that it was important for the states and territories to begin enacting policies aimed at reducing their exposure to external shocks, particularly recessions, which he noted may increase in frequency and intensity as time goes by. He explained that the states may find themselves in situations where they may not be able to count on the federal government to rescue them from economic uncertainty via financial aid/budgetary support. “By establishing these funds and keeping to the prudence as will be established in the rules governing these funds, the state and territories make the first step towards becoming truly independent of the federal government. President Stedman has made it extremely clear that his administration is committed to empowering the states and it is our belief that sound decisions like this make that possible.” Freeman concluded.
RE: Lodamun - imperialpearl - 01-12-2024
![[Image: 5LMWgsn.png]](https://i.imgur.com/5LMWgsn.png)
Following a lengthy process wherein the DPA alongside officials from the Lodamese Marine Corps (LMC) and Lodamese Navy (LN) had reviewed numerous proposals from international partners, it was revealed via a process statement earlier this morning that the LMC would acquire the Harrier jump jet as part of a multi-billion dollar, long-term agreement with Burrell Systems. The statement, produced by the DPA, confirmed that the agency had approved the procurement of a local pattern of the Harrier jump jet, a vertical or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft with service in numerous armed forces throughout the world. The announcement comes in tandem with the launching of the 2nd St. Christopher-class amphibious assault ship, LCS-Pembroke by Cowgill-Masterson Maritime Engineering (CMME) earlier this morning and forms part of a larger effort by the LMC and the LN to enhance the former’s warfighting capabilities. The formal commissioning of the St. Christopher-class amphibious assault ship represented a major step up for the Lodamese Marine Corps as their deployment as “mini-carriers” worked towards actualising the Marine Corps’ expeditionary ambitions. “These ships have been a major development for the Marine Corps as it meant that they could finally bring significant firepower to bear within any theatre of deployment. A miniature tool for power projection,” Cameron Slater, a defence analyst commented.
Despite their inherent advantages to the Marine Corps, the ships have been largely useless beyond being a larger platform for anti-submarine warfare helicopters and their most basic function as at-sea bases for the deployment and launching of troops and accompanying vehicles onto shore. Where airpower and airborne battlefield support are concerned, the vessels are nonetheless wholly dependent on aircraft flown on from land-based airfields. The initial deployment of the LCS-St.Christopher to Malivia revealed a major flaw in this structure as it placed significant emphasis on air support on airbases within the area. “In those instances where there aren’t friendly airbases in the area from which we can launch aircraft to support expeditionary operations, we are going to be in significant challenges,” lamented Commandant of the Lodamese Marine Corps General Corey Newman. At a Committee Hearing following the Migrant’s Pass debacle, General Newman revealed that notwithstanding the debacle itself, numerous lessons were imparted on the Lodamese Marine Corps which now informed a restructured outlook. “That event exposed numerous gaps in our capabilities. Had the situation escalated into a major engagement, it is likely that notwithstanding the capability (at the time) to bring airpower from Lodamun into Malivia and potentially Luthori, the Action Group’s ability to not only defend itself but provide significant fire support would have largely relied on the defensive and offensive capabilities of the guided missile frigates and destroyer present,” General Newman explained.
As the Lodamese Marine Corps is expected to operate four (4) amphibious assault ships, significant attention would undoubtedly be placed on ensuring each ship is provided with a suitable complement of aircraft. By their very nature, the Harriers are vertical or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft and thus possess the ability to take off from short runways such as those on the St. Christopher class and other vessels of the kind. Their deployment follows earlier Luthorian deployments of V/STOL aircraft, which in part informed the use of similar aircraft by Kazulia, Mordusia and Hutori. The DPA noted in its press statement that some 120 Harriers were to be produced exclusively for the Marine Corps for deployments in sections of x20 per ship. Although the aircraft is by no means the highly manoeuvrable strike fighters currently in service with the Lodamese Air Force (such as the F-16 and F-15), they are nonetheless capable of numerous functions including fleet air defence and electronic warfare (via EW pods). However, their primary role remains ground attack.
Although its payload may not be as extensive as the A-10, it can nonetheless bring significant firepower to bear. Initial testing and reviews of V/STOL aircraft had been conducted by the LMC and LN as a means of developing an acumen for such operations, recognising that Navy and now Marine Corps pilots are primarily familiar with conventional take-off and landing procedures. “We want to build a level of knowledge of these aircraft so we can eventually use that against potential adversaries. V/STOL aircraft is certainly new to the Lodamese Armed Forces and will thus take some time before we can confidently say we are indeed proficient in their use,” said Commander Henry Powell, an instructor at the Lodamese Marine Corps Flight Academy. “I wouldn’t call this a trial by fire for some of our pilots; it is more practical to what has traditionally been taught in classrooms via theory. Getting into the jet and learning its basics is the fastest way we can master these aircraft.” He added. A simulation suite has been bought for LMC and LN pilots to hone their skills whilst the aircraft is being manufactured, thus when they eventually arrive, we will have become accustomed to some, if not most of its basic controls and functions.
RE: Lodamun - imperialpearl - 02-12-2024
![[Image: YxuDlRo.png]](https://i.imgur.com/YxuDlRo.png)
Parts of Lodamese Airspace and specific portions of the Karzon Strait and the Lodamese economic exclusion zone are expected to be closed to civilian and military traffic as the Strategic Defence Agency (SDA) announced a series of planned missile defence tests in the coming month. In a joint press statement issued earlier this morning, the Lodamese Coast Guard, the Lodamese Air Force and the Strategic Defence Agency announced that in anticipation of a series of missile defence tests, commercial and military air traffic moving through the designated area would be rerouted, with civilian and military maritime traffic to be escorted through the zone under the supervision of both the Coast Guard and Navy. The announcement comes amidst a flurry of activity within the SDA following the announcement that the agency had poured significant finances into the revitalisation of the Lodamese missile defence programme. It falls into the wider context of the agency’s larger ambitions towards enhancing continental security within North Seleya and the wider Seleyan continent by extension.
The uniqueness of the notice has garnered significant attention from the public who are becoming mystified by the supposed spectacle. “It’s sort of a thing you don’t really get that much you know,” Michael Rose, a leisure sailing enthusiast. “Usually, when we get notices from the Coast Guard it's related to inclement weather, but beyond that, we don’t really restrict our movement. Receiving these notices, which restrict the movement of marine traffic through the area, is very interesting.” Although the finer details surrounding the tests are not widely known, many have speculated that the SDA is set to test the Guardian missile defence system. “I think these tests form part of their re-evaluation of the Guardian missile defence system, seeing that they [the SDA] has expressed intentions of refocusing its efforts on enhancing the capabilities of the system,” Arthur Allen, a Senior Analyst for the Centre for Geostrategic Policy and Research explained. Although the Guardian missile defence system has been in the service of the Lodamese Armed Forces for decades, the system has undoubtedly fallen behind regional and international contemporaries. Numerous analysts and defence planners have noted that whereas other systems are ultimately built from the ground up with numerous integrations, be it from satellite and airborne sensors, the Guardian system remains largely outdated, lacking critical functions including most importantly, the ability to accurately engage and destroy short-range, low-flying targets as well as the ability to engage multiple targets at varying distances simultaneously. “This is a system which is outdated and I think the tests being referenced in the notice primarily related to the SDA reacquainting itself with the system’s vulnerabilities and shortcomings,” Allen concluded.
Although the Guardian system had been initially built with the intent of destroying medium to long-range targets, Director of the SDA General Daniel Sutton believes that it is important for the system to attain an ability to engage short-range, low-flying targets. “I think it is necessary for us to maintain some sort of capability which would allow for us to engage those short-range threats, especially granted these systems could be placed in difficult environments where short-range, immediate engagements may be the primary focus,” General Sutton said in an interview a month ago. The SDA had identified intercontinental ballistic missiles (primarily fielded by Beiteynu) and Hypersonic missiles (fielded by numerous nations including Baltusia and Trigunia) as the primary threats against which much of its investments in missile defence and search/track radar are geared. “We believe in strategic parity. Meaning that we can eliminate/negate the technologies and systems currently employed by potential adversaries in order to bring ourselves into an equal footing with nations. Strategic parity means that we bring them to a position whereby their inherent advantages mean nothing in the face of counter-systems which can reduce their offensive posture. These weapons [ICBMs and Hypersonic missiles] pose the greatest threat to security on the Seleyan continent and it is only right that we build within Lodamun and our partners in the region, a capacity to defeat these weapons full stop,” General Sutton proclaimed.
RE: Lodamun - imperialpearl - 07-12-2024
![[Image: 128O26T.png]](https://i.imgur.com/128O26T.png)
With its eyes squarely set on revolutionising the state of warfare for the Lodamese Armed Forces, the Armed Forces Projects Agency (AFPA), the premier agency responsible for collaborating with private sector entities on leveraging Lodamun’s growing research potential in developing advanced weapons, announced earlier this morning that it had entered into a collaboration with Hemlock-Rogway on an “Advanced Flight Model”. The AFM as it was referred to in the AFPA press statement, seeks to revolutionise/completely transform the face of aerial combat for the Lodamese Air Force and thus reinforce its growing competitive edge in the aerospace domain. Largely concerned amidst the various cost overruns and the ever-increasing struggles related to maintaining multi-million dollar aircraft and training hundreds of airmen/women in various combat tactics, the Department of the Air Force initiated a clandestine programme to look into cutting costs yet maintaining much of the Air Force’s growing lethality. Of the various recommendations/proposals coming out of said clandestine programme, a greater focus on ranged weaponry (stand-off munitions), and greater intelligence/battlefield situational awareness were emphasised alongside another, much less known project: the AFM.
According to the press statement, the AFM would be an unmanned drone which would work in tandem with manned assets towards enhancing their capabilities without having to bring more expensive pieces of equipment on station. The focus on unmanned drones comes amidst the success of the Lodamese Coast Guard’s drone programme which utilises long-range maritime patrol drones to patrol areas of Lodamun’s economic exclusion zone and beyond where positioning an offshore patrol cutters may not be economically. This success ultimately spawned a flurry of interest among DoD officials in the capabilities of drones in the combat environment. “The AFM represents a paradigm shift in how we intend to conduct aerospace operations going forward. Whilst it would be unwise to place all of our faith in unmanned drones, it has nonetheless carved out its place within our evolving doctrine as a means of both augmenting and in some cases partially substituting the roles manned airframes would have played in the future combat environment.
Hemlock-Rogway, who is the project leader of the entire programme noted that it had been eyeing an aggressive shift into autonomous systems recognising the success of the Azuron drone. In a press statement which came after the AFPA announcement, the company noted that former airforce service personnel had come to it with various proposals on a future combat airframe. They noted that the ground forces (army, Commonwealth Guard and Marine Corps) had been gradually adopting modular technologies, which would enable them to be extremely flexible in the modern combat environment. Although the Air Force had modularity in terms of munitions and semi-modularity in terms of capabilities (re: ECM pods), they noted that the vast majority of the Air Force’s equipment was still purpose-built. “We still need AEW&C aircraft, still need these massive tankers to refuel, still need physical airframes for electronic warfare,” said one of the airmen who insisted on remaining anonymous. Part of the philosophy as envisioned by the Hemlock-Rogway team speaks to reducing and in some cases eliminating the need for human involvement in certain operations in the combat environment. It noted that as air combat becomes increasingly complex, there must be a focus among the defence establishment to reduce loss of life among service personnel.
Thus the AFM, from the perspective of Hemlock-Rogway, is the natural successor to a lot of the existing platforms currently fielded by the Lodamese Air Force. Cooking up a scenario wherein the AFM (based on its intended/anticipated capabilities) would set itself apart from existing LAF hardware the company noted: “The Air Force is seeking to conduct a broad SEAD (suppression of enemy air defence) or DEAD (destruction of enemy air defence) as part of a broader campaign against a foreign adversary. An AFM drone capable of conducting electronic warfare operations could immediately be brought on station and get to work on breaking guidance subsystems locks from enemy air defence. This would allow for the jet which it will most likely be accompanying to conduct other operations whilst that is done. The drone focuses on Mission B whilst the manned aircraft focuses on Mission A.”
According to the AFPA, both Hemlock-Rogway and itself were looking into enhancing their knowledge of autonomous flight systems, as it noted that the idea of the AFM being controlled by a human similar to the Azuron maritime patrol drone would be largely unfeasible given its intended mission set. “These UCAVs must be able to adapt to the changing environment whilst also conducting complex analysis on the stop.” The AFPA statement read. It explained that the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning although in its infancy in the Lodamese defence community, could ultimately lend itself to the actualisation/realisation of the AFPA’s ambitions with the programme. “The AFM once much of the groundwork has been set should be able to take off, fly into the AO, conduct its operations and land.
In realising this ambition, it is therefore evident that there is a need for greater collaboration between the defence community and those already making headways in the space of AI and machine learning within Lodamun,” the statement concluded. It is being reported that officials from the Hemlock-Rogway had reportedly met with MetaMind, the startup AI company based in Newchester, however dissenting reports point to a potential attempt by the AFPA to develop its own AI/machine learning model in-house. “The AFPA must set itself apart from any research agency in Lodamun or possibly on this continent. As is its nature it must actually be the entity responsible for the development of advanced systems for the armed forces. It cannot afford to be just another research financing agency, if that was the intention we wouldn’t have created the AFPA, we would have funnelled projects like the AFM through the RPA (Research Projects Administration).” one senator railed against the idea of the AFPA collaborating with the private-sector on otherwise lucrative projects.
RE: Lodamun - imperialpearl - 10-12-2024
![[Image: 6I1GaBe.png]](https://i.imgur.com/6I1GaBe.png)
With appropriations from the Senate Committee on Defence and National Security having been approved, the Lodamese Coast Guard has announced that the second phase of its vaunted modernisation programme will commence with the construction of additional vessels in anticipation of the branch’s enhanced role in Seleyan security and defence. At a substantive press conference held at the Department of Defence building in Kensington, Secretary of Domestic Security Stanley Brennan stated that with the State Department and Whitehall having articulated Lodamun’s border ambitions for continental defence and security and the central role the nation will play going into the future, it was imperative that the Lodamese Coast Guard be equipped to take on additional responsibilities in new areas/regions of the world. “Given the broader implications of Lourenne’s withdrawal from the international order, it is nonetheless important that we [Lodamun] ensure a sense of continuity on the continent with respect to its security environment. In that respect, we must equip the Lodmaese Coast Guard with the tools necessary to operate within new environments and anticipate potential threats.” Brennan explained. Although it may be reasonable for one to assume that owing to the now “expeditionary” nature of the Coast Guard that the Department responsible for domestic and national security ought to not have a say, however, owing to the structure of the Lodamese Armed Forces, the Coast Guard remains a subordinate entity of the DoDS except in times of war.
Nonetheless, the Coast Guard’s “pivot” to Eastern Seleya/Western Dovani represents a major development in the branch’s operations, recognising that covering such a vast region will undoubtedly be a major challenge in itself owing to the vastness of the Eastern Seleyan sphere. In a review of the LCG’s current capabilities, it had been identified that although the branch had built a solid foundation for its operations in Western Seleya (including the Mad Dog Ocean, the Artanian Sea and the South Ocean), as said operations had been largely supported by infrastructure (in the form of LCG Station Newport) and accompanying vessels, such infrastructure did not exist for operations Eastern Seleya. Speaking to the review’s recommendations for a greater deal of emphasis on expanding the Coast Guard’s infrastructure and operational vessels, Commandant of the Coast Guard ADM. Nicholas Grant confirmed that considerable progress had been made in establishing a new Coast Guard station in Barrington. “We’ve already begun the work to build out LCG Station Emberton which will be the central hub for Coast Guard operations in Eastern Seleya/Western Dovani. Eastern Littoral Command has already been established under Rear Admiral Owen Gordon who will oversee the operationalisation of subordinate structures including SAR (search and rescue),” ADM. Grant explained.
The Defence Procurement Administration has confirmed that it has granted contracts to both Cowgill-Masterson Maritime Engineering (CMME) in Harrington and Kaliburg Shipyards in Kalistan for the construction of various vessels under Phase 2 of the Coast Guard Modernisation Programme. CMME is expected to act as a quasi-supervisor for the work done through Kaliburg Shipyards with a technical advisor reportedly being sent to primarily liaise with Kalistani engineers. The procurement order lists the construction of 10 Cobia-class offshore patrol cutters, 5 Union-class Domestic Security Cutters, and 15 Semper-class fast response cutters. Commandant Grant stated that the procurement order reflected the Coast Guard’s needs to populate the Eastern Littoral Command with vessels, as it remained cognizant of the fact that a withdrawal of naval assets from Western and Eastern Littoral Command would be unwise owing to greater activity in the Mad Dog/White Ocean and the Artanian Sea. “As mentioned prior, the vastness of Eastern Seleya/Western Dovani necessitates such a procurement order as we have to bring considerable assets to bear in this region to not only plug gaps left by Lourenne but also to work alongside like-minded states,” Grant explained.
His comments nonetheless reiterate the claim made by Chairman of the Combined Chiefs Gen. Arthur Whitley who said that all nations on the Seleyan continent had a role to play in its defence and that Lodamun was willing to empower all Seleyan states seeking to recapture their sense of personal responsibility. “Lourenne’s presence has certainly imbued a sense of complacency among states on this continent and that is extremely troubling. Nations have left their defence to a nation that is no longer willing to look as outward as it used to. It is my honest belief that these nations must shake off that malaise and complacency and make honest efforts towards reclaiming their autonomy.” Harding noted. Alongside the procurement of additional vessels, the DPA has pointed to the suspension of its long-range drone programme as a major possibility. It noted that the Triton long-range drone does not suit the Lodamese Coast Guard and thus assessments are being made as to whether said assets could be transferred out of the LCG and into the Lodamese Navy, with the Coast Guard receiving a new sub-class of long-range maritime drones.
RE: Lodamun - imperialpearl - 10-12-2024
![[Image: Y3NzesR.png]](https://i.imgur.com/Y3NzesR.png)
Following months of deliberation and potential threat assessments by the Department of Defence (DoD), the Office of National Assessments (ONA) and the Defence Procurement Administration (DPA), Whitehall Press Secretary Seth Grove, confirmed that President Derrick Rice had approved the transfer of F-16 and F-15 combat aircraft to the Kafuri Armed Forces in the hopes that the aircraft could enable the Majatran-state and long-time Lodamese ally to beat back the unlawful Istalian invasions which have besieged the nation for the better half of a year. Previously, it had been reported that the DoD and Whitehall had been mulling a decision to provide arms and munition to the Kafuri Armed Forces as a means of providing Kafuri forces with much-needed firepower. These discussions, largely the subject of closed deliberations between key policy experts, concluded earlier this week with the DPA finally granting permission for surplus F-16s and F-15s currently in the service of the Barrington State Air Guard and the Millford State Air Guard respectively. Grove noted that much of the delay related to the DPA’s final decision largely came down to whether it was more feasible to construct new aircraft or to provide surplus aircraft as an “intermediary”. “The DPA, as the agency responsible for the procurement, transfer and sale of all military hardware produced within Lodamun has been at the forefront of these deliberations. A lot of the discussions we [the Administration] have had were squarely focused on whether it was faster to produce new aircraft or to transfer assets from existing stores. Ultimately, it was decided that we’d transfer assets from existing stores,” Grove explained.
It had been noted that a major constraint to Kafuristan’s ability to beat back the Istalian invasion to the Istalian border largely rested in the nation’s inability to bring significant airpower to bear against the Istalian regime. It was previously reported that the nation’s limited number of F-16Ks were being strategically deployed, with particular attention being placed on their survivability recognising that they possessed limited numbers. “It is clear that Kafuristan has to recapture air supremacy and begin denying Istalian forces the advantage over the numerous domains in incremental steps,” Thomas McGee, an analyst with the Centre for Geostrategic Policy and Research noted. “Precision airstrikes against hardened targets; entrenched positions, bunkers and fortresses; SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defence) and CAS (Close Air Support), should be the name of the game going forward for the Air Defense Forces and the Kafuri Royal Guard Corps Aerospace Forces.” He noted that the decision to include the F-15 in the aid package was important as it would provide the Kafuri Air Defence Forces with the necessary strike capability to potentially reach into Istalia itself, bringing the effects of the conflict ever closer, “in the face” of the Istalian regime and the Istalian people. “I don’t think that Kafuri Air Defence Forces or the KRGC Aerospace Forces should limit their operations to Kafuri airspace. We [Lodamun] should be providing these pilots with technical training to use ECM (electronic countermeasure) pods to be able to conduct daring strikes deep inside Istalia, to underscore to the regime in Romula that the dominance they once had throughout all domains would now be bitterly contested,” McGee added.
As the F-15 is a different aircraft, with different avionics compared to the F-16 (which Kafuri pilots are familiar with), Grove confirmed that a small detachment of Kafuri pilots would have to be flown to Lodamun wherein they will learn alongside pilots from the Lodamese Air Forces and the Commonwealth Guard. “The F-15 is a very different aircraft compared to the F-16. By its very nature, it is a strike aircraft through and through. As such, there are markedly different avionics governing how this aircraft functions in the combat environment. The Department of Defence has given the green light for a detachment of Kafuri pilots from the KRGC Aerospace Forces to be flown to Lodamun where they will train under Air Force and Commonwealth Guard pilots to become proficient operators of the aircraft,” Grove revealed. As the Rice Administration’s final foreign defence decision, much of the work of continuing to arm Kafuri Armed Forces is likely to be picked up by the incoming Haney Administration, with both President-elect John Haney and incoming Secretaries of State and Defence Oliver Caillou and Kristian Harding reaffirming their support for the al-Nasr Government.
RE: Lodamun - imperialpearl - 10-12-2024
![[Image: 48c1m0o.png]](https://i.imgur.com/48c1m0o.png)
Amidst years of review and committee hearings surrounding the nature of Lodamun’s presence in Mordusia, the National Congress has approved the “Forces Mordusia Act”, which would refocus the Lodamese Armed Forces’ attention on Mordusia, particularly with respect to its new prescription as a major staging point for potential Lodamese operations in Southern Seleya and Southern Dovani. Dating back to the initial Lodamun-Mordusia Comprehensive Agreement on Security Cooperation, significant questions emerged related to how the Lodamese Armed Forces would utilise the naval station and airbase, it had negotiated for as part of the agreement to advance Lodamese interests in the region. Although it had been contemplated that such an installation would be stood up to support the Lodamese Coast Guard and Lodamese Navy’s operations in Southern Seleya, as the treaty’s signing took place against the backdrop of Lourenne’s initial exit from global geopolitics, significant chatter within the defence community emerged as then Chairman of the Combined Chiefs (now Secretary of Defence) Kristian Harding, envisioned the installations as a major stepping stone for the Lodamese Armed Forces’ eventual pivot into Dovani proper. The bill stands as a unique entity, being the first piece of legislation in modern Lodamese history, to make particular reference to a foreign entity, in this instance Mordusia. Lodamun and Mordusia share a positive relationship, largely facilitated through both the Lodamun-Mordusia Comprehensive Agreement on Security Cooperation and the Lodamese-Mordusia Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. Relations between the two states were fundamentally transformed in the 5550s after it became clear that a major rift had been brewing between Lodamun and Mordusia’s compatriot, Luthori. Military cooperation is the basis of modern Lodamese-Mordusian relations as it was the meeting between former Secretary of Defence Edward Mears and then Mordusian Minister of Defence William Striker which brought the two nations together.
The bill, which has been partitioned into numerous parts and subsections, covering numerous areas of this new security relationship, earmarks some 13 billion LOD, towards the construction of a large naval shipyard alongside a similarly large air base in eastern Mordusia. Naval Station Walbrook as it is being coined, is being positioned as a major shipyard for Lodamese vessels operating in Southern Seleya and Southern Dovani. With the Lodamese Coast Guard set to expand its maritime patrols into Eastern Seleya/Western Dovani, from the boundaries of the White Ocean and the Dankukin Coast to the Silliers Channel in Kanjor, it is evident that such an operation would ultimately require significant infrastructure (i.e. a base) for rearming/refuelling and other auxiliary operations. Although the Department of Defence notes that it continues to pursue a meaningful defence relationship with Bae/Dankuk, which could potentially translate into a permanent military station in the nation, until then, forward operations for the Lodamese Armed Forces’ Dovanian Command (DOVCOM) is expected to be based out of Mordusia. The Naval Facilities Inspectorate has noted that it had been accompanied by officials of the Mordusian Armed Forces in selecting the site for both the naval station and airbase in question as the Mordusian Armed Forces is likely to have unfettered access to the base. “We have long underscored the importance of joint operations with our allies throughout the region and the wider world. The NFI was accompanied by officials from the Mordusian Armed Forces and the MoD as it was felt that their inclusion was important, given that the base although largely financed through Lodamese budgetary appropriations, would be jointly maintained by the Lodamun and Mordusia,” Secretary of Defence Kristian Harding explained.
Armadalla Air Base, similar to Naval Station Walbrook, is likely to host both Lodamese and Mordusian units. Concurrently, Azuron maritime patrol drone flights patrolling the Sea of Lost Souls operate from RMAF Randworth under the exclusive auspices of the Royal Mordusian Air Force. Armadalla Air Base, once constructed, could well be the largest airbase on the Seleyan continent outside of Jackson Air Base in St. Christopher, Lodamun. Commander of Dovanian Command (DOVCOM), General Derreck Holman stated that in lieu of a physical presence on the Dovanian continent, Armadalla is expected to become a major staging point for future operations in Majatra, Southern Seleya and Southern Dovani. It will likely be the home of continued drone patrols in the Sea of Lost Souls and some parts of the Majatran continent for the duration of the Istalian-Kafuristani conflict and will also host numerous aircraft ranging from combat air wings, transportation/strategic airlift, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and aircraft-based maritime patrols. “I think it is reasonable for us to state that the amount of money and attention we are going to pour into Mordusia will elevate the nation’s status as a core military partner,” General Holman noted. Construction of Naval Station Walbrook and Armadalla Air Base are expected to begin simultaneously, with the latter expected to be on a longer construction timeline, owing to considerations for a joint project between the SDA and the Royal Mordusian Air Force on the over-the-horizon radar.
RE: Lodamun - imperialpearl - 10-12-2024
![[Image: 85Yn7a3.png]](https://i.imgur.com/85Yn7a3.png)
“A trade agreement for Luthori and Lodamun’s re-entry to the Commonwealth framework is highly unlikely,” Merchant-General Charlotte Farr said ahead of a highly anticipated visit to Ikradon earlier this morning. Whilst fielding questions from the media related to the scope of the visit, which primarily concerns Rare Earth Minerals (REM), MG Farr was asked to detail the new administration’s Artanian policy, recognising the current state of Lodamese-Artanian relations. Here she noted that although it would be irresponsible for her to comment on matters best dealt with by the Secretary of State (Insert), in the spirit of Lodamun’s new global trade strategy, which places significant emphasis on realigning Lodamun’s trade relationships with stable, like-minded states, the Harrington Company would undoubtedly seek to both expand and reconcile existing and historic trading relationships and establish new bonds with the rising economies on the continent. “The nature of our new strategy is to place significant focus on nations which we consider friends and which (by virtue of our assessment) are stable states,” Farr explained. “It nonetheless reflects the changing nature of trade for Lodamun as we seek to reduce risk throughout our trading relationships.” Lodamun’s relationship with Luthori, following the former’s withdrawal from the Commonwealth structure under the previous conservative government, has been a topic of serious discussion within Kensington as the event ultimately provided the Lodamese diplomatic corps with an opportunity to weigh the relative advantages and disadvantages of its decades-long association with the grouping.
“This is nonetheless an opportunity to reassess where we as a nation stand on the Luthorian Commonwealth. Although the security considerations are best handled by national security experts, the trade aspect of the Commonwealth ought to be our principal focus,” championed Dr Sean Matlock, a former Professor of International Relations at the University of St. Christopher. Pointing to a general economic slowdown in numerous Commonwealth nations, primarily Hutori and Rutania, alongside slightly above-average growth in other economies such as Mordusia, Dr Matlock noted that the Luthorian Government’s frantic snatch at an enhanced relationship with Likatonia speaks more to the fact that the small grouping continues to struggle to accrue the collective benefits of their mutual association than it does about lofty notions of cultural and economic cooperation. “The sudden focus on expanding investment in the four-nation grouping (of which two are considered economically active) speaks to an attempt to salvage the entity’s credibility. We ought to recall Luthori’s more inward focus during the Commonwealth’s height (when Lodamun was still a member). Then, it seemed that domestic considerations were far more important to building genuine bonds towards collective economic growth,” Dr Matlock explained.
Under the previous Ross Administration, a Lodamese re-entry into the Commonwealth framework had been billed as a matter of discussion as it had been identified by former President Morgan Ross as a “priority”. Yet, negotiations were never initiated, nor was the Harrington Company instructed to conduct a review of this relationship. This ultimately culminated in Lodamun’s “static relationship” with Luthori, as then Secretary of State Esther Kenly was noted for having dodged accountability with respect to articulating the administration’s Luthorian/Commonwealth policy. In not reviewing Lodamun’s relationship with Luthori and the broader Commonwealth grouping, Luthorian products maintained preferential access to the Lodamese market and vice versa. It had been hoped that a new administration would restart the process, albeit with notable changes, primarily a focus away from dealing with the Commonwealth as a singular entity and instead brokering improved diplomatic and economic relations with the individual nations themselves. Much of the groundwork for such a shift had been initiated at the latter end of the Ross Administration with the signing of the Lodamese-Mordusian Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement alongside the Lodamese-Mordusian Comprehensive Agreement on Security Cooperation.
Freedom of Information (FOI) requests revealed that the Harrington Company had indeed drafted a new free trade agreement with Luthori, unsurprisingly named the Lodamese-Luthorian Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, in keeping with the established Lodamese model treaties. Former Deputy Chief Factor of the Harrington Company and International Trade Attorney Alexander West stated that should this be the onset of a much larger trade dispute between Luthori and Lodamun, it could ultimately spell serious trouble for both nations' economies. Although both states have made yeoman efforts to diversify their export markets, in the case of Lodamun, Luthori remains its largest export market on the Artanian continent, even as there have been gradual attempts at lifting many of the tariffs and restrictions imposed on Dorvish trade. Conversely, whilst Luthori continues to prop up Mordusia and the Canrillaise states as a potential replacement for Lodamun, the latter remains Luthori’s largest export market in Seleya. “Our two states are intrinsically tied to each other. Although the long-term effect may be easier, the short to medium-term outlook is negative as both Lodamun and Luthori may be weakening their respective positions in Artania and Seleya,” West explained.
RE: Lodamun - imperialpearl - 14-12-2024
![[Image: dl5iIBi.png]](https://i.imgur.com/dl5iIBi.png)
For the better half of a decade, the Lodamese people have mulled over their relationship with the ever-expanding Anantonese Empire, the imperial bloc comprising Kalistan and Gaduridos. Since its inception, it had been envisioned that a Lodamese ascension to the grouping would in part be accompanied by the inherent benefits once championed by the failed attempt of the North Seleyan Confederation. Yet, the Lodamese state had remained sceptical of its supposed benefits. Research by the BSU's Institute for Public Research has found that by virtue of the historically positive relationship Kalistan and Lodamun have maintained, a sizeable portion of the Lodamese population is in favour of the nation's ascension to the “empire”, although lingering concerns hinder their full, outward support of the idea. “I think it’s a nice idea. I was always supportive of the NSC because I thought that it was a means by which we [Lodamun] could strengthen that historic bond between our North Seleyan brothers and sisters,” one individual noted.
“But, I have to admit, I’m a bit uncertain as to what sort of benefits something like that will bring you know?” Although the question had not garnered much attention during the previous electoral campaign, some political commentators note that the sudden spike in interest could be attributed to numerous factors including the experiences of Gaduridos and the renewed fervour for regional integration as advanced by Gaduridos. “I don’t think that this was a big ticket issue during the campaign season. I certainly had not heard of any sentiments either for or against it then. I think the sudden national interest could be a result of experiences coming out of Gaduridos. The people had been looking at Gaduridos’ ascension to the “empire” as a litmus test and it seems that their conclusion is that what may be good for Gaduridos, just might be good for Lodamun too,” Elliot Riley, a political scientist at Barrington State University noted. “If we add on the fact that the Lodamese people have always been supportive of initiatives that advance regional integration, especially given the renewed fervour for it by Gaduridos. The Lodamese people were disappointed at the collapse of the NSC negotiations and I think that they view this [the Anantonese Empire] as a means of recapturing that feeling of comradery among North Seleyan states.”
A petition through the National Congress, co-signed by numerous House Representatives and Senators has since reached the desk of President Haney. The petition ultimately calls for a referendum on the question of Lodamun’s ascension to the Anantonese Empire. In a televised address late last night, President Haney confirmed that he had signed and approved the petition and had instructed both Attorney-General Ethan Lawrence and Commissioner of the Lodamese Elections and Boundaries Commission (LEBC), Owen Harper to initiate proceedings related to the referendum. In the address, he noted that the grassroots campaign which pressured senators and house representatives to advance the petition was significant and had been largely motivated by an inherent intrigue among the Lodamese people as to the general opinion of such a decision. “The speed with which the grassroots campaign for this referendum has moved may come as a surprise to some and may even push others to the conclusion that it had been as a result of foreign interference. Both the Director of the NIB (National Investigations Bureau) and the DNA (Director of National Assessments) have informed me that the consensus within the intelligence community is that this is a largely homegrown effort, bourne out of our inherent interest to “know more”, President Haney explained.
Both the House of Representatives and the Senate have called on Lodamese, Kalistani and Gaduri officials to answer questions before various committees on the supposed benefits and downsides of Lodamun’s ascension to the AE should the referendum succeed. One of the individuals set to answer questions, in a first for Lodamun, is President John Haney. At the latter end of his televised address, President Haney expressed interest in answering questions before a Joint Committee of the National Congress. “It is in the spirit of our forefathers that I submit myself to questioning by the National Congress on this matter of Lodamun’s ascension to the Anantonese Empire and how that in turn transform our society, be it for the better or worse,” Haney concluded.
RE: Lodamun - Doc - 15-12-2024
![[Image: DRignfC.png]](https://i.imgur.com/DRignfC.png)
The Anantonese Empire Welcomes Andalay Home
Lord Protector of Lodamun Commonwealth arrives in Kaliburg
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
June 20, 5585
![[Image: bY1q2s2.png]](https://i.imgur.com/bY1q2s2.png)
Formal Audience at Wilson House Confirms Sir Eric Davenport as Lord Protector of the Commonwealth
A Formal Audience between Her Imperial Majesty Empress Carolina I Ananto and Sir Eric Davenport of the Commonwealth of Lodamun confirmed Sir Davenport as Lord Protector of the Commonwealth, signaling Lodamun's official entry into the Anantonese Empire. The occasion was marked by a simple ceremony, where Her Imperial Majesty acknowledged and accepted the petition on the part of the Lodamese Government to join the Empire, and asked the Lord Protector to serve as her official representative to the Government of Lodamun.
Her Imperial Majesty also announced the chartering of the Order of Andalay, the new Lodamese Peerage, and has issued his first set of instructions to the Lord Protector to begin inducting quality individuals. All members of Her Imperial Majesty's Government in Lodamun are to be granted peerage, with Lord Protector and Lord President to be received knighthoods in the Order of the Grey Smoke.
The entry of Lodamun to the Empire officially reunites nations that have been apart for more than 3500 years. Lodamun takes its role as an equal constituent nation in the Anantonese Empire, alongside Gaduridos and Kalistan. Like Gaduridos, Lodamun will retain its democracy. Her Imperial Majesty has granted Lodamun the compensation to be able to select their Lord Protector democratically. "At the end of the day, Lodamun expressed their interests in maintaining many of its institutions in place," said Chancellor of the Empire Dame Dianne Bolton, who was present in the Formal Audience. "Most of the concessions were designed to protect Lodamun's unique position both in Northern Seleya and in the world, and were easy for the Empress to agree to."
The accession opens the gates for access to significant amounts of credit and investment to flow from Kalistan toward Lodamun. "We have so many partnerships in place as it is," said Dame Bolton, "that the political separation was really a formality. Whether it be the Anantonese Economic Standardization Accord, or the Anantonese Security Community, or any number of other lower level trade, cultural and security agreements, both formal and informal, the two nations were independent in name only, and the last barriers between free association have finally been stripped away."
In exchange for the significant concessions granted to Lodamun by Her Imperial Majesty, Lodamun formally accepts Her Imperial Majesty as Head of the Lodamese State, to be directly represented by the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth, shall fly the Imperial Standard over all National Government Buildings and bases, both in Lodamun and Abroad, and will maintain the AESA, the ASC and the Articles of Empire. Lodamun will also permit the free exchange of Imperial Rubles within Lodamun next to the Lodamese Dollar, and will agree to send delegates to the General Council of the Empire in Gaduridos when the Council is called. Lodamun will also provide 10 Deputies to the Kalistani National Assembly, a Fleet designated for Imperial use in times of Crisis, and monetary support for the Crown according to the Articles of Empire.
"We look forward to welcoming the Lodamese Deputies to Kaliburg," said Chancellor Bolton, who noted that the size of the National Assembly will return to 79, with 59 Deputies being awarded to Kalistan, and 10 Deputies supplied each by Lodamun and Gaduridos, who will be able to caucus as they please, and will have full speaking privileges and Bill proposal powers within the National Assembly. "If we ever reclaim Athosia, we may have to change the name of the body to the Imperial Assembly," said Chancellor Bolton.
Finally, Lodamun will be encouraged to maintain its forward positions in Mordusia and in the Mad Dog. "Lodamese ships will continue to sail under the Lodamese Chain of Command, though they will now represent forward projection of the Empire." The Anantonese Standard will fly along with the Lodamese National Flag over all forward military bases, and the Empress will reserve the Right to review forces at all foreign Military Bases. "Its a similar arrangement that we have with Gaduridos at Bentasur," said Dame Bolton. "We anticipate that Kalistan shall incur at least a partial cost to maintain the forward miltiary bases in an active and effective condition, to offset the money that Lodamun was being expected to pay. But this will require a necessary adjustment to our military budget."
Now that Lodamun has joined the Empire, it is highly expected that there will be major pressure placed on Baltusia to follow suit and join. There are some reports of communists setting up shop in Millford State, southern Lodamun, but with Lodamun in the Empire, it is likely that the Communists' days are numbered. "We hope to obtain Baltusia sooner than later," said Chancellor Bolton. "There is almost no reason for Baltusia not to join, and plenty of benefits for them should they decide to do so. Baltusia is a defunct state, its people are leaving by the thousands, and the Anantonese Empire represents an excellent opportunity for them to get onto good footing, take advantage of their natural gifts, and be respected once more in the world." When asked about Kregon, Sekowo and Outannais, the Chancellor said "No Comment. We want to focus on fully integrating Lodamun right now and then turning our attention to Athosia."
Reprinted from The Kalistani Republic