Dolgava

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January 21st 5622

The Dolgavan Parliament (Reiksaima) approved a 5 billion DOL (OOC: pegged to the Euro) plan to cover a major gap in Dolgava's defenses around the Hodari Strait. The planned air force base will be located on Iznīcības Sala which in Luthorian translates to Annihilation or Destruction Island. The island is only inhabited on the northern part of the island, and the planned location of the airforce base will be on as of now, uninhabited land. The island is located off the coast of Hodari, in a remote stretch of rough coastline, with the nearest large town being Briežupils, and the two closest villages being Zustro and Hanušava.

The island was first discovered and named by Dolgavan sailors thousands of years ago, and received it's name first from many shipwrecks that have occurred on the island. Local rumors dictate that the people living on the island today, are relatives with those that wrecked on the shores of the island.

The island plays an important strategic role for Dolgava at is is between Karzon and Hodari, in the Hodari strait. This waterway is vital for Dolgavan trade, as well as the North-South trade that uses the passage as a means of safe passage, instead of having to travel through the often tremulous northern Mad Dog Ocean.

The need for a air force base is clear, as the nearest bases are near Aikums at RDAF Wolfgang Petermann and RDAF Lipmaa, on the northern tip of the Island of Karzon. An old air force base once existed in Hodari called RDAF Kirzon the Great, however this was in a sub optimal location, and was closed due to budget cuts.

This new air force base would ensure that Dolgava maintains complete control over the Hodari Strait, as well as ensuring safe passage through the Hodari strait. With ongoing tensions rising in the north of Keris, safe travel routes are crucial for shipping, and the Hodari strait provides that.

Crews have begun work to clear the way for the airfield. There will be a large runway, capable of carrying full squadrons of Unionfighters, the estimated length to be close to 4,200 meters, as well as full aviation facilities for a variety of aircraft. Also another benefit of this location is it provides a emergency landing spot for airliners crossing the Hodari strait, a notorious block hole for airfields. The base will handle at full capacity 30–50 multi-role aircraft, and space for troop transport aircraft, cargo aircraft and tankers. The estimated personnel on the island will be 3,000 personnel.The air base will include full time staff housing, as well as facilities to house airmen and their families in comfort. 

Lastly the base will include hardened shelter for fighters, and multi-role aircraft, but limited protection for tankers and large aircraft. To top things off the base will also include a brand new lighthouse station, as well as radio antennas, a new DBC radio transmitter and radar and surveillance facilities. The Keris Defense Corporation, Dolgava's main domestic military contractor, will be extensively working on this project and leading the civilian efforts on getting it built.

The Reiksaima approved of the project with a vast majority of Parliament in favor. The funds will increase the Dolgavan military budget over the next 5 or so years, but it will provide Dolgava with a vital new air base, to defend itself, and to assert its sovereignty. For the
Jogi government this is a big political victory, as it shows their willingness, to improve Dolgava's defenses and improve Dolgava's defense infrastructure. The only opposition is coming from the handful of Social Democrats in Parliament, that called the move "warmongering", however they were overruled by the vast majority supporting the decision, and voting for it.

The Dolgavan Broadcasting Corporation is funded in whole or in part by the Dolgavan Government 

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• Social Democrats in shambles after new leader arrested for illegal drug possession. New leadership elections to take place later in the month