Egelion

[Louis]

In the far northern tundra of Caille, the Royal Directory if the Armed Forces carried out a full "exercise" for the Royal Air Force, specifically targeting the effectiveness and responsiveness of the ATENEA Missile Program. The Royal Directory, led by Royal Councilor Montalivet, released a statement yesterday at noon, signaling the Directory's intention to test the ATENEA system and temporarily closing international airspaces around Caille. The exercises would involve an AWACS plane from the air force as well as a couple of Unionfighters and Rafales from the northern patrol fighter wings to ensure the effectiveness of the missile defense. Ten medium range surface-to-surface missiles were launched from pre-determined locations meant to be intercepted by the ATENEA system in the isolated western parts of the country. Several satellites and radar systems detected the launch of the missiles in Western Caille and quickly launched to counter the threat. While the simulation was extremely limited in range and scope, the ATENEA system was successful in stopping all of the medium-range missiles that were launched mid air. All hits and debris were confirmed by the fighter wing that was deployed. ATENEA Command Headquarters in Cartablanca stated that the missile system showed a 98% success rate when put up against medium range missiles. It was reported that while all missiles were shot down by the system, some targets required two missiles to be intercepted.

The Royal Directory stated that confidence in the ATENEA system was "strong and secure for the future". Many of the systems doubters in Cartablanca stated that the program represented a "direct loss of Crowns every year" due to its high operating costs. However, Royal Councilor Montalivet stated that the ATENEA system gives Egelion a "clear and mounting advantage" over potential adversaries. The ATENEA System remains the most advanced and complex missile defense system in Terra thanks to its years of research and its solid Canrillaise backbone. Montalivet stated that the ATENEA system remains the pride of the Royal Egelian Armed Forces and "must be maintained for purposes of national security". With the completion of effectiveness exercises, Royal Councilor Montalivet stated that the Royal Directory would begin to adopt the ATENEA system within the ships of the Armada. Within the next three years, Novantica and Leonex will slowly incorporate ATENEA software and missiles to the Armada's the fleets.

What we have here is a firm commitment to our armed forces, especially those concerning with the defense of the motherland. With our new advances into UAVs and hypersonic weaponry, Cartablanca is more than satisfied with the direction of our aerial forces. While we understand concerns regarding the program's economic values, we believe this program to be one of the only aspects that separates us from other armed forces abroad. We value overall quality in our defensive apparatus--something that is often forgotten when establishing even the most complex military structures.