Lodamun

[Zanz]

http://forum.particracy.net/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=57

[GreekIdiot]

Beiteynu
Kohav to seek consultation from Artanian & Majatran partners on Lodamese naval deployment in Malivia
March 5558
https://forum.prtcy.com/thread-3-post-414.html#pid414

[imperialpearl]

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.

[Mbites]

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE: WARNING FROM THE DUAL REPUBLIC OF NARIKATON AND DARNUSSIA

[imperialpearl]

“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 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.

[imperialpearl]

In a major about face in its outward posture towards Migrant’s Pass, the Department of Defence has ordered that Expeditionary Action Group (EAG) Malivia from its basing in Naval Station Crockett to a new posting in Naval Station Amsted in Aldegar. The announcement came via a press conference held at the Department of Defence building in Kensington earlier this morning. Secretary of Defence Edward Mears, standing alongside Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Declan Barker and Chairman of the Combined Chiefs Gen. Kristian Harding announced that the EAG’s task and purpose had been changed owing to the ever-increasing tension surrounding the Migrant’s Pass. Controversy erupted following the EAG’s deployment to Malivia, as part of forward/advanced basing action by the Department of Defence, which underscored the importance of Lodamun maintaining a physical presence in its various military installations throughout the world. The EAG, consisting of numerous vessels including the recently commissioned LCS St. Christopher amphibious assault ship, guided missile frigates, destroyers and a nuclear attack submarine, had been sent to dock in Naval Station Crockett with the intent of protecting Harrington Company shipping transiting through the Strait. This task and purpose had largely become about long-held sentiments in Kensington surrounding the unreliability of Beiteynu in protecting Lodamese merchant shipping on its behalf. “This a nation that will leave others behind if push came to shove,” one analyst noted. Secretary Mears noted that the EAG’s relocation from Malivia would have ultimately meant that Harrington Company shipping in the MP would largely be left up to both Beiteynu and Narikaton & Darnussia, whom he notes maintained a “security zone” within the region. “Our naval station and the EAG stood outside of that security zone and much of the controversy surrounded their presence,” Secretary Mears noted. It was reported that MAJCOM Commander Admiral Eliab Pymer, who as the Task Force’s Commander, has been the centre of attention had reluctantly met with officials in Narikaton & Darnussia on the settlement which sparked the EAG’s relocation. According to officials close to these talks, Narikaton and Darnussia had made certain assurances that Harrington Company shipping would largely traverse the strait without harassment, the point which some DoD officials have noted was at the crux of the EAG’s initial deployment. With the EAG now being dispatched to a potentially permanent basing in Aldegar, Secretary Mears noted that it would not result in the collapsing of MAJCOM but would instead prompt a “re-evaluation” of the DoD’s Migrant’s Pass strategy. “This is certainly a moment of de-escalation, although we note the otherwise warmongering tone of Narikaton & Darnussia’s earlier statements. Nonetheless, we assessment of our strategy and posture towards this particular part of the world is necessary as we must determine whether it is justifiable to risk human lives to monitor the free movement of vessels through the area when we have other military applications at our disposal,” Mears concluded.

[imperialpearl]

In a move some defence analysts have noted should have been the Lodamese Navy’s initial move in Malivia, Azuron (Triton) maritime patrol drones have arrived in Luthori following their long trip across the Artanian Sea from Berkwaki. The drones, now attached to South-Western Command (Majatran Command - MAJCOM), will become the focal point of the Lodamese Navy’s operations in the Migrant’s Pass. The withdrawal of the Expeditionary Action Group to Naval Station Monkwall has nonetheless tempered tensions between Lodamun and the various states with clear interests in Migrant’s Pass, namely Beiteynu, Pontesi and Narikaton & Darnussia. Via a press statement issued earlier this morning, Commander of MAJCOM, Admiral Eliab Pymer confirmed that the Lodamese Navy would continue to operate within the area, albeit with a dramatically reduced force, underscoring Lodamun’s continued mistrust of both Beiteynu and Narikaton & Darnussia in not only protecting Harrington Company traffic through the area but also keeping this economically crucial artery open to all nations. “Although the Expeditionary Action Group has been withdrawn for a tasking elsewhere, we are nonetheless compelled to ensure a presence in this region as is our right as a nation with very clear vested interests in open access,” Admiral Pymer’s statement read. The drones, which will be operating from Luthori will follow a similar operational structure to the Lodamese Navy’s drone patrols in the Mad Dog Ocean and parts of the arctic alongside the Lodamese Coast Guard. “Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR), will underpin these drones’ operations in this space. The sensor suite employed on these drones provide the Navy with unique capabilities compared to our conventional aircraft-based maritime patrol sweeps in the South Ocean and Artanian Sea,” Admiral Pymer noted. As the drones are largely unarmed and specifically built for high-altitude long-endurance operations, their deployment to the region nonetheless represents a major departure from the previous concept of a “physical presence”. The existence of open skies treaties, and patrols in international airspace, according to a former Azuron pilot provides the patrols which they will be conducting with a degree of “openness”. “Obviously the information garnered from these patrols will be shared with our Luthorian counterparts as that is a caveat of our basing from Luthorian airforce bases. We will be able to deploy a powerful sensor to the region (through the drone) which would grant us near persistent monitoring of maritime traffic through the strait (via radar) which leads to the Lodamese Navy and Armed Forces’ borders ambitions for information dominance,” the former pilot explained. The MAJCOM statement has noted that a complement of two (2) Azuron drones will form the basis of the operation and will likely be on a rotation such that one drone is deployed to the area at all times. Admiral Pymer has ruled out potential Poseidon maritime patrol jet sweeps of the region pointing to the potential risk of miscalculation at the hands of historically inept Narikaton & Darnussian Armed Forces. “There is truth to the rumours surrounding Narik drunkenness. All it truly takes is one weapons operator drunk on cheap schnapps amidst the despair of actually being a citizen of that country to down one of our manned jets.”

[imperialpearl]

Although the diplomatic/geopolitical quagmire of Lodamun’s decision to place an advanced expeditionary warfare group in Malivia can be seen as a largely forgettable departure in the nation’s historically level-headed geopolitical strategy, the outgoing administration believes that where Lodamun stands on the global stage ought to be one guided by much of its founding principles, namely respect for international law and common harmony with the wider nations of the world. Secretary of State Ester Kenly believes that whereas Lodamun maintains an inherent right to see to the defence of its interests, both foreign and abroad, particular attention ought to be placed on a weighted assessment of the relative importance of said interests. At a seminar held by Drumford University on Lodamun’s relationship with the wider world, Kenly noted that there had to be a major realignment of the nation’s foreign policy objectives with a clear goal of ensuring that Lodamese prosperity above all other goals endures. “Our fortune, our prosperity and progress are inherently connected to various parts of the world and thus historically we have maintained a particular apprehension towards the various “sensitive” zones of the global economy,” he explained. “Lodamese geostrategic objectives have thus been traditionally married to the Harrington Company by virtue of the fact that it remains the singular entity responsible for Lodamun’s profound economic progress. Although there is an argument that said progress is meagre when compared to other states, the Lodamese economy has certainly come a long way, especially as it pertains to its increasing complexity.” He spoke in largely unplain terms surrounding the origins of the supposed militarism numerous nations have noted both during and after the “Migrant’s Pass imbroglio”, offering that although many nations can speak as though Lodamun’s actions had existed in a vacuum, there was nonetheless considerable background related to that decision. “There has been no time wherein Lodamun’s foreign policy decisions have been made by virtue of hastened/rushed thought, nor has there ever been a moment where there not been considerable/reasonable precedent as to not justify such decisions. Lodamun’s decision in the migrant’s pass, particularly the deployment of the EAG (Expeditionary Action Group) is largely set against the backdrop of a historic mistrust of the Beiteynuese-led order in the part of the world. As had been articulated ad nasseum by previous administrations but which has seemingly fallen on deaf ears, the Hubris War had left Lodamun with a clear sense that it could no longer rely on the world’s foremost states to protect its interests in a particular region by proxy.”

“That conflict, alongside their subsequent withdrawal from various parts of the world underscored to policymakers in Kensington that when the going got tough, they would have no qualms in cutting their losses and putting themselves above all. The sinking of the Harrington Company ship coupled with this ultimately sent shockwaves throughout the Lodamese political establishment as it became clear to them that where matters related to the security of Lodamese trade assets (i.e. the Harrington Company) was concerned, they’d have to go about it themselves.” Kenly noted that Lodamun’s increased focus on expeditionary warfare is herein brought into context, pointing to self-serving conclusions of supposed “Lodamese imperialism” as advanced by some states, most notably Xsampa, as being broadly ignorant of the context in which much of Lodamun’s actions had been rooted. “The Commonwealth of Lodamun has never been interested in the ideas of imperialism and has historically been at odds with those nations that advance such agendas. If the conclusions as drawn up by tabloids in Xsampa and other territories are to be believed, then Lodamun’s decades-long policy of patrols throughout western Seleya including the Mad Dog Ocean, the Artanian Sea and the South Ocean can be easily said to be the opening twitches of a nation bent on imperial ambitions. Yet, these conclusions ultimately ignore this important context: Lodamun being an export-orientated nation is largely dependent on foreign trade and thus wherein it may be feasible for some nations to rely on other states to protect their interests on their behalf, the Lodamese experiences is ultimately different.” In reiterating the founding principle surrounding initiatives such as the Lodamese Coast Guard’s Operation Barracuda, Kenly draws the inference that the vast majority of Lodamese military activity (be it on the form of maritime patrols or bases) had been largely concentrated throughout western seleya (Aldegar, Saridan, Luthori) as the South Ocean, Artanian Sea and Mad Dog Ocean underscore the primary supply routes of the Harrington Company from Vascania. According to the HC, Lodamun remains the nation’s largest consumer of rare earth minerals (REM) which it needs for semiconductor manufacturing alongside other products. The semiconductor industry remains the single most important sector of the Lodamese economy owing to its multiplier effect. 

Here he [Kenly], contends that Lodamun’s military base in Malivia is also brought into context. “Although overtures towards the militarisation of the Migrant’s Pass have been lamented by Yishelem and Bannerhafen, there have been no clear assurances towards the protection of crucial economic assets traversing through this part of the world by either state. This is the soft underbelly of the Lodamese economy and remains an inherent vulnerability and thus it is only natural for Lodamun, given the context that has been outlined, to have come to an agreement with Malivia on the construction of Naval Base Crockett in the first place. That base stands as the nation’s only respite against uncertainty and provides the nation with an ability to look into this crucial economic chokepoint,” he explained. “Lodamun is not an irrational state, nor has it ever acted on its basic instincts. We may be prideful but we are by no means fools. When it is clear that we can no longer trust others to see to the protection of its interests anywhere throughout the world, we have never hesitated to protect said interests ourselves.” According to Kenly, although the enduring geopolitical climate may lean towards a potential Lodamun-Beiteynu rift, he nonetheless underscored that there was certainly room for improvement both on the part of Kensington and Yishelem. “Although our nations have maintained cordial relations before, there is certainly room to enhance this relationship albeit in the context of what has occurred thus far.” He lamented that notions towards “Azharas” ultimately dance in the face of any real progress, offering that they only serve to draw nations closer to conflict. “Lodamun has never expressed opinions against nations basing military forces in Seleya, as it is our view that the apprehension surrounding things such as Azharas only lend credence to the notion of spheres of influences, which in itself draws much of its energy from imperialism and doctrine of grand strategy.”

[imperialpearl]

As Lodamun’s relationship with Luthori continues to deteriorate, owing to the geopolitical quagmire surrounding the temporary basing of Lodamese Navy vessels in Malivia, the Lodamese Navy has announced its intentions to suspend all military operations on Luthorian soil, in a move which many believe is the opening moves to a much wider split between the two nations. At a press conference held at the Department of Defence building in Kensington, Assistant Secretary of Defence John Holland confirmed that following a much wider assessment of Lodamun’s geostrategic priorities on the Artanian continent that the decision had been made to end the more than 5 decades long practice of basing various sorts of aircraft and shipping from Luthori. “Although our priority remains the protection of the Harrington Company’s principle supply routes throughout western seleya, it is our belief that given the current circumstances, these operations are best conducted from base on the Seleyan continent,” Secretary Holland revealed. Since Lodamun’s initial foray into the Commonwealth system, the nation has, by virtue of a treaty with Lodamun used Luthorian bases to conduct maritime patrol operations into the Artanian Sea in support of various keystone operations namely Operation Barracuda. Additionally, owing to the nature of the agreement wherein basing ultimately extends to maritime shipping, the Lodamese Coast Guard has occasionally utilised Luthorian facilities for re-arm and refitting. According to Secretary Holland, as the terms of the agreement were largely mutual, it meant that whereas the Lodamese Armed Forces would allow for Luthorian ships to temporary base at Lodamese military installations either in Lodamun or in other parts of the world, so too would Lodamese aircraft and shipping be allowed to base temporarily out of IAF bases and ILN bases throughout Luthori proper. “It ought to be noted that our agreement with Luthori, which is largely predicated against the “Luthorian-Lodamese Alliance & Security Pact”, did not extend to permanent basing of any forces in either nation. In the case of the P-8 Seawizard (Poseidon) jets which primarily utilised the basing article under the treaty, these aircraft were based on a 6-month rotation (i.e. 6 months in Luthori and 6 months in Lodamun),” He explained. Pointing to the supposed misconception surrounding the basing of Lodamese assets in Luthori, Holland noted that it was important to clarify the nature of the Lodamese Armed Forces’ operations on the Artania continent via Luthori.

The secession of operations from Luthori would ultimately mean numerous changes to the structure/nature of the Lodamese Coast Guard’s Barracuda patrols in Western Seleya alongside the Lodamese Navy’s drone operations in the Migrant’s Pass. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Declan Barker and Commandant of the Lodamese Coast Guard Admiral William Brown confirmed that although the transition to other bases is likely to take time, Lodamun’s “operational tempo” in the long term is likely to be unaffected. Admiral Brown noted that the Lodamese Coast Guard, instead of conducting re-arming/refitting work in Luthori is likely to conduct such operations from either Naval Station Amsted in Aldegar or from Lodamun itself. “When we [the LCG] originally set out with Barracuda we were cognizant of the fact that we would need range to operation and endurance to operate in the Artanian Sea. It is for that reason, the vast majority of Coast Guard vessels in the Artanian Sea, and the South Ocean have been the Domestic Security Cutter, which has offered us greater range,” Admiral Brown explained. He noted that whereas previously the LCG’s Search and Rescue Operations would have been based out of Luthori, owing to this shift in location, such operations are likely to be based entirely from LCG Air Station McPherson in Berkwaki. According to Admiral Barker, the decision would ultimately mean a change in basing for the Lodamese Navy drones currently operating in the Migrant’s Pass. He noted that the two drones will likely to be transferred from their temporary IAF posting to Naval Station Crockett, thus basing the drones directly from Malivia, which would in turn, cut down on the time needed to get to Luthori and into the Migrant’s Pass and thus extend the amount of hours said drones can operate in the area without refuelling. “The Azuron drone is by far one of our more useful assets in this space as its range grants it the ability to fly from as far as western Berkwaki without refuelling. Basing these directly from Malivia will ultimately have the effect of extending the amount of time they remain in the base conducting sensor sweeps throughout the area and gathering other forms of intelligence,” Admiral Barker concluded.

Secretary Holland has noted that there were tentative talks within the DoD Lodamun’s withdrawal from the Luthorian-Lodamese Alliance & Security Pact but noted that such a move is likely the decision of the President and the Secretary of Defence. “A review of Lodamun’s relationship with the Luthorian security community is currently underway but any final decision is ultimately at the behest of the President and the Secretary of Defence,” he noted. Lodamun’s withdrawal from the treaty could open the door for the sharing of acoustic signatures of Luthorian Navy assets with various partners including Kalistan. Some within the intelligence community have noted that movements have already been made to suspend the sharing of sensitive information with the Luthorian military/government, with the Office of the DNA reportedly considering treating Luthorian intelligence as that of a third party, denoting that although the nation is not a signatory of the Common Intelligence Sharing Agreement, it ultimately benefited from an exemption by the Director of National Assessments.

[GreekIdiot]

Beiteynu
3rd Point Federation springs up after regional consensus; Medinat Dpt. initiates amendment processes
March 5562
https://forum.prtcy.com/thread-3-post-1220.html#pid1220