Baltic News

[Uberstein]

 

News & Actions of the Baltic Union of Ubersteinia

 

-Presented by the Ministry of Education-

 

Please Contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs* should any material presented here cause issue. The Ministry of Education, while responsible for the material it presents, is not responsible for the source of the material.

 

Please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should any news be concerning.

 

*Make a new thread, or if applicable, ask via PM or OOC thread. This topic is closed for my use.

Edited June 27, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

An army of 86,752 soldiers has been drafted by the state. Equipment and organization will be detailed in later releases.

 

The Ubersteinian Air Guard has begun production of the Saab Gripen design, which will be designated FM-1. The following aircraft will also be given production orders: S 100B Argus, An-12 (Logistics and mid-air refueling), An-72, Su-25, BN-Defender, and Be-12. The Air Guard has been given orders to be ready as soon as possible.

 

The S-300 system has started production.

[End Classified]

 

The Baltic Union of Ubersteinia has formally declared its existence, and has declared the regions of Poland and Belarus to be protected.

Edited May 19, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

552 Challenger 2 main battle tanks, as well as the facilities to produce, maintain, and operate said vehicles, are to be developed and added to the inventory of the Land & Sea Guard.

 

The following equipment is to be made the standard of the ULSG: Valmet M82, Lahti L-35, CETME Ameli, M67 Hand Fragmentation Grenades, SMAW, 9K38 Igla, 81 Kranaatinheitin 71 Y, 155mm GH52 APU, BM-14, 95 S 58-61, Volvo C303 LTV, Sisu XA-203, Casspir, Sisu SA-150 GUT, Sisu E11T HUT.

 

To compensate for the short length of the bullpup Velmet M82, the Land & Sea Guard is to adopt a sword bayonet, with modern metallurgy and quality.

 

The following bases are to be activated to full capacity: Tapa, Ämari, Lielvārd, & Ādaži training camp. These bases are to be hardened and expanded to hold a division each.

 

The Ventspils Starptautiskais Radioastronomijas Centrs has been taken over by the Air Guard.

[End Classified]

Edited May 19, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

Development of a 305mm self-propelled siege gun has begun. Trials have started on the AS-90 self-propelled gun.

 

The Ubersteinian Land & Sea Forces are to undergo mechanization. The 1st 5 divisions are to be fully equipped with Sisu XA-203 APC's, and be trained for mobile and elastic warfare.

 

A total of 7 infantry divisions are to be established, at a total of 84,000 soldiers. The remaining soldiers are to be placed in reserve.

[End Classified]

 

For the good of the people and the state, the following industries are to be nationalized: Healthcare, Life Insurance, Weapon Manufacturing, Agriculture, Power, Water, Gas/Fuel, Internet.

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

The Land & Sea Guard has placed an order with various drydocks in the nation for 25 Svetljak-class patrol boats to serve in a coast guard function. All 25 are to be of the variant armed with the AK-176 cannon.

 

[End Classified]

 

President Uberstein has approved the latest set of proposals from the Tri-State Assembly; inheritance is no longer applicable in the Baltic Union, all assets go to the state after death. Unemployment and homelessness are no longer an option, food, shelter, and work will be provided to every citizen.

Edited May 18, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

Construction of a "Baltic Wall", aka a system of hardened bunkers and anti-landing defenses, has begun along the coast of the nation. The southern segment will stretch from north of Klaipėda's harbor entrance to Kolka. The islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa will have their external coasts covered. Finally, the northern segment will run from near Paslepa to the island of Harjumaa near Tallinn. The following artillery is to be used: 380mm/45 Naval Cannon, 130 53 TK, 75mm M/57. Anti-aircraft armament is to include the S-300 system as well as turret-mounts of the Igla system.

 

A map of the area to be covered by the wall

[End Classified]

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

Development has begun for a light, 3-person tracked recon vehicle. Development on the self-propelled 305mm siege gun continues.

 

The State Institute for Armored Research has been formed to consolidate development.

[End Classified]

[Uberstein]

War In Finland? President Uberstein Says Yes!

 

With the signing of the Konstantinov-Simoneit Pact with the Novgorodian Empire, the Baltic Union of Ubersteinia has officially declared a defensive war against the Kingdom of Sweden on behalf of the Novgorodian Empire. The Tri-State Assembly rose in applause as the President revealed the treaty this morning, and a crowd of supports gathered outside the assembly building waving Union and Novgorodian flags.

 

"The Kingdom of Sweden has proven itself to be a belligerent. They claim that Finland is a Nordic nation, an act of cultural genocide on the Finno-Ugric people of Finland, and by proxy, on the people of similar decent in Estonia. This erasure cannot be left unchecked. Negociations with the Novgorodian Empire has proven that they are the more rational people in this dispute, and I have their guarantee that no such cultural genocide will ever happen under their rule. But even if just this criminal act of Nordic supremacy was not enough to justify this war of defense, the act of closing the Ostland Straight and threats to sink civilian vessels makes this declaration even more justified. We cannot stand by and allow an expansionist power to threaten the security of Baltic Europe!" -President Uberstein

 

[Classified]

The Armed Forces of Ubersteinia have gone into full alert. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd infantry Divisions have moved to secure the coast against any Swedish incursions (Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania). The full 30 squadrons of FM-1 aircraft have been placed on high alert, with 10 squadrons being maintained airborne at all times with Air-to-Air munitions. (4 Estonia, 3 Latvia, 3 Lithuania). Be-12 squadrons have also been put on a coastal patrol.

 

Plokštinė missile base, Skrunda-1, Šiauliai International Airport, Panevėžys Air Base, Rūdninkai Training Air Base, Kazlų Rūda Air Base, and Kedainiai Air Base are all to be re-activated and fully armed. The Missile Base is to use R-12 Dvina missiles armed with thermobaric warheads.

[End Classified]

Edited May 20, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

The Ubersteinian Land & Sea Guard has raised its total forces to 194,240. Total armored forces are to increase to 966 Challenger 2 MBT's, however this will take far more time than arming the reserves. Reorganization is as follows:

Forces

Total: 194,240

 

Standing: 60,000

1st Infantry Division (M)(T)

2nd Infantry Division (M)(T)

3rd Infantry Division (M)(T)

4th Infantry Division (M)(T)

5th Infantry Division (M)(T)

 

Reserves: 134,240

1st Reserve Infantry

2nd Reserve Infantry

3rd Reserve Infantry

4th Reserve Infantry

5th Reserve Infantry

6th Reserve Infantry

7th Reserve Infantry

8th Reserve Infantry

9th Reserve Infantry

10th Reserve Infantry

11th Reserve Infantry

 

All reserve infantry are currently on full alert. The 1st and 2nd Reserve Infantry, formerly known as the 6th and 7th Infantry Divisions, will continue their movement via train to Ämari Air Base.

 

Training is to involve a policy of "Mission-type tactics", a doctrine within which formal rules can be selectively suspended in order to overcome "friction".

[End Classifed]

Edited May 21, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

 

Development of the light vehicle has been completed, and been designated the Sesks (Polecat). It is to be adopted into the Ubersteinian Land & Sea Guard, mainly with Mechanized divisions.

 

[End Classified]

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

The following equipment is to be adopted: MG 3 (For use on vehicles), Kord Machine Gun (For use in fortifications and vehicles), and RT-20.

 

Various sniper rifles and designated marksman rifles are currently undergoing testing.

 

Development of the Tõll (Toell) 305 SPSA has been completed. Mechanized divisions are to be revised to have 4 4-vehicle AS-90 batteries, as well as 2 2-vehicle Tõll (Toell) 305 SPSA batteries. Reserve divisions will continue using towed artillery.

[End Classified]

Edited May 22, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

 

A new special forces organization, Akiniuotė, has been formed. The most extreme special forces branch of the Ubersteinian military. They are extremely well trained, their job is to infiltrate, study, and if need be, kill and sabotage enemy or allied forces. Their actions are completely off the record, trained to avoid capture at all costs, and to make sure they can never be traced back to the Baltic Union. They are much like the RL American Delta Force.

 

The head of this organization is simply to be referred to as "Commander Akiniuotė," and will have their identity kept a secret from all but the highest levels of the military such as the Commander-in-Chief. They have the authority to pull candidates from any branch of the military without warning.

 

[/Classified]

[Uberstein]

Melancholy Sweeps Nation At Peace Agreement

 

The collapse of the allied state of Novgorod took all of Ubersteinia by surprise. A day of mourning for the Tsar is to be officially observed this Sunday. However, this collapse did mean an early end to the war to liberate Finland. Polls show that 37% agree with the end to the war, while 43% think that the Baltic Union should have continued the war. President Uberstein gave the following statement on the war, "We followed our treaty obligations, and we followed the ideal that Finland should not be oppressed by either culture. I choose the lesser evil by allying with the Tsar, who had given me his promise that Slavic culture would not be allowed to trample the proud heritage of Finland if it fell under his rule. Do I oppose the Swedish occupation of Finland? Yes, completely. But war is something that should not be taken up lightly. This is not a time to continue a fight, this is the time to mourn the loss of an ally."

 

While peace has been achieved with Sweden, the government has issued a Trave & Trade Warning, stating that the safety of merchants and travelers to Sweden cannot be guaranteed by the Ubersteinian government, and that ships should use the Kiel Canal rather than the Ostland Straights whenever possible.

 

German Collapse! Ubersteinia to Aid Northlands

 

The state of Germany has also collapsed, leaving political scientists in Riga to question the stability of all nations. The following statement was given by Professor Aino Lehtonen: "Given the speed at which nations seem ready to return to the ashes from which they arose, one could argue that all nations are in such a delicate balance. Nations are built from a combination of the will of the people and strong leadership at the top. Given the style of collapses, I would say that Novogorod lacked the will of the people, while Germany lacked strong leadership. This is not a condemnation of Novogorod's leadership, nor of its people. I am simply saying that the Tsar was the pin holding everything together, and without him or a suitable replacement, the state collapsed."

 

The 1st Infantry Division, following calls for assistance by the Northlands, has been dispatched to aid in peacekeeping duties.

 

[Classified]

Reserve forces are issued a general order to stand down. Reserve troops will be given week-long posts along the Baltic Wall (under construction) in such a rotation to not disturb the economy greatly. The 4th and 5th Infantry Divisions are to remove themselves from St. Petersburg and return to Ubersteinia for re-deployment.

 

The following deployment is to be followed ASAP:

1st Infantry Division (M)(T)  - Ādaži

 

2nd Infantry Division (M)(T) - Tapa

 

3rd Infantry Division (M)(T) - Jägala

 

4th Infantry Division (M)(T) - Panevėžys

 

5th Infantry Division (M)(T) - Kazlų Rūda

 

Jägala Army Base is to be completed. It, along with Tapa and  Ādaži Army Bases are to be expanded to hold a full division each, in hardened facilities. Panevėžys Air Base and Kazlų Rūda Air Base are to be expanded in such a manner as well. Construction of the Baltic Wall is to continue in full.

 

The Air Guard is to be deployed as follows:

20 Squadrons of FM-1

10 - Ämari

6 - Lielvārd

2 - Šiauliai

2 - Kazlų Rūda

 

7 Squadrons of Su-25

4 - Ämari

2 - Lielvārd

1 - Kazlų Rūda

 

3 Squadrons of Be-12

1 - Riga Port

1 - Tallinn Port

1 - Klaipėda Port

 

Panevėžys Air Base and Kedainiai Air Base are to serve mainly as transport hubs. 1000 soldiers have been formally deployed to Poland as peacekeepers, while another 1000 have been deployed to Belarus.

 

Development of an "Assualt Gun" vehicle, carrying a 128mm gun, has begun.

[End Classified]

Edited May 24, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

Kaliningrad Oblast Annexed

 

2000 soldiers of the Ubersteinian Land & Sea Guard have moved into the protectorate of the Kaliningrad Oblast, formally bringing it into the nation. The region will begin elections for the Tri-State Assembly in two weeks time.

 

Multi-Lingual Signs Begin Placement

 

In recognition of the multi-lingual status of the Baltic Union, all public signs are required to have the following languages: Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian, Livonian, Latgalian.

 

The Livonian and Latgalian languages are to be aggressively preserved and maintained, with free classes on the languages being offered across the Baltic Union.

Edited May 24, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

 

Work on a 128mm tank gun has resulted in promising results. The assault gun design continues in earnest, with mild-steel prototypes being tested.

 

Development of a MBT using the same gun has begun. Design parameters include an unmanned turret, 3-man crew, front engine, and auto-loader. Old Russian carousel-style auto-loader designs are currently being investigated for use in an unmanned turret.

 

The 1st Infantry Division has been ordered to return to their appropriate deployment in the Baltic Union. 1000 peacekeeping soldiers are to take their place in Germany to aid the Northlands in their efforts to maintain the protectorate.

 

Work on the Baltic Wall continues.

 

[End Classified]

 

OOC: No longer recognizing Lysergide's RP. He has proven to be unreasonable and I have better things to do with my time than deal with unreasonable people.

Edited May 26, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

Parade Held in Capital

 

Today a military parade was held in the capital to celebrate the return of the 1st Infantry Division from Germany. Soldiers of the 1st Infantry marched down the streets of Riga in dress uniform to the national anthem, as crowds gathered to watch and throw confetti. With the return of the 1st Infantry Division, the amount of Ubersteinian forces abroad or on active alert has dropped to a mere 3000 across Germany, Poland, and Belarus. A time of peace surely arrives in Europe.

 

National Waters Declared

 

The combined EEZ's of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Kaliningrad have been declared the full sovereign waters of the Baltic Union, and that while civilian vessels will be allowed into these waters for trade or recreation, all military vessels are prohibited.

 

 

(Sorry about the piss-poor map. My graphical skills are limited.)

 

[Classified]

 

The SMAW rocket in service is to be replaced with the RPG-29. Each squad's Anti-Materiel soldier is to be armed with one RPG-29 launcher w/ one TBG-29V and one PG-29V round, as well as a RT-20 rifle.

 

[End Classified]

Edited May 26, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

Following a review of the air force, the FM-1 fighter is cease production Production of the Su-27 is to begin to replace the FM-1. Re-Training is also to begin immediately.

 

Construction involving the expansion and hardening of military facilities continues. Plokštinė missile base is now fully operational and working in close conjunction with Skrunda-1. R-12U ballistic missiles, armed with conventional thermometric warheads, now fill the silos. Construction of a secondary underground missile base near Meleski, Estonia, has begun.

 

A system of secured landlines (Sensitive to wiretap due to being in casings pressurized with nitrogen. Should a pressure drop be read in a segment, armed response is sent to investigate.) has begun construction across the nation for military and government communications.

 

To compliment the S-300 system currently in service, the Buk Missile System is to be added to the Baltic Wall. These are to be concentrated around ports and the 380mm/45 Naval Cannon batteries. In order to limit the number of guns needed for the wall, the P-1000 Anti-Ship missile is to be deployed on mobile launchers (Single-missile launch trailers towed by a heavy duty truck). These launch vehicles will be stored in underground, hardened garages along the coast, and are to be deployed should the need arise.

 

Given the cost, three garages holding 25 launchers each will be built. One near Riga, one near Klaipėda, and one near Tallinn.

[End Classified]

Edited May 27, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

Kola Peninsula Seized by Moscow, Bayern & Württemberg by Alvonia. Is European Expansionism on the Rise?

 

With recent land acquisitions by several nations in Europe, as well as the French and Italian attempts at colonization outside of Europe, the Tri-State Assembly has convened in an emergency session to discuss the possible implications of such movements. President Uberstein released a short statement assuring the peoples of Poland and Belarus that the protectorates will be maintained until a native government rises, and that the Baltic Union will not cave to any foreign expansionist pressure should it arrive.

 

[Classified]

With the basic foundations of the Baltic wall well underway, and a good number of the armaments in storage for eventual deployment, new plans have been laid out. The Baltic Wall is to be as remote-controlled as possible. While manual operation is to be be a viable option, and patrols are to regularly inspect the wall, control will be linked via secure landline to top-secret command centers. The wall will be split into its 3 national sections of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. These control centers will effectively be able to use a combination of radar, sonar, IR, and visual data to aim and control the various weapons of the line. These hardened control sites are to be located in Rohense, Estonia, Pastende, Latvia, and Kuliai, Lithuania.

 

Construction of these sites is to be covered by camouflage, and no activity is to occur while satellites pass overhead. Decoy sites are to be constructed in various locations across the Baltic Union. No communication about these sites is to go on any line except the secured line or in paper by an armed courier who has passed background checks.

 

While full automation is of course impossible, it is proposed that the Baltic Wall will consume significantly less manpower for casual defense of the coastline using this system. During a defensive war, however, the line is still to be fully manned by the Reserves, as anti-infantry defenses such as machine guns still cannot reasonably be unmanned.

 

Anti-missile systems similar to AK-630 along with Firefinder Radar are to be put in place along the wall, and when activated are to automatically perform the entire process from surveillance and detection to destruction, including selection of the next priority target. Counterbattery recommendations are also to be forwarded to the weapons within range of the detected aggressor.

 

The Firefinder Radar unit is also to enter service with the Mechanized Artillery units for aid in counter-battery fire.

[End Classified]

Edited May 27, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

The Land & Sea Guard has commissioned two new ship classes: One Burtnieki-Class Frigate and three Ragana-Class Corvettes. Both designs are to be modified to carry the Ka-27 or Ka-31 naval helicopter. The Burtnieki will operate with 1 Ka-27PL (ASW Varient) and 1 Ka-31, while the Ragana-Class Corvettes will each carry a Ka-27PL, when on standard patrol.

 

The order of 25 Svetljak-class patrol boats has been reduced to 9, of which 6 have been completed.

[End Classified]

 

OOC: Adding Rotavele to my list of players I don't recognize IC/OOC.

Edited May 28, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

Anti-Expansionary Law Approved by President Uberstein

 

After several days of heated debate, the Tri-State Assembly passed an anti-expansion bill to the President, who has signed it into law this afternoon. The law states that the Baltic Union of Ubersteinia shall not practice colonialism, nor shall it annex any lands beyond the traditionally held Baltic territories it current encompasses. However, the law goes out of its way to express the fact that the Baltic Union has the right to maintain security in neighboring territories. The protectorates of Poland and Belarus shall remain under Ubersteinian protection, and should Russia or any territory neighboring the Baltic fall into lawlessness and anarchy, the Union has the right to temporarily secure the territory as a protectorate.

 

"Nations around the world, especially European nations, have been practicing unregulated expansionism and colonialism. While I do not see it as necessary nor wise to intervene in the sovereign affairs of nations, the Baltic Union will hold itself up as an example to other nations. The seizing of non-native territory for personal gain is despicable, and will no doubt hinder the expression of native cultures in the regions being annexed." -President Uberstein

 

[Classified]

The MBT project using an unmanned turret and frontal engine has been canceled after issues with the proposed design. A more traditional MBT, utilizing a 140mm L45 gun, autoloader, and mine-resistant V-hull, has been proposed by a competing team, and has been approved for development.

 

Development of the 128mm Assault Gun continues. The cannon is considered ready for deployment, and various chassis designs are currently undergoing testing.

 

A native Chobham armor composite, based off of the Second-Generation Chobham found in the Challenger II tanks fielded by the nation, is currently undergoing development.

[End Classified]

 

OOC: Following a breif talk with TidyBowlMan, I've decided to trust the GM's in their capacity to keep the RP clean. Lets hope I don't regret my decision lol. I've removed my ignore list.

Edited May 30, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

 

The K-MAX helicopter has been adopted for military and government purposes. This includes nationalized industries such as agriculture. These helicopters are to be leased to companies in need of sky-crane capabilities, such as the timber industry. Search and Rescue is also to be considered a use if no other vehicles are available.

 

[End Classified]

[Uberstein]

 

THIS IS NOT A TEST. NUCLEAR STRIKES CONFIRMED IN ASIA. SEEK SHELTER AND WAIT FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS VIA RADIO OR TELEVISION. THIS IS NOT A TEST.

 

[Classified]

Following the advent of nuclear war between China and Japan, a nation-wide emergency broadcast flooded the airwaves of the Baltic Union. Civilians were instructed to seek shelter until it could be confirmed that the war was limited to Asia. Police and reserve soldiers were called up to serve for civil peacekeeping duties.

 

Skrunda-1 radar promptly went on full alert, and high-ranking members of the government were moved to remote, underground locations.

[End Classified]

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

Construction of the Meleski Missile Base continues, as does construction on hardening existing military facilities. The hardened underground garages holding mobile P-1000 Anti-Ship missile launchers has been completed, and the missile has entered full production. All Svetljak-class patrol boats have finished production, and are in regular patrols of Ubersteinian waters.

 

The 128mm Assault Gun is considered ready for production, and is waiting on the completion of composite armor development. Also taking elements from Kanchan armor, a honeycomb composite design with alternating layers of composite materials and R.H. Steel is being tested. Kevlar spall liners are also to be standard on all armored vehicles.

[End Classified]

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

The Shtora-1 system is to be implemented into the MBT design.

 

The first set of 380mm/45 Naval Cannon batteries, each consisting of a single heavily armored single-gun turret for the 380mm, two armored cupolas for fixed mortar positions,, two AK-630 guns, and reenforced concrete fortification, have been completed at  the following coordinates:

55°45'42.83"N,  21° 5'5.03"E

 

55°56'40.44"N,  21° 4'1.98"E

 

56° 7'55.52"N, 21° 2'30.05"E

 

These batteries are also to have fire-control-assist bunkers utilizing fixed Firefinder Radar stations, nearby.

 

Construction continues.

[End Classified]

Edited June 1, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

Project Karstums, involving the weaponization of Tularemia, has begun. A underground laboratory complex, hardened against missile and bomb attacks, is to be built at  57° 0'48.85"N,  25°33'18.83"E. This is to be of the highest secrecy, with construction being covered by camouflage netting, and guarded with a general no-fly zone enforced by S-300 launchers. All equipment related to the scientific and military work going on is to be transported in wooden crates with are to be labeled in code. No movement of this equipment is to occur if satellites are overhead. The facility is to have 8 fully equipped laboratories, as well 4 workshops for the engineering side of things.

 

A small village for the staff and guards is to be constructed on the surface, with strict background checks. All personnel must gain permission to leave the facility once they work there. Permission to enter or even know about the project is to be granted by the President's approval only. The utmost caution is to be taken in dealing with the biological material, and the various sections and labs of the underground facility are to be separated via air-lock. Ultraviolet lights, air-filters, separate air circulation systems, and other BSL-4 hot zone measures are to take place. Air going out is filtered, exposed to high UV lights and high heat. Labs are to maintain negative air pressure. All personnel going beyond the basic entry zone of the underground facility are required to wear a full, properly sealed, bio-suit. Air locks are to automatically irradiate with UV light for 45 seconds. Air locks to labs are to have a 2-stage chemical shower and air-dry prior to the UV. Individual labs are to have an incendiary fail-safe, which upon activation will douse the laboratory with fire.

 

The weaponized Tularemia strain is to be designed to be deployed via R-12 Dvina missile, as well as via 155mm air-burst artillery shells.

[End Classified]