The Sri Lanka Army's ranks are swelling by the day as unprecedented numbers join the ranks and deserters start returning due to a general amnesty. Almost every month, a new battalion completes training and joins the battlefront.
The Army, while ambushing enemy reinforcement and troop movements, has kept own troops and their movements to the front lines safe, by regularly airlifting troops from the bases, directly to the battle-field.
Soldiers trained within the past 12 months are demonstrating a remarkable sense of orientation to the battlefield. Experts accredit this to the low-intensity warfare the Army is currently engaged in with the Tigers where large mobilizations are rare and the intensity of the enemy's attacks, firepower, morale and tactics is at a record low.
The result is an enabling environment for new recruits to gain experience and adjust according to the requirements in the front lines.
Currently, over 5000 recruits are undergoing basic training while several hundred more undergo advanced infantry training. The Maduru Oya Special Forces and Combat Training Schools have around 1,500 infantry currently undergoing training, 600 of whom are newly recruited Special Forces troops completing their 6 month basic training.
A dramatic increase in the number of soldiers in the Army is useless unless accompanied by a qualitative and quantitative improvement in leadership. The investments made in this regard to rebuild a quality cadre of officers in the Army is commendable.
The opportunities available to new officers to gain entry into the region's and the world's best Military Academies has always been high for the Sri Lanka Army given its neutral status in the world, but the high-intensity warfare of yesteryear effectively debarred officers these opportunities. This situation has changed dramatically.
With a large number of officers and soldiers already in the battlefield, ground Commanders are able to approve leave for officers to enter prestigious Defence Schools all over the world. Promising new officers are whisked-away to these schools immediately upon graduation as Second Lieutenants from SLMA or KDA.
The training courses at Batalanda Staff College has also improved by leaps and bounds. These opportunities combined have contributed immensely to the development of quality all-round officers, which is crucial beyond the immediate needs of the Army.
The usefulness of officers returning from foreign training, with improved perspectives, skills and tools, has increased with the guarantee of a longer service life unlike in the past, where many a young officer was whisked away to meet his end abruptly in some trench.
With improved timing in the reentry process to the ranks of the Army, new officers are allowed the chance to reorientate themselves and for the military hierarchy to properly plan their re-entry into the military machine.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
A qualitative-quantitative improvement in the Army
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Thanks DW.
Good to hear that this type of improvements are also in progress. it will ensure the professionality of our forces, and give a good future to the best of the men.
Strength to the Forces...
Thank you for regular posting DW.
Good news.
LTTE terrorist supporters a BIG SIGH .........oooooo cry for eeeelam now known as Ezahammm...
more action to come baby...in the coming days....
DO NOT REVEAL OPERATIONAL DETAILS!
DW
thanks for the update
Kuttu, please don't drink defence.lk juice, try some Thalaivar juice!
http://www.tamilnet.tv/index.php/tamilnet-consumer-alert-juice-07021?blog=1
crap site tamilnet.tv
Kuttu's secret Indian move finally revealed (from Hindustan Times):
A top LTTE operative, in-charge of procurement module in Sri Lanka, was arrested in Chennai on Wednesday, police said.
The Q-branch, intelligence wing of the Tamil Nadu police, on Wednesday arrested Thambianna (46), "in-charge of the LTTE's procurement module" in Sri Lanka.
Police said Thambianna hailed from Kilinochi in the island nation.
However, police remained tight-lipped about the place from where Thambianna was arrested in the city and declined to elaborate.
Downfall
-Strategy Page
click here
I'm looking forward to meeting some of our guys currently undergoing special training here in the US.
The US is also very interested in learning from our Army's successes and are investing a lot in them.
The Sri Lankan expat groups generally take good care of our soldiers while they are here.
happy about the quality improvement which is VERY visible. large scale quantitative increases always bother me. the defence budget is not an open cheque and more expenses (recurring as well) means less money for "force multipliers".
anyway we need to raise the forces in view of battle progress. only issue is by how many and what is the right balance between numbers and equipment.
i remember DW carried an article around the strat of the year about "a rule of thumb" on the approximate numbers required.
May God bless every sri lankan soldier.
Hey Kuttu...
Hold on to that red birdie tight ... the 'Pie' in the sky is just about to land... right after the summit.
LTTE heroes have to be ready with their best dress, spirit and last but not least... prayers.
There arnt any more intakes from Sri Lanka to US training at this stage, due to few problems from Sri Lanka side. We met few of them sometime ago from Sri Lanaka who came for training. They are bunch of awesome guys, hope they can sort things out quickly...
B2B
air
smart ass, sneaking in a bit of misinformation flavoured with sweeteners. you do it well but these tactics are old.
there is no problem with intake of Sri lankan officers to US academies. if so DW would have mntioned in the current post.
bhairav,
I finally read A. Vanniyan's recent article. I agree with his general comment that the war is not over with the capture of Vidattaltivu. That victory is just one step in the long march up the A-32. I have some comments:
1. Vanniyan does not mention a great deal about the weaknesses of either side (although he acknowledged some of the LTTE's shortcomings in the first article). I would argue that despite the massive recruitment and improved fighting ability of SLA, it will be difficult to advance further north without many more soldiers to guard captured areas. I invite responses.
Basically the 57th Division and TF1 converged at V'tivu from two sides; the current setup of the various divisions is like a "box" as Vanniyan pointed out. This box is harder to infiltrate or crack by LTTE fighters, compared with the rather linear deployment of the 55th (and later 56th) Divisions in Op. JS 10 years ago. However, unless more TFs or divisions are created, this box will have to become a column to advance further north. And it does not appear that the SLA is in a good position to outflank Vellankulam the same way it did V'tivu.
2. I don't think the decisive battle will be fought south of Pali River. The real battle that will determine the future of Eelam War IV will be for Punagari. Assuming that the SLA continues to advance north, that battle will take place at the end of this year.
3. I don't understand why Vannian brought up SAARC. Seemed kind of pointless and he goofed up the dates- SAARC ends in August not October.
"And it does not appear that the SLA is in a good position to outflank Vellankulam the same way it did V'tivu."
Funny thing is it's already happening at Vellankulam (little bit differently than V'tivu. But the result would be the same). Don't argue with me. Just wait few days. The news will come to you.
"I don't think the decisive battle will be fought south of Pali River"
Oh, man you are so good at predicting. I am sure you won't believe if I say that the area is already under SL Army control.
"I agree with his general comment that the war is not over with the capture of Vidattaltivu."
Of course.
"That victory is just one step in the long march up the A-32"
Sure. But the problem is 58 Division is already at 20 km north of V'tivu. Don't you think your comment is little bit outdated.
[I would argue that despite the massive recruitment and improved fighting ability of SLA, it will be difficult to advance further north without many more soldiers to guard captured areas.]
Wijayapala,
What 150k+ strong US marines in Iraq and 40k+ coalition forces in Afghanistan could not do it, can 50k SLA do it in Wanni? What you see in Wanni is moment of brilliance by SLA, which will win battles but War. To win the war, you have to win the hearts and minds of Tamils first, then winning the war militarily possible. SLA needs at least 50k men to secure the places in Wanni and LTTE knows it better, that's why they show this much patience until they get the better opportunity. To defend the 150 km forward line with 25k men is utter foolish, that's why LTTE is making tactical withdrawals at times.
Life is normal as always in Kilinochi with usual CD opening ceremonies and carnivals- that means people or LTTE are not concerned about the SLA thrust.
Ponagari is Normandy of Eelam War IV? I would say Kili is Normandy of Eelam War IV.
Bahirav..
"What 150k+ strong US marines in Iraq and 40k+ coalition forces in Afghanistan could not do it, can 50k SLA do it in Wanni?.."
Of course SLDF can. In both cases US in a foiregn soil where their orientation to the land is difficult. They need to learn everything (language, culture, trust...) We are in SL, where army had camps, and known terriotory. And dont forget we are an Island!
kuttu said...
"red bird 2 is also ready to go"
whatever happened to red bird 1? looks more like a cuckoo than a red bird.
Red bird 1 dead hanging upside down electrocuted by an overhead electricity line.
Red bird 2 taken down by a catapult.
Mohammed-
"Red bird 1 dead hanging upside down electrocuted by an overhead electricity line.
Red bird 2 taken down by a catapult."
anee Paw Kurulooo dennama nathi venna yanee...
Rann Kurllanannee...
Nill Kobaiyannee...
Geyaa thankakinee.. Warellaa...
"Red Bird 1" Ghillaa....
DW,
thanks for the article.
bahirav,
"What 150k+ strong US marines in Iraq and 40k+ coalition forces in Afghanistan could not do it, can 50k SLA do it in Wanni? What you see in Wanni is moment of brilliance by SLA, which will win battles but War. To win the war, you have to win the hearts and minds of Tamils first, then winning the war militarily possible. SLA needs at least 50k men to secure the places in Wanni and LTTE knows it better, that's why they show this much patience until they get the better opportunity. To defend the 150 km forward line with 25k men is utter foolish, that's why LTTE is making tactical withdrawals at times."
Perhaps you should keep in mind that this land, illegally held by LTTE, belongs to all Sri Lankans. There is no comparison with US Army in Iraq. We fight for our homeland, not somebody else's. Also it is very interesting to see, according to you, how LTTE is tactically withdrawing since Mavil Aaru. Are you the Rassaiah in disguise?
["What 150k+ strong US marines in Iraq and 40k+ coalition forces in Afghanistan could not do it, can 50k SLA do it in Wanni?.."]
well then... you have nothing to worry about...
no need to come here and hoot right :)
there is no need to win hearts and minds to win the war! complete bullshitt. the opposite is tru.
if SLDFs win the war, that will win the hearts and minds of the ppl in vanni.
best example is operation riviresa. ppl were forced out by tigers. but when they came to know that SLA liberated jaffna, they came back in tens of thousands.
what they mean by hearts & minds is the hearts and minds of the Diaspora which is TOTALLY irrelevant!!!
From Tnet..the fake one :)
A Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Bell 212 helicopter, which was airlifting wounded Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers from Ma'nalaa'ru (Ma'nalaa'ru) was hit by artillery fire on and was forced to make emergency landing at Anuradhapura SLAF base Tuesday evening, a well informed source in Anuradhapura said.
The helicopter was badly damaged and now grounded at Anuradhapura air base, according to the source.
Two Bell 212 helicopters were operated from Ma'nalaa'ru to Anuradhapura to bring the casualties. Only one Bell helicopter is now available to the SLA to transport the wounded soldiers from Ma'nalaa'ru.
Dumb idiots... if the helo was badly damaged like they say...how the hell did it fly all the way back to A'pura air base???
And dumb farts don't know that we have more than just two bell 212's for troop transport...
just to keep the die-asspora happy :) :) :)
we are going to create HISTORY by making the LTTE HISTORY.
already anti-terror experts from the US, australia, UK, india, malaysia, china, pakistan, israel, etc. have shown keen interst in learning from SLDFs.
GR & SF can be world famous anti-terror consultants in the near future!!
ranil,
Don't be surprised by it. In early 2007, LTTE "automated anti-aircraft system' shotdown a Kfir and it fell in to the Gulf of Mannar as a Mig27. What I later realized is that LTTE terrorists are given some hallucinogenic substance maintain Veza-pillai's leadership and Tamiilnet reports what these guys tell them. It is very likely that the LTTE members like thuri, bahirav etc consume the same substance, even though they live in the west.
[GR & SF can be world famous anti-terror consultants in the near future!! ]
Guys...bubble is about to break. Whoever failed to invest in the stable stocks like Ranil W, will regret later on as you know, MR,GR & SF Co who cooked the numbers for their quarterly profits.
Meantime, most Tamils who own the darling stock of "VP", should reconsider their hold position in 3 or 4 months down the stretch if VP could not come up with the better restructuring strategies.
Bhairav-
Meantime, most Tamils who own the darling stock of "VP", should reconsider their hold position in 3 or 4 months down the stretch if VP could not come up with the better restructuring strategies.
As you worked out, trley LTTE company LTD. will be closed for the business in 3-4 months.
It will be hard for the LTTE to counter attack and drive the SLA out of Wanni.
In 1999/2000 they succeeded because we only had two functioning Kfirs, no MBRLs and an outdated rusting arsenal of weapons systems. The CBK administration had no foresight to develop the military.
It took for the LTTE to grill our troops with their 12 barrel MBRLs to get CBK off her haunches and order some MBRLs for our army. None of the battle tanks stationed in Jaffna were funtioning, most of their chassis were messed up. Yet the CBK administration continued to stick its head in the sand.
Today the game is different. The SLA has developed several strategies to counter the "ceaseless waves" attack as shown in 2006, and our MBRLs locked and loaded. We have more advanced jets for the airforce with superior payloads and UAVs that are very good at detecting enemy movements. Our navy has come a long way too, especially with its offshore capabilities. Our DPU and Military intelligence is now also light years ahead than it was in 2000, and they now carry very good equipments.
All this makes it very hard for the LTTE pull off a surprise counter attack involving a large number of cadres like before.
Goldeneagle,
Very well said. I think it's time for a good factual discussion about the whole Jayasikuru episode. Then one can compare it with the current situation.
When I think about it I would say the similarities are very few (as you correctly stated above) and the differences are many including the background. But a comparison is not going to be easy. One will have to cover a period of time spanning many years. But the effort won't be a waste.
Today is another beautiful day to do a noble round up of LTTE coolies hiding behind the skirts of innocent TASSL women in Grandpass, Modera, Mutwal areas.
We must select random zones in teh country and do house to house checks.
Volunteering to these tasks to assist SLDF must me made compulsory for ALL high school students to earn CREDITS AND those looking for JOBS in the GOSL or SLDF.
LTTE butchers are watching...but they must stand lost in the end.
DW,
this
link and tamilnet say about "tiger attack on a bell helicopter".
Tamilnet says, now SLAF has got only 1 for transport wounded soldiers from that area while lankatruth saying attacked helicopter was the only one.
Do you have more information about the incident?
Thanx
"Meanwhile, troops of the Task Force-1 flanking the western edge of the combined Mannar- Vavuniya front have also advanced their defences to the A9 main road south of Mankulam."
-Daily Mirror
I think the author is referring to task force-2 rather than TF-1. If the comment is true this is a major development. 56 Division already at Nedunkeny, some major offensives on the east of A-9 should be expected. But this option would depend on our ability to allocate large number of troops in the near future. So, end of the SARC?....
hemantha,
If it is the western edge, it should be TF-I aka 58th Division.
the "fierce" gun battle in mundampidi is interesting. this is situated along the A32 SOUTH OF vellankulam.
although SLDFs whacked the tigers, that is only one part of the story. interestingly this attack comes a few hours after Mi-24s attacked west of vellankulam.
how the hell LTTE barbarians managed to attack SOUTH OF vellankulam (almost at the same time they were active 1 km west of vellankulam)?
we have presence in tunukkai, mallavi adampankulam along the vellankulam-mankulam road already.
i have some suspicion that SLA was moving along the A32 TOO FAST that "depth" was not there ADEQUATELY. capturing illupakadaveli was a classic BOX strategy but vellankulam was not quite so.
SLA should resist their desire to pierce through A32 FASTER than inland troops can keep pace.
we don't want "culumnal" movements this time. lets strickly stick to the COAST to COAST (east to west) FDLs.
Vellankulam-Malavi-Mankulam is important for them for several reasons. This axis forms the boundary of their inner protected sanctuary. Malavi is said to have been the second home of Vezha-Pilliaiz. It is also important because for the first time their 130 and 152 guns at k-point will be able to reach the humanitarian forces moving forward. The guns at k-point don't forget must be stationary. They cannot move it without endangering EP and further LTTE bastions southward. As Moshe said, large columnar movements into this area reaching 25km diameter from k-point is dangerous. Small teams must infiltrate and dismantle the FDL piecemeal while the AirForce works on a strategy of destroying their long range guns at k-point. When these guns gone, it will be check-mate Kilinochi.
Sam,
I noticed that too. But it's impossible for TF-1 to make that move.
I knew that TF-2 was moving along Mundimurippu-Vannivilankulam Rd. From there it is easy to reach A-9 using small teams. This is the reason I assumed that it was TF-2. But you never know. Let's wait and see. This phase of the war is many dimensional. Anything is possible. Moves are amazing to watch (if one forgets about the sufferings).
Looks like battle for Poonaryn has commenced on the banks of Pali-Aru as predicted. We have to be cautious with this. It is said to be a 'fierce-gun battle'. They will show they are resisting intensely and then suddenly fall back giving the impression they are retreating. The troops must not follow them beyond Vellankulam. This could be a tactic to lure troops beyond Vellankulam into their artillery zone.
It looks like that we have Encircled Vellankulam. Everything would be fine I believe. After that it would mostly be small teams (I think).
panhinda,
you are actually pointing towards another (more important, i guess) issue.
"This could be a tactic to lure troops beyond Vellankulam into their artillery zone."
what i meant was SLA should not move northward without depth.
the threat you mentioned is still real EVEN if troops advance along the COAST to COAST (E to W) FDLs.
we have to neutralise LTTE big guns in poonaryn (including K-point). yes, small infiltrating teams can be effective.
i'm not buying claims by strategypage that LTTE's fire pwoer has been reduced by two thirds. it has been reduced but not so much.
although SLDFs are 162k++ strong, tigers need to kill about a hundred and injure around 400 to halt SLA advances. the september 2006,november 2007, april 2008 offensives had to be curtailed due to similar casualties. one may arge that had SLA pushed forward in spite of heavy losses, it may have achieved its prized target - EP. this is too much risk taking for a responsible govt.
SLAF must take out LTTE heavy guns; at least "supress" them until SLA artillery teams can advance and position themselves "comfortably" to attack LTTE arti positions.
another problem is although tigers can shell us anytime anywhere, we cannot shell them just bcos we come within reach. we have to avoid civilian areas. this gives a HUGE advantage for tigers. we are yet to see our firefinders doing a "turn-the-tables" role.
hemantha,
if so, that is the way to go. we should not deviate from what worked b4.
Moshe,
The last part of my comment was just an assumption.
Gringo
What you are suggesting is frighteningly reminiscent of Hitler's 'Brown shirts' or Hitler-youth kids who were recruited with the promise of future jobs in the Nazi apparatus. Civillians should not be given the authority to finger other people with impunity or a vigilante society will be the outcome. What you are suggesting is a fresh justification and mechanism for a repeat July-1983.
This does not mean that civillians have no place in being the eyes and ears for the govt. Even though that essentially forms the basis for a police-state and a snitch-society, times of war are difficult times that need hard measures. Still the line the govt cannot, and must not cross is clear and it must stop short of providing a means for vigilantism.
Gringo,
tropicalstorm is right. That is the kind of thing the Nazis, and the thugs of July '83 did.
I don't know what country you live in, but imagine if civilians belonging to the majority group in your country of residence searched your home and questioned you on a regular basis?
How would you feel?
Would you like that majority group more or less?
Would you feel greater or less afinity for the country?
I can promise you that soon you would be paranoid about even walking down the street.
What you suggest is the kind of thing that alienates people, and pushes them into the arms of the terrorists.
Heylo Kuttu,
What is this operation 'red bird' I keep hearing from you? Is that something you have between your legs? Someone kicked your nuts recently?
gringo,
OMG no!
these should be done by trained military & paramilitary guys. what if there were a group of terrorists and they try to attacke the searchers? there is nothing to save them.
where can the searches search? they don't know where to look.
but trained military & paramilitary guys know. they should be allowed to do it using BOTH legal (more) and illegal (less) means. using illegal means (white vans, etc.) is not good, popular, moral, etc. but they are remarkably effective. there are alot of loopholes in the law and terrorits and their sympathisers have MASTERED it. however, in the process a few innocents will also be killed, etc. this has to be looked at as an ESSENTIAL trade-off.
there is a CLEAR NEGATIVE (INVERSE) relationship between the number of REAL abductions, etc. (where the abductee never returns) and the number and size of terror attacks in colombo, etc. i know some ppl have investigated this in detail than i have. but from what i know, it is true.
1983-1987 few abductions, many bombs
1990-1994 many abductions, few bombs
1994-2001 few abductions, many bombs
2001-2005 many abductions by LTTE. (this era is irrelevant)
2005-2007august many abductions, few bombs
2007august-2008june few (fewer than the previous period) abductions, many bombs
it is good if both SLDFs and LTTE keep civilians away from war. but if one uses it the other HAVE TO use it too. otherwise it created a disadvantageous situ for the one not using it. this theory holds true in all 'new' battlefronts the enemy starts. examples include, chemical battlefonrt, propoganda battlefront, nuclear battlefront, biological battlefront, biochemical battlefront, guerilla battlefront, economics-based battlefronts (communist terrorists), etc.
hemantha
I agree, a discussion on this should be very productive.
The transformation that our army has undergone is unbelievable. Nevertheless there are a few things we don't have in our arsenal that I think we MUST get.
One of them is proper mine clearing systems, so our forces can effectively cut through the booby trapped land. The Chinese Type 74 mine clearing system would be the most cost effective solution for us, especially compared with the more pricey Western systems. I think we should have about 20 of these.
"http://www.china-defense.com/
engineer/type74_linecharge/
type74_linecharge.html"
Also our infantry teams must also given man portable mine clearing systems like the Israeli POMINS II.
Another thing we need would be a 300mm MLRS. This is a bigger more powerful version of the 122mm MBRLs. But one thing it can give us that 122mm versions can't is "steel rain", whose effect is the stuff of legend. With a system like this in our arsenal, the LTTE can forget about recapturing and holding onto land in the future. The Chinese offer some good 300mm MLRS for good prices.
GE,
i don't think 300mm MLRSs can be of much help today. they would have been ideal when the LTTE was pretty aggressive, mobilised large numbers and stormed SLA positions.
now LTTE is playing the classical defensive game while getting civilians to cover them.
now what is more important is precision than power.
IF in the case tigers storm into a FDL, 122mm MBRLs (depending on availability close by) & SLAF can do the job.
OTOH 300mm MLRSs will be very handy for tigers!!
Moshe
The reason I think we need 300mm MLRS is because it offers "steel rain" capability.
For example in the future if the Tigers manage of capture territory by a successful counter attack. All we have to do is pull the remaining troops out of that specified area and bombard the newly captured area by the LTTE with steel rain. Then we can send our troops back in with shovels to scrape the charred LTTE remains of the ground.
Less casaulties for us.
GE,
respect your views mate. "steel rain" is no doubt very handy when the situ is ripe for its use.
but the present situ needs more precision than power. we need to "surgically" take out LTTE positions, arti pads, etc. hopefully the prsent "harvesting" strategy will not leave enough tigers to stage unceasing waves again.
however, 300mms can still be used at the national front as it is now.
tigers will be either charred coal or charcoal!!
Moshe
"but the present situ needs more precision than power."
I never said that they need to be used in the present situation.
This weapon will be effective to obliterate any mass counter attack by the LTTE with minimum effort from our soldiers. Which translates to less casaulties for our troops.
GE and Moshe
if i may but in your conversation, i tend to agree more with moshe.
the us ahs a super 300mm MLRSS in the M270
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/m270.htm
or
http://www.army-technology.com/projects/mlrs/
which says
The basic MLRS tactical rocket warhead contains 644 M77 munitions, which are dispensed above the target in mid-air. The dual-purpose bomblets are armed during freefall and a simple drag ribbon orients the bomblets for impact. Each MLRS launcher can deliver almost 8,000 munitions in less than 60 seconds at ranges exceeding 32km
this is what, ipresume, GE refers to as steel rain and steelrain it is.
it can obliterate an area of one sq km.
nonethelss the RM 70's which SLA uses is quite capable of handling a situ is the local arena which does not have wide open spans as in the middle east or any other larger country.
the 300mm's are also much more expensive.
as in a ceaseless wave type of situation the RM 70's though with a smaller warhead is more suitable because it fires 40 in 20 seconds as against the 12 in 60 seconds fired by the 300mm's. 40 rockets dropping would have a far more devastating psychological affect than the 12, though the 300 carry much bigger warheads.not forgetting tha the 122 currently in use also use high explosive fragmentation shells
GE & Shan,
agree.
perfect weapons for "harvesting".
BTW SLA enters killinochchi in their noble humanitarian operation.
shan
Yes 12 300mm rockets do take out 1 square kilometer. It truly takes care of any vegetation within that square kilometer too. Nothing survives. The firepower of 6 300mm MLRS units emptying their slavo is comparable to a tactical nuclear attack.
So IF the Tigers do capture territory with a counter attack, steel rain is much more lethal for tigers and their equipment than the 122mm high explosive fragmentation rockets, because of the large surface coverage.
I agree, that this can't be used in areas like Killinochi or such, but in the FDL wilderness terrain of Wanni, this is kryptonite ot LTTE's superman.
SIDE NOTE: I heard the Chinese are also experimenting in using the steel rain rockets and thermobaric rockets of their 300mm MRLS to take out mock targets out in the sea.
someone asked about LTTE arti in poonaryn.
total tiger posessions,
130mm - > 4 guns
122mm - > 20 guns
120mm - 80 guns
http://www.sibernews.com/news/featured-article/-200708279404/
this article is about one year old and figures are guestimates.
shan
"the RM 70's though with a smaller warhead is more suitable because it fires 40 in 20 seconds as against the 12 in 60 seconds fired by the 300mm's. 40 rockets dropping would have a far more devastating psychological affect than the 12, though the 300 carry much bigger warheads."
----------------------------------
40 HE 122mm rockets can take out upto 3 hectares. The 12 300mm rockets take out 1 square kilometer, which is equal to 100 hectares.
The 122mm MBRLs can fire 40 rockets every 8 minutes. In 24 minutes it can fire 160 122mm rockets and take out 12 hectares.
The 300mm MLRS can fire 12 rockets every 20 minutues. So 1 square kilometer(100 hectares) taken out in just 20 minutes.
GE
yep, agree it's more suited in that scenario.moreover the 120', I've heard are not very effective in areas with jungle cover/thick vegetaion..is it so?
having said that what would you feel is better for SLA in the long term and to get 'monies worth'
Actually you can take cover from the MBRL fire.
As soon as LTTE moves into an area, bunkers are built with teak logs and sandbags on top.
There are different bunker shapes, like L and zigzag along with trenches.
Some guys are good at judging where the rocket salvo is going to hit since judging from distance from launchers. Also you can hear the whistling noise of the rounds coming in towards you and dive for cover.
Therefore most guys will survive unless they are stupid enough to hang around outside during a barrage.
The noise of the rounds coming down is deafening but many are just airburst and won't kill you from blast concussion
Moshe
where at Killinochchi district is not revelaed.
Vellankulam is possibly 'boxed' in
Isn't the A9 also seriously threatened at Puliyankulam and shortly at Mankulam.
Navvi and Palamoddai are the only two areas that is between TF2 and A9, and both these are alomost done. 56 can also attack from the eastern flank.
When Mallavi and Tunnukkai falls it's mankulam next.
Troops wouldn't attack Omantai, for obvious reasonsbut wold rather surround
http://www.tmmm.tsk.mil.tr/publications/newsletter/newsletter7.pdf
look at page 3.
the true position is that of the LTTE.
[That elevates your ranking from an ignorant to an idiot with a clownish streak]
Qrious.... hey hey...I have granted him that title since he was a baby on DW... he's the unofficial "Blog Clown" :)
has always been.
Richard Boucher has asked Sri Lanka to extend democracy to all citizens,
"Top U.S. official advices Sri Lanka to extend democracy to all citizens."
This is what exactly the Sri Lankan government is doing.
The Sri Lankan government established democracy in the East that was denied to them for three decades.
Now, soon democracy would prevail in Killinochchi and Mullative too when these two towns get liberated from the barbaric LTTE.
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