Article

2005-07-19 Southeast Asia

Singapore, Indonesia Navies In Mine-Countermeasure Exercise

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Posted by Pappy 2005-07-19 00:46|| || Front Page|| [3 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 Great---they got the mine gig down pat. Now what about piracy, the real problem?
**sounds of crickets and seabirds**

Posted by Alaska Paul">Alaska Paul 2005-07-19 09:26|| 2005-07-19 09:26|| Front Page Top

#2 Actually, this is wise preparation. That region is slated to be #1 for sea mining in the next 20-30 years. It would be the cheapest way for Taiwan to protect itself, as one example. China could also use it to try and inhibit the US or Indian navies. Last but not least, it is one of the easiest to use naval weapons terrorists could use to significantly impact a nation with heavy sea trade.

Posted by Anonymoose 2005-07-19 10:11|| 2005-07-19 10:11|| Front Page Top

#3 Oh, and last but not least. There is surprisingly little anti-mine capability in the world's navies. Even the US would be inclined to subcontract at ridiculous prices to a country that would minesweep an area for them, assuming their minesweepers were experienced professionals. This could make the owners of the minesweeping fleet tens of billions of dollars overnight.

Posted by Anonymoose 2005-07-19 10:15|| 2005-07-19 10:15|| Front Page Top

#4 Consider that a side effect of the Cold War. Mine countermeasures became the 'dish' that certain NATO countries (Germany for example) were to bring to any war.

Besides it's not as glamorous as ASW.

Posted by Pappy 2005-07-19 11:35|| 2005-07-19 11:35|| Front Page Top

#5 Any ship can be a mine sweeper...once.

I know, I know. Old joke. :)

Posted by Psycho Hillbilly 2005-07-19 12:53|| 2005-07-19 12:53|| Front Page Top

22:26 Frank G
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