DTN News - EGYPT DEFENSE NEWS: Egypt Opts For The Rafale

Defense War News Updates: DTN News - EGYPT DEFENSE NEWS: Egypt Opts For The Rafale
*France is to sell 24 Rafale fighter jets to Egypt along with a naval frigate and missiles in a deal worth more than €5 billion, President François Hollande said Thursday, the first time a foreign buyer has been found for the French-built warplanes

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Dassault Aviation & France 24
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 13, 2015: French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian will travel to Cairo Monday to sign the final agreement with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Hollande said in a statement issued by his office.

“The Rafale fighter jet has won its first export contract,” Hollande said, confirming a report in French daily Le Monde published earlier Thursday that said a deal had been agreed.

“The Egyptian authorities have just let me know their intention of acquiring 24 Rafale planes, a multi-mission frigate as well as related equipment,” he added.

These last two items are believed to be a FREMM warship, currently used by the French and Italian navies, and a number of short and medium-range missiles built by MBDA.

The deal follows years of failed attempts by France to export the Rafale, described as one of the most effective and sophisticated fighter jets in the world, but also one of the most expensive.

A potential deal to sell the multipurpose warplanes to Brazil  fell through in 2013 when the country chose jets made by Sweden’s Saab instead.

And although manufacturer Dassault Aviation, which launched the Rafale more than a decade ago, has been in exclusive negotiations with India for the last three years, a final deal has yet to be signed.

The French government has reduced its order for the planes to 26 Rafale jets over the next five years, down from 11 a year so far, putting Dassault under further pressure to find a foreign buyer.

Credit facility

A potential deal with Egypt was first muted in November last year during Sisi’s state visit to Paris, according to Le Monde, where discussions were held about replacing Egypt's fleet of 18 Mirage jets, also built by Dassault.

Though funding issues were believed to be a concern, French business daily Les Echos reported earlier this month that the two countries were discussing using a credit facility – arranged by French credit insurer COFACE and involving some of France’s biggest banks – to finance as much as 50 percent of the sale.

France has a history of military hardware deals with Egypt: as well as being the first foreign buyer of the Mirage jet in 1981, Cairo signed a contract last year to buy four French-built naval frigates in a deal worth €1 billion.

Concerns over the rise of jihadist groups in neighbouring Libya and in Egypt’s Sinai province have also seen the countries establish closer ties in recent years.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Dassault Aviation & France 24
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DTN News - MAURITANIA DEFENSE NEWS: Mauritania Receives Brazilian-Made Super Tucano Jet Fighter

Defense War News Updates: DTN News - MAURITANIA DEFENSE NEWS: Mauritania Receives Brazilian-Made Super Tucano Jet Fighter

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources The North Africa Post
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - October 25, 2012: Mauritanian Air Force has received its first Brazilian-made Super Tucano jet fighter under a military deal passed last march with the aircraft manufacturer Embraer, without saying how many planes will be delivered to the African nation.

However, some foreign diplomatic and intelligence sources say that Mauritania will be supplied at least three EMB-314 Super Tucano light military planes which can be used for pilot training, reconnaissance, internal security, border patrol and counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics trafficking missions.

Equipped with an advanced laser inertial navigation and attack system, a GPS and a traffic alerting and collision avoidance system (TCAS), the Super Tucano has an integrated advanced weapon system. This includes  a centerline hard-point for air-to-surface weapons beneath the fuselage, besides wing-embedded cannons.

The aircraft also includes the Safire thermal imaging system from FLIR, which allows the aircraft to carry out night surveillance and attack missions. Powered by a PT6A-68A turboprop engine developing 969kW, the aircraft can fly at a maximum speed of 560km/h. It is also capable of operating from remote bases and unpaved runways.

Designed to operate in high temperature and humidity conditions in extremely rugged terrain, the Super Tucano is highly maneuverable, has a low heat signature, and incorporates 4th generation avionics and weapons systems. It is currently used by the air forces of Brazil, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Burkina Faso, Indonesia, and has been ordered by the armies of Guatemala and Angola.

Mauritania, which has a population of 3.5 million, is facing growing terrorist threats in the Sahel region which has become a safe haven for organized crime and terrorist networks.

After the Islamist extremists took control of Northern Mali, thousands of refugees fled into Mauritania, placing additional strain on resources as the country is itself rocked by internal turmoil and struggling with a food crisis engulfing the whole Sahel region.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources The North Africa Post
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DTN News - LAAD SECURITY 2012: Oshkosh Defense Exhibits Protected Vehicle Capabilities At LAAD Security

Defense War News Updates: DTN News -  LAAD SECURITY 2012: Oshkosh Defense Exhibits Protected Vehicle Capabilities At LAAD Security
*Protected, highly maneuverable SandCat TPV on display April 10-12 in Rio de Janeiro
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources  Oshkosh Defense
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 9, 2012: Personnel protection in Latin America is an increasing concern for corporate, municipal, federal and other government forces. Security and safety professionals will have an opportunity this week to learn more about the protected vehicle offerings from Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), at the LAAD Security 2012 exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 10-12.

Oshkosh will display its SandCat Tactical Protector Vehicle (TPV) at the show. The SandCat TPV combines the agility and drivability of a consumer truck with the protection capabilities of a tactical military vehicle.

“Our SandCat TPV is a highly customizable vehicle designed for public safety officials needing to increase their protective detail for special events such as the FIFA World Cup™ and the Olympic Games, as well as provide critical support needed for daily patrols in urban environments or off-road terrain,” said Serge Buchakjian, senior vice president and general manager of International Programs for Oshkosh Defense. “We back our vehicles and products with full life-cycle sustainment and support services anywhere in the world.”

Oshkosh Defense has more than 90 years of experience designing, manufacturing and sustaining world-class vehicles for governments and militaries around the world. Oshkosh uses a collaborative, integrated approach to meet customers’ needs, from vehicle design and flexible manufacturing to training and aftermarket sustainment. Oshkosh can also provide in-country manufacturing capabilities to provide lasting value to local economies. The company has produced more than 100,000 military-class trucks and trailers, with vehicle payloads that cover the complete light-to-heavy spectrum.

Oshkosh vehicles have been proven on severe off-road terrain and against a variety of modern threats, and used by militaries, special forces units and government agencies around the world. Oshkosh’s advanced technologies deliver capabilities such as extensive off-road mobility, exportable power, autonomous operation and integrated on-board diagnostics.

Oshkosh’s aftermarket solutions cover the complete spectrum of vehicle life-cycle support, including training services, instruction manuals, maintenance and repairs, parts supply, and fleet restoration services. Oshkosh Field Service Representatives (FSR) travel globally to ensure vehicles and personnel are at peak operational readiness. The company’s robust operator and maintenance training services provide systems-level expertise on the platforms and technologies they support, with classes offered at the Oshkosh Product Training Center, regional service centers around the world or in-theater. Additionally, Oshkosh’s parts-supply network is available around the clock to provide instant access to spare and repair parts for all vehicle makes and models.

The SandCat TPV is part of the Oshkosh SandCat family of vehicles and can be configured to meet individual performance, protection and payload needs. The vehicle’s armor system can be customized based on the threat level and mission profile. Seating capacity can be adjusted to accommodate four to nine passengers. The vehicle also can be equipped with standard or customized storage, and is typically integrated with a wide array of weapons and communications systems. The SandCat TPV’s compact design, combined with a 14-inch vertical step capability and 42-foot curb-to-curb turning circle, enables mobility in both tight urban settings and rugged rural landscapes.

The SandCat family of vehicles also includes the base vehicle, Special Operations Vehicle (SOV) and Mine-Resistant Light Patrol Vehicle (M-LPV). These variants are based on the same lightweight, highly maneuverable platform for eased maintenance and repairs worldwide. Oshkosh has received orders for the SandCat from Mexico, the United States, Sweden, Bulgaria, Canada, Nigeria and Israel.

Oshkosh Defense leadership will be available at LAAD Security to discuss the company’s full range of vehicle and service offerings at booth #J19.

About Oshkosh Defense
Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection. For more information, visit www.oshkoshdefense.com.

About Oshkosh Corporation
Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corporation manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, visitwww.oshkoshcorporation.com.

®, TM All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that the Company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the expected level and timing of the DoD’s procurement of products and services and funding thereof, including the impact of the DoD’s allocation of certain tires which will restrict and delay certain FHTV sales; risks related to reductions in government expenditures in light of U.S. defense budget pressures and an uncertain DoD tactical wheeled vehicle strategy; the cyclical nature of the Company’s access equipment, commercial and fire & emergency markets, especially during periods of global economic uncertainty, lower municipal spending and tight credit markets; the Company’s ability to produce vehicles under the FMTV contract at targeted margins; the duration of the ongoing global economic weakness, which could lead to additional impairment charges related to many of the Company’s intangible assets and/or a slower recovery in the Company’s cyclical businesses than equity market expectations; the potential for the U.S. government to competitively bid the Company’s Army and Marine Corps contracts; the consequences of financial leverage, which could limit the Company’s ability to pursue various opportunities; increasing commodity and other raw material costs, particularly in a sustained economic recovery; the ability to pass on to customers price increases to offset higher input costs; risks related to costs and charges as a result of facilities consolidation and alignment, including that anticipated cost savings may not be achieved; risks related to the collectability of receivables, particularly for those businesses with exposure to construction markets; the cost of any warranty campaigns related to the Company’s products; risks related to production or shipment delays arising from quality or production issues; risks associated with international operations and sales, including foreign currency fluctuations and compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; the potential for increased costs relating to compliance with changes in laws and regulations; risks related to disruptions in the Company’s distribution networks; risks related to actions of activist shareholders; and the Company’s ability to successfully execute on its strategic road map and meet its long-term financial goals. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update information contained in this press release. Investors should be aware that the Company may not update such information until the Company’s next quarterly earnings conference call, if at all.


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Oshkosh Defense
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DTN News - BRAZIL DEFENSE NEWS: Brazil Minister Heads To India To Improve Defense Ties

Defense War News Updates: DTN News - BRAZIL DEFENSE NEWS: Brazil Minister Heads To India To Improve Defense Ties
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Defense News - AFP
 (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 3, 2012: Brazilian Defense Minister Celso Amorim is to travel to India this week for talks on boosting bilateral military cooperation, his office announced.

Brazil and India are members of the BRICS group of emerging powers (along with China, Russia and South Africa) and Brasilia views its multi-faceted partnership with New Delhi, including in the defense field, as a “strategic priority.”

Amorim was due in New Delhi on Feb. 7 at the start of a five-day visit that will include talks with Prime Minister Manmoham Singh and Defense Minister A.K. Antony as well as visits of military installations, his ministry said in a statement released Feb. 1.

India “has one of the world’s biggest armed forces” and like Brazil “seeks to reduce its technological dependence on other countries,” the statement added. “There is a great potential for scientific, technological cooperation (with India), to develop projects of mutual interest.”

Brazil is keen on expanding its own defense industry and its military purchases to upgrade its air and naval forces are conditioned on technology transfer and construction in this country.

Amorim was expected to discuss naval cooperation with his Indian counterparts, particularly plans to build aircraft carriers and Scorpene-class submarines, in addition to expand exchanges between military academies of the two countries.

India announced Feb. 1 that it has selected the Rafale, a modern multi-role jet built by French firm Dassault Aviation, as its preferred next-generation interceptor, but details of the $12 billion (9.1 billion euros) contract remain to be ironed out.

Last December, French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said during a visit to Brazil that he was confident that Brasilia would buy the Rafale because the aircraft’s technology cannot be matched.

The Rafale is competing against U.S. aviation giant Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet and Swedish manufacturer Saab’s Gripen jet to supply Brazil with 36 multi-role combat aircraft.

India has also purchased Legacy 600 business jets from Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer.

Meanwhile, Amorim was to stop in the southern Italian city of Palermo on Feb. 6 for talks with his Italian counterpart Giampaolo Di Paola And on Feb. 10, the Brazilian minister will be in Rabat for talks with Moroccan Defense Minister Abdellatif Loudiyi and Foreign Minister Saad Eddine Othmani.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Defense News - AFP
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DTN News - ISRAELI DEFENSE NEWS: Elbit Successfully Completed Customer Acceptance Tests Of First 30mm Unmanned Turret Supplied To The Brazilian Army

Defense War News Updates: DTN News - ISRAELI DEFENSE NEWS: Elbit Systems Successfully Completed Customer Acceptance Tests Of First 30mm Unmanned Turret Supplied To The Brazilian Army

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Elbit Systems

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 8, 2011: Haifa, Israel -- Elbit Systems Ltd. ("ESLT") announced that it has successfully concluded customer acceptance tests of first 30mm unmanned turret UT30BR, integrated into the Brazilian IVECO 6X6 Guarani vehicle.

The unmanned turret was fielded at CAEx (the Brazilian Army's Marambaia testing facility in Rio de Janeiro), testing all its operational functions as well as firing both static and moving targets. The tests were successfully completed, complying to all requirements and to the customer's full satisfaction.

In 2009, after a bid between world leading turrets manufacturers, Elbit Systems was selected to supply unmanned turrets to the Brazilian Army's Land Forces. This multi-year program holds great potential to the company in terms of future procurement.

Earlier this year (2011), Elbit Systems' Brazilian subsidiary, AEL SISTEMAS SA, ("AEL") was awarded a framework contract, for the supply of UT30BR 30 mm Unmanned Turrets to the Brazilian Army’s Land Forces, as part of the Guarani Project.

Elbit Systems' unmanned turret is a complete system, incorporating a 30mm automatic cannon, a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, a Laser Warning System (LWS), commander panoramic sight and smoke grenade launchers. In addition to the aforementioned elements, Elbit Systems' unmanned turret is fully dual axis stabilized and combines an automatic target tracker.

The unmanned turret features Elbit Systems' proprietary technology, answering a suitable solution to the asymmetric warfare challenges. The unique design, operated from within the crew compartment without exposure to external hazards, is based on extensive battlefield experience in full scale and low intensity conflicts, and attests to Elbit Systems' leadership in the field of turret and fire control systems.

About Elbit Systems

Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs throughout the world. The Company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance ("C4ISR"), unmanned aircraft systems ("UAS"), advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, airborne warning systems, ELINT systems, data links and military communications systems and radios. The Company also focuses on the upgrading of existing military platforms, developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications and providing a range of support services.

For additional information, visit: http://www.elbitsystems.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) regarding Elbit Systems Ltd. and/or its subsidiaries (collectively the Company), to the extent such statements do not relate to historical or current fact. Forward Looking Statements are based on management's expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual future results, performance and trends may differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation: scope and length of customer contracts; governmental regulations and approvals; changes in governmental budgeting priorities; general market, political and economic conditions in the countries in which the Company operates or sells, including Israel and the United States among others; differences in anticipated and actual program performance, including the ability to perform under long-term fixed-price contracts; and the outcome of legal and/or regulatory proceedings. The factors listed above are not all-inclusive, and further information is contained in Elbit Systems Ltd.'s latest annual report on Form 20-F, which is on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. The Company does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Elbit Systems

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DTN News - LAAD-2011 NEWS: Russia Aims To Expand Presence On Latin American Arms Market

Defense War News Updates: DTN News - LAAD-2011 NEWS: Russia Aims To Expand Presence On Latin American Arms Market

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Ria Novosti

(NSI News Source Info)

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil

- April 14, 2011:

The arms market in Latin America, especially in Brazil, show a great potential for exports of Russian weaponry, a senior Russian defense industry official said.

More than 300 types of weaponry are being showcased by Russia at the Latin America Aero and Defense 2011 (LAAD-2011) arms show in Rio de Janeiro on April 12-15.

"The arms market of Latin America is expansive and promising. Brazil holds a leading position among our partners in terms of its potential for the acquisition of [Russian] military hardware and equipment," said Sergei Goreslavsky, the head of marketing at Russian Technologies State Corporation, who leads the Russian delegation at the LAAD-2011.

In addition to the wide array of combat aircraft and helicopters, including the Sukhoi Su-35 and Su-30MK2 multirole fighters andKa-52 Hokum B attack helicopters, Russia will focus on marketing its highly-acclaimed air defense systems, such as S-400, Tor-M2E, Buk-M2E, Tunguska-M1, Pantsyr-S1, and Igla-S.

"Modern warfare, as the recent events in Northern Africa confirmed, is conducted mainly from the air," Goreslavsky said. "That's why the purchase of advanced air defense systems offered by Russia becomes a serious consideration."

"We are hoping to gain some ground in this direction," the official added.

Russia, the world's second largest arms exporter after the United States, sold $8.6 billion worth of weaponry last year and is looking to increase its arms sales to almost $10 bln in 2011.

Rosoboronexport has established mutually beneficial arms trade ties with Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Uruguay, and Ecuador through active marketing efforts. These countries express their interest in Russian air defense systems, radars, combat aircraft and helicopters, naval equipment, and small arms.

Related News;

• Russia boosts arms sales to Latin America — Lavrov
• Russia hopes to make $9.5 bln in 2011 arms sales (Update 1)
• Russia to sell Mi-17 helicopters to Argentina
• Russia, Brazil discuss joint production of armored police cars

Multimedia

• The Pantsyr-S1 mobile short-range gun and missile air defense system
• Pantsir hits cruise missile target
• Pantsir-S anti-aircraft weapons system destroys targets automatically
• S-400 Triumf air missile defense system
• S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system
• S-400 Triumf destroys supersonic target
• The S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system in action
• Russia unveils upgraded Igla-S short-range air-defense system
• Russia’s Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Ria Novosti

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: French President Nicolas Sarkozy Promises Brazil Fighter Jet Technology

Defense War News Updates: DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: French President Nicolas Sarkozy Promises Brazil Fighter Jet Technology

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Reuters

(NSI News Source Info)

SAO PAULO, Brazil

- March 14, 2011:

French President Nicolas Sarkozy promised Brazil his government would support Dassault's proposed technology transfer of its new fighter jet as the company seeks an edge in its bid to win a multibillion-dollar Brazilian military contract.

Brazil, which wants to rebuild and expand its dilapidated fleet of air force jets, has been considering offers from France's Dassault Aviation (Paris:AVMC.PA - News), Boeing (NYSE:BA - News) and Sweden's Saab (Stockholm:SAABB.ST - News) .

Aside from the price and tactical considerations of Dassault's Rafale, Boeing's F-18 and Saab's Griffon, Brazil needs a technology transfer to help create jobs by manufacturing modern fighters at home and potentially exporting them to neighbors in Latin America.

Dassault's Rafale, which has been struggling to repeat the success of foreign sales of the company's Mirage jet, appeared close to clinching its first foreign deal with former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who had said he preferred the French plane over its rivals.

But Lula's successor, Dilma Rousseff, appears to be leaning toward Boeing's F-18 after saying she wanted to rethink all the finalists' bids. Since taking office in January, Rousseff has pursued stronger political ties with the United States.

She met with Senator John McCain earlier this year in Brasilia and is preparing to welcome U.S. President Barack Obama next week in his first visit to Latin America's largest country.

In an interview published on Saturday in Brazilian magazine Veja, Sarkozy said the French government would guarantee the transfer of core technology for the Rafale if Brazil opted for the Dassault bid to provide 36 jets.

"The offer that we made is accompanied by the unrestricted transfer of technology guaranteed by the French state," Sarkozy said, "which neither of the other two competitors have the condition to do with credibility."

The proposed deals, with initial offers ranging from $4 billion to $6 billion, potentially involves the purchase of more than 100 aircraft.

The deal is the cornerstone of Brazil's plans to bolster defense capabilities as it tries to leverage its growing economy into global political clout.

(Reporting by Reese Ewing; Editing by Peter Cooney)

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