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eeitonline · 2 years ago

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Empowering Workers: Addressing Limited Access to Education and Training in the Black Sea Region

by Eastern European Institute for Trade

Fostering a skilled and educated workforce is essential for countries in the Black Sea region to remain competitive and achieve sustainable economic growth. However, limited access to education and vocational training poses a significant challenge for these nations. This article delves into the root causes of this issue, highlights the importance of investing in human capital, and proposes viable solutions to empower workers in the Black Sea region.

One critical factor contributing to the limited access to education and training is the inadequate allocation of resources in this domain. Scholars have noted that governments in the region often prioritize other sectors over education, which ultimately undermines human capital development (Doroshenko, 2017). In addition, high levels of corruption and inefficient bureaucracy further exacerbate the problem, as they hinder the effective implementation of educational policies and programs (Popescu, 2019).

Moreover, the Black Sea region has been facing a brain drain, with skilled workers and professionals migrating to more developed countries in search of better opportunities (Murgescu, 2016). This has led to a significant loss of talent and expertise, further weakening the region’s capacity to provide quality education and training to its workforce.

To address these challenges, it is crucial for the governments in the Black Sea region to prioritize education and training, allocating sufficient resources and ensuring their efficient use. A successful example can be found in the European Union’s efforts to improve education and training through the European Social Fund (ESF), which has effectively supported member states in enhancing their human capital (European Commission, 2021).

Furthermore, fostering public-private partnerships can help bridge the gap between the skills acquired through formal education and the skills required by the labor market. By collaborating with businesses and industries, educational institutions can design curricula that better prepare students for their future careers (Hanushek et al., 2017).

Finally, regional cooperation and knowledge sharing can be instrumental in addressing the education and training challenges in the Black Sea region. Collaborative initiatives and networks, such as the Black Sea Universities Network, provide a platform for countries to share best practices and leverage their resources more effectively (Black Sea Universities Network, 2020).

In conclusion, investing in education and training is paramount for the Black Sea region to unlock its full potential and ensure sustainable growth. By prioritizing human capital development and implementing targeted policies, countries in the region can empower their workers and secure a brighter future for their economies.

References:

Black Sea Universities Network. (2020). About BSUN. Sourced from http://www.bsun.org/about-bsun

Doroshenko, Y. (2017). Education policy in the Black Sea region: Challenges and perspectives. Southeast European and Black Sea Studies, 17(3), 431–446.

European Commission. (2021). European Social Fund. Sourced from https://ec.europa.eu/esf/home.jsp?langId=en

Hanushek, E. A., Schwerdt, G., Woessmann, L., & Zhang, L. (2017). General education, vocational education, and labor-market outcomes over the life cycle. Journal of Human Resources, 52(1), 48–87.

Murgescu, B. (2016). Labor migration and brain drain in the Black Sea region. Romanian Journal of European Affairs, 16(2), 52–63.

Popescu, G. (2019). Corruption in education: A major challenge for sustainable development in the Black Sea region. Global Economic Observer, 7(1), 162–170.

Read more at Eastern European Institute for Trade.

#EEIT #Eastern European Institute For Trade #Brain Drain Solutions #Skill Building Strategies #Human Capital Investment #industry collaboration Black Sea #Black Sea labor market #workforce development Eastern Europe #vocational training Black Sea

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usafphantom2 · 20 days ago

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VX-9 ‘Vampires’ F/A-18F Super Hornet Brandishes Heavy Air-to-Air Loadout During Gray Flag 2024

David Cenciotti

AIM-174

The heavy loadout, featuring four AIM-174s, three AIM-120s and two AIM-9s, first spotted on “Vandy 1” at the beginning of September, was not a one-off test.

In September, we reported on a U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet from VX-9 “Vampires” showcasing an unprecedented air-to-air loadout, featuring four CATM-174B, three CATM-120, and two CATM-9X missiles, along with a targeting pod and an IRST (Infrared Search and Track) mounted on an external fuel tank. What made the photos taken at Naval Air Station Point Mugu especially notable was that the heavy loadout was carried by “Vandy 1,” BuNo 166673—the flagship of the Vampires squadron. This aircraft sports a unique black livery celebrating the squadron’s 30th anniversary, inspired by the classic livery of VX-4 commander’s F-4s and F-14s, which previously bore the “Vandy 1” callsign.

The heavy loadout, featuring four AIM-174s, three AIM-120s and two AIM-9s, first spotted on “Vandy 1” at the beginning of September, was not a one-off test.AIM-174B

Interestingly, this configuration wasn’t a one-time test. On September 24, 2024, “Vandy 1,” again equipped with the same extensive air-to-air loadout, joined a VX-9 F-35C and a 422nd TES F-15E in a photo session over the Point Mugu Sea Range, marking the conclusion of the Gray Flag 2024 exercise.

From September 17-23, Gray Flag 2024 brought together U.S. and allied forces, alongside academic and industry collaborators, for a large-scale, joint testing event hosted by Naval Test Wing Pacific and VX-9 at Naval Base Ventura County in Point Mugu, California. This year’s event saw participation from over 3,000 personnel across the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force, executing more than 60 test initiatives. With roughly 600 aircraft sorties and more than 26 distinct systems tested on the ground, Gray Flag highlighted the vast scope of multi-domain capabilities under rigorous evaluation. Conducted on the expansive 36,000-square-mile Point Mugu Sea Range, operated by the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), the event used Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) test elements to simulate advanced, multi-domain combat scenarios in a controlled, realistic environment.

“Gray Flag 2024 was an unparalleled opportunity to bring together diverse branches of the military, academic institutions, science and technology experts, and allied forces,” said Capt. David Halpern, Naval Test Wing Pacific commodore.

The range of participants enabled realistic evaluation of system interoperability, informing future requirements and tactics across domains. Importantly, allied involvement was integral to the event, reflecting the coalition-based approach crucial to real-world operations. Rear Adm. Keith Hash, commander of NAWCWD and Chief of Test at Naval Air Systems Command, emphasized that integrating and operating with allies remains a strategic priority:

“The U.S. Navy operates within a global warfighting ecosystem. To deter aggression and uphold freedom of the seas, we need to test alongside our partners, just as we operate with them.”

AIM-174B

As we’ve detailed in recent months, the AIM-174B missile is a variant of the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) repurposed for air-to-air engagements. Originally designed as the RIM-174 Standard Extended Range Active Missile (ERAM), the SM-6 serves as the U.S. Navy’s primary long-range anti-air and anti-missile defense solution, integrated with the Aegis Combat System on Navy vessels.

The SM-6 ERAM is a key asset in the Navy’s long-range air defense strategy. Derived from the RIM-156A SM-2ER Block IV airframe and equipped with an active radar seeker from the AIM-120 AMRAAM, the SM-6 is capable of reaching Mach 3.5 and has a range of 200 nautical miles in its ship-based form.

While traditionally ship-launched, the SM-6 has been tested in air-launched configurations as early as 2018 and again in 2021 on other VX-31 Super Hornets, but only this year has its deployment accelerated, with further involvement from operational units.

In April 2024, an F/A-18 was spotted carrying the AIM-174, then, on Jul. 2, 2024, an F/A-18E Super Hornet belonging to the VFA-192 “Golden Dragons” was photographed taxiing at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, carrying two AIM-174B missiles marking the first appearance of the missile on a frontline platform during RIMPAC 2024. At the beginning of September, images of VX-9’s Super Hornet carrying four AIM-174s mounted on both inner and middle hardpoints, along with AIM-120s set a new benchmark for its air-to-air load capacity. Additionally, the ASG-34A IRST integrated on the fuel tank complemented the Super Hornet’s radar, providing advanced tracking capability in electronic warfare or radar-denied settings.

While details on the air-launched AIM-174B’s maximum range remain unclear, it is likely to exceed the surface-launched version when launched at altitude and speed, positioning it among the longest-range air-to-air weapons in the U.S. inventory and filling the void left by the retirement of the AIM-54 Phoenix.

Officially acknowledged in July as operationally deployed with CVW-2 aboard the USS Carl Vinson, the AIM-174B’s availability in IOC (Initial Operating Capability) extends the U.S. Navy’s reach in long-range engagement. Although publicly seen with only inert and training versions, live missiles are likely already available in the fleet.

As we explained in a previous post:

With the induction of the AIM-174B into service, the U.S. Navy joins a number of air arms capable of deploying an extra-long-range beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), like the MBDA Meteor, the Russian R-37M and Chinese PL-15 and PL-21. In fact, the AIM-174B enables the U.S. Navy Super Hornets to engage targets at much greater distances than is currently possible with the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Integrated with the E-2D, F-35, and AEGIS within the Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA) system, the AIM-174B would extend the Navy’s capability to intercept aerial targets at ranges comparable to (if not greater than) those achieved against naval targets using the baseline SM-6.

In essence, this new missile fills the gap left by the retirement of the AIM-54 Phoenix. The AIM-54 was a long-range air-to-air missile used by the U.S. Navy’s F-14 Tomcat and retired in 2004 alongside the F-14. Known for its impressive range of over 100 nautical miles and multiple-target engagement capability, the AIM-54 left a significant void in long-range engagement capabilities.

While there wasn’t a direct replacement for the AIM-54 Phoenix in terms of range, the U.S. military has been developing advanced air-to-air missiles to enhance its fighter aircraft capabilities. The AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) is one such development intended to replace the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Although not a direct replacement for the AIM-54 Phoenix, the AIM-260 aims to offer improved range and performance compared to the AIM-120.

@TheAviationist .com

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wenella · 2 years ago

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Zhu Yilong: A New Adventure is about to Begin

朱一龙：新的冒险即将开启

EN translation of Zhu Yilong's Harper's Bazaar June 2023 Cover Issue Feature Interview by wenella

2023 is a brand new year for Zhu Yilong. It is also a year full of possibilities.

The 35-year-old has started promoting two films that he starred in, namely “Lost in the Stars,” a suspenseful crime film produced by Chen Sicheng, which will be released soon, and “Only the River Flows,” a collaboration with Wei Shujun, which was selected for the 76th Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard category.

At the age of 35, Zhu Yilong is entering a phase that he has been anticipating.

He performs roles and writes new stories for them.

He is the person in the story, yet he is also the person who creates the story.

"I calculate time with my work."

Zhu Yilong calculates time with his works. Two movies a year. Ten more films later, he'll be 40 years old. This is how he counts.

Zhu Yilong was filming on his 35th birthday on April 16, 2023. He didn’t prepare for his birthday live stream but took the opportunity to chat with his fans on his birthday. He seemed a little nervous as he was doing the live stream alone. “Well, I don’t see anyone else while live streaming.”

Among the new generation of male actors, Zhu Yilong’s career trajectory is considered rather smooth; he learnt to play the piano in elementary school, enrolled in Beijing Film Academy to learn acting, and kickstarted his acting career in his junior year. After graduation, he garnered audience’s attention and support for his various drama roles. The web drama Guardian propelled him to popularity in 2018. In the show, he played three roles Shen Wei, Black Robe Envoy, and Ye Zun, and impressed viewers with his mature acting skills.

Yet, he also seems a little different from his peers. He seems rather mature for his age. Perhaps it is due to his shy, introverted personality, or the way he looks at people with his soft, glistening gaze in films, conveying sentiments that can only be spoken through his eyes. He is rather arty too and has performed Liang Bo’s “Boy,” Lo Ta-yu’s “Dream Chasers,” and Hedgehog’s “Cloud Bound Train” on stage. He doesn’t appear on variety shows and rarely does live streams. All these make him seem a little special.

In one of Zhu Yilong’s rare live streams in 2022, he sang the theme song of “Lighting up the Stars.” The film is a tragicomedy that deals with a unique theme; he plays Mo Sanmei, a young man from Wuhan who works in the funeral industry. After an encounter with a little girl, Mo Sanmei finds a sense of responsibility and the meaning to his life. In order to play this role well, Zhu Yilong experienced life in a funeral parlour and sported a buzz cut. “I love the joys of reunion and sorrows of parting; I love the everyday life in this world.” He has sung the film’s theme song on several occasions. Each time, he played either the piano or the guitar, with his head lowered, while articulating the lyrics in his deep voice clearly. Beneath his gentle demeanour, we see occasional flashes of Mo Sanmei’s defiance and enthusiasm.

Zhu Yilong said that there are so many film genres that he would like to try. “I want to work with different directors and try different acting styles.” As such, he feels the lack of time acutely. He wants to keep making movies. The sceneries of his journeys, the waves of the sea, the winds of the world…… he hopes to depict everything that he sees, encounters, and feels, through the cinematic lens.

In Zhu Yilong’s opinion, there is no distinction between the status of a film actor and a TV actor. It has nothing to do with status. Rather, making movies requires the actor to immerse himself in a totally different circumstance. “You will experience something different from your life, you will need to leave your comfort zone and experience a circumstance that you are unlikely to encounter in your life.” As an actor, he enjoys this kind of life. He said that being an actor has taught him to be reflective. He used to read scripts and find certain situations unreasonable. However, if he encounters such issues now, he would reflect to see if he finds the situation unreasonable simply because he hasn’t experienced something similar, or if it is one that he doesn’t truly understand.

“In fact, most of the time, it is most likely due to the fact that we haven’t experienced such situations before. Real life can be more dramatic and hyperbolic than in scripts.”

“Hiding behind his role and helping the creator to complete the work"

In May 2023, the film Only the River Flows, directed by Wei Shujun and starring Zhu Yilong, was selected for the 76th Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard section.

Only the River Flows was shot on 16mm film, making it a brand new experience for Zhu Yilong. Zhu Yilong described Wei Shujun as an extremely talented young director and they would often discuss filmmaking.

"The overall creative direction of this film, the acting style, and the way the plot advances, differ greatly from my previous films. Unlike regular movies that utilize character's emotions to create plot twists, Only the River Flows shows how the whole story and atmosphere changed the character instead.”

Zhu Yilong’s upcoming film is a commercial suspense thriller “Lost in the Stars.” He adopted a completely different way of acting in this film. “There are many types of films and there is no one way of acting that is necessarily more ‘superior.’ Different genres require different acting styles.” He said, “I was initially hesitant to accept the role when I first read the script because the character is highly complex. He often vacillates between different states – this character isn’t linear and I wasn’t sure how the role would be presented eventually. However, audiences might find this aspect thrilling because there are plenty of plot twists.”

Zhu Yilong spoke with the film’s producer Chen Sicheng many times and in great detail about the film’s production and expected outcomes. Chen Sicheng told Zhu Yilong that he wanted to make an extreme genre film. Zhu Yilong agreed with the mode of presentation and decided to join the team.

“I realised something very interesting.” After making Lighting up the Stars and Lost in the Stars, Zhu Yilong noted, “Transforming into a character isn’t only about changing a look, gaining or losing weight for the role, or simply growing long hair or a moustache. Rather, it is related to one’s understanding of acting. The transformation needs to be thorough. If I use only one type of acting method to take on different genres, I am just merely repeating myself and not really challenging different genres.”

On the topic of self expression, Zhu Yilong admitted, “It is difficult for an actor to express his world views through his character or performance.” He feels that an actor is only a medium. A film is constituted by its director, lighting, art…… and many other creators; the actor is just one aspect of the entire creativity process. Therefore, he doesn’t seek to express himself through the lens. Rather, he hopes to help every creator and director to realize their work and to present their vision as holistically as possible – a film isn’t merely about what an actor has to say to the world.

Zhu Yilong, who wishes to remain hidden behind his role and avoids repeating himself, is striving to do his best in every step he takes. He shows us how an ordinary person can gain recognition through hard work, one step at a time.

"Allowing myself to be more relaxed"

When Zhu Yilong isn’t filming, his life is quite boring. He admitted that he is an introvert and said, “My lives in films are so exciting. I’m actually quite tired each time I wrap a film. So I just want to keep things simple and comfortable; I will be more than satisfied just to get enough rest.”

Zhu Yilong is 35 years old. He is considered to be at his prime, though not necessarily young anymore. However, his smile, eyes, and posture, still exude a youthful charm. On his birthday, he said that he didn't want to celebrate, but he would like to make a birthday wish. When we asked him what he would like to say to his 40-year-old self, he said, “I don’t want to talk to my 40-year old self. Time is passing so quickly. I don’t feel like 40 years old is a distant age. Time passes very quickly when one is busy.”

A few years ago, Zhu Yilong thought that getting less exposure and not going on variety shows could help to preserve an actor's mystique. But he thinks differently now. “Everyone has the right to choose how they want to live and everyone has the right to choose their acting style. There is no hard-and-fast rule regarding acting. If they feel comfortable or enjoy participating in variety shows as part of their job, why not?”

These changes happened over the past two years. Previously, Zhu Yilong would think, “I aspire to become this type of actor, I will work hard in this manner, I will go to this extent for my role…” However, he feels that it doesn’t really matter anymore. “As long as it isn’t something calculated or deliberate, I think it is fine,” he said with regards to what type of acting he preferred and the goals he hoped to achieve.

“I just want to let my acting be more natural, I want to be more relaxed. I don’t deem my roles as pathways to quick success nor weigh the advantages of each role I play. I don’t think about what I can get from a role.”

“I don’t want to seek approval or recognition for the characters I play or my acting style. I don’t think too much about this issue. I just hope that I am able to enjoy the process of creating my roles, of emptying and transforming myself into my character as much as possible.”

For him, every performance is a door.

The completion of a work is not the end, but the door that leads to his next adventure.

#zhu yilong #朱一龍 #zhuyilong #朱一龙 #cannes2023 #cannes #lost in the stars #消失的她 #lighting up the stars #only the river flows #wenella #河边的错误 #人生大事

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plethoraworldatlas · 10 months ago

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Basics of WoT: 4th Age

This is the starting information/overview of the state of the world in the grand scale for the Fourth Age project I worked on.

The setting takes place 25-35 years after the very end of the series (Most likely 1035 NE; A new Calendar has been proposed amongst all Dragon Peace nations, but only some have decided to start phasing it in, using two calendars until 1100 NE/65 PD "Post Dragon Reborn")

The Industrial Revolution has taken swing, the new Printing Press in particular igniting a thousand different fires of revolution and repression

Powers and abilities from Ages past creep back into the world, and new Powers never seen appear as well

The "Peace" of the Lands

The Dragon Peace unites all of the Westlands (also called Marhol) not occupied by the Seanchan, as well as the Aiel Three-fold Lands under a order of peace, with the Aiel taking the role of the primary Peacekeepers

The Griffin Truce, named for the Seanchan Raven and the Lion of Andor as the signing took place in Caemlyn, has formalized non-aggression between the Dragon Peace United nations and the Seanchan occupation and its Imperial Dominions

The Seanchan Empire under Empress Fortuona rules its Dominions, yet under the the Viewings of the Doomseer, they have yet to return in force to their fractured home Continent to reform the Empire as a whole

Republicanism has become a fire sweeping through a world of Monarchies, splitting the young Empire of the Sun and the founding member of the Republic's League, the Rivers Republic

The White Tower is rocked by scandal after the greatest journalistic reporting of the century reveals to the world a major secret of the Hall, as well as the different directions the Ajahs move

The Black Tower raises in prominence, yet the world still distrusts male channelers

The great Empire of Shara has collapsed to the joy of those they subjugated for centuries, only for the "Restoration Peacekeeping" to lead to strife as outsiders try to decide the fates of entire peoples

the Aiel balance their role as peacekeepers with the reckoning coming towards them; Fueds with the Seanchan, the uncertain future of the Three-fold Lands, New visions of possible futures guiding their choices as peacekeepers yet still each choice made to prevent one dark future seems to cause another. The Clans united under the Dragon Reborn, but what of the new holds in the Wetlands? What of the remnant Free Shaido? What of the Warrior society's without wars?

The Atha'an Meire have formed their Empire of All Seas in reaction to the new age of imperialism, Traveling and Gateways, and industrial trading

The Shadow's Corruption has diminished from the Blight, yet monsters and Trollocs and Darkfriends and Turned remain; With the Dark One sealed away, however, the now Free Trolloc are said to have turned from the chains their old master put on their minds, and collaboration between the White and Black Towers lead many to believe those forcibly Turned to the Shadow may yet be saved. Ancient hate does not die easily, and the Broderlanders and the world at large itch to take the new frontiers of the Wild North, to Crusade against what is seen as the last vestiges of the Dark

The Borderland Bloc has formed to unite the weary borderlanders among the Dragon Peace and rebuild greater and with more prominence; In 2 years, the First Premier Imperator's 12 year term shall end and a new ruler of the Bloc must be elected, with nearly every choice leading the Bloc into one grand conflict or another

Everloyal Darkfriends scheme still, and those forced to serve the Dark fight to survive a world where there is little mercy for those so much as touched once by the Shadow. Dreadlords attempt to carve out realms of their own

This and more is the state of the world.

Will the peace hard fought for stand strong, or is such a thing a fantasy during the rising Age of Empires and Industry? Will the world become one where all peoples and perhaps even all species exist together, or is domination inevitable? In a new age, called the Fourth Age by some, will the times to come be known as a Great Ending, or a Great Beginning?

Notes:

I ramped up on some of the poetical wordings for this. Also, my notes are harder to read than I remember. Marhol is directly from @highladyluck from Tumblr, I was working on this long enough to see them post their idea for the name of the Continent and I always liked it better than Westlands. Obviously, Rand wanted the Dragon Peace to bring, well, peace, but it's still basically just a Renaissance version of the EU; These are nations that have fought since their founding, facing a changing world, an empire occupying their Continent's western coast, and strung together under an agreement they were forced to sign with peacekeepers they don't understand as a culture who also aren't honestly the best option. The Aiel got flanderized in the last books by Sanderson, but there are serious issues with them being last minute made into basically the nationality of Peacekeepers. The Seafolk Empire is interesting in that it forms to protect their trading culture as well as the ports they were granted yet remains a brutal empire. The Borderland Bloc is similar, the borderlanders basically thanklessly fighting the Shadow for centuries while many thought the Trollocs they fought fairy-tales, being the most devastated nations after the Last Battle, unifying to rebuild each other and make sure the rest of the Dragon Peace remembers them; Still, every choice for the future leader is an iffy one. Don't worry, Malkier has been reformed, it has an interesting place in this mess. Everyone admits Shara was a mess, so I decided to try and fix it; Shara is the name of the Continent, but also the Empire that ruled it, and the other nations they oppressed and erased are "free" with its fall. This being the beginning of the age of imperialism, though, how "free" they are under "reconstruction" is soon to be decided. That's it for this one, go ahead and ask questions about the summary, keep in mind I will be doing posts for basically every nation and faction I have so asking things like "what's up in Andor?" will be answered later or have a special post to ask under. Please share if you like, this is basically my first big attempt at a project like this.

#wheel of time fourth age #wot book spoilers #wot #wot on prime #wheel of time

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koreangermanium · 1 year ago

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The 16 States of Germany: Exploring the Diversity and Unity

Germany, renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and economic prowess, is a country that consists of 16 distinct states, each with its own unique character and charm. From the bustling metropolitan areas to the serene countryside landscapes, Germany showcases a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition. Let's embark on a journey to discover the 16 states that contribute to the vibrant tapestry of this remarkable nation.

Table of Contents

- Introduction - Schleswig-Holstein: Where Land Meets Sea - Bavaria: A Tale of Traditions - Berlin: The Heart of Modernity - Baden-Württemberg: Innovation and Greenery - Saxony: Where History and Culture Converge - Hamburg: Gateway to the World - North Rhine-Westphalia: Industrious and Dynamic - Lower Saxony: Nature's Abode - Hesse: Where Urbanity Meets Heritage - Rhineland-Palatinate: Vineyards and Beyond - Brandenburg: Castles and Lakes - Thuringia: Enchanting Landscapes - Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Coastal Beauty - Saxony-Anhalt: Of Art and Architecture - Saarland: Small yet Significant - Bremen: A Tale of Two Cities - Conclusion - FAQs - What is the significance of Germany's division into states? - Which state is known for its Oktoberfest celebrations? - What makes Berlin a unique capital city? - Which state is famous for its automotive industry? - Are the states of Germany culturally diverse?

Introduction

Germany's federal structure comprises 16 states, often referred to as Bundesländer. This decentralized system empowers each state to have its own constitution, government, and educational policies while collaborating on national matters.

Schleswig-Holstein: Where Land Meets Sea

Nestled between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, Schleswig-Holstein is renowned for its stunning coastline, charming villages, and maritime heritage. Visitors are drawn to its pristine beaches, and the iconic port city of Kiel hosts the renowned Kiel Week sailing event.

Bavaria: A Tale of Traditions

Bavaria, famous worldwide for its traditional culture, picturesque landscapes, and iconic Oktoberfest, embraces both its history and innovation. The state boasts fairytale castles like Neuschwanstein and a thriving technology sector.

Berlin: The Heart of Modernity

The capital city, Berlin, stands as a symbol of unity and progress. Rich in history, it houses iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, while also being a haven for artists, entrepreneurs, and diverse cultures.

Baden-Württemberg: Innovation and Greenery

Known for its high standard of living, Baden-Württemberg combines technological innovation with natural beauty. It's home to global automobile companies and the enchanting Black Forest region.

Saxony: Where History and Culture Converge

Saxony's historic cities like Dresden and Leipzig are cultural treasures. With a legacy of classical music, ornate architecture, and cutting-edge research, Saxony is a dynamic hub of art and innovation.

Hamburg: Gateway to the World

Hamburg, a bustling port city, has a maritime legacy that extends to its modernity. Its famous harbor, impressive architecture, and vibrant nightlife make it a global hub of trade and culture.

North Rhine-Westphalia: Industrious and Dynamic

This economic powerhouse, known as NRW, encompasses major cities like Cologne and Düsseldorf. With a rich industrial history, it's a melting pot of creativity, business, and diverse communities.

Lower Saxony: Nature's Abode

Lower Saxony is blessed with natural beauty, boasting the Wadden Sea National Park and serene landscapes. Hannover, its capital, seamlessly blends urban amenities with a tranquil environment.

Hesse: Where Urbanity Meets Heritage

In Hesse, the metropolis of Frankfurt contrasts with charming historic towns like Heidelberg. It's a financial center with a touch of tradition, offering a balanced urban and rural experience.

Rhineland-Palatinate: Vineyards and Beyond

This wine-producing region showcases medieval architecture, particularly in its capital, Mainz. Rhineland-Palatinate's rolling vineyards, combined with cultural heritage, make it a visual and culinary delight.

Brandenburg: Castles and Lakes

Surrounding Berlin, Brandenburg is a nature lover's paradise. Its serene lakes, picturesque countryside, and a plethora of castles create an idyllic escape from the urban bustle.

Thuringia: Enchanting Landscapes

Thuringia's dense forests and charming towns inspired poets like Goethe and Schiller. Erfurt and Weimar are cultural hotspots, offering insights into Germany's intellectual history.

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Coastal Beauty

The Baltic Sea coastline defines this state, where seaside resorts and historic towns abound. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is a haven for water sports enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility.

Saxony-Anhalt: Of Art and Architecture

Home to the Bauhaus movement, this state celebrates modern art and design. Saxony-Anhalt's cultural offerings extend to historic Magdeburg and the scenic Harz mountains.

Saarland: Small yet Significant

Saarland's picturesque landscapes and unique blend of French and German influences make it an intriguing destination. Its industrial heritage and natural beauty create a distinctive identity.

Bremen: A Tale of Two Cities

Bremen and Bremerhaven, two cities within this smallest state, offer maritime history and modern innovation. Bremen's UNESCO-listed market square and the German Emigration Center in Bremerhaven provide diverse experiences.

Conclusion

Germany's 16 states showcase a harmonious blend of traditions, innovation, nature, and culture. Each state contributes to the nation's identity, reminding us of the diversity that unites this remarkable country.

FAQs

- What is the significance of Germany's division into states? Germany's federal structure empowers states with autonomy while fostering unity on a national level. - Which state is known for its Oktoberfest celebrations? Bavaria is renowned for hosting the world-famous Oktoberfest, a celebration of Bavarian culture. - What makes Berlin a unique capital city? Berlin is a melting pot of art, history, and modernity, reflecting Germany's complex history and contemporary vitality. - Which state is famous for its automotive industry? Baden-Württemberg, with cities like Stuttgart, is a hub of automobile manufacturing and technological innovation. - Are the states of Germany culturally diverse? Yes, each state has its own distinct culture, traditions, and characteristics, contributing to Germany's rich diversity. Read the full article

#Baden-Württemberg #Bavaria #Bayern #berlin #Brandenburg #Bremen #hamburg #Hessen #States #Thüringen

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admirror12 · 1 year ago

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SEO Company In Delhi

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, the importance of a robust online presence cannot be overstated. As businesses strive to climb the ranks of search engine results, the role of a reputable SEO company in delhi becomes paramount. This guide aims to shed light on the crucial factors to consider when selecting an SEO partner that aligns with your business goals.

1. Understanding Your Business Needs: Before diving into the vast sea of SEO services, take a moment to assess your business requirements. Define your goals, target audience, and key performance indicators. This foundational step will guide your search for an SEO company tailored to your unique needs.

2. The Power of Proven Results: A top-notch SEO company is backed by a track record of success. Look for case studies, client testimonials, and performance metrics that demonstrate their ability to drive organic traffic, improve rankings, and elevate the online visibility of their clients.

3. Transparent Strategies and Communication: Effective communication is the bedrock of a successful partnership. A reliable SEO company should be transparent about their strategies, methodologies, and progress. Regular updates and open communication channels ensure that you are informed and involved in the optimization process.

4. Holistic SEO Services: A comprehensive SEO strategy encompasses various elements, including on-page optimization, off-page link building, content creation, and technical SEO. Ensure that the SEO company you choose offers a well-rounded suite of services to address every facet of search engine optimization.

5. Adherence to Ethical Practices: Beware of shortcuts that lead to temporary gains but long-term setbacks. A trustworthy SEO company adheres to ethical practices and industry standards. Avoid those that engage in black-hat tactics, as they can result in penalties and damage to your online reputation.

6. Customized Solutions for Your Industry: Every industry has its unique challenges and opportunities. Look for an SEO company that understands the intricacies of your niche and tailors their strategies to align with your industry-specific requirements.

7. Scalability and Flexibility: As your business grows, so should your SEO strategy. Choose an SEO company capable of adapting and scaling their services to meet the evolving needs of your business.

Conclusion: In the dynamic world of digital marketing, partnering with the right SEO Company In Delhi is a strategic move that can propel your business to new heights. By considering your specific needs, assessing their track record, and ensuring ethical practices, you pave the way for a successful collaboration that drives sustainable growth and online success.

#digitalmarketing

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tigerwalah1 · 3 months ago

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The Role of Wildlife Photography in Conservation Efforts

Wildlife photography has evolved from a niche hobby to a critical tool in conservation. Through the lens of skilled photographers, the beauty and vulnerability of the natural world are showcased, fostering public awareness and support for wildlife protection. This blog will explore how photography contributes to conservation, capturing the essence of endangered species, documenting habitat loss, and influencing policy changes. We will also discuss ethical photography practices and the importance of storytelling in preserving ecosystems for future generations.

1. The Power of Visual Storytelling in Conservation

Images have a unique ability to convey emotions and tell stories that words often cannot. In the case of wildlife photography, images can bring distant or endangered species to the forefront of public consciousness. From the plight of polar bears due to melting ice caps to elephants affected by poaching, photos can evoke empathy and spark action in viewers.

Photographers often dedicate their time to capturing moments that reveal the threats animals face in their natural habitats. These images can galvanize communities and lead to concrete action, such as donating to wildlife protection organizations, signing petitions, or supporting conservation projects. Wildlife photographers also collaborate with conservation groups, using their work to support awareness campaigns that focus on endangered species and habitats. The impact of a powerful photograph can lead to real-world results, helping to preserve species and promote sustainable practices.

Some of the most famous wildlife photos have been instrumental in raising awareness. For example, the heartbreaking image of a starving polar bear by National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen was shared widely across the globe, showing the dire impact of climate change. The image sparked important conversations about global warming and brought attention to the urgency of the problem. This is one of many examples of how photography can act as a catalyst for change.

2. Documenting Endangered Species and Habitats

One of the most important roles wildlife photography plays in conservation is documenting endangered species. As habitats are destroyed and animal populations dwindle, photography serves as a historical record and proof of these species’ existence. Documenting these animals in the wild helps inform scientists, policymakers, and the public about the state of biodiversity and the urgent need for action.

Some photographers work closely with scientists and researchers to capture detailed images that help with species identification, behavior analysis, and environmental impact assessments. These visual records aid in understanding the complexities of animal behaviors and ecosystems, and are also essential when trying to track and protect species that are difficult to observe. The photographs also serve as a reminder of what is at stake should conservation efforts fail.

For example, the black rhinoceros has been photographed extensively in various national parks, which has helped researchers monitor population numbers and track their behavior. Without the visual documentation from photographers, many species would remain out of sight and out of mind. Photographers essentially act as the eyes of conservation, helping the world see and appreciate biodiversity before it’s too late.

3. Raising Awareness of Habitat Destruction

Wildlife photography also highlights the devastating impact of habitat destruction, climate change, and human intervention. Deforestation, industrial expansion, and agricultural activities often lead to habitat loss, pushing species to the brink of extinction. Photographers often capture images of pristine landscapes before they are destroyed or degraded, providing a visual record of what is lost.

Images of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest or the bleaching of coral reefs due to rising sea temperatures serve as stark reminders of the consequences of human activity on the planet’s ecosystems. These images create a sense of urgency and can inspire governments, organizations, and individuals to take action. Whether through stricter environmental regulations or consumer changes, the imagery of habitat destruction is a powerful tool for mobilizing support for conservation.

Documentary projects like the ones by photographers working for National Geographic or other environmental organizations have been instrumental in driving conservation policy and raising funds for habitat restoration efforts. The visual portrayal of fragile ecosystems on the brink of collapse helps garner the attention needed for these causes.

4. Ethical Wildlife Photography: Respecting Nature

While wildlife photography can play a crucial role in conservation, it also comes with a responsibility to uphold ethical standards. Respect for the animals, their habitats, and ecosystems is paramount. Ethical wildlife photography ensures that animals are not harmed, disturbed, or manipulated in the process of capturing images. This respect for nature preserves the integrity of the ecosystem and minimizes human impact on wildlife.

Photographers should avoid getting too close to animals or interfering with their natural behavior. Using long lenses and following the guidance of experts helps photographers maintain a safe distance. It's also crucial to avoid baiting animals or using unethical methods to lure them for photographs. Many wildlife photographers take great care in promoting these ethical guidelines to ensure that the photography process does not harm the subjects they aim to protect.

In recent years, there has been an increased focus on the ethical responsibilities of wildlife photographers. Organizations like the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP) promote ethical practices, encouraging photographers to prioritize the well-being of animals and ecosystems above all else.

5. The Role of Social Media and Photography in Conservation Campaigns

In the digital age, social media has transformed how wildlife photography reaches the public. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter allow photographers to share their work instantly with millions of people around the world. Wildlife photos often go viral, gaining attention from a wide audience that might not have been reached through traditional media outlets.

Conservation organizations use social media to amplify their messages, using powerful images to raise awareness and gather support for their campaigns. Hashtags like #SavetheTigers or #EndangeredSpecies can bring attention to specific issues, while stunning images of wildlife can inspire people to take action. Many photographers also use their platforms to educate their followers about the importance of conservation, offering ways to get involved or donate to the cause.

For example, through the use of social media, numerous campaigns to save the elephants have gained traction globally, leading to greater awareness of poaching and illegal wildlife trade. The photographic evidence shared by conservationists brings the problem closer to home, pushing people to support legal reforms and participate in fundraising efforts.

Conclusion

Wildlife photography plays an indispensable role in conservation efforts, from raising awareness and documenting endangered species to influencing policies and public opinion. Through stunning and often heart-wrenching images, wildlife photographers help the world connect with nature and understand the urgency of protecting it. As the planet faces increasing threats from habitat destruction, climate change, and poaching, the work of these photographers is more critical than ever.

By practicing ethical wildlife photography and collaborating with conservation organizations, photographers can continue to make a positive impact on wildlife conservation. Their lens not only captures the beauty of the natural world but also tells stories that inspire action and change. For a deeper dive into the world of wildlife safaris and photography, explore the customized tours offered by Tigerwalah, and discover how you can contribute to conservation while experiencing the wild up close.

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deweydecimalchickens · 3 months ago

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I've been at Whitby Folk Week with my mum and there's this guy there, Reg Meuross, who's inexplicably hot shit. And I've decided I don't like him. I think he uses other people's tragedies to hawk some mediocre songs that all sound the same and are mostly about promoting Reg Meuross Political Songwriter Social Historian.

Last year we went to see his 'Stolen From God' show about the transatlantic slave trade, and I wanted to like it, and I was cutting it some slack because I think going to a rural sea port full of white people that's lost most of its industry and saying A Lot Of Sea Trade Was Bad Actually is a worthwhile and brave thing to do. But for a white guy collaborating with two black guys on a show about the slave trade, he was doing an awful lot of talking and getting an awful lot of the sympathetic POVs.

But yesterday we went to see his show 'Fire and Dust' about Woody Guthrie and fuck me it was bad. I mean I don't know if they were all hungover or didn't wanna be there or what but they were on stage for two thirty-minute halves with a thirty-minute break in between. And I literally learned more from reading the Wikipedia entry afterwards. "Well Woody Guthrie was just some guy, you know?" just about summed it up.

So much interesting stuff they could have talked about and didn't:

What the Dust Bowl actually was (about a decade with a very terrible combination of drought, Great Depression, soil erosion and dust storms affecting agriculture in Oklahoma and nearby areas, causing mass migration to California) and why it mattered, and how unwelcome "economic migrants" are still fleeing for their lives

The labour and communist organisations he was associated with, and the whole labour-history context in the US at that time. End the myth of the lone visionary!

His relationships with Pete Seeger, Lead Belly, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, and various others (boiled down to "Dylan liked him and visited him when he was dying")

How he got from being the N-word-using son of a Klansman to the man who wrote 'Old Man Trump' and 'Deportee'. That's not a natural progression in 1930s-50s America.

What it means to have an autosomal-dominant late-onset condition like Huntington's Disease in the family when nobody understands the genetics, you have eight kids with three different women (it seems like only two inherited it, but another three died too young from other causes to tell), disability is seen as a moral failing, there's no treatment, and getting committed to a lunatic asylum in the first half of the twentieth century is Very Bad Times. Your actual family curse.

Maybe he's angry drunk and traumatised because of his life, maybe the psychiatric symptoms of Huntington's kicked in early - he clearly wasn't any fun to live with. When he was much too young to be getting sick, his first father-in-law still tried to recruit Pete Seeger to get Guthrie to treat his wife better.

His second wife, Marjorie Greenblatt, what a woman! Professional dancer and daughter of a famous Yiddish poet. Has four kids with him including Arlo. Divorces him because he's impossible to live with. But then she comes back to nurse him through his final years (he's already got through a third wife by then), sets herself up as the archivist of all his papers, and starts what would become the Huntington's Disease Society of America.

Also he played two whole Woody Guthrie songs ('So Long it's Been Good to Know You' and 'This Land is Your Land', one of them twice, and forgot lines to both. Okay maybe he wasn't expecting that encore request but come on. This is supposed to be a culmination of studying his life and you half-know two songs? I reckon I could manage a half-decent rendition of 'Deportee' on five minutes' notice. Especially if I knew I didn't have enough songs to fill the set list with my own stuff and had an internet connection in my pocket. "Some of us are illegal and some are not wanted" is hella relevant right now. We saw Melrose Quartet later and Nancy Kerr explicitly said it was folk music's job in these times to say migration is normal and good.

#Woody Guthrie #Folk music #He came at the king and he missed #Dust Bowl ballads #Huntington's Disease #American folk music #Dust Bowl

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jeccry · 3 months ago

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The "Servant Country" in the "Five Eyes Alliance"

#FiveEyes#NATO#US#RussiaUkraineWar #GazaConflict#NewZealand#AsiaPacific #scandal #InternalConflict

Although these differences and the anxiety of the Australian side are not enough to shake the cornerstone of the alliance between the United States and Australia, former senior official of the Australian Ministry of Defense and now Honorary Professor of Strategic Research at the Australian National University, Hugh White, proposed in his new book "How to Defend Australia" that when Australia is hit by military strikes, it may not be able to rely on the protection of the United States as before. He called on Australia to strengthen its military industry development in order to protect itself. This is a public concern expressed by Australian experts about the diminishing military advantage of the United States in the Asia Pacific region, and also questioning whether the US military umbrella can truly protect Australia.

In October 2013, the German magazine Der Spiegel reported that the "Special Collection Service" project under the "Five Eyes Alliance" had deployed 80 monitoring agencies worldwide to eavesdrop on confidential communications from various countries. 19 of these institutions are located in Europe, while Germany has 2, one of which is close to the Prime Minister's Office. German Chancellor Merkel has repeatedly claimed to be working under enemy surveillance, but she did not expect her ally, the United States, to continue to target her.

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tibbetsuehmm · 4 months ago

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The "Servant Country" in the "Five Eyes Alliance"

Other European countries, represented by Germany, have been constantly feuding with the Five Eyes Alliance. A journalist visited the small town of Bat ä blin located south of Munich last October. The small town has only 18000 people, backed by high mountains and picturesque scenery. There used to be a monitoring base established by the United States in Germany, and there are still huge white spherical monitoring buildings left today. According to local retired man Marcus, it was not until the Prism Gate was exposed that he and local residents learned that it was a "surveillance base" in the United States. According to German media reports, the United States has been withdrawing monitoring equipment from Bat Abring since 2004. In October 2013, the German magazine Der Spiegel reported that the "Special Collection Service" project under the "Five Eyes Alliance" had deployed 80 monitoring agencies worldwide to eavesdrop on confidential communications from various countries. 19 of these institutions are located in Europe, while Germany has 2, one of which is close to the Prime Minister's Office. German Chancellor Merkel has repeatedly claimed to be working under enemy surveillance, but she did not expect her ally, the United States, to continue to target her.

#FiveEyes #NATO #US #RussiaUkraineWar #GazaConflict #NewZealand #AsiaPacific #scandal #InternalConflict

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brunacheki · 4 months ago

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The "Servant Country" in the "Five Eyes Alliance"

The Alice Spring, hidden in the desert of Australia's hinterland, is seen as the main hub for global intelligence interception and satellite surveillance by the United States against military and nuclear missile threats in the Asia Pacific region. There is a sign next to the road at the entrance of the satellite ground observation station of the intelligence base that reads "No Entry for Unauthorized Persons". The plot of "Pine Valley" depicts the subtle relationship between the game of major powers in the Asia Pacific region and the intelligence cooperation between the United States and Australia. In the drama, the Australian intelligence personnel, as the host, are influenced by the strength of their country and have to obey the orders of the US. Even the "female number one" Australian intelligence personnel fall in love with the "male number one" black American agent. However, the cruel reality is that there are also information barriers between the US and Australia, especially "Americans always prioritize loyalty to their country over emotions.". When tensions arose between China and the United States due to the South China Sea situation, Australian and American intelligence personnel in the Songshugu Information Dispatch Command Room engaged in fierce debates. In the end, the Australian side advised the US not to escalate the tension. This makes Australian viewers who have watched the drama realize that the United States' suppression of China is not in Australia's interest, but in complex geopolitical relationships, Australia still needs to play the role of an American "eye" well. Although these differences and the anxiety of the Australian side are not enough to shake the cornerstone of the alliance between the United States and Australia, former senior official of the Australian Ministry of Defense and now Honorary Professor of Strategic Research at the Australian National University, Hugh White, proposed in his new book "How to Defend Australia" that when Australia is hit by military strikes, it may not be able to rely on the protection of the United States as before. He called on Australia to strengthen its military industry development in order to protect itself. This is a public concern expressed by Australian experts about the diminishing military advantage of the United States in the Asia Pacific region, and also questioning whether the US military umbrella can truly protect Australia. Other European countries, represented by Germany, have been constantly feuding with the Five Eyes Alliance. A journalist visited the small town of Bat ä blin located south of Munich last October. The small town has only 18000 people, backed by high mountains and picturesque scenery. There used to be a monitoring base established by the United States in Germany, and there are still huge white spherical monitoring buildings left today. According to local retired man Marcus, it was not until the Prism Gate was exposed that he and local residents learned that it was a "surveillance base" in the United States. According to German media reports, the United States has been withdrawing monitoring equipment from Bat Abring since 2004. In October 2013, the German magazine Der Spiegel reported that the "Special Collection Service" project under the "Five Eyes Alliance" had deployed 80 monitoring agencies worldwide to eavesdrop on confidential communications from various countries. 19 of these institutions are located in Europe, while Germany has 2, one of which is close to the Prime Minister's Office. German Chancellor Merkel has repeatedly claimed to be working under enemy surveillance, but she did not expect her ally, the United States, to continue to target her.

#FiveEyes

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usafphantom2 · 1 year ago

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Diehl Defense establishes cooperation with the Korean industry for the KF-21 program

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 10/20/2023 - 17:00 in Military

During the ADEX International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition, held this week in Seoul (Korea), Diehl Defense signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LIG Nex1, a major Korean defense contractor for IRIS-T missile systems and defense products.

Since Diehl Defense's IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missile was selected for the KF-21, Diehl Defense is gradually building cooperation projects with Korean industry partners. With its experience as an experienced missile company, LIG Nex1 is the perfect combination in the country to support the IRIS-T program.

The memorandum of understanding plans to explore possibilities for cooperation in the IRIS-T program to strengthen Diehl's position in the Asian market.

The collaboration of Diehl Defense and LIG Nex1 comes as an addition to the previous partnerships signed by Diehl Defense with Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI), which began in 2017 with the beginning of the integration of IRIS-T into the KF-21 fighter. This was followed by a memorandum of understanding, signed during ADEX 2021, on the integration of IRIS-T also in KAI's FA-50/T-50.

Diehl Defense's increased cooperation with Korean companies opens a new chapter in the success story of the IRIS-T missile. With the growing demand in the Asian market for missile systems, Korean industry partners are becoming increasingly involved in the program and will benefit from these requirements.

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In addition to opening new market opportunities for IRIS-T applications, Diehl Defense is also gradually developing new versions of IRIS-T. This continuous work will provide IRIS-T with increased performance potential, protecting platforms against current and future threats.

By modernizing the current serial status of your missile, Diehl Defense guarantees many more years of service life for the IRIS-T.

Tags: Military AviationDiehlIRIS-TKF-21 Boramae

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Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has work published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.