Affirmative measures following Vimmru's call
The Hurdling Kybok. 30th November, 2021.
 

President Smith during the press conference after a call with the Stoinian and Sedunnic King.

 

It's no secret by now that the Sedunnic King, Vimmru Innien, has called upon neighbouring nations to re-examine the recent geopolitical changes of the past few months. President Smith answered the Sedunners call for aid and has followed suit with clear actions. Together with our southern neighbours, our proud nation too has applied for Observer Status in the World Forum. Making our distant yet discerning stance more than official. In a recent press conference, President Smith stated the following about the future of Sallodesia:
"My fellow Sallodesians. It's with an open heart that I say this to all of you. We all have seen the recent winds of change in the passing years. After the Great War, the South Pacific has enjoyed an era of peace. However, within the last decade that peace has seemingly started to crumble. First with a civil war in the distant Ryccia and Erinor and Sereva, then another ongoing civil war in the Reizen Province. It's become clear that the world is starting to change and so must we. Now the shark is hunting again under the guise of a just cause and the World Forum has failed to stop him. We Sallodesians have our saying: "Once you're a Sallodesian, no other land will do." and we hold that saying dear to our hearts. However, should we stand idly by when the lands of other nations are ravaged by war and turmoil. I think it's time we put an end to this absurdity and say once more to the entire world, just as we did to Jezza the Mad, we Sallodesians won't stand idly by. Perhaps only we Sallodesians are worthy of the name, but let's face it... All are entitled to their own land and measure of peace on Pacifica. The time has come to change our stance irrevocably.
In a recent call for action regarding security and further economic cooperation, King Vimmru calls for change. With the power entrusted to me by the Sallodesian people, I've answered that call. To fulfil our part, we have applied to the World Forum for Observer Status. Some might criticize this action, but it's the only way to ensure a guarantee to international law to our growing allies. Besides... It's also a good way to keep a close eye on the Zaakies. Whether or not we'll press for a full membership, I won't decide for our nation. Such a decision must come from the Sallodesians themselves if the request arises. For now, we'll focus to strengthening our bonds with a new coalition of nations from the Frost Empire to Sedunn and GI-Land to Stoinia. I have the utmost confidence that this alliance will pave a new road of peace and prosperity for the South Pacific. A course in which Sallodesia is be proud to partake in it."

The President has confirmed that Sallodesia will be a founding member of a growing alliance with Sedunn, Stoinia, the Frost Empire, GI-Land, Snolland, Transsuneria and potentially Anserisa. However, it is yet unclear what this new coalition will be named and its requirements.

Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor

(This post was last modified: 11-30-2021, 10:47 AM by Maverick.)

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Sallodesia invests in the Mediterranean
The Hurdling Kybok. 28th December, 2021.
 

Steel production in Livanan Steel Corporation.

 

Sallodesia's strong economy is expanding. With the formation of CMEC and its members, Sallodesia has continued to broaden its economic network across the Mediterranean. Like Stoinia and Myria, Sallodesia too has invested in new ties with the small island nation in the eastern Mediterranean. While Myria expanded its shipbuilding and Stoinia heavily invested in Livana's tourism infrastructure, Sallodesia has chosen to support Livana's industry. Primarily in its main industrial product: steel.
Multiple companies like Bullowayo Heavy Engineering and Sallocopter Group, have struck deals with the Livanan Steel Corporation and the Livanan government. While the Livanan Steel Corporation has its roots in the controversial Tarsis regime, it has become instrumental to the Livanan economy. Livana's steel production now consists of 22% off the country's manufacture and provides jobs for hundreds of thousands Livanans. The new partnerships form an instrumental role in eliminating the Livanan government's debt. Economists speculate that the recent international investments will be a great boon for the country who has historically had troubles with debt, even filing for bankruptcy in 1950 and 1979 which resulted in civil unrest and war.

President Smith is happy with the evolution of Livana, stating: "We're giving Livana security and stability. It's exactly what both governments want. Hah, that's why we both joined CMEC after all. I had a call with President Trenton a few hours ago and we're both optimistic of our shared future. Trenton described the recent investments as a boon Livana couldn't have refused and is very happy that we can be a stabilizing factor their nation. Now... Who'll be visiting Livana on their next vacation? I know I am!"
Politicians and economists alike agree on the topic on Livana and hope that Sallodesia will continue similar work around the South Pacific. In short, Sallodesia is here to stay. Hoping to bring prosperity to all its allies.

Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor

(This post was last modified: 12-28-2021, 03:11 PM by Maverick.)

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Combined Concordian preparations
The Hurdling Kybok. 26th February, 2022.
 

Secretary of Defence Jaco Pretorius at the press conference.

 

In preparation for further cooperation with the Concordia Entente, Secretary of Defence, General Jaco Pretorius, has announced in a press conference that a joint military exercise with the Stoinian Armed Forces will take place in roughly two weeks time. Sallodesia has signed the Essela Treaty and has thus decided for a cooperative future with fellow nations to preserve democratic values and protect international law. After his visit in Sinaia two weeks ago to the Stoinian Minister of Defence, General Valeriu Codreanu, the two Generals decided to spearhead the cooperation of the emerging Concordia Entente. While Stoinia has had previous military exercises with their long-standing friend, Sedunn, it will be the first time Sallodesia will partake in a military exercise with foreign forces since the Great War. The exercise aims to identify any weak links in military operations between two newly cooperative nations so that military officers may improve on the gained knowledge and accelerate the operational capabilities of the Entente.

"We're confident that Operation Harmony will help us improve operational effectiveness between nations which haven't partaken in military cooperation with each other before in the past decades." Secretary Pretorius stated at the press conference. "This exercise has been in the planning room for the past two weeks and we're arranging the final preparations to launch it. It'll be intensive to say the least, but our troops are ready for the challenge. The Stoinians as well have been tremendously cooperative on virtually every level and I'm confident we'll learn a trick or two from each other. President Smith has set a path towards a more cooperative and prosper future. The Sallodesian Armed Forces will pave that way. Together with its new allies."
Furthermore, Secretary Pretorius explained what Operation Harmony will entail. The operation consists of a joint task force, the size of 36 warships composed of the Sallodesian and Stoinian Navies, including the two aircraft carriers from both nations, that will engage in naval & amphibious operations. The task force will embark before dawn from Port Carlchester on Peneshire Island on March 11th, engaging in military manoeuvres in both national & international waters throughout the day. Then the task force will proceed with an amphibious landing roughly 40 miles south of the Stoinian city of Lipovina and engage in an exercise of combined forces. The respective Air Forces will also provide aerial support during this operation and even engage in limited aerial insertions of paratroopers. On top of that, both militaries will also work with joint crews on some naval vessels and ground units to explore the potential of a joint Entente Army & Navy.

The area of the military exercise has also been divulged to the shipping companies so that they may use alternate routes. Preventing any potential misunderstandings that might arise during the operation. Critics have voiced concern over such an exercise in international waters, but both militaries have stated that they won't prohibit international trade in the exercise area. Though all ships passing through it, should be alerted of the military exercise and shouldn't panic on the sight of the naval task force. Both Defence Officials have assured that under no circumstances will the task force fire in the vicinity of civilian vessels. All possible channels are being used to avert any unnecessary misunderstanding between military and civilian ships.
Aside from critics of the Entente, military officials from prospective nations have praised the speed at which the military exercise has taken off. Whether this endeavour will prove effective remains to be seen. Entente leaders hope that this military exercise will help prove the prowess of coalition's military cooperative mission. Observers from the Entente's respective militaries have been invited as observers with the Karnetvorian military already appointing its observers.
One thing remains certain, both critics and supporters of the Entente will be eager to assess the results of this joint military exercise.

Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor

(This post was last modified: 02-25-2022, 09:58 PM by Maverick.)

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Military-industrial complex to pursue new course in foreign policy
The Hurdling Kybok. 26th June, 2022.
 

The Sallodesian Department of Defence's plan for the usage of the additional $80 billion military budget has been approved by President Smith. Thus the Sallodesian military budget for new acquisitions rose to roughly $105 billion. Secretary of Defence Gen. Jaco 'Jackal' Pretorius and Chief of Staff Gen. Jim 'CHAOS' Madden have laid out an extensive plan to the Presidential Office to expand the Sallodesian military to aid in its humanitarian goal set by President Smith. A new doctrine for the Sallodesian Armed Forces has been issued to follow the Stoinian example by intervening in war-torn nations against atrocities that belong in the history books and to prevent further nuclear catastrophes. Furthermore, Sallodesian troops are to aid in peace-keeping missions around the globe. The DoD's plan reflects such a stance with a large emphasis on naval expansion.

Nearly 60% of this year's budget will go to the creation of 4 additional carrier strike groups with an additional 17% going to other naval expansions. The Joint Chiefs have stipulated that carrier strike groups will be essential for international military operations through the swift mobilization of large scale troops and military assets around Pacifica. In total the Sallodesian Navy is to expand with 4 new aircraft carriers, 6 cruisers, 6 missile cruisers, 10 destroyers and 2 amphibious dock ships. According to the plan, these ships are aimed to be build in Sallodesia itself and use naval expertise from Myria and Entente allies to cut down costs with renewed and automated technology in Bulowayo. The completion of all new ships is expected by 2026-2027 with some ships entering service earlier. This expansion will also constitute a new generation of naval warships adapted to modern specifications. So far Stoinian Defence Minister Gen. Valeriu Codreanu has voiced his support for the naval expansion and stated that Stoinia will lend its military expertise in all capacities to create the best possible ships. 
To complement the carrier strike groups, roughly 24% of the budget will act as a down-payment for the accompanying fifth and so-called fifth & half generation fighters. The Sallodesian Navy aims to complement each new carrier with a permanent detachment of roughly 66 aircraft composed of 24 SF-44 Skyfuries, 6 SB-24 Strikers, 12 SF-22/C Sea Harriers and 24 SF-38/C Buzzards per carrier. The rest of the payment will be paid for in the next four years. Sallodesian naval doctrine has chosen its future and will be build around its new aircraft carriers. 

An increase in army hardware is also planned with the acquisition of 138 tanks, 48 mine clearing vehicles, 180 armoured personnel carriers and 200 anti-infantry vehicles to support future humanitarian operations. However, perhaps the most unexpected part of the plan is an increase of 50.000 active soldiers in the army (+17,86%) and 24.800 active naval personnel over five years (+103,16%). With this massive expansion the Sallodesian military-industrial complex is likely to receive a boon in revenue for the following years. Especially after the recent $182,5 million deal with Doge Land to sell 50.000 M-18's along more military hardware.

Critics have criticized the drastic increase in military expenditure and called it a gross escalation. Secretary Pretorius however denied such allegations "Look back at the past few months. Nuclear threats, instability across multiple continents and even atrocities from the Dark Ages. Sallodesia needs to be an international partner and help resolve these issues. We need to be prepared for whatever the future brings to us and ensure that it becomes more prosperous for our children. Sallodesia will aid those in need and preferably together with the World Forum rather than boycotting it." How fellow Entente nations will see this increase in military expenditure remains yet to be seen.

Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor

(This post was last modified: 07-03-2022, 08:23 PM by Maverick.)

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Sallodesian military expansion in Livana
The Hurdling Kybok. 4th July, 2022.
 

A rendition of the planned Joint Base Varana.

The Department of Defence (DoD) has announced that Sallodesia will operate an overseas base in Livana following recent talks with the Livanan government. After weeks of debating, both parties have come to an agreement to construct a Sallodesian military base on Livanan soil. The news came as somewhat of a surprise, but both parties assure that this military base is a boon for all involved. 

The Sallodesian base, to be named Joint Base Varana, will be located 5 miles west of the Livanan city of Varana on Cinis Island. The military base will be built using a deserted Livanan fisheries port encompassing roughly 44 square miles for both barracks and an airfield. In total this deal saves the Sallodesian DoD a total of $160 million compared to building a new base from scratch. Although upgrading costs are still estimated at roughly $56 million, these costs will largely go towards Livanan contractors that will help retrofit the military base according to requirements.
In addition, Myrian military engineers shall also cooperate with Livanan contractors in maritime engineering for the Joint Base Varana's military port. Sallodesia aims to bring knowledge and a lucrative opportunity to the small island nation of Livana while also providing security for the region. A main talking point of the negotiations.
Furthermore, Sallodesia has promised to work with local Livanan food producers to restock the military base's food supply as well as other lucrative supporting business opportunities for the Livanan economy. To appease environmental concerns, the military base shall maintain a sizeable portion of its greenery.

Joint Base Varana will start refurbishing in the next two weeks and is expected to become partially operational by October later this year. The military base is expected to reach full operational status by February 2023. The refurbishing of the military base and further expansion are required to operate the newly acquisitioned aircraft carrier groups which are planned to enter service by 2026 as well as the housing for roughly 8.000 Sallodesian soldiers. The base will hold a permanent garrison of roughly 2.000 marines, 1.500 navy personnel and 1.500 air personnel to support squadrons that will also be stationed there. 

While both Livana and Sallodesia see the operation of Joint Base Varana as an extraordinary opportunity to turn deserted areas into a prosperous stepping stone for the future, critics have been vocal over the planned military base. Many have voiced their concerns that this move by the military looks more like an attempt at power projection rather than the promised humanitarian intervention promised by President Smith. DoD spokespersons have however clarified that the goal of the military base is to act as a central reaction point for the Mediterranean. The Sallodesian military aims to maintain a more proactive stance which will be made more effective through the operation of this military base.

Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor

(This post was last modified: 07-03-2022, 10:09 PM by Maverick.)

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