The European Union — through the naval Operation Atalanta — continues to contribute to maritime security in the area, and has decided to extend the mandate until the end of 2010, Anders Liden told the UN Security Council on Wednesday, speaking on behalf of the European Union.

The EU anti-piracy operation, dubbed Atalanta, has been patrolling shipping routes off the Horn of Africa from Somali pirates since December last year. Naval warships and aircraft from the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Greece have been involved in actively escorting commercial ships through the Gulf of Aden. The operation is under the command of the British Navy.

Since December last year, the EU mission protected 50 ships that delivered roughly 300,000 tons of food under the UN World Food Program, Liden said. The aid benefited 1.6 million Somalis directly.

Piracy affected the safe delivery of aid to 3.8 million people in need, Liden added.

Russia's envoy to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, told the session that Russia would continue fighting hijackers off Somalia's cost and will support sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council to prevent piracy.

In a report to the UN Security Council issued on Monday, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said international antipiracy operations off Somalia have led to a decline in the number of successful ship seizures in the region.

A total of 306 incidents of piracy were reported worldwide in 2008, including 136 in the East African region, Ban said in the report. Three hundred incidents were reported between January and September this year, including 160 in East Africa. As of October 27, eight vessels and 178 sailors were being held hostage, the report said.

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Astute is now on her way to Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde at Faslane where she will be based for her operational life.

BAE Systems Submarine Solutions Managing Director John Hudson said: “The first of class Astute submarine successfully departed Barrow for sea trials on Sunday 15 November.

“After leaving Ramsden Dock early Sunday morning, Astute began the journey to HMNB Clyde at Faslane.

“I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank every single person in the business who have played their part in helping deliver the boat, in particular the Dockside Test Organisation and Astute team who have been an absolute strength over the past few months.”

During the transit from Barrow to Scotland, Astute is scheduled to start a period of sea trials that will continue for many months. For much of that time the Royal Navy crew will be accompanied on board by BAE Systems engineers and technicians who will work alongside them to monitor and measure every element of the submarine’s performance against the design parameters.

BAE Systems will also have personnel based at Faslane to deliver the initial in-service support for the submarine.

Astute is the most advanced attack submarine ever supplied to the Royal Navy, incorporating the latest stealth technology combined with a world class sonar system and equipped with Spearfish torpedoes and state of the art Tomahawk land attack missiles to make her a supremely effective naval asset.

Astute is designed to fulfil a range of key strategic and tactical roles including anti-ship and anti-submarine operations, surveillance and intelligence gathering and support for land forces. Displacing 7,400 tonnes and measuring 97 metres from bow to propulsor, Astute is significantly larger than the Swiftsure and Trafalgar class submarines that she will replace but requires fewer crew to operate her due to the advanced technology and automated systems on board.

That technology encompasses many innovations designed to improve operational effectiveness while also reducing costs to help achieve the affordability challenges facing the Ministry of Defence. The 2076 Sonar system is the most effective in the world, giving Astute a key tactical advantage in locating and identifying other vessels, while the stealth characteristics of the submarine design make it the quietest the Navy has ever operated, enabling it to avoid detection and fulfil its role within the ‘Silent Service’, as submarines are known.

Unlimited power is provided by the pressurised water nuclear reactor that is capable of powering a city the size of Southampton, and the Astute is capable of remaining submerged and circumnavigating the globe during a 90-day patrol, creating her own air and fresh water from the ocean. Astute is equipped with a digital optical mast system to replace the traditional periscope and this offers low light and infra-red capabilities to enable her to rapidly capture and analyse visual data, and share it with other fleet assets.

Luxury is not a word that normally appears in the submarine vocabulary – Astute is all about operational capability – but her crew will be the first to each have their own bunk, removing the need for ‘hot bunking’ when during shifts one crewman would occupy a bunk vacated by another. Astute also has a comparatively large and extremely well-equipped galley to ensure the meals that punctuate the round the clock watch system are of the highest standard.

BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.

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The group, which set out from the Russian Far East port on October 27 on a month-long tour-of-duty, also includes the Fotiy Krylov salvage tug and the Pechenga tanker. It arrived in Singapore on November 11.

A naval infantry unit, an air support group and a number of naval cadets are on board the cruiser.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited the ship on Monday during his visit to Singapore.

Varyag is a Slava-class missile cruiser, which entered service with the Pacific Fleet in 1990.

In April this year the warship led a group of 21 foreign naval vessels participating in a parade to mark the 60th anniversary of China's Navy off the coast of the eastern city of Qingdao.

The Fotiy Krylov and the Pechenga were part of a naval task force from the Pacific Fleet led by the Admiral Vinogradov destroyer which participated in international anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden in January-March this year.

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The H-72A fleet will be based at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., where it is to be used to train test pilots from the U.S. military and allied countries. The H-72A shares the same airframe and is manufactured on the same production line as the U.S. Army's UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter -- both of which are produced in Mississippi by EADS North America's American Eurocopter subsidiary.

"Not only is this the first H-72A we've built for the U.S. Navy -- it's our first helicopter produced specifically to fulfill a training mission within the U.S. armed forces," said EADS North America Chief Operating Officer Dave Oliver. "The expansion of UH-72A/H-72A missions demonstrates the adaptability of the aircraft to a wide range of operational scenarios. We're certainly proud that a new generation of test pilots will be trained using these highly reliable and versatile helicopters."

The Navy's H-72As have several specific equipment additions for their pilot training mission -- including jettisonable cockpit doors, a cockpit voice and flight data recorder, a main rotor blade folding kit and an air traffic advisory system. All five H-72As will be configured in the Naval Test Pilot School's high-visibility white and orange paint scheme.

Derived from Eurocopter's proven EC145 multi-role helicopter, the Navy H-72As and Army UH-72As are among the most versatile and reliable helicopters in their class. They are equipped with a modern glass cockpit, and their high-set main and tail rotors provide unparalleled safety, access and space utilization.

The Army plans to acquire 345 UH-72As through 2016 in addition to the five H-72As being acquired on behalf of the U.S. Navy.

In addition to the current production of H-72As and UH-72As, EADS North America is offering the Armed Scout 645 variant for the U.S. Army's armed aerial scout requirement.

EADS North America is the North American operation of EADS, a global leader in aerospace and defense. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $11 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 200,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. Operating in 17 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.

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The French navy’s decision was largely based on the performance of the Sigma 40XP, demonstrated during operational trials at sea, and during long operational patrols by the Saphir nuclear attack submarine, which is fitted with one of these navigation systems.

Two inertial navigation units will be integrated in each submarine’s combat system. The Sigma 40XP calls on Sagem’s state-of-the-art technologies, including very-high-performance laser gyros and advanced digital filtering techniques. The Sigma 40XP is designed for use even in extreme operating environments.

The Sigma 40XP capitalizes on Sagem’s extensive experience in high-precision navigation solutions. Sagem’s navigation systems are used on more than 300 ships deployed by 31 navies worldwide, including surface vessels and submarines with nuclear, air-independent and conventional propulsion.

Sagem also supplies the optronic, electronic warfare and radar mast system on the French navy’s nuclear attack submarines, intended for use in surface actions.

Sagem is a high-tech company in the SAFRAN Group. It is a world or European leader in solutions and services in optronics, avionics, electronics and critical software for the civilian and military markets. Sagem is the European No. 1 and worldwide No.3 in INSs for aeronautic, naval and land applications. It is also the worldwide No.1 in helicopter flight controls and the European No.1 in optronic and tactical UAV systems. Present across the globe via the SAFRAN Group’s international network, Sagem and its subsidiaries employ 6000 people in Europe, South East Asia and North America.

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Military sources told AFP the 1,800-ton patrol boats would "reinforce vigilance" along the disputed Yellow Sea border, where the navies of the two Koreas clashed Tuesday for the first time in seven years.

The defence ministry said it could not comment on operational matters.

Sources quoted by local media said one North Korean sailor was killed and three wounded in Tuesday's exchange of fire, just over a week before US President Barack Obama arrives in Seoul as part of an Asian tour.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs called on the North to avoid any further actions "that could be seen as an escalation".

But the State Department announced Tuesday it was accepting an invitation to send an envoy to Pyongyang to try to bring the North back to six-nation nuclear disarmament talks. It said the US envoy to North Korea, Stephen Bosworth, would probably visit before year-end.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, speaking in Singapore Wednesday, said the trip would be unaffected by the naval clash.

"We are obviously hoping that the situation does not escalate and we are encouraged by the calm reaction that has been present up until now," she told reporters at Asia-Pacific talks.

"But this does not in any way affect our decision to send Ambassador Bosworth. We think that is an important step that stands on its own."

Seoul's Defence Minister Kim Tae-Young ordered army, navy and air force commanders along the border with the communist North to step up surveillance and respond immediately to any provocation.

However the government does not want the clash to damage cross-border relations, said presidential spokeswoman Kim Eun-Hye. After months of bellicose moves, the North has recently made overtures to Seoul and Washington.

Seoul said the North's boat ignored five warnings to turn back and then opened fire at a South Korean boat that had fired a warning shot. One or two South Korean boats then returned fire.

Officials could not confirm any North Korean casualties but said no South Koreans were hurt, although one South Korean boat was hit 15 times.

North Korea's military blamed the South for a "grave armed provocation". It said Seoul's ships had opened fire while its craft was north of the border, which was the scene of bloody battles in 1999 and 2002.

Some analysts said the North's leadership may be strengthening its hand in the upcoming talks with the United States by heightening tensions.

"The intrusion might have been pre-planned to raise tensions," Baek Seung-Joo of the Korea Institute for Defence Analyses told AFP.

But Baek said retaliation from the North for damage to its boat was relatively unlikely because of the South's superior naval firepower and because of the upcoming dialogue.

A legislator quoted South Korean intelligence authorities as telling a parliamentary committee that they believe the attack was intended to serve "a limited purpose".

"There was also a view that it was intended to test how our military would respond in the event of an NLL (border) violation," the lawmaker told Yonhap news agency.

Cross-border tensions have been high for more than a year and the North has also angered the international community with missile test-launches, a walkout from the six-party talks and a second atomic weapons test.

The United Nations tightened sanctions in response.

The North now says it is ready to rejoin the six-nation talks if the US discussions go well. Washington stresses its talks are intended only to bring Pyongyang back to the six-party forum, which also includes South Korea, Japan, China and Russia.

About 300 activists rallied in Seoul, torching portraits of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il in protest at the naval clash.

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The overhaul, which started in 2004, included noise reduction, improved enemy ship and submarine tracking capabilities, and enhanced survivability. The submarine has been equipped with 16 Sineva RSM-54 missiles.

K-18 Karelia could join Russia's Northern Fleet by the end of this year, the shipyard said in a statement on Wednesday.

Similar overhaul has been done to four other Delta-IV class submarines - the K-51 Verkhoturye, the K-84 Yekaterinburg, the K-114 Tula, and the K-117 Bryansk.

The Russian Navy has seven Delta-IV class submarines in service. They are all deployed in the Northern Fleet.

"The Delta-IV class submarines are the core of the naval component of the Russian nuclear triad at present. After the modernization, the subs will be able to remain in service for another 10 years," Zvezdochka said.

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A spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the clash to AFP but said details were not immediately available.

A government source quoted by Yonhap news agency said a North Korean patrol boat crossed the disputed border in the Yellow Sea, prompting South Korea's navy to fire warning shots.

When the boat continued sailing southwards, the South's navy opened fire at it, the source was quoted as saying. The North Korean boat fired back.

"There were no casualties on our side while the North Korean boat, half-destroyed, sailed back to the North," the source was quoted as saying.

The clash broke out at 11:28 am (0228 GMT) near Daechong island. It came eight days before US President Barack Obama is scheduled to arrive in South Korea as part of an Asian tour.

The border known as the Northern Limit Line (NLL) was the scene of deadly naval battles in 1999 and 2002 and has always been a potential flashpoint.

The North's navy last month accused South Korea of sending warships across the line to stir tensions, and said the "reckless military provocations" could trigger armed clashes.

The NLL was drawn up unilaterally by United Nations forces at the end of the Korean War in 1953. The North has never recognised it and wants it drawn further to the south.

After months of hostility marked by missile test-launches and a nuclear test, the communist North has since August put out peace feelers both to South Korea and the United States.

It freed five South Korean detainees, eased curbs on the operations of a joint industrial estate, sent envoys for talks with President Lee Myung-Bak and allowed a family reunion programme to resume.

The North has also invited US special envoy Stephen Bosworth to Pyongyang for talks on ending the standoff about its nuclear weapons programme. Washington was expected to decide soon to go ahead with the trip.

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The ship is named New York in honor of the state and the courage and heroism of New Yorkers during and after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. A unique characteristic of the ship is the use of 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center wreckage that was incorporated into the construction process. The steel was melted and formed to make the bow stem of the ship. Use of this steel symbolizes the spirit and resiliency of the people of New York. The ship's motto is "Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget."

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead, will also deliver remarks. Dotty England, wife of former secretary of the Navy and former Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England, is serving as the ship's sponsor. In a time-honored Navy tradition, she will give the order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"

Designated as LPD 21, New York is the fifth amphibious transport dock ship in the San Antonio class. Four previous ships have been named New York. The first, a gondola that served in 1776; the second, a frigate that served 1800-1814; the third, an armored cruiser that served 1893-1938; and the fourth, a battleship that served 1914-1946.

As a critical element in future expeditionary strike groups, the ship will support the Marine Corps' "mobility triad," which consists of the landing craft air cushion (LCAC), the expeditionary fighting vehicle (EFV) and the Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft (MV-22). The ship will provide improved warfighting capabilities including an advanced command-and-control suite, increased lift-capability in vehicle and cargo-carrying capacity and advanced ship-survivability features.

Cmdr. F. Curtis Jones, a native of Binghamton, N.Y., is the first commanding officer of the ship, leading a crew of approximately 360 officers and enlisted personnel. The ship is capable of embarking a landing force of up to 800 Marines. Upon commissioning, New York will be homeported in Norfolk, Va., as a part of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

Built by Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Avondale Operations in Louisiana, New York is 684 feet in length, has an overall beam of 105 feet, a navigational draft of 23 feet and displaces about 24,900 tons. Four turbo-charged diesel engines power the ship to sustained speeds of 24 knots.

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The head of Taiwan's National Security Bureau told parliament construction of the carrier had begun, Lin Yu-fang, a legislator of the ruling Kuomintang party, told AFP.

However, the security chief, Tsai Teh-sheng said the carrier's construction "has not been smooth" and that the Chinese navy may struggle to put it into service by 2012 unless it makes a manufacturing breakthrough soon.

"This is the result of an evaluation not only from (Taiwan's) National Security Bureau...but also from the Chinese communists," Tsai said, according to Lin.

Taiwanese military experts expect the People's Liberation Army to take at least 10 years to have its first operating carrier group complete with carrier-based fighters and other warships.

"Once they complete the ambitious project, it will have a serious and far-fetched military impact on the region," said Wung Ming-hsien, professor at Taipei's Tamkang University.

"And by that time, the United States, Japan, and Taiwan will need to overhaul their military strategies."

A carrier group would potentially double the military threat posed to Taiwan by China by allowing the Chinese to approach from directions other than across the Strait, he said.

Two weeks ago Taiwan's defence ministry said in its annual report that China had continued its military build-up against the island despite warming ties, tipping the military balance in the Taiwan Strait with more than 1,300 ballistic and cruise missiles targeting the island.

Ties between China and Taiwan have improved significantly since the China-friendly politician Ma Ying-jeou became the island's president last year, vowing to adopt a non-confrontational policy towards the mainland.

But China still regards Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting to be reunified by force if necessary, although the island has governed itself since 1949 when a civil war ended.

The United States has repeatedly urged China to be more transparent about its rapid military buildup, warning of a shifting balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region that could cause misunderstanding.

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