Rapid Fire 2010-02-01: QDR 2010

Jan 31, 2010 21:24 UTC by Defense Industry Daily staff

  • US defense firms felt the economic pressure this quarter, as Rockwell Collins’ profits fell 20% and Lockheed Martin’s earnings were flat, notes the Wall Street Journal. Bucking the trend, Raytheon’s profit rose 20% for the quarter.

  • Morgan Keegan analyst Brian Ruttenbur predicts a wave of cyber security firm acquisitions by big defense companies in the next 12 – 24 months, because more federal money is going into that area.

  • Research and Markets: The market for military tactical radio systems is predicted to grow substantially in the coming years. Also, technical issues with JTRS are driving the need for more legacy radios.

  • Boeing unveils plans to provide up to $2 billion in subcontracting work to Canadian companies for in-service support for 15 CH-47F Chinook helicopters purchased by the Canadian government.

  • General Dynamics Electric Boat says it will lay off 434 workers at its Groton, CT, shipyard due to lost submarine maintenance, overhaul and repair work.

  • USAF is undertaking a massive restructuring of the C-17 Globemaster Sustainment Partnership after 2012, which the service predicts will save $9-12 billion over 30 years.

  • The Obama administration is working with Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf allies to speed up arms sales and upgrade defenses for oil terminals and other key infrastructure, in a bid to thwart future military attacks by Iran.

  • DARPA’s Cyber Genome Program is developing “digital fingerprint” technology to track down cyber terrorists.

  • The Pentagon is looking to cut its greenhouse gas emissions for non-combat activities, such as buildings and fleet vehicles, by 34% by 2020.

    • Categories: Alliances, Boeing, Contracts - Awards, Corporate Financials, DARPA, Environmental, General Dynamics, Helicopters & Rotary, Industry & Trends, Issues - Environmental, Issues - International, Issues - Political, IT - Cyber-Security, Lockheed Martin, Mergers & Acquisitions, Middle East - Other, Other Corporation, Policy - Doctrine, Policy - Procurement, Raytheon, Signals Radio & Wireless, Submarines, Support & Maintenance, Transport & Utility, USA

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