* CSBA Paper looks at potential US responses to China’s sea-denial doctrines: “Why AirSea Battle?” [PDF]. Defense Tech moves to strike up a conversation.
* Indian Air Force signs EUR 560 million contract for 12 AW101 VIP helicopters.
* Are trans-Atlantic defense partnerships viable? Wall Street Journal weighs in.
* So do European governments and firms, as ripples continue to spread from the KC-X tanker bid pullout by Round 1 winners EADS/Northrop Grumman.
* US and South Korea exercises prelude to that country taking over wartime operational control of its forces in 2012. Defense against WMD a focus. DoD article | CCTV.com report | AFP | Korea Herald | JoongAng Daily
* Navistar expects orders for US military trucks to raise profits in 2010.
* L-3’s STRATIS division wins $230.9 million contract recompete to provide intelligence support services to US and multinational forces in Iraq; division also snags $24.8 million US Special Ops imagery contract.
* Sikorsky’s H-92/CH-148 Cyclone naval helicopter prototype arrives in Canada for trials.
* Northrop demonstrates LITENING surveillance and targeting pod on a Super Hornet; Raytheon’s ATFLIR had been the only qualified option.
* South Africa: “Navy ready to defend World Cup.” We still don’t think that will be enough to stop the Brazilians.