Rapid Fire Evening 2011-06-30: Philippines’ Wish List
Jun 30, 2011 10:00 UTC by Defense Industry Daily staff- General David Petraeus wins unanimous Senate confirmation to replace Leon Panetta as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
- The Chief Executive Officer of the Aerospace Industries Association calls for increased investment in research and development so that the United States does not lose its leadership of aerospace and defense. Speaking at the launch of the ‘Second to None’ [PDF] campaign, Marion C Blakey raised a number of concerns that could affect the aerospace and defense industry. These include the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), trade regulations and the absence of new fighter aircraft programs.
- Following President Obama’s announcement of the drawdown in Afghanistan, an article emerges speculating that troop withdrawals could be replaced by a surge in private contractors.
- The European Defence Agency (EDA) and 15 European Union (EU) member states demonstrate a Maritime Surveillance network (MARSUR) that could support military operations and homeland security. Aimed at improving the Recognized Maritime Picture (RMP), MARSUR’s open design will allow member states to feed in and exchange data at their own discretion. The primary cost to member states will be the ability to plug into an interface costing $1.3 billion.
- Following announcements that Russia plans to begin production of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Commander of the Russian Navy says the country will finish construction in 2016 of a new class destroyer, which may also be nuclear-powered.
- Former Defense Secretary William Perry adds to the criticisms of China’s aircraft carrier program, by telling Taiwan that the vessel will not threaten the island in the near future. Perry attributed this to the lack of development of an aircraft carrier group.
- Following recent intrigues regarding China’s fifth generation fighter, pictures emerge on the internet of a possible Chinese high-altitude, long endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV may be the Xianglong, China’s counterpart to the RQ-4 Global Hawk.
- Despite a senior politician’s recent criticisms, the Philippines’ Foreign Affairs Secretary has nevertheless submitted a military equipment ‘wish list’ to the United States. The list includes additional maritime assets and a state-of-the-art radar.
