* The Israeli approach linking threats to military budgeting... and their "Talpiot" program that has started plucking top 18 year olds out of standard military service and putting them to work solving key problems in the government, military and industry. * They'll...
* Chinese Exercises: China is conducting major air defense exercises in Shandong and Henan provinces involving more than 10,000 troops from the naval and army aviation units and land-based air defense forces, as well as 100 aircraft, including the J-10 fighter. * How...
RQ-7, Iraq(click to view larger) Textron subsidiary AAI Corporation recently announced that Italy's Ministry of Defense Directorate of General Aeronautical Armament will buy 4 RQ-7B Shadow 200 systems for the Italian Army, under a EUR 51 million (about $64 million)...
* Alternate QDR: "We cannot reverse the decline of shipbuilding, buy enough naval aircraft, recapitalize Army equipment, buy the F-35 requirement, purchase a new aerial tanker, increase deep strike capability, and recapitalize the bomber fleet just by saving $10-15...
DDG-51 modernization(click to view full) BAE Systems recently announced that they will modernize 11 DDG-51 Arleigh Burke Class guided missile destroyers that are home ported in Norfolk, VA, under a potential $365 million contract with the U.S. Navy. The contract...
* Slash and Burn: First review of UK military spending in more than a decade could lead to a 25% across the board cut. Meanwhile, the cost of replacing their nuclear deterrent is causing havoc with planning. * WikiLeaks suspect transferred from detention in Kuwait to...
* Incredible Shrinking Budgets: Facing tightening defense budgets at home, European defense firms are looking to expand into service and support work and overseas markets. * Profits Take Off: Britain's BAE Systems and France's Thales both posted substantial profit...
* Free Fall: Boeing reports a 21% drop in second-quarter profits, but still beats dismal Wall Street estimates. Boeing release * Sideways: European lawmakers and defense experts are calling on the European Commission to investigate allegation of corruption in awarding...
* Beat the Street: Lockheed Martin, L-3 Communications surprise Wall Street by posting stronger than expected second quarter revenues and profits. Lockheed Martin release | L-3 release [PDF] * Show Me the Money?: US DoD is unable to account for 95% of the $9.1 billion...