* Feb 10: RF notes Tory shadow minister’s comment that Britain must be capable of acting unilaterally. Today: read Liam Fox’s full speech to the RUSI re: Britain’s coming defense review and challenges.
* Hollywood scriptwriters are preparing scenarios for the Cyber Shockwave exercise on Feb 16/10 involving top US government officials. The event is sponsored by industry and will be covered by CNN.
* France’s DGA procurement agency offers 2009 summary [ in French], says average program delays will be slightly longer.
* VCCT simulators improve convoy training, give US and allied forces an OODA loop advantage.
* Pros and Cons of Stryker wheeled APCs in Afghanistan. The Canadians know this debate well.
* Pentagon set to create a project office to manage “non standard” helicopter buys for allies – like Mi-17s for Iraq and Afghanistan.
* First flight of revamped German CH-53GA helicopter at Donauworth.
* Northrop Grumman delivers 1st AN/ZPY-1 STARlite radars for the Army’s Warrior ER/MP UAS under a $78.5 million contract.
* Northrop Grumman clarifies its SPQ-9B radar contract.
* General Dynamics awards an $18 million contract to Northrop Grumman to produce LRS-2000 rate sensor assemblies for US Army’s M1A1 Abrams tank.
* SAIC to develop integrated crew member simulators for the CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters under the US Army’s $17.5 billion STOC II contract vehicle.
* Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne hot-fire tests RS-68A upgraded engine for Delta IV rocket.
* VTOL UAV funding from… the State of Maryland.
* Iranian president warns Israel against pre-emptive attack.
* Japan and South Korea are demanding that North Korea return to talks to end its nuclear weapons program.
* Ike’s copy of Germany’s WW II surrender document up for sale – just $2.95 million.