* Will Northrop Grumman’s new compensation focus on profitability rather than growing market share kill KC-X tanker bid?
* US Deputy Secretary of Defense William Lynn asks for an extension to finalize a 3rd multiyear Super Hornet/ EA-18G deal.
* USAF, Northrop Grumman to redesign B-2 stealth bomber’s aft deck to lessen cracking .
* G2 Solutions: US Army tactical UAS competitions could total $2.6 billion between 2013 and 2025.
* Bill Sweetman on F-35 program: “Remember this distinction: The Donner Party was on track. They were not on schedule.”
* Pentagon moves F-35 JSF fighter full-rate production to November 2015, withholds $614 million from Lockheed Martin as promised earlier, restructures contract.
* Lockheed Martin-led team fabricates the world’s largest (16.4 foot diameter) heat shield structure, under budget and early.
* USA’s Ground Combat Vehicle next-generation armor: BAE (platform) teams with Northrop Grumman (C4ISR).
* Australia’s naval helicopter competition is officially on: MH-60R vs. NH90-NFH.
* UK Takeover Panel gives Babcock a 1 month deadline to complete GBP 1.25 billion purchase of UK defense firm VT Group.
* British medics get blood warming equipment to treat wounded in Afghanistan.
* BAE Systems will provide mission computer systems for the Indian Navy’s P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.