Rapid Fire 2010-03-08: Convention on Cluster Munitions

* China expects to boost defense spending by 7.5% this year, compared to a 14.9% increase in 2009. Washington Post | Wall Street Journal | Los Angeles Times | Xinhua News Agency * French-Russian gas deal seen as possible preliminary to sale of Mistral amphibious assault ships. * General Dynamics and Austal will reportedly end their LCS partnership, and plan to bid on Littoral Combat Ship contracts separately. * Israel adding overlapping surveillance systems, RWS, along Gaza border. * USAF looking at options to preserve F-22 production tooling. An especially good idea if they actually intend to start retiring F-22s in 2025. * As cluster munitions treaty prepares to activate on Aug 1/10, US DoD states that “The United States is not a party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions and is not bound by its obligations…” * US Army launches “Apps for the Army” competition for internal developers. But they already have “Gator Six“… * Orbital Sciences to acquire General Dynamics’ satellite manufacturing unit for $55 million in cash. * Boeing transfers on-orbit control, as USAF accepts Wideband Global SATCOM broadband satellite #3. * Lockheed Martin CEO Stevens sees 10% drop in compensation because of bonus and incentive pay […]