Rapid Fire 2010-04-20: Marder IFV

* Turkish navy commanders aboard the F-493 TCG Gelibolu, a G-class frigade that is an updated version of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate, capture 13 pirates in the Indian Ocean. * Reports indicate a Taliban buildup in Afghanistan and Pakistan. They don’t publicize their procurement activities, of course. * Germany’s democratically-accountable government does, though. Marder tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicles and PzH-2000 tracked mobile howitzers are on the way to Afghanistan, in response to increased attacks. * Gen. McChrystal, meanwhile, says the US military is using too many contractors in Afghanistan. * Sikorsky (H-92) and Lockheed (AW101) to partner on the next Presidential helicopter? Seems so – submitting the H-92. * US Navy highlights its green energy research, incl. microbial fuel cells. * Nuclear aircraft carrier USS Enterprise [CVN 65] formally redelivered to US Navy, following an extended and over-budget repair cycle. * Korean lawmakers urge military response if North found responsible for sinking of ROKS Cheonan (PCC-772), the Pohang-class patrol combat corvette. To say that their options are limited is a deep understatement. * UK Army bomb disposal unit clears IEDs from road to Shahzad in the dangerous South West Helmand area of Afghanistan. * Canada changes its military […]