* NATO chief proposes common funding pool for NATO missions and country-specific specialization in major weapon system procurement.
* US CSBA rips “flawed logic” [PDF] of USA’s recent nuclear posture review. April 2010 backgrounders also include the related “Meeting the Challenge of a Proliferated World,” [PDF] and “Understanding the Threat of Nuclear Terrorism” [PDF].
* Russia places a military satellite, believed to be a Parus navigation and communications satellite, into orbit aboard a Kosmos 3M rocket.
* Lockheed gets $1.5 million to continue lightweight “Kinetic Energy Net” composite armor development, aims to replace metal in aircraft.
* Australia formally releases its solicitation for “AIR 9000, Phase 8” to buy naval helicopters: either the NH90 NFH or the MH-60R, decision in 2011.
* Japan opens 1st overseas military base in Djibouti, Africa, to combat pirates.
* Northrop Grumman delivers 3rd and last Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) pods to the U.S. Navy ahead of schedule, doesn’t discuss performance issues raised by US GAO.
* Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics beat analysts’ quarterly earnings estimates.
* USJFCOM, Northrop Grumman extend ISR research accord.
* UK, Afghan military engineers partner on 1st joint project to expand Patrol Base Rahim in Nahr-e Saraj to accommodate 300 Afghan and UK soldiers.