* UK-based BAE Systems is putting up to $2 billion worth of its North America commercial aerospace businesses up for sale – money the company might sink into expanding in emerging defense markets, the Wall Street Journal reports.
* Come Together: Boeing’s defense business head says budget cuts could lead to defense industry consolidation. Is merger with Northrop Grumman possible?
* Lighter Fighters: New NORTHCOM commander wants new light fighters that handle better than F-16s at lower speeds for homeland defense.
* New Japan defense report supports continued presence of US forces in Okinawa, warns of China’s growing military power.
* European defense giant EADS is looking to expand in the US military cybersecurity market, CEO says.
* Catching Fireflies: US military labs are doling out funds to find defense applications for bioluminescence, a phenomenon that makes fireflies glow. Applications under consideration: landing zone markers for helicopters, friend vs. foe ID markers, trackers for weapons and supplies on the battlefield.