Rapid Fire 2010-09-27: Terrestrial Military SATCOM Market

* Bully on the Block: China’s growing military might could lead to confrontation with neighbors in South China Sea. * Something Old, Something New: Iran demonstrates “domestically upgraded” Shah-era C-130 transport plane. * Gates to Curry Favor: Pentagon chief Gates plans to lobby for US candidates in the $10 billion Indian medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) competition when Indian defense head Antony visits Washington this week. * Possible drastic military cuts by the UK government are worrying US defense officials. * Strategy Analytics: The market for terrestrial military SATCOM components, such as satellite-capable radios, is expected to grow from $423 million in 2008 to $684 million in 2013. * Sound Idea: US Office of Naval Research awards a contract worth up to $7.1 million to a consortium led by North Carolina State University to research the use of acoustics to detect roadside bombs and suicide bombers.