* Entente cordial redux: UK, France ink historic defense accord that includes setting up a joint expeditionary force, shared use of aircraft carriers, cooperation on weapons procurement and logistics, and joint cybersecurity efforts.
* Aviation Week reports that global spending reviews, particularly in Europe, are having ripple effects in the global market for fighter jets.
* On the road to Bishkek: Mina and Red Star supply jet fuel to US forces in Kyrgyzstan under $3 billion contracts.
* Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Chiarelli says US Army’s weapons-buying process may need a “big bang” shakeup to become broadly effective.
* US Army’s enhanced 5.56mm bullets are in production. That’s enhanced within the limits of their caliber choice, of course.
* Military investment is boosting the incipient market for algae-produced fuels.
* The US Coast Guard remains way behind in its use of UAVs. Budget issues are cited, but useful, low-cost systems are available if the Coast Guard decides they’re a priority.
* More information, please: Russia wants more info on proposed NATO missile defense system before deciding whether to join it.
* Outgoing Israeli military intelligence chief warns Russia is providing Syria with advanced anti-aircraft weapons that set Israeli defense capabilities “back to their status in the 1970s Suez years.”
* KEYW Corp. to acquire Sycamore.US, a cybersecurity software provider to the US military and commercial customers, for $27 million in cash.
* Sparton secures $12 million contract to provide engineering services for the US Navy’s sonobuoy program.