Rapid Fire 2010-12-15: Russian Modernization

* Show me the rubles: Russia to spend 20 trillion rubles to modernize its armed forces, including spending on strategic nuclear forces, air-defense systems, C4ISR equipment, 5th-generation fighter, and Borey Class nuclear submarines. Money is nice, but along the way there are big challenges involved in restoring Russia’s defense industry. * Strategic thinking: Obama administration’s review of Afghanistan strategy due out Thursday. * Research and Markets: Singapore’s defense budget is expected to reach US$11.5 billion by 2015, up from US$7.9 billion in 2009. * Potemkin Navy? Why South Africa isn’t helping to combat piracy off of Africa’s east coast. And stuff like this doesn’t help… * Turkey to join South Korea, Indonesia in KF-X fighter development? It already buys a lot of Korean defense equipment. * DISA’s IT budget request for FY2011 down 2% from FY 2011 figure, according to FedSources. * End of the line for Britain’s Harriers. * Aloha Petroleum snags $45 million contract to supply gasoline and diesel fuel to 6 military bases on Oahu, HI.