Rapid Fire: 2011-01-14

* Rheinmetall denies rumors it is in talks with Northrop Grumman about takeover, while it completes purchase of Verseidag Ballistic Protection, a German maker of military vehicle protection systems. * Japan is studying ways to provide logistics support for any US military actions on the Korean Peninsula, says Japanese Defense Minister Kitazawa. * KBR moves to expand revenue base beyond US logistics work in Afghanistan under its LOGCAP IV contract. * Portable pure oxygen generator for battlefield ER among products featured at UK MOD’s small business R&D contract award showcase. * “I’ll be back”: Is the military losing control of its robots? * Czechs budget funds to back their new membership in NATO’s E-3 AWACS pool. For reference, CZK 90 million upkeep = $4.9 million now, and CZK 170 million for modernization = $9.25 million. * General Dynamics Electric Boat recruiting engineers for next generation SSBN “boomer” to replace the Ohio Class. Work on the nuclear missile compartment is already underway. * EastWest Institute releases study examining the national security implications and approaches to cybersecurity.