Rapid Fire 2011-03-15: India Becomes Top Armament Importer

* India passes China as world’s top arms importer, accounting for 9% of arms transfers during 2006 to 2010, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. * US Navy personnel on the US aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), which is aiding victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, were exposed to a month’s worth of radiation in an hour, according to the New York Times. * High fuel prices could increase US DoD’s fuel costs by $1.5 billion, according to Pentagon Comptroller Robert Hale. * NATO defense ministers agree to alliance cyber defense policy. * General Dynamics gets $40 million task order to provide IT help desk support to the Defense Intelligence Agency under its $6.6 billion SITE contract. * Kaman gets $23.8 million contract modification to supply joint programmable fuzes for guided bombs that use JDAM or Paveway kits. * Harris receives $11 million order to supply Falcon III RF-152-C tactical radios and RF-300M Trimline vehicle adapters [PDF] to the Australian Department of Defence.