Rapid Fire 2011-06-05: Shangri-La Dialogue

* A new report [PDF] from the unaligned CSBA think tank states that “the growth and proliferation of anti-access/area-denial capabilities, together with short-range guided munitions, have the potential to bring the era of the aircraft carrier to an end, obviate the ability of short-range, tactical U.S. air power to operate from forward bases, and substantially raise the difficulties and costs of moving heavy ground forces into overseas theaters, much less sustaining them once there.” 

* The IISS use the first day of the Shangri-La Dialogue to unveil its latest study of North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.

* Canada sends out mixed messages regarding negotiations for overseas bases.

* Boeing delivers 2 more F100-powered F-15Ks to Daegu AB in South Korea. That makes 10 planes, from the 21-plane F-X-2 batch.

* Nanotechnology advances may lead to the transformation of combat fatigues and and bulky equipment into lightweight do-it-all battle uniforms.

* Mexico’s drug wars driving armored car maker Texas Armoring Corporation’s rapid growth.