Rapid Fire 2011-08-09: Thai Deliveries

* Boeing and Siemens form a strategic alliance to develop ‘smart grid’ technologies to improve energy access and security for US military installations. * Teal Group’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems – 2011 predicts that global UAV expenditure will increase from $5.9 billion to $15.1 billion over the next decade. * Turkey’s defense companies are set to be among the major beneficiaries of Ankara’s $5 billion expenditure on materiel throughout 2011. * Kawasaki’s XP-1 maritime patrol aircraft develops cracks during ground testing, prompting uncertainty over its entry into service. * Sikorsky follows up its recent sale of its S-70i Black Hawk to Mexico with the announcement that it has delivered three S-70is to an undisclosed customer. Turkey is the S-70i’s 1st and biggest customer to date. * Enstrom delivers the first batch of 480B light turbine helicopters to the Royal Thai Army. The aircraft form part of a contract signed in 2010 for 16 480Bs, to be used for training purposes. Thailand is also getting set to receive 2 MH-60S maritime utility helicopters. * China’s Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) temporarily shifts attention away from its aircraft carrier program with the launch of its second Dalao-class submarine. * So, does Burma/Myanmar have a contract for 20 more MiG-29 fighters or not?