Rapid Fire 2011-08-25: J-20 Stealth Fighter Speculation
- The Department of Defense releases Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2011 [PDF]. While the report acknowledges China’s growing importance to peacekeeping and an array of international security operations, Taiwan remains the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) ‘main strategic direction’. State media reiterated that China’s defense policy is defensive in nature and criticized US interference over Taiwan.
- Boeing delivers three more F-15K Slam Eagles to South Korea.
- The Iranian Ambassador to Moscow hopes that the International Court of Arbitration will rule in favor of Tehran over the legality of Russia’s $800 million contract to supply Iran with S-300 air defense systems.
- Meanwhile, sources claim that Russia will next test-launch its Bulava (SS-NX-30) submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) on the 27th August. The launch will be from the Borey Class Yuri Dolgoruky strategic nuclear submarine.
- Research and Markets adds Defense and Security in India 2011 Report to its list of publications. The report says India spent $39 billion on defense and security in 2010, and continues to look towards self-sufficiency. Publication also comes at a time when Robert Sher, Deputy Assistant of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, called US-Indian defense ties a ‘natural partnership’.
- Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Richard Shelby (R-AL) release a statement saying that the failure of the Russian Progress resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) underscores the need for American leadership in space and the development of the Space Launch System (SLS).
- As the Government Accountability Office (GAO) releases a report [PDF] on US initiatives to safeguard maritime energy security, analysts line up to argue that the US Navy should increase its focus on irregular warfare challenges.
- Interest in China’s J-20 stealth fighter continues at a relentless pace. A new set of photographs reveal the aircraft’s weapons bay. Photos have also emerged of the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) North Sea Fleet’s nuclear submarine base.
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