Rapid Fire 2011-08-26: Assessing Chinese Military Power

* Following the release of its annual assessment of China’s military power, a US Department of Defense official suggests that Beijing has also developed a ‘workable design’ of its DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile. Meanwhile, China has continued its condemnation by saying the report indulged in exaggeration and ‘groundless suspicion’. * Successful test of the CONECT upgrade to USAF B-52H heavy bombers; program on track to finish ground and flight tests in October 2011. * EADS passes a half way point, delivers the 180th UH-72A light utility helicopter to the US military. * The US Navy confirms the successful test-flight of a T-45 Goshawk trainer using biofuel. * Following Hugo Chavez’s recent gratitude for Russian assistance in re-equipping Venezuela’s armed forces, diplomatic sources reveal that Moscow is preparing to loan Caracas an additional $4 billion for military purchases. * The US Air Force awards Vision Systems International a $36 million contract for electrical and electronic equipment components. * Rosoboronexport delivers 6 Mi-17 helicopters to Indonesia. A $56 million contract was signed by Jakarta and the state-owned corporation for the helicopters. * The US military continues to reallocate hundreds of millions toward surveillance, mostly for Special Operations. But are they looking for ISR in all the wrong places? * With the end of the Libyan conflict seemingly in sight, a number of interesting stories are beginning to […]