Rapid Fire Morning 2011-06-16: Arctic Requirements
- Reuters reports that the Chinese language Liberation Army Daily newspaper has published an article advocating that China builds up cyber warfare capabilities to counter American attempts to “seize the commanding military heights on the Internet”.
- Boeing will lay off up to 225 people at its Wichita, KS facility, as the civilian and military demand cycle drops for certain programs. The Wichita facility is involved in programs like the C-40 Clipper executive and transport fleet, E-4B and E-6B national command aircraft, ongoing support for the B-52H bomber, and soon, final conversion of the KC-46A aerial tankers.
- The French Directorate General of Armaments awards Zodiac Milpro [PDF] a contract for 20 multi-purpose commando RIBs (ECUME) and four air delivery systems (SLE).
- Rheinmetall unveils new HE DM-11 secondary ammunition for MBT 120mm smoothbore guns. The HE DM-11 can be fired from any in-service 120 mm smoothbore gun and is deemed safe to fire in all climate zones.
- As the Arctic continues to increase in strategic significance Defence Watch considers the Canadian Armed Forces’ procurement requirements.
- Now a former U.S. defense industry CEO joins the debate regarding China’s J-20 fighter.
- Danger Room ponders over the topics to be covered by DARPA’s 100 Years Starship conference. The program ties ethical and moral concerns to DARPA’s quest to achieve interstellar flight by 2111. If Jack Kirby’s – the creator of the Silver Surfer cartoon – comments are anything to go by, then the defense industry will be more than welcome to attend.
Categories: Aircraft, Americas - Other, Ammunition, Boeing, China, Contracts - Awards, Daily Rapid Fire, DARPA, Europe - Other, European Union (EU), Fighters & Attack, Geographical Focus, Heavy Bombers, Industry, Innovation, Ordnance & Guns, Other Corporation, Outer Space, Partnerships & Consortia, Polar Regions, Specialty Aircraft, Surface Ships - Other, USA
