* The USAF issued a solicitation for their 300-plane T-X trainer program, but don’t get excited yet. It isn’t even an RFI, just advance clarification re: Military Airworthiness Certification requirements. If Boeing really wants to invest in a new design, that will be just one of their challenges. IAI/ATG’s Javelin could give them a running start, but… this is a very high wall to climb without a proven design, no matter how you go about it.
* The US Navy christens their new escort carrier America [LHA 6] in a ceremony at HII’s Pascagoula, MS shipyard. Technically, she’s still “Pre-Commissioning Unit America”.
* Todd Harrison at the CSBA think tank published a paper on the effects of competition on defense acquisitions. “In some instances, the structure of the competition can actually incentivize contractors to bid higher and drive up costs.”
* The latest Defense Acquisition Research Journal [PDF] reviews how the industry may respond to defense budget cuts.
* The commissioning of Russia’s first Borei SSN is delayed to next year because of software problems. RIA Novosti | Pravda.
* Alex Salmond, Scotland’s First Minister, said Trident would have to be removed from an independent Scotland. While the British MoD says it is not planning for such an eventuality, some say the cost would be enormous.
* Dassault Aviation had lower sales [PDF] during their 3rd 2012 quarter but they are still ahead for the first 9 months of the year, thanks to higher Falcon business jet sales. Their defense business is down 19% to 544 million euros so far this year.
* Raytheon acquired cyber-security firm Teligy. Terms were not disclosed.