Rapid Fire May 28, 2013: Another Round of Chinese Hacks Revealed, Denied

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* According to the Washington Post, a confidential section of a recent Defense Science Board report says Chinese hackers gained access to “more than two dozen” US weapon systems, from missile defense to fighter jets. * Australia’s ABC News claims a cyber attack from China led to the stealing of the blueprints for the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation(ASIO)’s future headquarters. So far the official answer in Australia and China is the usual denial. * South Korea is looking to modernize its existing P-3 sea control aircraft, and buy 20 more maritime patrol planes to counter North Korea’s mini-submarines. The C295 MPA, SC-130J Sea Hercules, and P-8A are all mentioned as candidates, but an approved budget of just $900 million makes the C295 the only choice that fits. The ROK Army and Coast Guard already fly smaller CN235s. * Spain’s decommissioned 16,700t Principe de Asturias carrier may have some interested buyers. That would be good news for Navantia, which would handle the refit & upgrade. Indonesia passed, and the Philippines is almost a joke, but she could make an interesting helicopter carrier for “Arab countries” who have the funds to equip and operate her. * DCNS and STX are giving France’s […]

* According to the Washington Post, a confidential section of a recent Defense Science Board report says Chinese hackers gained access to “more than two dozen” US weapon systems, from missile defense to fighter jets.

* Australia’s ABC News claims a cyber attack from China led to the stealing of the blueprints for the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation(ASIO)’s future headquarters. So far the official answer in Australia and China is the usual denial.

* South Korea is looking to modernize its existing P-3 sea control aircraft, and buy 20 more maritime patrol planes to counter North Korea’s mini-submarines. The C295 MPA, SC-130J Sea Hercules, and P-8A are all mentioned as candidates, but an approved budget of just $900 million makes the C295 the only choice that fits. The ROK Army and Coast Guard already fly smaller CN235s.

* Spain’s decommissioned 16,700t Principe de Asturias carrier may have some interested buyers. That would be good news for Navantia, which would handle the refit & upgrade. Indonesia passed, and the Philippines is almost a joke, but she could make an interesting helicopter carrier for “Arab countries” who have the funds to equip and operate her.

* DCNS and STX are giving France’s Ventôse light monitoring frigate a new paint job [in French] with silicone-based paint meant to be more environmentally friendly and save fuel.

* Under pressure from the UK and France, European Union foreign affairs ministers have lifted the arms embargo against Syria, leaving the decision to arm the rebels to member states. EU Council [PDF] | UK Foreign Secretary | Deutsche Welle.

* Researchers from Berlin-based German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP in German) see signs [PDF] that Saudi Arabia and Iran are vying for influence beyond their Mideast contest and into Afghanistan.

* The “product recall” video below from the USMC has a nice DIY flair to it. PdM ICE PdM ICE (Product Manager Infantry Combat Equipment) instructs soldiers on how to perform a mandatory modification of the quick-release mechanism for some packs recently delivered by Eagle Industries to replace the older ILBE packs:

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