Rapid Fire: 2010-02-23

• As Argentina and Britain revisit their Falklands dispute, the UK conducts armed patrols, while France reportedly considers selling Argentina improved Super Etendard strike aircraft by 2015.

• Taiwan air force is not ready to withstand an attack from China, US DIA report warns. AP | Reuters

• Pakistan formally inducts 1st JF-17 fighter squadron.

• WIRED Danger Room: Where have all the MANPADS (MAN Portable Air Defense missile Systems) gone?

• United Technologies’ Sikorsky Aircraft selected for DARPA mission-adaptive rotor (MAR) technology development.

• Sikorsky upgrading its S-92 helicopters; British SAR likely to benefit.

• US Army’s proposed new IFV hitting roadblocks?

• British defense firm VT Group rejects revised GBP 1.3 billion takeover offer from Babcock.

• Israel’s Elbit Systems gets $20 million follow-on contract from defense ministry for “Snunit” aircraft trainer.

SAIC Continues Technical Support for NSWC Crane Division

Science Applications International Corp. in McLean, VA received a task order from the US Naval Sea Systems Command’s Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division in Crane, IN to provide technical and engineering support for its Joint Special Operations Response Department (JSORD). The department provides specialized training and support in sensors, communications, mobility, maneuverability, and special munitions and weapons.

The follow-on task order has a 2-year base period of performance, 3 one-year options, and a total value of more than $351 million, if all options are exercised. The task order was awarded under the Navy’s $5.3 billion SeaPort-Enhanced (Seaport-e) umbrella contract. SAIC’s Seaport-e contract number is N00178-04-D-4119.

This task order follows others awarded to SAIC to support NSWC Crane’s JSORD…