Rapid Fire: 2010-06-03

• SIRPI launches its 2010 yearbook, which includes its compiled arms sales data.

• US arms sales to Taiwan seen as reason behind China’s snub of US Defense Secretary Gates. Taiwan’s successful frigate corruption lawsuit against Thales seen as reason for coming departure of French naval envoy.

• France conducts first test campaign for NATO’s Distributed Networked Battle Labs (DNBL) information sharing network, which is headed to Afghanistan in late 2010 to improve interoperability among allies.

• MC-12W Liberty twin-turboprop spy planes racking up hours, plaudits in theater.

• Pentagon to certify 6 weapons systems, keeping the programs alive despite Nunn-McCurdy cost breaches. Note 5 of the 6 were on the list because the Pentagon either ordered more of them, or decided to spread the same R&D costs across fewer items. F-35 is the exception.

• Lockheed Martin to form Global Training and Logistics business by combining logistics unit Readiness & Stability Operations, and RFID supplier Savi Technology, with Simulation, Training and Support unit. Firm plans to sell off engineering and architectural services units.

• Cold feet?: UK-based Chemring has second thoughts on $59 million acquisition of Allied Defense Group.

• Duocommum gets $12 million order to supply exhaust ducts for Sikorsky Aircraft’s UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters.

• Kratos Defense & Security Solutions’ orders to reset and refurbish aircraft maintenance shelters reach $22 million.