Rapid Fire 2011-01-10: J-20 Black Eagle

• Pentagon chief Robert Gates warns about China’s J-20 Black Eagle stealth fighter jet, DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile during his first visit to Beijing.

• US DoD belt-tightening plan could benefit Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, and L-3, says FBR analyst Patrick McCarthy.

• Kit Up! and DefenseTech discuss the Taliban’s performance in defeating and overrunning OP Topside and COP Kahler near Wanat, Afghanistan, with reference to the final report. Intelligent use of gear by the Taliban made a difference – and so, apparently, did problems with the Americans’ M4 carbines.

• US Army recognizes its Top 10 inventions for 2010. CERDEC goes into more detail about the REPPS backpack solar power system, Duke v3 CREW jammer; and the Wolfhound system for finding the radio used by that enemy you can hear talking, or think might be nearby scouting you, but can’t see.

• Israel Defense Force considers anti-mortar system along Gaza border.

• Pentagon’s proposal to increase health care fees for working-age military retirees draws fire.