Rapid Fire 2011-04-22: OPTARSS II Contract

• Up to $2.5 billion to 13 companies for mobilization and deployment planning support to the US Army Forces Command under the OPTARSS II contract.

• US Army to shut down Accessions Command, which oversees initial entry training programs for recruits.

• BAE Systems gets $62 million contract modification to provide energy absorbing seats, gunner protection, and laser designation for the US Army’s Bradley fighting vehicle.

• Fire and Brimstone: The US and French air forces are considering acquiring the MBDA’s Brimstone anti-armor missile used by RAF Tornado fighters in Libya.

• EU countries’ defense spending totals $280 billion, according to ASD Reports.

• South Korean F-15K Slam Eagles begin flying with their new Lockheed Martin Sniper surveillance and targeting pods. When did that contract happen?

• If you want to field a 2 foot long, 13 pound bomb for small UAVs, the first thing you need is a really good small warhead. Raytheon turned to Nammo Talley for its new STM Small Tactical Munition.

• The Indonesian Navy successfully tests Russian-made Yakhont anti-ship missiles for the first time. The P-800 (Russian)/ SS-N-26 (NATO) missile was used as the basis for the Indo-Russian Brahmos, and “Yakhont” is the name used for P-800 export versions.

• Is the US Army losing its best officers?