Rapid Fire 2011-08-17: Switchblade UAV

• Russia’s state-run Rosoboronexport reveals that it has lost $4 billion-worth of defense export contracts with Libya.

• Defense Secretary Leon Panetta tells the National Defense University that the United States can enact budget cuts without compromising national security.

• Protests across Israel have prompted a rethink of defense expenditure plans. The Government is considering starting its five-year spending plan in 2013. Investment in training, missile and rocket interception systems are expected to compensate for troop reductions.