Rapid Fire Feb. 5, 2013: UK House of Commons Concerned by International Level Playing Field

• The UK’ House of Commons’ Defence Committee published a report [PDF] on defence acquisition that raises a long list of concerns. The Ministry of Defence preempted one of them last week by publishing its Equipment Plan, just as the Committee was finalizing its review, albeit that 10-year plan arguably lacks important details. Still, many doubts voiced by the Commons remain valid and timely, among them whether other countries – starting with other EU members – will really reciprocate market openness. This international consideration comes into play as Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S. i.e. the MoD’s acquisition wing) is to be turned into a Government Owned, Contractor Operated (GOCO) entity that could be managed by a non-UK company.

• The US Air Force Personnel Center released the terms of voluntary departure measures they hope will allow the service to reduce its personnel by 3,340 people by the end of September.

• The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and its members are trying to drum up grass roots opposition to sequestration, yet there is a foreboding feeling that the “can’t possibly happen” cuts will actually come to pass.