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Daily Rapid Fire

Navy Field Testing Semi-Auto Carrier Recovery | Russia, Japan Follow SOCOM in Developing ‘Terminator’ Suits

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Americas * On Wednesday the House Armed Services Committee shot down an amendment intended to transfer money from the F-35 program to the National Guard and Reserves as part of the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act. Representative Jackie Speier pushed to shift $589 million – representing six F-35 fighters – from the $1 billion funding […]
Americas

* On Wednesday the House Armed Services Committee shot down an amendment intended to transfer money from the F-35 program to the National Guard and Reserves as part of the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act. Representative Jackie Speier pushed to shift $589 million – representing six F-35 fighters – from the $1 billion funding increase, with Speier’s amendment losing on a voice vote, following a heated exchange between the Democrat Representative and Chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces subcommittee Rep. Mike Turner.

* The Army awarded an up-to $3.89 billion firm-fixed-price and cost reimbursable, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to Thales Defense & Security for rifleman radios, beating out two other bids. Thales was previously awarded a US Army contract in 2012 for its AN/PRC-154 radios, jointly developed with General Dynamics.

* Also on Wednesday, the Navy awarded a $62.5 million contract to Timken Gears & Services Inc. for two Main Reduction Gear systems for Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) class destroyers. The MRG systems are used to turn the very fast rotational speed of an engine, such as a DDG-51 type destroyers’ LM2500 turbines, into efficient slower speed rotation of the ships’ propellers.

* The Navy has field-tested the Maritime Augmented Guidance with Integrated Controls for Carrier Approach and Recovery Precision Enabling Technologies (MAGIC CARPET) software onboard CVN-77, with the software intended to assist landing aircraft. The system is scheduled for deployment in 2019.

Europe

* French president François Hollande announced Wednesday that the country would implement a $4.2 billion increase to its annual defense budget, a break from previous strategic planning for the 2014-2019 period. With a detailed budget expected to be presented before the country’s cabinet on 20th May, the government needs to find an additional $4.2 billion to finance military procurement and operations over the 2016-2019 period. Indonesia has also committed to double its defense budget by 2020 to $15 billion, representing 1.5% of GDP.

* Russia and China are reportedly close to signing a final agreement to jointly construct helicopters. The precise model of helicopter the two are intending to construct has not been disclosed, although it is thought that the new helicopter will seek to surpass the enormous Mi-26 heavy lift helicopter’s impressive operational capabilities.

* Meanwhile, TASS is reporting that the Russian defense industry will be supplying exoskeletons to the Russian Armed Forces “within five years.” The fancy suits are to be capable of lifting up to 300kg and making “incredible jumps.” The Chinese have also shown recent strides in exoskeleton technology, while Japan is also exploring the idea. SOCOM is also currently seeking up to a dozen potential vendors to submit proposals for its Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit competition, with these twelve expected to submit proposals at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference in Tampa next month.

Asia

* In a boost to the country’s defense industry, two privately-held Indian firms – Bharat Forge and Punj Lloyd – have been selected as finalists for the Indian Army’s $2.65 billion anti-air gun requirement. The replacement of aging Swedish L70/ZU 23 guns will involve procurement of over 1,100 vehicles, with an initial contract expected to see 428 new guns over five years.

* British Prime Minister has reiterated the offer of Eurofighter Typhoons for India’s MMRCA competition, with the European nation offering “a better deal than Rafale”. The Typhoon was one of two finalists in the competition, losing out to the Rafale as preferred bidder.

* The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile appears to be on the cusp of significant export success. The joint venture between India and Russia may soon be exported to South American countries such as Brazil, Venezuela and Argentina, as well as other countries including South Africa, with reports of preliminary discussions having already taken place between India and these states. India recently stood-up a third regiment of BrahMos missiles.

* The Indian Air Force will receive an additional four HAL Tejas light combat aircraft by the end of this year.

Today’s Video

* A Chinese exoskeleton suit at the Zhuhai Airshow last year…

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