Middle East / Africa
* As happens periodically, Russia is again making noises about (French) selling S-300 anti-air missiles (or the rebadged Antey-2500 variant) to Iran. The last two times such sounds emanated from Moscow, Russia was able to use the prospect as a diplomatic chip.
* Algeria is buying 200 T-90 main battle tank kits to assemble domestically.
Europe
* Germany is to allow its problematical NH90s back into the air after the most recent fire incident. It has a protocol solution that involves adding steps to takeoff that would allow a pilot to anticipate imminent flames. A longer-term solution is still in the works.
Asia
* South Korea may be considering buying into the V-22 Osprey program, with consideration being given to the need to protect islands against a foe that tends to pop up in unexpected places.
* The Australians have started training on the MQ9B in the U.S.
* India is reportedly close to flight testing its Rustom-2 large UAV.
Americas
* Oshkosh Defense announced a new version of its ambulance variant of its M-ATV. The first ambulance version appeared in 2010.
* The Navy successfully tested the Trident II D5 ballistic missile, the 155th successful test for the program since 1989.
* Enstrom Helicopter conducted the first flight of its new trainer the TH180.
* Northrop Grumman launched a command-and-control-center-in-a-box it calls the Citadel Enterprise Battle Command System that boasts of integrated allied air and air defense information streams.
* FedBid is apparently off the no-buy list, at least for the U.S. Air Force, now that an administrative agreement has been put in place and FedBid’s founder has been removed from management.
Today’s Video
* The 2010 Oshkosh M-ATV ambulance version put through its paces…
