* US Military Human Terrain System report flashes warning signs re: Kandahar region offensives.
* Set of reports raise the issue of combined-arms skills deteriorating due to constant counterinsurgency focus. How should the US military train for hybrid war?
* Boeing posts a 15% decline in 1st quarter profits compared to the 2009 1st quarter; Lockheed Martin also records a drop in 1st quarter profits.
* Russian officials say they have made a political decision to buy Mistral amphibious assault ships, says it expects a deal by end of 2010. We’ll see.
* Boeing and Bell Helicopter reportedly considering a V-22 tilt-rotor Presidential helicopter bid. Unless the coming RFP removes the requirements about not messing up the White House lawn with the downdrafts, good luck.
* Iran’s Revolutionary Guards plan 3 days of air, sea, and ground maneuvers in the Persian Gulf this week. Hopefully, they’ll do better than their recent air show that destroyed Iran’s only AWACS aircraft. Bloomberg | Radio Free Europe | ISNA
* Stranded in Europe? Britain’s Royal Navy to the rescue! Let’s just hope they don’t have to call out the fishing boats…
* Ballistic missiles are an increasing threat to the United States, Pentagon official tells Senate Armed Services Committee. Duh. SASC hearing webcast
* General Dynamics snags $24 million order to supply 155mm M795 projective metal parts to the US Army.
* Raytheon gets $19 million contract to produce LAU-115D/A and LAU-116B/A missile launchers for AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder on board US Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and E/A-18G Growler fighter aircraft.
* Pew Foundation cites efforts [PDF] by US military to reduce use of fossil fuels and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
* Biofuel-powered “Green Hornet” F/A-18F to fly from Patuxent River today, for Earth Day. NAVAIR | Boeing.
