Rapid Fire Nov. 1, 2012: Shipbuilding Capabilities

by Editorial Staff | Nov 1, 2012 | Alliances, Americas - Other, Budgets, China, Contracts - Awards, Domestic Security, Europe - Other, Russia, Think Tanks, USA

* China has ramped up mass production techniques and coordination between its shipyards to allow a rapid modernization of its fleet, with some degree of versatility thanks to modular construction. The Diplomat. * Meanwhile the Commander-in-Chief of Russia’s Navy...

Rapid Fire Oct. 31, 2012: J-31 Maiden Flight

by Editorial Staff | Oct 31, 2012 | Africa - Other, Asia - Other, Australia & S. Pacific, Britain/U.K., Budgets, China, Coastal & Littoral, Daily Rapid Fire, European Union (EU), Fighters & Attack, Finmeccanica, Forces - Naval, Middle East - Other, Russia, Submarines, Surface Ships - Combat

* According to the usual blogs dedicated to watching (or intentionally leaking?) China’s military efforts, AVIC’s J-31 prototype jet fighter made a short maiden flight earlier today. However the Chinese will have to spend dearly to develop competitive...

Rapid Fire Oct. 30, 2012: Oshkosh in for a Fight

by Editorial Staff | Oct 30, 2012 | Alliances, Asia - Other, Canada, China, Daily Rapid Fire, Lockheed Martin, Middle East - Other, People, Simulation & Training, Tanks & Mechanized

* After Oshkosh’s board of directors rejected Carl Icahn’s tender offer, it is not surprising that they do not like the candidates the investor lined up to replace them. * Lockheed Martin won a $114M 5-year contract to deliver and upgrade combat vehicle...

Rapid Fire Oct. 29, 2012: Spike This

by Editorial Staff | Oct 29, 2012 | Australia & S. Pacific, Boeing, Daily Rapid Fire, Helicopters & Rotary, India, Japan, People, Scandals & Investigations, USA, UUVs & USVs

* Japan’s Board of Audit says Mitsubishi Electric has overcharged the defense ministry for decades. AP | Japan Times. * The US Navy’s first launch of Rafael Spike missiles from an unmanned surface vessel was successful. NAVSEA. * Two days after nominating...

Rapid Fire Oct. 26, 2012: Russian Aircraft Acquisition Plans

by Editorial Staff | Oct 26, 2012 | Airbus, Asia - Central, Bases & Infrastructure, Conferences & Events, Daily Rapid Fire, Germany, Industry & Trends, Logistics, Middle East - Other, Pre-RFP, Rolls Royce, Russia, Scandals & Investigations

* Russia intends to renew a significant part of its air force through the modernization or procurement of new aircraft over the coming years. Dmitry Gorenburg (based on a VPK article in Russian). * Rolls-Royce is putting together a new ship design team dedicated to...