* The US Department of Defense released directive 3000.09 [PDF] stating that autonomous weapon systems are to be designed in a way that ensures humans call the shots: "Semi-autonomous weapon systems that are onboard or integrated with unmanned platforms must be...
Other Corporation Articles
2012: $300M CLSSA to Support Saudis’ “American Brigade”
Saudi Humvee,Mogadishu 1993(click to view full) Nov 26/12: The US DSCA announces [PDF] Saudi Arabia's intent to buy blanket order requisitions, under a Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Agreement (CLSSA). The Government of Saudi Arabia wants to be able to issue...
Rapid Fire Nov. 27, 2012: Land Mobile Radio Systems
* The US Army is working on a draft RFP for Land Mobile Radio Systems (LMRS) for a maximum combined value of $228.6M over 3 years. No industry day is planned, rather interested contractors can book a teleconference with the contracting officer by December 3rd. ASFI |...
General Dynamics MRAPs: Partners and Purchases
USMC RG-31, IEDed in Iraq(click to view story) General Dynamics is one of the biggest suppliers of land equipment to the US Army and Marines, alongside firms like BAE and Oshkosh. As IED land mines became an unmistakable trend in modern warfare, however, the company...
Rapid Fire Nov. 26, 2012: German 2013 Budget | 1st FREMM
* Germany's Bundestag approved the country's federal budget for 2013 for a total of 302 billion euros, with around 33.3 billion euros for defense (~$43B), a slight increase above 2012. The country will spend as much next year servicing its sovereign debt as the...
Thanksgiving 2012
It's that time of year again. For those of you celebrating American Thanksgiving, or who just want a feast, the US Defense Commissary Agency has some tips for cooking turkey, and some recipes. Yummly offers some options for your leftovers. Our big recommendation: if...
Rapid Fire Nov. 21, 2012: EADS State Ownership, US Outlook
* Germany and France have reportedly agreed to end up each owning 12% of EADS. Deutsche Welle | Handelsblatt [in German]. * EADS North America CEO Sean O'Keefe expects defense budget cuts, whether the Administration and Congress reach a budget deal or not. Bloomberg....
Rapid Fire Nov. 20, 2012: Honeywell Plans for Almost Full Sequester
* Honeywell briefed [PDF] investors on their outlook for the years ahead, which they base on the assumption that 80% of sequestration funding cuts may happen. They estimate that their revenue at risk in case of full sequestration is limited to just 2% of revenue...
Shadow Infrastructure: Supporting the RQ-7 UAS
RQ-7 launch, Mosul(click to view full) RQ-7 Shadow UAVs can be launched via runway or catapult, and land on runways. They've become the mainstay tactical-class battalion/ brigade level UAS for the US Army and US Marine Corps, and have also been exported to a number of...

