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The article reports on the decision of defense ministry of Germany to select the Medium Extended Air Defense System (Meads) over the Patriot from defense contractor Raytheon for itsTaktisches Luftverteidigungssystem (TLVS) requirements. Factors to the decision include costs, manpower, the open architecture of Mead, and a joint development of a surveillance unmanned vehicle (UAV) with France and Italy. It suggests the opportunities with military services for which Meads could compete.

The article presents comments of Chris Chadwick, president of defense and aerospace company Boeing Defense, Space & Security, on innovations in the aerospace industry. Topics discussed include challenges of defense contractors in updating weapons systems; Boeing's Phantom Fusion flexible software architecture; U.S. Air Force contract for Long-Range Strike Bomber, the United Launch Alliance, a partnership of Boeing with defense firm Lockheed Martin; and Boeing's earnings and reorganization.

The author reflects on the impact of the budget caps in the Budget Control Act for fiscal 2016 on defense contractors. Topics discussed include challenges for heritage defense companies to navigate, compromises on non-defense discretionary spending, taxes and entitlements in the U.S. federal budget, and a report from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regarding fiscal 2015 investment outlays in defense companies.

The author looks at the no-growth environment for defense contractors in the U.S. as of February 2015. Topics discussed include non-defense discretionary spending, taxes and entitlements in the U.S., sum of procurement and research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) and decreased investment in the industry.

The article reports on challenges facing India's defense ambitions in 2015 due both funding shortages and the pressure to comply with the new government's made in India policy. Topics include the plan to purchase medium multirole combat aircraft and Swiss Pilatus PC-7 basic trainer aircraft, the government's efforts to reduce a defense import bill, and the lack of an Indian company to manufacture Swiss Pilatus PC-7 Mk II basic trainer aircraft.

The article reports on the plan of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency as of December 2014 to acquire a new Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle for its Ground-Based Missile Defense (GMD) system. Topics include the intense scrutiny faced by the GDM in 2014 until it successful intercept of a long-range target in July, the release of the procurement strategy in the fiscal 2016 defense budget, and the finalization of details on a renegotiated sustainment contract with Boeing for the GMD system.

In this article the talks about the threat posed by political gridlock and lack of research & development in the U.S. on the defense sector of the U.S. Topics include the views of Katrina McFarland, the assistant U.S. secretary of defense for acquisition, regarding consequences of budget cuts on defense; effect of excessive regulations on defense contractors; and merger of space vehicles manufacturer Orbital Science with aerospace company Alliant Techsystems.

The article reports on the issues related to delay in contract of the delivery of the A400M tactical airlifter from Airbus Defense to Germany's air force Luftwaffe as of November 2014. It mentions the views of Airbus Group's chief executive officer (CEO) Tom Enders regarding loss incurred by the company due to the A400M project. Also discussed are statements of German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen according to which the A400M does not meet specifications agreed under the contract.

The article reports on contract entered into by the British Defense Ministry with General Dynamics UK for 589 Scout specialist vehicle (SV) platforms for use by armored cavalry.

The article focuses on the Indonesian modernization program, which runs from 2015-2029. Topics discussed include the country's contract with German defense contractor Rheinmetall for armored vehicles, Rheinmetall plan to upgrade 61 of the tanks on order to the Leopard 2 Republic of Indonesia standard, and a memorandum of understanding that PT Pindad and Rheinmetall signed to produce large-caliber munitions at the former's facility in Turen, East Java.

The author comments on the Long-Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B) project of the U.S. Air Force. Topics discussed include the secrecy surrounding the program, the author's view as to what extent a military project should be concealed from the public and efforts by politicians to take part in the LRS-B project.

The article offers news briefs on U.S. aerospace and defense policy. Topics include a bipartisan report to the U.S. Congress that argues budget cuts have negatively affected the military's national security capabilities, regulation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and the U.S. Army's plan to supply UH-72 Lakota helicopters for training.

Presents information on several issues concerning airlines industry in the United States (US). Possible merger agreements between the US and European defense contractors; Investigations on two midair collisions in New York area by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); Upgrading initiative of Northrop Grumman on the E-8C Joint-STARS aircraft.

Reports on the United States Air Force's 15-year Integrated Space Command and Control contract. Estimated value of the contract; Concerns about the sufficiency of funds to get the program beyond its sixth year; Possibility that the program may be linked to national missile defense or information operations.

Reports on the United States Department of Defense's plan to replace traditional progress payments to defense contractors with performance-based payments. Definition of performance requirements; Penalties to be imposed on contractors if they fail to meet customer expectations; Encouragement of more commercial companies to do business with the Defense Department.

Reports that the United States House of Representatives has ordered the selection of an additional contractor and a major funding shift aimed at addressing the multiple failure of an Army/Lockheed Martin Theater-High-Altitude-Area-Defense (THAAD) antimissile interceptor. Funding for eight V-22 tiltrotors and the C-17 airlifter transport; Aspects of the 1999 fiscal defense authorization bill; Comments of Rep. John M. Spratt, Jr., on the aggressiveness of the action.

Discusses the possible development of international consortiums to compete for defense contracts. The coalitions to consist of United States and European contractors; Possible scale of competitive alliances; Possible political; obstacles; Comments on transatlantic industrial partnerships; Comments of Lockheed Martin chairman Vance D. Coffman.

Focuses on the US National Reconnaissance Office's (NRO) release of a list of contractors, due to the Freedom of Information Act in the United States. NRO's operation of intelligence satellites; De-classification of contractors of the NRO; National security information to remain classified.

Looks at the challenges facing the United States military and aerospace industry in 1997. A prolonged spending slump impacting major new aviation projects from 1997-1999; Ten-year forecast for the value of fighter/attack aircraft; Developments among major defense contractors such as Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, and Lockheed Martin.

Focuses on the mounting challenge in the United States Congress to the Department of Defense's controversial system of allowing defense contractors to recoup post-merger restructuring costs. Broad-based, bipartisan support building rapidly in both houses of the Congress; Legislation introduced; Why contractors favor the system; Impact of the system on the industry at large.

Focuses on the financial status of some of the major United States aerospace/defense companies, as of October 28, 1996. Most companies experiencing solid third-quarter earnings; A series of major contracts to be awarded, beginning in early November 1996; The contracts including the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle, Space-Based Infrared (SBIR) system and AIM-9X air-to-air missile; Financials of some companies.

Looks at the awarding of the United States' Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) to Lockheed Martin and McDonnell Douglas. Estimated worth of contract; Confidence of both contractors in sales orders; Types of targets; Capabilities of JASSM; Types of launch aircraft; Contractors' investments and designs; Potential funding problems.

Reports on the increasing competition among bidders for the Pentagon's Maneuver UAV program, scheduled to get off ground in 1995 summer. Details of the program; Names of the competitors.

Reports on the decision of the Dutch air force and cabinet to award a $700 million contract to US firm McDonnell Douglas for the supply of Apache AH-64D attack helicopter. Competition from German-French Eurocopter Tiger; Details of the approval; Impact of the deal on US-Europe relationship.

The House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on oversight and investigations recently disclosed that millions of dollars in consulting fees paid by large US defense contractors to retired S. Korean Air Force General Eung-Yul Yoon, were deposited in a Paris bank, and not in S. Korea where the general's company is located. Investigation is still trying to find out what this money was used for.

The article discusses the effectiveness of performance-based logistics (PBL) in defense contracting. Topics covered include the benefits of PBL schemes for both the industry and the government and the reasons that hinder the use of PBL which include the unavailability of professionals to launch PBL initiatives, competing workplace imperatives and competing equities.

The article focuses on U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition chief Frank Kendall's plan to revive the training for and use of performance-based logistics (PBL) contracts. Topics covered include the findings of the Performance of the Defense Acquisition System report and the reasons behind the fall out of PBL contracts.

The article examines the commercial aeronautics firm Dynamic Aviation. The company's expansion from a small business engaged in crop dusting through the purchase by owner Ken Stoltzfus in the 1990s of 124 U-21 Ute military airplanes from the U.S. Army is examined. Dynamic's 21st century operations as a contractor of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) services to the U.S. are discussed.

The article reports that Denmark issued a Request for Binding Information (RBI) for its New Combat Aircraft Program investigating fighter planes including the Lockheed Martin F-35, the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab JAS-39E Gripen. Topics include Denmark's participation in the Joint Strike Fighter program, consideration of aircraft update capability, and emphasis on strategic cooperation between the aircraft manufacturers and Danish companies.

The author discusses discusses defense contractors' investment in research and development (R&D) as of April 2014, suggesting that budget restrictions by the U.S. Dept. of Defense may force them to spend more in the area. Topics include record profit margins for defense companies such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon, reasons for the limited investment in R&D, and speculation on future business models.

The article reports on the third export order received by Korea Aerospace Industries for its T-50 family of supersonic trainers and attack aircraft announced on March 28, 2014. It mentions the schedules of the delivery under a contract with the government of the Philippines, the impact of the increase in the number of contracts for T-50s on the company's production capacity and the price of the contract.

The article reports on the plans of the government of Qatar to spend 87 million riyals on equipment for its armed forces, which was announced during the Dimdex defense show held in Doha, Qatar on March 27, 2014. It discusses the reaction from industry officials to the plan, the two countries where the contract will be awarded to, and equipment and air vehicles included in the contract.

The author comments on the record-high operating profit margins of defense prime contractors in the U.S. He discusses the reasons behind this increase in profit margins, forecasts on contracts' profit margins by 2015 and factors that could affect margins in the future, such as the Truth in Negotiation Act.

The article reports that the U.S. military announced that its orders of Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters (JSFs) will depend on the contractors' corrections of problems with the aircraft and its support systems as of March 2014. Topics include poor performance in tests of the F-35's Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS), potential high operations and support (O&S) costs, and comments from U.S. Lieutenant General Christopher Bogdan, JSF program director.

The article discusses the military market for helicopters among Asian countries, focusing on defense investments and contracts as of February 2014. Topics include Japan's purchase of V-22 Osprey aircraft by Bell Boeing to counter Chinese military buildup, development of indigenous helicopters by South Korea such as Korea Aerospace Industries' (KAI) Surion, and then purchase of Chinese helicopters by Cambodia and Pakistan.

The article discusses the policy of Indian Defense Minister A. K. Antony on defense procurements, focusing on a slowdown in equipment projects as of February 2014. Topics include the influence of upcoming Indian general elections in May, defense contract scandals, and the price of the Indian rupee, details of contract delays to the Indian Air Force, and desired procurements of the Indian Army and Navy.

The article reports that a dispute between the U.S. Navy and aerospace manufacturers General Dynamics and Boeing over a canceled program to develop the A-12 II aircraft was settled as of January 24, 2014, with the companies paying the U.S. government $400 million. Topics include the background of the dispute beginning in 1991, its consideration by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2011, and the costs of years of litigation.

The author discusses Singapore's 2013 order of submarines from German manufacturer Thyssen-Krupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and a French defense contract to modernize the Rafale fighter aircraft by Dassault, arguing that the events reveal the success of Germany's defense-export industry compared to France's. Topics include the policies of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the lack of exports of the Rafale, and the recommendation that French companies aim at foreign markets.

The article discusses the impact of U.S. budget cuts on the country's defense industries and defense capabilities as of November 4, 2013. Defense contractors' move to reduce their innovation investments because of uncertainty with returns and to delay strategic acquisitions. The failure of the government to manage the national budget and its adverse effects on the performance of defense contractors. Tips for defense contractors on how to survive the government's budget cuts are presented.

The article discusses defense contractor Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division's X-51 hypersonic missile program as of November 4, 2013. Background is presented on the U.S. Department of Defense's efforts to develop hypersonic missile systems since China's testing of its anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon in January 2007. The author says advances in related technologies have made it possible for the U.S. to develop hypersonic missiles.

The article reports on South Korea's Light Civil Helicopter and Light Armed Helicopter (LCH-LAH) helicopter procurement program as of November 4, 2013. Background is presented on the program's transformation from a purely military procurement program into one that integrates civilian components. The article cites foreign-owned defense contractors competing for the contract.

The article reports on the inclusion of startup companies among the four teams which were awarded contracts for the U.S. Army's Joint Multi-Role technology demonstration (JMR TD). It states that aside from Bell Helicopter and a Sikorsky/Boeing team, AVX Aircraft and Karem Aircraft were also awarded contracts. It cites that Karem Aircraft founder Abe Karem says little about the design, except that it will have two 36-foot-diameter variable speed rotors.

The author comments on issues related to the U.S. defense industry. According to the author, one reason behind the lack of technological innovation from small defense companies is the normal rules of commercial contracts that do not apply to defense contracting. He states that government itself will benefit from the development of new technologies if it is ready to treat startup companies with the respect that they deserve.

The article reports on a contract awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense to Lockheed Martin for the development of F-35 production lots. According to the article, the Pentagon has awarded 3.7 billion dollars for low-rate initial-production (LRIP) 6 of the total 4.4 billion dollar contract. Deliveries of LRIP 6 aircraft is expected to arrive in the second quarter of 2014.

The article reports on a contract awarded by the U.S. Army to Karem Aircraft to design the TR36TD demonstrator, an optimum-speed tiltrotor.

The article discusses aircraft manufacturer Boeing's Globemaster Integrated Sustainment Program (GISP), which has grossed 1.8 billion dollars in 2012 and directly employs 1,500 people. The company support the global fleet through a performance-based logistics (PBL) contract under which it commits to continuous reductions in cost per flying hour. Boeing said the cost per flight hour has been reduced by 29% from fiscal 2004 to fiscal 2011.

The article focuses on the Better Buying Power 2.0, an initiative developed by U.S. Department of Defense Acquisition Chief Frank Kendall in 2013 that lays out the steps to increasing the use of performance-based logistics (PBL) contracts. Kendall said that the success of the PBL depends on ensuring the workforce has the expertise and support to properly develop and implement PBL arrangements.

The article reports on the Sea Ceptor naval air defense missile production contract secured by missile manufacturer MBDA for the British Royal Navy.

The article reports that the U.S. Navy signed in summer of 2013 a 6.5 billion, multiyear contract for the delivery of 99 V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with defense contractors Boeing and Bell. It informs that estimates of foreign sales for the V0-22 could reach 100 aircraft over 10 years. The article also mentions that the Bell/Boeing team is pressing forward with plans to expand Osprey's capabilities, which include aerial refueling.

The article discusses data aggregated by the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting which showed Boeing topping the 2011 list of leading U.S. defense contractors for fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, airframes and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). It informs that Boeing's 12.8 billion dollars topped Lockheed Martin's 10.8 billion dollar revenues and Sikosky's 2.43 billion dollar revenues. The article indicates that increased maintenance and modification work is also driving revenues.