DTN News - CANADA DAY NEWS / THE ROYAL FAMILY NEWS: William and Kate on Canada Day In Ottawa....NSI News Source Info # 2155

DTN News - CANADA DAY NEWS / THE ROYAL FAMILY NEWS: William and Kate on Canada Day In Ottawa....NSI News Source Info # 2155

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO / OTTAWA, Canada - July 1, 2011: A shining sea of red and white well-wishers cascading over Parliament Hill is welcoming Prince William and Kate to Canada's birthday party.

Tens of thousands of spectators, festooned in all manner of Canadian colours, jammed the streets of Ottawa and the fields beneath the peace tower to greet the royal couple on Day 2 of their first official overseas visit.

They erupted in cheers when the landau bearing the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge rolled into view, then clamoured for handshakes as they strolled along the red carpet.

The din and smoke from a 21-gun salute filled the streets outside Parliament as Governor General David Johnston inspected the honour guard, the skirl of bagpipes in the background. The prince and his wife stood alongside the Centennial Flame as the band played the national anthem and “God Save the Queen.”

Kate was resplendent in Canadian colours — a cream dress by Reiss, complete with the Queen's Maple Leaf brooch, and a brilliant red fascinator by Sylvia Fletcher at Lock and Co. — while William wore an understated blue suit with red tie.

“Kate, you're beautiful,” one spectator bellowed. “Will and Kate,” others chanted.

The brooch, on loan from the Queen, is a diamond brooch in the form of a maple leaf that was first worn by Princess Elizabeth on her first visit to Canada in 1951, and again last year on Canada Day.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/07/dtn-news-canada-day-news-royal-family.html

DTN News - CANADA DAY NEWS: DTN News Wish All Friends And Canadian A Happy & Sparkling Canada Day....NSI News Source Info # 2154

DTN News - CANADA DAY NEWS: DTN News Wish All Friends And Canadian A Happy & Sparkling Canada Day....NSI News Source Info # 2154

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - July 1, 2011: Canada Day is celebrated on July 1st across the country. July 1st marks the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada - that's the technical explanation, but Canada Day also means fireworks and the year's biggest national party. The Canada Day holiday is akin to the U.S. July 4th celebration but on a more Canadian scale.

What To Expect on Canada Day - Schools, banks, government offices and many other stores and businesses are closed on July 1st. Call ahead to restaurants, stores and tourist attractions to confirm Canada Day hours.

Typically, Canada Day celebrations include parades, fireworks, barbecues and other get-togethers. Get the complete Canada Day Checklist, including lyrics to O Canada in French and English.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/07/dtn-news-canada-day-news-dtn-news-wish.html

DTN News - FORCE PROTECTION DEFENSE NEWS: Force Protection Receives $71.3 Million In Awards For Additional Buffalo Vehicles And Field Service...# 2153

DTN News - FORCE PROTECTION DEFENSE NEWS: Force Protection Receives $71.3 Million In Awards For Additional Buffalo Vehicles And Field Service....NSI News Source Info # 2153

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 30, 2011: Force Protection Industries, Inc., a FORCE PROTECTION, INC. (NASDAQ:FRPT) group company, today announced it has received two awards totaling $71.3 million.

The first award is a firm fixed price modification under contract W56HZV-08-C-0028 totaling $63.8 million from U.S. Army Contracting Command for delivery of 56 Buffalo Mine Protected Clearance Vehicles. Work will be performed in Ladson and is expected to begin in January 2012 and be completed by July 31, 2012.

The second award is a $7.5 million firm-fixed-price modification under previously awarded contract M67854-07-D-5031 for a six-month renewal of 55 Field Service Representatives (FSRs) to conduct general maintenance and upgrade operations on Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. Work will be performed in overseas theaters of operation, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/dtn-news-force-protection-defense-news.html

DTN News - CHINA DEFENSE NEWS: Chinese Naval Drills Irrelevant To South China Sea Situation ~ Says Defense Ministry....NSI News Source Info # 2152

DTN News - CHINA DEFENSE NEWS: Chinese Naval Drills Irrelevant To South China Sea Situation ~ Says Defense Ministry....NSI News Source Info # 2152

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / BEIJING, China - June 30, 2011: The recent military drills by the Chinese navy are routine arrangements made in accordance with the navy's annual plan and irrelevant to the South China Sea situation, said a Defense Ministry spokesman Wednesday.

Spokesman Yang Yujun made the comment in response to a question on the intention of the navy's military drills at a monthly press conference.

The navy's South Sea Fleet has staged six military exercises in June, including a military drill in waters near China's southern tropical island of Hainan.

Some media reports have speculated excessively over these routine exercises, Yang said.

"China hopes all parties concerned will treat the Chinese navy's normal exercises in an objective and rational way," he added.

Responding to a question on the U.S.- Philippines joint naval exercise, Yang said China always believes that any bilateral defense cooperation should not be directed against any third party or damage the interest of a third party.

He said China expects all relevant countries to make the peace and stability of the region a priority and do more to contribute toward it.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/dtn-news-china-defense-news-chinese.html

DTN News - OSHKOSH CORP., NEWS: U.S. Army To Procure 400 MRAP From Oshkosh Corp....NSI News Source Info # 2148

DTN News - OSHKOSH CORP., NEWS: U.S. Army To Procure 400 MRAP From Oshkosh Corp....NSI News Source Info # 2148

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 29, 2011: The U.S. Department of Defense issued/notification # 564 dated June 29, 2011 released indicates Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded a $218,685,646 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of 400 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle with underbody improvement kits. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2012. One bid was solicited, with one bid received.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/dtn-news-oshkosh-corp-news-us-army-to.html

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: Gaddafi Fighters On The Run After NATO Bombing....NSI News Source Info # 2147

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: Gaddafi Fighters On The Run After NATO Bombing....NSI News Source Info # 2147

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 28, 2011: Libyan rebel fighters leave after re-stocking with ammunition taken from an abandoned Gaddafi ammunition dump bombed by NATO a few days ago, approximately 40 kms (25 miles) southeast of Zintan, June 28, 2011.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/

DTN News - UAE DEFENSE NEWS: UAE Looks To Purchase Five UH-60M Blackhawk Helicopters....NSI News Source Info # 2141

DTN News - UAE DEFENSE NEWS: UAE Looks To Purchase Five UH-60M Blackhawk Helicopters....NSI News Source Info # 2141

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 27, 2011: The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified the US Congress last week of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of five UH-60M Blackhawk VIP helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $217 million.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/dtn-news-uae-defense-news-uae-looks-to.html

DTN News - ASIA DEFENSE NEWS: Vietnam And China Pledge To Peacefully Resolve Maritime Dispute....NSI News Source Info # 2138

DTN News - ASIA DEFENSE NEWS: Vietnam And China Pledge To Peacefully Resolve Maritime Dispute....NSI News Source Info # 2138

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 27, 2011: China and Vietnam pledged Sunday to resolve their maritime dispute in the South China Sea through peaceful dialogue.

Chinese media says Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo and Vietnamese Vice Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son met in Beijing Saturday and agreed to address the dispute through negotiations and peaceful, friendly consultations.

However, no details on specific plans or timing were given.

Meanwhile, about 100 Vietnamese rallied in the capital of Hanoi Sunday for the fourth consecutive weekend to protest against China's role in the escalating dispute.

The crowd grew as it marched through Hanoi's streets, chanting and singing patriotic songs. The demonstrators were outnumbered by police, who let the peaceful protest continue.

The rare demonstrations are in response to rising tensions in the diplomatic dispute over competing claims to the Spratly and Paracel island chains and other maritime territories.

Last month, Vietnam complained that a Chinese patrol ship severed an exploration cable trailing from an oil survey ship operating in waters inside Vietnam's exclusive economic zone. The Philippines also has complained of Chinese patrol boats interfering with oil exploration off its western coast.

In each case, China insisted its ships were operating appropriately in waters under Beijing's administration.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/

DTN News - ASIA DEFENSE NEWS: Vietnam And China Pledge To Peacefully Resolve Maritime Dispute....NSI News Source Info # 2137

DTN News - ASIA DEFENSE NEWS: Vietnam And China Pledge To Peacefully Resolve Maritime Dispute....NSI News Source Info # 2137

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 27, 2011: China and Vietnam pledged Sunday to resolve their maritime dispute in the South China Sea through peaceful dialogue.

Chinese media says Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo and Vietnamese Vice Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son met in Beijing Saturday and agreed to address the dispute through negotiations and peaceful, friendly consultations.

However, no details on specific plans or timing were given.

Meanwhile, about 100 Vietnamese rallied in the capital of Hanoi Sunday for the fourth consecutive weekend to protest against China's role in the escalating dispute.

The crowd grew as it marched through Hanoi's streets, chanting and singing patriotic songs. The demonstrators were outnumbered by police, who let the peaceful protest continue.

The rare demonstrations are in response to rising tensions in the diplomatic dispute over competing claims to the Spratly and Paracel island chains and other maritime territories.

Last month, Vietnam complained that a Chinese patrol ship severed an exploration cable trailing from an oil survey ship operating in waters inside Vietnam's exclusive economic zone. The Philippines also has complained of Chinese patrol boats interfering with oil exploration off its western coast.

In each case, China insisted its ships were operating appropriately in waters under Beijing's administration.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/

DTN News - THE ROYAL FAMILY: Kate Wins Over The Crowd And A Very Shy Little Girl As She Once Again Shows Her Maternal Side....NSI # 2136

DTN News - THE ROYAL FAMILY: Kate Wins Over The Crowd And A Very Shy Little Girl As She Once Again Shows Her Maternal Side....NSI News Source Info # 2136

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 26, 2011: The Duchess of Cambridge wowed the crowds at her first military engagement yesterday - including one young fan who was overcome by shyness in the presence of the Royal Family's newest member.

Kate, 29, bended down to chat to the girl - who was there with her mother - and later reassuringly touched her head.

Prince William watched on, smiling, as his wife displayed her natural sense of ease with her royal duties.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: Nato Is Trying To Kill Gaddafi, Admits Top U.S. Commander....NSI News Source Info # 2135

DTN News - BATTLE FOR LIBYA: Nato Is Trying To Kill Gaddafi, Admits Top U.S. Commander....NSI News Source Info # 2135

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 26, 2011: Admiral Samuel Locklear told senior American politicians air strikes were designed to kill the Libyan leader, despite White House reassurances that this was not the aim.

Nato forces are trying to kill Colonel Gaddafi, the top U.S. commander in the Libyan conflict has admitted.

Such a goal would not be authorised by the UN mandate for the attacks.

Admiral Locklear is the most senior figure to claim Gaddafi is a target.

Critics said the admission was further evidence of ‘mission creep’ and that Nato was breaking the rules of engagement.

Yesterday marked the 100th day since military action against the Libyan regime began. Eighteen nations including Britain, France and the U.S. have launched hundreds of air strikes in Libya to help rebels to overthrow Gaddafi.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/

DTN News - AFGHANISTAN WAR NEWS: Commanders Say Obama Overruled Them On Afghanistan....NSI News Source Info # 2121

DTN News - AFGHANISTAN WAR NEWS: Commanders Say Obama Overruled Them On Afghanistan....NSI News Source Info # 2121

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - June 24, 2011: US President Barack Obama's military commanders have said he ignored their advice for a more modest drawdown from Afghanistan and warned his decision carries risks for the war effort.

Both General David Petraeus and Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Obama's plan to withdraw 33,000 surge troops by the end of next summer was more "aggressive" than they had recommended.

Asked by Senator Carl Levin if he was prepared to resign over the war policy, Petraeus said: "I don't think it's the place for the commander to consider that kind of step unless you are in a very, very dire situation."

Petraeus, who indicated that he had received emails suggesting he should quit in protest, said: "This is an important decision, it is again a more aggressive approach than the chairman (Admiral Mullen), (Central Command chief General James) Mattis and I would have, indeed certainly, put forward.

"But this is not something where one hangs up the uniform in protest or something like that."

The four-star general, who is due to step down in weeks as Obama's top commander in the fight against the Taliban-led insurgency and take over as CIA director, is credited by many as having salvaged the war in Iraq.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/dtn-news-afghanistan-war-news.html

DTN News - AFGHANISTAN WAR NEWS: Commanders Say Obama Overruled Them On Afghanistan....NSI News Source Info # 2122

DTN News - AFGHANISTAN WAR NEWS: Commanders Say Obama Overruled Them On Afghanistan....NSI News Source Info # 2122

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - June 24, 2011: US President Barack Obama's military commanders have said he ignored their advice for a more modest drawdown from Afghanistan and warned his decision carries risks for the war effort.

Both General David Petraeus and Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Obama's plan to withdraw 33,000 surge troops by the end of next summer was more "aggressive" than they had recommended.

Asked by Senator Carl Levin if he was prepared to resign over the war policy, Petraeus said: "I don't think it's the place for the commander to consider that kind of step unless you are in a very, very dire situation."

Petraeus, who indicated that he had received emails suggesting he should quit in protest, said: "This is an important decision, it is again a more aggressive approach than the chairman (Admiral Mullen), (Central Command chief General James) Mattis and I would have, indeed certainly, put forward.

"But this is not something where one hangs up the uniform in protest or something like that."

The four-star general, who is due to step down in weeks as Obama's top commander in the fight against the Taliban-led insurgency and take over as CIA director, is credited by many as having salvaged the war in Iraq.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/dtn-news-afghanistan-war-news.html

DTN News - AFGHANISTAN WAR NEWS: Commanders Say Obama Overruled Them On Afghanistan....NSI News Source Info # 2123

DTN News - AFGHANISTAN WAR NEWS: Commanders Say Obama Overruled Them On Afghanistan....NSI News Source Info # 2123

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - June 24, 2011: US President Barack Obama's military commanders have said he ignored their advice for a more modest drawdown from Afghanistan and warned his decision carries risks for the war effort.

Both General David Petraeus and Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Obama's plan to withdraw 33,000 surge troops by the end of next summer was more "aggressive" than they had recommended.

Asked by Senator Carl Levin if he was prepared to resign over the war policy, Petraeus said: "I don't think it's the place for the commander to consider that kind of step unless you are in a very, very dire situation."

Petraeus, who indicated that he had received emails suggesting he should quit in protest, said: "This is an important decision, it is again a more aggressive approach than the chairman (Admiral Mullen), (Central Command chief General James) Mattis and I would have, indeed certainly, put forward.

"But this is not something where one hangs up the uniform in protest or something like that."

The four-star general, who is due to step down in weeks as Obama's top commander in the fight against the Taliban-led insurgency and take over as CIA director, is credited by many as having salvaged the war in Iraq.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/dtn-news-afghanistan-war-news.html

DTN News - AFGHANISTAN WAR NEWS: Commanders Say Obama Overruled Them On Afghanistan....NSI News Source Info # 2119

DTN News - AFGHANISTAN WAR NEWS: Commanders Say Obama Overruled Them On Afghanistan....NSI News Source Info # 2119

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - June 24, 2011: US President Barack Obama's military commanders have said he ignored their advice for a more modest drawdown from Afghanistan and warned his decision carries risks for the war effort.

Both General David Petraeus and Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Obama's plan to withdraw 33,000 surge troops by the end of next summer was more "aggressive" than they had recommended.

Asked by Senator Carl Levin if he was prepared to resign over the war policy, Petraeus said: "I don't think it's the place for the commander to consider that kind of step unless you are in a very, very dire situation."

Petraeus, who indicated that he had received emails suggesting he should quit in protest, said: "This is an important decision, it is again a more aggressive approach than the chairman (Admiral Mullen), (Central Command chief General James) Mattis and I would have, indeed certainly, put forward.

"But this is not something where one hangs up the uniform in protest or something like that."

The four-star general, who is due to step down in weeks as Obama's top commander in the fight against the Taliban-led insurgency and take over as CIA director, is credited by many as having salvaged the war in Iraq.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/dtn-news-afghanistan-war-news.html

DTN News - AFGHANISTAN WAR NEWS: Commanders Say Obama Overruled Them On Afghanistan....NSI News Source Info # 2120

DTN News - AFGHANISTAN WAR NEWS: Commanders Say Obama Overruled Them On Afghanistan....NSI News Source Info # 2120

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - June 24, 2011: US President Barack Obama's military commanders have said he ignored their advice for a more modest drawdown from Afghanistan and warned his decision carries risks for the war effort.

Both General David Petraeus and Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Obama's plan to withdraw 33,000 surge troops by the end of next summer was more "aggressive" than they had recommended.

Asked by Senator Carl Levin if he was prepared to resign over the war policy, Petraeus said: "I don't think it's the place for the commander to consider that kind of step unless you are in a very, very dire situation."

Petraeus, who indicated that he had received emails suggesting he should quit in protest, said: "This is an important decision, it is again a more aggressive approach than the chairman (Admiral Mullen), (Central Command chief General James) Mattis and I would have, indeed certainly, put forward.

"But this is not something where one hangs up the uniform in protest or something like that."

The four-star general, who is due to step down in weeks as Obama's top commander in the fight against the Taliban-led insurgency and take over as CIA director, is credited by many as having salvaged the war in Iraq.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/dtn-news-afghanistan-war-news.html

DTN News - The Royal Family News: Queen's Diamond Jubilee Portrait Revealed....NSI News Source Info # 2118

DTN News - The Royal Family News: Queen's Diamond Jubilee Portrait Revealed....NSI News Source Info # 2118

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 23, 2011: A ''tender'' new portrait photograph of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh sitting together at their Windsor Castle home was unveiled today.

The portrait, commissioned to mark the Queen's forthcoming Diamond Jubilee, shows the monarch wearing a mint-coloured dress, seated with Prince Philip in the castle's Green Drawing Room.

It was taken by German artist Thomas Struth on April 7 this year and also marks the Duke's 90th birthday earlier this month.

The picture is to go on display at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh tomorrow, part of its touring exhibition The Queen: Art & Image.

It is the first double portrait of the couple to be commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery, London, and the first portrait of the Queen since John Wonnacott's Royal Family group painting in 2000.

James Holloway, director of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, said: ''I have no doubt that Thomas Struth's impressive and tender portrait of Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh will be seen as one of the definitive images of the Royal Family.

''I am delighted that the Scottish National Gallery has been given the opportunity to show this stunning work for the very first time.''

Paul Moorhouse, curator of The Queen: Art & Image, and the National Gallery's curator of 20th century portraits, said: ''Thomas Struth's portrait is a sensitive evocation of individuals within a magnificent setting composed in terms of light, colour, textures and formal arrangements.

''It is also a subtle exploration of human relationships.''

Sandy Nairne, director of the National Portrait Gallery, London, said: ''Thomas Struth has created an outstanding new portrait of Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, that will happily contribute to the many celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee.''

Other highlights of the touring exhibition include Justin Mortimer's controversial painting in which the Queen's head appears to be separated from her body. The Queen: Art & Image is the most wide-ranging exhibition of images in different media devoted to a single royal sitter.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/dtn-news-royal-family-news-queens.html

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: After F-16 Rejection, US Offers F-35 Stealth Aircraft To India....NSI News Source Info # 2117

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: After F-16 Rejection, US Offers F-35 Stealth Aircraft To India....NSI News Source Info # 2117

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / LE BOURGET, PARIS., France - June 22, 2011: After India rejected its F-16 jets, US defence major Lockheed Martin on Monday said it is willing to offer the latest F-35 stealth fighter planes if the US government approves it. "The decision has to be taken by the (US) government.

There has not been any discussion between us and the Indian Government," Lockheed's Martin Director of Communications of F-35 Michael J Rein said, saying his firm is willing to rejoin the bid for the $11 billion fighter jet deal for procurement of 126 Medium-Multi Role Combat Aircraft.

The Indian Government had rejected Lockheed's offer of F-16 along with another US firm Boeing's offer of F/A-18 Super Hornet from the race for procurement of the jets.

Rein said the offer of F-35 stealth fighter to India has been mentioned in a draft Senate Bill and it was up to the US Government to take it forward.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/dtn-news-india-defense-news-after-f-16.html

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: After F-16 Rejection, US Offers F-35 Stealth Aircraft To India....NSI News Source Info # 2116

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: After F-16 Rejection, US Offers F-35 Stealth Aircraft To India....NSI News Source Info # 2116

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / LE BOURGET, PARIS., France - June 22, 2011: After India rejected its F-16 jets, US defence major Lockheed Martin on Monday said it is willing to offer the latest F-35 stealth fighter planes if the US government approves it. "The decision has to be taken by the (US) government.

There has not been any discussion between us and the Indian Government," Lockheed's Martin Director of Communications of F-35 Michael J Rein said, saying his firm is willing to rejoin the bid for the $11 billion fighter jet deal for procurement of 126 Medium-Multi Role Combat Aircraft.

The Indian Government had rejected Lockheed's offer of F-16 along with another US firm Boeing's offer of F/A-18 Super Hornet from the race for procurement of the jets.

Rein said the offer of F-35 stealth fighter to India has been mentioned in a draft Senate Bill and it was up to the US Government to take it forward.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/dtn-news-india-defense-news-after-f-16.html

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN DEFENSE NEWS: MEADS Partner Nations Approve Flight Test Demonstrations Of Advanced System Capability....NSI News Source Inf

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN DEFENSE NEWS: MEADS Partner Nations Approve Flight Test Demonstrations Of Advanced System Capability....NSI News Source Info # 2115

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - ORLANDO/MUNICH/ROME, June 21st, 2011: The National Armaments Directors of Germany, Italy and the United States have approved a revised set of development objectives for the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) program, including two intercept flight tests by 2014.

The refocused development program ensures that key national technologies will be demonstrated and that MEADS will readily mature into the advanced and effective terminal-phase air and missile defense system specified by Germany and Italy, and a viable option for U.S. procurement.

MEADS International (MI) President David Berganini said, “MEADS is a highly robust and flexible system, and that is why it is so important to keep this system moving forward. For example, with just a battle manager, launcher and fire control radar, MEADS provides full 360-degree protection against evolved threats at longer range than any system available today. Additionally, plug-and-fight capability lets other assets seamlessly join the network.”

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/dtn-news-lockheed-martin-defense-news_21.html