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

DTN News - ISRAELI DEFENSE NEWS: IAF Seeking To Increase Cooperation With Ground Forces....NSI News Source Info # 2114

DTN News - ISRAELI DEFENSE NEWS: IAF Seeking To Increase Cooperation With Ground Forces....NSI News Source Info # 2114

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 21, 2011: Israel Air Force sends pilots to infantry courses, launches workshops for senior-field commanders; new combat paradigm could lead to closer air support.

In an effort to increase cooperation with ground forces, the Israel Air Force has started sending pilots to infantry courses and launched a series of workshops for senior-field commanders, which include live flight simulations.

As an example, the incoming commander of the Hatzor Air Force Base near Ashdod recently completed the IDF Brigade Commanders Course and two pilots – one female – are currently participating in the Company Commanders Course.

Other initiatives include “ground week” for pilots who are sent for a week to the Ze’elim Training Base in the Negev Desert, where they trek with infantry troops, ride in tanks and armored personnel carriers and assault “enemy” positions.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/dtn-news-israeli-defense-news-iaf.html

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN DEFENSE NEWS: F-35 Costs ~ Chorus Of Dismay Over $1,000Bn Tag....NSI News Source Info # 2108

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN DEFENSE NEWS: F-35 Costs ~ Chorus Of Dismay Over $1,000Bn Tag....NSI News Source Info # 2108

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 20, 2011: For years the F-35 programme, managed by Lockheed Martin, has been an easy target for criticism. Development and production costs for the combat jet have spiralled and delivery schedules set in stone one moment have been ripped up the next.

Since the start of 2011, though, Lockheed had adopted a more positive tone, arguing that efforts to reshape what is the Pentagon’s largest procurement project were finally paying off in better test results and improved performance.

But in recent weeks the company has come under pressure over a new issue. A fresh estimate of the total life cycle costs – the money required to operate and sustain the aircraft – has triggered a wave of angst among politicians and Pentagon officials.

According to the latest report on the F-35 programme prepared by the Pentagon, maintaining the fleet of jets through their entire working lives will cost more than $1,000bn, a number that several influential congressmen have described as “jaw-dropping” and “unsustainable”.

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

DTN News - BOEING NEWS: Boeing Projects $4 Trillion Market For 33,500 New Airplanes Over Next 20 Years....NSI News Source Info # 2087

DTN News - BOEING NEWS: Boeing Projects $4 Trillion Market For 33,500 New Airplanes Over Next 20 Years....NSI News Source Info # 2087

(NSI News Source Info) PARIS, France - June 16, 2011: Boeing (NYSE: BA) forecasts a $4 trillion market for new aircraft over the next 20 years with a significant increase in forecasted deliveries. That's according to the Boeing 2011 Current Market Outlook (CMO) released today in Paris. The company's annual commercial aviation market analysis foresees a market for 33,500 new passenger airplanes and freighters between 2011 and 2030.

"The world market has recovered and is now expanding at a significant rate," said Randy Tinseth, vice president of Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Not only is there a strong demand for air travel and new airplanes today, but the fundamental drivers of air travel – including economic growth, world trade and liberalization – all point to a healthy long-term demand."

Passenger traffic is expected to grow at 5.1 percent annual rate over the long-term and the world fleet is expected to double by 2030. The single-aisle market will continue to see strong demand around the world and is expected to increase its share of the market. Fleet composition will change significantly by 2030 with single-aisle jets making up 70 percent of the total.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/dtn-news-boeing-news-boeing-projects-4.html

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin Receives $58 Million Contract Award For Vehicle-Mounted And Portable Sensor Systems

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin Receives $58 Million Contract Award For Vehicle-Mounted And Portable Sensor Systems....NSI News Source Info # 2072

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / ORLANDO, FL.,- June 12, 2011:

Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] received a $58.6 million contract from the U.S. Marine Corps for new systems, equipment and support services associated with the Vehicle Optic Sensor Systems II (VOSS II) and Portable Rapid Deployment Surveillance Systems (PRDSS).

The Gyrocam VOSS, a vehicle-mounted sensor system, can be mast-mounted on virtually any land vehicle or expeditionary system for remote surveillance needs, providing high-resolution color, night vision and thermal sensors in a 15-inch class gyro-stabilized gimbal.

The Gyrocam PRDSS, a free-standing, portable, rapid deployment surveillance system, can be easily moved and set up in urban, rural and extreme terrain environments and provides command personnel a bird’s eye view of activity in the area.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/dtn-news-lockheed-martin-defense-news_12.html

DTN News - TURKISH DEFENSE NEWS: Turkish PM Focuses On Defense Industry In Poll Campaign....NSI News Source Info # 2065

DTN News - TURKISH DEFENSE NEWS: Turkish PM Focuses On Defense Industry In Poll Campaign....NSI News Source Info # 2065

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / ANKARA, Turkey - June 11, 2011:

Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, is putting an unprecedented emphasis on the defense industry in its campaign for the June 12 elections. The party's promises focus on establishing and developing a domestic industry that comes near to being self-sufficient. PM Recep Tayyip Erdoğan says the capital city of Ankara will become the headquarters of the sector.

Visions for the defense industry have not played a key role in election campaigns by either a ruling or opposition party ahead of previous Turkish polls. But this year, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been holding up Turkey’s developing national defense industry as one of the pillars of a modern economy in the 2020s.

In the weeks leading up to the nationwide parliamentary election that will be held June 12, Erdoğan had made three major speeches on the national defense industry.

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

DTN News - UAE DEFENSE NEWS: Bigger Than Blackwater ~ Arming The UAE....NSI News Source Info # 2064

DTN News - UAE DEFENSE NEWS: Bigger Than Blackwater ~ Arming The UAE....NSI News Source Info # 2064

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 11, 2011:

The International Defense Exhibition, otherwise known as IDEX, has been held bi-annually in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since 1993. It is the largest defense expo in the Middle East and North Africa and one of the biggest in the world. But far from being a one-off, it highlights the UAE’s growing stature as a global arms buyer.

This year’s IDEX took place in the glistening Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. Its high ceilings and massive rooms displayed a diverse array of high-tech weaponry against the backdrop of heavily illuminated signboards like the ones you see in the showrooms of luxury car dealerships. All the big Western defense corporations were there — Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Dyncorp, Northrup Grumman, European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co. — as well as Chinese companies, including China North. There were also a host of local companies including Arabian Aerospace, Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company, and the state-owned Mubadala. Like all of these events, it was a heavily male enterprise. The exhibitors wore suits. The visitors wore either the military uniform of the UAE or traditional Arab dress.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/dtn-news-uae-defense-news-bigger-than.html

DTN News - TAIWAN DEFENSE NEWS: Pressure Builds For Sale Of F-16 Jets To Taiwan....NSI News Source Info # 2057

DTN News - TAIWAN DEFENSE NEWS: Pressure Builds For Sale Of F-16 Jets To Taiwan....NSI News Source Info # 2057

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 8, 2011: Congress is stepping up pressure on the Obama administration to sell more F-16 jet fighters to Taiwan as the island’s air defenses deteriorate and China’s air power grows.

Sen. John Cornyn, a leading advocate for efforts to bolster Taiwan’s defenses as well as to keep a U.S. production line open for new F-16s, said Tuesday that the shifting military balance across the 100-mile-wide Taiwan Strait is increasing the danger of a conflict that could involve the United States.

“While the administration dithers on Taiwan’s request for F-16s, evidence continues to mount that what Taiwan desperately needs to restore the cross-strait balance and regain the ability to defend its own airspace is new fighter aircraft to bolster an air force that is borderline obsolete,” the Texas Republican and Armed Services Committee member said in the Senate.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/dtn-news-taiwan-defense-news-pressure.html

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN DEFENSE NEWS: NASA, Lockheed & Ball Team Complete On-Orbit Orion MPCV Navigation System Test During STS-134 Shuttle Mission

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN DEFENSE NEWS: NASA, Lockheed Martin & Ball Aerospace Team Complete On-Orbit Orion MPCV Navigation System Test During STS-134 Shuttle Mission....NSI News Source Info # 2025

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 1, 2011:

In an unprecedented on-orbit maneuver, Commander Mark Kelly completed the first ever Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV)-like approach to the International Space Station at 3:24 a.m. CDT today as part of the Sensor Test for Orion Relative Navigation Risk Mitigation (STORRM). The orbital rendezvous verified the successful operation of the MPCV’s next generation docking sensor, which NASA has identified as a critical technology needed for future space exploration missions.

The NASA, Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] and Ball Aerospace [NYSE: BLL] team worked closely with STS-134 Mission Specialist Andrew Feustel to successfully complete the on-orbit test of this system which will make rendezvous and docking maneuvers safer for future spacecraft. The flight test represented the first and only opportunity for in-flight collaboration of NASA’s three human spaceflight programs -- space shuttle, International Space Station and Orion MPCV.

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

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin Hit By Unspecified Cyber Incident....NSI News Source Info # 2014

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin Hit By Unspecified Cyber Incident....NSI News Source Info # 2014

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 29, 2011: Lockheed Martin Corp., the U.S. government's top information technology provider, said on Saturday it had thwarted "a significant and tenacious attack" on its information systems network a week ago but was still working to restore employee access.

No customer, program or employee personal data was compromised thanks to "almost immediate" protective action taken after the attack was detected May 21, Jennifer Whitlow, a company spokeswoman, said in an emailed statement.

She said the company, the world's biggest aerospace company and the Pentagon's No. 1 supplier by sales, was working around the clock to restore employee access to the targeted network while maintaining the highest security level.

The U.S. Defense Department said in statement late Saturday night that it was working with Lockheed to determine the scope of the attack.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/05/dtn-news-lockheed-martin-defense-news_29.html

DTN News - NORTHSTAR ELECTRONICS NEWS: Northstar Electronics Receives New Purchase Orders For The P-3 Service Life Extension Project....NSI # 1997

DTN News - NORTHSTAR ELECTRONICS NEWS: Northstar Electronics Receives New Purchase Orders For The P-3 Service Life Extension Project....NSI News Source Info # 1997

(NSI News Source Info)

VANCOUVER, British Columbia

- May 26, 2011:

Northstar Electronics, Inc. (OTCBB:NEIK.ob - News) announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Northstar Network Ltd. (NNL), has received new purchase orders from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Inc. totaling approximately $2,400,000 for work on the P-3 Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) Program. The new work is under the umbrella of a $16.4MM Master Purchase Order (MPO) contract previously announced by Northstar. Production for this work is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2012.

Northstar is manufacturing components and assemblies for new production Service Life Extension kits for the wing upgrade for the P-3 Orion. Lockheed Martin's P-3 MLU Program is the only certified, low-risk and cost-effective solution to extend aircraft service life. The MLU replaces the aircraft outer wings, center wing lower section and horizontal stabilizer with new production components. It removes all current P-3 airframe flight restrictions and will add more than 15,000 flying hours to each aircraft, representing 15 to 20 additional years of service for this critical maritime patrol and reconnaissance resource. There are more than 430 P-3 aircraft in the worldwide fleet.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/05/dtn-news-northstar-electronics-news.html

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin Delivers AH-1Z Cobra Targeting Systems To The U.S. Marine Corps Ahead Of Schedule.NSI # 1996

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin Delivers AH-1Z Cobra Targeting Systems To The U.S. Marine Corps Ahead Of Schedule....NSI News Source Info # 1996

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / ORLANDO, Fl,- May 26, 2011: Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] recently began early delivery of Target Sight System (TSS) follow-on production units for the U.S. Marine Corps’ AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopter. The TSS units feature upgraded software to provide additional targeting capabilities.

TSS is the multi-sensor fire control system for the AH-1Z, integrating state-of-the-art sensors to provide pilots with enhanced capabilities to acquire, track and designate targets. The highly stabilized sensor suite includes a laser designator, color video display and a third-generation, mid-wave, forward-looking infrared sensor with advanced image processing.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/05/dtn-news-lockheed-martin-defense-news.html

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN DEFENSE NEWS: F-35C Joint Strike Fighter Flies Over Andrews Air Force Base....NSI News Source Info # 1985

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN DEFENSE NEWS: F-35C Joint Strike Fighter Flies Over Andrews Air Force Base....NSI News Source Info # 1985

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md.

- May 23, 2011: An aircraft carrier variant of the F-35C Joint Strike Fighter flies over Andrews Air Force Base, Md., during the Joint Service Open House. This is the first public appearance of a joint strike fighter aircraft at an air show. Lt. Cmdr. Eric "Magic" Buus piloted the aircraft.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/05/dtn-news-lockheed-martin-defense-news-f.html

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN NEWS: U.S. Air Force Poised To Launch First-Of-Its-Kind Space Based Infrared System Satellite....NSI # 1911

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN NEWS: U.S. Air Force Poised To Launch First-Of-Its-Kind Space Based Infrared System Satellite....NSI News Source Info # 1911

(NSI News Source Info)

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., - 5 May, 2011: The U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin [NYSE : LMT] are ready to launch the first Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-1) spacecraft on Friday, May 6 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The launch window is 2:14 p.m. EDT to 2:54 p.m. EDT. A live launch broadcast will begin at 1:54 p.m. EDT and will be accessible via the ULA webcast.

SBIRS GEO-1 will enhance early warning of missile launches around the globe, support the nation's ballistic missile defense system, greatly expand our technical intelligence gathering capability, and provide enhanced situational awareness for warfighters on the battlefield.

“SBIRS GEO-1 represents the dawn of a new era in overhead persistent infrared surveillance that will greatly improve national security for years to come,” said Brig Gen (select) Roger W. Teague, the U.S. Air Force’s Infrared Space Systems Directorate director. “We look forward to getting this next generation system on orbit and delivering its enhanced capabilities to the warfigher.”

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/05/dtn-news-lockheed-martin-news-us-air.html

DTN News - CANADA DEFENSE NEWS: Tories Shrug Off Multiple Warnings On Fighter-Jet Price Tag....NSI News Source Info # 1863

DTN News - CANADA DEFENSE NEWS: Tories Shrug Off Multiple Warnings On Fighter-Jet Price Tag....NSI News Source Info # 1863

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 27, 2011:

Stephen Harper tried to reassure Canadians Tuesday that taxpayerswon’t get soaked by a rising price tag for 65 stealth fighter-bombers the Conservatives are buying from the Americans.

The Department of National Defence said this week it’s been warned to expect the per-unit price of the F-35 jets might be higher than the $75-million it’s been advertising to Canadians.

This follows two developments that could spell trouble for the Conservatives: a recent Pentagon report detailing rising production costs for the jets as well as leaked U.S. defence paper that suggests 30 years of maintenance costs could be three times higher than Ottawa has acknowledged.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/04/dtn-news-canada-defense-news-tories.html

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN NEWS: Lockheed’s F-35 Operating Costs May Reach $1 Trillion, U.S. Congress Told....NSI News Source Info # 1851

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN NEWS: Lockheed’s F-35 Operating Costs May Reach $1 Trillion, U.S. Congress Told....NSI News Source Info # 1851

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 22, 2011:

It may cost as much as $1 trillion to operate the military’s fleet ofLockheed Martin Corp. (LMT) F-35 aircraft for several decades, according to a preliminary Pentagon estimate sent to Congress.

The figure is 9.3 percent more than the $915 billion estimate by the Defense Department in its 2009 Selected Acquisition Report to Congress.

The long-term cost estimate, which includes inflation, was submitted to Congress on April 15 in a report obtained by Bloomberg News. It assumes 8,000 hours of flying time for each of the 2,443 aircraft over a 30-year period. The Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps have their own variations of the aircraft, with the last in the fleet to be produced in 2035.

The estimate was calculated by the Pentagon’s independent cost analysis group based on models using historical data from other fighters, David Van Buren, Air Force service acquisition executive, said in an interview today.

“We are taking the challenge” posed by the $1 trillion estimate and “saying we’ve got to drive this down fast,” said Van Buren, who oversees F-35 management. “Do we drive down it down based on reliability projections? Do we drive it down based on technologies that we developed for the F-35” that reflect lessons learned from the F-22, he said?

OLDER AIRCRAFT

For example, the latest estimate assumes that F-35 components will break more frequently than older aircraft, he said. The Pentagon is trying to develop “a more refined number,” he said.

The $1 trillion estimate is in addition to an estimated $382 billion in development and production costs.

The long-term maintenance estimates were projected based on costs incurred to support the military’s fleet of F-16s, F/A- 18s, and AV-8B Harrier jets, the Pentagon said in its report

Almost all government, analyst and media attention on the Pentagon’s biggest program has focused on cost growth and technical issues in the $54 billion systems-engineering phase.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/04/dtn-news-lockheed-martin-news-lockheeds.html

DTN News - TAIWAN DEFENSE NEWS: President Ma Ying-jeou Renews Call For US Fighter Jet Sale....NSI News Source Info # 1843

DTN News - TAIWAN DEFENSE NEWS:

President Ma Ying-jeou Renews Call For US Fighter Jet Sale....

NSI News Source Info # 1843

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 20, 2011:

President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) yesterday renewed his call on Washington to sell Taiwan F-16C/D aircraft, while a Coast Guard Administration official announced “rigorous combat training” for coast guard personnel in the South China Sea.

During a meeting with US Representative Dan Burton, a Republican, at the Presidential Office, Ma said he hoped the US government would support Taiwan’s request “so that we can replace the old fleet and maintain the national defense capability of our country.”

Burton arrived in Taipei on a six-day visit on Sunday. He is the chairman of the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe and Eurasia and a former co-chair of the US Congressional Taiwan Caucus.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/04/dtn-news-taiwan-defense-news-president.html

DTN News - U.S. DEFENSE BUDGET NEWS: Lockheed Martin F-35 Fighter Program Cut By Budget Compromise....NSI News Source Info # 1824

DTN News - U.S. DEFENSE BUDGET NEWS: Lockheed Martin F-35 Fighter Program Cut By Budget Compromise....NSI News Source Info # 1824

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Washington Examiner

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 14, 2011:

The budget compromise up for consideration by Congress cuts $2.16 billion from Lockheed Martin Corp.'s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program and doesn't include money for the jet's alternative engine being developed by General Electric Co. and Rolls Royce Group PLC.

The White House and congressional leaders agreed to a $670.8 billion Defense Department appropriations bill for 2011 that is $18.1 billion below the Pentagon's original request for the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30. The base budget proposed for the Pentagon is $513 billion while funds for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan remain at $157.8 billion, the amount requested by the Obama administration, according to budget details released by the Senate.

The House and Senate are expected to vote on the bill by Friday, part of the plan to avert a government shutdown when the current stopgap funding measure is set to expire. The numbers released Tuesday don't include military construction projects, which are approved by Congress in a separate bill.

The bill proposes a cut of $2.16 billion from the F-35 program because of production and aircraft testing delays, according to the document. The $382 billion program to build variations of the aircraft for the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps is under scrutiny because of rising costs and schedule slips, including technical hurdles in developing the Marine Corps' short-takeoff and vertical-landing version.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/04/dtn-news-us-defense-budget-news.html