The F-35 represents a new approach to the development, production, system and sustainment of a fleet of combat aircraft. Additionally, the F-35 takes an innovative approach to collaborative upgrades over the airframe and global fleet’s life cycle. Too often an understanding of the basic aircraft rolling out of production right…
Our new column explores the meaning of words, language and culture Inside the Beltway in dealing with politics and defense. The latest Boomer columns have dealt with some of today's toughest issues. Starting from the latest to the earliest in recent columns: What is Probation? Inside the Beltway is a…
Recently, Brazil became the 6th largest economy and economic growth provides means for enhancing defense capabilities and global presence in dealing with defense. Brazil will boost its military presence in the Amazon region to protect its huge natural resources from any external threat, Defense Minister Celso Amorim told the Senate…
Vietnam is a key player in the Asian pivot. As the Chinese challenge grows, Vietnam is shaping its capabilities to provide for its own security and defense. For reports, which provide a deep dive on the Vietnamese market and related issues, ICD research provides a series of insightful assessments. One…
Defence Analysis has a general assessment to make about the defence budget in so far as it affects procurement: There is little or no room for manoeuvre, and if the budget is to become truly balanced, there is a school of thought that an extra major programme is going to…
Risk Intelligence recorded 70 piracy incidents related to Nigeria in 2011. This figure (which includes attacks carried out by Nigeria-based groups in the Bight of Benin) compares to 58 recorded incidents in 2010 and 92 incidents in 2009. The pattern of piracy evolved in 2011 as piracy groups developed a…
During the U.S. tanker competition, a consistent "missing" analytical element was an understanding that the A33o MRTT was just that a multi-capable tanker. Rather than having to carry fuel or carry other things, the tanker can do both. Because the tanker carried its fuel load in its wings, the basic…
by Francis Tusa One has to assume that Boeing is shaking its corporate head in dismay, as its chances of a deal to sell the F/A-18E/F to Brazil took a nose dive. The key thing that has affected the aircraft’s chances has been the abrupt cancellation of the deal for…