The Logistical Impact of Seabasing

05/16/2012
In our series on Bold Alligator 2012, we examined various aspects of littoral operations highlighted in the exercise. And we did so with the future evolution of such capabilities in mind.  We will soon publish our analytical take on how to think differently with regard to littoral engagement  in light…

Just Do It: Build Up the SM-3 Inventory Before it’s Too Late

05/15/2012
by Ed Timperlake “No Platform Fights alone” U.S. and Allied Air/Sea fighting force is coming to fruition quickly. The headlines following last week’s test of the SM-3 Block 1B missile were unambiguous and unanimous; the newest variant of the centerpiece of America’s missile defense shield was a resounding success. Looking…

Pratt & Whitney Delivers 50th F135 Engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

05/14/2012
EAST HARTFORD, Conn., May 2, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Pratt & Whitney has successfully delivered the 50th production F135 engine - powering Lockheed Martin's fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II - to the U.S. Department of Defense. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. UTX +0.15% company. The 50th engine…

Rolls secures £194m STOVL order

05/14/2012
Britain’s blue chip aerospace and defence sector manufacturer Rolls-Royce has received a contract for $315m (£194m) from Pratt & Whitney to supply its LiftSystem (pictured) for 17 F-35B Lightning II aircraft. Rolls is the only company in the world to produce the advanced technology that enables F-35B aircraft to perform…

Cyber State

05/14/2012
Department of State: Cybersecurity Update By Richard Weitz The Department leads U.S. international efforts to strengthen global cybersecurity.  It does so by building capacity in developing countries, promoting interoperable standards and enhancing international cooperation to respond to cyberthreats. The State Department is involved with almost every element of international cybersecurity…

The Impact of a Chinese Economic Hard Landing on Asian Security

05/14/2012
By Robbin Laird The current transition in the PRC is unprecedented in modern times in Asia.  A major lynchpin of the global economy and an ascendant power in Asia will face significant political uncertainty in an authoritarian power structure.  The rules will be scripted as part of the power struggle;…

Titanium structures for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to be produced in Bristol, UK

05/14/2012
14:51 GMT, May 2, 2012 GKN Aerospace at Filton, UK, has commenced production of precision machined titanium structures for BAE Systems, a principal subcontractor to Lockheed Martin, for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft (JSF). The Filton site will work in partnership with the GKN Aerospace sister operation…