Today's headlines

UK woes threaten to delay jetfighter contract
Pressure on the UK's defence budget is holding up an agreement between European nations to sign off on a contract to build the next instalment of Eurofighter Typhoon jets.
Financial Times

Minister seeks over £1bn to pay for Eurofighters
John Hutton, the defence secretary, is in urgent talks with the Treasury to secure more than £1bn to enable the UK to pay for several Eurofighter Typhoon jets it has ordered as part of its commitment to the fournation programme.
Finaincial Times

Pentagon to review GD's amphibious tank program

The U.S. Defense Department will take a "hard look" at whether it needs a projected $13.2 billion General Dynamics Corp program designed to hurl combat-ready Marines from ship to shore, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Friday.

Reuters

Pentagon eyes multiyear buys of F-35s from 2015

The Pentagon hopes to pursue a multiyear purchase agreement with Lockheed Martin Corp for its new F-35 Joint Strike Fighters around 2015, chief arms buyer John Young said on Friday.

Reuters

Boeing lurks as A400M flails

As the A400M programme continues to struggle with delays and cost overruns while making pleas for more money from prospective buyers, Boeing is quietly waiting in the wings, hoping to secure any business that departs EADS.

Defence Management

Indian Air Force says Rafale still in fighter competition

The Indian Air Force has denied reports that the Dassault Rafale has been eliminated from the country's medium multi-role combat aircraft competition.

Flight International

Royal Navy continues training Iraqi Navy

The withdrawal of British combat troops from Iraq has already begun and by 31 July 2009 the vast bulk of British Armed Forces will have all left the country. Except that is, a small group of Royal Naval personnel.

Royal Navy Press Release