Today's headlines

$5 billion Algerian helicopter deal for UK plant
Britain's last helicopter maker is in advanced talks with the Algerian government over a $5 billion (£3.1 billion) order that would safeguard more than 4,000 jobs in Somerset.
The Times

Taiwan military delegation in US, seeking F-16s
Taiwan wants to buy more F-16 fighter jets and will press the issue at an annual defence meeting with US officials, a military officer said Monday. The plea for new jets comes amid growing concern in Taiwan that the balance of power with China is shifting in favour of the mainland.
AFP

Boeing may offer US Air Force two tankers

Boeing Co said it might offer a choice of its aircraft against a rival Airbus model in a renewed trans-Atlantic tussle to build a multibillion-dollar refueling fleet for the U.S. Air Force.

Reuters

UK eyes procurement of additional Chinook helicopters

The UK Ministry of Defence is seeking funds to acquire an additional batch of Boeing CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters, with its action being driven in part by the recent combat loss of two examples in Afghanistan.

Flight Global

Two troops for every civil servant in MoD

Britain has more military bureaucrats for every active serviceman than any of its Nato allies. Figures obtained by the Daily Telegraph show that the 27 other western alliance countries, including the United States, all employ proportionately fewer civilians in their defence ministries.

The Telegraph

American military contractors eye India's $100 bn defence pie

Eyeing India's estimated $100 bn defence pie, major US arms suppliers are wooing Indian defence agents and officials as New Delhi embarks on a major military shopping spree to modernise its Soviet-era arsenal, a US media report said.

The Economic Times