Today's headlines

EADS faces heat on cost overruns
European governments yesterday stepped up the pressure on EADS ahead of today's crucial talks on new funding for the aerospace and defence group's troubled A400m military transport programme, as questions emerged over the company's own responsibility for cost overruns.
Financial Times

Gates urges India to sign outstanding defence agreements
The United States has encouraged India to sign outstanding defence agreements between the two countries during Defense Secretary Robert Gates' visit to New Delhi during 19 -20 January.
Jane's

U.S. slows Lockheed's F-35 fighter program
The U.S. Defense Department is slowing Lockheed Martin Corp's $300 billion F-35 fighter jet program, a multinational effort, to stabilize its schedule and costs, according to draft budget documents obtained by Reuters.
Reuters

Tootal echoes call for hi-tech infantry
A former Army commander has backed General Sir David Richards' calls for the next Strategic Defence Review to provide more hi-tech infantry and cyber defences. Colonel Stuart Tootal, who commanded 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan in 2006, wrote in The Times that "General Richards' understanding of the strategic landscape demonstrates that he is a senior officer with vision at a time when that is desperately needed".
Defence Management

A|D|S to grow global reach with Middle East presence
A|D|S, the UK's AeroSpace, Defence and Security trade organisation today (Thursday) announced at the inaugural Bahrain International Airshow its intention to open a network of offices in the Middle East to represent its UK members.
A|D|S Press Release

Poland says basing Patriot missiles nearer Russia not political
Poland's decision to deploy a battery of U.S. Patriot missiles just 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the Russian border is neither political nor strategic, the Polish defense minister said Wednesday.
RIA Novosti