Today's headlines 11 Jan 2010

Selex Galileo to renew Eurofighter contract
Defence firm Selex Galileo is to renew its key Eurofighter contract, in a move that will preserve thousands of Scottish jobs, industry sources have revealed.
The Times

Pentagon funding seen boosted now, squeezed later
U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to boost funding for the Pentagon in his fiscal 2011 budget but defense spending may be squeezed over the next couple of years, officials said on Friday.
Reuters

Tories eye Army reconstruction force
A Conservative government would expand the role of the armed forces in reconstruction and development projects in Afghanistan, it has been announced.
Defence Management

Gates Will Remain as U.S. Defense Secretary at Least Another Year
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will stay in office for at least another year, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell confirmed yesterday. Gates met with President Barack Obama before Christmas and committed to another year on the job, Morrell said.
Defpro

Sir Jock Stirrup: Defence Secretary issues confidence vote
The Chief of the Defence Staff is said to be under mounting pressure to step down because generals believe he lacks the necessary experience to lead Britain's efforts in the country, it was claimed.
The Telegraph

Chavez says Venezuela jets intercepted U.S. plane
President Hugo Chavez said he ordered two F-16 jets to intercept a U.S. military plane that twice entered Venezuelan skies on Friday, but Washington said none of its planes flew over the South American country's airspace.
Reuters