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Silvio Berlusconi's new government is likely to intensify defense spending, focusing on research work that will benefit other fields as well. Berlusconi plans to look closely at the rules of engagement for Italian peacekeeping forces in Lebanon and will be dispatching more troops to Kabul thus satisfying NATO's requests for extra manpower in Afghanistan.

The US Department of Defense (DOD) is planning to implement a raft of reforms to improve the military's ability to conduct stability operations in its 2006 quadrennial defense review (QDR). The impact of the QDR on the US military involvement in two major campaigns, Iraq and Afghanistan, is discussed.

The programs in the areas of procurement and research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) that are part of the 2005 U.S. defense budget proposal are listed along with the spending on each program in millions of dollars.

Defense companies all across Europe and the U.S. are having to map their new strategy in order to cope with budgetary cuts being invoked by most countries with regards to defense spending, Some of the efforts being undertaken towards the same by large defense companies are highlighted.

The decision by U.S. Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates to make major alterations in various programs has been met by little opposition from Congress. However, this is just the beginning and the road ahead for Gates in Congress does not appear to be tension free.

The Middle East region is a volatile area because of the escalated terrorist activity, continued instability in Iraq and the delayed talks between West and Iran on its nuclear program. The optimism is prevalent in the region with the successful nationwide elections in Iraq and the revival of peace talks between Palestine and Israel.

The decision on whether to outsource the logistics and maintenance of Airbus's A400M continues to hang in suspension. Outsourcing is bound to help result in the saving of a large amount of money to Airbus.

An exhaustive review of programs, particularly space efforts that are expensive and behind schedule has forced the US Air Force (USAF) to rethink on acquisition. The Congress, dismayed at the prospect of $100 million fighter jets, $3 million destroyers, and $15 billion aircraft carriers, has put increasing pressure on USAF to fix acquisition.

Global Hawk pulled off 15 long-endurance reconnaissance missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom, guaranteeing surveillance and target tracking. Its presence in the skies over Iraq was the direct result of Pentagon efforts to revamp air-breathing reconnaissance after the Gulf War in the year 1991.

The author examines lessons learned by the U.S. Navy regarding protection of information systems and software during the Iraq war of 2003. Topics include protection of military software and military computer systems, methods of gathering military intelligence, and planning of military operations.

Because of the Canadian government's failure to promise substantial funding for the military, experts predict what one observer called 'the mass extinction of the Canadian Forces.' The new equipment spending is 14 percent of the defense budget, considered by some too low to replace aging weapon systems.

Analysts and intelligence officials are saying that U.S. intelligence agencies must improve their ability to store and share the data they collect. Technology must be upgraded and cultural change must take place leading to a different way of doing business.

The US Navy plans to save money by integrating Marine Corps and Navy tactical air wings with the hope of using that money to purchase more aircraft. The article offers details concerning aircraft purchase plan.

The US National Security Agency has given a contract to the Eagle Alliance led by Computer Sciences Corp. for the Groundbreaker II project, a study the looks at the costs and efficacy of having commercial contractors to manage cryptography centers and listening posts.

The Medium-Extended Air Defense System's loss of $48 million in US funding may lead to an accelation of the program rather than a delay as planning has been revised.

Japan is currently focusing on efforts with the United States to develop the SM-3 missile into a capable anti-missile missile but has not made key decisions concerning anti-missile defences.

Turkey is entering negotions with Russian and Israeli companies for the co-production of attack helicopters, after failing to come to an agreement for US helicopters.

The new 10-year defense policy of Japan calls for more submarines and fighter jets to be procured, while at the same time reducing the number of tanks. The same is being looked at as a response of perceived threats from China, North Korea and Russia.

Air Vice-Marshall Greg Bagwell, commanding officer of the Royal Air Force's (RAF's) air combat group has said that Britain is planning to cut its fast-jet fleet in half by 2020. Plans are on for a 6-squadron fleet with 5 Typhoon squadrons and one F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) squadron.

The cancellation by the U.K. government of the Defense Training Review (DTR) has led to defense firms looking for alternatives for the intellectual, human and financial investment already made by them in the same. Plans are on to rescue and repackage the program into new schemes and market them.

Major cuts in defense spending in the U.K. have meant the end of carrier operations for nearly a decade as well as reductions in planned science and technology. The decision to put an end to naval short-takeoff/vertical-landing operations have generated a new round of controversy.

The South Korean military has revealed plans of increasing its military arsenal keeping in mind the attack by North Korea of an island of the South. South Korea is planning to acquire precision missiles as well as advanced mobile artillery-locating radars.

A preliminary report from the U.S. Presidential Debt Commission has revealed that the efforts of Robert Gates, the U.S. Secretary of Defense to shield and protect major defense programs could be futile. Defense companies, at their end, are preparing to face even bigger budgetary cuts.

Sources in the U.K. Ministry of Defense (MoD) have revealed that battle is on between the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Royal Navy (RN) over who should operate Britain's amphibious assault helicopters. The main cause of the fallout is the decision of the government to cut funding based on the recent strategic defense and security review.

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) has finally decided to launch its first dedicated Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) missile warning satellite system on April 20, 2011. However, the only challenge that remains is the short window period that the launch faces, which could lead to the launch being moved to 2012.

Work is currently on by U.S. Navy (USN) officials to develop the Surface Warfare Training Manual, which is expected to contain more live-fire-training for ships that are to be deployed. The manual is also expected to reduce the administrative paperwork to be undertaken by crews and officials.

The Australian Defense Force (ADF0 has decided to purchase its own fleet of small, battle-proven unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for use by its infantry as well as by other services as well. The UAVs are to be procured as part of the Joint Project 129 (JP129) between 2013 and 2015.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is moving towards a tri-service, networked, ground-commanded firepower to form a vital part of maneuvering warfare. Methods attributed to high-intensity or low-intensity conflict are considered outdated and the focus is shifting to regular war-fighting and irregular warfare.

The U.K. strategic defense review has left the U.K. land forces quite untouched with just an 8% cut in its defense budget over the next four years, with the Royal Navy and Air Force having to bear the majority of the cuts. Keeping in mind that the war in Afghanistan may continue for another 5 years, the Army has been allowed to retain most of its capabilities and personnel.

Chances of a delay are imminent in the U.S. Army's revised request for proposals (RfP) for its Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) program. The RfP is expected to be delayed by 6 to 9 months, thereby giving the Army more time to figure out what it really wants.

U.K. and France have decided to join hands and work towards industrial cooperation keeping in mind the tough defense budgetary cuts being faced by both countries. Several areas in which France and the U.K. are looking to cooperate are highlighted.

The Pentagon's Strategic Plan for United States Department of Defense (DoD) Vertical Lift Aircraft, released August 27, 2010 will transform the department's acquisition of helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft. The Plan suggests four new classes of 'joint multirole' rotorcraft, all equipped with common systems for situational awareness, avionics, engines and countermeasures to be used by each service.

The article discusses the new acquisitions plans and policies that are being implemented by the Minister of Defense of Italy. The new reforms are shown to be extremely beneficial for facilitating and enhancing the procurement process of the country.

Concerns are mounting among the U.K. military as well as the defense industry regarding what the U.K. Strategic Defense and Security Review (SDSR) will entail. However, concerns have also been voice that the SDSR is being undertaken too quickly and with too little consultation.

The Canadian Department of National Defense's science agency is working on several projects in order to help the Canadian military develop a launch vehicle to put microsatellites for specific missions into orbit. Canada has been relying on the U.S., Russia and India to put its defense-related and commercial spacecraft into orbit.

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) faces difficult choices over which weapon programs to purchase, retain or discontinue in the future as it copes with budget cuts and an ambiguous mission at the end of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Defense industry analysts and former USAF officials offer their views on the equipment and aircraft the service would need to maintain a balanced force to tackle 21st century conflicts.

Italy's commitment to the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) continues; however, may be delayed a little. The main reason being attributed for the same is the government attempt to reduce spending in order to reduce the massive national debt.

General Norton Schwartz, the U.S. Air Force's (USAF's) chief of staff has said that the 2012 budget proposal will surely contain a request for the next long-range U.S. bomber. Chances are that the aircraft will likely work in close coordination with other intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (CSIR) assets, electronic warfare platforms and long-range weapons.

U.S. defense companies hope Defense Secretary Robert Gates continues in office through 2011 to ensure Pentagon budgets remain high, at least in the short term. Industry experts believe Gates' cost-saving efforts would make billions of dollars available for weapons programs and are concerned that the Secretary's retirement will lead to massive spending cuts.

Liam Fox, the UK. Secretary of Defense has promised to bring about an overhaul of the Ministry of Defense (MoD) that would give some of the responsibility to each of the three armed services. Fox has ordered a full review of the way in which the ministry and the armed forces operate to be overseen by a new defense reform unit headed by Lord Peter Levene, the chairman of Lloyds and the non-executive chairman of General Dynamics UK.

The article discusses some of the plans that Robert Gates, the U.S. Secretary of Defense has for budgetary cuts relating to defense contractors. However, several roadblocks remain in achieving such cuts mainly from opposition from legislators as well as industry.

Robert Gates, the U.S. Secretary of Defense besides shutting down of the U.S. Joint Forces Command (JFCOM), two Pentagon information technology (IT) directorates and the Business Transformation Agency as well as terminating a large number of personnel is still planning to bring about further cuts in the defense sector. Some of the other cuts that Gates has proposed are highlighted.

Industry analysts have said that Russia is planning its biggest Navy buildup with procurement of vessels for Russia's Baltic Sea. The Baltic Fleet is planning to commission over 10 surface ships, frigates, corvettes and minesweepers as well as up to 80 airplanes and helicopters.

Robert Gates, the U.S. Secretary of Defense has urged industry CEOs to work with him in bringing about efficiencies in the aerospace and defense (A&D) sector. The main reason for doing so is to help stop White House officials from further cutting the Pentagon budget.

The U.S. Defense Business Board has issued a warning to Pentagon asking them to make substantial efforts to help avoid a fiscal calamity that may arise and undertake further cuts in defense programs. Some of the other key recommendations made by the Board are highlighted.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in July 2010 is set to complete the first phase of the planned reform of its aircraft and capabilities. The overhaul includes the delivery of F-35A Joint Strike Fighters, replacement or upgrade of all front-line jets, a network-controlled command-and-control system, new airborne early warning and control (AEW and C) aircraft, and a fleet of aerial tankers.

Governments across Europe are implementing austerity budgets and reducing defense procurements while the U.S. is on course to increase spending by 2-3 per cent in the next few years despite the Defense Department's efforts to cut overhead costs. Analysts assert that the looming economic threat could force Washington to cut defense acquisition or modernization programs.

The U.S. Army in July 2010 is considering a joint multi-role aircraft to fill its requirement for an armed scout helicopter. An alternatives study is examining the feasibility of a joint multi-role program that could produce a medium-sized aircraft for attack and utility missions and a smaller light attack scout variant versus buying helicopters that are currently available.

Leading defense companies in the U.K. have warned the new government in England that failure to reduce funding for research and development (R&D) will threaten the future security and wellbeing of the country. More private investment in the defense sector could be encouraged by giving spending for R&D a government boost.

Ashton Carter, the Pentagon acquisition chief has called leading U.S. industry executives as well as military acquisition officials for an acquisition summit to discuss changes in policy, process and work force in an attempt to reduce costs. The move is part of U.S. Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates plan to reduce $101.9 billion from the Pentagon's budget over the coming 5 years.