WASHINGTON After a decade of controversy and delay, the Pentagon is expected to select a contractor Dec. 13 to develop the next-generation AIM-9X short-range, infrared air-to-air missile. The U.S. is expected to buy up to 10,000 of the missiles, and there is the potential for substantial foreign sales as allied nations upgrade their Sidewinder inventories to overcome the advances in foreign-made short-range missiles already on the market or nearing production.

LONDON U.K. defense spending will remain constant in real terms next fiscal year, as well as in 1998-1999, under the government’s new budget unveiled last week, which includes plans for a 15% real increase in spending for equipment procurement by 1999.