July 13, 1998

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HEADLINE NEWS

U.K. Reshapes Strategy For Force Projection

LONDON The U.K.’s decision to move to larger aircraft carriers and combine vertical/short takeoff and landing aircraft of the Royal Air Force and Navy into a joint force could mean additional purchases of Joint Strike Fighters. The RAF is also in line to acquire four C-17s to beef up its airlift capabilities, according to the results of the Ministry of Defense’s strategic defense review (SDR) unveiled last week.

By JOHN D. MORROCCO

HEADLINE NEWS

Deficit Hawks Rule Over Defense Hawks

WASHINGTON The House and Senate are in virtual lockstep on next year’s defense budget, adhering closely to balanced budget caps enacted in 1997 to quell the federal deficit. Although lawmakers have been enjoying the novel experience of debating how to spend projected federal surpluses, they have shunned appeals from key defense legislators for a higher Pentagon budget, despite its nearly decade-and-a-half decline.

By PAUL MANN

HEADLINE NEWS

Congress Nears Decision On China Satellite Laws

WASHINGTON U.S. satellite manufacturers believe it is inevitable that Congress will impose new restrictions on the export of commercial spacecraft to China and are now focusing their efforts on convincing lawmakers to water down measures that could reverse reforms dating back to the Bush Administration.

By JOSEPH C. ANSELMO

HEADLINE NEWS

Revised NH-90 Bid Targets Procurement Costs

PARIS NH Industries will submit this week a revised proposal for tooling and initial series production of the four-nation NH-90 naval frigate/ tactical transport helicopter. The NH-90 will be the second major new European military helicopter to go into production.

By MICHAEL A. TAVERNA

HEADLINE NEWS

Ministers Push Consolidation

London Against a backdrop of continuing pressure on the French government to relinquish state control of defense and aerospace enterprises, top defense officials from five countries have endorsed a plan to reduce bureaucratic obstacles to industry consolidation within Europe.

By John D. Morrocco

July 61998

July 201998

July 13, 1998

July 13, 1998