28 Aug 03. The U.S. Air Force has selected Boeing (NYSE: BA – News) for a contract worth approximately $188m for the continued development and production of the Small Diameter Bomb (SDB). Upon completion of design and development, the program is estimated to generate $2.5bn in sales to the USAF.

22 Aug 03. The United States Air Force has recently purchased a number of biological detection systems from IGEN International to extend its ability to protect its military personnel around the world. US Army scientists at Fort Detrick in Maryland have developed biological assays designed to measure specific category A and B biological agents, including anthrax, staphylococcus enterotoxin B and botulinum toxin, using IGEN’s proprietary ORIGEN(r) technology. This technology was chosen above traditional laboratory methods because of its greater sensitivity, ease of use and rapid detection times.

21 Aug 03. The U.S. Army and the Israeli MoD have selected a Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) design concept for the Mobile Tactical High-Energy Laser (MTHEL) prototype, a laser weapon capable of shooting down short-range rockets and artillery projectiles in flight.

20 Aug 03. Defense contractors Raytheon Co. (NYSE:RTN – News) and DRS Technologies (NYSE:DRS – News) have agreed to modify a joint production deal in response to antitrust concerns raised by the U.S. Justice Department, the department said on Wednesday. The two companies will alter a “teaming agreement” to jointly produce an infrared sight that will be used by the U.S. Marine Corps and Army after the department told them it had “significant concerns” with the arrangement, the department said. At issue is targeting and sighting equipment installed on the army’s Bradley fighting vehicles and Marine Corps light armoured vehicles. Antitrust enforcers at the department said the joint production deal could eliminate hamper future competition in the market for the infrared sights.