Looking to buy DRS
Filed under: Acquisitions, Finemeccanica, Italy, SETA, production program
This article discusses the idea that Finmeccanica, the Italian defense conglomerate, is looking at DRS Technology for an American acquisition. Like EADS and BAE the Italian company has been expanding its presence in the US. Its helicopter arm, Augusta Westland, won the VH-71 Presidential helicopter teamed with Lockheed Martin and is also trying to win the CSAR-X recompete post-protest. DRS which makes advanced sensors and electronics while providing SETA services has long been an attractive take over target. It’s stock though has done very well recently and for Finmeccanica to buy it would require a substantial investment. Read more
Hillary accused of hypocrisy on KC-45
Filed under: Boeing, Contract Awards, EADS, GAO, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman Corp., Protest, commercial aviation, logistics
This article explains why some feel that Democratic candidate for President, Hillary Clinton, has been accused of double standards on the KC-45 contract. The basic argument is that she is very supportive of the VH-71 contract for the new Presidential helicopter. This is also a foreign aircraft teamed with a US integrator, here Lockheed Martin. The fact that the final assembly is done in Oswego, NY as compared to Alabama has nothing to do with it she says. On the KC-45, like many Democrats, she has taken a protective stance. While not as outspoken as Barack Obama, she has made noises of disapproval of the selection of EADS over Boeing. Senator McCain, due to his rather role in the whole matter, supports the Air Force’s position. More to come, I am sure.
Connecticut politicians lobby for Sikorsky for VH-71 contract
Filed under: Contract Awards, Federal Budget Process, Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, U.S. Navy, commercial aviation, development program
A group of 11 Congressman, mainly from Connecticut, wrote a letter to DoD asking for the Lockheed contract be canceled and put out for re-bid. See Hartford Courant for more. The hope is that Sikorsky will win the recompete. Read more





