Russian President Vladimir Putin approved legislation to create a research agency similar to the Pentagon’s DARPA, reported Russia’s state-owned RIA Novosti. The organization, called the Future Research Fund, will fall under the defense ministry and will “sponsor high-risk scientific research and development for defense-related studies which could lead to breakthroughs in defense technology for Russia,” states the new service’s Oct. 17 report. The agency will initially employ about 100 staff members to oversee some 150 research efforts. Putin signed the bill into law on Oct. 16, according to the news service.
BAE Systems has received a contract from Lockheed Martin to install an upgraded Block 4 electronic warfare system into new F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, as well as to retrofit some older jets.
