Briefings : New DPRK tank, P-8A, PLA report

• North Korea has unveiled its latest tank the Pokpung-Ho on some video footage. South Korean analysts say it is based on the Soviet T-62 and has enhanced mobility, protection and firepower over older DPRK tanks (which wouldn't really be that hard to guess to be honest).
• The Boeing P-8A ASW aircraft has been cleared to begin ramping up to production as the plane enters the last 2 years of its testing and development programme. The US plans to buy 117 of them.
• The Pentagon has released its annual report on the Chinese military and notes the development of the "most active land-based ballistic cruise missile program [sic] in the world". The actual report is here. Meanwhile China are seeking closer military ties with Serbia.
• It has been suggested that the MOD should relocate to Portsmouth from London to save money.

P-8A Poseidon makes first flight

The US' next generation maritime patrol and ASW platform, the P-8A Poseidon has made it's first flight. It is based on the Boeing 737 of course. Perhaps with hindsight the UK should have bought this instead of keeping the Nimrod going though it won't be ready for the USN until 2013 and other customers later.