Steve Trimble, Americas Managing Editor for FlightGlobal, published two interesting stories today. The first is about the Gripen's marketing of their larger fighter to the Netherlands. This is in response to Lockheed's F-35, which seems to have seen a slowing in its development. A smart move by Gripen as it gives the Dutch (and Norwegians and Danes) negotiating space. How does Lockheed respond?

The other story is about Lockheed's response to the A-400M from EADS/Airbus. The thought is that by making the current C-130 higher, wider and longer, Lockheed can take on the A-400M by 2015 when the USAF wants a larger freighter. Boeing is talking about a C-17B - so the space is getting crowded. Lockheed is the big dog in this space though, and their plan for the C-130 replacement bears scrutiny because the stakes are very high and Lockheed will give no quarter to the new players.