A prototype of the OICW rifle exploded during a test of the 20mm grenade launcher on 29 Sept, destroying the prototype and injuring two technicians (one of them seriously). What caused the explosion, which destroyed a $20,000 prototype and its $200,000 fire control unit, is not known.--Stephen V Cole

Ireland has selected the Piranha-III 8x8 armored car as their new armored personnel carrier. The initial contract will be for 40 vehicles over five years, with a follow-on contract for 40 more. Besides the basic APC, there will be command, recovery, and ambulance variants. The APCs will be armed with the British FVT800 one-man turret fitted with a 12.7mm machinegun and a 7.62mm machinegun. The Irish are keeping the option open to buy a more heavily-armed version later.--Stephen V Cole


McDonnell Douglas will be indicted for exporting machine tools to China which the Chinese subsequently switched from civilian to military use. The company denies that it violated any export regulations.--Stephen V Cole