Pentagon to cut missile defense spending by $1.4 billion

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates waits to testify at the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington, January 27, 2009.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Monday during a press briefing about the Pentagon's strategic direction:

* Pentagon proposes terminating Air Force combat search and rescue helicopter program

* Pentagon plans to cancel transformational satellite program, buy 2 more Lockheed AEHF satellites

* Pentagon recommends cancelling 2nd Boeing airborne laser demonstration program

* Pentagon plans to cut missile defense spending by $1.4 billion in FY 2010

* Pentagon will restructure Army's future combat systems program, led by Boeing

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal-Esa)