News
Marine Corps KC-130Ts grounded until further notice –
The Marine Corps has grounded its fleet of KC-130Ts “out of an abundance of caution” following the events of the deadly crash earlier this month, the service has confirmed to Defense News.
Trump says transgender troops can’t serve in the military –
Transgender individuals could be kicked out of the military and banned from enlisting under a policy change announced by President Donald Trump on Twitter the morning of July 26.
Business
Pratt & Whitney in hot seat as Airbus profits fall –
Airbus turned up the heat on engine maker Pratt & Whitney over delays that have disrupted its biggest production line after reporting a sharp drop in mid-year profits July 27.
Aerospace, defense M&A activity in 2017 –
The global aerospace and defense industry ended the first half of 2017 with $18 billion in announced transactions.
Iran announces Sayyad-3 SAM production –
The production line for Iran’s new Sayyad-3 long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) was formally inaugurated by Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan on 22 July. In the process it was stated that it will be used by the as-yet unveiled Talash-2 air defense system.
What Lockheed’s Secretive Skunk Works unit sees for 6th-gen. fighter –
In an interview with IBD, Rob Weiss, Lockheed’s executive vice president for Advanced Development Programs and Skunk Works chief, said a new fighter “hinges around improving lethality, survivability and mission effectiveness.”
Indian Navy formally launches submarine acquisition program –
The Indian Navy has issued a request for information for six air-independent propulsion-enabled submarines under Project 75I, a program worth more than $12 billion. However, analysts say the process will take time since the purchase would take place under the new Strategic Parters policy.
Philippines to receive U.S. Cessna aircraft with ISR capability –
Two Cessna 208B Caravan aircraft purchased by the U.S. Department of Defense and modified to perform airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks will be handed over to the Philippine military July 27.
Airbus tests jet-propelled drone –
Airbus has unveiled an experimental jet-propelled drone.
IAI, Honeywell team up for jam-proof GPs –
Israel Aerospace Industries and Honeywell Aerospace are teaming up to develop a GPS anti-jam navigation system.
Indonesia in talks to procure first mini-submarine –
The Indonesian Ministry of Defense is currently finalising a contract with Batam-based shipbuilder PT Palindo Marine for the procurement of a mini-submarine, Indonesian Navy Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Laut, or TNI-AL) sources informed Jane’s 26 July.
Defense
War fighters will be machines in concept of future battlefield –
The future battlefield will likely contain autonomous robots, lasers and countless drones but beyond the equipment that grabs everyone’s attention at least one military leader says a framework for how to fight in that new arena is what’s most important.
Pentagon official confident delayed Defiant won’t hurt FVL –
The delay to the first flight of Sikorsky-Boeing’s SB-1 Defiant may not impact the timeline for the U.S. military’s Future Vertical Lift program, a Pentagon official says.
Hyten outlines STRATCOM overhaul; Nukes sooner For F-35? –
Strategic Command chief Gen. John Hyten confirmed, more than two months after news first broke of a shift, that he’s ordered a series of sweeping changes at STRATCOM.
Navy announces fix to Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System –
The recently commissioned supercarrier Gerald R. Ford has been widely criticized for having a myriad of mechanical issues, but the U.S. Navy can scratch the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System off that list, according to a Naval Air Systems Command release.
Air Force, firm looking to hire 638 fighter jet mechanics –
Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., and engineering firm AECOM are hosting a hiring event to fill 638 fighter jets maintenance jobs.
U.S. Air Force chief seeks novel acquisition practices for the ‘Information Age’ –
The U.S. Air Force’s top general wants to network all of its assets together in a massive battlefield picture that will allow operators to make informed decisions as quickly as possible. But to get there, he is going to need different ways of contracting with industry, he said July 26.
Veterans
Former Secretary McDonald: All Americans, not just vets, need VA –
Bob McDonald spent much of his time as Veterans Affairs Secretary working to remind Americans about the importance of the sprawling health care and benefits system.
House rejects plan to let VA doctors talk about marijuana –
House Republican leaders July 26 ended marijuana supporters hopes for a floor debate on allowing veterans to talk about using cannabis to treat a variety of ailments with their Veterans Affairs doctors.