News
Russia’s military drills near NATO border raise fears of aggression –
Russia is preparing to send as many as 100,000 troops to the eastern edge of NATO territory at the end of the summer, one of the biggest steps yet in the military buildup undertaken by President Vladimir V. Putin and an exercise in intimidation that recalls the most ominous days of the Cold War.
Business
Boeing to turn undelivered 747s meant for Russian customer into new Air Force Ones –
Last year President Donald Trump told the Air Force to shrink the cost of new Air Force Ones aircraft or risk the program getting cancelled. Now Boeing and the service are nearing a deal for the two Boeing 747s that will be transformed into presidential aircraft, but the optics might not be great for Trump.
South Korea to deepen defense industry ties with Indonesia –
South Korea said Aug. 1 it’s seeking closer ties with Indonesia on defense goods as part of efforts to expand its overall arms trade.
America’s top drone company just teamed up with a Chinese industry titan –
Less than a year ago, DJI knocked the California-based 3D Robotics out of the consumer market. Now, the U.S. firm has turned to software — and a partnership with its vanquisher.
Israel unveils Namer turret upgrade –
The Israeli Ministry of Defense has unveiled a prototype of an upgraded version of its Namer heavy armored personnel carrier fitted with a turret that is armed with a 30 mm gun.
Global anti-drone market to reach $1.2 billion –
The global anti-drone market will reach $1.2 billion by 2025, according to a forecast by market research firm Transparency Market Research. From $215 million in 2016, the market will soar at a 19.9-percent compound annual growth rate between 2017 and 2025.
ViaSat chosen for Australian SATCOM –
ViaSat has been chosen by Northrop Grumman for an Australian satellite communications project.
Booz Allen secures Navy IT contract –
Booz Allen Hamilton has been awarded a $13.1 million contract modification to provide Navy IT services.
Leidos tests sensors for U.S. Air Force –
Leidos has finished testing sensors for the Air Force’s AgilePod.
Defense
Senate confirms Trump’s Navy secretary, seven other Pentagon nominees –
The Senate on Aug. 1 confirmed Richard V. Spencer to be the new Navy secretary, along with seven other civilians to fill key positions at the Pentagon.
New Navy secretary, seven other top DOD officials confirmed by Senate –
The Senate Aug. 1 confirmed eight Defense Department nominees, providing a sizable staffing boost to the Pentagon after a protracted congressional stalemate.
Navy planning to bring back at-sea missile reload capability –
What happens when a U.S. ship runs out of missiles in the heat of naval battle? How is the rest of a gun line affected if a cruiser has to steam away to resupply its ordnance?
Veterans
Senate advances VA Choice fix, claims appeals reform package –
Senate lawmakers quietly advanced two major Veterans Affairs reform bills Aug. 1, sending a funding fix for the Choice program to the White House and queuing up a benefits claim appeals reform package to become law later this year.
Advocates push senators to pass GI Bill expansion before summer recess –
House lawmakers overwhelmingly passed a massive expansion to GI Bill benefits last week. Now supporters are wondering if Senate officials will be able to do the same.