News
Pentagon may have up to 20,000 troops in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan; it reports only 14,000 –
The Pentagon may have far more troops serving in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan than it has officially told the American public, due to the way some forces aren’t included in an official count.
Business
Northrop’s fix for F-35, F-22 communications problem involves Global Hawk drones –
Northrop Grumman has a pitch to solve communications problems between the F-35 and F-22.
Indian Navy floats $10 billion helicopter acquisition program –
India’s Ministry of Defence Aug. 23 issued a global request for information as the country seeks to award a $10 billion deal for 123 naval multirole helicopters and 111 naval multi-utility helicopters for its Navy.
Israel to test new hybrid power source for tanks, armored vehicles –
Israel’s Tank Development Authority is expected to begin field trials of advanced, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that developers claim will change the way ground forces operate and maintain tanks and armored vehicles.
French firm to show off hybrid tech at Medef conference –
Renault Trucks Defense will display its hybrid technology demonstrator at the summer university conference Medef, the employers’ federation, the vehicle manufacturer said Aug. 23.
Booz Allen secures MDA cybersecurity contract –
Booz Allen Hamilton has been awarded a $91.5 million Missile Defense Agency contract for cybersecurity.
Marine Corps awards $39 million Combat Operations Center contract –
The contract comprises one base year and four one-year options. The contract was awarded by Space and Naval Systems Center Atlantic.
Kongsberg gains Norwegian, South Korean contracts –
Kongsberg Defense Systems will maintain gear boxes on Norway’s Sea King helicopters, under a deal with the Norwegian Defense Logistics organization.
Latvia buying Stinger air-defense missiles from Denmark –
The Baltic nation of Latvia is buying Stinger air-defense systems from Denmark, the Latvian Ministry of Defense reported.
SpaceX just teased a chic new spacesuit –
The world just got a glimpse of the suits astronauts may one day wear when they travel to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX craft.
Defense
Transgender ban in military may begin in months, say reports citing White House memo –
A ban on transgender service members in the military may begin within six months, according to a White House memo cited in news reports Aug. 23.
U.S. invests $17 million in laser tech –
The U.S. Defense Department is investing $17 million in high-powered laser technology that has the potential for practical uses on the battlefield, from destroying enemy drones to disrupting communication systems.
Army developing video game to aid weapons prototyping efforts –
The U.S. Army is looking to recruit soldiers to provide their thoughts through online gameplay to help develop the Operation Overmatch crowd-sourced innovation platform.
Army’s space force has doubled in six years, demand still going up –
As the service hastens to mint new orbital operators, its leaders are watching the debate over a separate Air Force space corps — and just maybe a new service branch.
Air Force bombers land overseas for Czech Republic exercise –
Two B1-B Lancers and one B-52 Stratofortress from the United States arrived at Royal Air Force Fairford in the United Kingdom Aug. 23.
Veterans
Trump signs bill to speed up veteran disability appeals process –
President Trump Aug. 23 signed into law a measure meant to accelerate the appeals process for disability claims at the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), easing for veterans a process criticized as too cumbersome.
Space
SpaceX just teased a chic new spacesuit –
The world just got a glimpse of the suits astronauts may one day wear when they travel to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX craft.
Spaceplane readies for September flight –
Technicians are preparing to launch an unmanned X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle for the fifth time. The spacecraft with its classified cargo is scheduled to launch Sept. 7 from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, atop a reusable SpaceX Falcon 9 booster rocket.