News
‘Direct collision’ for U.S. homeland missile defense test against ICBM target –
A monumental intercept test for the United States’ critical homeland defense system designed to defend against intercontinental ballistic missile threats from North Korea and Iran was a success, the Missile Defense Agency announced May 30 shortly after the test.
‘Shocked’ South Korea leader Moon orders probe into U.S. THAAD additions –
South Korean President Moon Jae-in has ordered a probe after the Defence Ministry failed to inform him that four more launchers for the controversial U.S. THAAD anti-missile system had been brought into the country, his spokesman said May 30.
Russia successfully test ‘unstoppable’ 4,600mph hypersonic weapon –
The Zircon cruise missile travels five to six times the speed of sound and is expected to be added into Russia’s arsenal between 2018 and 2020 according to Moscow-based news agency Sputnik.
Business
Rafael advances fifth-generation Spike variant –
In a step-change development of its tactical weapons portfolio, Rafael Advanced Defence Systems is introducing a new, fully network-enabled capability to its family of Spike multipurpose missile systems.
Singapore Army reveals Rafael Spike SR anti-armor missile system –
The Singapore Army has acquired the manportable Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Spike Short Range (SR) missile system as the next-generation guided anti-armor weapon for its infantry forces, Jane’s has learnt at the army’s Open House 2017 event that was held May 27-29.
Singapore Army’s next-generation armored vehicle prototypes make public debut –
The yet unnamed combat variant, currently designated the next -generation armored fighting vehicle (NGAFV), has been under development by the country’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) in partnership with Singapore Technologies (ST) Kinetics – the land systems arm of local defense prime ST Engineering – since 2006.
Polish defense giant buys shipyard, eyes submarine procurement –
Poland’s defense giant PGZ has signed a preliminary contract to buy Naval Shipyard (SMW) from the Polish Treasury, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.
Turkish-U.S. venture to produce armor –
Turkish steel and iron producer Tosyali Holding has teamed up with the U.S.-based Harsco to produce indigenous Turkish armor-grade steel for military platforms on Turkey’s wish list.
Navy wants fused sensors for ship identification –
The Navy wants to improve ship identification by fusing different types of sensors.
Northrop Grumman wins $49 million Triton parts contract –
Northrop Grumman has been awarded a $49.4 million Navy contract for long lead time parts for the MQ-4C Triton UAV.
Defense
Fatal SEAL skydiving accident is the fifth in four years for the elite unit –
The stunning accident that claimed the life of a Navy SEAL and elite parachutist May 28 during New York City’s annual Fleet Week was the SEALs’ fifth jump death since 2013, a fatality that could renew safety concerns that have drawn the attention of the top brass at U.S. Special Operations Command in recent years.
Navy SEAL killed in parachute accident identified –
A Navy SEAL team member who plummeted to death May 28 after his parachute failed to open during a Fleet Week demonstration has been identified as 27-year-old Remington J. Peters of Colorado.
China among invitees to major U.S. exercise –
Despite ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and several recent aerial confrontations, China has been invited to attend next year’s U.S.-hosted Rim of the Pacific exercises, the U.S. Navy confirmed May 29.
Will KC-46 face another schedule delay? The Air Force will find out in June –
The Air Force will know in June whether the KC-46 tanker program will be set back by another round of schedule delays, a service official told lawmakers May 25.
Training key to realizing new concepts for Reaper ops –
The Air Force is facing a massive pilot shortage — in both it’s remotely piloted aircraft and conventional manned aircraft — which for RPAs has affected the ability to train and game new concepts.
Reaper drones have ‘untapped potential,’ says top Air Force official –
What role will dual intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance/strike remotely piloted aircraft play in future conflicts? Will they be replaced with a more capable platform?
Veterans
HUD Secretary Ben Carson pledges continued focus on homeless vets –
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson told advocates for homeless veterans that planned budget cuts to his department won’t upset efforts to find housing for destitute former service members, despite opposing assertions from critics.
Suspected drug thefts persist at VA centers –
Federal authorities are investigating dozens of new cases of possible opioid and other drug theft by employees at Veterans Affairs hospitals, a sign the problem isn’t going away as more prescriptions disappear.
Space & Technology
‘Son of Concorde’ is step closer to take off –
The needle-nosed jet dubbed the “Son of Concorde” will be fitted with GE engines that will propel it to speeds of 1,150mph, it has been revealed.