News
US poised to approve Patriot missile battery for Ukraine
U.S. officials say the Biden administration is poised to approve sending a Patriot missile battery to Ukraine.
Congress supersizes munitions production with emergency authorities
Congress is set to allocate more than $8 billion to bolster high-priority munitions production while granting the Pentagon wartime procurement powers to help Ukraine fight Russia and refill U.S. stockpiles.
Ukraine forces shoot down drones as Kyiv hit by multiple explosions
Officials say 13 Iranian-made drones shot down as air raid sirens sound in capital and surrounding area.
Donors pledge millions to get Ukraine through winter, bombs
Dozens of countries and international organizations threw their weight and more than 1 billion euros (dollars) in aid pledges behind an urgent new push Dec. 13 to keep Ukrainians powered, fed, warmed and moving as winter approaches.
Russia could run out of reliable rockets, artillery shells early next year, Pentagon says
Dwindling stockpiles is likely forcing Russian troops to use older, “degraded” ammo, a senior U.S. military officer said.
Business
DIA awards contract to modernize secretive IT network to unnamed firm
The Defense Intelligence Agency said it awarded a “significant” contract to modernize its top-secret intranet, the Joint Worldwide Intelligence Collection System, or JWICS.
Elbit to supply Skylark I LEX surveillance UAS to Australia
Elbit Systems of Australia, a subsidiary of Israel’s Elbit Systems, said it was selected to supply unmanned aerial systems including the Skylark I LEX to the Australian Army.
Pratt says F135 upgrade for F-35 would save $40 billion over new adaptive engines
The Pentagon could save $40 billion by skipping a total replacement of the F-35A fighter’s F135 engine with new adaptive engines, and should instead opt for a more modest and affordable upgrade that could equip the fleet more quickly, Pratt & Whitney officials argued Dec. 13 in a briefing with reporters.
Japan selects winner of wheeled armored personnel carrier competition
Japan has selected Finland’s Patria AMV as its next wheeled armored personnel carrier following a two-stage evaluation process to replace its fleet of Type 96 eight-wheel drive armored vehicles.
Defense
Air Force is trying out a new kind of tanker: its C-17 cargo plane
In October, the 62nd Airlift Wing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., put its own resources to the test to refuel an F-15E Strike Eagle with a C-17 during Exercise Rainier War.
Army’s Mobile Protected Firepower vehicles will give light infantry units added punch
Lots of combat power in a small package.
Air Force and Boeing delay T-7A, citing escape system problem
Problems with the ejection seats in the Air Forceís new T-7A trainer jet are forcing the Air Force and its contractor, Boeing, to delay production deliveries until the second half of 2024.
Veterans
VA seeing a resurgence of COVID-19 among patients, urges veterans to get boosted
COVID cases in the Veterans Affairs health system have nearly doubled in the past month, prompting the department’s top doctor to urge veterans to get the most recent coronavirus booster shot.
