News
Candidates’ differences on Ukraine reflect stark divide within GOP
The increasingly stark divide within the Republican Party on Ukraine was apparent onstage Sept. 27 at the second GOP presidential primary debate, as candidates sparred over whether to continue supporting the Eastern European country’s efforts to defend itself against an ongoing Russian invasion.
Russia seeks to rejoin UN Human Rights Council despite its war on Ukraine
Russia is formally seeking to rejoin the United Nations’ Human Rights Council, nearly 18 months after it was suspended from the body following its invasion of Ukraine.
Where does your state rank in defense spending?
The Defense Department spent more money in Virginia than any other state.
Business
Palantir wins $250 million US Army AI research contract
The U.S. Army awarded Palantir Technologies a contract worth as much as $250 million to research and experiment with artificial intelligence and machine learning.
SpaceX wins first Pentagon contract for Starshield, its satellite network for military use
The Pentagon has awarded Elon Musk’s SpaceX its first confirmed contract for the Starshield network it’s developing.
Czech government greenlights deal for 24 F-35s
The $5 billion deal would see Prague get all 24 F-35As by 2035, while extending a lease of older Saab Gripen jets thorough that date.
Defense
SecDef Austin’s salary cut to $1 under GOP budget plan
House Republicans on Sept. 27 approved a measure to slash Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s salary from more than $221,000 annually to less than $1, based on their dissatisfaction with his work so far.
Pentagon declares second Nunn-McCurdy cost breach for F-15 electronic warfare kit
A decision to slash procurement of the kits contributed to a 39 percent cost growth over a baseline estimate, causing a “significant” breach.
From parts to hypersonics, Pentagon sees 3D printing as ‘game changer’
The growth of additive manufacturing is a “game changer” for the military — one that can facilitate everything from rapid repairs to aircraft after bird strikes to accelerating the development of hypersonic weapons, a top Defense Department official said Sept. 27.
Top Navy, Air Force officers join logjam of military nominees being blocked by Tuberville
The nominations of two more top military leaders were approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesday and now officially join more than 300 officers whose promotions are being blocked by Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama.
Veterans
Home again: Marine’s WWII diary returns to his daughter 81 years after final entry
The diary of a Marine who recorded his first eight months of World War II in the Pacific before fighting in some of its bloodiest battles is back with his family after it surfaced 81 years later.
VA moves to educate vets on fraud, scams amid PACT Act filings and Camp Lejeune water litigation
The Department of Veterans Affairs is ramping up efforts to educate veterans on potential scams or fraud that could rob them of disability benefits or cost them, should they fall victim to such crimes.