News
Pentagon planning cuts in production, R&D –
As it puts the finishing touches on its fiscal 2017 budget plan, the Pentagon is preparing to slow down programs in production and limit R&D funds to protect end strength and readiness levels.
Business
Taiwan turning screws on Washington’s sub deal –
In 2001, President George W. Bush’s administration released the largest arms package to Taiwan since the closing of U.S. military bases on the island in 1979. The deal included four Kidd-class destroyers, 12 P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft and eight diesel-electric submarines.
Israeli air force details F-35 transition plan –
The Israeli air force plans to close one of its Lockheed Martin F-16C/D squadrons in 2017, in parallel with the service’s new-generation F-35 “Adir” achieving initial operational capability.
Turkish, Ukraine defense firms in talks for tank upgrades –
Turkey and Ukraine’s biggest defense firms have started negotiations that will most likely end up in a cooperation deal for tank modernization programs.
Shipyards clash over Canadian supply ship program –
A project to provide the Canadian Navy with a commercial supply vessel has sparked a battle among U.S., British and Canadian-owned shipyards, with accusations flying about a lack of competition for the multimillion dollar deal.
Bath Iron Works could get another destroyer contract –
The Navy is taking steps to build another destroyer at Bath Iron Works — a relief for the Maine shipyard.
India may replace global VSHORAD tender with domestic-only one –
India’s $1.5 billion global tender for man-portable very short-range air defense systems is facing cancellation for the second time since it was launched in 2010 — this time in favor of a domestic-companies-only competition, a Ministry of Defence source said.
Air Force awards $80 million air defense comms contract –
General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics, has been awarded an Air Force contract for air defense communications.
Rolls-Royce offers engine for Turkish-made fighter jet –
Rolls-Royce is offering its EJ200 engine to power the first Turkish-made fighter jet, Turkish officials said.
Northrop Grumman to develop GPS backup for subs –
Northrop Grumman has been awarded a $19.8 million Navy contract to develop a backup navigation system for submarines when GPS isn’t available.
Indian Army buys more BMP-2s as infantry combat vehicle upgrades delayed –
Faced with the continued delay of efforts to select a domestic company to upgrade its BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle fleet, the Indian Army had no choice but to buy 149 of the same outdated Russian-designed ICVs from the Indian government-owned Ordnance Factory Board, an Army official said.
Saft to provide UAS ground control station batteries –
Textron Systems has selected Saft to manufacture batteries for unmanned aircraft system ground control stations.
Harris wins $113 million Navy radar contract –
Harris Corp. has been awarded a $113 million Navy contract to upgrade long-range radars.
Defense
After 60 years, B-52s still dominate U.S. fleet –
The B-52 is an Air Force plane that refuses to die. Originally slated for retirement generations ago, it continues to be deployed in conflict after conflict. It dropped the first hydrogen bomb in the Bikini Islands in 1956, and laser-guided bombs in Afghanistan in 2006. It has outlived its replacement. And its replacement’s replacement. And its replacement’s replacement’s replacement.
Special ops survey showed 85 percent opposed serving with women –
If integration of women is going to work, special operations leaders will have to convince the rank-and-file.
Opening combat jobs to women creates new challenges for military –
Defense Secretary Ash Carter’s decision Dec. 3 to lift the ban on women serving in combat is a major milestone in a process that is likely to continue for years to come.
Veterans
Convoy of wreaths departs for Arlington National Cemetery –
A convoy of a dozen trucks carrying wreaths made in Maine departed Dec. 6 for Arlington National Cemetery, where the greenery will adorn the graves of military veterans.
Veterans jobless rate falls to seven-year low in November –
The overall veterans jobless rate fell to a seven-year low in November and the rate for veterans from the Iraq- and Afghanistan-war era dropped below last month’s record-low mark, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Dec. 4.
Space
Grocery shopping in space –
A much-needed grocery delivery is about to arrive at the International Space Station, for the first time in nearly eight months.
