News
Luke AFB: Likely remains of Taiwanese pilot found at site of F-16 crash in Arizona –
The Taiwanese pilot of an F-16 Fighting Falcon that crashed in Arizona Jan. 21 has likely been found dead.
Business
Sagem Patroller beats out Thales Watchkeeper in French Army drone pick –
The French Army and the procurement office have selected the Sagem Patroller for the tactical unmanned aerial vehicle over the Thales Watchkeeper, with the pick due to be formally approved at a ministerial investment committee meeting next month, French media reported.
Unmanned maritime vehicle market to reach $811 million –
The global unmanned maritime vehicle market will reach $810 million by 2016, according to a forecast by market research firm Visiongain.
Oshkosh disputes Canadian truck award to Mack –
Oshkosh Defense is challenging the Canadian government’s decision to award Mack Trucks a major vehicle contract for the Canadian Forces, the second similar such action on the country’s procurement scene in the last several months.
ST Marine lays keel for Singapore’s third Littoral Mission Vessel –
Singapore shipbuilder ST Marine has laid down the third of eight Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessels on order for the Republic of Singapore Navy, a company representative told IHS Jane’s Jan. 25.
15 firms bid on Turkey’s coast guard aircraft RFI –
A total of 15 contenders have responded to a Turkish competition for the acquisition of a coast guard aircraft, the country’s procurement office said.
Airbus, Mahindra look to helicopter collaboration –
Airbus and Indian group Mahindra have issued a joint statement outlining their intent to meet the future helicopter requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.
Defense
Pentagon wants psychologists to end ban on interrogation role –
The Pentagon has asked the American Psychological Association to reconsider its ban on the involvement of psychologists in national security interrogations at the Guantánamo Bay prison and other facilities.
DOD weapons tester concerned about F-35 software development –
Although the Joint Program Office maintains the F-35 program remains on track, the Pentagon’s top weapons tester recently raised concerns that the fifth-generation fighter jet’s software development could fall behind.
In Singapore, another U.S. Navy LCS is sidelined with machinery problems –
For the second time in a month, a U.S. Navy littoral combat ship (LCS) has been sidelined due to machinery problems.
Navy hopes landing tweaks will increase Osprey cargo capacity –
The Navy is tweaking takeoff and landing procedures to increase the cargo load of its helicopter of the future — the tilt-rotor V-22 Osprey.
Boeing tanker passes first midair refueling test for Air Force –
The Air Force said the tanker passed 1,600 pounds of fuel to an F-16. The new refueling boom is a rigid tube that telescopes out from the aircraft’s rear underbelly to feed jet fuel to other aircraft.
Compass Call recapitalization in Air Force budget –
The Air Force plans to request funding in its new budget to recapitalize the EC-130H Compass Call fleet by moving the electronics on the aging planes onto new business jet bodies, sources tell Defense News.
Despite decades of stealth, sticking points bedevil F-35 jet –
While still a work in progress, it has already become the most expensive weapons project in military history.
Desert Storm marked start of integration for Air Force reserves –
Since the Gulf War, the role the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard play in operations has drastically changed, moving from a back-up component to an integrated and essential part of today’s military.
Veterans
These vets stormed the Capitol to fight for service members Pentagon left behind –
This group of vets is fighting to help troops who were forced out of the military with less-than-honorable discharges due to mental health issues.
VA blood biobank to play major role in conquering diseases –
Nearly a half million veterans have rolled up their sleeves for science as the Veterans Affairs Department shoots to build the largest blood repository in the world.
Space
We have lift off … and landing! –
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ space firm has successfully tested a re-usable rocket for the second time, signaling a dramatic step forward in the development of cheaper space travel.
International
Senators begin push for jet sales to Kuwait, Qatar –
Two powerful U.S. senators have begun raising questions over why U.S. fighter jet deals with Qatar and Kuwait have been delayed for two years — and placing blame for the delays on the Obama White House.
