News
Marine general to Congress: We might not be ready for another war –
If the Marines were called today to respond to an unexpected crisis, they might not be ready, a top Marine general told the Senate Armed Services Committee March 15.
Business
Raytheon unveils new Patriot Radar at AUSA Global 16 –
Raytheon debuted its first full-sized prototype of a next-generation Patriot radar March 15 at the AUSA Global Force Symposium and Exhibition.
GAO denies General Dynamics’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle protest –
The Government Accountability Office has denied General Dynamics Land Systems’ protest of the Marine Corps’ decision to award contracts to both BAE Systems and SAIC to build prototype Amphibious Combat Vehicles.
BAE wins $34 million Navy communications contract –
BAE Systems has been awarded a $34 million Navy communications contract.
Pearson Engineering bridges the gap for Stryker –
Pearson Engineering has developed and tested an armored vehicle-launched bridge for the General Dynamics Land Systems 8×8 Stryker M1132 Engineer Squad Vehicle.
Lockheed’s Marilyn Hewson touts breakthroughs in hypersonic weapons –
As the Pentagon telegraphs a new sense of urgency to fielding hypersonic weapons, top Lockheed Martin officials are touting recent breakthroughs in leveraging extreme speed to counter emerging threats.
Hewson: International sales key for Lockheed Martin –
Driven by ongoing regional conflicts, international sales continue to play a vital part of Lockheed Martin’s growth outlook, chairman and CEO Marillyn Hewson said March 15.
Lockheed frigate design to use proven systems to increase affordability –
Lockheed Martin plans to use proven components from existing ships when it sets out to compete for the Navy’s upcoming frigate program. Doing so will make its offering more affordable, a company executive said March 15.
Laser weapons ready for use today, Lockheed executives say –
For years, the Pentagon has pursued the dream of directed energy weaponry — laser weapons that could defeat a foe for pennies when compared with the expensive kinetic weapons the department relies on. And for years, the technology proved to be elusive.
Lockheed Martin investing in autonomy, manned-unmanned teaming technology –
As advancements in autonomy come to fruition, manned/unmanned teaming between humans and advanced robots will play a key role in the future of warfare, Lockheed Martin executives and researchers said March 15.
UK cuts profit margins on single-source defense deals –
Defense companies are facing a 15 percent cut in the baseline profit rates they can earn on contracts awarded without competition by the UK Ministry of Defence.
Dassault backs film on 100 years of aviation –
Dassault Aviation is the main backer for a sound and light show marking 100 years of French aviation history, dubbed Conquest of the Air, due to be staged at the Grand Palais exhibition hall, the spokesman for the aircraft builder said.
Small drone market to reach $10 billion by 2020 –
The global small drone market will reach $10 billion by 2020, according to a forecast by research firm MarketsandMarkets. This reflects a compound annual growth rate of 11.6 percent from 2015.
Defense
JLTV savings could speed up fielding for U.S. Army –
Anticipated savings within the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program could allow the U.S. Army to field its Humvee replacement earlier and quicker, the Army’s program executive officer for combat support and combat service support said.
Army breaking free of weapons-buying burdens –
The Army, like much of the federal government, has been weighted down by legislative requirements that haven’t been executed correctly, according to the Army’s acquisition chief.
House Armed Services Committee chair backs GOP budget proposal –
House Armed Services Chairman Mac Thornberry said March 15 he would vote for the House Budget Committee spending blueprint unveiled Tuesday even though it gambles on the next administration boosting defense via emergency funding.
Pentagon proves air-launched UAV swarm ability –
Just what the Pentagon plans to do with its newly proved ability to launch swarms of tiny unmanned vehicles from moving fighter jets remains classified, but the Defense Department’s recently released video documenting such a launch shows some of the potential.
Veterans
VA gets ‘F’ for Persian Gulf War claims approvals –
The percent of disability claims approved by the Veterans Affairs Department for Persian Gulf War-related illnesses has declined steadily in the past five years, resulting in record lows, according to a new report from the advocacy group Veterans for Common Sense.
New VA firing rules, health care options moving quickly –
A massive veterans reform measure including new employment rules for senior officials and an overhaul of outside care programs could be on the Senate floor early next month, the chair of the chamber’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee said March 15.
Senate aims for VA Choice overhaul by May –
The chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs said March 15 that he hopes Congress will pass an overhaul of the troubled Veterans Choice health care program by Memorial Day.