News
The Pentagon doesn’t know who should respond to a massive cyber attack –
The Pentagon does not have a clear chain of command for responding to a massive cyber attack on domestic targets in the United States, according to the federal government’s principal watchdog.
Business
Global military spending grows for first time since 2011 –
Global military expenditures topped $1.6 trillion in 2015, an increase of about 1 percent from the previous year, according to a new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Small businesses see ‘golden opportunities’ in Special Operations Command –
Drone Aviation, a manufacturer of surveillance aerostats, has made modest inroads into the defense market. It is finding, like many other small businesses, that it is hard to get noticed.
Bulgaria approves $1.4 billion fighter jet package –
The Bulgarian government has approved three programs to acquire new fighter jets, modernize the country’s Mikoyan MiG-29 aircraft and purchase new patrol vessels, worth a total of 2.42 billion leva (US $1.4 billion), reports local news agency Novinite.
Ingalls receives advance procurement funding for LDP-28 –
Ingalls Shipbuilding received a $117 million contract modification to continue procurement of long lead time material and advance construction activities on the last amphibious transport dock, the future Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28).
Boeing’s KC-46 test run complicated by C-17 refueling issue –
The Boeing C-17 heavy cargo aircraft has become the sticking point in an otherwise speedy KC-46A aerial refueling demonstration phase, with officials confirming that “higher-than-expected boom axial loads” have delayed trials with that aircraft and the A-10 attack airplane.
Kuwait may finalize Eurofighter deal, source says –
Kuwait’s delayed deal to buy 28 Eurofighter jets may be signed April 5, an Italian source knowledgeable of the deal said April 4.
Peru buys radios for Super Seasprite helicopters –
The Peruvian navy is buying Rockwell Collins radios for its SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopters.
Bulgarian fighter replacement plan given go-ahead –
The Bulgarian government gave the long-delayed go-ahead to a new fighter procurement March 30, which will eventually see 16 aircraft acquired to replace the air force’s ageing Russian fleet.
Brazil tests jungle radios for Amazon –
The Brazilian military has tested radios suited for the Amazon jungle.
Elbit forms JV in India to offer Hermes UAVs –
Elbit Systems has formed a joint venture with Indian industry to offer its unmanned air vehicles to the market.
Defense
Reserve suicides up 23 percent — active-duty count remains steady –
The number of active-duty personnel who died by suicide in 2015 declined slightly from 2014, but the reserve component, including the National Guard, saw a 23 percent increase, according to Pentagon data released April 1.
Defense Department begins new employee performance rating system –
The Defense Department on Friday will begin another overhaul of how it evaluates its civilian federal employees, this time with the support of employee unions whose opposition doomed the previous program.
U.S. Air Force F-15s move across Europe for exercises. Here’s where they are –
About two dozen F-15 fighter jets will be busy during scheduled rotations across Europe, some participating in exercises all the way through September.
F-35 drops 1,000-pound bomb –
The U.S. Navy’s variant of the F-35 successfully launched the Joint Standoff Weapon during recent trials.
F/A-18E catches wire on Advanced Arresting Gear for first time –
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from Naval Strike Aircraft Test Squadron 23 (VX-23) has made a first successful arrestment using the U.S. Navy’s new Advanced Arresting Gear.
Veterans
Frankfurt Airport USO center is closing after four decades –
The USO will permanently close its lounge and reception area at Frankfurt Airport later this month after nearly 41 years in operation, citing dwindling visitor numbers and the changing security environment in Europe.
