News
Trump gives CIA new authority for drone strikes –
President Donald Trump has given the Central Intelligence Agency new authority to conduct drone attacks against suspected militants, the Wall Street Journal reported March 13, citing U.S. officials.
Moscow moves to absorb rebel Georgian region’s military –
Russian President Vladimir Putin March 14 ordered his officials to seal an agreement which will, in effect, incorporate the armed forces of Georgia’s breakaway South Ossetia region into the Russian military’s command structure.
Business
Textron AirLand to forgo T-X bid with Scorpion jet –
Textron Airland has officially decided against offering its Scorpion jet for the Air Force’s T-X trainer competition, ending speculation about whether the aircraft would emerge as a dark horse candidate.
Turkish strategy paper sees more local input in defense procurement –
A Turkish government whitepaper shaping the next five years of defense procurement sees more efforts to maximize local input in the country’s thriving programs, now mostly indigenous.
Textron sets its sights on US Air Force’s light aircraft experiment –
Textron is chomping at the bit for the U.S. Air Force’s planned light attack aircraft demonstration, where it plans to show off the capabilities of the Textron AirLand Scorpion jet and Beechcraft AT-6.
Taiwan receives two U.S. Navy frigates –
Two decommissioned U.S. Navy frigates reserved for Taiwan were handed over last week; however, analysts say Taiwan needs to put into place an ambitious plan to boost its naval capabilities against China’s increasingly powerful forces.
Nurol finalizes export deal for Turkish armored vehicle Ejder Yalcin –
Turkish manufacturer Nurol Machinery has penned the first export deal for its signature heavy armored vehicle, the company announced March 13.
Brazil to soon receive its first AAV7A1 RAM/RS amphibious vehicles –
The Brazilian Marine Corps (Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais) is to receive its first updated AAV7A1 armoured amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) (locally designated as Carro-Lagarta Anfíbio: CLAnf) in the second quarter of 2017, the Brazilian Navy told Jane’s March 13.
Boeing soups up old Avenger for short-range air defense gap –
Boeing has modernized its 1980s-era Avenger air defense system to answer the Army’s call to fill its Short-range Air Defense gap within the maneuver force.
Defense
Administration weighing changes that would loosen battlefield rules of engagement –
The Trump administration is reportedly in the final stages of a review that would change the rules under which U.S. commanders have the authority to initiate military action.
Pros, cons of Pentagon’s leadership vacuum –
Of 53 “Pentagon appointed, Senate confirmed” positions, only one has been filled since President Trump was sworn in Jan. 20. That’s Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.
Trump wants the public to help cut waste at DOD, VA –
If you have suggestions on how to save money on building the F-35 fleet, or on how to reorganize Veterans Affairs hospitals to be more efficient, President Trump wants to hear from you.
Army vows to ‘re-imagine’ how it works with innovative firms –
The undersecretary of the Army today pledged to win the trust of the defense industry as part of a new strategy to rebuild the service.
Marines eye changes to recruit training amid renewed calls for coed boot camp –
Changes to recruit training could be coming, Commandant Gen. Robert Neller told lawmakers March 14 in a tense session about the ongoing investigation into whether Marines viewed nude pictures of female troops, veterans and civilians and harassed those women.
U.S. Air Force low-cost fighters: Does OA-X stand a chance? –
The U.S. Air Force has taken another baby step toward possibly buying 300 low-cost, light-attack aircraft to fight violent extremists in the Middle East.