News
One missing after Army Black Hawk crashes off coast of Yemen –
An Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed off the coast of Yemen Aug. 25, according to a news release from U.S. Central Command.
Remains of three Marines killed in Osprey crash recovered –
The remains of three Marines killed when an MV-22B Osprey crashed on Aug. 5 off Australia have all been recovered, Corps officials said Aug. 25.
Pentagon’s concealment of total troops in war zones under fire –
Caps on troop levels in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria mandated by the Obama administration have led to an elaborate Pentagon accounting system that conceals thousands of troops from the public — one that is quickly unraveling as the Trump administration prepares to send more troops to the region.
Business
Rafael to benefit from Elbit win in Croatia weapons tender –
The Croatian Ministry of Defence has named Israel’s Elbit Systems as the winner in a tender to purchase weapons for the country’s 126 Patria eight-wheel drive armored modular vehicles.
Austria’s rift with Airbus hampers helicopter acquisition –
On Aug. 21, the Austrian Ministry of Defence launched a request for information to manufacturers for 12 twin-engined light multirole helicopters, with a 26 September deadline. The planned budget for the long-delayed procurement of new helicopters is EUR30–50 million (US $35–59 million).
Singapore acquires AN/TPQ-53 counter-fire target acquisition radars –
The U.S. government has awarded Lockheed Martin a USD63 million firm, fixed-price contract in support of a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) procurement effort of six AN/TPQ-53 counter-fire target acquisition radars destined for Singapore, according to federal contracting documents reviewed by Jane’s Aug. 21.
Defense
Trump signs memo banning transgender service –
President Donald Trump signed a memo Aug. 25 that bans any new transgender men or women from joining the military, but also leaves it to Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis to determine the fates of transgender service members currently in uniform.
Army is working on a safer but more lethal hand grenade –
A lot has changed since 1968. The Army’s offensive grenade has not.
71 of the Navy’s T-45 trainer jets could not evacuate storm –
Scores of the Navy’s T-45 trainer jets were unable to evacuate Naval Air Station Kingsville and remain directly in the path of what is projected to be the worst hurricane to hit South Texas in decades.
In an LCS first, drone supports targeting mission for missile –
The U.S. Navy has for the first time used a UAV to provide over-the-horizon targeting information and damage assessment for a missile fired from onboard a ship.
Air Force ups monthly flight pay for officers, enlisted air crew –
The Air Force is increasing monthly flight pay for both officers and enlisted air crew as part of a broader effort to hold on to valuable pilots.
Veterans
Animal testing debate pits injured veterans against dogs –
Veterans advocates are pushing back on a House plan to severely limit medical testing on dogs at the Department of Veterans Affairs, saying it will cut off vital research for America’s wounded warriors.
VA to pay Iowa vet $500,000 to settle suit over treatment –
The Department of Veterans Affairs is paying an Iowa veteran $550,000 to settle his allegation that he suffered life-shortening heart damage because of a three-year delay in treatment.