News
Russian defector says training consisted of being given a weapon, a target and 5,000 bullets.
A Russian defector said his unit was given “no actual training” before being sent to Ukraine.
Russia launches a wave of Iranian-made drones at Kyiv after a lull
Analysts had surmised the drones were malfunctioning, but if a problem has been fixed, it remains unclear how long Russia can sustain such attacks.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/14/world/europe/ukraine-russia-iranian-drones.html?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=de88742f-46f7-4f2c-819d-3b36a47d6a7e
Russians still support the war but are less certain what it’s about
Majorities of those surveyed said that it’s a good time for Moscow to begin negotiations.
Business
Four questions with BAE Systems’ chief executive in the US
Former and current defense officials, members of Congress, and industry executives at the Reagan National Defense Forum here in early December zeroed in on two threats.
Inside the chaos at Washington’s most connected military tech startup
Can tech bros save the Pentagon? The messy tale of Rebellion Defense.
Germany clinches $8 billion purchase of 35 F-35 aircraft from the US
German government leaders on Dec. 14 announced a deal to buy 35 F-35 fighter jets from the United States, a package pegged at $8.4 billion by the Pentagon in its offer from the summer.
Eur-only: FCAS rules out international expansion as it aims for 2029 first flight
Company officials said the long-term next-gen program was on the right track for 2040 service after reportedly contentious negotiations.
U.S. defense companies in talks to sell Vietnam helicopters, drones
U.S. defense firms have discussed supplying military gear, including helicopters and drones, to Vietnam in talks with top government officials, two sources with knowledge of the dialogue told Reuters, a new sign the country may reduce its reliance on Russian arms.
Defense
Historic boost in troops’ housing allowance set for 2023
Housing allowances for troops are jumping by 12.1%, , on average, in 20223, defense officials announced Dec. 14.
Airmen, guardians could see revamped parental leave policy by New Year
Parents-to-be who are awaiting changes to the Department of the Air Force’s parental leave policy could see that relief in the next few weeks.
Congress pushing for more amphibs despite Navy projecting production shutdown
Lawmakers can’t force the Navy to buy more amphibious ships. But they can — and did — set them up for it.
No more Army helicopters? See what’s replacing Black Hawks, Apaches
The Army will soon replace its most storied helicopters. See what it chose as a new aircraft in the largest helicopter award in 40 years at $1.3 billion.
See the Air Force weapon that breaks ships in half, sinks them in seconds
The Air Force is testing a weapon that can sink a commercial vessel in seconds with a lethal munition launched from the air. Itís called the Quicksink.
Veterans
VA employee sues department over new abortion policy
A Veterans Affairs health care employee working in Texas sued the department Dec. 14 over its new abortion policy, saying the change violates her religious beliefs as well as state law.
Blind and disabled veterans can’t access VA websites, report says
Disabled veterans say they often can’t make appointments, message their doctors or apply for benefits online.
