News
President OKs defense bill despite military COVID vaccine repeal
President Joe Biden signed the annual defense authorization bill into law Dec. 23 despite administration concerns over its repeal of the military’s coronavirus vaccine mandate, saying the legislation includes “critical authorities to support our country’s national defense.”
Ukraine war: Five ways conflict could go in 2023
The conflict in Ukraine is about to enter its second calendar year. We asked several military analysts how they think events on the ground will unfold in 2023.
Putin claims Moscow ready for Ukraine talks as attacks go on
President Vladimir Putin claimed that Russia is ready for talks to end the war in Ukraine even as the country faced more attacks from Moscow — a clear sign that peace wasn’t imminent.
North Korea denies reports it has supplied weapons to Russia
North Korea is denying it sold munitions to Russia after the United States and a Japanese media report said Pyongyang has completed at least two weapons deliveries to the Kremlin.
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/3786595-north-korea-denies-reports-it-has-supplied-weapons-to-russia/?utm_campaign=dfn-ebb&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sailthru&SToverlay=2002c2d9-c344-4bbb-8610-e5794efcfa7d
Business
After years of KC-46 vision system troubles, Boeing thinks it’s finally cracked the code
RVS 2.0 provides a “quantum leap” in camera technology, said Lt. Col. Joshua Renfro of the Air Force’s KC-46 cross functional team. “We’re very confident in the product. We like where it’s going, and we really like what this is going to deliver to us down the road.”
Indian weapons buyer approves $10B fund to equip military
India’s weapons buyer on Thursday approved a 843.28 billion rupees ($10.18 billion) budget for the acquisition of major weapons and platforms, most of which the government will spend locally in a bid to bolster the domestic defense manufacturing sector.
Colombia begins negotiations to buy 16 Rafale fighter jets
Colombia is negotiating the purchase of 16 Rafale multirole fighter jets for its Air Force, a deal potentially worth $3.15 billion, according to a news release from the country’s president.
Lithuania buys Switchblade 600 drones
Lithuania’s Defence Ministry has signed a deal to buy Switchblade 600 drones from the United States, becoming the first European NATO member to order the kamikaze system.
Industry readies for key US Army Bradley replacement decision
Industry is repositioning as the U.S. Army’s critical effort to buy new infantry fighting vehicles moves toward a key decision in 2023.
Navy issues General Dynamics Electric Boat $5.1B contract mod for Columbia-class submarine program
The Navy on Dec. 21 issued General Dynamics Electric Boat a $5.1 billion contract modification for the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine contract.
Defense
Pentagon lacks big picture for fighter jet procurement, watchdog says
A federal watchdog wants to make sure the U.S. military is getting the best bang for its buck when buying new aircraft.
Navy suspends high-year tenure in attempt to increase retention
The Navy is suspending enlisted high-year tenure for two years — an effort aimed at increasing retention.
Congress adds $1.7 billion for US Space Force in 2023 spending bill
The 2023 omnibus spending package includes $26.3 billion for the U.S. Space Force.
Veterans
Congress finalizes full year budget for VA, Department of Defense
Congress on Dec. 23 finalized plans for a $1.7 trillion spending plan for government operations in fiscal 2023, staving off the possibility of a government shutdown on Christmas Eve and providing full-year funding for the military, the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies.
‘It’s just unbelievable’ says family of WWII airman identified nearly 80 years after his death
Growing up, Michael Joseph Uchrin didn’t know much about the uncles he was named after — Sgt. Michael Uhrin and Cpl. Joseph Uhrin.
