News
US eclipses all other nations in military aid to Ukraine
Between Jan. 24, 2022, and Jan. 15, 2023, the United States provided $46.6 billion in military aid to Ukraine in the effort against the Russian invasion, according to a study by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.
US seeks allies’ backing for possible China sanctions over Ukraine war
The United States is sounding out close allies about the possibility of imposing new sanctions on China if Beijing provides military support to Russia for its war in Ukraine, according to four U.S. officials and other sources.
US increases military support for Somalia against al-Shabab
The United States is increasing its military assistance to Somalia as the country sees success in battling what the U.S. calls “the largest and most deadly al-Qaida network in the world.”
Havana Syndrome unlikely caused by foreign adversary or weapon, US says
A new U.S. intelligence report didn’t pinpoint a cause for the wide range of symptoms but said factors such as pre-existing medical conditions were probably behind the incidents.
Business
USAF awards Boeing first contract for fleet of 26 E-7 aircraft
The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a contract worth up to $1.2 billion to start work on the first E-7A battle management and command-and-control aircraft, with plans to field a fleet of 26 in total, the service said Feb. 28.
All new Apache helicopters will have Australian components
Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy said at the Avalon Air Show that the Apache deal would generate jobs for Australian industry and is “expected to bring millions of dollars to local defense industry companies.”
European firms line up behind push for secure SATCOM standard
European satellite communications industry and academia have kicked off a government-supported effort to develop a new protected waveform for the continent’s militaries.
India approves purchase of 70 HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft
India’s top decision-maker on defense matters has endorsed the purchase of 70 locally made HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft for $388.5 million.
US clears $125 million Javelin antitank missile sale to UK
The UK, like the US, has faced a shortage of anti-tank weapons after sending hundreds to Ukraine for the battle with Russia.
Defense
DARPA wants a high-speed, no-runway aircraft
Will it be a helicopter? A seaplane? Or a whole new thing?
With Indo-Pacific in mind, Army eyeing heavy support ship prototyping competition
With a Maneuver Support Vessel – Heavy competition on the horizon, the service is also working on the smaller MSV-L but is re-baselining the program to address design changes and increasing costs.
Air Mobility Command removes tail numbers and unit info from planes, alarming watchdogs
Air Mobility Command has directed its refueling and cargo planes to obscure the majority of identifying information painted on the aircraft, citing national security concerns — an unusual move that is alarming to government watchdogs.
Will the F-35 ever become the primary fighter jet it was supposed to be?
The costliest, most advanced U.S. fighter jet in history is flying less than a plane developed during the Reagan administration.
Veterans
Veterans’ emergency room bills could get repaid by VA thanks to change
Veterans who received care at non-VA emergency rooms since 2010 could now get some of their out-of-pocket costs reimbursed years later, even if their claims were previously denied.
