News
Big AUKUS news coming, but Hill and allies see tech sharing snags
The U.S., U.K. and Australia are poised for a major announcement next week in landmark plans to help Australia build a fleet of nuclear-powered subs, but U.S. lawmakers are setting their sights on a part of the pact that’s seen as lagging: technology co-operation.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin makes unannounced visit to Baghdad
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he held talks with top Iraqi officials, including the prime minister and defense minister.
Which fighter jet is best for Ukraine as it fights off Russia?
When Russia invaded Ukraine a year ago, the Kremlin had an air force that could draw on hundreds of MiG and Sukhoi fighter jets in reserve.
US military eyes mounting Western air-to-air missiles on Ukrainian MiGs
The U.S. military is studying whether it’s possible to integrate advanced Western air-to-air missiles with Ukraine’s Soviet-era fighter jets, in the latest attempt to jury-rig old platforms with new capabilities ahead of what’s expected to be a bloody spring.
Business
Surface force lays out tech development timeline for industry
The next five-year defense budget plan, slated for release later this month, will focus its surface Navy investments on Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and Constellation-class frigates, according to the service’s surface warfare director.
Boeing says ground-based system keeps satellites free from jamming
A demonstration at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland validated Boeing’s design for a ground-based system that can protect communication satellites from signal jamming, according to the company.
Rocket Lab ‘very happy’ with Space Force plan to procure launch services
CEO Peter Beck says the company played an active role reshaping the government’s approach to buying launch services.
Rocket Lab ‘very happy’ with Space Force plan to procure launch services
Companies prepare to spend more on cybersecurity under new rules
Despite some complaints about the White House’s new tack, industry leaders say most recognize the need for better defenses.
French Air Force receives first of upgraded Rafale F4 fighter aircraft
The French Air and Space Force has received the first of its most sophisticated Rafale fighter jets, reaching a milestone after four years of development.
Czech company sees boom in market for fake HIMARS tanks
The firm adds US-made HIMARS to its fleet of over 30 types of inflatable real-size decoys as Russiaís war in Ukraine continues.
Romania aims to buy Abrams tanks, senior army official says
Romania aims to buy Abrams tanks made by General Dynamics , a defense minister official in charge of military public procurement was quoted.
Defense
Defense budget includes plans for space-based tracking, Kendall says
The U.S. Department of Defense’s fiscal 2024 budget request includes a classified effort to integrate air and space sensors that can track moving targets, according to the Air Force’s top civilian official.
Pentagon reviews whether 38 medical conditions should remain disqualifiers for military service
A recruiting pilot program that uses medical data collected on service members through the Pentagon’s new health information system could change enlistment policies on up to 38 health conditions that now disqualify people from military service.
Pentagon can’t pass audits due to ‘error-prone’ systems, lack of guidance, watchdog says
A lack of oversight guidance within the Pentagon is a major reason why it’s still the only large government department that has yet to pass an independent audit, though it spends billions trying to modernize its fiscal systems, a watchdog report said March 7.
USSF to take on the Army’s missile warning ground stations in October
Space Delta 4, the Space Force unit responsible for missile tracking and warning, will take over responsibility for the Joint Tactical Ground Stations from the Army in October, its commander said March 6.
Veterans
Vet agency asks why fix outdated-but-outgoing record system?
Veterans Affairs leaders have called their soon-to-be-replaced electronic health outdated and expensive to maintain.
Veterans group: Ban Fox News on military bases
A progressive veterans group has commissioned a new ad calling for Fox News to be banned on military bases, citing recent revelations made as part of a legal fight the network faces over its coverage of the 2020 election.