News
Russian jet, US drone crash over Black Sea, US military says
An American intelligence drone crashed after colliding with a Russian fighter over the Black Sea on March 14, the U.S. Air Force’s European headquarters said in a release.
Artillery shortage hampers Russia’s offensive in east Ukraine, west says
Russia’s defense minister told domestic manufacturers to double their production of precision-guided weapons, as Moscow pushes to capture Bakhmut city after months of heavy fighting.
Business
German arms industry seeks clarity on Ukraine weapons orders
Germany’s defense industry says it stands ready to ramp up its output, including the kinds of arms and ammunition needed by Ukraine, but needs clarity about what governments want before investing in further production capacity.
Britain and Japan to pay for most of fighter project agreed with Italy-sources
Britain and Japan are set to dominate a three-nation project with Italy to build an advanced jet fighter, with Rome set to pay around only a fifth of the overall development cost, two sources said.
$368 billion, 20,000 jobs over 20 years: How AUKUS could ‘fundamentally transform’ Australia
One analyst called the new agreement the biggest engineering project in 75 years for Australia, but there are big hurdles that need to be cleared.
Denmark seeks small drones able to operate in cold temperatures
The Danish Defence Ministry has issued a multimillion-dollar tender for several small drones intended for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and fire support operations.
Canada to buy anti-tank weapon, counter-drone tech for unit in Latvia
The Canadian military will fast-track the purchase of new anti-tank missiles, air defense systems and counter-drone equipment for its battlegroup in Latvia.
Defense
Pentagon resumes acceptance of F-35s from Lockheed Martin following months-long pause
Deliveries of the jet were halted after the crash of an F-35B in December. Even as a root cause has yet to be identified, the Air Force said mitigation efforts for one identified engine issue allowed the service to resume the program.
New US nuclear chief takes fresh stance on sea-launched cruise missile
The new head of U.S. Strategic Command, which oversees the country’s nuclear arsenal, is taking a less forceful tone on developing the sea-launched cruise missile than his predecessor, who was an unabashed champion of the program.
Air Force won’t buy hypersonic missiles in 2024, official says
The service will spend the next year continuing to develop and test two candidate weapons, a budget leader said.
US gets an ‘F’ for erratic, unfocused funding of defense innovation, says Reagan Foundation
A ponderous budget process, overspending on old tech, and chronically late appropriations hamstring the Pentagon’s ability to tap into private-sector innovation, according to the foundation’s new scorecard.
Veterans
Remains of Korean War soldier, POW, identified
The remains of a Korean War soldier who died as a prisoner of war have been positively identified and will be buried in his home state of Ohio, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
LGBTQ+ veterans still fighting for honorable discharges
Thousands of veterans discharged from the military under the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy are still fighting to clear their record. CBS News chief investigative correspondent Jim Axelrod spoke with one veteran who has fought for years to regain her honor.