News
North Korea fires cruise missiles as allies stage drills
North Korea launched cruise missiles toward the sea on Wednesday, South Korea’s military said, three days after the North carried out what it called a simulated nuclear attack on South Korea to protest its military drills with the United States.
Armed Russian jets have flown over a US base in Syria nearly every day in March, US commander says
Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich told NBC News that Russian jets have violated the airspace of At Tanf Garrison roughly 25 times this month, including March 22.
Russia warns US not to fly over Black Sea, honors pilots who forced drone to crash
The Russian military on March 22 warned the United States not to fly more drones over the Black Sea, where an American unmanned aircraft was harassed and damaged by Russian fighter jets and forced to crash.
Russia is dusting off ancient tanks as losses mount in Ukraine
The Russian military has lost more than 1,800 tanks since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine.
Business
NRO awards 6 study contracts for hyperspectral satellite imagery
Hyperspectral sensors can “see” what materials a surface is made of and identify individual elements in the surrounding atmosphere. For national security purposes, hyperspectral imagery could for example detect evidence of chemical weapon production and/or use.
Why the US Navy’s budget plan creates uncertainty for shipbuilders
Dualities are emerging in the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding plans, leaving industry to wonder what to make of the sea service’s near-term spending plans.
Defense
Navy follows Army in offering prep courses to recruits who don’t meet fitness, academic standards
The Navy is now offering recruits who do not meet fitness standards a chance to get in shape before boot camp in an effort to expand the pool of young Americans eligible to serve.
Soldiers can now steer robot dogs with brain signals
A small sensor tucked neatly behind the ear allowed soldiers to mentally guide robotic quadrupeds.
US Air Force is rebuilding its Pacific plans around the B-21
A “daily flyer” bomber that’s also an intel-and-communications hub will make the entire service less vulnerable in a potential war with China, officials say.
US Space Force seeks $16 billion to track hypersonic missiles
The U.S. Space Force said it needs nearly $16 billion over five years to keep building a new class of satellites that can track missiles moving at hypersonic speeds, more than twice the previous forecast.
Veterans
VA change will lower home loan rates for some Native American vets
Native Americans using a special Veterans Affairs home loan program will see their interest rates slashed by more than half as part of a new inititative to make housing more affordable for them.
VA rolls out new mental health scholarship as need increases
The Department of Veterans Affairs launched a scholarship program last week aimed at recruiting mental health and counseling professionals to underserved facilities across the country.