1st Drone Command Center Installed on Carrier
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The first drone command center has been installed aboard an aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Vinson, reports The Virginian Pilot. The next center is scheduled to go aboard Norfolk-based USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. The command centers will be used for a drone still under development that will refuel aircraft and conduct intelligence and surveillance operations.
The Afghanistan Army launched its first drone system in Helmand, Defense Systems reports, with a little help. The US continues to share some unmanned aerial system technology with allies. The UAS will provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
The US says it will not send large infantry units back to Iraq, seeing it as Baghdad’s job to provide front-line troops. But, Military Times reports, the size and scope of the US mission there has grown as doubts persist about the Iraqis’ resolve.
The Marines land in the Middle East, the Marine Corps Times reports, as the US ramps up the fight against Islamic State group militants. The task force includes about 2,300 Marines beginning a nine-month deployment to bolster Iraqi forces in their fight against ISIS.
Just days after DefSec Ash Carter and the Philippines’ defense secretary announced an enhanced military alliance between the two countries, the US Air Force sent an air contingent to Clark Air Base, the Air Force Times reports. This comes as tensions mount with China over territorial claims in the South China Sea.
The Danish government is ready to spend $4.5 billion on a new fleet of fighter jets, Sputnick News reports. In competition are the Joint Strike Fighter, the Eurofighter Typhoon, and the F/A-18 Super Hornet. Defense News reports the Poland Ministry of Defence is aiming to acquire 24 AH-64 Apache helicopters under plan to purchase new combat helos for the Polish Air Force.
A recent report says problems with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s logistics software system could ground the entire fleet, DailyMail.com reports. Despite a price tag of $400 billion for 2,457 planes, the fifth-generation fighter has been plagued with issues.
The C-130 Hercules just never dies. Find out why in Popular Mechanics.
The investigation continues in the mishap that resulted in three Humvees free-falling to the ground during a 173rd Airborne Brigade drop earlier this month. The Army Times reports that on April 11, the Army conducted a heavy drop and personnel airborne operation as part of an exercise in Germany. See video here.
The House Armed Services Committee will examine the Selective Service program’s viability and possible alternatives to the draft as part of its review of the defense authorization bill, Military Times reports. The move comes following discussions over whether women should have to register.
Golden Sands General Contractors Inc., Richmond, VA, is being awarded an $11,757,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the Vertical Electro-Magnetic Pulse Simulator (VEMPS) at Patuxent River Naval Air Station. The work to be performed provides for the construction of a new VEMPS facility which is a small shelter to house the VEMP generator. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, MD, and is expected to be completed by June 2017. Fiscal 2016 research, development, test and evaluation, (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $11,757,000 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity (N40080-16-C-3015).
