Local UAS Sets Continuous Flight Record
Hollywood, MD, company, Platform Aerospace makes an aircraft called Vanilla Unmanned, which set the record in October when it flew eight days, 50 minutes and 47 seconds over 12,200 miles of continuous flight. DoD is coming up with more funding to advance its development.
NAVAIR Building on Unfunded Priority List
Congress might well approve the $5.7 billion the Pentagon wants in its unfunded construction request for FY23. But Congress can only approve those that are 35% done with planning and design. NAVAIR is on the priority list.
Hogan: Maryland Is Cyber Capital of US
Gov. Larry Hogan touts Maryland as the “cyber capital of America” at a recent bill signing in Annapolis. The state is home to 60 federal civilian agencies and 20 military installations. Three bills from this year’s legislative session aim to strengthen the state’s cybersecurity network.
US Space Force Needs a National Guard
A bill introduced in the US Senate would create a Space National Guard. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) said that not establishing a Space National Guard was a mistake when the US Space Force was formed.
DoD Seeks Hand in EU Arms Development
Pentagon leaders want Congress to lay the domestic groundwork for Washington to have a hand in the European Union’s emerging weapons development efforts. Russia’s attack on Ukraine has shown that America’s military prowess remains the backbone of transatlantic deterrence.
Parris Is. Marine Band Is Emmy Nominee
An original composition performed by the Parris Island Marine Band — inspired by its musical director’s wife and her work as a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic — has been nominated for an Emmy. “You Were There” salutes first responders who continued to work at the height of the pandemic, from doctors and nurses to grocery store workers to garbage collectors.
Maryland Guard Deploys A-10s to Europe
Ten A-10C Thunderbolt II attack aircraft belonging to the Maryland Air National Guard and assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron landed in Iceland on Thursday. The “Warthogs” will be part of a training exercise throughout Eastern Europe.
US Ups Its Investment in Cyber Technology
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is pushing the US to invest more in cybersecurity. Federal agencies have spent millions for new technology, seized hacking forums, charged foreign cyber criminals, and issued regular warnings on threat risks. Congress also has been quick to move on some cyber-related legislation.
US Munitions Stockpiles at Safe Levels
With senators raising concerns about the US munitions stockpiles in the wake of armaments Biden is sending to Ukraine, DefSec Lloyd Austin assures the lawmakers he will not allow critical munitions to fall below minimum levels. But the defense industry is already facing an array of supply chain obstacles.
Marine One Operational, Not Yet Secure
The new VH-92A Presidential Helicopter is integrating into the fleet that carries the US head of state as “Marine One.” But problems with the secure communications system could delay its full entry to service unless a fix is funded.
