‘Freedom of Navigation Operations’ in South China Sea
Morning Coffee is a robust blend of links to news around the internet concerning the Naval Air Station Patuxent River economic community. The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect
those of the Leader’s owners or staff.
The US is “conducting routine operations in the South China Sea in accordance with international law,” USNI reports the official line about a guided missile destroyer within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island China built in the South China Sea. The controversial construction and China’s territorial claims raises hackles in the contested waters and the destroyer, USS Lassen’s proximity suggests the US rejects China’s territorial claims. The Diplomat reports the Navy called the destroyer’s patrols “planned freedom of navigation operations.”
The Aviationist posts an infographic showing Russia’s involvement in Syria, weapon by weapon.
Politico reports a lot of economic good news in the wake of a budget agreement in Washington.
Cyber security strategists have accepted there is no way to regulate cyber security risk away and have now turned to insurance markets and a data repository as more likely pathways toward mitigation, reports FCW. The cyber insurance business is booming.
The Hill reports Northrop Grumman’s win of a $55 billion contract to build the first 21 of 100 Long-Range Strike Bombers sought by the Air Force in what is considered the biggest defense contract of the decade. NG prevailed in fierce competition against a Boeing-Lockheed team. Market Watch reports the full, 100-jet purchase at $80 billion.
The Office of Naval Research awarded Northrup Grumman Space and Mission Systems a $53 million contract—which could grow to $91 million with all options—for a more solid and accurate laser at sea, reports Defense Systems.
The House, in a 313-118, bipartisan vote moved forward efforts to renew the US Export-Import Bank, and extend its charter through September 2019. Procedural opposition put in motion by conservatives, blocked what was a relatively routine re-authorization, prohibiting the bank from financing overseas sales for almost four months, reports Bloomberg. Passage may come through the Senate as an amendment to a transportation bill, but otherwise faces similar, conservative opposition. Minority Whip Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) was instrumental in orchestrating the procedural steps necessary to bring the bill to the House Tuesday.
