US Moves to Halt F-35 Sale to Turkey
US takes first step in halting sale of F35 fighter jets to Turkey in retaliation for Ankara’s decision to purchase a Russian surface-to-air missile system.
General: Consider Russia, China ‘Very Real’ Threats
Air Force Gen. Terrence O’Shaughnessy told a Senate committee that he sees no military threat coming from the southern border with Mexico, but his focus is on “very real” threats from China and Russia.
Trump Gives Space Force to the Air Force
Trump places the Space Force under the Air Force, although technically Congress needs to approve a sixth military branch.
Is Acting DefSec Playing Favorites?
Acting DefSec Patrick Shanahan’s remarks during his 18 months at the Pentagon have spurred accusations that he is boosting his former employer Boeing, fueling questions about whether he harbors a bias against other big military contractors.
Air Force Plugging F-35 Cybersecurity Holes
The F-35’s external support systems are deemed the easiest entry points for hackers, leading the Air Force to increase efforts to plug F-35 cybersecuirty holes.
Pax River Has a Banner Building Year
Pax River completed a $10 million, two-story addition to the Atlantic Test Range headquarters and a $46 million second aircraft prototyping facility. The base was also awarded $41 million to add more housing this year and $67 million to design a new medical and dental clinic.
F-35 Operating Costs Targeted by US & Europe
The US military and Europe officials partner to minimize F-35 operating costs to assure sustainment and future purchase goals can be reached.
Trump Cancels Federal Workers’ Pay Raise
President Donald Trump wants to freeze federal workers’ pay in 2019.
More Remains Could Be Returned from No. Korea
DefSec Jim Mattis said that relations between the US and North Korea may be warming to the point that US forces could be allowed to return there to find more war remains of US servicemembers.
Defense Spending Bills Taking Shape
Both the House and Senate are proposing $675B in defense spending. The House passed its version of the defense appropriations bill last week. Lawmakers will return after the holiday to reconcile their differences in the legislation.
