Only Half of F-35s Available for Flight
Of the 280 operational F-35s purchased by the US and international partners, only 51 percent are currently available for flight, according to the F-35 Joint Program Office.
BRAC Is Out of DoD’s FY19 Budget Request
The Pentagon’s FY19 budget request abandons its years-long effort to win congressional approval for a BRAC touted to save $2 billion annually.
China Leads Cyber Strategy, N. Korea No Slacker
China’s new cyber strategy law already contemplates the risks in the evolving future technologies, while the US has not developed a national strategy yet. It appears North Korea has, and its persistence is paying off for the rogue nation.
FAA: Drones Hurricane Response ‘Landmark’
The chief of the Federal Aviation Administration said, despite some problems during Hurricane Harvey in Houston, drone usage in responses to both Harvey and Irma would prove an evolutionary landmark for unmanned aviation.
DoD Proposes 2019 BRAC
DoD’s latest attempt to gain congressional support for a BRAC round has the Government Accountability Office, not an independent commission, validate the analysis before Congress makes the final call.
Trump Budget Calls for BRAC in 2021
Trump’s FY18 budget seeks $1.5 trillion in non-defense discretionary cuts and $1.4 trillion in Medicaid cuts over the course of a decade, adds nearly half a trillion dollars to defense spending and calls for a BRAC in 2021.
Trump Presidency Ripe for BRAC, Say Defense Analysts
A Trump BRAC continues to draw speculation from defense analysts who say the time is ripe for the Pentagon to leapfrog congressional reluctance and consolidate it efforts and reduce its property holdings.
Army & Air Force Team Up to Support BRAC
The vice chiefs of the Army and Air Force threw their support behind another round of base closures as a way to save money that could be used for other military needs.
‘Seriously Considering’ BRAC in Senate Committee
Senate Armed Services Committee Chair John McCain and ranking member Jack Reed are “seriously considering” the possibility of closing excess military bases to cut down on waste.
Wrap-Up 2016: Defense Aviation Photo Finalists
Morning Coffee’s robust blend of links to news concerning the Pax River economy will return Jan. 3, 2017. Enjoy your winter break with these dramatic photos of defense aviation, some apps to help you through the holidays, and a couple of briefs regarding the DoD opening of the new year.
