Defense Funding for Drones Nearly Triples
The 2019 National Defense Authorization Act allocates funding for nearly three times as many unmanned vehicles as in previous years.
Trump Calls for 6th Branch — Space Force
President Donald Trump directed DoD to establish a military space force to add a sixth branch of the military.
MQ-4C Triton Officially Put Into Service
The MQ-4C Triton Broad Area Maritime System high-altitude long-endurance UAV has been officially put into service with Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 at Naval Base Ventura County in Point Mugu, Calif. VP-19 now has two Triton UAVs.
US Revising Rules on Military Drone Exports
President Trump signed a memorandum late last week that revises rules for export of military drones, including big target and long-range reconnaissance drones such as the Predator and Reaper aircraft.
New Presidential Helicopter Fleet on Schedule
Sikorsky is four years into its $1.2 billion contract to replace the president’s helicopter fleet with its VH-92A in 2019.
Are Shulkin’s Days at VA Numbered?
Is the Veterans Affairs secretary on his way out? There are conflicting reports. Sources say President Trump is planning to oust David Shulkin amid a rebellion at the agency and damaging government investigations into his alleged spending abuses. Others say the president has confidence in Shulkin “at this point in time.”
Small Drones = Big Problems in Middle East
The threat of small unmanned aerial systems overseas – especially in Iraq and Syria – has been a key focus of top leaders from across the Department of Defense. The problem has become so acute that top officials in the region have made counter-drones the top force protection priority.
What’s on the Horizon in the New Year?
What’s on the horizon for 2018? Shifts on the business side and reorganization of acquisitions and technology at the Pentagon, new focus on the warfighter, budget cap discussions, and even new uniforms for sailors, to name a few.
Scrambling to Avoid Gov’t Shutdown
Congress is scrambling to avoid a government shutdown. Republicans push for a short-term funding measure.
Congress Hears Report on Aviation Readiness
Just one-third of the US Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornets were fully mission-capable and ready to “fight tonight” as of October, the head of Naval Air Forces told Congress. “The demand for naval aviation forces greatly exceeds our ability to supply those forces,” VADM Troy Shoemaker said.
