DoD Uses COVID Funds for Small-Drone Contracts
DoD’s innovation arm has issued $13.4 million in small-drone support contracts using COVID-19 funds, awarding contracts to five companies to help with “situational awareness, improve human-machine teaming, and provide engineering support.”
80,000 Pounds of Bombs Dropped on Iraqi Island
The first F-35s deployed to the Middle East joined with F-15s to bomb an Iraqi island to prevent its use as an ISIS refuge. The 80,000 pounds of bombs dropped continues the US-led coalition countering ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
$639B NDAA Increases Readiness, Base Infrastructure Budgets
All service branches will see increases in readiness budgets if the Senate passes the $639.1 billion FY19 National Defense Authorization Act that passed and out of a conference committee this week. The conference summary notes $23.5 billion to sustain, repair and rebuild crumbling military buildings and other infrastructure.
Can FY19 Budget Staunch R&D Spending Decline?
Congressional and Pentagon leaders are concerned that the steadily declining portion of the military budget spent on research and development is exacerbating the threat that the US is losing its technological edge against its competitors and enemies. The Senate Appropriation Committee looks to boost R&D spending in the FY19 budget.
F-35 on the International Stage
The US Air Force F-35 JSF is on its way to the Paris Air Show and the international stage. The show will be the jet’s first opportunity for international audiences to witness its aerodynamic capabilities.
Who’s the Fastest of Them All?
The US Air Force has more than 5,000 planes in service (some can fly at speeds up to 1,875 miles per hour). Which is the fastest?
Orlando Shooter Worked For Counterterrorism Firm
Discovery that the shooter in the Orlando nightclub massacre worked for a counterterrorism firm calls into question how wisely security dollars are being spent.
We Fear Russia More than China
Russia swapped with China and is this year our most feared enemy. North Korea holds steady in second place.
Defense Employees Dissatisfied
A recent survey found that civilian defense employees are increasingly dissatisfied with their jobs and are unhappy with senior leadership and managers.
MQ-4C Triton Arrives at Pax
An MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) arrived at NAS Pax River with 2 more expected in the next few weeks.
