March 28, 2024

355-Ship Navy Not a Wish. It’s Now Policy

7th Fleet

President Trump’s 2018 National Defense Authorization Act includes a provision that calls for the US to build up to 355 ships “as soon as practicable.” That makes achieving a 355-ship Navy national policy.

Chinese Nationals Indicted for Hacking

Indicted for Hacking

US indicts three Chinese nationals for hacking into Moody’s Analytics, Siemens AG, and Trimble computer networks, alleging the hackers used email phishing scams and malware to try to steal business secrets.

Wallops Launch Send Supplies to Space Station

Right Stuff

Orbital ATK’s Antares rocket launched a Cygnus spacecraft Sunday morning from Wallops Island, Virginia, beginning the company’s CRS-8 Commercial Resupply Services mission to the International Space Station.

Analyst: Defense Contractor Earnings Outlook May Improve

Analyst: Defense Contractor Earnings Outlook May Improve

A defense industry analyst says the earnings outlook for defense companies may trend upward, assuming a House conference committee authorizes a defense budget closer to the Senate version with much higher defense spending than the White House has sought.

Hypoxia Episodes Continue to Haunt Fighter Jets

Hypoxia

F-35A pilots report five more Hypoxia-like episodes with tingling fingers and other symptoms. In June the deaths of four Hornet pilots were attributed to “physiological episodes” associated with the oxygen deprivation of Hypoxia.

Message to Troops: Be Ready If Diplomacy Fails

Message to Troops: Be Ready If Diplomacy Fails

SecDef James Mattis tells troops their job is to “be ready” during North Korea diplomatic push. He urged members of the military to be ready if diplomacy breaks down.

New Strategy for F-35 on Horizon

F-35 Strategy

The head of the F-35 Joint Program Office floated a new strategy that the JPO hopes will make updates to the fighter jet more efficient and agile.

Mattis & Senate Stall Military Transgender Ban

Military Transgender Ban

Both DefSec James Mattis and Sen. John McCain seek studies before implementation of President Trump’s ban on transgender troops in the military.

AFSec: F-35 Is ‘Ready to Go to Combat’

F-35 Ready to Go to Combat

Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson says the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter is ready to go to the Pacific — or any theater — should tensions escalate with North Korea.

F-35 Getting Closer to Combat Readiness

F-35C Combat Readiness

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is getting closer to full combat readiness, as pilots continue to test the jet in challenging environments.