The Year Ahead for Military UAVs
The US and the West are not alone when it comes to fielding advanced unmanned aerial vehicles. Its likely in 2017 western militaries will invest in complex UAVs; smaller countries will seek a basic level of drone capability.
A Look at Top Military Stories in 2016
A look back at some of the top military and maritime stories of 2016. The news was full of stories about research, development, and acquisition, as well as testing, fielding, and planning for ships, aircraft, and weapon systems.
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.
New Goals Outlined for Navy’s Fleet
The US Navy released a new fleet plan that calls for 355 ships, outlining an increase in the size of its high-end large surface combatant and attack submarine fleets but a modest increase in its amphibious ship fleet.
Marines Want a Few Good Cyber Specialists
President-elect Donald Trump thinks the Marines need more good men. Commandant Gen. Robert Neller says the USMC needs cyber specialists, electronic warfare troops, intelligence analysts, and engineers.
DoD & White House Finally Quit Buying Russian Helos
The purchases of Russian Mi-17 helicopters for Afghanistan evaded economic sanctions on Russia. The $11.6 billion supplemental defense budget reportedly includes $264 million for UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
Pentagon: Urgent Need for Underwater Drones
A Pentagon official told an audience of submarine officers and military contractors that the US Navy needs more underwater drones — and it needs them now.
F-35 JSF Has Friends in High Places
The chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and 70 House members are calling for an agreement with the Senate to pay for 11 new F-35s, while at the same time adding $100 million to help the Air Force fund advance procurement for 2018.
Aerial Refueling Tests Go Well at Pax
Air-to-air refueling tests continue at NAS Patuxent River. Tests will authorize the Italian KC-767A to refuel the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet, AV-8B Harrier, and EA-6B Prowlers.
Triton to Enter Initial Production
Morning Coffee is a robust blend of links to news around the Internet concerning the Naval Air Station Patuxent River economic community. The opinions expressed here do not reflect opinions of the Leader’s owners or staff. MQ-4C Triton moves out of development into initial production, reports USNI.org. The decision follows Triton’s successful operational assessment in February. The F-35 joint program office is eyeing the middle of the next decade for major upgrades to the engines on the joint strike fighter. Lt. Gen. Chris Bogdan, who heads the JPO, said the “mid-2020s” is when the power plant on the joint strike fighter could…
