F-35 Joins Philippines’ Training Exercise for 1st Time
The military exercise in the Philippines, Balikatan, has begun with US and Australian troops participating. For the first time, F-35B Lightning IIs join the training in Southeast Asia.
China Is Biggest Exporter of Combat Drones
China is now the biggest exporter of combat drones, with the Middle East among the main recipients.
Congress Hears Testimony on Military Base Water Contamination
Congress hears testimony today from DoD’s deputy assistant secretary of defense for environment about water contamination on military bases. Also testifying is a former Army reservist with at least 16 relatives near Colorado Springs’ Air Force and Army installations diagnosed with cancer.
Pentagon to Retire USS Truman Two Decades Early
The Pentagon wants to retire the Nimitz-class carrier USS Harry Truman two decades early, which would cut the US aircraft carrier fleet from 11 to 10.
F-35 Dominates Mock Combat Exercise
At the recent Red Flag mock combat exercise, the Air Force put the F-35 up against “the most advanced weapons systems out there,” and the stealth fighters apparently dominated — so much so that even the rookie pilots were crushing it.
F-35 Brings Billions to Md.’s Economy
The F-35 is expected to add $2 billion to Maryland’s economy over the next decade, and almost 6,000 civilian and military jobs to the region.
VA Health Care Could Merge with DoD’s
Parts of the VA health care system are being considered for merging into the DoD health care system, potentially impacting 19 million military personnel, retirees, dependents, and vets.
Navy Will Consolidate JSF Operations on West Coast
The Navy plans to deactivate the Grim Reapers of Strike Fighter Squadron 101 at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, consolidating JSF operations NAS Lemoore on the West Coast.
Air Force Plugging F-35 Cybersecurity Holes
The F-35’s external support systems are deemed the easiest entry points for hackers, leading the Air Force to increase efforts to plug F-35 cybersecuirty holes.
10 Chinese Spies Charged With Theft
The Justice Department charged 10 Chinese spies, hackers and others of conspiring to steal sensitive commercial airline and other secrets from US and European companies.
