GAO: Aircraft Readiness Not Meeting Goals
A Government Accountability Office report shows aircraft readiness in all branches of the military has gone from bad to worse. Among the report’s findings, some 24 aircraft have never met readiness goals in the nine years from 2011 through 2019.
Turnover at the Pentagon. What’s Next?
Following the removal of some top Pentagon officials last week, theories abound about why those firings occurred.
Is Navy Reconsidering 355-Ship Fleet?
Navy floating the idea of 310 ships as the best it can do at funding projections to keep the fleet properly manned, properly maintained, properly equipped, even though a 355-ship fleet “is a great target,” says Navy Vice Chief ADM Robert Burke.
Tight Deadline to Get Esper Confirmed
The White House needs to work fast to install a permanent Pentagon chief. Acting DefSec Mark Esper, the president’s pick for the top defense post, is not permitted to serve in his current role beyond July 30.
DoD Wants More F-35s in the Air
It’s a tall order from DefSec Jim Mattis, but the US needs more F-35s in the air. Ellen Lord, under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, says they’ll get it done.
Navy Launches First UAS Squadron
The US Navy commissioned its first test squadron dedicated to unmanned air systems at Webster Outlying Field. The UAS trials squadron is known as Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (UX) 24.
Drones Join List of Top Security Threats
The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI said drones are one of the greatest national security threats to America, rating them as severe a concern as cybersecurity hacks, critical infrastructure attacks, and terrorism.
Problem With Fuel Tubes Grounds F-35s
The Pentagon said it was grounding its fleet of F-35s, just days after the first crash of an F-35B led investigators to suspect there is a problem with the jet’s fuel tubes. Most of the US’ international partners have followed suit.
First F-35B Lands on British Warship
The first Royal Navy pilot to land an F-35B stealth fighter on Britain’s new HMS Queen Elizabeth tells his story. Flying the test jet from NAS Patuxent River, Royal Navy Cmdr. Nathan Gray touched down to start two months of flight tests.
Aircraft Big Winner in Defense Budget
House and Senate conference committees have finalized a $675 billion defense spending bill. Aircraft of all kinds are the overall winner.
