September 22, 2023

USAF Flies Secret F-X Fighter Jet

F-X

The Air Force has built and flown a mysterious full-scale prototype of its F-X future fighter jet, but details will remain a mystery within the connected air warfare systems platforms in space or the cyber realm.

UAE Clears First US Hurdle to Purchase Chinook Helicopters

chinook

The State Dept. has cleared the United Arab Emirates to purchase of 10 Chinook helicopters for $830 million. The purchase must also be approved by Congress, which can still negotiate changes in quantities and cost.

Israel, US to Sign 10-Year Defense Deal

Israel

This is the largest and longest such agreement between the two nations. No details yet on the agreement’s impact on Qatar’s and Kuwait’s ability to clear long-awaited fighter sales from the US.

Carter Opens Boston Brainiac Unit

East meets West: DefSec Carter opens a Boston Brainiac counterpart to his Defense Innovation Unit’s Silicon Valley unit.

‘Brexit’ Could Trigger Sequester-Like Consequences

Brexit, the UK’s possible departure from the European Union, could cause global firms, particularly defense industries, to scale back business.

Good News for Contractors in Defense Bill

There’s a lot to like in the procurement reforms in the draft defense bill, even with concerns about some new workplace regulations.

Infrastructure Moves Up on HASC Budget List

After years of shifting infrastructure dollars to acquisitions, the House Armed Services Committee looks ready to pony up for bricks and mortar.

Russian Role in Middle East Expanding Rapidly

Israel is concerned Russian weapons in Syria will reach Hezbollah.

Special Ops Bulk of U.S. Strategy vs. ISIS

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 necessarily reflect those of the Leader’s owners or staff. An anticipated Congresssional authorization of U.S forces against ISIS will rely on special ops, Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-CT, told Defense News. Under the Obama administration’s current strategy, only a small fraction of the military actually will participate, he said. International sales could eventually account for 30 percent of Lockheed Martin Corp’s annual revenue, Chief Executive Officer Marillyn Hewson told Reuters on Wednesday. Hewson…

US Slow to Fit Weaponry to Stealth Fighters

Europe leads the US in developing weaponry to fit stealth fighters. Current weapons are too large.