April 26, 2024

DoD Lists Top Defense Contract Recipients

Naval Aviation

Lockheed Martin tops the list of defense contract recipients in a DoD report released Friday. Maryland ranks fourth on the list of states.

US or China. Who Is Winning AI Battle?

AI

Which country has the best artificial intelligence technology in the world? It depends on who you ask. These military cybersecurity experts have differing opinions.

Atwa, Wanted for Role in 1985 Hijacking That Killed Local Sailor, Dies

Hijacking

Ali Atwa, a senior Hezbollah operative who was on the FBI’s most wanted list for his role in in the 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847 that led to the death of a US Navy diver Robert D. Stethem of Waldorf, MD.

Reports of Lasers Aimed at Aircraft on the Rise

Lasers

The Federal Aviation Administration has released a report on incidents involving lasers being pointed at aircraft across the US from 2010 to 2020. Yearly reports of lasers being aimed at aircraft topped out at 7,398 in 2016, dropping to 5,663 by 2018, but has been steadily increasing since then.

US Ramping Up Evacuation Efforts

Evacuation Efforts

Biden faces global pressure to extend Afghanistan evacuation efforts as Taliban warns: extending the deadline means “extending the occupation … [which] will provoke a reaction.”

Milestone for Marines F-35C Squadron

F-36C

The Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 Black Knights are the first Marine Corps F-35C squadron to achieve full operational capability.

Defense Revenues Up 5% Over Last Year

Naval Aviation

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the defense industry saw a gain in revenues in 2020. Defense revenues recorded in this year’s Defense News Top 100 list totaled $551 billion, up about 5% from $524 billion for fiscal 2019.

Dwyer Nominee for 2nd Fleet Commander

Dwyer

RADM Daniel Dwyer has been nominated to lead the US 2nd Fleet. He will replace VADM Andrew Lewis.

F-35 Office Eyes More Pilot Simulator Training

F-35

US Navy CAPT Robert Betts of the F-35 training management office said the program is looking at reducing live training hours for the fighter jets’ pilots and moving to simulators as a way to cut sustainment costs.

Corps Receives 60th KC-130J Super Hercules

The US Marine Corps received its 60th KC-130J aircraft in March; the aircraft includes improved navigational performance, a modernized cockpit, and other key upgrades.