Trump Overrides Congress on Arms Sales
Despite Congressional objections, the Trump administration cleared $8.1 billion in arms sales for Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates by invoking an emergency exemption.
US Downplays N. Korean Missile Tests
President Donald Trump is downplaying a series of recent missile tests by North Korea, saying he doesn’t consider the launches a setback amid stalled nuclear talks. South Korea believes they are in protest of the failed summit.
Shanahan Is Trump Choice for DefSec
President Donald Trump has made his choice for the next secretary of defense — Patrick Shanahan, who has held the position in an acting capacity since January.
GAO: F-35 Supply Chain Challenges Remain
DoD has been trying for several years to improve the way it and F-35 contractor Lockheed Martin order, stockpile, and repair spare parts. But findings from a recent GAO report imply that the situation may have gotten worse.
Japan’s 1st F-35 Crashes in Pacific
The jet was less than a year old with a total of 280 hours in the air; it had been aloft 28 minutes before contact was lost. This is the second F-35 to crash since the jet’s first flight in 2006 and could reignite concern about the F-35 having only one engine.
Question of Bias Disrupts Fitz’s CO Court-Martial
The judge in the court-martial against the Fitzgerald’s former CO ruled the admiral who brought charges failed to remain neutral. Seven sailors drowned in the June 27, 2017, Fitzgerald accident.
New Performance Incentives for F-35, Not for Industry
Lockheed’s contract for future F-35s is tied to performance incentives, but DoD efforts to tie all defense contracts to performance indicators has been withdrawn in the face of industry and congressional outcry.
What’s on the Horizon in the New Year?
What’s on the horizon for 2018? Shifts on the business side and reorganization of acquisitions and technology at the Pentagon, new focus on the warfighter, budget cap discussions, and even new uniforms for sailors, to name a few.
DoD Steps Up Efforts to Retain Technical Edge
The Pentagon is stepping up new efforts to rapidly integrate more commercial technology in DoD areas such as data infrastructure and management, cybersecurity, and machine learning. Deputy DefSec Patrick Shanahan says retaining a technical edge is paramount.
