March 19, 2024

Troubles for the F-35 Continue

Troubles for the F-35

The F-35 fighter jet continues to be marred by flaws and glitches.

Trump Overrides Congress on Arms Sales

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

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

Shanahan

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

F-35 Supply Chain

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

F-35 crashes

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

charges dropped

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

F-35 Pax Rver

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is tied to performance incentives, but DoD efforts to tie all defense contracts to performance indicators has been withdrawn in the face of industry and congressional outcry.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

cyber threats

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.