Russia Tests US in Arctic, Eastern Europe
Russia is increasing its military presence in the Arctic region and testing new weapons there as well, as upping its saber rattling in Eastern Europe. In the past two weeks, Moscow has moved to test the Biden administration and its allies. US Air Force GEN Glen VanHerck says it’s an attempt by Russia “to reassert on a global stage their influence and their capabilities.”
DoD Issues Report on Its Telework Practices
The Pentagon releases a new report on teleworking practices since the pandemic sent majority of employees to work from home. Among the findings: 47% of those responding said their productivity increased while working from home during the pandemic, 41% felt they were about as productive while teleworking as they were in the office, and nearly 12% felt their productivity slipped.
DoD Asks to Classify Five-Year Projections
The Pentagon has asked Congress to classify its five-year Future Year Defense Program, considered essential information to show where DoD expects to invest in the future. The document has been unclassified since 1989.
$126M Aircraft Parts Found in 1st DoD Audit
With its next audit due out in two weeks, the Navy hopes its tracking system has improved. Last year’s audit found $126M in aircraft parts the Navy didn’t even know it had. It also didn’t know it had the warehouse where they’d been stored.
$39 Million Missile Sale to Ukraine Approved
The same request that helped initiate an impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump has netted $39 million in a missile sale to Ukraine to help deter Russia.
Another Race to Avoid Government Shutdown
Congress returns to another budget stalemate, needing a deal to ease statutory spending caps and avoid an Oct. 1 government shutdown, with only three weeks until the August recess.
Coast Guard Performs Operations in Asia
Earlier this month, the cutter Bertholf made a port stop in Hong Kong, the first time the Coast Guard has visited the Chinese territory in 17 years.
Drones Change the Battlefield & Bases
Drones are already changing the battlefield and impacting US strategy. Increased robotic controls of drones will likely also reduce the human footprint of counterinsurgency as the technology advances.
F-35s Gaining Foothold in Europe
The F-35 fighter jet is arriving in growing numbers in Europe, and military officials say it is poised to play a much broader role in missile defense.
Air Force & Navy Search for New High-Tech Fighter Aircraft
Both the Air Force and Navy are each developing a new high-tech fighter aircraft, but details are secret and approaches to the need vary. Likely the answer will be a system not a single aircraft.
