Can FY19 Budget Staunch R&D Spending Decline?
Congressional and Pentagon leaders are concerned that the steadily declining portion of the military budget spent on research and development is exacerbating the threat that the US is losing its technological edge against its competitors and enemies. The Senate Appropriation Committee looks to boost R&D spending in the FY19 budget.
Navy Re-Establishes 2nd Fleet in Atlantic
The Navy says it will re-establishment the US Second Fleet which will be responsible for naval forces along the East Coast and in the northern Atlantic Ocean.
US Revising Rules on Military Drone Exports
President Trump signed a memorandum late last week that revises rules for export of military drones, including big target and long-range reconnaissance drones such as the Predator and Reaper aircraft.
Only Half of F-35s Available for Flight
Of the 280 operational F-35s purchased by the US and international partners, only 51 percent are currently available for flight, according to the F-35 Joint Program Office.
Unauthorized “Fire and Fury” Spreading Malware
Hackers are using unauthorized PDF versions of the controversial book “Fire and Fury” to spread malware.
US, South Korea Military Drills Underway
US/South Korea joint exercises begin this week. South Korean military officials expect another missile launch from North Korea as the military drills take place.
Hypoxia Incidents Under Review by F-35 Team
The F-35 Joint Program Office team is reviewing the apparent hypoxia incidents that recently occurred with pilots at Luke Air Force Base. JPO experts say they will share whatever information they glean across the F-35 enterprise and with partner nations.
Trump’s Cabinet Taking Shape
Former military intelligence chief and retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn will be President-Elect Donald Trump’s national security adviser. Trump’s cabinet is taking shape.
Carver Is VX-23’s New CO
Navy Cmdr. James Carver relieves Marine Lt. Col. Kevin Erker as commanding officer of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 after serving as the squadron’s chief test pilot since October 2014. Cmdr. Johannes Jolly assumed duties as VX-23’s chief test pilot.
VX-1: Squadron That ‘Does It First’
The Air Test and Evaluation Squadron works between development of new weapon systems and their introduction into the Fleet, VX-1 is the squadron that “does it first.”
