New Name for US Pacific Command
The US Pacific Command has a new name. It will now be called US Indo-Pacific Command in the latest move to counter Chinese economic and military pressure in the region.
Japan Struggles to Accept Osprey Role After Recent Crash
Despite strong local concerns about the safety of the US V-22 Ospreys at Okinawa, the Japanese Defense Ministry describes the aircraft as imperative for Japan’s defense.
Pax Hosts New Round of F-35 Ski-Ramp Tests
The F-35 Lightning II Pax River Integrated Test Force has begun a second round of F-35B ski-ramp testing at NAS Patuxent River.
DoD & White House Finally Quit Buying Russian Helos
The purchases of Russian Mi-17 helicopters for Afghanistan evaded economic sanctions on Russia. The $11.6 billion supplemental defense budget reportedly includes $264 million for UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
Budget Caps Good for Spending Discipline
Not all bad, experts say: statutory budget caps keep the brake on defense spending.
Missile Defense Higher Priority
Missile defense develop is rising as a result of more aggressive posturing by North Korea, China and Russia.
US OKs Moon Shot by Firm Seeking Prize Money
Turns out the moon is made of money, not limburger cheese.
End of Vietnam Arms Embargo Draws Mild Chinese Response
China’s response to the United States’ abandonment of its Vietnam arms embargo was muted, masking simmering regional tensions.
DefSec Carter Hits House, Senate ‘Micromanagement’
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter is angered by “unhelpful micromanagement” resulting in changes to the draft Defense Authorization Bill.
Navy Won’t Use V-22 for F-35 Refuel Platform
The Marines are developing a variant of the V-22 Osprey to refuel their F35B fighter jets, the Navy will keep its V-22s on carrier delivery duty.
